World News

China's stunning city of Hangzhou has already welcomed 1.3 million visitors between the months of January and May this year and expects to see many more travellers enter the city before the end of 2016 as a result of hosting the G20 Summit this September. According to the China National Tourism Administration, approximately 625,000 UK tourists visit China annually and, with this autumn's high-profile event further raising awareness of the city, Hangzhou Tourism Commission is expecting this figure to grow significantly from October onwards.

A global celebration of Yoga, World Music and Wellbeing, the 10th annual BaliSpirit festival will be taking place this March 19th-26th 2017 in the magical town of Ubud in Bali. Attracting a global audience from more than 40 countries each year, the festival brings together top international performers, world class musicians and experts in the fields of yoga, dance, movement, healing, spirituality and personal development offering you a truly unforgettable experience.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) debuted the latest edition of the Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show, which will run until August 28. The show has been expanded to cover not only the façade of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, but also the entire space within its Open Piazza. Locals and tourists alike will be treated to a magnificent 3D visual spectacle, with 60 laser beams projected from all sides of the piazza, weaving the most vivid imagery ever seen.

Willy Etheve, the new CEO of IRT (Ile Reunion Tourisme), this week met with Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, in the presence of Bernadette Honore, the representative of the Seychelles Tourism Board Office in Reunion, and Pascal Viroleau, the CEO of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands. Reunion Island is known for its spectacular mountains and volcano and has often been referred to as the Switzerland of the Indian Ocean and has for a long time been combining efforts with the Seychelles and its picture perfect white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas.

The head of the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable tourism will make his first ever appearance at a Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) event when he presents at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) next month. Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Taleb Rifai will be joined by the president of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) David Scowsill and CTO secretary general Hugh Riley on a panel to discuss how to pilot an industry through a perpetual state of flux.

This December, escape the UK and enjoy an alternative Christmas break with a trip to Japan's cultural capital, Kyoto.  The home of over 15 UNESCO world heritage sites is transformed over the holiday period into a twinkling haven for shopping and sight-seeing alike, and Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCVB) has rounded up the city's highlights for a December break this year.

The Italian city of Pisa today welcomed the first Qatar Airways flight to arrive at its international airport from Doha, Qatar. The Airbus A330 landed at 06:55 and was greeted by a celebratory water canon salute as well as a welcome ceremony with flags and drums from people in traditional costumes.

The online registration to take part in the Tenerife Walking Festival 2017 is now open. The third edition of the festival is set to be the biggest and best yet, featuring a total of 20 walking routes – two more than the last edition – and a packed programme of supporting activities. The event, designed to showcase the island's astonishing natural beauty, will take place from 23rd to 27th May 2017.

Monday 15 August marks the 70th anniversary of India's Independence, when India became an independent nation after being under the rulership of the British Empire. India fought for freedom during a revolution and gained independence on this day, now a national holiday. On Sunday 21 August 2016 at 9am to 4pm, the High Commission of India and Indian Community Organisations in the UK will host this year's Independence Day celebrations at the Indian Gymkhana Club in London.

The release of the highly anticipated film Jason Bourne, shot in Tenerife's capital city, Santa Cruz, reaffirms the island's appeal as a top filming location for box-office blockbusters. The largest of the Canary Islands was chosen by 88 local and international production companies for their shoots in 2015, which generated record revenues of €19 million (€11 million more than in 2014).

Move over Bachelors Ritchie, Blake and Tim, Townsville's wildest bachelor now has his eye on a fine, young bird and the courting season premiered at exactly 9.30am this morning. But, it wasn't a buff bloke meeting a svelte young chick in a glam gown slit to the waist, in this show of courtship, it was 33 year old Yarabah, Billabong Sanctuary's resident wild cassowary locking eyes - and feathers - with Hope, a three year old captive-bred female cassowary.

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa in Malaysian Borneo has launched a new 'Adventuremoon' package, available from 1st September, aimed at discerning newlyweds looking for an adrenaline packed honeymoon whilst enjoying the deluxe comforts of a five star resort. The 'Adventuremoon' package invites honeymooners to explore the sights and sounds of Borneo's jungle coastline through an array of adventurous activities.

Uganda is a land gifted by nature. Winston Churchill called it 'The Pearl of Africa” which is perhaps an understatement considering its vast array of riches. There's something about this country that overwhelms your sense of discovery. A nation of huge diversity, it's home to the endangered mountain gorilla and a paradise for primates. It is 10 National parks play host to Africa's big 7, Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo plus Gorilla and Chimpanzee.

Snooty turns 68 on July 21st and visitors can join his party on Saturday, July 23, 2016 from 10 am until 2 pm at the South Florida Museum for Snooty's 68th Birthday Bash & Wildlife Festival. This annual event will celebrate Snooty's 68th birthday and promote wildlife awareness. The outdoor event is held in the Spanish Plaza by the Manatee River and is FREE from 10 am to 2 pm for all Snooty's friends and fans. If you share your birthday with Snooty entrance to the Museum, Planetarium & Aquarium is also FREE.

Australia's ultimate, year-round nature and adventure playground, the NSW Snowy Mountains, will play host to the TODAY show when they broadcast live from Thredbo's 'Friday Flat' on Monday 25 July. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mt Kosciuszko, the Snowy Mountains is renowned for outstanding alpine resorts, glorious scenic walks and adrenalin-pumping experiences including mountain biking, skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding.

Cosmos Tours has launched an aspirational range of new 'bucket lister' holidays for 2017 to the most exciting and thrilling worldwide destinations with a free VIP chauffeur service included. The choice includes experiencing the incredible sights of Northern India from a luxury train, a tour of Peru & Bolivia to see the famous Machu Picchu, Indian Ocean luxury beach holidays, safari game viewing in Botswana's spectacular Okavango Delta as well as city breaks in the USA's Deep South to soak up the region's musical heritage.