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Sandals Royal Caribbean Introduces Two New 5-Star Restaurant Concepts

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The Luxury Included® Resort Expands 5-Star Global Gourmet™ Dining Offerings with the Opening of Spices and Bombay Club

Sandals® Resorts is excited to announce that Sandals Royal Caribbean, located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is expanding its 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining offerings with two new mouthwatering restaurant concepts – Spices and Bombay Club. Now officially open, guests can enjoy even more quality, authenticity and choice at up to 20 different restaurants at Sandals Royal Caribbean and the neighboring Sandals Montego Bay.

Spices serves up Pan-Caribbean favorites for an authentic island restaurant experience. With delicious breakfast options and ever-changing daily lunch buffet themes with plenty of made-to-order options, Spices brings flavors from all around the world to one place. At night, guests can indulge in dishes infused with popular Caribbean spices like pimento, nutmeg and cinnamon. With its tropical surroundings and festive hospitality coupled with the restaurant’s exceptional Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wine selection and premium liquors, Spices infuses Caribbean flare into its menu for an exotic dining experience.

Sandals Resorts is also excited to introduce aromatic Indian fare with the wildly popular Bombay Club to Sandals Royal Caribbean. As the brand’s exclusive Indian restaurant, Bombay Club boasts Indian cuisine that captivates the senses. Featuring a unique collection of flavorful dishes such as Shrimp Pakoras and Butter Chicken, along with vegan and vegetarian options, like the aloo gobhi and the vegetable bullets, Bombay Club is the go-to place for scenic views, great times, and exotic fare.

Sandals Resorts International continuously exceeds guests’ expectations with its 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining program by offering more unique and authentic dining experiences across its resorts. Whether it’s leveraging internationally trained chefs to serve up to 23 unique culinary concepts – from Indian and French, to Italian and Japanese – or ensuring that 90 percent of all food offerings are locally sourced to create the most authentic meals, Sandals Resorts allows guests to take their taste buds on a journey around the world without having to leave the resort.

For more information on the two new restaurants now open at Sandals Royal Caribbean, please click here. 


Bombay Club, now open at Sandals Royal Caribbean

MEDIA CONTACT: Alexa Mechanic for additional information or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson. 646-935-3999. alexa.mechanic@ketchum.com

Madagascar National Tourism Board organized a four-city roadshow in India and Raining responses from Indian Travel Trade

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Madagascar’s stunning beauty is so bountiful that a lifetime would not be enough to encompass them all. It is one of those rare destinations with the art of conjuring up your dream of getting away to discover the treasure island  and cultures. The traditional and natural heritage of Madagascar is undoubtedly rich with 80% of its wildlife sanctuaries,  national parks, beaches and adventure activities.

Madagascar National Tourism Board in collaboration with Air Madagascar, Air Austral, Tsaradia and Air Mauritius had their first sales mission in India which was organized by ksaenterprise.com with its four-city roadshow in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai from 21 Oct to 24 Oct 2019.

The honorable President and Chairman of Madagascar National Tourism Board, Mr. Narijao Boda highlighted the destination’s unique features and also to educate travel trade on the same and thereby attracting a large number of Indian travelers to the fourth largest Island country in the world.

 Mr. Narijao Boda said, “We are pleased to tap the India market; as both the countries have long cultural and traditional connection, it will be easy to understand the requirement of the Indian market which is very much potential for any African country.  We are very well aware of the strong outbound tourist growth of Indian market and closely work with the local partners to attract more travelers from India. We are in plans for the familiarization trip for 40 travel agents to Madagascar, to the selected travel trade and media. The segments we want to welcome are honeymooner and nature enthusiast to explore Madagascar.” One of Madagascar National Tourism Board’s next steps is also to invite bloggers to discover the Treasure Island and thus reach Indian travelers online.

At present there is no direct flight between India and Madagascar but Air Madagascar came with the great news to welcome Indian travelers with the direct flights connecting India’s financial capital with Madagascar’s capital town Antananarivo. The direct flight from Mumbai to Madagascar is expected to start from June 2020.

Mr. Rabaritsialonina Jaona, Overseas Sales Manager of Air Madagascar said, “We are excited to announce that by June 2020 Air Madagascar will connect both countries with the direct flight between Mumbai and Antananarivo the capital city of Madagascar. The direct flight will be of 6 hours journey bringing in Island Country closer to the travelers’ heart.”

Madagascar, being fourth largest Island country in the world offering a wealth of unique biodiversity fosters the development of outstanding plant and wildlife that includes 43 National Parks, 294 bird species, 6 endemic baobab species, around one hundred lemur species and over 1000 species of orchids. There are abundances of adventure activities one can enjoy in Madagascar, to name few are – bird watching, trekking, hiking, scuba diving, sport fishing, kite surfing, sailing, whale watching, motorbike, Quad, and Mountain bike trekking.

Media Contact :

Name : Karthik

Email : karthik@ksaenterprise.com

Phone : +91 7395828 858 

Seychelles Tourism Board strengthens its outreach in India with three-city roadshow

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The Seychelles Tourism Board successfully conducted a three-city roadshow in the cities of Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, Ahmedabad in the State of Gujarat and the capital city of India; Delhi from Monday September 16 to Friday September 20, 2019.

The key industry players from Seychelles including hotel partners and Destination Management Companies (DMC) alongside the STB representatives. The team, consisting of Mrs. Elsie Sinon- Senior Marketing Executive from the STB Headquarters, Ms. Shakambri Soni and Mrs. Priya Ghag from the Seychelles Tourism Board’s India office, connected with approximately 225 prominent Indian travel and tour operating companies to strengthen their outreach in India.

On the hotel accommodation services side Berjaya Hotels and Resorts, Cerf Island Resort, Four Seasons Seychelles, Hilton Resort & Spa, MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa, Savoy Resort & Spa, Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel, JA Enchanted Island Resort and soon to open Club Med Seychelles were present at the roadshow.

Creole Travel Services, Mason’s Travel, Vision Voyages represented on the DMC side, Variety Cruises as a cruise operator and Air Seychelles, the national carrier, stood alongside the delegation as part of the Seychelles services experience.

 The trade partners and travel agents were given the chance to network with the exhibitors to learn more about the destination including the diverse products and experiences the Seychelles offers during this interactive roadshow.

Present at the roadshow on the STB team Mrs. Sinon mentioned her satisfaction to have had a successful event in India.

She emphasised that such events create a platform to help service providers in Seychelles and Indian tour operators, to connect and understand mutual needs so as to better design and deliver the Seychelles to all clients, particularly new-age travellers from India while retaining the growth momentum of Indian arrivals into the Seychelles.

Commenting on the event, Ms. Sherin Francis, STB Chief Executive stated that the annual roadshow

in India is one of the marketing events that extremely substantial for the destination.

“It gave us immense pleasure to see our Indian partners always eager to keep updated about the Seychelles. This roadshow was well attended and received a remarkable response from all three cities. India represents a substantial and vast market for Seychelles and these planned events help us to understand the current market dynamics and connect with the existing as well as potential Indian tour operators in Chennai, Ahmedabad and Delhi,” said Mrs. Francis.

On her part Ms. Lubaina Sheerazi, STB representative in India further added, “We are extremely pleased to have received positive and encouraging feedback from stakeholders about the format and quality of meetings conducted at the roadshow. Delhi and Ahmedabad have been among the top three markets for Seychelles and we wanted to revisit these cities to ensure quality engagement with all trade partners there. With our marketing strategies and efforts, we continue this engagement and reach out to more potential markets in the coming years.”

As part of its marketing strategy, each year STB plans to target newer cities in India through roadshows, workshops and selective meetings. STB encourages their partners to participate in the 2020 edition of the roadshow as India is an immensely significant market for the Seychelles.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

Travellanda takes on a trio of sales stars  

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Travellanda, the award-winning and fastest-growing wholesale travel company in the UK, has appointed three new Sales and Business Development Managers to help it expand into India, the Middle East and Spanish-speaking markets. They are Ajay Rohila, who will take responsibility for the Indian subcontinent, Meltem Balkan, who will look after the Middle East, UK and Ireland and Carlos Correia, who will cover Portugal, Spain, South America, the USA and Canada. All have strong track records of well over a decade in sales and account management, working for highly regarded companies in the travel industry.

Ajay has joined from WebBeds, where he was responsible for building new strategic partnerships in the Indian subcontinent. Previously, as Country Manager, he established the TransHotel Online Reservation System in India; he was responsible for channel sales in the Delhi and NCR Region for Thomas Cook; he was a senior client relations executive at Cox & Kings and he was a Sales Executive at Global Tour Management Company in Delhi.

Meltem has joined from Tripedia in Istanbul, where she was CMO, developing the Tripedia tours and activities platform through its start-up phase. Previously, she worked at Metglobal in Istanbul, where she managed a portfolio of meta and travel search sites, helped create the XML platform for Hotelspro and ran business development activities for B2B and B2C brands. She has impressive intellectual credentials, having won full scholarships to study as an undergraduate at Bilkent University in Ankara and as a postgraduate at Amherst in the USA. She enjoys working on the introduction of new technologies and analysing numbers.

Carlos is a life-long tourism evangelist. He joined from Altura Destination Services, where he was a Key Account Manager, responsible for sales, business development and marketing strategy. Previously, he was an Account Manager at Hotelbeds, and prior to that a Host Manager at Iberostar Resorts. He is fluent in four languages.

Denise Atkinson, Head of Sales, Marketing & Cross XMLs, said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to hire three such strong sales professionals. With them on board, we will be much better placed to achieve our objective of increasing turnover by 10%, as we will have more capacity to help of our loyal clients grow and to increase the number of clients who work with us through our various IT platforms. It will also be possible to organise ourselves on a geographical basis rather than on a product basis, which will enable us to operate more efficiently and to provide an increasingly seamless service.”

About Travellanda

As a leading B2B Accommodation Wholesaler, Travellanda is one of the travel industry’s fastest growing companies. It has grown to over 40 staff and a turnover exceeding £60 million in less than eight years. Through cutting edge technology, it provides highly competitive wholesale rates on an inventory of over 300,000 hotels worldwide. Using the Travellanda XML Connectivity, Online Reservation System or White Label solution, travel agencies, tour operators, B2B online systems and OTA’s have access to a wide range of hotels and apartments from self-catering and one-star accommodation to deluxe five-star properties. This year, it was included in the London Stock Exchange 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain and for the 2nd year running in The Financial Times Top 1,000 Companies in Europe. It was also named Best Online Wholesaler 2018 in the UK Enterprise Awards and Best Online Hotel Wholesaler 2018 – SME Greater London Enterprise Awards. Travellanda’s head office is in London and it has local offices in Bangkok and Istanbul.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Vikki Barclay, Marketing Manager Travellanda, marketing@Travellanda.com on +44 20 3384 5410

Seychelles shines in all splendor as Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2019 in Mauritius

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The continuous efforts of the destination in matters of ecology is once again saluted by the international tourism industry as Seychelles is crowned Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2019 at the 26th Edition of the World Travel Awards (WTA)  held at the Sugar Beach- A Sun Resort in Mauritius on Saturday June 1, 2019. 

The World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean was held in a grandiose ceremony bringing together several hundred leading figureheads in the tourism industry in the African and Indian Ocean Region including Seychelles representatives Minister Didier Dogley, Minister for Tourism Civil Aviation Ports and Marine, Principal Secretary for Tourism; Mrs. Anne Lafortune and Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive; Mrs. Sherin Francis.

The STB Chief Executive, Mrs. Francis received the prestigious award on behalf of the destination celebrating the destination’s active investment towards the environment. The WTA’s founder Graham E. Cooke was also present for the ceremony.  In view of the Seychelles’ active work towards environmental protection, the destination topped the list ahead of Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius and Reunion.

Speaking of the honor of receiving the award, Mrs. Francis reiterated that Seychelles’ would remain a pioneer in conservation.

“As a destination we are proud to be an example to the world, it is rewarding to know that our efforts contribute immensely in the protection of some of the most endangered species and their habitats. This award goes to all the people including environmentalists, NGOs, partners, lovers of nature who work effortlessly towards keeping our islands in a pristine state,” said Mrs. Francis.

WTA was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Each year, WTA covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognise and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.

MEDIA CONTACT: STB News Bureau, Tel: +248 4 671 354 / +248 4 671 313, stbnews@seychelles.travel  www.seychelles.travel

29th International Book Fair opens in Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is playing host to the 29th edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair that kicked off on Wednesday with more than 500,000 titles on display.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the UAE Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the event, according to the state-run WAM news agency.

He emphasized the importance of the fair in supporting the UAE’s status in the publishing industry, being one of the most important book fairs in the region that attracts Arab and international publishers.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, the fair features more than 1,000 exhibitors from 50 countries.

Running until April 30, the fair also includes several daily events for visitors such as seminars, workshops, author signings and entertainment activities.

With India as the event’s guest of honour, at least 30 Indian publishing companies are taking part.

This year’s book fair also sees the introduction of three new interactive zones: the E-Zone, Comic Corner and the Entertainment Zone.

Each of the three zones features unique experiences for learning, innovation and entertainment.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Indian travelers expected to spend $136 billion by 2021

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The Indian traveler has come of age, spending approximately $94 billion in 2018, on around 2 billion domestic and international trips, helping the Indian travel and tourism industry achieve unprecedented scale.

The momentum is expected to continue and the industry will grow at a 13 percent CAGR to $136 billion by 2021, according to a report, ‘How Does India Travel’. The report outlines how India spends on travel, the influence of online channels in their purchase journey and potential growth opportunities for travel businesses till 2021.

Deep diving into the $136 billion spends, the report cites a 12 percent growth in transportation ($50 billion), 13 percent growth in lodging ($21 billion) and consumption, which includes spends on shopping, recreation and food, to grow at 13 percent ($65 billion) over the next three years. Additionally, as more people come online, smartphone penetration improves and use of digital payments goes up, the report estimates that Indian travelers will spend an additional $24 billion on online travel bookings over the next three years, a growth from 25 percent in 2018 to 35 percent in 2021.

Online is a significant source of research

Elucidating the planning journey of Indian travelers, both for business and leisure, the report calls out five phases of a customer journey – Interest, Research, Booking, Experience and Sharing. The report states that during key research-heavy phase of interest, research and experience, digital plays a pivotal role with over 86 percent of consumers being influenced by online channels. During this phase, travelers spend their maximum time on search, travel tour provider websites, price comparison websites, and travel articles. Online video too plays a significant role with 21 percent of travelers being influenced by this platform. In the booking and sharing phase, the report states that nearly 60 percent of customers book transport and lodging online, and over 50 percent share feedback online with social media being the dominant platform.

Talking about the market opportunities for online travel players, Vikas Agnihotri, Country Director – Sales, Google India said, “New users perceive that online channels are geared towards the more frequent flyers and experience-oriented travellers; and existing travelers research online but the lack of trust in payments and booking experience make them end up booking offline. If travel players tap these online users through personalised marketing, messaging and travel plans, they can further augment online travel bookings. This can be done by adopting digital technologies to influence customers early in the journey and moving from one-time engagement to ongoing relationships to have a positive impact.”

“There is a perception amongst consumers that online channels are geared towards premium customers, along with a marked distrust around payment and pricing terms. It is imperative for businesses to address these concerns in order to effectively tap into the growing base of users.” Arpan Sheth, partner Bain & Company said.

Decoding the Indian travelers

The report further identified the five cohorts of travelers in India, across business and leisure travel, and categorised each against their online research behavior:

Frequent flyers: Nearly 70 percent of them booked online, cumulatively spent $17 billion in 2018. They make their choices based on convenience, availability, brand preference and past experiences.

Budget business traveler: 86 percent of them researched online whereas only 60 percent book online, cumulatively spent $20 billion in 2018. This cohort makes their decisions based on cost of travel, availability and consultation amongst their personal business network.

Experience-oriented traveler: Around 70 percent of their bookings were done online and cumulatively spent $22 billion in 2018. They extensively research both online and offline for ‘authentic’ experiences and convenience of options; display high loyalty towards preferred brand of airlines or hotels and actively share experiences.

Budget group traveler: 90 percent researched online and 55 percent booked online, cumulatively spent $29 billion in 2018. They make multiple decision-makers in the process and take the final decisions based on minimal cost.

Occasional travel visiting friends/relatives: 92 percent researched online but only 60 percent booked online, spent $6 billion in 2018. They maximize family convenience within a budget and believe online terms and conditions are restrictive.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Latest in the Sri Lanka wave of terror: Holy Sites must be respected

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The latest from Sri Lanka in regards to eight deadly terror attacks on Easter Sunday leaves 290 dead and more than 500 people injured.

Among the dead are also foreign tourists including 3 from India, 1 from Portugal, 2 from Turkey, 3 from the UK, and 2 with both a U.S. and U.K. citizenship
9 foreigners are missing, 25 unidentified bodies are also believed to be foreigners.

The German embassy is working on identifying possible German tourists among the victims.

Bombs explosions were reported yesterday in eight locations

  • Katuwapitiya Church
  • Kochikade Church
  • Church in Batticaloa
  • Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo
  • Cinnamon Grand hotel
  • Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo
  • Dehiwala
  • Dematagoda

An improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered in close proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo last night. The IED was successfully diffused and detonated by the members of the Sri Lanka Air Force.  The bomb was discovered along the Adiambalama road, in close proximity to the BIA hours before President Maithripala Sirisena returned to the country.

According to the Crime Division of the Sri Lanka Police (CCD) 13 individuals linked to the attack last night were arrested and 10 of them were later transferred into the custody for further investigations.

Officers of the Wellwatte police late last night managed to take into custody a van and a driver believed to have been used to transport the attackers. 24 people have been arrested thus far in relation to the incidents.

Schools and Universities remain closed, scheduled government examinations have been postponed. The Colombo Stock Exchange last night announced that they would not be open for trading until further notice.

The United States of America and the United Kingdom have issued travel advisories for Sri Lanka.

In the meantime, curfews and social media and instant message shut down are in effect in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka had planned to double tourist arrivals next year. This may be a big test to achieve such numbers.

The attacks that took place yesterday has also drawn international condemnation.

Here are some of their messages:

POPE FRANCIS

“I learned with sadness and pain of the news of the grave attacks, that precisely today, Easter, brought mourning and pain to churches and other places where people were gathered in Sri Lanka,” he told tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square to hear his Easter Sunday message.

“I wish to express my affectionate closeness to the Christian community, hit while it was gathered in prayer, and to all the victims of such cruel violence.”

WORLD JEWISH CONGRESS PRESIDENT RONALD S. LAUDER

“World Jewry – in fact all civilized people – denounce this heinous outrage and appeal for zero tolerance of those who use terror to advance their objectives. This truly barbarous assault on peaceful worshippers on one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar serves as a painful reminder that the war against terror must be at the top of the international agenda and pursued relentlessly,” he said in a statement.

ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, JUSTIN WELBY, SPIRITUAL LEADER OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

“The will to power leads to the murder of innocents in Sri Lanka. The utterly despicable destruction that on this holiest of days seeks to challenge the reality of the risen Christ. To say that darkness will conquer, that our choice is surrender or death. Jesus chose to defy this darkness and he is risen indeed.”

U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP

“The United States offers heartfelt condolences to the great people of Sri Lanka. We stand ready to help!,” he tweeted.

INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI

“Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured,” he said on Twitter.

PAKISTAN’S PRIME MINISTER IMRAN KHAN

“Strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday resulting in precious lives lost and hundreds injured. My profound condolences go to our Sri Lankan brethren. Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with Sri Lanka in their hour of grief,” he tweeted.

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN

“Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena in connection with tragic consequences of terrorist acts,” his English Twitter account said.

GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL

“It is shocking that people who had gathered to celebrate Easter were the deliberate target of vicious attacks,” she wrote in a letter of condolence to Sri Lanka’s president.

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON

“Deep sorrow following the terrorist attacks against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. We firmly condemn these heinous acts. All our solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka and our thoughts go out to all victims’ relatives on this Easter Day,” he said on Twitter.

IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MOHAMMAD JAVAD ZARIF

“Terribly saddened by terrorist attacks on Sri Lankan worshippers during Easter. Condolences to friendly govt & people of Sri Lanka. Our thoughts & prayers with the victims & their families. Terrorism is a global menace with no religion: it must be condemned & confronted globally,” he said on Twitter.

NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN

“New Zealand condemns all acts of terrorism, and our resolve has only been strengthened by the attack on our soil on the 15th of March. To see an attack in Sri Lanka while people were in churches and at hotels is devastating,” she said in a written statement.

“New Zealand rejects all forms of extremism and stands for freedom of religion and the right to worship safely. Collectively we must find the will and the answers to end such violence.”

SRI LANKA EMBASSY

It was with horror and sadness we heard of the bombings in Sri Lanka costing the lives of so many people. We condemn the horrendous attacks targetting innocent civilians. Our sympathies go out to all the victims. Maldives stands in solidarity with people & Govt. of Sri Lanka.

TORONTO

The Toronto sign has been dimmed in solidarity with Sri Lanka following today’s tragic attacks. We join our Sri Lankan community and our Christian community in mourning those killed and pray for the recovery of those injured.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Terror Attack on Shangri La, Kingsbury Hotel and three churches in Sri Lanka

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The Shangri La Hotel Colombo, the Kingsbury Hotel and three churches in Kochchikade and Negombo were targeted by terrorists today in Sri Lanka. This is another attack on the travel and tourism industry, an important sector of Sri Lanka’s economy.

At 11.10h local time, a happy Easter in Sri Lanka turned deadly. A major deadly terror attack in Sri Lanka with five explosions are reported. Two explosions in St. Anthony’s Church in Kochchikade and more in Negombo Katuwapitiya Church.

Another explosion in Kingsbury Hotel and 3rd floor Shangri-La in Colombo. The Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo overlooks the Indian Ocean and is located in the heart of the business district and the capital’s buzzing social scene.

The five-star Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo is located in-between Galle Face Green, the World Trade Centre, and the Dutch Hospital Precinct.

According to insiders, today’s terror attack in Sri Lanka is not local. It has roots outside. It may be a calibrated response.

50 dead and more than 280 injured. Since this is Easter, Churches are busy everywhere in the world. It’s unclear if tourists and foreigners are among the victims in Sri Lanka. T

 

 

Travel News | eTurboNews

Russian billionaire buys world’s first private icebreaker

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One of the top 50 richest Russians, banker Oleg Tinkov, wants to present what he calls a first private icebreaker to the public next year, before the €100 million vessel sets sail to the Antarctic among other destinations.

Founder and owner of Tinkoff Bank, worth $2.2 billion, is going to show off the SeaExplorer 77, the newest addition to his pet-project, La Dacha, at the major global yacht show in Monaco as early as 2020.

After the presentation, the superyacht will head to the gems of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles and Madagascar, Russia’s scenic Kamchatka peninsula and Alaska, before challenging its reinforced icebreaker hull in Antarctica in late 2021 and the beginning of 2022.

“It is yachting, but a completely different one,” Tinkov explained. “It’s about exploring, but not about drinking martini and showing off in Saint-Tropez.”

The ‘icebreaker’ cost the billionaire more than €100 million (US$112 million). The banker wants to enjoy it himself for around 20 weeks per year and plans to lease it for the rest for €690,000 per week.

The entrepreneur says he was the first to order such a vessel. In fact, it is an expedition yacht, which can break ice up to 40 centimeters thick and maintain autonomy at sea for up to 40 days. The 77-meter vessel, offering luxury accommodation for up to 12 guests in addition to the crew, also features two helicopter hangars, a dive center and decompression chamber, and carries a submersible, two snow scooters and waverunners.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has already showed interest in the luxury sea adventure, and wants to have a three-week long charter, while a Russian businessmen from the Forbes list, whose name Tinkov did not reveal, wants to rent the boat for six months.

Travel News | eTurboNews