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Posted By admin on September 3, 2010

A land that conjures up images of mountains and temples. A place whos mystique is unmatched by any other around the world. A people who can bring a smile to any visitor`s face.

These all can be found in the farthest corner of China, atop the roof of the world-Tibet. Yes, Tibet is one of kind. No other place brings to mind such majestic scenary
or spiritual splendor. This is a land that will expel any doubt to whether or not there is a supreme power. One can`t help but sense that there is something greater that exists, that could only be responsible for creating such a magnificent place.

Tibet is a land of incredible points of interest. Besides home to the world`s tallest mountain, it boasts the world`s deepest canyon, the highest elevated river, as well as the highest elevated roads and airports. Yes, the highest elevated railroad can also be found in Tibet.

Tibet is a vast land, subsequently allowing visitors to usually only view a small piece of what it has to offer during one visit. Among the many attractions, the famous Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, Barkhor Street, Nam Co and Basum Co are just several must see spots.

There are, however, many other gems the savy tourist should not go without seeing as well. Some of these include the Guge Kingdom Ruins and the Tombs of Tibetan Kings. Yet, if one did not spend any time seeing Tibet`s many historic attractions, one can gain enough satisfaction soley enjoying the splendid natural landscapes.

While you stay in Tibet, make sure you try the local foods-quite different than typical Chinese cuisine-but just as delicious. Also, get to know the local people. Many are friendly, and will fill your heart with warmth.

A trip to Tibet will be like no other place you have visited. Be rest assured you will experience things you thought you could have only dreamed of, and be ready for a change in how you perceive life afterwards. Tibet is that incredible. But, don`t take my word for it-come travel to Tibet and experience it for yourself.

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Posted By admin on September 1, 2010

More used to Grand Prix cars than dog sleighs, Monacos Prince Alberts forthcoming trek to the North Pole has been greeted with surprise by many.

But the Prince is fairly accustomed to the cold, in contrast to the Mediterranean warmth of Monaco where he became ruler last July following the passing of his father Prince Rainier, who had ruled the tax haven for over 50 years.

Albert represented Monaco at the last five Winter Olympic Games in their Bobsleigh team. And he is going to face some cold and hostile conditions on his seven day trip to bring to the attention of fellow world leaders the environmental damage to the arctic regions that global warming is having.

Speaking at a recent news conference in Monaco, Albert explained his thinking behind the trip to assembled journalists.

If in our modest way, by this action we are able to bring environmental problems to the forefront and force some leaders to take stronger actions, this expedition will have achieved its objectives.

Environmentalists have welcomed Alberts expedition, and his image in the worlds media is changing from that of a playboy millionaire to a responsible leader.

In 2002 47 year old Prince Albert agreed to a DNA test to show whether he was the father to a boy born to a former air hostess he had had a relationship with, and more recently has been linked by the press with 28 year old South African swimming champion Charlene Wittstock.

But one of the first actions he took after succeeding to the throne was to sign the Kyoto Protocol, taking Monaco outside of the small group of countries that had failed to ratify the treaty, designed to reduce the worlds emissions of greenhouses gases.

Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Prince Albert inherited from his father is now the worlds best known tax haven, and the ultimate European destination for luxury hotels, including the Hotel de Paris, frequently quoted in guides as among the top ten in the world.

one local on-line travel guide comment that Prince Alberts interest in the worlds environment sets a different agenda than that of his father, who transformed the principality in his reign into an economically safe country for the worlds wealthy to live and invest.

Residents of the principality enjoy a zero rated income tax.

As well as being a tax haven, Monaco hosts the best known Formula 1 Grand Prix of the year around the streets of Monte Carlo and Fontveille in May. Over recent years Monaco has also become a destination of choice for the super-rich in September, when it hosts the Monaco Yacht Show.

And while the Grand Prix and Yacht Show fill the hotels in Monte Carlo and Monaco each year, and on an everyday basis every second car seems to be an Aston Martin or Ferrari, locals hope that Prince Albert doesnt look too close to home when it comes to his concern for the environment. Cancelling the Monaco Grand Prix in 2007 to show his concern for the environment would certainly grab world headlines, but might not be a popular decision among his subjects.

But locals feel that there is little danger of this though Albert is after all the son of Hollywood star Grace Kelly, and future media appearances could just as well be in celebrity magazines as environment campaign ones.

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Posted By admin on August 31, 2010

Paris

Paris is the capital and largest city of France. A stylish, sophisticated and romantic city, it boasts many sights to see, such as Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe as well as some of Europe’s best shops and restaurants. Located on the River Seine in the country’s north, Paris maintains much of its traditional architecture, with hidden squares, churches, cathedrals and palaces mixing in well with more modern designs. Access to Paris is fairly simple by car, rail or air.

Rome

A vibrant city with timeless architecture and a passionate culture, Rome is the largest city in Italy and also the capital. Located on the Tiber and Aniene rivers near the Mediterranean Sea, Rome enjoys a warm, comfortable climate in which visitors can explore the city. In addition to a rich history, Rome is also home to the Vatican City, a sovereign enclave within Rome, it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. Traveling around Rome is fairly easy on a network of trams, buses and trains, although travel by car is not recommended.

London

One of the world’s major business and financial centres, London is also a cosmopolitan and energetic centre for arts, culture, politics and entertainment. London’s population includes an extremely diverse range of peoples, cultures and religions, and with over 300 languages being spoken it is the most linguistically diverse city in the world. In addition to this, the city boasts a great number of important buildings and iconic landmarks, including world-famous museums, theatres, concert halls, galleries and palaces.

Venice

The “city of canals”, is the capital of the region of Veneto and of the province of Venice, in Northern Italy. The city stretches across numerous small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea. Venice has a very rich history and in previous centuries the Venetian Republic was a major sea power and a staging area for the Crusades, as well as a very important centre of commerce and art during the Renaissance. As Europe’s largest car free area, traveling around the city can only be done by boat or on foot.

Barcelona

Barcelona offers a range of tourist attractions, from Roman remains and a historic city centre, the old harbour, museums and the famous Sagrada Familia church. It is the capital city of Catalonia and the second most populous city in Spain. Located in the comarca of Barcelons, along the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona benefits from a temperate Mediterranean climate.

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Posted By admin on August 31, 2010

Italian Taxi drivers renewed the strike in the middle of July 2006 after talks over government plans to deregulate the sector ,causing chaos in many cities.

The drivers staged various forms of protests, besieging main squares, deliberately snarling traffic, blocking access to several airports and organizing go-slow drives, local media reported.

In Rome, the drivers descended on central Piazza Venezia, the city center of Rome, soon after midnight after taxi unions abandoned the negotiating table.

They remained there throughout the night and forced local authorities to close the square off to traffic.

Some 60 other taxis took part in a go-slow drive from the city’s main airport to the city and back again, causing further problems.

The protests were replicated in Naples, Turin, Genoa and Milan, where drivers blocked access to the city airport.

Italian Economic Development Minister who drew up the bill contested by the drivers, said that “they (the taxi drivers) do not own the city.”

The matter of controversy is a government decree that intends to liberalize taxi licensing and break the virtual monopoly status of local taxi federations.

This decree orders municipal administrations to increase the number of taxi licenses issued and give out temporary permits during predictably busy periods.

One of the most controversial aspects is a measure which would have allowed private firms to enter the sector by acquiring licenses and then hiring their own drivers.

Taxi licenses in Rome are regarded as private property by their holders, who trade them on when they retire or pass them on to their children. The practice has created a grey market in which the cost of a permit can reach as high as 200,000 euros (about 240,000 U.S. dollars).

Italy’s 40,000-strong fleet of taxis is the smallest in Europe. According to official statistics, there are 2.1 taxis per thousand inhabitants in Rome compared to 8.3 in London and 9.9 in Barcellona.

The number of taxis operating in Rome is 5,820, compared to more than 61,000 in London, almost 43,000 in New York and 17,000 in Paris, the report said.

Complaints from residents and tourists over the difficulty in finding taxis during peak hours and at night have shot up in recent years, with taxi drivers accused of deliberately restricting the number of cars available in order to safeguard their earnings and the values of their licenses.

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Posted By admin on August 23, 2010

Located in the Andeas, Ecuador is a land of intrigue for travelers. Travel to Ecuador and you can trek the Amazon, climb volcanoes, or loaf on beautiful beaches. Perhaps the biggest reason to travel to Ecuador is a visit to the famous Galapagos Islands. Regardless of your preference, the following attractions are all worth a look.

Quito

A hot bed of colonial architecture, Quito is the capital of Ecuador. The city is considered one of the most beautiful in South America with architecturally masterpieces of white washed buildings with red tile roofs. For those living in large cities, you will be shocked by the lack of neon in Quito.

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the climate is an eternal spring throughout the year. The Avenue of the Amazons, Avenida Amozonas, is a bustling area with outdoor cafes and good people watching. Ecuador has economic problems, so watch out for pickpocket thieves.

Avenue of the Volcanoes

South of Quito, the Avenue of the Volcanoes is a must see. Running down each side of the valley are mountain peaks dotted with dormant volcanoes. Small villages throughout the valley give the area an old world vibe.

Galapagos Islands

Darwin and the Galapagos Islands. Galapagos Islands and Darwin. The two are inseparable. Roughly 600 miles off the mainland, the Galapagos consist of 13 islands with exotic wildlife. You can reach the islands by flying into San Cristobal or take a boat ride to the major islands such as Isabela. At last check, entrance to the islands required a $100 permit.

San Lorenzo Railway

If youre looking for a new experience, try a ride from San Lorenzo Railway to Ibarra. The trip runs through picturesque scenery, but it the train that is most interesting. The train is actually a bus converted for the tracks! Only in Ecuador!

Ecuador has much to offer travelers looking for something off the beaten path. While the Galapagos Islands are amazing, the rest of the country has much to offer.

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Posted By admin on August 23, 2010

Estartit a beautiful village on the northern coast of Spain

The resort Estartit is on the northern coast of Spain and about thirty miles from Gerona airport.

It was originally a fishing village but development in this area has turned it into a great holiday destination. The resort Estartit is a small town with a Marina and 6 km of sandy beach looking out to the beautiful Medas Islands, famous for it’s marine life.

Good holiday accommodation can be found here. Prices suit all pockets, normally at the lower end of the price range. The shops cater for all your holiday needs. The beach is long and sandy and offers all kinds of water sports for you to try. There are diving schools which offer beginners courses for tourists which are ideal, for exploring the coral and aquatic life found just off the coast.

A fun fair at the edge of town and mini golf is situated close by.

There are plenty bars, discos and hotels with entertainment in this location making it ideal for families with children.

Activities such as windsurfing sailing, water-skiing and boat hire are all available. In addition to this Estartit, and in particular the protected Medas Isles are considered one of the best spots on the Mediterranean fore scuba-diving, and numerous diving schools including BSAC and PADI approved centres exist. Diving, Horse Riding Micro lighting Mountain Walks are all available. Sightseeing tours to Barcelona Gerona Figueras Montserrat etc can be booked in the town.

The Medes Islands is once the haven of pirates and smugglers these islands can be reached by glass bottomed boat allowing views of the spectacular clear water and marine life.

The Aquatic Park is fantastic waterslide park and situated in Rosas and has super fast chutes a Jacuzzi and a pool bar – a fun day out.

Like most European holiday resorts there are a huge number of restaurants and fast food outlets. There is traditional food and drinks such as Paella and Sangria and less traditional such as burger and coke.

The nightlife is huge and will suit all tastes from Spanish dances to family entertainment to young and lively bars. It therefore can be enjoyed by a number of age groups.

The weather is particularly hot in the summer months and therefore the resort is hugely populated. More comfortable weather is normally in the months of May and September and therefore the resort is less populated. The season would normally begin in April and run through to October.

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Posted By admin on August 21, 2010

Mexico has beautiful beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean. In this article, we look at two hot spots on the east coast Playa del Carmen and Cozumel

Playa del Carmen

With one of the prettiest beaches on the Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen was the hidden gem of Mexico for years and years. About 10 years ago, the word got out and now Playa del Carmen is exploding. If youre looking for solitude, this isnt the place with cruise ships and so on packing the place during high season. On the other hand, this is definitely the place if you like a lot of resort in your beach vacation.

Playa del Carmen has a lot to offer to visitors. Of course, the beaches are beautiful and I highly recommend you catch the sunrise, which is some of Mother Natures finest work. Staying up shouldnt be a problem since the nightlife in Playa del Carmen is plentiful.

During the day, you can loaf on the beach or head out for some diving in the clear waters of the Caribbean. Should you get tired of the beach, you can head inland for some surprisingly quality hiking.

Cozumel

An island off the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is a slice of Caribbean paradise. With smooth, crystal clear waters, Cozumel has the white beaches you see in the Corona beer commercials. On the island proper, one can loaf on the beach, pursue world class diving or just loaf on the beach. Dolphin petting and sitting in the hammocks of Xal-Hal are touristy, but fun things to do. Although Cozumel is on cruise ship circuit, it maintains the relaxed atmosphere found in smaller destinations in the Mexican Riviera.

Unfortunately, Cozumel was in the news through much of the last week of October 2005 because Hurricane Wilma pounded it. Given a few months, Cozumel will be on the mend and a great location since prices will undoubtedly be low to attract visitors.

If you are planning a visit to the Mexican Riviera area, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are definitely worth your consideration. Personally, I would pick Cozumel in a heart beat.

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Posted By admin on August 20, 2010

Rome airport management and airline competition in the european countries.

Airport management practices can be distinguished from two different perspectives. Firstly, an entity can manage airports as an integrated network. On the contrary, airports can be managed by an autonomous entity that is responsible for a low number of airports. Secondly, airport authorities can be owned either by public institutions, by private firms or a mix of both.

These practices have a wide range of effects on the ability of an airport authority to attract the most convenient airlines for it. In addition to this, any competitive airline strategy depends fundamentally on airport access. In this way, Rome airport management trends to have effects on airline and italian airports competition. Although international services are still highly regulated, it can be said that travelers enjoy currently of a greater choice of alternatives to chose, a higher service frequency and low prices.

There is a consensus that the achievement, maintenance or increase of these benefits in the post- liberalization period depends fundamentally on the existence of an effective competition on the route.Most airports in the EU, like Rome airports, have been traditionally considered as public service organizations and most of them have not escaped from privatization policies implemented in the last decades; since 1996, and particularly in the recent years, a range of different airport ownership types have arisen due to the different historical and political approaches of EU countries so that it is possible to find any type of airport ownership model in these areas.

This fact makes of great interest to study the EU case, taking into account that airport finance and airline access to airports follow common features all over the world with the important exception of US.

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Posted By admin on August 16, 2010

Dubai’s skyline has grown in the recent years by an amount, which took over a century for the developed nations to achieve in their own backyard. In Dubai’s case, it was the oil exploration at first, and then the commerce of free trade zones, which made it be counted at par with the developed nations. The desire to see its tourism sector flourish and the gains of a thriving economy, were the two major reasons why Dubai’s skyline grew so frantically in the last two decades. In the course of events, the city also became the new residing place for world class hotels. Gone were the heydays of Sydney, London, New York and Tokyo. Dubai hotels were also standing at par, shoulder-to-shoulder, eyeball-to-eyeball with them. Today’s Dubai offers several dozen of world class hotels to make your stay comfortable. Apart from Dubai hotels (United Arab Emirates) one can choose from many other options, like furnished villas and beach side apartments, to make one’s stay at ease.

Let us examine the following data to learn more about Dubai hotels. Until the early 90s, they were not to be found in so many numbers out there. By the start of 2000 however, this ground reality had dramatically transformed. One s gets awed by looking at their numbers these days. This author counted on just one site and found more than three dozen entries for the five-star facility alone. The count for the four, three and two star hotels will be even more awesome, one reckons. There were a total of 414 hotels in Dubai in the year 2006. They were the mainstay for accommodating the 6.5 million visitors who visited the city that year. The revenues earned by these hotels stood at Dh10.8b in the same period. This however grew by 15.74 percent to be at Dh12.5b in the year 2007. This also discloses the stress on Dubai hotels (United Arab Emirates), furnished villas and Dubai hotel apartments in their attempts to cope with the level of demand they face from the industry.

This is why Dubai’s government has nodded to too many new plans that promised to construct newer furnished villas, furnished apartments and Dubai hotels (United Arab Emirates) on its territory. The total number of rooms stood at 40,862 in all these segments, in the year 2006. This will have to be further raised by a handsome margin to meet with the set official target of receiving 15 million visitors by the year 2010. Two key events, one of which was recently held, and the other still on, are expected to help Dubai in meeting out with its 2010 target. The first was Dubai’s 1st Tourism Development Projects and Investment Market (TDIM) exhibition, which was to be held from January 20-22, 2008. Major real estate companies from all over the world were expected to showcase projects worth over $190 billion. The idea behind it was to get various components of Dubai’s urban growth together, namely real estate firms, private companies, investors and government bodies, and frame out the future course of action.

The other event, which is taking place across Dubai right now, is the 13th Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). This will coincide with many recreational programs at places like shopping malls, Dubai hotels and elsewhere, apart from the shopping mania that the festival was all about. The show to be held from January 24 to February 24 (2008), is expected to attract 3.5 million visitors from all over the globe.

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Posted By admin on August 12, 2010

In these days Rome airport authorities are debating about the possibilities to build or not a new airport in Rome.
At the moment Rome has three airports: Fiumicino, for the international flights, Ciampino, for the low cost companies, and the City airport ( aeroporto dell’ Urbe ), normally used as miltary airport as well as training center for the italian pilots and the helicopters of Rome.
In these months the passengers traffic at Ciampino airport increased and the city needs also to move part of the low cost air traffic from Ciampino to Fiumicino.
Three are the projects for the future of the Rome airports:

1- Ciampino airport is overloaded;
2-Fiumicino airport can be extended with a new terminal C, with the possibility to host more low cost european aircrafts.
3-The City airport ( aeroporto dell’ Urbe ) located in the north of Rome will be transformed into a business traveler airport.

Originally the city airport was inhaugurated in 1928 and until World War II it was the major airport of the civil aviation in Italy. Until it was bombed in 1943 it had several buildings used for the airport management and a pilots training school. The city airport has a great potential but it needs infrastructures and investments of around 10 milion USD. This airport will be better connected to the city of Rome with a new road that will reach in 15 minutes the vatican city.
The italian goverment is also thinking to move the traffic of the state aircrafts to the city airport.
On the discussion table organized by the local government of Rome there is the deal of how low cost company can pay less if they land at Fiumicino airport and also the study of the pollution impact based on the european environment paramethers.

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