6 Things Locals Wish Tourists Wouldn’t Do When In Iceland

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 19, 2023

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is looking to grow its tourism arrivals into the country to  5.5 million within the next 5 years as it is about to reach out to private sector players for collaborative efforts to take the country to the global stage. KTB chairperson Francis Gichaba has disclosed that the tourism sector is back on full recovery pointing out that the arrivals by the end of this financial year will be closing at slightly over 1.9 million visitors that was recorded in 2019. Gichaba has revealed, “We are very optimistic that with the support from the private sector and other key players in the industry, our performance will even surpass the 2019 arrivals to over 2 million and progressively beyond." He was delivering a speech at Bomas of Kenya during a tourism stakeholders meeting that brought under the same roof tour operators, hoteliers, government agencies and tourism associations. The session sought to validate KTB's 5-year strategic plan for 2023-2028. In the strategy, KTB is targeting to achieve 5.5 million international tourist arrivals and grow the tourism industry's contribution to the economy of Kenya to KES 1 trillion each year by June 2028. Gichaba said destination marketing has been a collaborative exercise noting that the involvement of the private sectors in the development of strategy which was one of the ways of incorporating invaluable ideas that would shape the sector's performance within the review period. Kenya Hotel Keepers Association and Caterers (KAHC) CEO Mike Macharia suggested to the private players to curate their products and travel experiences to the needs of the market. He said, “We talk of Africa as the low-hanging fruit in terms of numbers and market share in the country and therefore the product owners should package their products and experience and sell to Africa. This move would also open opportunities for Africans to invest in the hospitality sector in Kenya... We have to go where the market is, and this is what our competitors such as South Africa have beaten us on. They have invested heavily in market presence not only to build brand awareness but to sign marketing deals." Read Also: Manila Wins Big At World Travel Awards 2023, Crowned World’s Top City Destination Celebrations Have Begun At Oaga, Art Resort, Maldives: Report Burger King Is Giving Away Free Food All Month

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 26, 2023

Montana is home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in the US. This western state has incredible, dramatic terrain. From the Rocky Mountain range to cold lakes, alpine forests, and vast swaths of wilderness, Montana is a state of diverse terrain and unique culture. With a population estimated at only 1.1 million in 2022, Montana is among the least-populated states in the U.S.! At an elevation of 12,807 feet, Granite Peak is the highest point in the Beartooth Mountains, the highest point in Montana, and the tenth-highest point in the United States. Montana leads the country in the production of organic wheat, flax, lentils, and dry peas.  In 1971, the Transportation Department made a video called “Montana, Land of the Big Sky.” This led to its unofficial nickname, “Big Sky State.” There are eight (8) National Parks in Montana that generate $618.9 million in tourism each year from about 3.6 million visitors. Its two most popular National Parks are Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. In Montana, two-fifths of the state is in the Rocky Mountain region. It also covers states including Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. The name “Montana” comes from a Spanish word. The Spanish “montaña,” roughly translates to “mountainous.” Montana’s official state flower, Lewisia redivivia, also known as bitterroot, is a perennial plant that grows at elevations from 2,500 to 10,000 feet. These plants produce pink, rose, and even white-colored flowers, which reach about 2 inches across. Montana’s state tree is the Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). The Ponderosa pine can live for hundreds of years, growing tall into the sky as large and beautiful evergreen trees. The Roe River in Great Falls, Montana, has the notable distinction of being the world’s shortest river. This super-short river flows only 200 feet, reaching between Giant Springs and the Missouri River. Gemstone mining in Montana has long had an important place in the state’s economy. Montana’s two state gemstones are agate and sapphire. Since 1969, these two gemstones have shared the unique recognition of being the official state gemstones. Read Also: Maldives And Bora Bora Among Top 10 Tourists Spots In The World Siam Paragon Mass Shooting Propels Thailand’s Proposed 300 Baht Tourism Fee To Get Fast-Tracked A Newly Launched Tool ‘Skyscanner’ Inspires Travelers To Book Travel Destinations With Ease And Confidence

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 27, 2023

Conservative councilor Thomas Kerr has asked the chief executive to explore the options for the replacement of “set-down/pick-up areas”. The motion has been presented to elected members. In a bid to encourage more people to visit the city center, they want to change the policies for coach visitors. The local authorities have been working to bring visitors into the city center to check out spots like museums, art galleries, and music videos. It also includes Glasgow’s leisure and hospitality offerings. The motion reads, “Council recognizes that those who visit our city do so using a variety of transport methods including train, plane and coach. Council notes that due to its decision to close parts of George Square to traffic, many coach operators are no longer able to utilize the large parking spaces in front of the City Chambers as a set down and pick up area and, as a consequence of closing this area to traffic, there is no longer a similar area within the City Centre. Council notes its concern that the removal of this area, without a replacement, may be discouraging those using coaches and impact adversely on vital city center footfall.” The motion has also asked the council to take into account that many city center retail, leisure, and hospitality businesses are facing business challenges. It is now incumbent on the city center economy to take all necessary measures to encourage visitors to visit Glasgow. Councilor Kerr spoke ahead of the Thursday meeting, saying, “Glasgow’s SNP-led council must pull out all the stops to attract tourists to come to our city. My motion seeks to change this and ensure those coach operators bringing people to explore all that we have to offer have a suitable place to pick-up passengers and set-down after travelling a long way. Our city center businesses are struggling badly due to the global cost-of-living crisis and the after effects of the pandemic. They need a SNP council that is on their side and agreeing to seek a replacement area for operators would be a positive step in the right direction in supporting our economy.” The SNP administration was approached for comment ahead of the Thursday meeting. Read Also: Montana: The Unique Treasure Trove Of The United States Maldives And Bora Bora Among Top 10 Tourists Spots In The World A Newly Launched Tool ‘Skyscanner’ Inspires Travelers To Book Travel Destinations With Ease And Confidence