Chumphon, Thailand: Four Experiences Beyond the Beaches

Chumphon, Thailand

Chumphon, Thailand, is often described as the gateway to Southern Thailand, but this coastal province offers far more than beautiful beaches and access to the Gulf of Thailand islands. From mist-covered mountain viewpoints and traditional fishing villages to spiritual landmarks and spectacular birdwatching, Chumphon provides travellers with an opportunity to experience a more authentic side of southern Thailand.

With its combination of nature, culture, community and adventure, Chumphon is an appealing destination for travellers seeking experiences beyond the usual Thai beach holiday.

Khao Thalu and Doi Tapang: Above the Clouds

For spectacular mountain scenery, head to Khao Thalu and Doi Tapang Viewpoint. Rising approximately 500 metres above sea level, Khao Thalu provides panoramic views across the surrounding landscape.

When weather conditions are right, early morning visitors may see a magical sea of mist stretching across the valleys. The viewpoint can be reached by a local vehicle service because the mountain road is steep and rugged. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, supporting local villagers while providing access to one of Chumphon's most memorable viewpoints.

Ao Kram: Discover Southern Thai Fishing Life

Chumphon, Thailand

At Ao Kram, travellers can experience the traditional lifestyle of a small coastal fishing community.

The village has developed community-based tourism and homestay experiences, allowing visitors to stay close to local life while enjoying freshly prepared seafood. After dark, visitors can join traditional night squid fishing, an experience that offers a fascinating insight into the connection between the community and the sea.

Ao Kram demonstrates how tourism can support local communities while allowing visitors to experience authentic southern Thai hospitality.

Krom Luang Chumphon Shrine: History and Heritage

The Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine is an important spiritual and historical landmark in Chumphon.

The shrine honours Admiral Prince Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, who is widely revered in Thailand and regarded as the founder of the Royal Thai Navy. Nearby attractions include a decommissioned Royal Thai Navy vessel, adding another dimension to the area's maritime history.

For visitors interested in Thai history, culture and spirituality, the shrine provides an opportunity to understand an important part of Chumphon's heritage.

Khao Dinso: A Birdwatcher's Paradise

Khao Dinso Viewpoint

Nature lovers should make time for Khao Dinso Viewpoint. A nature trail leads visitors approximately 900 metres towards a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Chumphon's coastline and the landscape towards the Thailand-Myanmar border.

September and October are particularly exciting months for birdwatchers, when thousands of migrating raptors can be seen passing through the region. The annual migration makes Khao Dinso one of Chumphon's most distinctive nature experiences.

Experience the Other Side of Chumphon

Chumphon's appeal lies in its variety. Travellers can watch the sunrise above a sea of mist, share a meal with a fishing family, explore Thailand's naval heritage and follow migrating raptors across the southern sky.

For visitors looking beyond Thailand's better-known beach destinations, Chumphon offers an authentic combination of nature, culture, community and adventure.

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Website: https://www.tourismthailand.org/Destinations/Provinces/Chumphon/343
Email: contact@tourismthailand.org
Phone: +66 2 250 5500
TAT Call Centre: 1672
Address: 1600 New Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

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Tropical North Queensland Tourism Investment Signals a Confident Future A New Era of Growth for Tropical North

Mark Olsen, John O’Sullivan

A New Era of Growth for Tropical North Queensland

Tropical North Queensland is entering an exciting new chapter, with more than $295 million in tourism infrastructure investment underway and international visitor spending reaching record levels. The latest figures highlight growing confidence in the region and reinforce its position as one of Australia's leading nature-based tourism destinations.

According to Tourism Tropical North Queensland's 2025-26 Annual Report, international visitor expenditure reached a record $1.3 billion in the year ending March 2026, an impressive 27.6 per cent increase on the previous year.

The results demonstrate the powerful impact of sustained destination marketing and investment in tourism infrastructure across Cairns, Palm Cove, the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the wider Tropical North Queensland region.

Major Tourism Projects Transforming the Region

Several significant developments are now helping prepare Tropical North Queensland for future visitor growth.

The Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa is approaching its opening, while construction has begun on the $60 million Skyhaven accommodation project at Cairns Airport. The $85 million upgrade of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is also underway, promising an enhanced way to experience the region's ancient rainforest landscapes.

Further north, the Morris Group's $40 million redevelopment of Double Island is adding to the momentum. The project reflects a growing emphasis on carefully scaled tourism development that respects the area's extraordinary natural environment.

Outdoor adventure is also receiving substantial investment. The Queensland Government is supporting a $15.5 million expansion of Smithfield Mountain Bike Park and the $59 million Wangetti Trail, strengthening Tropical North Queensland's reputation for cycling, hiking and adventure tourism.

Marketing Investment Delivers Strong Returns

Tropical North Queensland

Tourism marketing has played a major role in rebuilding international demand. Since the pandemic, Tourism Tropical North Queensland has secured an additional $18 million in Federal funding to support international tourism recovery.

The organisation reports that its federally funded campaigns generated $267.5 million in visitor expenditure and supported an estimated 1,450 additional jobs.

Across 2025-26, TTNQ delivered five domestic campaigns and 67 international trade campaigns, reaching target audiences through publicity, digital marketing, advertising and trade activity.

The reported return was particularly strong, with $34 in visitor expenditure generated for every dollar invested by government and industry partners.

Building a Sustainable Tourism Future

The region's next phase of development is guided by the TNQ 2045 Destination Management Plan, recently approved by the TTNQ Board.

Developed following consultation with more than 230 stakeholders through 32 regional workshops, the plan establishes a long-term vision for Tropical North Queensland to become Australia's number one ecotourism region and a world leader in adventure and regenerative tourism.

The strategy aims to increase visitor expenditure and length of stay, with an ambitious target of $10 billion by 2045, exceeding the forecast of $8.6 billion.

Sustainability, First Nations connection, authentic cultural experiences, accessibility, skilled local employment and responsible tourism are central to the plan.

A Destination Growing With Purpose

Tropical North Queensland

For travellers, the investment means more accommodation, improved attractions, greater connectivity and new ways to experience one of Australia's most remarkable natural regions.

For the tourism industry and local communities, it represents something equally important: confidence in a future where tourism growth is closely connected to environmental protection, cultural respect and community prosperity.

With the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest at its heart, Tropical North Queensland is not simply expanding its tourism infrastructure. It is building a destination designed for the next generation of responsible travellers.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Website: tourism.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au
Email: info@ttnq.org.au
Phone: +61 7 4031 7676
Address: Level 1, Ports North Building, Cnr Grafton and Hartley Streets, Cairns QLD 4870, Australia
Postal Address: PO Box 865, Cairns QLD 4870, Australia

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Darjeeling Tea Gardens: Meet the Pickers Behind India's Famous Himalayan Tea

Darjeeling Tea Gardens

A visit to Darjeeling in India's West Bengal state is an opportunity to experience Himalayan scenery, colonial heritage, mountain railways and spectacular views of Kanchenjunga. But for many travellers, one of the most memorable experiences is stepping into a Darjeeling tea garden and discovering how the region's famous tea begins its journey from a green hillside to a teacup.

Among the rows of carefully maintained tea bushes, tea pickers work with remarkable speed and precision. What can appear to visitors as simply picking leaves is actually a skilled process based on experience and careful selection.

Discover the Art of Tea Picking

Darjeeling tea is closely associated with the careful hand-plucking of young shoots. The traditional expression “two leaves and a bud” describes the tender growth selected for harvesting.

For an experienced tea picker, recognising the right shoot becomes an instinct developed through years of work. A shoot that looks almost identical to another to a visitor may be ready for picking, while its neighbour may need more time.

The Tea Board of India describes Darjeeling tea as being produced in gardens across the Himalayan foothills, where altitude, climate and soil contribute to its distinctive character.

Walk Through a Darjeeling Tea Garden

Darjeeling Tea Gardens

For tourists, walking among the tea bushes provides a completely different perspective on Darjeeling. Instead of simply drinking a cup of tea in a cafe, visitors can see the landscape where the leaves are grown and observe the work involved in harvesting them.

West Bengal Tourism promotes tea tourism across northern West Bengal, with opportunities to explore tea plantations, experience plantation life and enjoy Himalayan scenery.

Singtom Tea Estate, located close to Darjeeling, is one example. West Bengal Tourism describes the estate as offering visitors the opportunity to walk through its extensive private grounds while enjoying panoramic Himalayan views.

See How Thousands of Shoots Become Tea

The sheer amount of work involved in producing Darjeeling tea becomes apparent when considering the number of shoots required.

Around 20,000 individually hand-plucked shoots can be required to produce a kilogram of made tea. For visitors, this statistic puts the work of the tea pickers into perspective. Every handful of fresh leaves represents numerous individual selections made in the garden.

After harvesting, the leaves continue to the tea factory, where they are processed before becoming the distinctive tea enjoyed around the world.

A tea garden visit that includes an explanation of processing can therefore turn a simple tasting into an insight into the complete journey of Darjeeling tea.

Tea, Mountains and Himalayan Views

Glenburn Tea Estate

The scenery is another reason to include a tea garden in a Darjeeling itinerary.

Many estates occupy dramatic Himalayan landscapes, with steep slopes, forests, mist and mountain views. Glenburn Tea Estate, for example, sits above the River Rungeet and is overlooked by the Kanchenjunga range. West Bengal Tourism lists several other tea tourism destinations, including Tumsong Chiabari, Makaibari Tea Estate and The Arya Tea Resort.

For travellers, combining a tea garden visit with a tasting, plantation walk or scenic stay can create a memorable addition to a Darjeeling holiday.

Make Tea Tourism Part of Your Darjeeling Trip

Travellers interested in authentic local experiences should consider allowing time for a tea garden visit rather than seeing the plantations only from a passing vehicle.

Ask the estate or local tourism operator what experiences are available before arriving, as activities, access arrangements and opening times can vary between gardens.

Respect the working environment by following instructions, staying on permitted paths and asking before photographing workers.

Most importantly, take time to watch the pickers at work. Their knowledge helps explain why Darjeeling tea has become one of India's most recognisable tea names.

A Cup of Tea With a Story

Makaibari Tea Estate

The next time you drink Darjeeling tea, imagine the Himalayan hillside where its journey began. Think of the rows of bushes, the cool mountain air and the experienced hands selecting the young shoots one by one.

For tourists, discovering the tea gardens of Darjeeling is not simply about tasting famous tea. It is about meeting a landscape, understanding a traditional skill and seeing the human work behind one of India's most celebrated agricultural products.

West Bengal Tourism

Website: https://www.wbtourism.gov.in/
Email: wbtourismpublicity1@gmail.com
Phone: +91 33 2243 6440
Toll Free: 1800 2121 655
Address: New Secretariat Building, 1 K. S. Roy Road, 3rd Floor, Kolkata 700001, India.

Tea Board India

Website: https://www.teaboard.gov.in/
Address: 14 B. T. M. Sarani, Kolkata 700001, India.

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Auckland Beyond the City: Rural Venues for Memorable Business Events

Bracu Estate

Auckland Convention Bureau, one of the exhibitors at MEETINGS 2026, showcased the region as a destination where venues and experiences can help delegates discover more of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

For organisers, building transport into the programme can turn the journey itself into part of the experience.

Bracu Estate: An Olive Grove Escape

Located in Bombay south of central Auckland, Bracu Estate places corporate groups among extensive olive groves and landscaped grounds. Its Pavilion can accommodate up to 160 guests for a banquet or 190 for a cocktail event, while the estate also offers smaller spaces and activity-based experiences.

Corporate programmes can include team-building activities through Beretta Activities, followed by dining among the olive trees. Bracu is designed for everything from executive gatherings to awards evenings and gala dinners.

Turanga Creek Vineyard: Rural Charm Close to Auckland

Turanga Creek Vineyard 

Less than 30 minutes from central Auckland, Turanga Creek Vineyard offers vineyard views and a distinctive century-old stable for corporate functions and smaller offsites.

With capacity for up to 120 banquet guests and 150 cocktail guests, it provides a relaxed alternative to city venues while keeping travel time manageable. The rural surroundings can create a natural transition from business sessions to an informal evening programme.

Markovina Vineyard Estate: Space for Larger Groups

Markovina Vineyard Estate

In Kumeu, west of Auckland, Markovina Vineyard Estate combines gardens, expansive grounds and multiple event spaces across its ten-acre property.

With capacity for up to 300 banquet or cocktail guests, the venue is suited to conference celebrations, incentive dinners and corporate events where outdoor activities, drinks and dining can be combined.

Parihoa: Where Farmland Meets the Tasman Sea

Parihoa

For a dramatic change of scenery, Parihoa on Auckland's west coast combines working farmland, contemporary architecture, coastal landscapes and Tasman Sea views.

Located around 35 minutes from Auckland city, the private estate offers spaces for small and medium-sized groups, making it particularly suited to executive gatherings, premium incentive programmes and private functions.

LaValla Estate, Lone Pine and The Hunting Lodge

LaValla Estate

LaValla Estate in Auckland's rural south provides landscaped gardens, lawns and indoor event spaces for conference dinners and larger celebrations, with capacity of up to 300 banquet or cocktail guests.

Lone Pine Estate in Riverhead offers a very different experience at its Heletranz Hangar, where aircraft displays create an unusual event backdrop. The venue can accommodate up to 100 banquet guests or 200 for cocktails.

Further west, The Hunting Lodge provides a vineyard setting with outdoor spaces and The Barn, accommodating up to 250 guests for both banquet and cocktail events.

Auckland Convention Bureau

Contact: Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events
Phone: +64 21 142 2245
Email: meet@aucklandnz.com
Website: Auckland Convention Bureau

Bracu Estate

Contact: Lisa Tapley-Bale, Event Enquiries
Phone: +64 9 236 1033
Email: events@bracu.co.nz
Website: Bracu Estate

Turanga Creek Vineyard

The Hunting Lodge

Contact: Events Team
Phone: +64 21 273 3968
Email: events@turangacreek.co.nz
Website: Turanga Creek Vineyard
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turangacreek/

Markovina Vineyard Estate

Contact: Markovina Team
Phone: +64 9 412 8608
Email: info@markovina.co.nz
Website: Markovina Vineyard Estate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markovinavineyardestate/

Parihoa

Contact: Jo, Property and Operations Manager
Email: jo@parihoa.com
Website: Parihoa

LaValla Estate

Lone Pine Estate

Phone: +64 9 236 8947
Email: therightperson@lavalla.co.nz
Website: LaValla Estate

Lone Pine Estate

Phone: +64 21 247 4444
Email: contact@lonepineestate.co.nz
Website: Lone Pine Estate
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lonepineestate/

The Hunting Lodge

Phone: +64 9 964 0565
Email: events@thehuntinglodge.com
Website: The Hunting Lodge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehuntinglodgenz/

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at The Holiday and Travel Magazine.

OceanXperience Brings Deep-Sea Discovery to Queensland Museum

OceanXperience

Become a Marine Scientist for the Day in Brisbane

Families visiting Brisbane this summer can swap the beach towel for a research vessel when OceanXperience arrives at Queensland Museum Kurilpa from 4 December 2026 to 11 April 2027.

This immersive new experience invites visitors to step aboard a recreation of the OceanXplorer, the advanced research vessel featured in the National Geographic series OceanXplorers. Rather than simply looking at exhibits, visitors can take an active role in deep-sea exploration and discover how scientists investigate one of Earth’s least explored environments. Queensland Museum lists OceanXperience as opening on 4 December 2026.

Step Inside a Deep-Sea Research Mission

OceanXperience recreates key areas of the OceanXplorer, giving families the opportunity to explore Mission Control, the Bridge, Wet and Dry Labs and the Sub Hangar.

At Mission Control, visitors can discover how researchers plan and manage ocean expeditions. On the Bridge, they can experience what it is like to navigate a research vessel, while the Sub Hangar reveals the technology used to launch underwater exploration vehicles.

The Wet and Dry Labs demonstrate how samples and observations gathered during expeditions can become valuable scientific discoveries.

Explore the Technology Behind Ocean Discovery

OceanXperience

The experience showcases the combination of marine science, robotics, submersibles and advanced mapping technology used to investigate the deep ocean.

Real expedition footage and interactive activities help explain how modern ocean exploration is expanding knowledge about marine ecosystems and the creatures living far beneath the surface.

For children and teenagers with an interest in science, technology and the natural world, OceanXperience offers an engaging way to see how scientific research happens beyond the classroom.

An Educational Family Experience in Brisbane

OceanXperience is particularly suited to families looking for an educational attraction during the Queensland summer holidays.

The experience connects entertainment with science, encouraging visitors to consider the importance of understanding and protecting the world's oceans. Queensland Museum also operates SparkLab, an interactive science, technology, engineering and mathematics space aimed particularly at children aged 6 to 13, making the museum a strong destination for families interested in hands-on learning.

Located at South Bank, Queensland Museum Kurilpa is close to Brisbane's cultural precinct and can easily be incorporated into a family day exploring South Brisbane.

Plan Your OceanXperience Visit

OceanXperience

OceanXperience runs at Queensland Museum Kurilpa from Friday 4 December 2026 until Sunday 11 April 2027. Tickets and season passes are available through the Queensland Museum website.

For travellers visiting Brisbane, the exhibition provides an opportunity to experience the excitement of ocean exploration without leaving the city.

Whether steering from the Bridge, exploring Mission Control or discovering the science behind deep-sea technology, OceanXperience promises a fascinating journey into the world's largest and least explored ecosystem.

Queensland Museum Kurilpa

Website: https://www.museum.qld.gov.au/kurilpa/whats-on/oceanxperience/
Email: enquiries@qm.qld.gov.au
Phone: +61 (07) 3153 3000
Address: Corner of Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Bank, South Brisbane, Queensland
OceanXperience: 4 December 2026 – 11 April 2027

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The Shawshank Redemption Sydney: Further Casting Announced for Powerful 2027 Stage Season

The Shawshank Redemption

The Shawshank Redemption is heading to Sydney’s Theatre Royal in January 2027, with further casting now announced and final performances released for the highly anticipated stage production based on Stephen King’s celebrated novella.

The Australian production will play at Theatre Royal Sydney from 2 to 31 January 2027, before continuing its national tour to Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

A Powerful Story Comes to the Sydney Stage

Adapted for the stage by Owen O’Neill and Dave Johns, The Shawshank Redemption follows Andy Dufresne, who is sentenced to life imprisonment after being wrongly convicted of murdering his wife and her lover.

Inside Shawshank prison, Andy develops an enduring friendship with fellow inmate Red. Against a backdrop of hardship, corruption and injustice, the story explores friendship, determination and the power of hope.

The stage production brings the much-loved story into an intimate live theatre setting, offering Sydney audiences an opportunity to experience the drama from just metres from the action.

Full Cast Revealed

The Shawshank Redemption

David Berry, best known for Outlander and A Place To Call Home, stars as Andy Dufresne, with Bert LaBonté as Red and Rodger Corser as the Warden.

The newly announced cast includes Stephen Anzo as Nelson, Laurence Boxhall as Tommy, Soren Jensen as Hadley, Stephen Lopez as Rico, Blessing Mok as Entwistle, Nathan O’Keefe as Rooster, Mark Saturno as Dawkins and Jeremiah Wray as Bogs Diamond.

The production brings together performers with extensive experience across Australian and international theatre, television and film.

Final Sydney Performances Released

The Sydney season runs from Saturday 2 January through Sunday 31 January 2027, with no further extension possible.

Performances are scheduled across Tuesday to Sunday, including evening performances and selected Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees. There is no performance on Tuesday 26 January.

Tickets are currently listed from $89.90, with prices varying according to performance and seating.

A Theatre Experience for Shawshank Fans

The Shawshank Redemption

The 1994 film adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption became a celebrated cinema classic and was nominated for seven Academy Awards. The stage production offers audiences a different way to experience the story, placing the characters, performances and dramatic action directly before them.

The Sydney production is recommended for audiences aged 15 and over and contains mature themes, strong coarse language, smoke and haze effects, cigarettes, firearms and partial nudity.

For theatre lovers, fans of Stephen King and audiences who know the famous film, The Shawshank Redemption provides an opportunity to discover this enduring story in a live Australian stage production.

The Shawshank Redemption

Website: https://www.shawshanklive.com.au/
Phone: 1300 163 808
Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney
Address: 108 King Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

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SkyCity Hamilton: A Riverside Venue for Business Events and Corporate Gatherings

SkyCity Hamilton

In the heart of Hamilton, where the Waikato River flows through the city centre, SkyCity Hamilton offers a convenient setting for conferences, corporate functions, networking events, training sessions, weddings and private celebrations.

Located within the SkyCity entertainment complex on Victoria Street, the venue combines flexible event spaces with catering, audio-visual services, technical support, parking and entertainment, giving organisers the opportunity to bring several elements of an event together under one roof.

SkyCity Hamilton was among the exhibitors represented at MEETINGS 2026, the major New Zealand business events tradeshow held in Auckland in June 2026. The event brought together venues, destinations, accommodation providers and business events suppliers from throughout New Zealand.

A Convenient Hamilton Conference Venue

SkyCity Hamilton is positioned on the banks of the Waikato River in the Hamilton CBD, making it accessible for delegates staying in the city and travelling from throughout the Waikato region.

BEIA lists SkyCity Hamilton as an Activity Venue and Conference and Event Venue, with six meeting rooms and facilities suitable for a range of business events. Its published capacities include up to 300 guests for banquet events, 600 for cocktail functions and 500 in theatre-style seating. 

The flexible spaces can be adapted for conferences, seminars, training sessions, networking functions and private celebrations.

Flexible Spaces with Riverside Views

SkyCity Hamilton

Natural light, decking and views towards the Waikato River add a distinctive element to the event environment.

In-house catering allows organisers to arrange food and beverage requirements at the venue, while onsite audio-visual equipment and technical support are available to assist with presentations, meetings and conferences.

The venue also offers more than 300 secure car parks, an important practical consideration for delegates and guests attending events in Hamilton's city centre.

Business Events with Entertainment Nearby

One of the attractions of holding an event at SkyCity Hamilton is the range of dining and entertainment options available within the wider complex.

Following a conference or corporate function, delegates can continue their evening with dining or entertainment without needing to travel to another part of Hamilton. The complex includes restaurants, bars and Bowl & Social, which provides bowling and other group entertainment. 

This combination can also provide opportunities for informal networking and social activities alongside a formal business programme.

A Waikato Base for Events

SkyCity Hamilton

Hamilton's central location makes it a practical base for business events exploring the wider Waikato region. The city provides access to attractions, accommodation, dining and visitor experiences, while the Waikato River provides a natural feature close to the CBD.

For conference organisers searching for Hamilton conference venues, corporate event spaces and flexible function venues in the Waikato, SkyCity Hamilton offers a combination of location, event facilities, catering and onsite entertainment.

SkyCity Hamilton

Contact Person: Justine Allen, Conference and Events Sales Manager
Website: www.skycityhamilton.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SkyCityHamilton
Email: hamilton.conferences@skycity.co.nz
Phone: +64 7 834 4989
General Phone: +64 7 834 4900
Address: 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton, New Zealand

For more travel, tourism and business events news from around the world, visit the daily online edition of The Holiday and Travel Magazine at https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/.

SLCB Launches SL MICE Expo 2026 with 120+ Hosted Buyers and Media Representatives from 27 Countries

Launch of SL MICE Expo 2026

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), the national tourism organization responsible for the development and promotion of Sri Lanka’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, has announced the launch of SL MICE Expo 2026, bringing together more than 120 international hosted buyers and media representatives from 27 countries.

The sixth edition of the flagship MICE event is scheduled to take place in Colombo from 5–9 October 2026, further strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a competitive and compelling destination for international business events. The Expo is being organized in line with the SLCB Marketing Plan 2026 and builds on the strong momentum generated by previous editions.

Sri Lanka is gifted with an amazing diversity of attractions from beaches, ancient cities, sanctuaries for wildlife, to hill country tea plantations, literally within a few hours of each other. These are featured in pre and post tours of MICE events. Although well on the road to modernization, the country and its people still cherish most of their traditional values and take pride in their rich culture, an aspect, which continue to attract visitors from abroad.

Since its inception in 2021, the SL MICE Expo has evolved from a virtual initiative into a leading international platform connecting Sri Lanka’s MICE industry with global buyers, media and industry stakeholders. The event has consistently provided opportunities to showcase Sri Lanka’s distinctive destination offering, while creating new avenues for business development, partnerships and international collaboration.

Sri Lanka offers an exceptional combination of business infrastructure, natural beauty, cultural heritage and diverse experiences within a compact geographical area. From pristine beaches and vibrant cities to ancient kingdoms, wildlife sanctuaries and the scenic hill country, the island provides a wide range of experiences that can be incorporated into MICE programmes and pre- and post-event tours.

The country’s rich cultural heritage and enduring traditions add further depth to the destination experience, enabling international MICE visitors to combine business with authentic cultural, leisure and incentive travel experiences.

Hon. (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe, M.P., Deputy Minister of Tourism, stated that the Government recognizes the MICE sector as a key driver of tourism growth and welcomed SL MICE Expo 2026 as an important platform to showcase Sri Lanka’s MICE potential to international buyers and media.

Launch of SL MICE Expo 2026

Mr. Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of SLCB, stated that more than 120 hosted buyers and media representatives from 27 countries will participate in SL MICE Expo 2026, creating valuable opportunities for Sri Lankan MICE industry partners to build international business connections and partnerships.

SL MICE Expo 2026 will bring together international MICE buyers, media representatives and Sri Lankan tourism and MICE industry stakeholders through a programme designed to encourage meaningful business engagement.

The programme will feature:

• A business forum exploring current trends and opportunities in the MICE industry.
• An Inaugural Plenary Session featuring esteemed keynote speakers.
• A comprehensive business and networking programme (B2B Meetings) connecting international hosted buyers with Sri Lankan MICE suppliers to generate business leads, partnerships and future opportunities.
• Networking events that provide opportunities for international and local industry professionals to build long-term relationships.
• Destination experiences highlighting Sri Lanka’s unique tourism, cultural and leisure offerings.
• Familiarization experiences designed to give hosted buyers and media first-hand exposure to Sri Lanka’s MICE capabilities and destinations.

The event will serve as a dynamic marketplace where buyers and sellers can explore new products and services, exchange industry knowledge and identify opportunities for collaboration.

The participation of more than 120 hosted buyers and media representatives from 27 countries demonstrates the growing international interest in Sri Lanka as a destination for business events.

Through SL MICE Expo 2026, SLCB aims to deepen relationships with key international markets while providing Sri Lankan MICE suppliers with direct access to decision-makers and influential media from around the world.

The Expo is also expected to generate wider economic benefits by encouraging international business events, incentive travel and conferences to Sri Lanka, supporting tourism enterprises and local communities across the island.

SL MICE Expo 2026 represents another significant step in SLCB’s efforts to position Sri Lanka as a world-class MICE destination—one that combines value, connectivity, hospitality and extraordinary experiences with the professional capabilities required to host successful international events.

With its growing international participation and strong engagement from the local MICE industry, the 2026 Expo is set to create new business opportunities, strengthen global partnerships and showcase the many possibilities that Sri Lanka offers to the international MICE community.

SL MICE Expo 2026 5–9 October 2026 | Colombo, Sri Lanka

Hosted and organized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB)

Sri Lanka Convention Bureau

Phone: (+94) 114 865 050
(+94) 112 440 002
Website: https://meetinsrilanka.com/
Email: mktslcb@srilanka.travel
Address: 4th Floor, Hotel School Building, No 78, Galle Road, Colombo -03, Sri Lanka

Guangxi and Quang Ninh Join Forces to Boost China-Vietnam Cross-Border Tourism

Business networking conference Photo baoquangninh.vn

Tourism businesses from China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Province are strengthening cooperation to create new opportunities for cross-border tourism, cultural exchange and travel between the two neighbouring destinations.

The latest agreements are expected to support greater connectivity between Guangxi and Quang Ninh while encouraging more visitors to explore both sides of the China-Vietnam border.

Businesses Build New Tourism Partnerships

A business networking conference between Guangxi and Quang Ninh was held in Nanning on July 7, bringing together representatives from more than 110 enterprises from China and Vietnam.

The conference provided a platform for businesses to discuss opportunities for expanding bilateral cooperation across tourism, logistics, trade and other sectors.

Eleven pairs of businesses signed cooperation agreements covering areas including smart border gate development, logistics infrastructure, agricultural, forestry and fishery products, cross-border cultural tourism, and testing and inspection services.

The agreements are designed to strengthen connections between Guangxi’s industrial and supply chains and those of Vietnam.

New Opportunities for Cross-Border Tourism

Quang Ninh

Tourism and cultural cooperation was a particular focus of the conference.

Five tourism and cultural enterprises from Guangxi signed cooperation agreements with travel companies in Quang Ninh. The partnerships aim to promote two-way tourist exchanges and make greater use of the complementary tourism resources available on both sides of the border.

The cooperation could create new travel experiences for visitors interested in combining destinations in southern China and northern Vietnam within one holiday.

For travellers, the region offers opportunities to experience distinctive Chinese and Vietnamese cultures, local cuisine, natural attractions and border communities while travelling between the two countries.

Mong Cai and Dongxing Strengthen Connectivity

Guangxi shares a border with Quang Ninh, making the two regions strategically important for cross-border tourism and trade.

Major projects including the Dongxing-Mong Cai Cross-Border Economic Cooperation Zone and the Dongxing-Mong Cai smart border gate are progressing.

Once completed, these projects are expected to provide additional momentum for cross-border trade and investment and could also support more convenient movement for tourists and businesses between China and Vietnam.

The development of smart border facilities is particularly significant as destinations across Asia increasingly seek faster and more efficient border procedures for international visitors.

A Growing China-Vietnam Tourism Market

Quang Ninh

Guangxi authorities reported that trade between Guangxi and Vietnam exceeded CNY300 billion in 2025, equivalent to approximately US$41.8 billion.

The strong economic relationship provides an important foundation for closer tourism cooperation.

The latest agreements demonstrate how tourism businesses are working alongside broader economic and infrastructure initiatives to develop the China-Vietnam cross-border tourism market.

As connectivity between Guangxi and Quang Ninh continues to develop, travellers could have more opportunities to combine the two regions in future itineraries, creating a broader and more connected Southeast Asian travel experience.

Guangxi Department of Culture and Tourism
Website: http://www.gxzf.gov.cn/
Address: Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Website: https://www.quangninh.gov.vn/
Address: Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Huka Lodge: New Zealand Luxury Retreat Named Among the World’s Best Hotels

Huka Lodge

Huka Lodge Earns Global Recognition in 2026

New Zealand’s iconic Huka Lodge has once again gained international recognition after being ranked No. 82 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 extended list of hotels ranked from 51 to 100.

Situated near Taupō on New Zealand’s North Island, Huka Lodge is celebrated for combining an extraordinary riverside setting with personalised hospitality, fine dining and the timeless character of a classic New Zealand luxury lodge.

The 2026 recognition marks the second consecutive year Huka Lodge has appeared in the prestigious World’s 50 Best Hotels extended list, placing this historic property firmly on the international luxury travel map.

A Legendary Waikato River Setting

Huka Lodge

Huka Lodge occupies 17 acres of established gardens beside the emerald waters of the Waikato River, creating a tranquil setting close to the spectacular Huka Falls.

The lodge began more than a century ago as a fishing camp and has evolved into one of New Zealand’s most recognised luxury accommodation experiences. Its secluded riverside location allows guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the Taupō region while staying in an environment designed for relaxation and privacy.

For travellers seeking luxury accommodation in New Zealand, the combination of scenery, heritage and exclusivity is a major part of Huka Lodge’s appeal.

Elegant Suites and Private Retreats

Huka Lodge

Accommodation at Huka Lodge includes beautifully appointed Lodge Suites and two exclusive private residences, the Alan Pye Cottage and Alex van Heeren Cottage.

The accommodation is designed to provide guests with privacy while maintaining a strong connection with the surrounding landscape. Gardens, river views and the peaceful atmosphere create an experience very different from staying in a conventional city hotel.

The main lodge provides a welcoming gathering place, with comfortable lounges, open fires, dining and a convivial bar creating an atmosphere suited to leisurely days and relaxed evenings.

Dining, Nature and New Zealand Experiences

Huka Lodge

Food is an important part of the Huka Lodge experience, with gourmet dining complemented by the dramatic natural surroundings of the Waikato River.

Guests can also experience the Taupō region through activities and adventures ranging from trout fishing and walking to golf, jet boating and exploring nearby natural attractions.

For international visitors, Huka Lodge provides an opportunity to experience a distinctly New Zealand style of luxury, where spectacular scenery and outdoor experiences are combined with attentive service.

A Standout Luxury Stay in Taupō

Huka Lodge

Huka Lodge’s inclusion in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 extended list highlights the continuing international appeal of luxury lodges that offer more than accommodation.

For travellers planning a luxury New Zealand holiday, Huka Lodge provides a memorable base for discovering Taupō, Huka Falls and the wider central North Island while enjoying an exclusive riverside retreat.

Its heritage, setting and personalised hospitality continue to make Huka Lodge one of New Zealand’s most distinctive luxury travel experiences.

Huka Lodge

Website: https://hukalodge.com/
Email: reserve@beckons.com
Phone: +64 7 222 4555
Address: 271 Huka Falls Road, Taupō, New Zealand

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Fingal Hotel Edinburgh: Stay Aboard a Historic Luxury Ship

Fingal Hotel Edinburgh

Imagine waking up in Edinburgh aboard a beautifully restored ship, with the gentle atmosphere of Leith Harbour replacing the usual hotel lobby. Fingal Hotel offers one of Scotland's most distinctive luxury accommodation experiences, combining maritime heritage, elegant interiors and modern five-star comfort.

Permanently berthed at Edinburgh's historic Port of Leith, Fingal provides a memorable alternative to a conventional city hotel and is an ideal choice for travellers looking for a unique place to stay in Edinburgh.

A Historic Ship Transformed into a Luxury Hotel

Fingal Hotel Edinburgh

Fingal began life as a working vessel carrying lighthouse keepers and supplies to remote lighthouses around Scotland's west coast. After decades at sea, the ship was permanently berthed in Leith and transformed into Scotland's first luxury floating hotel, opening to guests in 2019.

The ship's maritime past has been carefully incorporated into its design. Lighthouse-inspired diamond patterns appear throughout the interiors, cabins are named after famous Scottish lighthouses, and the glass lift evokes the lantern room of a lighthouse.

The result is a hotel that feels both historic and sophisticated, with carefully designed cabins and suites offering a distinctive nautical atmosphere.

For an especially memorable stay, the Skerryvore Suite features its own private outdoor deck, providing a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the harbour.

Luxury Dining Aboard Fingal

Fingal's dining experience continues the ship's elegant character. The Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar provides an atmospheric setting for breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner and drinks.

The ship's intimate surroundings make dining aboard Fingal an experience in itself, whether enjoying a relaxed meal after sightseeing or settling in for an evening drink.

Explore Edinburgh from Leith

Fingal Hotel Edinburgh

Fingal is ideally positioned for exploring Leith and the wider attractions of Edinburgh. One of the area's most popular attractions is the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht that served the British Royal Family for more than four decades.

The yacht is moored close to Fingal and offers visitors the opportunity to explore its state apartments, crew quarters and bridge.

Leith itself has developed into one of Edinburgh's most interesting neighbourhoods, with waterfront walks, restaurants, bars, galleries and historic attractions.

Food lovers can continue the nautical theme at The Ship on the Shore, where Scottish seafood is served overlooking the Water of Leith.

For visitors wanting to explore central Edinburgh, the city's famous historic attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace, are easily accessible from Leith by public transport.

When to Stay at Fingal Hotel

Fingal Hotel Edinburgh

Fingal Hotel can be enjoyed year-round. Each season offers a different perspective on Edinburgh, from long summer evenings to the atmospheric winter months when the city's historic streets and waterfront take on a particularly dramatic character.

For travellers searching for a unique hotel in Edinburgh, Fingal offers something far more memorable than a standard city stay: the opportunity to sleep aboard a historic Scottish ship while enjoying the service and comfort of a luxury hotel.

Fingal Hotel

Website: www.fingal.co.uk
Email: reservations@fingal.co.uk
Phone: +44 131 357 3333
Address: Alexandra Dock, Edinburgh, EH6 7DX, Scotland

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/