Bali Reopens To Foreign Travelers From All Countries

Direct international flights to Bali have resumed for the first time in two years as Indonesia opens the resort island to foreign travelers from all countries, but mandatory quarantine remains in place for all visitors.

Officials had said in October that Bali would welcome foreign arrivals from 19 countries that meet World Health Organization criteria, such as having their COVID-19 cases under control. But there were no direct international flights to Bali until Thursday, when Garuda Indonesia operated its first such flight in two years from Tokyo.

Singapore Airlines will introduce a regular direct route to and from Denpasar in Bali starting Feb. 16, said Taufan Yudhistira, the public relations manager at Bali’s international airport.

Fully vaccinated travelers need to quarantine for five days in a hotel or on a liveaboard boat certified by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, and travelers who have received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine must quarantine for seven days.

Indonesia reported 27,197 new coronavirus infections and 38 deaths on Thursday in the latest 24-hour period. The country has seen more than 4.4 million total cases since the pandemic began.

The country’s latest surge in cases, driven by the highly transmissible omicron variant, has mostly been concentrated in Jakarta, but in recent days infections have “increased significantly” in Java and Bali, said Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the government minister who leads the COVID-19 response in Java and Bali.

The quarantine for foreign arrivals is intended to prevent further spread of the virus, said Pandjaitan.

Before the pandemic, Bali’s airport accommodated more than 200 international flights with at least one million passengers per day in 2019. The island was closed to international flights after COVID-19 hit the world’s fourth most populous country in 2020.

Tourism is the main source of income in Bali, which is home to more than 4 million people who are mainly Hindu in the mostly Muslim archipelago nation. Bali’s tourist areas were deserted two decades ago after visitors were scared off by deadly terror attacks that targeted foreigners, but the island has worked to overcome that image.

The reopening of Bali to travelers from all countries will help boost the island’s economy, which has been badly affected by the pandemic, Pandjaitan said.

The reopening will also serve as a “trial,” said Tourism and Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, as the government prepares to host G-20 events in Bali later this year.

A G-20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors in mid-February was supposed to be held in Bali but has been relocated to Jakarta because of the surge in COVID-19 cases. Some attendees will join the events virtually.

Bali Reopens To Foreign Travelers As COVID-19 Surge Subsides

DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) — The Indonesian resort island of Bali reopened for international travelers to visit its shops and white-sand beaches for the first time in more than a year Thursday — if they’re vaccinated, test negative, hail from certain countries, quarantine and heed restrictions in public.

However, foreign visitors may be slow to arrive. No international flights to Bali were scheduled on the first day of the reopening and a tourism official forecast travel would pick up in November.

Bali’s airport will welcome new foreign arrivals from 19 countries that meet World Health Organization’s criteria such as having their COVID-19 cases under control, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the government minister who leads the COVID-19 response in Java and Bali, said in a statement late Wednesday.

He said all international flight passengers must have proof they’ve been vaccinated two times, test negative for the coronavirus upon arrival in Bali and undergo a 5-day quarantine at designated hotels at their own expense. They’ll also have to follow stringent rules at hotels, in restaurants and on beaches.

“We have to do this with caution because we need to stay alert,” Pandjaitan said.

President Joko Widodo credited Bali’s high vaccination rate for the decision to reopen. The country’s COVID-19 caseload has also declined considerably; Indonesia has had around 1,000 cases a day in the past week after peaking around 56,000 daily in July.

Tourism is the main source of income on the idyllic “island of the gods” that is home to more than 4 million people, who are mainly Hindu in the mostly Muslim archipelago nation. Bali’s tourist areas were deserted two decades ago after visitors were scared off by deadly terror attacks that targeted foreigners, but the island has worked to overcome that image.

More than 6 million foreigners arrived in Bali each year prior to the pandemic.

Foreign tourist arrivals dropped six-fold from 6.2 million in 2019 to only 1 million in 2020, while 92,000 people employed in tourism lost their jobs and the average room occupancy rate of classified hotels in Bali was below 20%. Statistics Indonesia data showed the island’s economy contracted 9.31% year-on-year last year.

After closing the island to all visitors early in the pandemic, Bali reopened to Indonesians from other parts of the country in the middle of last year. That helped the island’s gross domestic product grow a modest 2.83% in the second quarter this year, ending five consecutive quarters of contraction.

The July surge, fueled by the delta variant, again totally emptied the island’s normally bustling beaches and streets. Authorities restricted public activities, closed the airport and shuttered all shops, bars, sit-down restaurants, tourist attraction spots and many other places on the island. It reopened to domestic travelers in August.

Sang Putu Wibawa, the general manager at Bali’s Tandjung Sari Hotel, said only two of its 40 rooms were occupied on average and he hoped the reopening would help the occupancy rate back to normal.

“We have been waiting for this moment for so long,” he said. “This outbreak has hammered the local economy ... we are very excited to welcome foreign guests by observing health protocols.”

Widodo said deciding to reopen Bali was based on its high vaccination rate as well as wanting to revive its economy. He said more than 80% of the Bali population has been fully vaccinated.

“Based on this situation, I am optimistic and we have decided to reopen international flights to Bali,” Widodo wrote in his official Instagram on Saturday.

Overall, 59.4 million of Indonesia’s 270 million people are fully vaccinated and another 43.2 million are partially vaccinated. Indonesia has confirmed more than 4.2 million cases and 142,811 deaths from COVID-19, the most in Southeast Asia.

Tourists from 19 countries are now able to visit the Bali and Riau islands provinces — Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, and Norway.

The tight timing is one reasons tourists were not immediately arriving, said Putu Astawa, head of the Bali Tourism Office

Airlines need time to schedule flights to Bali, while tourists need time to arrange travel documents such as tickets, insurance and virus tests as well as their five-day quarantine accommodations.

He predicted new visitors would start coming in early November.

Travelore News: Indonesia To Reopen Bali To International Flights Oct. 14

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia plans to reopen the airport in the resort island of Bali for international flights on Oct. 14, after closing it for more than a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said Monday the airport will open to international flight as long as it fulfills requirements for quarantine and testing.

International arrivals must show proof of hotel bookings for a mandatory eight-day quarantine.

“We are open to several countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, United Arab Emirates and New Zealand,” Pandjaitan said.

Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most populous country, has recorded more than 4.2 million COVID-19 cases with 142,261 deaths, but infections have decreased in the last few weeks after peaking in mid-July.

Tourism and Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said Bali’s reopening will focus on travelers and returning expatriates who used to live in Bali.

The government is still finalizing some steps including lists of countries with direct flights to Bali.

“The most important priority is the safety of the Indonesian people in terms of health and being protected from the potential spike in new cases of COVID-19,” Uno said.

4 Tourists Ordered Off Bali For Violating Virus Restrictions

DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia on Monday ordered four foreign tourists to leave the resort island of Bali after violating health protocols as the country endures a devastating wave of COVID-19 illnesses and deaths.

A Russian who tested positive for the coronavirus upon her arrival in Bali last Thursday was recaptured that night after she escaped mandatory isolation at an appointed hotel, said Jamaruli Manihuruk, who heads the Bali regional office for the Justice and Human Rights Ministry.

She has been placed in an isolation facility in Bali’s capital, Denpasar, and will be deported as soon as she recovered from the virus, Manihuruk said.

Three others were accused of defying mask mandates in public after being found unmasked in a raid last Thursday in the Kuta tourist area to enforce health protocols and prevent more infections, he said.

The travelers from the United States, Ireland and Russia were placed in a detention room at the immigration office while waiting for their flights to their countries later Monday.

Indonesia has been hit hard by the virus, fueled by travel during the Eid holiday in May, and the spread of the delta variant of the coronavirus first found in India. Overall, the Southeast Asia country has reported more than 2.5 million infections and nearly 67,000 fatalities from COVID-19.

The most recent surge prompted new lockdown measures last month, particularly on Java, Indonesia’s most populated island, and on the tourist island of Bali.

Bali has recorded more than 55,300 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, including 1,634 deaths.

Under the new emergency measures, authorities in Bali toughened its mask mandate to impose a fine of 1 million rupiah ($70) for foreigners who did not use masks properly and to deport those who did not wear masks. Previously, foreigners were given guidance to use masks properly, were fined for a first offense and were deported after a second offense.

Bali Island Begins To Reopen After 3-Month Virus Lock-Down

DENPASAR, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesia’s resort island of Bali partially reopened after a three-month virus lock down Thursday, allowing local people and stranded foreign tourists to resume public activities before overseas arrivals resume in September.

Normally bustling beaches and streets on the idyllic Southeast Asian island emptied in early April except for special patrols to ensure health protocols were observed. Authorities restricted public activities, closed the airport and shuttered all shops, bars, sit-down restaurants, public swimming pools and many other places on the island that’s home to more than 4 million people.

The local government began lifting the limits Thursday, but tourists will face stringent rules in hotels, restaurants and on beaches, Bali Gov. I Wayan Koster said.

Koster told a news conference that the island will gradually reopen shuttered places to locals and stranded foreigners. Bali will open to Indonesians from other parts of the country on July 31 and new foreign arrivals on Sept. 11.

The government established guidelines for reopening tourist spots and may close certain areas again if infections spike, he said.

“The pandemic has hit tourism sector so badly while there is no certainty when it will end,” Koster said. “We have to revive economic activity to prevent Bali from new social problems due to increasing economic pressures.”

Tourism is the main source of income for the island that is mainly Hindu in the mostly Muslim archipelago nation.

The famed white-sand beaches and popular shopping areas on the “island of the gods” were deserted almost two decades ago when visitors were scared off by terrorism. The dark cloud of the suicide bombings that killed 202 mostly foreign tourists in 2002 lingered for years, but the island has worked to overcome that image.

More than 5 million foreigners arrived in Bali each year prior to the pandemic, which caused the numbers to dive.

Bali’s immigration office data showed the local government has granted automatic visa extensions to more than 7,000 stranded tourists in Bali. Nearly 16,000 others hold temporary residence permits and about 1,300 live as permanent residents.

The data show the occupancy rate at Bali’s starred hotels plunged to 2.07% in May from 62.5% in December.

Businessman Gede Wirata, who runs hotels, restaurants, clubs and a cruise ship with about 4,000 employees, said he managed to save his staff from layoffs despite having suffered a loss of 500 billion rupiah ($35 million) because of travel restrictions.

“This outbreak has hammered the local economy,” he said. “We have to move on but be safe by observing health protocols to protect Bali from the second wave of coronavirus spread.”

Bali has recorded more than 1,900 cases of COVID-19, including 25 deaths. Indonesia has confirmed more than 68,000 cases and 3,359 fatalities, the most in Southeast Asia.

By FIRDIA LISNAWATI

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Associated Press writer Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.

W Hotels Introduces W Sound Suites – Private Music Studios To Record & Relax

W Hotels Worldwide has debuted the first-ever W Sound Suite at W Bali – Seminyak. Additional studios in music meccas around the world will be unveiled later this year at W Hollywood, W Barcelona and W Seattle, with more to come.

This private music studio and writer’s room will be the place for professional recording artists, studio musicians and producers, in addition to hotel guests, to record in style while on the road.

“W has a long history of musicians staying, playing, and celebrating at our hotels,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “We know that inspiration can strike at any moment, so the W Sound Suite is today’s tech-savvy version of scribbling lyrics on a cocktail napkin. Bali, a vibrant and creative hub often called ‘the alternative Ibiza’, is the perfect setting for our first music studio, with Hollywood, Barcelona and Seattle to follow. After all, who can’t find inspiration in paradise?”

W Sound Suites are in part the brainchild of the W brand’s North American Music Director, DJ White Shadow, the Chicago-based producer best known for his work with Lady Gaga. He has been working with W to identify the best sound equipment and studio layout to ensure the suites are optimal for professional use.

“While traveling around the globe making music for the last decade, I’ve run into many challenges including costly studio rentals, the risk of disturbing other guests, and not being able to find a suitable place to listen to or create music,” said DJ White Shadow. “We dreamed up an environment for musicians to create that is convenient, stylish and functional. I’m thrilled to partner with the equally innovative team at W Hotels – there isn’t another brand that could bring this idea to life on such a global scale and in such an innovative way.”

The W brand’s longstanding global partner, Coca-Cola, has been instrumental in bringing the studios to life. Elements of the studio’s aesthetic, envisioned by Josh Held Design, pay tribute to Coca-Cola including the subtle integration of the Coca-Cola red and printed lyrics on the wall. Coca-Cola has used music to tell its brand story for over a century, bringing its campaigns into the pop culture lexicon. From distributing sheet music for family sing-a-longs in 1905, to “teaching the world to sing” in the 1971 Hilltop commercial, to the recent release of the song “Taste the Feeling” by Avicii and Conrad Sewell, music is ingrained in the core of the brand.

“Our partnership with W Sound Suites is an innovative way to help enable, inspire and refresh artists to create and connect over an ice-cold Coca-Cola,” said Joe Belliotti, Head of Global Music Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. “We’re excited to be a part of it!”

Beats of Paradise

The first W Sound Suite at W Bali offers a stylishly sound-proof space featuring a lounge big enough for a proper entourage. The main mixing room includes professional equipment from industry favorites Native Instruments, Pioneer and Moog, as well as a private vocal booth overlooking a tropical garden. To celebrate the launch, W Bali is hosting a new content series in collaboration with upcoming artists called ‘Sounding Off With…’. Monthly video vignettes will capture podcast-style conversations and provide a raw, real and rare peak into the life of a touring artist and their inspiration. LA-based electronic indie duo, Classixx, will kick off the series and throughout the year, W Bali plans to bring together unique musical talent from around the world to produce exclusive mixes, premiere new tracks and deliver intimate in-studio performances that will be available via The Angle, an online magazine celebrating life with a W slant.

W hotel guests can get in on the action by booking the W Sound Suite, which includes a private master class led by W Bali’s Music Curator Damian Saint. For the latest sounds to come out of W Sound Suites or to book your session, visit WRetreatBali.com/WSoundSuite

Source: www.luxurytravelmagazine.com
 

KAYAK Reveals The 10 Trending Destinations For Summer 2016

Shared by Ewa Zubek

The US-based travel search and booking engine KAYAK has finally published its Summer Travel Hacker Guide for 2016. The guide reveals not only the most searched-for destinations, but also their average temperatures, best periods to book, median airfares and hotel rates. This year’s destinations are a mixed bag of tropical islands, high-tech metropolises and nature destinations, giving you plenty of inspiration to find the perfect summer holiday. How many have you been to?

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#10: Toronto

With a 27% increase in searches since last year, Canada’s coolest city is clearly not complaining about its rising popularity. And rightly so: from hipster neighborhoods to an excellent foodie offering, Toronto is the place to be this summer.

© mikecphoto-Shutterstock

#9: Lisbon

If the soft tones of fado in Lisbon’s historic Alfama neigborhood aren’t enough to draw you in, then you can always head out to the beautiful beaches which surround the Portuguese capital. The stats don’t lie: there has been a 31% increase on Lisbon-related searches compared to last year.

Lisbon © Rrrainbow/Shutterstock

#8: Dublin

The birthplace of James Joyce has witnessed a 30% increase in searches compared to 2015. Although it’s now also an urban haven, Dublin is still a historical city through and through. With its nooks and crannies, ancient pubs and the stunning architecture of Trinity College, the Irish capital is a must-visit European destination even when it’s raining.

Dublin | © Miguel Mendez/Flickr

#7: Ho Chi Minh City

This Vietnamese metropolis is a dream come true for any history buff – from French colonial influences to remnants of the tragic Vietnam War, the city is a living relic nestled in the heart of South East Asia. Do watch out for the intense traffic, though. KAYAK noted a 31% increase in searches for HCMC.

Ho Chi Minh City Hall | © Diego Delso/WikiCommons

#6: Montreal

An 18% increase in flight searches has granted Montreal a spot on this trending list. It may not be the warmest place on the planet (expect an average of 16°C in the summer months), but it definitely is a fashionable North American city with a generous French soul.

Montreal | © Tony Brooks/Flickr

#5: Bali

No trending list could be complete without a paradise island. There’s been a 33% increase in Bali-related searches since last year, and the destination has been growing in popularity since the release of a certain movie we’ve all secretly seen. If you’re not into yoga, Bali is also a great place to check out architecture.

#4: Calgary

With a 38% increase in US-originating travel searches compared to last summer, Alberta’s largest city is finally seeing a tourism renaissance. And we can see why – Calgary is a pretty cool destination with historical, cultural and natural attractions aplenty.

Calgary © Pixabay

#3: Tokyo

The buzzing Japanese metropolis has attracted 44% more searches compared to summer 2015. If there’s only one thing you do in Tokyo, make it a trip to the legendary Jiro Sushi. If you can get a spot, that is.

Tokyo © Pigprox/Shutterstock

#2: Reykjavik

KAYAK saw a 75% increase in flight searches for the previously under-the-radar capital of Iceland. It may be cold, it may be rugged, but it is a spectacular island with the kinds of landscapes you would otherwise only see in grand Hollywood productions.

Reykjavik | © Moyan Brenn / Flickr

#1: Rio de Janeiro

With the Olympics fast approaching, KAYAK noted a 127% increase in bookings compared to the same period last year. We’re not surprised, as Rio has continued to attract tourists with large-scale events and improving safety records. This year is set out to be one of the biggest for the local tourism industry.

© Celso Diniz-Shutterstock

Major Luxury Hotel Openings To Watch For In 2016

From a new Four Seasons Hotel in NYC, to the highly anticipated re-opening of two iconic Parisian landmarks and Shanghai Disney, 2016 will be a big year for the luxury hotel market.

AMERICAS

Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown (pictured above)

In South Tribeca – a block from the World Trade Center and minutes from Wall Street or SoHo – Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown adds its classic NYC profile to the world’s most famous skyline. A city stroll from gleaming fashion arcades, or gastropubs and eateries on historic streets, Four Seasons introduces a level of luxury alive with Downtown’s creativity, confidence and 24/7 vitality. Enjoy a hand-tailored New York experience in an ambience that’s vibrant and fun.

The James Hotel, West Hollywood

The James Los Angeles, the first new ground-up hotel in West Hollywood in approximately 30 years, will be comprised of 286 rooms, two restaurants, rooftop and lobby bar and approximately 10,000 square feet of meeting space – with spectacular views of the Los Angeles area. The boutique property will open in the heart of Sunset Strip at the corner of Sunset and La Cienega Boulevards. The LA location will be the third for the brand after locations in Chicago (Magnificent Mile) and New York (Soho).

SLS Las Vegas

SLS Las Vegas, a resort featuring more than 1,600 rooms and suites, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, features some of Las Vegas’ hottest nightlife and culinary venues, and is situated in the North Strip, a bourgeoning neighborhood between the heart of The Strip and the up-and-coming Downtown district. SLS Las Vegas is now accepting reservations.

EUROPE

Ritz Paris

The ultra-luxury hotel has been undergoing renovations since July 2012, the biggest makeover in the hotel's 117 year-old history. The Ritz Paris is reborn and invites you to experience anew the City of Light. Now freshly restored, its grand décor and intimate salons welcome guests to rediscover a unique atmosphere and the inimitable French art de vivre. The refurbishment includes a new spa by luxury fashion brand Chanel, called "Chanel au Ritz Paris." The hotel is accepting reservations for stays starting March 14, 2016.

Hotel de Crillon, Paris

Since 1758, Paris has sparkled with the grandeur and magic of the Hôtel de Crillon. Over the course of the last three centuries, the Hôtel de Crillon has witnessed the reign of two French kings, the French Revolution, the Napoleonic Empire and the birth of the League of Nations. Built to captivate, the hotel’s majestic architecture has dazzled generations of visitors and played host to some of history’s greatest French and international events. For the reopening in 2016, the hotel will celebrate the beginning of a new era.

Il Sereno Lake Como, Italy

Scheduled for opening in Spring 2016, the sister hotel to Le Sereno on St. Barth's has been years in the making. Il Sereno will be located on a bluff on the eastern shore of the lake, next to the village of Torno and six miles from the city of Como. One of the best perks will be the hotel’s private dock, so that guests can arrive in style aboard the hotel’s wooden boat- a custom-built water-limousine. In-demand designer Patricia Urquiola was recruited to decorate the 34 suites. Il Sereno will have a 60-foot infinity pool and a terrace restaurant that’s destined to be the place to see and be seen.

AFRICA / MIDDLE EAST

The Oberoi Marrakech

The Oberoi, Marrakech is a luxury spa resort nestled within twenty five acres of fragrant citrus orchards and ancient olive groves. Located just 20 minutes south of the city center, the resort is a haven of peace and tranquility, blessed with magnificent views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The Oberoi, Marrakech will be opening in the third quarter of 2016.

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, UAE

The first Four Seasons in the Emirati capital will be 200-room Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, in the heart of the new Central Business District. The striking new building is on a prime stretch of waterfront adjacent to the new ADGM Square complex, home of the new Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. A retro-modern Chicago steakhouse, a cocktail bar, and a poolside restaurant with sweeping views overlooking the sea are among an array of dining options planned. The building will also house 124 private and serviced residences.

St. Regis Cairo, Egypt Opening October, 2016

The St. Regis Cairo draws guests to the heart of Egypt’s modern metropolis on the north end of Corniche Road. With sweeping views of the Nile River and proximity to fine shops, restaurants and the pyramids, the hotel reigns as Cairo’s finest address. Michael Graves’ contemporary design embraces traditional architectural flourishes and graceful geometric lines throughout the hotel’s restaurants and lounge, pools, spa and 23,000 square feet (2.155 square meters) of meeting and conference space.

Cousine Island Seychelles

Cousine Island will reopen in April 2016 and introduce a new Presidential Villa as well as a tailored Guest Ambassador program to support the island’s ecosystem platform. The first exclusive eco-luxury private island in the world to adopt a conservation-based management structure, all revenue generated by Cousine Island's accommodation will be reinvested for long term sustainability, conservation and biodiversity.

ASIA

Wynn Palace Cotai, Macau

Scheduled to open on June 25, 2016, the $4.1 billion Wynn Palace will feature 1,700 rooms, an 8-acre Performance Lake, air-conditioned SkyCab, gaming space, meeting facilities, spa and salon, luxury retail and fine dining.

Mandarin Oriental, Bali

Located on the southern Bukit peninsula, the luxury hotel group's newest property will be built on elevated terraces to offer commanding views of the Indian Ocean. The resort will be comprised of 97 villas, each with a private pool and 24 guestrooms. The signature restaurant will be a cliff-top, cantilevered dining space with sweeping ocean views. Guests will also be able to indulge in luxurious spa services that include Balinese treatments.

Rosewood Phuket

The exquisite, secluded Emerald Bay is an ideal setting for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts to debut its first Asia resort. Rosewood Phuket’s innovative architecture with subtle Thai influences will blend organically and sensitively into the hillside forest landscape while uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea will be visible from 71 spacious villas and 32 residences. Four restaurants will include a rustic Thai seafood restaurant on the beach, built with recycled teak wood; a casual poolside seafood eatery, a bistro and a terrace bar. They will be complemented by an array of recreational options: Sense spa; four swimming pools; health club with gymnasium; yoga pavilion; sea sports pavilion and tennis court. The Pavilion will be a residential-style space for meetings and functions while a wedding pavilion steps from the beach will host up to 200.

Shanghai Disney Resort

The opening of Disney's third theme park in Asia after Hong Kong and Tokyo is expected to open in Spring 2016. When it does, the park will also open the doors to two highly anticipated themed hotels, The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and a Toy Story Hotel. At the Art Nouveau-inspired Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, guests will be greeted by bronze statues of Micke

Source: www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

Seven Trips On Seven Continents To Enjoy Or Book This Fall

 Austin Adventures (www.austinadventures.com/)
enjoys a legacy spanning more than four decades of engaging travelers on small group trips to the world’s best destinations for active travel. With another record-setting summer winding down, the company turns its focus on the fall and upcoming winter seasons and recommends seven best-in-class adventures on seven continents.

Since inception, Austin Adventuresfounder, president and trip visionary, Dan Austin, had the goal of spanning the globe with world-class adventure itineraries for the intrepid traveler. This was finally accomplished in 2015 with the addition of Asia and small ship river cruising in Vietnam and Cambodia(departures offered December through April).

“While it’s hard to beat summer in Montana, my favorite time to travel is in the fall when the crowds thin out and you get the feeling you have a special place all to yourself,” shared Austin. “We put our collective heads together and have come up with a list of trips to either be taken in the fall when conditions are ideal or booked now before space disappears for prime-time winter travel.”

All of these trips listed include accommodations, most meals, transfers, required equipment, knowledgeable guides and more. Prices are quoted per person based on two people sharing an accommodation. More details are available by calling (800) 575-1540, visiting online at http://www.austinadventures.com/ or by contacting the company via email at info@austinadventures.com.

North America
Fall is prime time in Southern Utah, and Austin Adventures’ Bryce/Zion National Park Adventure (multisport or all-hiking versions) covers the best of two national parks. From $2,398 per person for 6 days/5 nights, departures are scheduled Aug. 23 (hike) and 30, Sept. 6, 13, 20 (hike) and 27 (hike). This intimate tour brings guests past multi-colored hoodoos and spires, slot canyons and hanging gardens. Hiking Zion’s Virgin River Narrows, ranked one of America’s best adventures by National Geographic, is a must-do fall activity. The miracles of geology and ultra-clear nighttime skies play stellar roles enroute. See: http://www.austinadventures.com/packages/utah-brycezion/

South America
No better time to head to the tip of South America than during fall and winter (their spring and summer). Chile – Northern Patagonia is the trip choice, priced from $5,898 per person for 10 days/9 nights, with weekly departures September through April on a custom basis with a minimum of two people. Hiking, biking, rafting and horseback riding reveal the jaw-dropping scenery in the Northern Lake district between Chile and Argentina. Artisan villages, deserts, a choice of 20 different treks and an end-of-day local Malbec to sip with exemplary local cuisine makes this journey to the end of the world worth it.
See: http://www.austinadventures.com/packages/chile-northern-patagonia/

Europe
It’s the favorite time of year for locals! Austin Adventures’ France/Provence Multisport (from $3,698 per person for 7 day/6 night departures Sept. 6 and 27 and Oct. 11) is the escape of choice. The tapestry of fertile vineyards becomes more vibrant in the fall, as ancient Roman ruins mingle with the oh-so-present fragrances of lavender, honey and thyme, and markets rife with summer’s bounty tempt between-meal snacking. But wait! A bouillabaisse and baguette with fromage de chèvre paired perfectly with a glass of crisp local rosé await. See: http://www.austinadventures.com/packages/france-provence/

Asia
Now is the time to reserve a December 2015 through April 2016 vacation in Bali (recommended travel months for this region). Bali – Indonesia Luxury Adventure, bookable with just a minimum of two people (from $5,398 per person for 13 days/12 nights), offers the seduction of this exotic Indonesian island laced with terraced rice paddies and ancient temples. Standup paddle boarding, hiking through clove plantations, chasing a pod of dolphins from the nose of an outrigger, snorkeling in a reef and biking back-country roads bring paradise up close and personal. See:http://www.austinadventures.com/packages/bali-indonesia/

Africa
After a brief hiatus as the world’s leading wildlife destination, Africa is back and prime season bookings are now being taken. Austin Adventures’ Iconic Botswanadeparts weekly from April through November 2016 on 11 day/10 night adventures from $8,798 per person. Wildlife on the delta viewed from your own safari tent deck, flora and fauna teeming in the wetlands of the legendary Okavango Delta and the spray of Victoria Falls mingle with the magic of the Big Five scouted on guided walks and game drives. See:
http://www.austinadventures.com/packages/botswana-iconic-botswana/

Polar
One of the last great wildernesses to be explored, Antarctica is always in high demand and anyone wanting to reserve a space on a cruise must act now. Antarctic Peninsula Small Ship Cruise starts at $9,300 per person for 11 days/10 nights exploring the southern-most continent, a frozen desert revealed by snowshoe, kayak, zodiac and from the deck of the 114-passenger M/V Plancius. Think sliding penguins, slumbering seals, 3,000-foot ice walls, and surreal sunsets.  See:http://www.austinadventures.com/packages/antarctica-peninsula-expedition-cruise/

Australia
Another superb destination for small ship cruising, Australia: Kimberly Wilderness Cruise offers weekly eight day/seven night departures in 2016 from April through August with rates from $11,095.  Champagne sunrises, helicopter flight-seeing, rainforest explorations, aboriginal drawings, hiking, mud crabbing and billabongs come with passage on the 36-passenger M/V True North that plies in luxurious fashion the waterways of northern Australia’s Kimberley Region.  See:
http://www.austinadventures.com/packages/australia-kimberley-wilderness-cruise/

About Austin Adventures
Based in Billings, MT, Austin Adventures (formerly Austin-Lehman Adventures) has spent more than 40 years building an international reputation as a provider of scheduled small group tours and customized trips to all seven continents. In 2014, Kasey Austin, Vice President of Operations, was named the World’s Top Family Guide byOutside Magazine. In 2013, Austin Adventures joined theXanterra Parks & Resorts® portfolio of experiential leisure offerings. Xanterra Parks & Resorts has operations in theGrand Canyon, including Grand Canyon Railway and The Grand Hotel; Yellowstone;Zion; Crater Lake; Glacier, Rocky Mountain and Petrified Forest National Parks; Mount Rushmore National Memorial; Furnace Creek Resort in Death Valley National Park and five Ohio State Park Lodges as well as the Geneva Marina at Ohio’s Geneva State Park. Xanterra Parks & Resorts also operates Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va., Windstar Cruises, and VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations.

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Travelore News: Bali Hotel Association Speaks Out On Bali Airport Closure

Tourism in Bali has become a sudden challenge. The Bali Hotel Association speaks out and released this statement today:

The Bali Hotels Association shows empathy in a proactive move towards travelers affected by the disruption caused by the Mount. Raung Volcano ashes.

Bali Hotels Association, representing more than one hundred and thirty hotels in Bali, stands together with the travelers affected by the disruption caused by the Mt. Raung Volcano ashes and, unlike other some destinations, does not wish to take advantage of the unfortunate situation.

It suggests great empathy towards all travelers and provides the following guidelines:

For passengers that need to extend their stay, the Best Available Rate (also known as BAR) should be proposed when requests are made directly to the hotel. For bookings that are made through a third party, contracted rates apply.

For passengers that cannot come to Bali or will arrive later than original dates booked, BHA members are recommended to accept, at no charge, to re-book their stay (based on availability and rates during new requested period) until end of 2015.

Bali Hotels Association looks forward to a better situation that will allow all travelers to enjoy their trip to and from the island in a non-disruptive environment.

Travelore News: Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, To Open In Bali

Set to open in the third quarter of this year as the third resort in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve Collection, Mandapa is situated along the majestic Ayung River in Ubud, the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali.

Named after the entrance to a traditional Hindu temple, Mandapa is an exclusive journey inside an indigenous Balinese village, providing a sensory journey to wellness and nature. As an ideal destination for the experience collector, Mandapa is beautifully set where the lush jungle meets the river and temples stand majestic against a backdrop of rice terraces.

Designed as a sanctuary to relax one's mind, body, and soul, Mandapa will offer individually tailored spiritual, wellness and health programs as well as activities to suit travelers of all ages along with the personalized attention of a dedicated Patih or butler 24/7. Traditional Balinese interiors by Jeffrey Wilkes and renowned Asia-based DESIGNWILKES include 35 intimate suites and 25 private pool villas, all coupled with the personalized attention of a dedicated Patih or butler, and a 3 bedroom pool villa – one of the largest suites in the area.



Mandapa village will be home to four restaurants & lounges offering an array of authentic Indonesian cuisine, Mediterranean dining, and tailored health-conscious menus for wellness and detox programs, utilizing the freshest ingredients. Dining Beyond, an exclusive culinary journey, will allow guests the chance to dine in exclusive locations within the Reserve and feature a tailor made menu.

Secluded from the distractions of daily life, Mandapa Spa allows guests to discover the peace of mind and body through holistic, comprehensive wellness and lifestyle programs based on six pillars – Balinese Spa, Detox & Nutrition, Alternative Therapy, Body Therapy, and Healing. Mandapa Spa will feature eight treatment rooms, four of which are for couples, and utilize both ESPA and local products. The spa complex will also feature a state-of-the-art fitness center, sauna, river-front yoga studio, vitality-pool, and relaxation areas.



Featuring an organic garden, farm and an educational Kid’s Hut tucked away from the rest of the resort, Mandapa offers an exclusive journey for the curious minds of young guests and provides exciting nature-based education activities for mini explorers.

For more information on Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, please visit www.mandapareserve.com

From www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives Takes Away The 2014 Travelers' Choice Award For Top All-Inclusive Resort

Centara Hotels & Resorts group is proud to announce its recent success at the Traveler's Choice Awards, where its Grand Island Resort & Spa was recognized as Top All Inclusive Resort.

“We've worked hard to make the Grand Island Resort & Spa live up to visitor's expectations when they come to the Maldives, and I'm happy that the Travelers' Choice Awards have recognized the unique qualities of the resort,” Mr Voytek Klasicki, Centara's Area General Manager commented. The awards, one of the travel and tourism industry's most prestigious, are based on millions of reviews created by savvy and experienced TripAdvisor travelers and so accurately reflect the appeal that the Grand Island Resort & Spa has for its guests.

The popularity of holiday in the Maldives is growing, and it's easy to see the perennial appeal. With dazzling sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this Indian ocean destination is viewed by many as the quintessential tropical get-away.

The Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa is located in the South Ari Atoll, and was conceived by Thailand’s Centara Hotels & Resorts as a priority when it came to opening the group's first overseas property. The South Ari Atoll is a haven for marine life and offers resort guests an unmatched chance to get up close and personal with manta rays, reef sharks and colourful fish, while for divers the resort is in close proximity to famous sites such as Broken Rock, Kudarah Thila and 5 Rocks.

Surround by a glorious white sandy beach and the only Resort in the Maldives designed in a colonial style with whitewashed timber buildings and meandering boardwalks, the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa offers both stunning beachside and over-water accommodation, and in a relatively short time it has gained considerable market share.

Mr. Klasicki went on to say that he is not surprised that reviews and opinions from Trip Advisor have been so positive, given the resort represents the ultimate in all-inclusive experiences and is truly unique in its totally immersive appeal. One of the truly innovative ways in which the Resort manages to be so relaxing is its 'cash-free policy' in which guests enjoying the “Ultimate All Inclusive” programme will find everything they desire already paid for – including champagne breakfasts, a choice of three lunch and dinner venues with themed international buffets and an open bar service which provides a scintillating array of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits.

Adding further, he sums up the Resort experience as a total experience for all the senses. We have a totally unrestricted dining concept so guests may book a table to dine in any or our specialty restaurants as often as they like. When it comes to leisure, we’ve included both non-motorised and a selection of motorized water sports as well as 5 excursions during the guests’ stay comprising of whale shark snorkeling, sunset cruises, local island visits, night fishing, and boats for snorkeling on other reefs. Other benefits such as in room mini bar, wifi, tennis and gym are also included. The cherry on our ‘Ultimate All Inclusive cake’ is that each and every guests can also enjoy a daily spa treatment in our SPA Cenvaree and this is something that no other resort in Maldives can boast.

The Grand Island Resort & Spa has a choice of 112 suites and villas suitable for individual travellers, honeymoon couples and family groups, all ranging from 76 to 146 square metres. One truly distinctive feature of the Resort is that it offers guests access to the Club - a "resort within a resort" accommodation experience.

All guest suites have bedroom and living room, a generous private terrace, and all of the amenities travelers expect from a premier beach resort including satellite TV and high-speed internet access. Guests opting for the Club level of accommodation also have access to the exclusive Club Lounge with private pool area and complimentary breakfasts, snacks, cocktails and dinner. The Club also serves premium wines and beverages and what’s more we provide an upgraded mini bar and will take care of the guests laundry.

The resort also is unusual in that it features a variety of dining options, including the all-day venue Reef, authentic Suan Bua and Azzuri Mare Italian & Seafood restaurant, plus the Aqua and Coral Bars for nightly entertainment. For those seeking day-time activity, the Resort offers recreation options, sports and fitness facilities and a professionally-managed Kids’ Club, while those looking to relax are welcome at Spa Cenvaree, The resort is easily accessible from Male International Airport or from the recently-opened Maamagili Airport, handily located close to the Resort in the South Ari Atoll.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading operator of hotels, with 48 deluxe and first-class properties covering all the major tourist destinations in the Kingdom.

A further 26 resorts in Maldives, Vietnam, Bali, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Qatar, Laos and Oman brings the present total to 74 properties. Brands and properties within Centara ensure that specific categories such as couples, families, individuals, and meetings and incentives groups will all find a hotel or resort that is appropriate to their needs. Centara operates 30 branches of Spa Cenvaree, one of Thailand’s most luxurious and innovative spa brands, together with 7 branches of the value brand Cense by Spa Cenvaree, which provides core spa services for busy travellers. The company’s Kids’ Club is available at all the family-friendly resorts to ensure that the youngsters and teens have their own leisure zone. Centara also operates three state-of-the-art convention centres in Bangkok, and two in northeastern Thailand, one being located in Udon Thani and the other in Khon Kaen. The latest Centara brand is named COSI Hotels, an affordable lifestyle brand designed for travellers who predominantly make their bookings via the internet and who want comfort and convenience at affordable prices; the brand is under development with the first property due to open in 2016.

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Top Travel Trends And Hot Destinations For 2015

2015 is just around the corner, and so the team at Cheapflights.com has gotten out its crystal ball for a peek at the travel year ahead. Read on for our thoughts on what trends will shape where we go and how we travel. And, as a bonus, we’ve thrown in what our team has to say about some unexpected new travel hot spots for Americans.

Health and wellness move up the travel agenda

In the era of Fitbits and Crossfit, healthy living is on the upswing. So too is healthy vacationing. More and more travelers are baking “wellness” into their getaways, going out of their way to nurture mind and body on their vacations. While high-end resorts are rolling out high-priced programs such as the newly launched Energy by Four Seasons, bargain hunters will seek out conventional and alternative therapies farther afield.

Mexico and Costa Rica are rising stars for stress-busting yoga and wellness getaways as well as places to get in touch with your inner athlete (surf camp anyone?). Asian countries such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Korea all have well-developed – and reasonably priced – retreats that offer a variety of massages (no, not that type) and spa treatments ranging from fish pedicures to python massages to butt facials and fat-transfer treatments that will give you a bum like Kim Kardashian. She may be doing her best to “break the Internet,” but at least you won’t be breaking the budget when it comes to looking after your body abroad.

Wearable tech and location-based services to go mainstream

Airlines are increasingly using wearable tech to engage directly with their passengers and provide efficient, targeted service throughout the journey – from check-in to baggage.

Virgin Atlantic held trials with Google Glass and Sony Smartwatches. Japan Airlines has been ahead of the curve too, equipping staff with smartwatches. In 2015 we’ll see a greater rollout of this – in-flight as well as on the ground. For example, the Spanish airline Vueling has partnered with Sony to create the concept of a smartwatch-based boarding pass.

For the travelers themselves, high-quality wearable cameras such as GoPro and Autographer will continue to fuel social media networks, meaning that every single step of a vacation is documented.

On-the-go tech also translates to the ability to arrive in a city and find “just-in-time” deals on everything from tours to hotels to meals. This trend is increasing in popularity with budget-minded travelers who are not fixed on a particular hotel or plan and will trade predictability for affordability.

Greater segmentation and personalization on flights

2015 is all about the “c” word – choice, choice, choice. Be on the lookout for opportunities to personalize and upgrade your flight. Airlines will create special pods in their economy classes giving families and couples greater privacy – if not oodles more legroom.

The U.K.s’ Thomson Airways’ newest jets will be featuring booth-style seating at the back of the plane that can accommodate four to six people. Duo-seating includes a third seat that can transform into a table. This follows Air New Zealand’s Skycouch, which offers Premium Economy seating at something closer to Economy prices. Closer to home, JetBlue’s new Mint class offers personal suites on flights between New York and both Los Angeles and San Francisco (with more routes coming) for prices far below traditional First Class.

More airlines will offer the sort of perks once reserved for First-Class flyers. Think the Flying Nannies service and butlers on Etihad Airways’ long-haul flights, although butlers for bargain hunters may be a ways off yet.

We’re also betting hotels will strive to differentiate themselves against peer-to-peer rental sites such as Airbnb with value-added services (concierges for example) and establish themselves as destinations in their own right. Expect more opt-in extras and “value packs” as hotels look to woo higher-spending customers. And the list of extra services will grow and grow from basics like kids go free to pet nannies, helicopter rides, tour tickets, children’s activities, hangover butlers and staff to buff your sunglasses and gadgets. At the other end of the scale, sharing-economy accommodation sites will add higher end offerings and features to compete with hotels.

Airtiquette

With power-up rules at some airports, omnipresent mobile tech, the potential for hacked boarding passes, seat defenders wielded by assertive passengers, the predominance of the in-flight selfie (taken with the near-ubiquitous selfie stick) and carry-on meals that often pack an odor punch all creating flash points for passenger conflict, we are expecting “Airtiquette” to be a major issue in 2015.

Airlines will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to air rage. Flight crews will be on the lookout for trouble and ready to bring in official help when they need it. However, to get ahead of issues, the airlines will get proactive, adapting the seats on their planes, creating alternate seating layouts, adding dual-level armrests and “smart” pockets to stow devices and charging “stations.”

Celebrating food

Food has always been part of both travel and celebrations but, increasingly, travel has become a way to celebrate cuisine. 2015 is a landmark year in this regard as the idea of a formal restaurant turns 250. The birth place of dining out was (where else?) Paris. The year was 1765. The restaurateur was Monsieur Boulanger. And the house specialty was soup.

Fast forward to today and celebrity chefs, online reservations and reviews and a more mainstream “foodie” mentality have turned dining into entertainment at home and on vacation. Cooking (and even extreme eating) shows spotlight the cuisine of cities and cultures around the world, making everything from destination cooking classes to celebrity chef tours (on land and on cruise ships) and a renewed emphasis from airlines on food and beverage ready to be front and center in 2015.

Along these same lines, expect sustainability and traceability to be high on the menu next year. Expo Milano 2015 will be the largest worldwide event ever, running from May 1 to Oct. 31, drawing 22 million visitors from 130 countries (a billion people online) for food festivals and cultural celebrations.

Hot destinations for 2015

As the U.S. dollar gets stronger, a host of international airlines continue to increase their presence in America and the number of passports issued climbed for the third straight year, we are bullish on seeing more overseas travel in 2015. Here are some of the spots we see gaining ground as popular destinations.

Bali, Indonesia

Pura Taman Ayun, Bali (Image: wiifm69)

Americans are starting to catch on to Asia and Australia’s newest budget destination of choice. Bali is a postcard-perfect Pacific island undergoing a boom of growth in new hotels and resorts at price points to meet every budget.

From serene beaches and iconic temples to an array of spas and a sizzling club scene, Bali has pretty close to everything under the sun. Its appeal is such that, rumor has it, “The Bachelor” will be taking some dates there in the upcoming season.

Flights from the U.S. are becoming more frequent and affordable, but the eye-popping deals are from the host of bargain airlines out of Australia promising flights for well under $100.

Iceland

Iceland (Image: Nick)

It’s hard to be sure whether Walter Mitty, Wow Air or volcanoes have done the most to put Iceland on travelers’ to-do lists. All we can say is that we it expect it to be a red hot (maybe even molten hot?) travel spot for 2015.

Iceland moved into a leading travel role when Ben Stiller hurled himself downhill on a skateboard past a sweeping mountainscape in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” This was a rare case of Iceland starring as itself rather than a fictitious land, awakening millions of viewers to its rugged beauty.

Insiders say, however, that tourism started its recent upswing in the wake of the 2010 eruption of the volcano Eyjafjallajökull, which made global headlines for causing the cancellation of more than 100,000 flights thanks to its ash clouds. While that volcano captured worldwide attention, the spewing of another volcano, Bardarbunga, this past August sparked a different flight trend – eruption sightseeing flights. Online videos of the Holuhraun Lava Field once again put Iceland center stage, showing it as a place like no other.

The one thing holding Iceland back as a destination, however, has been the expense. And now, rounding out the trifecta, we have Wow Air. This budget airline, based in Iceland, has now started to offer flights from the East Coast to Reykjavik starting at $99 each way. Look for other airlines to respond to the pricing pressure. And for opportunities to lay over for free for a few days in Iceland on your next trip to Europe.

Malta

This historic island nation, part of the British Commonwealth, is a popular beach destination for Europeans. However, it’s garnering increased attention on this side of the pond as well, especially after the Jolie-Pitts bestowed the highest honor on the nation when they had a working honeymoon on the island of Gozo, filming “By the Sea.”

And, if the Hollywood effect isn’t enough, Malta is likely to get the royal treatment in 2015 as well. The Duchess of Cambridge was due to make her first solo overseas visit to the republic to mark 50 years of independence in September but pulled out due to severe morning sickness. Our U.K. experts predict she will instead visit with Royal Baby No. 2 in tow.

And, for the royal sweep, the Queen and her three heirs (Charles, William and George) are expected to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta next November.

The Alps

Topographically speaking, we’ll all be high in 2015. July will be 150 years since the first Matterhorn ascent and Zermatt is celebrating with open-air performances, festivals and sporting events. The Hörnli Hut, the starting point for a Matterhorn climb, will reopen after being refurbished. This 101-year-old Matterhorn mountain lodge stands at 10,500 feet above sea level.

As “The Sound of Music” marks its 50th year, Austria will be alive with the sounds of the Rodgers & Hammerstein’s gem. Salzburg will host exhibitions, tours and sing-alongs.

And finally, the “Frozen” juggernaut will show no sign of slowing down in 2015. The global phenomenon may be set among the Scandinavian fjords, but with the Peak Walk in its infancy intrepid travelers can feast their eyes on the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau feeling just like Anna when she conjured up her ice kingdom.

Lithuania

Lithuania will adopt the Euro on Jan. 1, 2015, bringing the Baltic country into the single-currency club. There’ll be no more messing around with litas. Prices are expected to rise – in line with other countries that joined the Euro – but visitors can expect plenty of bang for their buck.

Its beer is legendary, its cuisine hearty, cheap and local (tying into the sustainable food trend) – cepelinai (potato and meat dumplings) and balandėliai or little doves (minced-meat-stuffed cabbage leaves) are national dishes. Its coast – the Curonian Spit – is UNESCO-listed and balmy in the summer time. And its culture comes with a side order of quirky.

Užupis is a bohemian, independent republic with a 12-man army and a statue of Frank Zappa (they tore down their statue of Lenin and replaced it with Zappa in the mid-1990s). Visitors to the independent country will be rewarded with a stamp in their passport, one of the best souvenirs for travelers.

Canada

The Toronto skyline (Image: mamonello)

2015 looks to be the summer of sports in Canada. The FIFA Women’s World Cup will play out across six host cities throughout June with the finals in Vancouver on July 5. Then Toronto steps into the host role for the Pan American Games in July and the Parapan American Games in August.

Summer time in Canada sees a rush to embrace the outside with a packed agenda of festivals, fishing, hiking golf and lakefront fun. While sports fans may lead the charge to head north of the border, we expect an overall surge as word spreads about all the action, on the playing fields and beyond.

Contributed by Oonagh Shiel

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