Siam Paragon Mass Shooting Propels Thailand’s Proposed 300 Baht Tourism Fee To Get Fast-Tracked

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 29, 2023

Using AI technology, the online travel company Agoda has unveiled the ultimate list of places to celebrate New Year's Eve around the world. Agoda created a picture of several beautiful New Year's Eve locations from across the globe using Midjourney AI and ChatGPT 4.0 to identify the list of travel destinations. Ten Places to Go on New Year's Eve. Singapore: Take in the bright street parties and carnivals while marveling at the stunning fireworks display in Marina Bay. Bali, Indonesia: Enjoy festive fireworks and traditional Balinese performances while celebrating on the beach. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Savor the lively nightlife in District 1 and the spectacular fireworks over the Saigon River as you celebrate. Tokyo, Japan: Celebrate cultural events and contemporary countdown parties as you embrace the Japanese custom of witnessing the first sunrise of the year. Sydney, Australia: Take in the internationally recognized fireworks show over the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, along with family-friendly activities and celebrations. New York City, USA: Attend the famous ball drop with the crowds in Times Square, or pick from a plethora of events and concerts taking place all over the city. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Take in the exuberant atmosphere of Copacabana Beach, complete with samba music and a breathtaking fireworks display. London, England: Enjoy a range of boat parties and events as you watch the River Thames light up with fireworks at night. Experience the historic Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh, Scotland, which include processions, concerts, and the unique Loony Dook tradition, which involves swimming in the chilly Firth of Forth on New Year's Day while dressed in costume. Reykjavik, Iceland: Come celebrate with the locals over community bonfires and a pyrotechnics display against a backdrop of snow, with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda said, "As recommended by some of the leading AI software of the moment, this list is meant to ignite a sense of wonder amongst aspiring travellers and perhaps even inspire the more spontaneous to book a last-minute getaway on Agoda. Whether it’s a short getaway within Asia or a longer trip to the other side of the world, Agoda provides the best deals."   According to data analyzed by Agoda, Bangkok, Thailand, has overtaken Dubai as the most popular foreign travel destination for Indians in the past year. There has been a 26% increase in searches on the platform since the Thai government granted visa-free entry to Indian tourists visiting the nation last month, making it a popular destination for Indians seeking a getaway. Additional Reading: 6 Things Locals Wish Tourists Wouldn’t Do When In Iceland Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area Is Expecting Big Changes

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 27, 2023

Bora Bora is a heavenly part of French Polynesia, sitting in the expanse of the south Pacific Ocean. They are set to make a shift in their tourism policy in the upcoming year. Given its natural splendor, the island has become a hot spot for tourists from all over the world. Tourists in large cruise ships have overwhelmed the island for the longest time. The island became so overrun with in 2019 that Bora Bora vowed to tackle the problem by limiting the number of visitors aboard cruise ships. However, this year, a new government having formed abandoned the promises made. They instead have pledged to double the number of visitors by 2033. It has actually gone to the extent of welcoming large cruise ships to many of its ports. This dramatic shift in policy has divided the opinion in Polynesia. Many support the growth of the tourism sector whereas there are others who want a more sustainable model of the island. The ships that port at the island is now posing a risk to the environmental stability of the ecosystem. The French Polynesia is made up of more than 100 islands that includes Bora Bora and Tahiti. Tourism is vital for French Polynesia. According to Tahiti tourism, it is responsible for contributing about 12% of GDP and 80% of the export revenue. Rainui Besinau is the chair of Bora Bora's tourism association. Besinau says, “The hotels wanted to protect the quality of their service. So when the ships arrived, the hotels closed the doors to the people outside. They [didn’t] want to be invaded. ”There are two models that have been proposed. One being the luxury model with a peaceful island and not too many people in the water. Or, a mass tourism spot involving cruise ships. Environmentalists have welcomed the move. Marie-Laure Vanizette, the spokeperson for an environmental group has said, “Capping tourist numbers is logical. It will also help, “preserve our assets and our way of life”. Additional Reading: 6 Things Locals Wish Tourists Wouldn’t Do When In Iceland Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area Is Expecting Big Changes

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 14, 2023

Restaurants make any place light up with energy and good vibes. They help upscale a neighborhood. Food joints highlight the native cuisine and community. The best restaurants around the country give their all in bringing a perfect lineup of hospitality, food, hygiene, and architecture. Here are the top 10 restaurants that you can visit for any occasion, ranging from solo dinners to family outings to romantic restaurant dates. Perilla LA “Excellent food, atmosphere and service. My friends and I enjoyed a wonderful Korean pancake, a chef Waygu tasting plate for each person, potato's, and the grilled egg plant (the star dish of the evening). We also enjoyed some cocktails that our waitor Arden suggested which paired perfectly with the meal.” Noodle In A Haystack “All dishes were fantastic! Best chawanmushi and ramen I've had by far! Atmosphere is also very nice, great music, intimate setting, courses came out promptly. The chefs and Pearl were so inviting, informative, and are very genuine people! My husband and I had a great time here and would definitely recommend!” - Monica M. Maty’s “This is a Peruvian Restaurant, very well located. With diverse plates oriented on oriental food with international touch. The attention its very good and the food... No comments. Great and delicious. Is a place to enjoy with friends or family.” - Joseodalisortiz Molotov Kitchen + Cocktails “Exceptional food, nice ambiance. Lovely service. We were so sad to see To The Wind close after so many years. (It was beyond terrific.) But Molotov is carrying the torch! Really one of the few truly good places to dine in Denver.” - C R. Prik Hom “ This tiny restaurant is away from the usual tourist trail in Patong. Located in a Teak House on Nanoi Rd it's a little hard to find - well worth the effort. The restaurant seats around 12 people. For a small place there's lots to choose from on the menu. The salty stir fried pork is delicious, as is the fried rice. Delicious food prepared to order. This isn't a fast food place, so be prepared to sit and relax with a drink while your meal is cooked - it's worth the wait.” - JocelynC885 Quarter Sheets “Ok yes this placed lives up to the hype. The wait may be long but it is so worth it. The Bianca was definitely a crowd favorite and the crust is so perfectly salty and crispy. Will be coming back soon!” - Archeta R. La Diabla Pozole Y Mezcal “Our friends and ourselves had a fantastic late lunch there today. From the Pozole to the ceviche to the guacamole, the tacos and the Margarites, everything was EXCELLENT! The service was fast and friendly and the prices were very reasonable.” - Dan07030 In Bocca Al Lupo “We were very delighted with all the experience. The food was so delicious and well presented that we ate four times here, in the evening, on a very nice atmosphere. The prices are affordable, we spent around 50 euros on two mains (lamb and ravioli), a memorable desert and two drinks (a glass of sangria and a martini). Thank you for the lovely gourmet experience!” - Mihaela A Yess “LA's most under rated restaurant. Chef Junya Yamasaki is a master of his craft, serving a one of a kind dining experience. I've been here three times, and every single time the menu has been different, crafted around seasonal ingredients and his catch of the week.” - Menooa Z. Ore Hill “Very unique restaurant... really different menu, but something for everyone. We wanted pizza...it was great! The location is great. Outside atmosphere is really nice. Great, friendly staff”- Kim ZRead Also: National Taco Day: How To Celebrate If You Are From Chicago Maldives And Bora Bora Among Top 10 Tourists Spots In The World