World News

Colors: Blue Color

The Eden Project will be taken over by a wonderful world of games over May half-term (May 27 to June 4).

Game On is a celebration of games for all ages and will be showcasing a huge variety of pastimes, including traditional playground games, classic board games and videogames ranging from old-school arcade classics to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences.

The event will be literally bigger than ever, with giant versions of old favourites the order of the day. Giant Guess Who? and Kerplunk will be joined by Massive Battleships, a super-sized team version of the naval guessing game.

Visitors will also be able to experience retro 8-bit classics on an enormous two-person controller modelled on the iconic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) design and work together as a team to solve an enormous marble labyrinth.

The Cardboard Arcade will encourage social play and introduce retro classics to a new audience. They will also be giving visitors the opportunity to try a virtual reality experience of “walking the plank”.

The people behind Cardboard Arcade put free-to-play multi-player arcade machines in public places all around the UK, to encourage new friendships through gaming and to inspire people of all ages to see computer games as a creative and artistic medium.

Further virtual reality experiences will be available with a cutting-edge HTC Vive headset available for visitors to try with a range of software.

Polly Randle from the Eden Project's Live team said: “Game On will be showcasing a world of play at Eden this half-term, with games of all kinds for people of all ages. We're very excited to see how our visitors get together and try out new games, be it traditional board games or mind-blowing virtual reality experiences.”

Renault have provided a starting grid full of children's' go-karts and younger visitors can also try their hand at designing or recreating some of their favourite videogame characters with magnetic pixel art boards.

Activities from all over the world will be available to play including Karrom, a table game of eastern Asian origin similar to billiards, and Mancala, a group of two-player strategy pursuits with localised versions around the world played with small stones, beans or seeds. A selection of classic board games and the iconic table-football title Subbuteo will also be available to play.

An outdoor game zone will be set up each day so visitors can try their hand at traditional playground games.

Celebrated Trinidadian chef Richardson Skinner asserts firmly that the Caribbean can do much more to promote its cuisine to attract interest and travel to the region.
"In the past, visitors came to the Caribbean for sand, sun and sea ... and the food was just simmering on the back burner," reflects Richardson Skinner, the executive chef at Ti Bananne Caribbean Bistro and Bar, located at the award-winning Coco Palm hotel in Rodney Bay Village in St. Lucia.
Now, however, the chef, with over 20 years' experience in Trinidad, Martinique and St. Lucia, points out that travelers go out of their way for fresh culinary experiences, particularly for meals with a savor of the Caribbean.
"As crazy as it sounds, it's actually what's driving business right now," Skinner affirms. "Look at TripAdvisor, and see what visitors say in their reviews. More often than not, they're talking about what they ate on their vacation. Food matters."
The former auto mechanic, who is now a leading authority on Caribbean cuisine, tips his toque to the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), lauding them for launching Caribbean305, the region's newest culinary and cultural celebration taking place at Miami's Jungle Island on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 8 p.m.
"This is huge," Skinner says, explaining that efforts to spotlight Caribbean culinary excellence need reinforcing. "This event showcases what I have always believed - that Caribbean cuisine can step up to the plate against any other in the world."
"People have high respect for Caribbean cooking," he says, recalling the inevitable flurry of questions about the region, its culture and its culinary arts whenever he hosts cooking demonstrations at events in New York and Toronto.
Skinner believes food can set the region apart from its global rivals: "Caribbean cuisine is right up there with the classic cuisine of the French or the Italians - right there, ripe and ready to be plucked."

As excitement builds towards the start of the ICC Champions Trophy on June 1, Birmingham’s Edgbaston Stadium and the National Asian Cricket Council (NACC) have announced a special cricket match between the fans of India and Pakistan.

With Edgbaston hosting the Group B fixture between India and Pakistan, as one of five ICC Champions Trophy matches, the supporters of both teams will contest the Edgbaston Fans Trophy in a T20 match on Monday May 15 at the nearby Attock Cricket Club.

What’s more the Edgbaston Fans Trophy is one of the designated stops on the Nissan Trophy Tour, giving all spectators in attendance a chance to have their photo taken with two of the most coveted trophies in world cricket, the ICC Champions Trophy and ICC Women’s World Cup.

Gareth Roberts, Commercial Director at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: “Edgbaston is proud to be an ICC Champions Trophy host venue for the third time and stage, what are arguably, the biggest games of the group stages.

There’s a huge amount of excitement building in the local community about our five matches, especially India versus Pakistan, which will be played here at Edgbaston; India won in the last meeting here in 2013 whilst Pakistan took the spoils in 2004.

The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy meeting between the two nations will be one of the biggest sporting events of the year and the Edgbaston Fans Trophy will be a celebration of this upcoming fixture, uniting supporters through the true spirit of the cricket.”

India v Pakistan, on June 4, is one of one of five marquee fixtures in the ICC Champions Trophy to be hosted at Edgbaston, with Australia v New Zealand (June 2), Pakistan v South Africa (June 7), England v Australia (June 10) and a semi-final also taking place in Birmingham.

Gulfraz Riaz, Chair of the NACC, said: “The NACC is delighted to see that this year’s Edgbaston Fans Trophy is being played between two of the most passionate groups of cricket fans in the world.

Just like last year’s game, the day promises to be a great occasion, celebrating the ICC Champions Trophy and ultimately having a fun packed day where cricket is the winner.

Cricket embraces and promotes all that is great about integrating different communities, on and off the pitch, and I look forward to a well spirited match and urge fans from all communities to come and support what promises to be a great event.”

This year’s match between India and Pakistan Fans will be the second Edgbaston Fans Trophy contest to take place at Attock CC, following a match in 2016 between Pakistan Fans and a Barmy Army team representing England fans.

Attock CC Chair, Naz Khan, said: "We are honoured once again to host the Edgbaston Fans Trophy at Attock Cricket Club. With a great summer of cricket ahead, this match will be the start of an exciting festival of cricket that we are all looking forward to.

A former fuelling vessel that was one of just a handful of ships that survived the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941 has become a new artificial reef, world-class dive site and marine habitat in the British Virgin Islands. Set to boost dive tourism and raise awareness of ocean conservation, there is no better way to experience this new site than off the back of The Moorings crewed dive yacht, Poseidon's Pearl which comes complete with captain, chef and host.

Kodiak Queen, which was earmarked for the scrap heap, has just been saved, cleaned and sunk off Virgin Gorda in the BVI as part of a permanent eco-friendly underwater art installation. The 'BVI Art Reef' the project is being led by Sir Richard Branson and a group of leading entrepreneurs, engineers, artists and scientists all working together to give the ship an honourable and rejuvenating next chapter in her long career at sea.

Before it was sunk, an 80ft giant sea monster was created by artists out of mesh and fixed to the top of the ship so it can provide a structure underwater to help with coral restoration and create an invaluable marine habitat. It is hoped that everything from turtles, sharks, sea sponges and corals will live on, in and around the wreck. In time the project aims to raise awareness of the important environmental issues facing our oceans and capture people's attention on the importance of addressing climate change, protecting coral reefs, and rehabilitating vulnerable marine species.

One of the best ways to dive this exciting new site and learn more about the BVI Art Reef project is on an 'Ultimate Dive BVI' crewed package with The Moorings. It offers the chance to combine a week on a crewed yacht complete with private captain, chef and host with the opportunity to explore some of the BVI's most beautiful dive sites, including this brand new wreck. Guests will be able to sail right up to the dive site and dive directly off the back of the catamaran so there is no need to rendezvous with a dive boat. All equipment is on board – guests simply drop anchor and dive in, accompanied by the PADI certified dive instructor – the yacht's captain!

A former foreign minister from Ghana, Hanna Tetteh, will lead a team of Commonwealth election observers to The Bahamas for the country’s general election later this month.

This is the first time the Commonwealth will observe elections to The Bahaman parliament. The general election is scheduled for 10 May 2017.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland announced the make up of the observer group after receiving an invitation from the Government of The Bahamas.

“I’m delighted that former foreign minister, Hanna Tetteh, has accepted my invitation to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group. Her experience will be a real asset in this important assignment,” said Secretary-General Scotland. “In offering their assessment on the conduct of the election and the overall credibility of the process, the Group will be contributing to enhancing democracy in The Bahamas.”

The observers will consider all aspects of the electoral process and assess whether the election has been conducted according to the standards for democratic elections to which the Commonwealth of The Bahamas has committed itself.

The Group will be in The Bahamas between 4 and 13 May 2017 inclusive. The last general election was held in May 2012.

Turneffe Flats has long been recognized as one of Belize’s premier saltwater fly fishing, SCUBA diving and marine eco-tourism destinations. Located on the incredibly beautiful Turneffe Atoll, Turneffe Flats provides visitors access to the most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean.

Green Globe first certified Turneffe Flats for its sustainable operations in 2013 and again this year the eco-tourism resort has proven its environmental credentials with a notable compliance score of 89%.

Turneffe Atoll – home to this remarkable eco-tourism resort – provides pristine habitat for 260 fish species, 77 plant species and 5 spawning aggregation sites. The marine eco-system is a combination of healthy coral reef, both fringing reef and patch corals, expansive backreef flats, large lagoon systems, seagrass beds, and extensive mangrove forest. Turneffe Atoll is of significant economic and sociological importance to Belize as a major commercial fishery and ecotourism center, while also providing Belize City and the mainland coast with essential protection from hurricanes.

For the past three decades, Turneffe Flats has actively supported the sustainable environmental, economic and social use of Turneffe Atoll through a variety of efforts. The eco-tourism resort has worked to be a model off-the-grid green enterprise and has developed many innovative ways to combine top-notch service with minimal environmental effects.

Approximately 17 years ago, Turneffe Flats wanted to make a more formal commitment to conservation efforts so became a charter member of 1% For The Planet. Wanting to concentrate conservation efforts locally, the resort then formed an NGO named Turneffe Atoll Trust to focus efforts on the surrounding reef environment.

Since then the Turneffe Atoll Trust has worked with government in Belize to deliver legislation instituting landmark protection for important game fish – bonefish, permit and tarpon. Belize’s “Catch and Release Law”, as it is known, has now been emulated in several countries.

In 2012, the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve was established offering a new level of environmental protection for Turneffe. Turneffe Atoll Trust drove this process, which included more than 10,000 hours of consultation with stakeholders – mostly commercial fishermen. The consultative process, and the Management Plan for the new reserve, were together funded by Turneffe Atoll Trust and substantial donations from Turneffe Flats.

Pike Place Market, for many the heart and soul of Seattle, opens a £57 million extension of three quarters of an acre on 29 June this year. Extending this world famous farmers market will broaden the attraction of Seattle's beautiful seafront to visitors and sightseers.

Pike Place Market opened in August 1907 and is one of the oldest continuously operated public farmers markets in the United States with more than 10 million visitors annually. The construction started in June 2015 and when it opens, visitors will enjoy:

  • 30,000 square foot open public space encompassing a new extended modern market and viewing deck overlooking Elliott Bay
  • 47 new day stalls
  • 12,000 square feet of commercial and retail space for artisan purveyors
  • Multiple public art installations
  • Over 300 covered parking spaces, plus 33 bicycle spaces.
Pike Place Market is home to over 225 small independent businesses and more than 85 local farmers, all providing stalls ranging from arts and crafts to fishmongers, groceries and sweet treats. The market offers a diverse range of restaurants, seasonal produce, local hand crafted gifts and Washington made goods. The diversity of produce and upbeat tempo of Pike Place Market creates a memorable experience for all.

Flying fish you say? Correct! - only in Seattle.  Join the local fishmongers who celebrate a sale by tossing a fish through the air to one another.

UBL, Pakistan’s Best Bank 2016, inaugurated its state-of-the-art Contact Center in Islamabad recently.

Located in G6, Islamabad, this contact center is UBL’s third and offers multiple banking service options to the customers of the Bank. With a capacity of 130 seats, the center offers Inbound, Telesales, Callback Mailroom and Social Media Services.

Mr. Wajahat Husain, President and CEO UBL inaugurated the Contact Center. He was accompanied by Ms. Sima Kamil, Deputy CEO UBL and other senior executives of the Bank. The visiting group was given a detailed overview on the Contact Center’s services and how it has now emerged as one of the leading Banking contact centers in Pakistan. Later, the group was given an extensive tour of the center where they observed the contact center team’s operations.

There is much excitement and exuberance in the Indian tourism industry and among official stakeholder circles, as the 2022 Lions Clubs International convention will be held in India for the first time in the over 100-year history of the club.

A record number of 35,000 delegates are expected from 120 countries to come to Delhi for the four-day event. Dr Naresh Aggarwal, who will take over as President of Lions Clubs International in July of this year said in Delhi, India, on April 20 that after the event, he expects the Indian share of world tourism to rise to 3 percent, from the present under one percent.

Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma said that the Lions meeting will be a good opportunity to showcase India to the world. Also, 2022 is important as it will be the 75th year of independence for India.

The usual parade on the occasion will be held in the evening in Delhi, as July is a hot month; generally, it is held in the mornings.

The club, which is very active in India, has pledged to scan the eyes of five crore children for eyesight problems.

Lions leadership has sought help from the government to ease visa rules for the convention.

India won the bid to host the Lions meeting against stiff competition from several other countries.

Over 6,000 rooms have already been booked in five-star hotels in Delhi, and more accommodation will be lined up in due course.

Top hotel managers and agents were present during the media meeting.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) welcomes the focus of Earth Day 2017 on Environmental and Climate Literacy, especially at a time when the very existence or impact of climate change is being challenged by some, if not outrightly denied and dismissed.
The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio was "our last chance to save the Earth". Twenty-five years later, we must take stock of where we are and unite to face the realities of climate change, especially in a region and an industry as vulnerable as ours. Most importantly, we must take action.
Our association is committed to ensuring our members and our destinations are fully conversant with the need to be climatically responsible. We know that being aware of the dangers of climate-changing activities not only helps to protect the environment but is also good for business.
In a sense, the Caribbean region is the world's lungs. People come to our shores for fresh air and clean seas in which to relax.
Individually our islands may be small, but collectively we can make a significant statement to the world about our care and concern for protecting our fragile natural resources. We do not have room for waste, nor can we afford to muddy our own pool when we are inviting the world to come and splash in its pristine clarity.
Looking after our environment is not just good for the planet, it is good for our livelihoods as well. It is not only economically efficient, but many of our guests want to know that their presence is preserving the region rather than polluting it.
The governments of the Caribbean played an instrumental role in the adoption of the 2015 agreement at the Paris climate conference. CHTA is calling on the region's public and private sector stakeholders to renew our support for the Caribbean Community's call for a cap on the world's temperature rise at 1.5 degrees Centigrade made to the United Nations conference in Paris. Anything less than a full commitment to the accords reached in Paris would have devastating consequences for the region.
Furthermore, we should increase our climate knowledge by supporting research and mitigation measures to counter losses.
CHTA is working on several fronts to create a more sustainable tourism industry by adopting measures to reduce the carbon footprints of our members. With the support of the Inter-American Development Bank, detailed energy efficiency audits have been conducted on more than 150 regional hotels. Additional energy conservation work in the tourism sector is being done with the support of the United States Agency for International Development.
Through these and other initiatives, many of the region's hotels have put energy efficiency measures in place, and our sector has advanced training, policies and incentives that support greater efficiencies and lower carbon footprints. Many of the region's governments have put in place policies to promote energy efficiency, water conservation and waste management. These efforts need to continue.
The Earth Day focus this year on Environmental and Climate Change Literacy fits well with the UN's declaration of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development because controlling the release of climate-changing emissions is a key element in advancing the contribution of the tourism sector to the three pillars of sustainability - economic, social and environmental.
Such continuing education will raise awareness of the true dimensions of a sector that is often undervalued because of a lack of literacy on its real contributions across all areas of society.
In the Caribbean, we benefit enormously from our region's biggest money earner and CHTA unreservedly embraces our responsibility to ensure that tourism is sustainable so it can be an even greater contributor to the socioeconomic development of the region, supporting our schools, our hospitals, our businesses and our culture while preserving the environment, which is our biggest asset.
Let's Save the Earth - and Keep the Caribbean Clean!

Throughout the day next Saturday dozens of boats from across Florida and the Southeast will assemble in Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park to test their mettle as part of Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races.

Organizers Pan American Dragon Boat Association, in partnership with The Junior League of Tampa, expect 8,000 spectators to watch more than 50 local, national and international teams race. Each boat holds 20 paddlers backed up by a drummer to keep them on time, as they dig hard with each stroke in a sprint toward the finish.

Grab a waterfront seat in the park, observation deck or along the Tampa Riverwalk to catch the action and cheer for your favorite team.

The following weekend, thousands more will gather for the Tampa Riverfest, Tampa's annual Riverwalk celebration. This year's family-friendly event, presented by Friends of the Riverwalk and the City of Tampa, will introduce a Hot Dog Festival on Saturday. Thanks to a new partnership with Nathan's Hot Dogs, the hot dog eating contest will send Tampa winners to The Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island, New York.

“These two major events confirm why visitors have lately come to expect year-round excitement in Tampa Bay” said Santiago Corrada, President & CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “Week after week our partners and locals show their love for Tampa by organizing high-quality events that have transformed our city into one of the hottest destinations in the country.  Our new Riverwalk is the latest star of our dynamic evolution.”

The Junior League of Tampa President Nicole Hubbard added: “More than ever, the Tampa Bay community has been working towards improved health and wellness with our children and our environment. This event draws spectators to the Tampa Riverwalk and allows the community to enjoy one of its greatest assets-the waterfront,“ Hubbard said.

The Jamaica Ministry of Tourism has vowed to use Carnival in Jamaica as the overarching brand to promote the carnival experience to visitors and locals alike through the aggressive marketing support from its agency, the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Preparations are in top gear ahead of the inaugural staging of Carnival in Jamaica, which was recently launched at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston. The initiative is a project of the Sports and Entertainment Network of the Ministry of Tourism’s Linkages Network and has facilitated the developers and organizers of many of the biggest local carnival bands, brands and events to provide a well-packaged entertainment offering.

“It is our intention to make Carnival in Jamaica a national product that our visitors can look forward to experiencing each year. So, this will become an annual undertaking which will transform the carnival experience locally. It is our aim to have Carnival in Jamaica become on par with or even better than carnival in our sister Caribbean island of Trinidad, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Notting Hill in London or any of the other big carnivals in major capitals of the world,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

While the Ministry of Tourism is leading the initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, the Chairman of the Sports and Entertainment Network, Kamal Bankay, was quick to highlight that the event has received much support from key partners to ensure its success.

“I truly believe that Carnival in Jamaica is a powerful initiative as it has brought together all the Carnival bands for the first time to work together to create the biggest and best carnival experience Jamaica has ever seen. We are very grateful for the support received from all our partners, such as the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, the Mayor of Kingston and the NSWMA to facilitate City Branding reflective of the personality and identity of Kingston for promotional activities,” said Bankay.

The Network is also working closely with the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) and VIP Attractions to curate an exciting Carnival in Jamaica display inside the Arrivals/Immigration Hall to increase visitor interest in Carnival upon arrival at the NMIA and Sangster International Airport. Partnerships have also been forged with the Ministry of National Security to ensure a heightened security presence for traffic control and protecting pedestrians.

“As an island destination, we must unearth and develop the various musical experiences that make the visitors want to travel to the island to enjoy themselves and spend while doing so. That is why the Ministry of Tourism has been supporting events such as Reggae Sumfest, Rebel Salute and other reggae productions…that is also the reason why we have developed Carnival in Jamaica,” said Bartlett.

Carnival in Jamaica will be used as the umbrella brand for all carnival activities during the peak period of April 14 to 24, this year, making it a national product.

For globetrotters looking for a dose of authentic culture and an inspiring burst of art this summer, Philadelphia is offering something for all artistic tastes to get excited about. Home to three of the greatest museums of art in America – the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes Foundation and Pennsylvania Academy Of The Fine Arts – the city has long been established as a cultural hub.

What is more, Mural Arts Philadelphia has just relaunched its programme of tours in time for the summer, so visitors can marvel at some of the city's 4,000 murals between more traditional museum visits.

Mural Arts Tour Summer Programme Offering a taste of the unique and fascinating stories behind the art that has connected communities throughout the city for over 30 years, arts fans should look no further than a Philadelphia Mural Arts Tour for their summer holiday itinerary. The programme brings art to life with its offerings of trolley jaunts, guided walks and even Segway excursions, each showcasing public artworks instilled with the notion that art ignites change and encourages learning. Each year, the professionally-trained guides lead 12,000 residents and visitors through the striking outdoor gallery that has become an intrinsic part of the city's landscape and is renowned globally.

North East India is home to some of the most diverse and culturally-vivid terrain and communities in the world. Abundant with rare wildlife, towering mountains, far-reaching lakes and mesmerising caves, its states are a paradise for bold and inquisitive travellers.

For an eye-opening and unique holiday this summer, UK travellers should take advantage of the new extended e-visa visit period - whereby tourists can stay in the country for up to 60 days - and book a trip to North East India, which boasts endless activities to keep the most eager appetites for adventure satiated. To help plan your trip, India Tourism has put together a guide to some of the area's best attractions.

Trek Through Nature's Finest Land In Arunachal Pradesh Aptly-named 'The land of the dawn-lit mountains', Arunachal Pradesh is the richest biogeographical province of the Himalayan zone. With a wonderfully complex hill system, its terrain lends itself to some of the greatest trekking in India. Visitors should head for high-altitude mountain pass Se La Pass, from which some of the state's 500 bird species can be spotted and hiking trails are found at every turn. From a height of almost 14,000 feet, visitors will be rewarded with fantastic views of the surrounding rivers and villages while on their nature trek.

Delve Deep Into The Caves of Meghalaya Some of the longest caves in the world can be found in Meghalaya, where around 500 limestone grottos snake through the terrain. While many of these caves remain unexplored, visitors can embark on underground adventures galore in the region to explore a truly hidden India.

Be Spell-Bound By Loktak Lake In Manipur It is no wonder that Manipur is referred to as the 'land of the jewels'. Here, visitors are greeted by breath-taking emerald lakes, blue mountains, foaming waterfalls and exotic wildlife. What is more, the region is home to the only floating National Park in the world, which takes form of a series of circular swamps that hover on the surface of Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. In addition to these fascinating little islands, the lake also plays host to 233 species of aquatic plants, over 100 species of birds and 425 different types of animals. For a truly spell-binding experience, travellers should add a hike around the endangered lake to their North East Indian itinerary.

The inauguration ceremony of the Coca-Cola sponsored, international standard Aquatic Center at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) took place. Mr. Brian Smith, President Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Group and Mr. Zoran Vucinic, President Middle East and North Africa (MENA) of Coca-Cola Company, the chief guests at the event, along with other members of the organisation’s team, were welcomed at LUMS by Syed Babar Ali, Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. S. Sohail H. Naqvi, Vice Chancellor, and Abdul Razak Dawood, Rector of LUMS.

After the inaugural ceremony, the attendees visited the grand Aquatic Center, a first ever FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur) approved indoor swimming facility, with an eight lane, 25-meter length, in a Pakistan based university.

Speaking at the occasion, Rizwan Ullah Khan, General Manager, The Coca-Cola Export Corporation, Pakistan and Afghanistan, said, “One of the most important pillars of Coca-Cola’s brand values includes the inculcation of an active lifestyle for our local communities. The establishment of Coca-Cola LUMS Aquatic Center is an example of how Corporate Partnerships like these can provide exponential benefits for the sustainability of our society.”

“We are proud that the Coca-Cola Aquatic Center will become certified for national and international water sports competitions and will serve as a centre stage for the University to develop teams for swimming, water polo and other aquatic sports. We are thankful to Coca-Cola for their support in establishing this facility,” commented Prof. Dr. S. Sohail H. Naqvi. The Aquatic Center will be operational this week and opening its doors to LUMS students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Coca-Cola has previously supported LUMS in a variety of ways which have included an Endowment Fund for the National Outreach Programme, to sponsor financially disadvantaged students. One such student, Sikander Wattoo, has gone on to graduate from the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University in USA, with the support of this Programme. The Coca-Cola Empower Lecture Series is also an initiative that has taken place at LUMS, aimed at empowering the youth of Pakistan through a series of lectures by inspiring speakers.

India's Ministry of Tourism has announced that foreign tourists visiting India on the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) will now be entitled to stay in the country for up to two months and enjoy double-entry benefits.

Rolled out by the government beginning 1 April 2017, the new e-Visa guidelines will permit a traveller to stay in the country for up to 60 days, with double entry for those holding valid business and tourist e-Visas, and triple entry for those holding medical e-Visas. This entitles visitors to explore neighbouring countries before returning to India within a specified time. What is more, the window for application to the e-Visa scheme has increased from 30 days to 120 days.

The eTV was introduced in August 2015 and thanks to the successful promotional efforts of India Tourism Office London, 90,000 e-Tourist Visas were issued within the scheme's first year. This accounted for nearly a quarter of all e-Visas issued worldwide and more applications were made by UK citizens for an eTV to India than any other nation.

The e-Visa for India has been sub-divided into three categories: e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa and e-Medical Visa. On arrival, the visitor must present the authorisation to immigration officials, in order to enter the country.

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