Sustainable tourism is a basis for realizing a melodious symmetry between tourism development and the conservation of the background and natural assets, according to Ali Amralla, the CEO of ‘Visit Bahrain’. 

Amralla said that the changeover to sustainable tourism signifies a premeditated move in the direction of putting Bahrain as a leading place for worldwide tourists looking for first-class sustainable understandings. This involves a progressive tourism product fashioned with the help of ground-breaking ecologically friendly practices, which not only restrict carbon releases but also nurture sustainable improvement. This lines up with the future objectives of the tourism and travel segment, noticeable by its pledge to promote sustainable, financially thriving, and ecologically responsible tourism, said Amralla.

Amralla said that it is vital to further develop the segment by adopting clarifications and creativities, and
ratifying actual steps that reverberate with Bahrain’s pledge to decreasing carbon releases and reaching
climate objectivity. Such movements serve as important mainstays in increasing the excellence of life
for citizens, inhabitants as well as tourists.

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Comments on taking holidays at Guiyang in midsummer went viral on the social media.

Many a visitor posted photos and recommended different routes of travel, including easily-encountered waterfalls, vast cloud sea and serene countryside.

Reputed by its cool climate and quality ecology, the “Cool Guiyang” becomes the ideal travel destination for summer.

According to a travel portal, tourism orders of Guiyang have increased by 70% YoY since July.

In recent years, driven by economic development, people’s preference on travel has evolved from a fine ecology and climate to cultural experience and spiritual enjoyment.

The National Summer Tourism Development Report recently issued by China Tourism Academy pointed out that, under the combined influence of the development of the aging society, the increase in the size of middle class and the in-depth implementation of Healthy China strategy, the volume of summer tourism and related markets has reached 1.2 to 1.5 trillion RMB .

Facilitated by the influence of “Cool Guiyang” IP brand, Guiyang takes full advantage of its resources in summer resort and wellness tourism to demonstrate its charms.

In the meantime, it strives to build the optimal “home” for “seasonal” traveling of wellness and create the name card of “Cool Guiyang” as a well resort.

Currently, by formulating high-quality construction and service standards for “Cool Guiyang for Travel and Life”, detailing the renovation of rural housing, construction of supporting facilities and management services, Gui’an focuses on optimizing the spatial layout of residential areas by renovating the Xiuwen Taoyuan Resort Belt, Xifeng Nanshan Homestay Belt, Qingzhen Hongfeng Homestay Belt, Huaxi Qingqiangao Line, Wudang Yangchang-Baiyi Line, Kaiyang Gallery and Gui’an Seven Villages.

Apart from Gui’an, Xifeng County of Guiyang with natural endowments in red culture, exquisite orchards and natural landscape attracts lots of tourists to take long summer vacations here.

Here, tourists can either go to Xifeng Camp Revolutionary History Memorial Museum to feel the power of faith in the revolutionary age, or go to Wujiang Gorge scenic area to appreciate the high cliffs on both banks.

These are the travel and long stay destinations designed by Xifeng in recent years for people who seek well-being tours, study tours and “migratory bird-style” tour .

According to the 2023 Comfort Index of Seasonal Health and Summer Resorts in China, Guiyang ranked the second among 76 cities.

In the future, Guiyang will step up the construction of demonstration places for summer stay at municipal level, guide and cultivate a batch of demonstration belts to better meet the diversified and customized demands of the tourism market.

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The Dutch capital is only home to about 800,000 people but draws up to 20 million tourists a year.

Now, new policies are encouraging sustainable tourism to everyone.

On a recent weekday, sunlight streamed through the clouds high above Amsterdam, casting rays on the city’s gabled buildings, its arching bridges and a sign in English asking tourists to please not urinate into its canals.

The Dutch capital is one of the most-visited cities in Europe, with its 800,000-person population welcoming up to 20 million tourists a year.

But despite its world-class museums, achingly beautiful green spaces and tranquil waterways, Amsterdam has also earned a raunchy reputation as Europe’s most liberal party capital – and now, the city is trying to clean up its image.

A new series of measures is being implemented to maintain the quality of life in Amsterdam” while “working to prevent tourism that causes nuisances.

The city council banned cruise ships from its city centre in July to prevent overtourism in its most popular areas.

In May, it banned smoking cannabis in its red light district. And in March, it launched a “stay-away” digital campaign, targeting men aged 18 to 35 in the UK, attempting to curb visitors coming for drugs, alcohol and sex.

Visitors will remain welcome, but not if they misbehave and cause nuisance, said Deputy Mayor Sofyan Mbarki in a statement.

Many locals are also fed up with disruptive tourists and endless crowds, and billboards featuring photos of residents now remind visitors “We Live Here”.

Of course, the Dutch capital has always been much more than just a place to let loose.

Here’s how to experience the best of Amsterdam through creative and sustainable activities that benefit both visitors and Amsterdamers.

Brown bars and borrels

According to locals, enjoying a beer at a bruin cafe (brown bar) with borrels (small spirits) and borrelhapjes (fried snacks) is one of the most authentic Amsterdam experiences you can have.

These historic drinking holes – like Café de Druif, which has been serving locals for roughly 400 years offer a cosy, traditional feel.

The name “brown bar” refers to the brown-panel interior each pub has in common, and there is even a growing movement to protect their classic decor.

Despite trendier bars and restaurants popping up, Amsterdam local Mia Bekedam says brown bars will never go out of style because they always “stay original”.

Aside from Café Hesp, in Amsterdam’s lively Oost district, her other favourite brown bar is Café Krom.

They keep it traditional –there’s no music, they’re still in white shirts behind the bar – it’s just a nice, little, quaint place to have a beer.

Cycling tours and surrounding cities

The Netherlands – and Amsterdam in particular – is one of the world’s most bike-friendly destinations.

The city has roughly 400km of bike paths and is still adding more, as a majority of people bike to and from school or work.

Cycing is not only a great way to get active but also a sustainably way to see the city.

Stephan Van Der Meer is the owner of Mike’s Bike Tours, and he says he likes to take visitors cycling on under-the-radar routes that surprise them with a different side of Amsterdam.

One of his favourite journeys is up to the NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam Noord – a neighbourhood that was once a shipyard and is now teeming with street art, performance artists, outdoor markets and local vendors.

Museums and galleries

Amsterdam is renowned for its many world-class museums and galleries. But while people may book their tickets to the always-popular Anne Frank House or Rijksmuseum months in advance, the city is also home to lots of less-crowded attractions.

Museum Van Loon is one such place – a preserved 17th-Century canal house that features contemporary art exhibition.

In contrast to some of Amsterdam’s largest museums, Museum Van Loon offers a “very intimate, very personal” experience, according to Gijs Schunselaar, the museum’s director.

Visitors are pleasantly surprised with the “homey atmosphere” as they peruse the historic rooms and gardens of the house, he said.

Schunselaar said that touring Amsterdam’s many off-the-beaten-path attractions gives visitors a chance to slow down and experience the culture that could be overlooked on a “bachelor party” or a whirlwind weekend visit.

Tourism has its pros and cons, but obviously we want to welcome as many tourists to the museum to enjoy the collection and what we have to offer. It’s all about finding the right balance.

There are even more galleries to explore when doing day trips from Amsterdam. Schenk recommends the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, which has one of the largest Van Gogh collections in the world and a fantastic sculpture garden.

In addition, the Boijmans van Beuningen Depot in Rotterdam is the first publicly accessible art storage facility, with an “amazing rooftop view”.

Parks, picnics and gezellig

With more than 30 parks and gardens throughout the city, green space is easy to find in Amsterdam.

Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) is the city’s largest recreational area – more than three times the size of Manhattan’s Central Park.

Visitors can rent bicycles or canoes, bring kids to the playgrounds, to check out the goat farm or ride the tram. There’s also an open theatre, with a full schedule of summer performances.

According to Pieter Haasnoot, Amsterdam Forest’s public media manager, the forest is largely focused on protecting and preserving local ecosystems and biodiversity. Forest staff balance nature conservation with community engagement, including an expanding volunteer system.

Haasnoot hopes tourists are able to see and experience the importance of being outdoors in Amsterdam. The forest receives 7.5 million visitors a year, and that number is growing, he said.

The sheer size of Amsterdam Forest makes it a perfect alternative to popular tourist green spaces like Vondelpark.

It has something for everyone, from sports fields to picnic areas, and easily encourages gezellig (the joy of togetherness), an important part of the Dutch lifestyle.

Central to gezellig is sense of cosy conviviality, so pack a blanket, bring some snacks and call some friends (or make new ones).

As Amsterdam moves away from its “anything-goes” reputation, there has never been a better time to rediscover its fabled brown bars, sprawling outdoor spaces and the many spots that have lured travellers long before this cultural hub was a party hub.

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Celebrate summer’s Labor Day weekend Sept. 1-4 with free events, outdoor activities and cultural experiences in the nation’s capital.

We’re taking the work out of making your weekend plans.

Take in DC JazzFest

Washington, DC’s star-studded jazz history reigns on with the DC JazzFest, an annual showcase of national and local musicians taking place this Aug. 30 through Sept. 3.

This can’t-miss event is the District’s premier jazz festival, serving up a diverse selection of national and international masterclass artists at venues all over the city.

Many of the concerts are free, including the Jazz Hop in historic Anacostia on Sept.

Reserve your table for Summer Restaurant Week, Aug. 28 to Sept. 3

Reserve your table for Summer Restaurant Week, which runs from Aug. 28 to Sept. 3.

Savor every last bite of summer while taking advantage of specially priced meals, including to-go options and cocktail and wine pairings, courtesy of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and 150+ participating eateries.

Enjoy the banks of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers

Take advantage of the waning days of summer and head to one of the many waterfronts in and around the District.

Make a splash with plenty of safe, family-friendly outdoor water activities to choose from, including kayak and paddleboard rentals, grabbing a meal to-go and enjoying gorgeous on-the-water scenery.

Take a stroll through a DC park

DC’s outdoor offerings turn the city into a summertime playground.

There’s the 2,000+ acres of Rock Creek Park, the Capitol Columns at the scenic U.S. National Arboretum, the neoclassical beauty of Malcolm X Park and more.

Additionally, you can check out the gorgeous gardens of Tudor Place and gaze at outdoor sculptures at the Hirshhorn.

Snag a hotel deal while in town

Celebrate Labor Day weekend with a trip to DC, where numerous hotels offer special discounts and packages in honor of the end-of-summer holiday.

Options are available for a wide range of preferences and budgets. Some exclusive deals provide convenient access to The Wharf, which hosts DC JazzFest on Sept. 2.

Make sure to complement your hotel stay by booking a table during Summer Restaurant Week (Aug. 28 – Sept. 3).

Visit the Zoo and See Giant Pandas

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and its thousands of animal species make it ideal for a Labor Day weekend excursion. Make sure you secure a timed entry pass beforehand.

Make monumental memories

The National Mall is America’s front yard, where the past, present and future come together.

The monuments and memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the strikingly detailed Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the World War II Memorial, honor American forefathers and heroes in majestic fashion.

Visiting the Mall is an ideal way to pay tribute on Labor Day weekend.

Savor a meal outdoors

Many of DC’s beer gardens, patios and rooftop restaurants offer great views, wonderful atmosphere and cocktails, making for dining experiences that you can savor during the holiday weekend.

Attend the National Symphony Orchestra’s Free Labor Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
The National Symphony Orchestra’s free annual Labor Day weekend concert returns to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, Sept. 3.

The performance is free to attend and tickets are not required. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Learn about espionage inside the International Spy Museum

Visit the International Spy Museum in L’Enfant Plaza to discover the ins and outs of the espionage trade, from gadgets to strategies to costumes. During your visit, kids will love the Undercover Mission, which allows you to hone your spy skills while exploring the incredibly interactive museum.

Close out your Labor Day weekend in Washington, DC with the best activities, events and things to do.

Here are a number of ways to make the weekend a memorable one.

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In preparation for the upcoming fall and winter season the Bermuda Tourism Authority announced that the organisation will seek new applications for its Experience Investment Programme. During September, local tourism entrepreneurs are invited to submit their proposals and ideas for innovative tourism experiences to enrich Bermuda’s visitor offerings.

Since its inception in 2014, the Experience Investment Programme has successfully nurtured and supported creative ventures that showcase Bermuda’s rich culture and diverse attractions. With a focus on improving and elevating the visitor experience through innovation and entrepreneurship, the programme has substantially contributed to Bermuda’s economy by supporting the launch of various small businesses.

Application Period: Interested individuals can apply to the Experience Investment Programme from September 1 to September 30, 2023.

As part of the programme’s relaunch, the BTA will be hosting an informative workshop @ 12:00 pm on August 31 at the BTA’s head office. This workshop will provide valuable insights into the programme and its benefits, and participants will have the opportunity to interact with the Experience team members, who will guide them through the application process.

Tashae Thompson, Vice President of Experiences at the Bermuda Tourism Authority, emphasised the significance of community involvement and local participation in addressing the island’s tourism seasonality: “As an industry, we are committed to strengthening Bermuda’s appeal as a year-round destination. Our Experience Investment Programme is a tool to help us engage local tourism entrepreneurs to develop innovative experiences for our visitors during the fall into spring periods when our offerings have traditionally petered off. The guidance and funding provided serve as a jumpstart for out-of-the-box thinkers whose visitor-focused experiences will deliver authentic, memorable Bermuda moments for our guests.”

When asked about the programme, business owner Elizabeth Blankendal of Eettafel said: “The Experience Investment Programme equipped me with the resources needed to take my business idea from concept to reality. The programme provided the resources and support I needed to create a viable tourism venture. It’s a testament to the opportunities available for local entrepreneurs to contribute to Bermuda’s tourism industry in their distinctive way.”

The BTA remains committed to nurturing the next generation of tourism professionals who can leverage Bermuda’s distinct assets to create seamless and unforgettable experiences for visitors.

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Amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, data reveals innovative ways people are maximizing their holiday budgets, while ABTA (The Travel Association) offers advice on achieving great value for vacations.

Over the August Bank Holiday, ABTA estimates that more than 4.5 million UK citizens will travel abroad. This follows a bustling summer of international travel, with many companies reporting pre-pandemic levels of activity. Destinations such as mainland Spain, the Balearics, the Canary Islands, Bulgaria, Portugal, Turkey, Morocco, and Greece have been especially popular.

However, the rising cost of living has influenced holidaymakers’ spending habits. ABTA’s earlier research indicated several tactics employed to stretch holiday budgets: opting for off-peak travel (56%), cutting back on non-essentials like dining out and entertainment (54%), booking last-minute trips (47%), and allocating pandemic savings towards travel costs (35%).

Graeme Buck, ABTA’s Director of Communications, noted that strong demand for foreign holidays persists this year, driven by a desire to prioritize vacations after the pandemic-induced disruptions. Some individuals are even willing to use their pandemic savings for this purpose.

For those yet to travel, ABTA recommends booking through travel agents or tour operators for cost optimization. Such professionals have access to special offers and can craft budget-friendly packages. Booking an all-inclusive package can also mitigate additional expenses upon arrival. Additionally, flexibility is crucial; considering alternative destinations and traveling during less crowded times can result in savings.

ABTA’s tips for securing a value-oriented break include booking with experts who can unlock deals, opting for package holidays for cost savings and convenience, staying open to new destinations for unique experiences, and maintaining flexibility in travel dates and times. All-inclusive options are recommended for budget-conscious travelers, as upfront payments cover accommodation, meals, and sometimes activities.

As travelers navigate economic challenges, ABTA’s guidance provides practical strategies for making the most of vacation budgets while ensuring memorable and fulfilling experiences.

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Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah held meetings with officials in Dhaka on Wednesday to introduce new measures facilitating the arrival of Bangladeshi pilgrims for Umrah.

The Saudi minister arrived in Bangladesh on Tuesday night on a two-day trip that is part of efforts to highlight the Kingdom’s progress in transforming the pilgrimage system.

He reached Bangladesh from Pakistan, where the Saudi Tourism Authority launched Nusuk, the e-visa, planning and booking platform that allows travellers to create pilgrimage itineraries for Makkah, Madinah and beyond, and organize their visit to Saudi Arabia.

The platform will also be launched in Bangladesh during Al-Rabiah’s visit.

Almost 3 million Bangladeshis live and work in Saudi Arabia. They are the largest expat group in the Kingdom and also the biggest Bangladeshi community outside Bangladesh.

Changes to the Kingdom’s policies allow those performing Umrah to stay longer.

Anyone coming for Umrah, visiting Makkah and Madinah can go and visit any city in Saudi Arabia —Riyadh, Dammam and other cities and visit their loved ones, their relatives, their friends in Saudi Arabia.

He also announced new visas for those transiting via Saudi Arabia. Bangladeshi nationals traveling with Saudi airlines can now obtain the visas directly at airports.

Exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh have been on the rise since March, when a delegation led by Saudi Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi visited Dhaka.

In the coming weeks, the Kingdom’s investment minister, Khalid Al-Falih, is also expected to visit the country.

The relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia is always a very strong relation and it will continue in that way. And they are working to make it even stronger, Al-Rabiah said.

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The peak season for overseas tourism is approaching fast as the year-ends, after remaining affected by pandemic for long time, Việt Nam has taken a decision that it’s the ideal time for tourism to rebound and flourish.

The law altering and increasing the number of articles of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Việt Nam came into action on August 15 th , including e-visas issuance for visitors from different countries and extending the validity of these e-visas from 30 days to 90 days respectively, creating better conditions for international visitors pouring to the country.

To create an impetus for the development of tourism, the Government has issued Resolution No 82/NQ-CP. It was dated May 18, 2023 related to responsibilities and solutions to speed up the revival and increase the effectiveness and sustainable development of tourism.

The competitiveness in tourism of Việt Nam has been getting better, ranking it 63rd out of the 140 countries. Compared to 2011, this position is up 17 places. It got a position of 52nd in 2021, out of the 117 economies. It was up eight places from 2019.

The Ministry of Sports and Tourism was requested by the government to strengthen tourism promotion activities in Việt Nam.

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For the external world, Scottish tourism presents a romantic appearance, projecting stony mountains and unspoiled rivers, fairy-tale citadels and country hotels. However, inside the tourism segment at present, things represent a world of turmoil.

An organization signifying thousands of self-catering trades in Scotland has been cautioning for some time that a new authorizing system slated to come forth from October will make hundreds of people walk out from the sector. This week after a report by the City of Edinburgh Council, it is demanding that its worst dreads have been recognized, as much as the segment in the Scottish capital is concerned.

Last week, Fiona Campbell, the chief executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers said that the
request of the arrangement as it views would damp down the Scottish tourism segment, stating that the
charges and administration involved are basically too much for several small industries like guest houses to endure.

Campbell’s remarks followed a review of approximately 1,270 businesses by the ASSC. It found that over 60% of workers still had to apply for an authorization in the midst of worries regarding the charges involved. Campbell said that the new arrangement is excessively organizational and costly.

She said that while in some council zones the charges are rational, it is the conflicting in others,
with some small business proprietors being requested to cough up a lot of money to obtain
reflective preparation consent for grounds they have run for years.

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Not even a decade ago, a trip to experience Saudi Arabia’s historic sites and culture would have been unthinkable for most.

Over the past few years, thanks largely to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, the Kingdom has opened to tourists, amid a multitude of other transformations on the business and social fronts.

There has been a dramatic shift in tourism numbers for the Gulf nation since it launched its e-visa program in 2019.

Since then, Saudi Arabia registered 94 million visits in 2022, a 93 percent increase compared to 2021, resulting in a tourism spend of SR185 billion ($49 billion).

This rapid tourism growth is due to expanding visa initiatives, which now include 57 nations and two special administrative regions, compared to the initial 49 countries at the program’s launch.

Abdullah Al-Dakhil, a spokesperson at the Saudi Tourism Authority, told a news agency that Saudi Arabia’s ongoing visa announcements since 2019 have been a significant step toward the Kingdom becoming a must-visit tourism destination, with millions of travelers from right across the world taking advantage of the changes.

The Kingdom is now taking another step and reimagining its tourism experience.

At the beginning of this month, it granted visitor e-visas to travelers from eight countries for leisure, business and religious trips (Umrah only): Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, South Africa, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, said that by expanding the e-visas to these countries, Saudi Arabia takes another step forward in opening its doors to the world and offering an easier and simplified travel experience for all visitors to the Kingdom.

The visitor e-visa is valid for an entire year, grants multiple entries and permits a stay of up to 90 days.

Additionally, Visit Saudi offers an online trip planner for visitors to create custom itineraries with ease.

Nusuk is the Kingdom’s first-ever official integrated digital platform, enabling pilgrims to plan their journeys. It is Umrah pilgrims’ one-stop platform for securing visas, booking packages, and obtaining necessary guidance and visitation permits for travel to Makkah and Madinah.

Since the digital platform’s launch in September 2022, 1.1 million applications have been received, and over 800,000 visas issued.

Thanks to the e-visa program, the Stopover Visa and the Nusuk platform which now seamlessly issues Umrah e-visas, it has never been easier or more in-demand to visit Saudi Arabia (The Kingdom) expects even bigger numbers this year with great Q1 and Q2 results, Al-Dakhil added.

Most recently, Saudi Arabia announced it would launch the Nusuk platform in Bangladesh for that nation’s pilgrims.

Muslim visitors with all types of visas will now be eligible to perform Umrah. Whether visiting Saudi Arabia as a tourist or for business, Muslim visitors will be able to add Umrah as an itinerary stop.

The new e-visas also have economic benefits for the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is setting the pace globally, aiming to provide some of the biggest opportunities in tourism today.

According to the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Kingdom is the biggest investor in the industry worldwide.

With sector investment of $800 billion by 2030 and another $550 billion dollars earmarked for the development of tourist destinations, the Kingdom is creating value for its partners.

For example, over the next five years, the number of hotel rooms in Saudi Arabia will nearly double to about 200,000.

And the travelers keep flocking to the Kingdom. According to the ministry, Saudi Arabia is well on track to achieve its goal of 100 million visits by 2030 with new targets currently being set.

And the plan is for the tourism sector to contribute 10 percent of GDP by 2030.

Currently travel and tourism counts for 4.5 percent of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, marking an increase from 3 percent in 2019.

Moreover, the new e-visa program is also working, according to the authority, to empower Saudis economically.

Notable investments in infrastructure and development projects are being made across the country to create employment and empowerment opportunities for citizens.

Al-Khateeb told a news agency that Saudi Arabia is going through a major transformation, and they welcome and invite people to come and experience Saudi Arabia and see the changes that happened in the last few years.

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