For Immediate Release | Official News Wire for the Travel Industry

Where press releases are breaking news

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

by

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

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

by

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

Travel Oregon’s “Only Slightly Exaggerated” campaign

by

Inspired by the viral success of the “Only Slightly Exaggerated” campaign last spring, Travel Oregon is launching part two of the animated campaign that gives viewers a creative glimpse of the magical feeling of being in Oregon.

The new 1:45 minute video continues the visual narrative, showcasing different locations, experiences and thrilling adventures in Oregon—from venturing deep into the Oregon Caves National Monument to paragliding over the Steens Mountain. Like the original, this new video features a cast of animated human characters, native flora and fauna and new fantastical beings, including mystical cloud-people and a sea-stack creature, to name a few.

In addition to the sweeping outdoor animated imagery highlighted in the video, the viewer also gets a taste of Oregon’s culinary bounty. In the restaurant scene, look for the bottle of Oregon Solidarity wine, a nod to the real-life collaboration between four Oregon wineries who came together to help the Rouge Valley wine region that was affected by the Southern Oregon wildfires last summer.

“The goal of this campaign is to welcome and invite everyone to experience a happier state of being while traveling in Oregon,” said Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson. “As people are overwhelmed with the distractions of modern life, experiencing the wonders of Oregon can be the answer for that. Whether that respite is on a beach, in a high desert or under a forest canopy, there are abundant opportunities to unplug and reconnect with yourself and nature here in Oregon.”

The campaign launches tomorrow in the target markets of Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Boise, Tri Cities, Eugene and Bend. The media buy includes cinema, TV (launching during Final the Four), digital, billboards and on MAX Light Rail trains. Moreover, the campaign will be extended throughout the year through our annual visitor guide, downloadable wallpapers, posters, postcards, GIFs, shorter animation clips, and immersive new online content highlighting locations in the campaign that travelers can visit—the Oregon Caves, Steens Mountain and Clear Lake to name a few.

Utilizing the strong creative teams from the 2018 campaign, which generated more than 10 million worldwide views, the new video was brought to life in collaboration with long-time advertising partner Wieden+Kennedy with animation by Psyop and Sun Creature Studios and the musical score composed by Jim Dooley.

“Our goal with Only Slightly Exaggerated, both last year and this year, is to visualize the emotional experience of visiting Oregon. By using animation, we are able to capture experiences that go beyond traditional travel films, while also feeling unique to our state, said Ansel Wallenfang, creative at Wieden+Kennedy.

Travel News | eTurboNews

Yoga Is Solidarity! Dissolving Blockades Through Yoga

by

AltruVistas and ¡Yoga Va! Latino invite you to stand against the blockade in peace

The United States embargo against Cuba is more than 50 years old. Though the overwhelming majority of the United Nations supports lifting the embargo, only the US Congress has the power to do so. US relations with Cuba improved greatly under Barack Obama’s leadership. As travel restrictions lifted, the tourism industry blossomed in Cuba, giving the island nation a much-needed economic boost. But under President Trump, relations have deteriorated, and Obama-era trade and travel policies have been reversed.

This February, AltruVistas and ¡Yoga Va! Latino invite yoga practitioners from all around the world to join their delegation and stand in solidarity against the US embargo in Cuba. Travel to Cuba remains 100% legal and safe, yet the recent moves made by Trump, the barrage of conservative media against Cuba as a place to visit, and the preexisting blockade all inform the delegation. Stand in tree pose with a group of Cuban and international yogis against the inhumane embargo that affects Cubans’ access to transportation, food, medicine, technology—every aspect of their lives.

Jorge Avila, ¡Yoga Va Latino! teacher trainer, says, “Yoga means to unify, to balance, and that was what many Cubans started to look for during the economic crises of the ’90s. People looked for spirituality and wellness in a moment in which there was a material lack of everything.” Yoga teacher and ecology educator Junior Amaya adds, “Fifteen years ago yoga was not accessible to many people in Cuba, but now it’s gaining in popularity, due to its capacity to unite people’s minds and bodies, as well as to bring people together. The more people that come to Cuba to share with the Cuban yoga community, the more cultures we can weave together through the same practice, in spite of governmental policies, the distance between countries, or social differences. Yoga is above all that. Though there are many yoga academies and schools all over the world, when they can get together and practice, this unique goal of solidarity is achieved.”

The February Cuba journey will also be an in-depth wellness event. Each day will be structured using one of the five elements as our guide: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. Cuban and international teachers, including Eduardo Pimentel, President of the Cuban Yoga Association, and teachers who have trained under Jorge Avila, will lead practice sessions. The entire trip will be bilingual English/Spanish. Each day will include yoga in different iconic places in Havana: Sun salutes on the Malecon, a flash yoga event in an old Havana square, a massive yoga gathering of Cubans and internationals at the port. There will be conferences on issues of yoga and diversity, climate and ecology, the arts, and Ayurveda, along with a full cultural program in the afternoons for US visitors.

This journey is happening 20 years after the original international yoga solidarity event in Cuba, 1999’s “Lifting the Embargo on our Hearts,” and will be a celebration of the exponential growth of the Cuban yoga community since that time. Like that original event, this journey is about dissolving inner boundaries and blocks, and about dissolving outer blocks as we bring cultures together. Co-Founder of ¡Yoga Va! Latino Mary Paffard, who has been involved with yoga exchange in Cuba for over two decades, says, “This event is like the event of 1999—extremely unusual, and very special! The Cuban yogis are creating and bringing together a phenomenal international yoga conference and cultural journey. Our ¡Yoga Va! friends and colleagues know that it will be extremely enjoyable, inspiring, and talked about for years to come.”

Baxter Bell, MD, co-author of Yoga for Healthy Aging, adds, “Having worked with this vibrant and unique yoga community on four separate visits, I know you will have an incredibly rewarding experience!” Join AltruVistas and ¡Yoga Va! Latino for what is sure to be a powerful and healing expression of solidarity through yoga practice.

Find out more about AltruVistas’ other upcoming tours to Cuba:

https://altruvistas.com/cuba/upcoming-journeys/

Find out more about AltruVistas’ journeys worldwide:

https://altruvistas.com/cuba/upcoming-journeys/

 

For more on ¡Yoga Va! Latino’s international yoga community, events, and teacher trainings:

http://yogavalatino.org

AltruVistas promotes transformational philanthropy in the sustainable travel industry and inspires you to engage your passion, explore the issues you care about, and share with communities around the world. AltruVistas offers sustainable, ethical, comprehensive, educational, and philanthropic travel-planning services so that you can have the adventure of a lifetime: A culturally insightful, engaging, comfortable, and worry-free journey that synergistically benefits the local economy, your hosts, and important causes.

 

¡Yoga Va! Latino supports vibrant yoga communities in Cuba, and fosters friendships between yoga communities throughout the Americas and within the Latino world. By building and sustaining communication networks; translating and creating educational materials and resources; and evolving education, teacher training and yoga tourism; ¡Yoga Va! Latino strengthens the Cuban yoga community and offers opportunities for all to learn from the Cuban experience.

###