U.S. And Japan Allocate 2024 To Tourism Promotion Year

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 9, 2023

Each year Americans celebrate Indigenous People’s Day as well as Columbus Day on October’s second Monday. The day intended to recognize and commemorate the legacy and beneficence of all the people who resided in the continent long before Columbus claimed (erroneously) of having “discovered” America. In 2021 President Joe Biden signed a proclamation that stated that the federal policies have “systematically sought to assimilate and displace Native people and eradicate Native cultures.” Monday is Indigenous People's Day. We in California haven't called it Columbus Day as far as I can remember. Christopher Columbus may have been a good explorer but he treated Indigenous people like shit Including killing them. pic.twitter.com/cQiqv2lZhL— Larry (@Lfunguscal) October 9, 2023 Since then, Indigenous People’s Day has been formally accepted and celebrated all around the country. Many states celebrate Indigenous People’s Day officially, while others commemorate it in the form of proclamations. North of 100 cities have decided to replace Columbus Day entirely with Indigenous People’s Day. Children in school and office goers will likely enjoy a long weekend. The question is bound to arise whether some of the essential institutions will remain open or closed. Mail For the holiday, the United States Postal Service will remain closed and will not be delivering mail and packages. UPS will be operating If you still need to get mail out or in, opt for FedEx and UPS, who will stay in business as usual. UPS will be operating fully, but there might be a modified service with FedEx Ground Economy and FedEx Express. Banks Monday is a bank holiday for the Federal Reserve. Markets, however, will remain open such as the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange, that will be in business. Major banks such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America, US Banks, and branches of Citibank will stay closed. TD Bank and Chase Bank will stay open for the Indigenous People’s Day holiday. https://twitter.com/ydrcom/status/1710980896235401302?s=20 Government Institutions Because it is a government holiday, government institutions will remain closed, such as teh likes of libraries, offices, DMV, and courts. RetailBig-scale retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger will remain open. Their operating hours may vary according to local business norms. Learn More About: National Taco Day: How To Celebrate If You Are From Chicago People Are Interested To Spend More On Traveling Instead Of Investing On Diamonds: Prices Fall

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