THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES DURING COACHELLA

"Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit"
Photo: GRAMMY Museum

Each year, more than 250,000 music fans descend upon the SoCal desert near Indio for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – an event so famous that it’s known simply as “Coachella.” This multi-genre, two-weekend juggernaut - augmented by art installations, DJs, and dining - is an annual “must” for many Angelenos and on bucket lists of music lovers worldwide.

However, like most major events, attending Coachella has its downsides - not the least of which is the cost, with general admission for just one weekend starting at $499 and VIP more than $1,000. Then there’s the two and a half hour drive from LA that can take double that with festival traffic. Nearby accommodations can be hard to find and dramatically hike their prices during Coachella. And there’s the stress of finding (and paying for) parking and walking for miles beneath the Sonoran Desert sun to likely join a long queue for entry.

Meanwhile, back in LA, the streets are less congested during the Coachella weekend of April and everything from restaurants to hotel pools can be a little more chill. So, forget your festival FOMO – the first weekend is already sold out, anyway – and consider some of these fun things to do in Los Angeles while your friends (and their finances) sweat it out at Coachella.

CELEBRATE A HALF-CENTURY OF HIP-HOP AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM (THROUGH SEP. 4)

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling dancing in
Griffith Park in "La La Land" | Photo: Lionsgate

The GRAMMY Museum’s Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit comprises 5,000-square feet of deep dives into not only hip-hop music but also related dance, graffiti, fashion, activism, business, and history. This immersive, multifaceted experience explores the profound impact and influence of hip-hop culture, including artifacts like notorious B.I.G.’s iconic red leather pea jacket, Slick Rick’s handwritten lyrics for “Children’s Story,” and LL Cool J’s distinctive Kangol bucket hat. There’s also a unique Sonic Playground featuring five interactive stations where you can unleash your inner DJ, rapper, or sampler and maybe one day become a part of the hip-hop story.

ENJOY AL FRESCO FILMS AT OUTDOOR MOVIE SCREENINGS

Even in April, LA boasts sufficiently reliable fine weather to make outdoor movies yet another facet of the city’s lauded cultural landscape. Rooftop Movies at the Montalbán will be showing The Big Lebowski (Apr 19) and The Breakfast Club (Apr 20).

BROWSE CURATED SMALL BUSINESSES AT SMORGASBURG (SUNDAYS)

Photo: Smorgasburg Los Angeles

Happening 10am to 4pm every Sunday at ROW DTLA, Smorgasburg Los Angeles is an open-air market comprising nearly 100 small businesses carefully curated to represent the next wave of SoCal’s food, beverage and shopping scenes. With its family-friendly beer garden and huge array of eats, it can be a something-for-everyone day out or spoilt-for-choice solo lunch stop. New vendors at the LA edition (Smorgasburg also operates markets on the East Coast and in Brazil and Canada) include The Basket Taco Co., Battambong BBQ, focaccia di Recco from Glad, and HGG’s authentic tanghulu (Chinese rock sugar-coated fruit skewers).

ATTEND “OFFICIAL” COACHELLA ALTERNATIVES (APR. 10-24)

Dubbed "Localchella" by regulars, Goldenvoice Presents April is a two-week concert series that brings Coachella acts to much smaller and more convenient stages around LA, the Bay Area, and San Diego. Presented by Coachella promoter Goldenvoice, this year’s lineup includes Blur at the Fox Theater Pomona (April 10), Hatsune Miku at the Shrine Auditorium (April 17), Bar Italia at the Fonda Theatre (April 18), and Innellea at Sound Nightclub (April 20). If you were considering attending Coachella for just one or a handful of acts, this “official” alternative can save you considerable time, money, and sunburn.

RESTOCK YOUR LIBRARY AT THE FESTIVAL OF BOOKS (APR. 20-21)

Photo: Los Angeles Times
Festival of Books, Facebook

Fill your shelves and your head at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books – the largest such event in the U.S. Held over two days on the USC campus, this literary lovefest offers free general admission plus ticketed events featuring authors and celebrities. Participants this year include RuPaul discussing his new memoir, The House of Hidden Meanings; José Andrés talking about his latest cookbook, Zaytinya; and Pod Save America hosts Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor. Limited public tickets are also available for the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes ceremony on Friday, April 19.
 

MAKE A METAPHYSICAL ONE-STOP AT MAGIC MARKET (APR. 20-21)

Gathering 75 vendors amongst the stately Victorian homes of Heritage Square, Magic Market is a slightly surreal shopping experience where guests are highly encouraged to dress in theme (think fae, spring whimsical, vintage, and green witch). Celebrating the return of spring with its first event of the year, this edition of Magic Market features all manner of metaphysical products, tarot, palmistry, witch supply, plants, and vintage as well as workshops and classes including sound healing, yoga and more. There’s also vegan food, a picnic area, live music, and tours of the throwback homes. Bring a blanket – and friends!

DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD AT EARTH DAY RIVER CLEANUP (APR. 20)

Great L.A. River Clean Up Photo: Friends
of the Los Angeles River, Facebook

Gather with fellow Angelenos at North Atwater Park for two hours of family-friendly LA River cleanup to appropriately mark Earth Day two days later. After an unusually rainy winter, there’s plenty of debris to be removed and riverbank to revitalize, while also learning about the river’s rich history and assisting in water quality tests with LA Waterkeeper (the city’s long-running water watchdog). While it’s estimated that the Coachella fest produces around 1,600 tons of waste each year, Earth Day River Cleanup is an educational and healthy opportunity to have the opposite impact on our natural surroundings. Register here.

SHAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER WITH THE BLACK CROWES (APR. 12)

Atlanta’s Black Crowes are one of those rare bands that can conjure an old-school rock fest aura all on their own, and only the more so in the balmy outdoor setting of the Greek Theatre. Through 35 years, three breakups and a couple of dozen come-and-go members gathered around founding brothers Chris (vocals) and Rich Robinson (guitar), the Crowes have retained their heyday Rolling Stones swagger, throwback Faces boogie, and a nostalgic love for extended jams and improvisational flourish that may sit well with fans less keen on Coachella’s more contemporary, eclectic bills.

CELEBRATE CELLULOID GOAT AT THE TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL (APR. 18-21)

TCM Classic Film Festival at the TCL Chinese Theatre
Photo: Presley Ann, Getty Images

Remind yourself why some movies have become regarded as classics at this 15th annual cinephiles’ paradise. The theme for this year’s TCM Classic Film Festival is “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film,” a fascination of filmmakers since cinema began. A century’s worth of celluloid struggles between killers and cops, fugitives and G-Men, crooks and amateur sleuths is celebrated with screenings at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (including poolside evenings) and the nearby TCL Chinese Theatre, Chinese Multiplex and the newly-restored Egyptian Theatre. Gather the usual suspects for special showings of the likes of White Heat, Send Me No Flowers, and Pulp Fiction.

INDULGE YOUR TV NERDINESS AT PALEYFEST (APR. 12-20)

For 41 years, the annual William S. Paley Television Festival, colloquially dubbed PaleyFest, has presented a weeklong program of exclusive television episodes, clips, and panel discussions with some of the brightest stars of the medium. Appropriately and conveniently located right on Hollywood Boulevard at the Dolby Theatre, the 2024 incarnation includes Avatar: The Last Airbender, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Loki, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and a 25th anniversary celebration of Family Guy. Celeb appearances will include Jennifer Aniston, Alex Borstein, Larry David, Cheryl Hines, Mila Kunis, Seth MacFarlane, Seth Meyers and Reese Witherspoon.

DIVE INTO THE DIVINELY DARK AT "JOHN WATERS: POPE OF TRASH" (THROUGH AUG. 4)

Dubbed the “Pope of Trash” by William S. Burroughs, DIY filmmaker, author, and self-proclaimed “filth elder” John Waters is perhaps the ultimate self-made American iconoclast. Now on view at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, John Waters: Pope of Trash explores the nuances of Waters’ process behind cult classics like Pink Flamingos and Hairspray; and how he redefined the possibilities of independent cinema, serving as not only writer and director but also often producer, cinematographer, and editor. Amongst the costumes, handwritten scripts, photos, props and more on display are an original Pink Flamingos script and Debbie Harry’s exploding wig from Hairspray.

IMMERSE IN UKRAINIAN ART & CULTURE AT THE PYSANKA FESTIVAL (APR. 14)

A pysanka is a traditional decorated Ukrainian Easter Egg. The annual Pysanka Festival at the Ukrainian Art Center on Melrose Avenue is the cultural center's largest outreach project to the local community, where attendees are entertained by dancers, musicians, and Pysanka workshops while exploring Ukrainian crafts, foods and libations. It’s a true immersive experience and celebration at a time when Ukraine is constantly making headlines for the most tragic of reasons. Admission is free but donations are welcome and these, alongside proceeds from food sales and some vendors, benefit humanitarian war relief through the Ukrainian Art Center and Post Angeles.

BEHOLD BEAUTY & WHIMSY AT "WILD THINGS ARE HAPPENING" (APR. 18 - SEP. 1)

"Wild Things Are Happening" Photo: Skirball Cultural Center

Author and illustrator Maurice Sendak had a signature style at once mystical and whimsical, haunting and entrancing, innocent yet unafraid of the dark. Best known for his 1963 children’s book Where the Wild Things Are, the Jewish American artist also worked in opera, film and television. Opening at the Skirball Cultural Center on April 18, Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak is the first major Sendak retrospective since his passing in 2012, comprising over 150 artifacts including original paintings, drawings, videos, and objects that showcase the depth and breadth of his creativity.

SAFELY CELEBRATE PEDAL POWER AT CICLAVIA: VENICE BLVD (APR. 21)

Inspired by a weekly event in Bogotá, CicLAvia is a non-profit that since 2010 has been temporarily closing L.A. County streets to car traffic to create vibrant public spaces and encourage active transportation and community connection. The biggest open streets event in the country, CicLAvia has brought together more than 1.8 million people to safely enjoy cycling, walking, skating, and each other, while also improving air quality and impacting transportation policy. Its April 21 route – one of eight CicLAvia Sundays in 2024 – runs straight down Venice Boulevard through Palms, Mar Vista and Venice Beach.

EXPERIENCE INDYCAR THRILLS AT THE GRAND PRIX OF LONG BEACH (APR. 19-21)

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, held on a street circuit in Downtown LB, is one of the longest continuously running IndyCar Series events and among the most prestigious. While ostensibly resembling Formula 1 with its ultra-fast single-seater, open-wheel cars, IndyCar is a chiefly North American rather than a global enterprise with more technical regulation, and therefore less design diversity, than F1. But while Formula 1’s 2024 season only visits Miami and Austin stateside, the Grand Prix of Long Beach offers a convenient local fix for auto aficionados with a serious need for speed.

One year of Green Fares at the Lufthansa Group: More than one million passengers choose new fare for more sustainable travel

• Clear trend: demand for Green Fares continues to rise
• Top routes: Hamburg-Munich, Zurich-London and Frankfurt-Berlin
• Successful test also on long-haul routes

One year after the launch of Green Fares at the Lufthansa Group, more than one million passengers have already opted for the new fare. In the first year, an average of three per cent of passengers have used the offer, making an important contribution to more sustainable travel. In Business Class, Green Fares tickets are already selected for eleven per cent of bookings via the Lufthansa Group portals. Green Fares are particularly popular on routes such as Hamburg-Munich, Zurich-London and Frankfurt-Berlin. Demand continues to rise steadily in all booking classes, underlining the success of the more sustainable fare. In total, travelers have offset more than 77,000 tonnes of CO2 since the launch of Green Fares by offsetting their flight-related CO2 emissions. This amount corresponds to the CO2 emissions of more than 12,000 flights from Hamburg to Munich with an Airbus A320neo.

The Green Fares are available with Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, SWISS, Edelweiss, Discover Airlines and Air Dolomiti on more than 730,000 flights per year within Europe and to Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The Lufthansa Group has also been testing Green Fares on selected long-haul routes since November 2023.

How the Green Fares work

The Green Fares fare in Europe and to North Africa has added an additional selection option to the Lufthansa Group's fare structure, which has been in place since 2015. This product for more sustainable flying includes the full offsetting of individual, flight-related CO2 emissions by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as well as a contribution to high-quality climate protection projects. With SAF, a reduction of 20 percent of CO2 emissions is achieved, while the remaining 80 percent is compensated by climate protection projects. The Lufthansa Group ensures that the amount of SAF required for offsetting is fed into the airport infrastructure within six months of purchase. As a drop-in fuel, SAF is mixed with fossil fuel before being transported to the airport. For operational reasons, it is not possible to refuel individual selected flights.

The Lufthansa Group's CO2 compensation portfolio currently comprises 15 projects, including two technology-based projects: Carbon Cure's Sustainable Concrete (carbon capture and long-term storage in concrete) and Biochar (CO2 removal with biochar). In this way, the Lufthansa Group aims to promote the development of the CO2 compensation market towards new technologies and offers with long-term binding of CO2.

Four per cent of passengers use offers for more sustainable travel

The Lufthansa Group is continuously developing its offers and services for private travelers and corporate customers to offset flight-related CO2 emissions and is a global pioneer in this area. Currently, around four percent of Lufthansa Group passengers use one of the various offers for more sustainable flying. The company offers opportunities along the entire travel chain. In addition to choosing a special fare such as the Green Fares, passengers can also select individually tailored offers with a higher proportion of SAF, for example, during the booking process. It is also possible to offset flight-related CO2 emissions during or after the flight. In addition to private customers, more and more corporate customers are also using one of the Lufthansa Group's offers for more sustainable flying: in 2023, more than 1,500 companies worldwide invested in SAF with the Lufthansa Group.

Lufthansa Group pursues ambitious sustainability goals

The Lufthansa Group has set itself ambitious climate protection goals and aims to achieve a neutral CO₂ balance by 2050. Already by 2030, the Lufthansa Group wants to halve its net CO₂ emissions compared to 2019 through reduction and compensation measures. The reduction share of the 2030 target was validated by the independent Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in August 2022. The Lufthansa Group was the first airline group in Europe with a science-based CO₂ reduction target in line with the goals of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. For effective climate protection, the Lufthansa Group is focusing in particular on accelerated fleet modernization, the continuous optimization of flight operations, the use of SAF and offers for its private travelers and corporate customers to make air travel or the transport of freight more sustainable. In addition, the Lufthansa Group has been actively supporting global climate and weather research for many years. The Lufthansa Group's commitment to sustainability is rated positively and above the industry average by independent rating organizations. The company recently received the top "A-" rating in the renowned CDP climate ranking for its CO2 reduction strategy and implementation for the second year in a row.

Unesco gives world heritage status to Lao naga weaving motif

Minister of Information,​ Culture and​ Tourism​ Suanesavanh​
Vignaket​ receiving a certificate from Unesco’s Assistant
Director-Generalfor Culture, Ernesto Ottone on Feb 28. - VT

Unesco recognises Lao naga weaving motif, officially inscribing the popular textile pattern on its World Heritage list last year.

Unesco has presented Laos’ Ministry of Information,​ Culture and​ Tourism with a certificate designating the traditional naga weaving motif as a form of intangible cultural world heritage, after the UN agency officially inscribed the popular textile pattern on its World Heritage list last year.

Minister of Information,​ Culture and​ Tourism,​ Suanesavanh​ Vignaket​, and her officials travelled to Paris, France, where they received the certificate at the Unesco World Heritage Centre on Feb 28.

The naga weaving motif was approved as a form of intangible cultural world heritage at a meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Botswana last December.

The naga is a mythical, serpent-like creature that lives in rivers. Lao people have great respect for the naga, and naga symbols appear in different formats, with the most common being the incorporation of the motif in handwoven textiles.

The government also plans to nominate Sao Hin Tang, sometimes referred to as the Stonehenge of Laos, in Huaphan​ province,​ and the Nakai Nam​ Theun​ National​ Park​ in Khammuan​ province​ as world heritage​ site​s, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture and​ Tourism.

A group of ancient stone pillars in Huaphan province (Sao Hin Tang), will also be submitted for inscription by Unesco as a cultural world heritage site, while the Nakai Nam Theun National Park will be nominated for inscription as a natural world heritage site.

In addition, authorities are preparing the requisite documents for submission to Unesco to request listing of the Hin Nam No (karst) National Protected Area in Bualapha district, Khammuan province, as Laos’ first natural world heritage site.

The Hin Nam No National Protected Area is contiguous with Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which was approved as a natural world heritage site in 2003.

Being the home and custodian of a new world heritage site that includes both Hin Nam No and Phong Nha-Ke Bang would make Laos part of a global community that seeks to protect nature’s heritage and values for all mankind.

In addition, Laos would be the first country in South-East Asia to have a transboundary world heritage site together with a neighbouring country.

Laos currently has three World Heritage Sites. The Plain of Jars was listed by Unesco in 2019, while the old quarter of Luang Prabang was inscribed in 1995, followed by Vat Phou Champassak in 2001.

In December 2017, Unesco also inscribed the khaen music of the Lao people as a form of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

*Vientiane Times/ANN

Tasmania flips AI back into place with tasman ai TasmanAI

Josh Foley

• Tourism Tasmania showcases the real creativity natural to the island state

With the use of AI image generators on the rise, Tourism Tasmania decided to flip the switch back to human creativity — by giving the sort of prompts used to whip up images on AI programs (like “create an Impressionist image of a cow singing opera”) to real artists instead.

With the art made over time, not with the click of a mouse, TasmanAi shows the world that instant isn’t always better. There is joy in slowing down, taking time to think and celebrating craftsmanship — all of which are intrinsic to the Tasmanian way of life and keenly felt by anyone visiting the island.

The genius behind the AI

Here is a flesh-and-blood Tasmanian artist who responded to prompts from the public with real artworks such as paintings, illustrations and drawings for the TasmanAi project.

JOSH FOLEY

Medium: Oil and acrylic

Josh Foley

Foley likes to play with viewers’ experiences of reality by playing around with the traditional styles of landscape and still life, in textured pieces that make you question their two dimensions. “This trompe l’oeil that I work with is not to deceive but to confuse the haptic expectations and bodily position of the audience,” explains Foley, whose work is collected both in Australia and overseas, including Tasmania’s cultural cathedral Mona.
Expected TasmanAi output:
To figure out how to upend his AI prompt.

On TasmanAi

It has given me an opportunity to explore the subject of AI more thoroughly. I enjoy the conceptual implications. I’m not concerned about this phenomena, as our own intelligence is also partially coded, algorithmic, artificial. We can understand ourselves further by observing this manufactured reflection of us, and how that manipulates and interacts with our digital universe.

What makes Tassie artists so unique?

Creativity, like scent, can be drowned out by too many competing ideas… aromas. One is able to distil the essence of their thought, most profoundly, in isolation.

Explore the art capital of the outback - Day One in Broken Hill

Broken Hill City Art Gallery, Broken Hill

Surprisingly, art galleries outnumber pubs in this outback town. With sculptures embedded into the landscape, revered local artists’ galleries and drag shows with your dinner, spend three days exploring this creative hub of the outback.

The red dirt landscapes and outback heritage of Broken Hill has made it an oasis for artists and art lovers. Here's how to experience the desert city's creative cache in 72 hours.

Immerse yourself in an artistic world inspired by outback life in Broken Hill, where art galleries outnumber pubs and show off bold local personalities, sculptures come with incredible desert views and you can get up close to iconic film locations that have become part of the town’s culture. This 72-hour art and culture itinerary proves that Broken Hill is an art destination unlike any other: feel the inspiration of the landscape, meet the artists and be welcomed like a local. 

DAY ONE KEY FACTS:
The Living Desert Sculptures is located at: Nine Mile Road, Broken Hill, NSW 2880
A 17-minute drive (12.9km) from Broken Hill centre

Morning

Pro Hart Gallery, Broken Hill

On your first day in the Silver City, it’s time to absorb the region’s talent with a self-guided gallery tour. Get prepped with a coffee and croissant at Sufi Bakery, then take a walk down the town’s main strip of Argent Street, which is also home to public art such as the wood-carved Aboriginal Story Poles, and human canoe sculpture by local artist Geoff De Main. Make time to explore the oldest regional art gallery in the state, Broken Hill City Art Gallery, which houses an incredible array of important works, from local and central Australian Aboriginal artists, as well as modern pieces by Margaret Preston and Arthur Boyd. A morning spent within these walls is a thorough grounding in the region’s prolific artscape. Pick up a copy of the free Art & Culture map at the gallery or at the Visitor Centre to guide you to 54 other creative attractions in the city.

Afternoon

An appetite for art requires sustenance, so meander across the road to the Silly Goat Café, Broken Hill’s coolest place to refuel and recaffeinate with smoothie bowls, smashed avo and excellent coffee. Next, stop at the Pro Hart Gallery, where you can marvel at the world-renowned artist’s most iconic works and recognisable depictions of outback life that are often as brightly coloured as the characters of the desert itself. You can even pick up a brush yourself in a painting class led by one of Pro’s children.

Living Desert Sculptures in the Living
Desert State Park, Broken Hill

Sunset is the perfect time to stand among the The Living Desert Sculptures, one of the most photographed sites in Broken Hill. Created by 12 international artists in 1993, these magnificent sandstone sculptures stand proudly on a hilltop with an incredible backdrop of the endless expanse of the desert beyond. Tread the 900-metre track from the picnic area to fully appreciate the majesty of these works and snap them in their best light.

Evening

Broken Heel Festival, Broken Hill

Back in town, check into the historic Palace Hotel. This 1889 institution has stood as a grand portrait of outback life for more than 130 years, including a starring role in The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert and resulting cult adoration. Each year in September, the hotel is the epicentre for the Broken Heel Festival, which is celebrated throughout the city. You’ll also find yourself spellbound by the hotel’s fantastically vivid murals, most of which were painted by Aboriginal artist Gordon Waye, each featuring water with the intent to create the illusion of a desert oasis. Upstairs, there are well-groomed rooms to bed down in, including the Priscilla Suite.

Before you retire, though, there’s fun to be had downstairs, head to the Front Bar before strolling 600 metres to The Old Salt Bush for dinner, where executive chef Lee Cecchin plates up seasonal fare using locally sourced produce and native ingredients such as finger lime, bush tomato, and, of course, saltbush.

Cinnamon Estates in Galle: An Inspirational Tour

There are quite a few eco-friendly model cinnamon estates in Galle owned by Sri Lankans and some British planters. Today they manage these estates systematically fusing modern technology with traditional Sri Lankan techniques to retain the flavour and authenticity.

They have employed the community in the area as work-hands who have generations of practical knowledge in cinnamon plantations. They apply their know-how, dexterity and capacity to output an authentic product of great flavour and value.

The management of these estates skillfully adopts global networking expertise to widen marketing prospects for the world’s most sought-after spice – Ceylon Cinnamon.

The Idyllic Location

With close proximity to the main road, along the shoreline, which stretches from Galle town past Weligama Bay, Ahangama and up to in the Galle District borderline, there are working cinnamon estates dotting the landscape. In fact, Galle District is ‘Cinnamon country’. Its coastline which is a valley suddenly escalates into highlands hardly a kilometre from the sea. This magnificent elevation is ideal fertile land for Ceylon Cinnamon growing on the steep slopes of hilly highlands, surrounded by lush jungles.

The Natural Process

Most working cinnamon estates conduct guided tours for visitors covering all aspects of their operations in an appealing informative and fun tour around their estate and factory premises.

The tour includes the nursery, the plantation, traditional peeling hut and the oil distillery. While explaining the history of Ceylon Cinnamon, the tour covers cinnamon planting, harvesting, peeling and quill preparation.

This tour will demonstrate the eco-friendly and self-sustaining farming process where every part of this cinnamon plant is either used or recycled. The best and the most interesting part of the Ceylon Cinnamon story is that the end products are completely natural, offering health-giving results.

What You Will Experience

To extract Pure Cinnamon Leaf-Oil these factories have built an artisan distillery that follows age-old traditional operational techniques aided by modern technology. Leaf bundling and the entire process of steam-extraction of leaf oil are very special tasks that will be demonstrated to visitors.

You are bound to be stunned by the story of the utility value of this versatile essential oil. Its uses are multifarious. You will be happy that there is an opportunity to access these authentic cinnamon products at most farm shops on their very premises.

The tour will be led by an English-speaking estate officer and some tours incorporate a bumpy tractor and trailer ride along with green paddy fields or even a short walk. The whole tour may last around one hour or less. Both adults and children find this tour absorbing, interesting and enjoyable.

Special Value-added Tours

Some cinnamon estates organize special tours designed specifically on request, for couples, families and large private groups of visitors. The coverage on this tour in some estates includes a visit to the planter’s bungalow for a meal or tea. This tour is intended to educate guests about Ceylon Cinnamon and an outlook on the life of a (local or expatriate) cinnamon planter in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau

 ✆ +94114 865050☏ +94112 472985
 slcb@srilanka.travel
 meetinsrilanka.com

TAT launches ‘Air-mazing Thailand: The Amazing Airline fam trip’

The dynamic four-day programme showcases the extensive network of airports that provides convenient domestic and international air access to tourist destinations across the country.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has taken steps to show support for the government’s vision to elevate Thailand as a key aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region with the launch of the ‘Air-mazing Thailand: The Amazing Airline FAM trip’ project.

Thailand’s thriving tourism industry relies heavily on convenient air access to tourist destinations across the country. The fam trip reflects our mission to promote tourism growth and aligns with our Partnership 360 strategy. Through cooperation with aviation authorities and airlines, we hope to increase flight capacity to reach our target of 35 million international visitors and 1.92 trillion Baht in revenue this year.”

Organised in partnership with local and international aviation bodies, the dynamic programme from 2-5 April comprises today’s Air-mazing Thailand Reception and Presentation in Bangkok, an airport inspection, and the Air-mazing Thailand Workshop and Networking event.

At the Air-mazing Reception and Presentation, officials and figures from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, Airports of Thailand, U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport, the Department of Airport, Tourist Police, and the International Air Transportation Association highlighted the country’s extensive network of airports and investments in aviation infrastructure, technology, and security measures as well as convenient accessibility to representatives from 22 airlines.

Following the reception, airline representatives will be given a tour of Suvarnabhumi Airport’s Midfield Satellite Building, known as SAT-1, before embarking on two separate routes for an inspection of regional gateways.

Each route showcases how Suvarnabhumi Airport is a key hub for domestic and international travel, connecting cities and regions across the country. Route 1 highlights U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport and Chiang Mai Airport, while route 2 presents Krabi and Surat Thani Airports for route 2. The itineraries also include visits to local attractions.

The FAM trip will conclude with the Air-mazing Thailand Workshop and Networking in Bangkok.

The project underscores TAT’s commitment to stimulate more travel to major cities and secondary destinations with proactive marketing and promotion in the long-haul markets.

“TAT has been working with airlines to promote local and international air travel to Thai destinations. We also leverage the government’s various initiatives to streamline aviation processes and visa regulations to facilitate travel and tourism, fostering strong demand for air travel to Thailand,” Mr. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, concluded.

Spring is that you? Autumnal baby boom hits Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo Chimp Baby

Taronga Zoo Sydney Australia has a spring in their steps as a baby boom spreads across the zoo with a view. From a newborn Pygmy Hippo calf learning to dive, two adventurous chimp babies learning the ropes, an impending public debut of a young seal pup and the ecstatic announcement of twin Red Panda cubs – there is so much to see and do at Taronga Zoo.

These adorable babies are welcome additions to zoo family favourites, such as the Seals for the Wild and Free Flight Bird presentations, Taronga’s new ‘Staying Alive’ conservation presentation, 13 daily keeper talks, the newly opened nguwing nura – Nocturnal country, Wild Ropes adventure courses, and the Red Energy kids trail.

As adorable as can be, Hippo calf Lololi has a spring in her toes as she learns to push off the bottom of her pool during her diving lessons with mum Kambiri close by.

“Lololi has been learning to hold her breath and propelling herself off the bottom of the pool to take fresh breaths. She’s inquisitive and is often seen mouthing leaves and on occasion, wearing them on her head,” explained Ungulate Keeper, Renae Moss.

The eight-week-old female Pygmy Hippo calf is a welcome addition to the zoo’s breeding program for the endangered West African species. The zoo is now home to three Pygmy Hippos, which are one fifth of the size of a Common Hippo and are best spotted in the mornings when little Lololi is most active.

Diving into the deep end of Seal Cove is soon to be four-month-old Fur seal pup Eve. Picking up her swimming skills from mum Keke, Eve is soon to be making her public debut, whilst one-year-old big brother Kobe takes centre stage in the zoo’s Seals for the Wild presentations, powered by Red Energy.

Nestled in a soundproof and private nest box, the zoo is delighted to announce the arrival of twin Red Panda cubs to mother, Daiyu at the beginning of December 2023. Born weighing a minute 100g, Red Pandas are an endangered species and spend the first 90-days of their lives tucked away suckling from their mothers in the safety of their den. The male and female cubs are nearing 3-months-old are expected to start popping their heads out of their nest box and exploring their outdoor habitat any day.

Taronga’s Chimpanzee babies, Lemba and Cekiri, are keeping their mum’s Lisa and Ceres on their toes as their adventurous personalities start to develop. Now nearing 10- and 8-months-old, the two babies are really finding their feet and starting to explore the ropes and hammocks of their habitat, never far away from their protective and doting mums. Whilst both babies continue to suckle and spend time within mum’s reach, they are also teething, mouthing and exploring all and anything that fits into their mouths.

“Chimpanzees are our closest relatives, sharing almost 99% identical DNA, which means that like human babies, they are slow growing animals who need and rely on their mums for many years as they grow up, “said Primate supervisor Richard Buzas.

The best time to learn about the plight of these incredible great apes and spot the little explorers, is at the Chimpanzee Keeper Talk which runs daily at 12pm.

Taronga Zoo Pygmy Hippo

To 28 April, a new Red Energy GOOD VIBRATIONS Trail is ready for the kids to explore, with lots of animal facts to learn – collect a free map upon entry and follow the trail for a chance to win a wild Taronga overnight stay. Plus, visit the activity hub full of free entertainment and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Face painting, activities, and an inflatable bouncy castle and obstacle course are available from 10:30am–3pm across the Easter long weekend and from 13–28 April during NSW school holidays.

You can upgrade your zoo ticket to a Zoo Friends Annual Membership where you can have 365 days of fun at Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo and get access to discounts across gifts, retail, Taronga experiences, events, and accommodation!

A great day out at Taronga has the power to protect. Taronga is not-for-profit, so every time you visit, donate, stay, shop or buy a gift, you’re saving wildlife. 

 For more information about planning a visit to Taronga Zoo Sydney or to purchase your tickets online for 20% off, visit www.taronga.org.au

Season of Splash: MTF 2024’s Visionary Leap in Tourism

April in the Greater Mekong Subregion is a season of rebirth and transformation. Communities throughout the GMS celebrate their traditional New Year with a splash: Thailand’s Songkran, Myanmar’s Thingyan, Lao PDR’s Pi Mai, and Cambodia’s Sankranta welcome locals and tourists with torrents of water and merriment.

Appropriately, tourism transformation is on the agenda this splashy season. On 23-25 April, we’ll be brainstorming visionary ideas at the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2024, happening in the historic city of Lijiang, China PRC.

The keynote speech – titled “Visionary Journeys Redefining Tomorrow’s Travel” – will preview the future of GMS travel, particularly the post-pandemic shift towards sustainable and conscious tourism.

Our panel discussions will integrate a variety of tourism visions. There’s "Crossing Bridges, Building Connections for Cultural Integration and Prosperity": a panel discussion on how embracing diverse cultures can lead to more inclusive and sustainable tourism practices.

Then there’s “Unleashing Potential: Enhancing International Cooperation to Propel Tourism Growth”: a panel discussion that covers the benefits and challenges of regional collaboration, including economic growth, environmental sustainability, fair distribution, and travel facilitation.

Shape the future of tourism with us in Lijiang. Sign up now for free at mekongtourism.org.

Capella Sydney Named in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 It List of Best New Hotels

Capella Sydney

Capella Sydney has been recognised as one of the best new hotels of the year according to the prestigious Travel + Leisure 2024 It List, solidifying its position as one of the most exceptional new hotels worldwide.

The annual Travel + Leisure It List spotlights the luxury hotels, resorts and, for the first time, cruise ships, that have made the biggest impression on Travel + Leisure’s editors and contributors. Over the past year, they have personally vetted and evaluated hundreds of new and renovated properties and cruise ships across the globe, which were then narrowed down to just 100.

After a meticulous seven-year restoration and renovation process, Capella Sydney opened its doors in March 2023, introducing guests to a new level of unparalleled luxury in the heart of the harbour city. Occupying an entire city block just moments from Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Capella Sydney has ushered in a new benchmark destination of luxury accommodation, exceptional cuisine, and unrivalled cultural immersion.

Housed within the historically significant Department of Education building which was originally designed in the 1900s by NSW government architect George McRae, Capella Sydney forms part of the city's prestigious Sandstone Precinct. Meticulously restored and reimagined by Pontiac Land, the building now serves as a symbol of Sydney's rich heritage and modern sophistication.

Marc von Arnim, General Manager of Capella Sydney said, "We are incredibly honoured to receive this prestigious recognition from Travel + Leisure as one of the world's finest new hotels. This achievement speaks volumes about the unwavering dedication, passion and creativity that our team invests in ensuring an exceptional experience for every guest. I am tremendously proud of their efforts."

“At Capella Sydney, our commitment lies in curating culture and crafting unforgettable experiences for our guests. Through our team of Culturists and our Capella Curates program, guests can uncover the true essence of Sydney, where each experience is meticulously tailored to offer authentic insights and unique moments throughout their stay,” he added.

From captivating architectural walks led by Eoghan Lewis, to indulgent luxury sailing excursions aboard the esteemed Southwinds vessel, where guests are treated to champagne and local oysters while cruising Sydney Harbour, Capella Sydney's bespoke resort programming offers an ever-changing itinerary of luxurious experiences tailored to the discerning traveller.

The Travel + Leisure 2024 It List is featured in the May 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure magazine and online at travelandleisure.com/best-new-hotels-of-2024-8607510.

Notably, Capella Hotels and Resorts also received acclaim from Travel + Leisure in 2023, being named the Best Hotel Brand in their ‘World’s Best Awards’.

For more information about Capella Sydney, please visit capellahotels.com/sydney