Autumn leaves in Japan_Travel

Japanese maple (momiji)

Autumn Color Report 2009

Colorful leaves (koyo) are to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms are to spring. The viewing of autumn leaves has been a popular activity in Japan for centuries and today draws large numbers of travelers to famous koyo spots.

Each year, starting in mid September, the "koyo front" slowly moves southwards from the northern island of Hokkaido until it reaches the lower elevations of central and southern Japan towards the end of November. Some trees around Tokyo and Kyoto remain colorful into early December.

Syria sees 37% rise in tourists in September

Syria has recorded a 37% increase in the number of tourists visiting the country during September, with a total number (including expatriates, Arabs and foreigners) of 518,905, compared to 379,289 in September 2008, the Syrian Arab news agency has reported. European tourists' number during the first 9 months had grown by 24% to 272,402, while Gulf tourists' number increased by 19% to 643,447m according to the country's ministry of tourism.

Cyprus to attract Middle East visitors

The birthplace of the Greek goddess, Aphrodite, the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus, has stunning scenery, friendly people and affordable accommodation - ranging from village farmhouses to luxury hotels. Phil Blizzard reports from the Arabian Travel Market on the marketing campaign set to woo visitors from the Middle East. Hare Krishna Bus Tour - Cyprus Lake 70 foot cliff jumping and back flips The Bus Tour visits Cyprus Lake somewhere in Canada. But you wouldn't think this is Canada due to the tropical looking water and amazing cliffs. Hare Krishna teens travel on an adventure tour around North America every summer, helping to set up festivals, camp at National Parks, hike up mountains, swim wild rivers, surf oceans and have exhilarating fun. They take two buses on this ultimate road trip across the USA, Canada and Mexico, covering 14,000 miles in two months. For all episodes in this series, visit www.Krishna.com/festivals/

Egypt's tourist arrivals beat expectations

Tourist arrivals to Egypt will be higher than expected in 2009 and the numbers will improve in 2010 as Europe rebounds from the economic crisis, Tourism Minister Zoheir Garrana told Reuters in an interview. After months of decline, Egypt saw tourist arrivals advance by 10.7% in September compared to a year earlier, boosted by strong Russian and British arrivals, he noted. Overall, tourism numbers will fall 1-3% this year, but grow 3-5% next year, he predicted.

Emirates' Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa heralds new era of luxury travel in Australia

The much-anticipated Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, Australia's first luxury conservation-based resort and Emirates Hotels and Resorts' first development outside Dubai, welcomed its first guests today.

The $125m project, built on the same principles as Emirates' acclaimed Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, combines the expectations of the high-end traveller with a commitment to broader social, ecological and environmental sustainability. Located between two of Australia's most prominent national parks and bordering the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa features 40 individual secluded suites, and is fully integrated into its environment, supporting wide-ranging conservation practices. The resort occupies only 2% of its 4,000 acre land, while the remaining area is dedicated as a wildlife reserve. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: "Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa's combination of iconic location, understated luxury, privacy and outstanding conservation values is unparalleled in Australia. Heralding a new era of luxury travel in the country, the resort actively protects its surrounding habitat and indigenous wildlife species while delivering the first-class standards and quality expected from luxury resorts.""Since the opening of Al Maha a decade ago, we have built our businesses on the basis of being sustainable and environmentally aware; and leading in wildlife conservation, in particular the protection of endangered and threatened species. With the opening of Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in Australia, we are expanding our unique luxury conservation-based resort philosophy into a different country, a different continent and a different ecological environment," he added.Wolgan Valley was selected by Emirates after an extensive research for a location that lent itself to world-class conservation-based practices. Australia is an important destination for Emirates, and Wolgan Valley is an outstanding example of the Dubai-based airline's long term commitment to the country. "Australia has a fascinating history, heritage, and of course unique wildlife; not to mention some of the most exciting landscapes in the world. We believe Australia has great potential and we are extremely proud that Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa will not only showcase a slice of Australia's heritage, but will also contribute to the country's prospects for developing this calibre of conservation-based, luxury tourism," added His Highness.Wolgan Valley is rich in historical significance. Charles Darwin was a visitor in 1836 and the property's original homestead, which dates back to 1832, has been fully restored to its former glory, providing a fascinating glimpse of the region's heritage for guests.His Highness commented, "The feedback from the travel trade guests who visited Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa during the pre-opening phase is that it is truly unique in Australia. With its world-class facilities, we are already seeing strong local and international interest from both the leisure and business markets."Each suite in the resort has its own indoor / outdoor swimming pool, private verandah, separate living and sleeping areas, luxurious en-suite bathroom and double-sided fireplace. The resort's architecture is progressive in its sustainable philosophy but classic in its aesthetic approach. Its design, inspired by original Federation style, is reminiscent of traditional rural Australian homesteads.Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa incorporates the 'Timeless Spa' branded facility. Originally created at Al Maha, Emirates' own luxury Spa brand is an integral part of the guest experience. The Timeless Spa concepts focus on natural products, and the provision of holistic treatments which revitalize the body and enhance relaxation.A major focus of the guest experience at Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is the quality of Australia's finest produce - enhanced by the resort's regional, seasonal and organic food philosophy.Activities at Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa will include guided walks to discover wildlife in its natural habitat, four-wheel drive safaris, mountain bike and horse-riding adventures through the spectacular landscapes, stargazing, heritage and Aboriginal interpretative tours, guided photographic excursions and visits to the Wollemi Pine Grove

Watch Beautiful sea-betch on Thailand

Phuket, Thailand - Tourism Guide - A Paradise On Earth - The best home videos are here

72 Hours Amazing Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand together with MasterCard has launched “72 Hours Amazing Thailand” – a dedicated campaign presenting a host of exciting activities and special privileges exclusively for MasterCard cardholders visiting Thailand.

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, “72 Hours Amazing Thailand offers a new way for tourists to explore the beauty of Thailand within 72 hours. The campaign introduces customized travel routes and activities for MasterCard cardholders, as well as showcases a collection of Thailand’s newest and most stylish resorts and hotels, hip shopping destinations, luxurious pampering hideaways, chic dining outlets and top golf courses.”

“We are targeting the 72 Hours Amazing Thailand campaign at the mass affluent consumer, aged over 25 years old, who enjoys traveling and experiencing new places which are in vogue in Bangkok and its surrounding areas,” Mrs. Rerngronasa added. As part of the campaign, an English language guidebook - “72 Hours Amazing Thailand” - will be produced for tourists.

According to the latest MasterIndex of Travel (H2 2007) by MasterCard Worldwide, Thailand is among the most preferred personal travel destination for Singaporeans. Ms. Eileen Wee, Vice President and Country Manager for Thailand, MasterCard Worldwide said, “The 72 Hours Amazing Thailand campaign launched by Tourism Authority of Thailand enables visitors to fully enjoy and experience the natural beauty of Thailand, as well as the many attractive offerings and exceptional service that this tourism paradise has to offer to the sophisticated, style-conscious traveler of today. The campaign is an example of how Thailand constantly refreshes itself as a travel destination.”

Until the end of August 2008, customers making transactions with their MasterCard cards will receive up to 50% off their purchases at over 200 leading hotels and resorts, shopping centers, beauty and nail spas, fine dining restaurants, golf courses and retail outlets in Thailand, in addition to a range of other privileges.

MasterCard cardholders can also indulge in the best spa destinations such as S Medical Spa – one of only two medical spa retreats in the world with the Hydrotherapy 7 in 1 with Shirodhara – an integrated treatment that cares for the mind, body and soul. Services include purification programs, holistic massage and body work, hydrotherapy and full-day wellness programs. MasterCard cardholders also receive VIP treatment at the Banyan Tree Spa at the Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok - an ideal sanctuary for physical and spiritual well-being.

More Information:Website: http://www.thailand72hrsamazing.com/