Dante death's anniversary

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence dedicates a virtual exhibition to Dante Alighieri's masterpiece Illustrated by sixteenth-century painter Federico Zuccari, famous for having frescoed the Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore. 

Enjoy the online exhibition "To rebehold the stars".

Find out more

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy

Three new sites have been added this year to the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy. 

Early this year, Italy's list was still at 55 sites, an equal number with China, but the recently added sites have made Italy the world leader, with 58 sites in total.

Find out more

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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Save on Halloween Time Stays in Anaheim

Book spooktacular savings this Halloween! The Disneyland Resort welcomes the new season with themed decor, entertainment, and ghoulishly good food offerings starting September 3. For a limited time, you can save on the frightful delights when you book a stay at the Hilton Good Neighbor Hotels in Southern California. The special is filled with treats, no tricks, including:

• Daily food credit or premium WiFi.
• 5% savings of non-discounted single-day or multi-day tickets to the Disneyland Resort as compared to Main Entrance booth tickets.
• $10 Disney Dining Gift Card.

For more information, visit the spellbinding savings page here. But don’t delay! This deal is only available for stays through September 30, 2021!

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort
Disneyland

Disneyland

Hauntingly great fun awaits you during Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort. As you stroll down Main Street, make sure to snap a photo with the gigantic Mickey Pumpkin. Note the hundreds of uniquely hand-carved pumpkin faces smiling down on you from atop the storefronts. Then, head to the Haunted Mansion attraction, if you dare. During the Halloween holiday, the ride gets a festive Nightmare Before Christmas overlay. Throughout the park, you’ll be delighted to see your favorite Disney characters in costumes of their own. When the sun goes down, Disney lights up the sky for the villainously fun Halloween Screams fireworks show on select evenings.

Disney California Adventure

Disney California Adventure

Oogie Boogie invites you to enjoy the eerie happenings at Disney California Adventure. Cars Land puts Halloween fun in the fast lane with two festive attraction overlays: Mater’s Junkyard JamBOOree and Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-o-Ween. The new Marvel-themed expansion features its own Halloween attraction: Guardians of the Galaxy -- Monsters After Dark. Guests are also invited to enjoy the special-ticketed event, the Oogie Boogie Bash, filled with treat trails, costumed characters, and entertainment.

Get to Know Your Good Neighbor Hilton Hotels

• Hilton Anaheim: Conveniently located next to the Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland Resort, the Hilton Anaheim offers Mickey-waffles and a full-sized Starbucks to start your day and rooms with views of the fireworks to end it.
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Anaheim Resort - Convention Center: Elevate your fun with their rooftop swimming pool and family-friendly suites.
• Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim/Garden Grove: Paint the roses red in wonderful, recently refreshed Hilton Garden Inn complete with its own golf course.
• SunCoast Park Hotel Anaheim, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: A beautiful visit to Anaheim flourishes with the Anaheim Gardenwalk across the street and the Disneyland Resort just a mile away. Soak up more SoCal sunshine on the outdoor pool deck at SunCoast Park Hotel.
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort: Your oasis awaits with poolside cabanas and bar, plus a splash pad. Flip your fins to the Disneyland Resort across the street.
• Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim Resort: Stay connected while relaxing with free WiFi and an onsite business center. When it’s time to unwind, enjoy the pool, fitness center, and restaurant.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort Convention Center: Be at the heart of the magic in the Anaheim Resort District. Unwind in your suite before fueling up for fun with free breakfast.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort - Convention Center: Make yourself at home sweet home at Homewood Suites, which is within walking distance to the Anaheim Convention Center and Resort District.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort - Maingate Area: Consider it your own magic carpet as you set aboard the free shuttle to Disneyland from this hotel, which is only two miles from the parks.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South: Stay like royalty in the all-suite accommodations with free breakfast at the Embassy Suites, the closest of the collection to the resort.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim Garden Grove: Close to numerous SoCal attractions including theme parks, beaches, and sports, the Hampton Inn & Suites features a swimming pool, fitness center, and more.

Hurry, don't miss your chance to enjoy Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort by staying with a Hilton Good Neighbor Hotel. Book your spooktacular Anaheim vacation now.

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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Explore Anaheim This Halloween Season

Credit Disneyland Tour Guide

Anaheim has so much to offer during the Halloween season. Disneyland is a must, but don't miss out on local dining, family fun, and more! It’s no secret a visit to the Disneyland Resort during spooky season is on my to-do list, but there are many other things to explore. Let me share with you my exciting weekend and give you some ideas for your upcoming visit to Anaheim.

Disneyland at Halloween Time
Come celebrate Halloween through October 31st at the Disneyland Resort! The Parks are decorated with pumpkins, characters can be seen in their Halloween costumes, the Haunted Mansion changes to Haunted Mansion Holiday, and there are new spooky treats to eat! I love the parks during this season. Here are some must-do items included with your Park ticket:

• See Mickey and friends on Main Street in Town Square dressed up in Halloween costumes.
• Get a photo in front of the giant pumpkin Mickey on Main Street!
• Go for a ride on Haunted Mansion Holiday; the attraction is celebrating 20 years!
• Watch Halloween Screams, a nightly event with projections, music, and special effects at 9:00 pm in Disneyland. On select nights, usually Fri. - Sun., fireworks are also included.

Element Anaheim Resort Convention Center
There’s a brand new beautiful hotel in Anaheim, the Element Anaheim Resort Convention Center! This hotel is a short 10-minute walk to Disneyland, and there are so many reasons why I recommend staying here!

• The hotel features several room types including rooms with two queen beds, a single king bed, or even some with bunk beds! Each room also comes with a kitchen and sofa bed.
• Hot breakfast served daily that includes plenty of healthy options.
• Heated pool with outdoor area for BBQ that guests can use.
• 3rd night is free when you book through Get Away Today; be sure to check out the rates for Element Anaheim Resort Convention Center.
• The parking fee is $15 for Get Away Today guests (otherwise, the parking fee is $25.78).
• Loved the music in the lobby and it smelled so good!

Mission Escape Games Anaheim
Have you ever done an escape room? Well, I had never done one. I was worried it would be too hard, too scary, too intense. And I’m here to say that it was a blast. Located in the Anaheim GardenWalk and steps away from the Element Anaheim Resort Convention Center hotel, is Mission Escape Games Anaheim. My girlfriends and I did the Bank Heist room. It was challenging with lots of puzzles but so exciting. As soon as we’d solve one puzzle, we’d quickly start work on another. I loved working as a team with my friends to complete the tasks and escape. There are four room types to choose from. This is a great way to bring a group together for some entertainment while visiting Anaheim. I’d totally do this again!

Anaheim Packing House
Next up, we took a short five-minute drive to the Anaheim Packing House, located in the heart of Downtown Anaheim. This place is an old citrus packing facility turned stunning food hall with 20+ vendors. Such a cool location and venue to visit. Our first stop was lunch at Urbana. This colorful restaurant specializes in fresh flavors influenced by the authentic offerings of Mexico. The music, decor, and vibe were spot on. Our service was excellent and the food was good. We had a yummy quesadilla and nachos.

For dessert, we walked back upstairs to Popbar Anaheim where they serve gelato and sorbet pops. We were able to try the new Halloween pop, pumpkin and vanilla flavors with white chocolate or drizzled milk chocolate. There are so many fun flavor combinations and this was such a delicious treat. When visiting Anaheim be sure to stop by this unique dessert location and try one of their many options. I will be back!

Credit Disneyland Tour Guide

House of Chimney Cakes
Last but not least was our final treat at House of Chimney Cakes. This location is on Center Street Promenade in Downtown Anaheim. It’s only a couple blocks north of the Anaheim Packing House. House of Chimney Cakes makes a specialty treat called a Chimney Cake or Kürtőskalács. It is actually the official dessert of Hungary. The treat is kind of like a mix between a churro and a donut. This unique treat is handmade to your liking. There are several base flavors to choose from for your cone. Top it off with soft-serve, including options like Dole Whip, and lastly, add toppings. I was lucky enough to try the Halloween Jack Skellington cone coming for Halloween in October.

Book a Trip to Anaheim
Ready to book a trip to Anaheim and check out all the fun? Well, I have a deal for you. Visit Anaheim and my travel partner Get Away Today have teamed up to give visitors a special offer! Come stay in Anaheim and experience all the Halloween things. Book your trip and receive an extra day AND night free, now through October 31, 2021! All packages include:

• 4-night hotel stay at the listed hotel – with 4th Night Free
• 5-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Tickets for 2 adults and 2 children (ages 3-9) -with 5th Day Free
• Taxes and fees
• Get Away Today Lanyards at Check-in

For more information on deals or to book, visit Get Away Today.

I hope that this blog gives you a few ideas on some of the many things to do while visiting Anaheim. You know I love to go to Disneyland and I always recommend a non-park day to rest. On your next rest day plan to eat at one of these local places or play a fun game at Mission Escape Games Anaheim. I definitely plan on visiting more spots at Anaheim GardenWalk and Anaheim Packing House. Both of those locations offer so many places to eat, explore, and play.

Enjoy your visit to Anaheim, there sure is a lot to experience!

By Shantelle, @Disneylandtourguide
This article originally appeared on disneylandtourguide.com

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

And now for some GOOD news! The Langham, Melbourne Named Number One City Hotel in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific in Travel + Leisure's annual World's Best Awards

The Langham, Melbourne is thrilled to share some good news. The hotel has been voted the number one city hotel in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific in this year’s edition of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.

Travel + Leisure has over 35 million readers across all of its platforms and is an authoritative voice in the travel industry and is a trusted resource for travellers around the globe.

“Being named the number one city hotel in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific by the readers of Travel + Leisure means a great deal to all of us at the hotel, especially during what has been such a tumultuous period and in unprecedented circumstances. We are humbled that our guests took the time to vote for the hotel. This accolade will be treasured and celebrated and is just the sort of uplifting news that we all need right now,” says The Langham, Melbourne’s Managing Director, Jeffrey van Vorsselen.

“We have received this sought-after award in previous years, most recently in 2018 and 2016, but as everyone can appreciate, this recognition feels extra special after the challenges of the last 18 months,” adds van Vorsselen.

In other good news, The Langham, Melbourne has attained Platinum certification status by reputable global accreditation body, EarthCheck and is the only hotel in Australia to achieve Platinum status. This year marks a decade of recognition by EarthCheck for the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, protecting and preserving the environment. The hotel will continue to introduce sustainable business practices in an ongoing effort to reduce our impact on the environment.

In the last year, The Langham, Melbourne has introduced a number of new guest experiences, including welcoming four-legged guests through the hotel’s pampered pet staycation for both dogs and cats. Plus, launching the Langham Pink Water Taxi that can take guests on a picnic cruise or ferry guests to destinations along the Yarra River.

Images are available here: Images of The Langham Melbourne

In more news, Langham Hotels and Resorts will open its latest property, The Langham, Jakarta today. The Langham, Gold Coast, a much-anticipated five-star hotel and resort, will open in 2022.

The Langham, Melbourne looks forward to welcoming guests back to the award-winning hotel as soon as restrictions ease.

Additional information about Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards is available on online at travelandleisure.com, on Twitter (@TravelLeisure), Facebook (travelandleisure) and Instagram (@travelandleisure)

#lovinglangham #celebratetheeveryday @langhammelbourne

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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Australians love Italy

After the Italian summer break, our radio show "Australians love Italy" is back from Tuesday, 14th of September, hosting Dylan Hearne from Back Roads Touring. Tune in to listen to Australian music and virtually travel to amazing locations in Italy. Every episode will be repeated Wednesdays at 10 am, Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 12 noon (AEST).

Find out more

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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Sunshine Coast Bus Company’s Multi-Million Dollar Fleet Expansion To Service Local Cruise Industry Is Hit By The Ban On Ocean Cruising

Darren Webster, CEO of Kangaroo Bus Lines

Ten luxury coaches that Kangaroo Bus Lines acquired to cater for record cruise industry growth in Queensland are testament to the massive impact of the covid pandemic on the region’s tourism sector.

Darren Webster, CEO of the four-generation family said the coaches, each valued at around $550,000, were obtained over a two to three year period as cruising in Queensland grew dramatically.

Kangaroo Bus Lines’ head office is at Burpengary, 30 minutes from the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, and has another office at Kunda Park on the Sunshine Coast.

“When the cruise ships were still sailing, it was nothing for us to have up to 30 coaches a day devoted to a Brisbane call by a cruise liner,” Darren said.

“The buses did a mixture of shore excursions to places such as Australia Zoo and other attractions in Brisbane and its immediate surrounds, through to shuttle bus services getting guests from the port into the CBD and back again. Obviously, the larger the cruise liner, the more buses required on the day.

“We invested heavily in capital to support cruise operations and even though the ships are no longer here, the capital still is and our tourism business is down about 30 per cent without cruising.

“Over a two to three year term, we bought 10 coaches, at $550,000 a throw, roughly. It was a substantial investment and included a couple of custom-built stepless vehicles to cater for the elderly and people with disabilities.

“And there was also the investment in ground staff and training to make them seamlessly part of the cruise line brand.”

Following such a significant hit to the business, Darren is backing calls for federal and state governments to engage and agree to a pathway for cruising to resume beginning with domestic itineraries.

He agrees that it will take months for any cruise ships to return but engagement with the industry was needed now to provide the tourism sector with some certainty.

Sture Myrmell, President of Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia, said Kangaroo Bus Lines was one of many business operators around Australia, small and large, for whom cruising is an opportunity that supports local economies and jobs.

“Businesses benefit from the economic activity generated by cruising but the flow has now been cut off for more than a year with no indication of when the tap might be turned on again,” Mr Myrmell said.

“This loss of business opportunity for so many underlines why it is so important for federal and state governments to engage and agree on a pathway for the resumption of domestic cruising limited to Australian guests on ships calling at Australian ports.”

Darren Webster said it was amazing to think that Brisbane had a brand new international cruise terminal (underwritten by Carnival Australia) that is a state of the art facility but is yet to see a ship at the berth.

He said there was often a reference to ‘we are all in this together’ but there was little recognition that tourism-connected businesses such as his family’s were haemorrhaging money at an alarming rate each day.

“We are part of the tourism supply chain too,” Darren said. “We bring thousands of cruise visitors into Brisbane on our coaches and they spend money adding to the local economy.”

Kangaroo Bus Lines is a family run business, with four successive generations of Websters beginning in 1978 with Stan Webster who, after moving from Victoria, bought the Caboolture-based company when it had just six buses.

His son, Daryl and his wife Jan helped expand the business adding the tourism component. Their children, Darren and daughter Tania, are now CEO and Chief Financial Officer respectively. A fourth generation is also now working in the company, which now has a fleet of more than 135 buses.

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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Authentically Anaheim: Only-In-Anaheim Hotels

Expect a stay unlike any other when you visit Anaheim. Select an only-in-Anaheim hotel to be delighted by exceptional accommodations and experiences, with a sprinkling of pixie dust for good measure. From swanky stylings to dream-making extras, these three Anaheim hotels offer a stay outside of the ordinary. Plus, they’re conveniently located to the Disneyland Resort and numerous local entertainment offerings.

Check out three Authentically Anaheim hotels for your next check-in in town!

The Anaheim Hotel
Check into retro rejuvenation at The Anaheim Hotel. The mid-century modern styling of the hotel is delightfully paired with modern amenities making your stay at The Anaheim Hotel one for the ages. Splash into fun in the Anaheim Resort District’s largest swimming pool for a Dive-N-Dine poolside movie before diving into comfort on your pillow-top mattress. The on-site restaurant, The Pizza Press, means your slice of a perfect getaway is just steps away.

Clementine Hotel & Suites
Squeeze more magic out of your Disneyland Resort visit with a stay at the Clementine Hotel & Suites, which is located steps away from the Parks. The family-friendly standard suites come with fully equipped kitchens and sitting areas, offering you spacious comfort to peel away the stresses of life and unwind in Anaheim. Settle in for a longer stay with services like hot breakfast buffets and community spaces perfect for memory-making.

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel
Channel your inner Sleeping Beauty at the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel. The castle-themed hotel boasts large guest rooms fit for royalty, plus 13 acres of manicured gardens giving the hotel its name. They say “A dream is a wish your heart makes,” and a free shuttle to the Disneyland Resort aboard the Dream Machine is a wish granted.

Categories: Things to Do, Where to Stay

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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Quang Binh Province opening online photo contest on Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

The online photo contest Phong Nha - Ke Bang is organized in order to promote outstanding values and images of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, attracting tourists, raising awareness of people and enhancing protection, preservation and promotion of heritage values…

Hang Va located in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

The contest is opened to Vietnamese and foreigners over 18 year olds. The entries are photos of landscape, nature and people taken by the author in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park.

The organising board will present 01 first prize worth VND 10 million; 02 second prizes, each worth VND 5 million; 03 third prizes, each worth VND 3 million; 4 consolation prizes, each worth VND 1 million.

The contest lasts from September 15 to November 15, 2021.

The official website of the contest is https://anh.phongnhakebang.vn or accessing https://phongnhakebang.vn to upload contest photos. Or, the contestants can send the works to the email address of the Competition Organizing Committee pnkb.cuocthianh@gmail.com.

Tourism Information Technology Center

Tags: online photo contest, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park,

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

Taronga Zoo Sydney announces the birth of five African Lion Cubs and brand-new Cub Cam!

Taronga Zoo Sydney is proud to announce the birth of five African Lion Cubs – the first lion cubs to be born at Taronga Zoo Sydney in 18 years. The five cubs who arrived in mid-August, are now five weeks old, and growing every day.

In a first for Taronga, the public will be able to meet the new pride and support Taronga’s important conservation work with a brand-new cub cam, which is launching just in time for the spring school holidays. The Taronga TV cub cam is available for a limited time only for a tax-deductible donation of $7, allowing the public to watch the youngsters grow, all while supporting their cousins in the wild.

The five cubs – three females and two males - were born to experienced mum Maya and first-time dad Ato on Thursday 12 August, which in a sweet turn of events also happened to coincide with Ato’s fourth birthday.

Carnivore Unit Supervisor Louise Ginman said the new pride are in good health and going from strength to strength. “Maya is a very attentive, nurturing and relaxed mother. Her labour went off without a hitch and we couldn’t be happier with the maternal behaviours that we are observing”.

“Now weighing between 5-6kg compared to approximately 1.5 kg at birth, each cub is growing and developing beautifully with mum Maya ensuring each cub is suckling and feeding well,” said Louise.

Since their birth, the keepers have been closely monitoring the cubs via CCTV cameras in their specialised maternity den, and from today, the public will be able to join them via Taronga TV’s brand-new cub cam.

“In a first for Taronga, we are giving our community access to meet these five precious cubs and bringing them along on the journey from the very beginning. From when they start finding their feet, to when their paws touch grass for the first time – our community will be right there with us” said Cameron Kerr, CEO, Taronga Conservation Society Australia.

“As a not-for-profit zoo, one the best ways the public can support our two Zoos and our critical conservation work is by tuning in to Taronga TV’s brand-new cub cam. With a donation of just $7 you are supporting our work at Taronga’s two zoos and our on-the-ground work in Northern Kenya -one of six native homelands of the African Lion” said Kerr.

African Lions are currently classified as vulnerable in the wild, with their population continuing to decrease due to human-animal conflict, habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade and poaching.

“Taronga’s pride of lions are such amazing ambassadors for their wild counterparts as they help to raise awareness for their species and bring to the forefront the threats facing them in the wild,” says Carnivore Unit Supervisor Louise Ginman.

“Maya has been an invaluable contributor to the regional breeding program of the African Lion, and with less than 20,000 African Lions remaining in the wild, every cub really does count” said Louise.

At the moment, the cubs are finding their feet behind the scenes in their nursery den, but soon enough they will be meeting milestones like their first health check, meeting their father Ato and eventually making their public debut later this year.

“We cannot wait to hear the pitter-patter of paws as the cubs start investigating and finding their way around their brand-new home at Taronga’s African Savannah Precinct, but that is still a little while off! Fingers and toes crossed our Zoo community will be able to witness this moment as well!” said Louise.

Despite both Taronga’s two Zoos being closed, the critical conservation work never stops and for a small tax-deductible donation of just $7 the public can now access Taronga TV’s brand-new cub cam and continue to support Taronga's vital conservation work and help save Lions in the wild.

To access Taronga TV’s cub cam head to www.taronga.org.au/cubcam. As Sydney’s only not-for-profit zoo Taronga is delighted to continue fostering connections between both wildlife and people.

Lion Cubs and Cub Cam Quick Facts

• Taronga Zoo Sydney is proud to announce the birth of five African Lion Cubs – the first lion cubs to be born at Taronga Zoo Sydney in 18 years
• The five cubs who arrived during lockdown, are now five weeks old, and growing every day
• In a first for Taronga, the public will be able to meet the new pride and support Taronga’s important conservation work with a brand-new cub cam, which is available for a limited time
• By making a tax-deductible donation of just $7, the public will be able to unlock Taronga TV’s cub cam and watch the youngsters grow, while supporting their cousins in the wild
• The cubs were born to experienced mother Maya and first-time dad Ato, on Thursday 12 August, which also coincides with Ato’s fourth birthday
• While the cubs are still finding their paws, guests will be able to pay them a virtual visit in their maternity den and support the zoo’s vital conservation work
• Taronga’s lions are important ambassadors for their species, helping to raise vital funds and awareness to help their wild counterparts
• Join the cubs on their journey and get to know them as they grow, all while making a difference for lions in the wild
• Despite both Taronga’s two Zoos being currently closed the critical conservation work never stops

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Canada is Welcoming Back International Travellers: New Border Measures

The Government of Canada has re-opened Canadian borders to fully vaccinated international travellers who meet entry requirements on September 7, 2021. While travel will look a little different, and additional pre-travel planning is needed, this is a significant milestone for the Canadian tourism and business events sectors.

As we all plan ahead for what we hope will be a prosperous autumn and beyond, we wanted to share links to the latest Government processes and protocols for travellers looking to visit Canada.
New Measures for Fully Vaccinated International Travellers to Canada

From September 7, 2021, fully vaccinated foreign nationals are eligible to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) reasons, such as tourism; however, these individuals must:

• be fully vaccinated: a traveller must have received, and show proof of, the full series of a vaccine — or combination of vaccines — accepted by the Government of Canada at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Currently, those vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
• have a valid pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test result taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight or their arrival at the land border crossing, or a previous positive test result taken between 14 and 180 days before departure to Canada. Antigen tests, often called “rapid tests” are not accepted;
• be asymptomatic;
• submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN (App or website), including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan;
• be admissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and,
• take a test on arrival, if selected.

Read the full announcement.

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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Virtual exhibition celebrates traditional Mid-autumn festival

The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long will host a virtual exhibition featuring paintings, writings and video clips about the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival by cultural specialists from September 19.

The Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre will hold a virtual exhibition on the 2021 Mid-Autumn Festival starting September 19 (Photo courtesy of the organisers)

Particularly, the content of the Mid-Autumn Festival Reunion exhibition will be bilingual, Vietnamese and English, so that both domestic and international audiences can enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festive atmosphere and learn the importance of the festival in Vietnamese culture.

It is based on documents such as paintings and writings of cultural specialists like French researcher Henri Oger and writers Nguyễn Tuân, Phan Kế Bính and Vũ Bằng.

The Mid-Autumn Festival has been an important festival of the country since the Lý Dynasty (1009–1225).

During the festival, many activities were held like ancestor worship, boat racing and water puppet performances while the whole citadel was beautifully decorated with lights and flowers.

In traditional customs, the festival is not only dedicated to children but also an occasion for family reunions.

According to a representative of the Thăng Long-Hà Nội Heritage Conservation Centre, the exhibition will tell stories about the Mid-Autumn Festival via traditional fruit trays and toys that grandparents or parents usually present their children on the occasion

A traditional Mid-Autumn Festival tray will have a 'paper doctor' placed in the most solemn position that aims to convey the parents’ wish that their children will study well and succeed, in addition to mooncakes, fruit-shaped green bean cakes, colourful figurines and other typical products of Hà Nội’s autumn such as nuggets, persimmons, custard apples, bananas, grapefruits and chestnuts.

On the festival night, the whole family gathers around the tray. While the children join lantern processions and contests, observe kylin dances and play folk games, the adults contemplate the full moon, eat mooncakes and drink tea.

Viewers of Mid-Autumn Festival Reunion will also learn about the diversity of the festival toys in Hà Nội in the early 20th century via the archives of the Quai Branly Museum (France) and the French School of the Far East that are also exhibited.

Other highlights of the exhibition include video clips of Vietnamese historian Lê Văn Lan talking about various themes of traditional Mid-Autumn Festival and of artisan Quách Thị Bắc making cotton swans, a special toy of Hanoians on the occasion.

Mid-Autumn Festival Reunion can be viewed via www.hoangthanhthanglong.vn.
Source: VNS
Tags: Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Mid-Autumn Festival, Hanoi's Old Quarter,

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Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

MCEC supports our industry’s best shot at recovery

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is supporting Business Events Council of Australia’s ‘Give Business Events a Shot’ campaign and Tourism Australia’s ‘It’s our best shot for events’ initiative.

Since March, MCEC has been home to one of Melbourne’s largest vaccination hubs, with over 156,000 Victorians being vaccinated at our iconic venue.

Peter King, Chief Executive of MCEC said, “by hosting one of Victoria’s flagship vaccination centres, we’re proud to be leading the way in vaccinating our population. Our Executive Team realises the role we each need to play in getting Melbourne back on its feet and I am proud to share we are all fully vaccinated.”

“We need to be vaccinated so we can safely move around our regions, interstate and eventually overseas assisting in a faster recovery of our business events industry.

“We’ve also worked tremendously hard to ensure we are positioned to recover as quickly as possible. Through new products such as our virtual and hybrid events solutions and our VenueSafe Plan we’re ensuring our customers can hold events in a controlled, safe environment that reflects the new world we find ourselves in.”

The MCEC vaccination centre is safe and easy to access, with access to free parking available via Normanby Street and is open every day between 8am - 6:30pm.

To book your vaccine at MCEC visit: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment

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Discover ‘Celebrated Cultures & Treasured Temples’ on Crystal’s Epic 2024 World Cruise

Crystal Serenity 

Today Crystal Cruises announced its highly anticipated 2024 World Cruise, a 105-night epic adventure aboard Crystal Serenity exploring the Southern Hemisphere and beyond from Miami to Rome, January 5 – April 20, 2024. ‘Celebrated Cultures & Treasured Temples’ marks Crystal’s 27th World Cruise and features a near circumnavigation of the globe with 49 ports of call in 22 countries and destinations including the Panama Canal; Mexico; French Polynesia; the South Pacific; New Zealand; Australia; Indonesia; Sri Lanka; India; the Red Sea, the Suez Canal; and the Mediterranean isles of Cyprus, Crete and Sicily.

Guests who were booked on Crystal’s canceled 2022 World Cruise will enjoy an exclusive booking window from September 21 – 30, 2021, and opens for reservations to the public on October 1, 2021. Guests will benefit from 2-for-1 fares including Book Now Savings of up to $17,250 per guest.

“We know our guests will love this new ocean odyssey as it captures just the right mix of luxury, adventure and discovery from the idyllic isles of French Polynesia to the fjords and wine regions of New Zealand to ancient cultures and desert adventures of the Red Sea,” said Jack Anderson, president of Crystal. “The 2024 World Cruise also includes a generous number of days at sea which our guests love and dare I say demand. Sea days are an open invitation to luxuriate in Crystal’s unmatched service, unwind in the spa, lean into relaxation, and enjoy intriguing lectures, incredible dining and glorious, uninterrupted ocean views with no agenda except la dolce vita.”

Showcasing a captivating mix of coastal enclaves less traveled, storied islands and chic cosmopolitan capitals the voyage also features 14 overnight calls in intriguing cities including Panama City, Panama; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Bora Bora and Papeete, French Polynesia; Auckland and Napier, New Zealand; Hobart, (Tasmania), Sydney, and Cairns, Australia; Bali, Indonesia; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Cochin and Mumbai, India; and Eilat, Israel.

Crystal Serenity 

Rich with natural and cultural wonders, Crystal’s 27th World Cruise provides access to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the striking Buddhas of Mumbai’s Elephanta Caves to the intriguing Land of Frankincense in Oman and the famed mosaics of Paphos in Cyprus.

‘Celebrated Cultures & Ancient Temples’ can be enjoyed as a 105-night World Cruise from Miami to Rome, or as an 89-night World Cruise from Los Angeles to Rome, both options affording Full World Cruise benefits. The itinerary is comprised of seven unique 13- to 18-night segments which can be combined for customized regional explorations affording an exclusive five percent savings.

World Cruise segments include:

• Panama Passage, 16 nights – Highlights include Key West, Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, a Panama Canal transit, overnights in Panama City and Cabo San Lucas and calls in tropical San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, and Huatulco, Mexico.
• French Polynesian Perfection, 13 nights – Luxurious days at sea and French Polynesian wonders abound including Nuka Hiva’s towering waterfalls, Rangiroa’s world-class dive sites and Mo’orea’s turquoise lagoons, as well as overnights in idyllic Papeete and Bora Bora.
• Pearls of the South Pacific, 14-nights – Beginning with an overnight in Papeete, this voyage features the beauty of Polynesia, Rarotonga’s vibrant reefs, the splendor of Fiji, the culture of Tonga, New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, and an overnight in Auckland, “City of Sails.”
• Fabled Fjords & Māori Majesties, 17 nights – The glacier-carved wonders of Fiordland National Park highlight this voyage featuring calls in Tauranga, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch and Dunedin, New Zealand; and overnights in Napier, New Zealand; and Hobart (Tasmania) and Sydney, Australia.
• Australian & Indonesian Discovery, 14 nights – An overnight in Cairns, Australia offers Great Barrier Reef adventures while Darwin boasts outdoor pursuits in Kakadu National Park. Komodo Island thrills with its ‘dragons’ and an overnight in Bali reveals mystical temples and lush landscapes.
• Cultural Kaleidoscope, 13 nights – An overnight in Colombo, Sri Lanka invites options for exotic exploration including the UNESCO-listed Sacred city of Kandy, while overnights in Cochin and Mumbai, India, and calls in Malaysia and Thailand offer incredible temples, wildlife and urban vigor.
• The Sands of Time, 18 nights – A call in Aqaba, Jordan is a doorway to ancient Petra and Wadi Rum, while sunny Eilat, Israel, tempts with spectacular reefs and jeep tours in the Negev Desert. A Suez Canal transit, calls in Cyprus and Crete and the timeless beauty of Sicily complete the journey.

Special events on board and ashore will highlight the Full 2024 World Cruise voyage, while dozens of shoreside Crystal Destination Discoveries™ allow guests to visit some of the world’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites. Optional curated experiences are offered to suit virtually every traveler preference from the architectural treasures of Sydney’s Opera House and Mumbai’s Shri Siddhivinayak Temple to natural wonders including Masaya Volcano National Park in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, and the crystalline lagoons of Bora Bora. Guests with a taste for even deeper exploration may be tempted by an optional overland adventure to India’s Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Each of the Full World Cruise options include benefits of air credits of $1,000 for the first two guests per stateroom; two complimentary private transfers between port city airport and the ship; an extravagant Gala Dinner event ashore; an exclusive shoreside World Cruise event; themed onboard events; special gifts; “As You Wish” shipboard spending credits of up to $2,000 per guest; and more!

Guests booking Crystal’s full 2024 World Cruise and combinable segments will enjoy Book Now Savings, cruise deposits of 15 percent, as well as 2.5 percent Early Full Payment Savings. Crystal Society members will also enjoy an additional savings of 2.5 percent, and new-to-Crystal guests an additional two percent savings.

A leader in unrivaled luxury cruising for 30 years, Crystal Cruises distinguishes its ships and its voyages with fine details and nuances that make a big impact for discerning travelers. The all-inclusive experience features award-winning entertainment; diverse enrichment options; acclaimed Michelin-inspired dining in multiple specialty venues; unlimited pours of fine wines, beers and premium spirits and an unwavering standard of genuine, personal service for each guest.

About Crystal
Only the world-renowned Crystal Experience offers an unwavering, unparalleled standard of excellence and luxury across three distinct cruising options: Crystal Cruises, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line; Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line; and Crystal Expedition Cruises, taking Crystal’s acclaimed elegance to the farthest reaches of the world on bold adventures. Crystal has been recognized with top honors in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for a record 27 years including, in 2019, for Best Medium-Ship Cruise Line for Crystal Cruises and Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises. Crystal was also voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure for 24 years, including, in 2017 and 2020, Best River Cruise Line for Crystal River Cruises; and won “Cruise Line of the Year” and “Most Luxurious Guest Experience” by Virtuoso for 2018 & 2019. Crystal is proud to be a platinum partner of the advisors of ASTA.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel advisor, call 1300 059 263 (AU), 0800 600 108 (NZ), or visit www.crystalcruises.com Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page; @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram; @crystalrivercruises on Instagram; and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises, #crystalrivercruises and #WhereLuxuryisPersonal.

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

The development of dark tourism with great potential

Foreign tourists visiting Hoa Lo Prison (Photo: hoalo.vn)

While travelling, tourists not only want to relax and enjoy beautiful natural scenery and visit amusement parks, but also understand the true past of the destinations. Therefore, “dark tourism” (tourism associated with death or tragedy) has become a trend both domestically and around the world.

The attraction of “dark tourism”
“Dark tourism” has been known by different names such as “thana tourism”, “black tourism” or “grief tourism”. “Dark tourism” refers to visiting places where dark events related to death or tragedies of humanity took place. These events could have originated from natural causes such as earthquakes and tsunamis, or from human related events such as genocide, assassinations and terrorism. Destinations could also be also prisons, war scenes and so on.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of tourists around the world ventured to the most unlucky places on Earth, where devastating events, accidents or natural disasters took place, every year.

The most popular destinations for dark tourism include Auschwitz (the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps and extermination centres), Chernobyl, Gettysburg (the site of the Kennedy assassination), the 9/11 Memorial in New York, the area of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan and the Killing Fields in Cambodia. Visitors have been making the worst parts of history become a piece of their vacations.

According to Uttar Pradesh Tourism in India, the mysterious city of Varanasi (Benares) on the Ganges, famous for traditional cremation ceremony, attracted around 300,000 foreign visitors in 2017.

Since its opening, the 9/11 Memorial in New York City has become one of the most famous destinations in the world, attracting over 7 million domestic and international tourists every year. Visitors come here to commemorate victims from the 9/11 tragedy and feel the loss of the terrible event that shook the US.

In fact, “dark tourism” is not a new phenomenon. The Washington Post cited an opinion from J. John Lennon, a professor from Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland, that this type of tourism goes back to 1815 and even the 16th century. However, it has become more and more popular, partly thanks to modern documentaries and films.

Although documentaries mostly deal with historical, geographical or cultural issues and do not promote the destinations based on tourism , they have contributed to arousing curiosity and encouraging tourists to visit painful these monuments.

One documentary film which refers to “dark tourism” is “Dark Tourism” by German film producer Manfred Becker. It was produced in Canada and broadcast during 2007-2008. In 2018, the Netflix documentary series "Dark Tourists", featuring a journalist exploring "strange" destinations, attracted large audiences.

Television has been contributing to driving more people to visit these places. Since the series of short films entitled “Chernobyl” on the 1986 nuclear power plant explosion, premiered in March 2019 on HBO, the number of visitors to the destination has increased by 30-40%.

While the world is still unsure about the purpose of this type of tourism, there is no denying that tours to dark and traumatic places aim to commemorate and remind tourists of the terrible things that humans can do, helping them avoid similar actions in the future. These sites are also a visual repository for historical research and to educate the current generation on the value of the past and respect for the present.

“Dark tourism” in Vietnam
With a long history of resistance against invaders, Vietnam possesses many destinations marking painful years but showing the indomitable spirit of the nation. Some typical places that could be exploited for “dark tourism” are piles yard on Bach Dang Eiver, Dong Da Mound, Hoa Lo Prison (in Hnaoi), War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Hang Duong Cemetery, Con Dao Prison and Phu Quoc Prison. International visitors have also paid special attention to many other places such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, Dang Thuy Tram Hospital, My Lai Village and Quang Tri Citadel.

The places mentioned above bear significant historical and cultural value, helping visitors learn more about the history, especially the unyielding will of Vietnamese people in each historical period of the country.

Over recent years, relic sites have received more investment and methodical management. Visitors to these destinations have been not only the middle-aged and older people but also many young. As many historical sites have applied technological advances and digital transformation, their value has been promoted , especially to young people. For example, since the activities of Hoa Lo Prison were introduced via its fanpage and radio channels via the Spotify and Apple Podcasts platforms, both domestic and foreign tourists have learned in an easier and more interesting manner.

In the long term, management agencies should have appropriate development plans for the development of “dark tourism, focusing on creating and promoting many more visual experience products for visitors, especially young people. In addition, it is crucial to avoid excessive exploitation and commercialisation so that the inherent historical and human values of these destinations will not be lost.
Source: NDO

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

Your Guide to Honda Center Events This Holiday Season

Unstoppable action, incredible live music, and a sprinkling of magic -- catch it all at the Anaheim Honda Center. The holiday season is jam-packed with must-see entertainment, all conveniently located in town at a premier venue. Check out what’s coming to the Honda Center this holiday season. Your season of fun is booked!

Anaheim Ducks Home Games -- Select Dates
Ride your Zamboni over to the Honda Center where the Anaheim Ducks return to the ice for the 2021-2022 regular season. Mascot Wild Wing needs your help cheering on the Ducks during their home games, and at the Freeway Faceoff where they take on the Los Angeles Kings. It’s almost time to paint the town orange! Get your Anaheim Ducks tickets now.

GOLD OVER AMERICA Tour -- Sept. 24, 2021
Go for the gold with a high-energy night of gymnastics mastery at the Honda Center during the GOLD OVER AMERICA Tour. Join Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, and more of the sport’s top athletes for an inspiring night where the all-female team showcases their incredible skill and personal journeys to international success.

James Taylor with Jackson Browne -- Oct. 30, 2021
The “Fire and Ice” singer takes to the stage on October 30th at the Honda Center. Enjoy singer-songwriter James Taylor as he performs the folk, rock, and pop stylings that earned him a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Taylor will be joined on tour by special guest Jackson Browne, a time-honored troubadour in his own right.

Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin Live in Concert -- Nov. 20, 2021
For the first time, the GRAMMY Award-winning international superstars Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin are on tour together. Both kings of Latin Pop music in their own solo careers, the multi-platinum artists are coming together to offer a night of hits that will have you on your feet dancing and singing along to “Bailamos” and “Livin’ La Vida Loca.”

Disney on Ice -- Dec. 8-12, 2021
Beloved Disney characters take to the ice in “Dream Big” the Disney on Ice production coming to the Honda Center December 8-12, 2021. Families will be wowed by the combination of magical storytelling with dynamic ice skating. Join the characters from Moana, Aladdin, Coco, Frozen, plus the Disney Princesses as they dream big and make all of their dreams come true.

The Honda Center is located at 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. For tickets or more information, visit HondaCenter.com.

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Standard International (The Standard hotel) Global Expansion & debut in Thailand

Amar Lalvani, CEO of Standard International (parent company of the Standard Hotels), presents the case for optimism in the hospitality business amidst the ongoing challenges resulting from Covid-19, along with his company’s navigation of the crisis and continued global growth.

The latest additions to the company’s growing portfolio, The Standard, Hua Hin, The Standard’s first resort in Thailand, will open on December 1st, 2021, followed by The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, the brand’s highly anticipated Asia flagship, which will open in 2022. The Standard is also excited to announce The Standard, Ibiza, also slated to open in 2022. These three new properties will kick off a series of 10 additional landmark projects in highly coveted markets around the world, including: Singapore, Melbourne, Lisbon, Dublin, Brussels and Las Vegas.

“We are incredibly proud to announce the openings of The Standard, Hua Hin, which is set for December, our incredible Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, which will open next year, as well as our second property in Europe, The Standard, Ibiza” said Standard International CEO, Amar Lalvani. “This has been a time of unprecedented crisis for the hospitality industry, and the millions of people around the world who work in the sector. Amidst such challenges, we are incredibly grateful that we continue to be able to delight our guests, serve our communities and create new opportunities for our team members by building landmark hotels around the world.”

The Standard, Hua Hin, The Standard’s first hotel in Thailand, will open on December 1, 2021. With 178 guest rooms and 21 pool villas with beachfront access, The Standard, Hua Hin will be a timeless destination for the Thai creative set and The Standard’s global network of loyal clientele. A beloved getaway dating back to 1911, Hua Hin emerged as a destination when the construction of the railroad that connects Bangkok with the South first arrived at the pristine little beach town. By the mid-1920s, it became the chosen holiday retreat for the nobility. With time, the sleepy fishing village has transformed into a popular seaside destination without losing its old-world charm. Today, Hua Hin is a favorite weekend escape for residents of Bangkok who have been waiting for exactly what The Standard promises to offer: a stylish and vibrant beachfront resort. One that respects Hua Hin’s understated Thai elegance and appreciation of the history and local setting and combines it with a global sensibility and a bit of fun.

The Standard, Bangkok Mahankhon will be the Asia flagship for the Standard brand. Opening in 2022, the hotel is already a landmark, housed in the King Power Mahanakhon Building, a 78-story mixed-use building that is one of the tallest in Thailand. Centrally located in the CBD between Sathorn and Silom, the hotel will reflect the dynamic energy of the Thai capital. With 155 rooms, penthouse, a terrace pool, fitness center, meeting rooms and a dynamic variety of food, drink and nightlife venues, from The Parlor to the Tea Room and renowned Standard Grill, as well as Thailand’s first outpost of the acclaimed Mott 32 restaurant. The property is designed by Spanish artist-designer Jaime Hayon’s Hayon Studio, in collaboration with The Standard’s award-winning in-house design team, this breath-taking new addition to the Standard portfolio will sit proudly alongside the brand’s award-winning vibrant US and European urban flagships, The Standard, High Line, and Standard, London and in perfect counterpoint to our waterside retreats The Standard, Maldives, The Standard, Miami, and the forthcoming The Standard, Hua Hin and The Standard, Ibiza.

Learn more about our upcoming expansion into Bangkok and Hua Hin, and plan your visit to The Standard, Hua Hin now, with a special opening offer. Stay tuned for a special offer for The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon via https://www.standardhotels.com/bangkok/properties/bangkok.

About Standard International (The Standard Hotels):
Created in 1999, The Standard hotels are known for their taste-making clientele, their pioneering design, and their unrelenting un-standard-ness. With 7 hotels in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, most recently London and the Maldives, and the upcoming The Standard, Hua Hin and the Asia flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon slated to open in early 2022, the goal of every Standard project—be it a hotel, a rooftop discothèque, or a magazine—is to defy conventions, up the aesthetic stakes, and deliver an experience that can only be had at The Standard. The Standard’s irreverent and playful sensibility, combined with a careful consideration of design, detail and service, have established its reputation as a pioneer of hospitality, travel, dining, nightlife, and beyond. Sansiri PLC, Thailand’s leading real estate developer made its first investment into Standard International in late November 2017, which increased over time, making Sansiri PLC the majority stakeholder. www.standardhotels.com @thestandard

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Stay, play, drink and dine with us here, and be sure to check out our health & safety measures before you visit.

ASIA Food and Beverage Summit to be open on November 2021

On September 7, Restaurant Association of Vietnam (RAV) announced to organize ASIA Food and Beverage Summit 2021 (AFBS 2021) on 10 - 11 November 2021 at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City.

Under the theme "Operation Excellence", the event aims to orient and provide tools to help restaurant and food businesses seize opportunities and overcome challenges, promote their competitiveness towards sustainable development, and recover post-COVID-19.

The main activities of AFBS 2021 includes talkshow by 30 leading experts, investors and organizations in Viet Nam; business connection session between domestic and international F&B owners - suppliers - investors; restaurant excellence show; LangLieu restaurant awards.

Tourism Information Technology Center
Tags: ASIA Food and Beverage Summit, AFBS 2021,

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

Imagine Holidays offering exclusive Uluru concerts with Guy Sebastian and Human Nature

Exclusive to Imagine Holidays, travellers can explore the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Red Centre on an incredible five-night itinerary, topped with an intimate performance from Australian singing sensation Guy Sebastian or iconic pop vocal group, Human Nature.

Gold and silver packages are available to book. Gold packages include an additional under-the-stars dining experience with Sounds of Silence, served against the sunset backdrop of Uluru.

All packages cover flights, tickets to the concert at Uluru, accommodation, as well as fully escorted tours of Alice Springs West MacDonnell Ranges and Uluru.

Travellers will have the opportunity to explore the charm of Alice Springs, venture to the spectacular waterholes of the West MacDonnell Ranges and be immersed in the Aboriginal art and culture that lies in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Guy Sebastian Intimate Uluru concert

• Guests will fly to Ayers Rock Airport and depart from Alice Springs Airport
• Covering flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Regional flights available at a supplement.
• 5-nights from $3,699pp, pending package and flight location
• Departing May 2022
• To book, call (02) 8313 5929 and quote holiday code TOU2286 (for silver package) and TOU2287 (for gold package).

Human Nature Intimate Uluru concert

• Guests will fly to Alice Springs Airport and depart from Ayers Rock Airport.
• Covering flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Regional flights available at a supplement.
• 5-nights from $3,499pp, pending package and flight location
• Departing April 2022
• To book, call (02) 8313 5929 and quote holiday code TOU2283 (for silver package) and TOU2284 (for gold package).

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
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Cathay Pacific celebrates 75 years of bringing people together

Customers can join the celebrations with limited-edition memorabilia that commemorate the past, present and future

Cathay Pacific celebrates an important milestone in its history as it marks 75 years of creating meaningful human connections.

Over the past three-quarters of a century, Cathay Pacific has grown from a small regional airline to one that has thrust its way out across the globe from its energetic home city, Hong Kong. Throughout it all, Cathay Pacific’s enduring purpose has been to connect customers to the people, places and experiences they love the most. To mark this special occasion, Cathay Pacific is unveiling a variety of exciting opportunities for customers to join it in marking 75 years of bringing people together, from paying homage to history, celebrating the power of connection or looking forward to a re-energised future.

Chief Executive Officer Augustus Tang said: “Cathay Pacific has seen exhilarating successes over the past incredible 75 years. We’ve connected people to many new destinations, welcomed the arrival of state-of-the-art aircraft and introduced exciting customer experience enhancements, to name a few. We have also experienced unprecedented challenges, such as the global pandemic, which we are all still overcoming. What these over seven decades have shown is that we are a resilient brand.”

“What has never changed is our unyielding commitment to our loyal customers, our dedicated people and our wonderful home city, Hong Kong. We wouldn’t be the company we are today without the enduring support they have shown us, and we are incredibly grateful to each and every one of them. We hope they will join us in marking our 75th anniversary, and we look forward to many more journeys together.”

Own a piece of history
Cathay Pacific has created a special series of limited-edition merchandise commemorating more than seven decades of connection.

Customers have the opportunity to get one of 1,000 special collector’s box sets each featuring seven aircraft models, from the airline’s very first Douglas DC-3 aircraft, “Betsy”, to the newest member of its fleet, the Airbus A321neo.

Meanwhile, 435 limited-edition pen and cardholder sets have been crafted out of aluminium reclaimed from B-HUJ, the airline’s final Boeing 747-400 passenger aircraft, and engraved with a unique serial number.

Customers can also give their luggage a touch of history with limited-edition aviation-themed luggage tags. Each has been formed from the body of Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777-200 B-HND aircraft – affectionately called the “Haneda Jet” – which joined the fleet on 13 June 1996 and carried more than six million passengers over her lifetime.

Cathay Pacific has also partnered with Hong Kong lifestyle brand G.O.D. to upcycle uniforms from its crew into a selection of accessories and homewares, from stylish patchwork cushion covers to cross-body bags, pouches and teddy bears.

All 75th anniversary memorabilia is available exclusively on the new Cathay shopping platform: please click here.

A taste of celebration
(Available exclusively in Hong Kong)

Cathay Pacific is also launching its first-ever cocktail collection, created in collaboration with award-winning craft-bottled cocktail brand LAIBA and available exclusively in Hong Kong. The four creations – Hong Kong Lemon Tease, Shanghai Spicy Martini, London Ginger Snap and Osaka Kanpai Sour, are inspired by some of our signature routes.

Meanwhile, customers wishing to discover the quintessential Cathay Pacific First Class experience can do so at Salisterra at The Upper House in Hong Kong, which is offering an exclusive celebration menu between 20 September and 17 October 2021. The menu features Cathay Pacific’s signature Imperial caviar paired with Krug Grande Cuvée, Champagne, France, NV and Château Lynch Bages, Bordeaux, France, 2008 from its legendary wine cellar – all served with Cathay Pacific’s signature tableware.

Reservations must be made through the new Cathay shopping platform: please click here.

Bringing the future to the present
(Offer currently available exclusively in Hong Kong)

While Cathay Pacific celebrates the past, it continues to bring innovation to every aspect of its offering. Earlier this year, Hong Kong’s home airline launched “Cathay”, a premium travel lifestyle brand that is designed to offer more for our customers, whether that’s in dining, shopping, events, wellness, flights or hotel getaways. The first of these offers, a new Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard Credit Card, has already been launched, followed by an upgraded Cathay app combining one-stop dining and digital payment.

Cathay Pacific is also innovating in the air with the launch of its new Airbus A321neo aircraft, which offers customers the world’s most enjoyable short-haul experience. The A321neo offers new levels of comfort, privacy and storage space, not to mention world-first inflight entertainment upgrades.

These fuel-efficient aircraft also help Cathay Pacific’s continued pursuit of greener aviation as it aims to reach its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This commitment makes Cathay Pacific one of the first airlines in Asia to establish a timeline for making carbon neutrality a reality.

Join us in celebrating our 75th anniversary: please click here.

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au