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Senior tourist dies at Grand Canyon after fall

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A 70-year-old tourist fell to her death yesterday, Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at the Grand Canyon in the US state of Arizona. She is the second person to die at this popular tourist destination this year. The Grand Canyon national park sees 6 million visitors every year.

A call went out to park rangers that someone needed  help at the South Rim of the canyon, but by the time responders arrived, the person had fallen 200 feet below the rim. Her body was recovered using a helicopter. It is not known how the woman fell.

The Grand Canyon has designated trails and walkways as well as railings and fences at overlooks that will keep visitors at a safe distance from the rim’s edge. Anyone who chooses to venture beyond that is literally taking their lives into their own hands.

In 2015, 8 men were hopping from one rock to another or posing for pictures, including a 38-year-old father from Texas who was pretending to fall to scare his daughter, but then really did fall 400 feet to his death.

On March 14, 2017,  30-year-old Gom Dang, of Ankeny, Iowa, fell to his death off the rim west of Mather Point as he was posing for a photo when he lost his balance and fell backward to his death. His body was recovered approximately 280 feet below the rim.

In this day and age of the selfie, many people have lost their lives trying to get the perfect picture. A tourist from Hong Kong died falling into the canyon on the Hualapai reservation, just outside the park’s boundaries, on March 28, 2017. He was taking a photo at the time.

In that same year, 20 people fell to their death at the Grand Canyon. A 67-year-old man fell 400 feet from the South Rim and died on April 3. There were 290 search-and-rescues and 1,135 emergency medical service incidents.

Dying from heat or dehydration is more common than falling off the edge in the Grand Canyon, but it is still a major concern. On average, 2 to 3 deaths per year are from falls over the rim.

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Myth-Mania: Stories of men, heroes and indigenous world at MarTa

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The National Archaeological Museum of Taranto (MarTa) celebrated the return of important finds back home. Myth-Mania, rediscovered stories of men and heroes, speaks of objects taken from necropolises by grave robbers, and illegally smuggled out of the country.

Fourteen precious finds – Apulian red-figure vases, now displayed at the MarTa, have been returned to Italy by the Paul Getty Museum in Malibu, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Metropolitan in New York, thanks to the investigative work of the Command of the Carabinieri for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, and diplomatic negotiations of the MiBAC in synergy with the State Attorney and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The vases were produced on the turn of the fourth century BC in ancient Apulia, destined to satisfy the claims of refinement of the natives, who populated the lands around the Greek cities of southern Italy.

The volute krater- a vase originally intended for the symposium – at a time when men, according to the Greek fashion, at the end of the banquet mixed wine with water, honey and spices in this container and then poured it into the cups – it was used later for grave goods and testified to the wealth and sophistication of the burial owner.

Even the subjects that decorate the sides of the vases are funerary subjects. At the center of one of the two sides there are often stelae or small temples with statues, which reproduce the funerary monuments most in use at the time in Apulia.

The images painted on the vases can go back to telling stories of men and heroes who use the language of myth not for a simple “mania”, as the title of the exhibition provocatively suggests, but as a tool for sharing values and building identities among Greeks.

The director of MarTa highlighted the work she carried out for two years for the restoration of the vessels, following their finding in the MarTa’s museum storage shortly after taking office in 2016:

“Our museum is a great tourist attraction, explains the director. It boasts an annual turnout of 80,000 visitors including Russians, English, Americans and Chinese. Thanks to European funds (2.5 million euros), we are working at the Marta 3.0 project, which concerns the digitalization of the cataloging of over 40 thousand open data and open source exhibits, which means making an archaeological and artistic heritage available to all among the largest and most valuable in the world.

A FabLab is also being set up to allow the most representative works to be reproduced in 3D prints, thus activating valuable merchandising that will be supported by our internal boutique”.

Next to the exhibition of vases is the entire museum structure which on three floors houses exhibits of rare beauty: one above all the athlete’s sarcophagus.

A tourism promotion project.

The image of Taranto, always identified as an industrial and military (Navy) city, was destroyed following the environmental disasters caused by the Ilva industry.

For the last two years, the city has been experiencing a period of rebirth, explains the director Eva Degl’Innocenti, and in the absence of a tourism plan, the need to involve local authorities and private entrepreneurship to create a system for tourist reception with the revival of itineraries of Magna Graecia, involving Paestum, Naples and Reggio Calabria has become apparent.

The MarTa, is one of the richest archaeological museums in Italy, especially with regard to finds from the Greek-Roman period, including the famous collection of gold and silver found in the province of the famous city of Magna Grecia (Taranto) between the IV and the 1st century BC.

Having remained dormant for many years, the MarTa has implemented a revival by hosting highly successful exhibitions. Today museum is a great tourist attraction and boasts an annual turnout of 80,000 visitors including Russians, English, Americans and Chinese.

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Sri Lanka: More attacks in progress, Internet off, Curfew ordered: European Union offers support and issues statement

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The European Union High Representative Vice-President Federica Mogherini issued a statement after the deadly terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka this morning

In the meantime, new attacks are reported. The situation in Sri Lanka is still developing.

A hotel official at the Cinnamon Grand, near the prime minister’s official residence, said the explosion ripped through a restaurant and killed at least one person.

At least 160 people died today in Sri Lanka, among them 35 foreigners are unconfirmed numbers.

A seventh explosion was also reported at a hotel near the zoo in Dehiwala, in southern Colombo, with two deaths. The zoo has been closed. A curfew has been imposed from 18:00 to 06:00 local time (12:30-00:30 GMT).

Sri Lanka has shut down social media and messaging services in the country
While this is happening news is coming in of a possible eighth explosion and exchange of gunfire in the Colombo district of Dematagoda, but this has not yet been confirmed.
A curfew has been imposed from 18:00 to 06:00 local time (12:30-00:30 GMT).
Sri Lanka has shut down social media and messaging services in the country
A series of coordinated attacks hit churches and hotels in Sri Lanka this morning, causing extreme devastation. With men, women and children, from all walks of life and from different nationalities among the victims, this is a truly sad day for the country and for the world.
The European Union offers its most sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have been killed and wishes a speedy recovery to the many wounded.
Easter Sunday is a special moment for Christians around the world. It is a time to give thanks, for remembrance, celebration, and peaceful prayer. Such acts of violence on this Holy Day are acts of violence against all beliefs and denominations, and against all those who value the freedom of religion and the choice to worship.
The European Union stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan authorities at this difficult time. The European Union is also ready to offer support.

Travel News | eTurboNews

28 killed in Portugal bus crash, many German tourists

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A bus reported to be carrying tourists, including many from Germany, crashed on the island of Madeira in Portugal, killing at least 28.

Filipe Sousa, the mayor of Santa Cruz, said that 17 women and 11 men were killed in Wednesday’s accident.

Several others were wounded after the vehicle overturned near the town of Canico.

The cause of the crash, which happened in daylight in the early evening, was not immediately clear.

Images on Portuguese media showed an overturned white bus surrounded by firefighters. SIC television said there were 19 ambulances at the scene.

“I have no words to describe what happened. I cannot face the suffering of these people,” Sousa told SIC television.

Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said he would travel to Madeira overnight.

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Seychelles Tourism Board Chief Executive featured at third Esquire Podcast and Seychelles x Esquire Middle East Gentleman’s Evening

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Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive, Mrs. Sherin Francis, came aboard to the Esquire Q&A Studio at Dubai Media City for the third Esquire podcast last April 11, 2019 to speak about the tropical destination-Seychelles.

The podcast centered about the Middle East tourism market’s relevance, destination wedding in Seychelles and Seychelles as a sustainable tourism destination. It was followed by media interviews with journalists from Esquire, Rake, CEO and Arabian Business.

The STB Office in Dubai was in collaboration with Esquire Middle East, the leading men’s magazine in the Middle East and local partner Six Senses Zil Pasyon hosted a networking event last weekend at the Palace Downtown outdoor viewing deck under the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa and with the views over the Dubai Fountain.

The event saw the presence of STB Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis and Esquire Middle East Editor Matthew Baxter-Priest along with dapper Esquire readers and the leading names in travel industry.

The astonishing location at The Palace Downtown’s Viewing Deck let guests enjoy stellar views while discussing their favorite travel destinations.

During the evening, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, an all-villa hideaway on a pristine private island, gifted two nights stay at the luxury boutique Indian Ocean Beach Resort.

Mrs. Sherin Francis mentioned her satisfaction to have featured on the third Esquire Podcast to talk about the destination, she further stated that the UAE and the Middle East is an important market for Seychelles and a constant presence on the territories is important for the destination.

“As a small destination it is important that we keep in touch with our clients, we constantly need to find innovative ways to push the Seychelles product. The UAE is only four hours away from the Seychelles and present a great opportunity for quick weekend breaks given we are well connected with double daily flights and we have no visa requirements which provides a great advantage for our visitors,” said Mrs. Francis.

Present at the event, Esquire Editor Baxter-Priest admitted that while he is constantly on the go, “the Seychelles is one of my favorite places. Sun, sea, sand and a whole lot more – it is a delightful place.”

The representative of the STB office in Dubai Ahmed Fathallah, who was present at the event, mentioned, “We are truly elated on the response for Seychelles from this region. The steady growth of interest and knowledge of the people from this region for the destination will not be possible without the help of our trade and media partners. In return and in line with the vision, Seychelles Tourism Board Office in Dubai will continue to implement activities that can gain continuous support and further the awareness for the destination in the region.”

The Palace Downtown regaled the invitees to the finest canapés and drinks, while some of the city’s finest DJs entertained them.

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Four Sri Lankan nationals arrested at London Luton Airport by counter-terrorism police

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British counter-terror police have arrested four men on suspicion of being members of a banned organization hours after they flew into United Kingdom.

The four Sri Lankan nationals arrived at London Luton Airport on 10 April and were arrested by police the next day.

A Met Police spokesman said: “Detectives from the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command are investigating after four men at Luton Airport were arrested on suspicion of membership of a proscribed organization.

“The men, who are all Sri Lankan nationals, arrived on an international flight on the evening of Wednesday, 10 April.

“All four men are currently in custody at a police station in Bedfordshire. Enquiries are ongoing.”

The four remain in custody at a police station in Bedfordshire.

Membership of a proscribed organization is contrary to section 11 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

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WTTC Summit 2019 Seville: The Untold Story

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The World Travel and Tourism Council just finished their annual summit 2019 in the Spanish City of Seville.

A record number of delegates listened to presentations from top leaders in the largest industry in the world. All of this was live streamed except for the conversation everyone had waited for with former US President Barak Obama. Perhaps the $4,000.00 price tag for non-members required the organizer to shield the former president from public listeners.

eTN reached out to about 100 of the CEO’s, delegates and ministers that attended the 2-day event last week and everyone said the networking opportunities at WTTC summits to have top people meet with other top people is the real value here. Some delegates only attended the opening and the Obama session and met in the hallways, at side venues with business partners, fellow ministers.

Big business is done this way. It starts often with an exchange of ideas and can trickle down to billion-dollar transactions.

This is the place a CEO can have a cup of coffee with a fellow CEO from a competing company.

Former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine of Seychelles Alain St. Ange, who now leads his own consulting company met with Kenya Tourism Minister Najib Balala consolidating the working cooperation between the two tourism personalities.
St.Ange and Balala have been friends for a number of years and both men are seen as continent leaders in the field of tourism.  Alain told eTN about his exchange with the First Lady of Kenya who delivered her speech at the WTTC summit.
St.Ange said:  “Minister Najib Balala of Kenya and me are expected to meet again in Nairobi shortly to discuss tourism and the development of tourism in Africa.”
WTTC is a different event, an event of changemakers and networking hiding behind the facade of top-notch presentations and opportunity for every destination that is hosting such a high-level event.

 

 

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American Tourist Kidnapped in Uganda: African Tourism Board in action with expert Dr. Peter Tarlow

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Not only leopards were roaming Queen Elizabeth National Park today, but criminals who kidnapped an elderly American tourist in the park today, and put the well-organized travel and tourism industry in Uganda on edge.

The Uganda Ministry of ICT & National Guidance issued this statement:

Yesterday, Tuesday 2nd April 2019 four armed men not yet identified between 5,00pm and 7,00pm staged an ambush and kidnapped an American Tourist with his Ugandan driver near Katoke gate in the Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Four other four tourists who were left abandoned and unharmed later contacted the base (lodge) and were quickly moved to safety.

A joint operation by the Uganda Police, Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) and Uganda Wildlife Authority Game Wardens is underway to locate and rescue them.

The priority at this point is to locate, rescue and bring them back safely.

eTN talked to Lilly Ajariva. She is a Ugandan conservationist and tourism expert. She is the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, the Ugandan government agency that is charged with promoting the country as a tourism destination. She was appointed to that position on 10 January 2019.

When asked why an American Tourist was picked by the kidnappers, Ms. Ajarova thinks the selection was based on the age and not the nationality.

eTN reached out to Dr. Peter Tarlow, head of safertourism.com 

Dr. Peter Tarlow

Dr. Peter Tarlow is also the security and safety expert for the newly-founded African Tourism Board and will be speaking at their launch event in Cape Town next week. Peter is scheduled to meet with UTB CEO Lilly Ajarova to discuss any assistance the Africa Tourism Board can give in this situation.

Dr. Tarlow told eTurboNews: “The tragic kidnapping that recently occurred in Uganda should not be seen as indicative of overall safety in Uganda.

“Very much to the contrary, Uganda has been known over the decades to be a safe and secure destination. Unfortunately, there are bad people in every part of the world and travel implies risk.

“However, Uganda cannot afford to rely on its recent past but must show the world what it is doing in the future.

“Despite the fact that the situation is very fluid and the facts, at midnight Uganda time is still unclear, there are a number of things that Uganda can do immediately and in the short and long term to mitigate the damage to its reputation.

“These suggestions come from my long-term work with Aruva after the Natalie Holloway case and with kidnapping issues both in Mexico and in Latin America.”

With limited data, the African Tourism Board security expert suggests the following, and as more data becomes apparent, additional information will be provided.

We urge Uganda Tourism Officials to:

1)  Tell the truth. Under no circumstance, minimize, become defensive or refuse to accept the severity of the situation. Do not lie to reporters.

2)  Have one person be the tourism spokesman or woman and funnel all information through that person.

3)  If the information is not yet known, state that facts and then state that there will be regularly-scheduled updates. Give specific times and locations.

4)  Have the military of a police officer standing next to the spokesperson to indicate that this is a serious matter.

5)  Make sure that it is clear that the government is working with all foreign embassies and updating them on a regular basis.

6)  Indicate that Uganda is working with the visitors’ families and will do everything that is needed to help the family.

7)  Announce that there is a special unit at work (assuming this unit exists) that deals with hostage rescue and recovery. If it does not exist, then contact friendly foreign governments that have experience in this matter.

We hope for the short term that Uganda:

1)  Announces that the country is doing an update on its risk management.

2)  Gets articles in the media that speak about Ugandan positives.

3)  Indicates that the perpetrators will be found and that they will suffer the full consequences of the law.

4)  Opens a foreign visitor hotline so that all visitors can get up-to-date information.

5)  Announces that the Ugandan tourism police will be opening (or strengthening) their tourism police unit and that they will receive additional training.

6)  Make it clear that Uganda tourism is working with international boards such as the African Tourism Board  (ATB) and that there will be exchanges of information between the African tourism bureaus through the ATB.

Juergen Steinmetz, the interim chair of the African Tourism Board, said: “We are standing by to assist Uganda and are in touch with UTB and our security expert Dr. Peter Tarlow. We will be meeting with Lilly next week in Capetown and hope this crime will be resolved at that time and that our fellow American tourist is returned safely. I am confident Dr. Tarlow can be of great assistance to Uganda Tourism and for the African continent when it comes to safety and security.”

More information on African Tourism Board: www.africantourismboard.com
More information on Safer Tourism: www.safertourism.com

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Tourist dies taking selfie at Grand Canyon

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In a tragic accident, a tourist from Hong Kong went over the edge at the Grand Canyon in Arionza as he was trying to take a selfie. He died after falling from a 1,000-foot ledge. It was near the rail-protected Sky Walk, but not on it.

Last fall at Yosemite National Park, a travel-blogging couple fell 800 feet to their deaths from a cliff as they were attempting to take a selfie.

According to a study, 259 people have died while taking selfies during the period from 2011-2017. Of those, over 70 percent were men.

In the case of the Grand Canyon, it is impossible to install safety rails along the over 277 miles of rugged ledges and canyon terrain.

The best defense against selfie accidents is good old common sense.

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Seychelles recognized as world’s Most Beautiful Island at GQ Travel Awards Russia

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Destination Seychelles was cited as “The Most Beautiful Island” in the world after walking away with the title at the GQ Travel Awards, a ceremony that took place on March 15, 2019, at the Metropol Hotel, in Moscow, Russia.

The GQ Travel Awards ceremony recognizes the leading companies, hotels, and destinations from the elite travel industry. The winners in the 17 different categories including Seychelles were chosen by GQ readers who voted online on the magazine’s website.

The island destination was presented with the award during a ceremony attended by some 250 prominent guests including industry professionals, representatives of host countries, Russian celebrities, and famous travelers, and was followed by a gala dinner.

Ms. Diana Sarkisyan, PR & Marketing representative from the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) for the Russian and CIS region, accepted the award on behalf of Seychelles.

Seychelles remains a high-end destination, popular among Russian visitors for its sandy white beaches, warm turquoise waters, and diverse unique flora and fauna. Various beaches such as Anse Lazio on Praslin have been seen as being among some of the most beautiful in the world.

The island nation is one of the world’s leading actors when it comes to sustainable tourism and sustainable development, a concept to which the Russian visitors are very responsive.

Speaking about the latest recognition received by the destination at the GQ Travel Awards, Mrs. Sherin Francis, STB Chief Executive, mentioned that it is an honor for the destination to have been voted by the readers of GQ magazine.

“It is such a privilege to feature as the most beautiful island; as a destination, we are conscious of our inestimable resources, and we strive to demarcate ourselves by our uniqueness, and it is rewarding to see that our efforts have not gone unnoticed,” said Mrs. Francis.

The STB Chief Executive further stated that the achievement is the result of hard work and congratulated the various partners for their constant support towards building the destination’s reputation.

GQ is a men’s magazine offering analytics and current reports of international quality with the latest men’s fashion and style news. It is the number one magazine for male visitors of luxury department stores.

GQ’s regular authors are the best of the best in their industry, from both Russia and abroad, and has a close access to celebrities unlike any other Russian magazine in its niche. It is an unrivaled guidance and companion for a successful man.

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