BY Sarmind SafiNov 24, 2023

The Department of Tourism in the North launched its second travel expo on Saturday in a bid to ensure a spur in the tourism industry in the northern provinces. Cordillera Administrative Region and the DOT Regional Offices I, II, and III kickstarted the 2nd North Luzon Travel Expo (NLTE) at the Grand Sierra Pines Hotel, North Outlook Drive in Bagiuo City. It is scheduled to be held from the NOV 25 to 27, 2023. The first of the NLT fairs was launched at SMX Convention Center Clark, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. The DOT-CAR is lining up the activities with the Tourism and Travel Fair being the main feature. This event will take place at the CAP Convention Center at Camp John Hay, Baguio City. The other activities include a music show featuring local artists of the four regions. The art in the park at Reflection Pool of Wright Park, Baguio City, Business to business networking activity at La Fayette Hotel, Baguio City. There will be product presentations at the CAP Convention Center as well as a familiarization tour or the North Luzon Inter-regional Circuit which will be a post-tour. The key destinations in Baguio City and Benguet in the Cordillera and Naguillan, San Fernando City, Bauang, San Juan and Luna in La Union in Region 1 will be visited. On November 26, a "Hibla ng Lahing Pilipino Fashion Parade will be staged at the Manor Garden, Camp John Hay. This will showcase regal fabrics from North Luzon to recognize the weavers of indigenous Filipino textiles." The DOT Cordillera chief Jovy Ganongan says the activities are aimed "to create a synergy to develop a robust tourism value chain by converging existing and new domestic tourism products, destinations, and services of the North Luzon regions to the local and international markets. She also said this is also to further strengthen the relationship of the North Luzon regions with their tourism stakeholders." Read Also: The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites Traveling Christmas Tree For The Western Lawn Of U.S. Capitol Venice Reveals 2024 Dates For Tourist Entry Fees: Report

BY Sarmind SafiNov 23, 2023

Like any popular rock band, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree went on a two-week tour, stopping in towns all over West Virginia, and had managers, security, roadies, and even a few groupies. After being cut down from the Monongahela National Forest on November 1st, the 63-foot Norway spruce was placed on a specially constructed tractor-trailer and driven 19 times in a fortnight. On November 17, the tree will be formally delivered to the US Capitol. On November 28, there will be a tree lighting ceremony on the US Capitol's West Lawn. “We’re so proud here in Randolph County to have the forest headquarters in Elkins,” Robbie Morris, the executive director for the Randolph County Development Authority said. “I think it’s appropriate that the kickoff of the tour happened here.” The obvious starting point for the tree's statewide tour is Elkins, West Virginia, home of the Monongahela National Forest headquarters. The tree was escorted through the middle of town by several high school bands before stopping at the Elkins Train Depot, drawing a throng of well-wishers from the picturesque mountain community. Visitors are urged to sign a large banner that is hung over the tree and fastened to the tractor trailer at each location. Hundreds of people, including West Virginia celebrity Mark Bowe, host of the Discovery Plus series Barnwood Builders, enjoyed the various informational booths and festivities surrounding the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. “I wanted to be here with the national tree so it can go from the people’s land to the people’s house and I want everybody to know that this tree came from West Virginia and that’s nowhere near Richmond," Bowe said sarcastically. Without a stop at the West Virginia Capitol Building in Charleston, the tour wouldn't have been complete. With marching bands, live music, amazing decorations, and even a makeshift skating rink set up on the Capitol steps, the city and state went all out. “I came around the corner and told my mom I’m so excited since I’m a Hallmark fanatic,” Charleston Sternwheel Regatta Queen Sophia Wigal recalled. “It looked like a Hallmark movie so I was really excited.” The people of the Mountain State showed evident pride in their state and gathered in sizable crowds at each stop along the tour.“West Virginians are very proud people,” remarked Robbie Morris. “The fact that the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will sit on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for countless amounts of people to see throughout the holiday season makes me overwhelmed with pride.” Read Also: Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Anticipated As TSA Prepares For Busy Season! The Italian Train Group FS Will Launch A New “Night Train Like Hotel”: Rome To Dolomites Chinese And US Presidents Have Come To A Common Ground Regarding Tourism Facilitation!

BY Sarmind SafiDec 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