News

Vortex Celebrates 30 Years of Innovation in Aquatic Play

Vortex Aquatic Structures International (Vortex), the force behind the world’s most imaginative aquatic play, is toasting three decades of breakthroughs that have turned parks, water parks, and resorts into lively community hubs. Acclaimed for launching the original Splashpad and continuously pushing the water play envelope, Vortex has redefined what it means for kids and families to gather in public, strengthening the fabric of neighborhoods and promoting active, healthy lifestyles. With over 12,000 colorful play zones filling more than 50 nations, Vortex’s splashy installations are now heralded icons of major meeting spots, turning extra moments of free time into joyful shared memories. Since the first splash in Montreal, Vortex’s reach has rippled around the globe, planting installations in magnetic cities from New York to Barcelona, Miami to Montreal, Chicago to Paris, and right on into Dubai. For 30 years the team has partnered with municipalities to design water features that welcome everyone, are built for the long haul, and educate while they entertain. These features give children the space to play, hone their physical and mental abilities, and discover the world around them, all while forming lasting bonds and making memories that begin with that very first joyful splash.

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Discover Africa’s Most Breathtaking Natural Pools for Wild Swims

Africa is home to some of the most stunning natural swimming pools in the world, offering travelers the chance to immerse themselves in spectacular landscapes carved by nature. Unlike conventional infinity pools or luxurious resorts, these wild swimming spots provide a connection to the natural world that’s both exhilarating and deeply refreshing. From thrilling plunges into waterfalls to peaceful swims in serene lakes, these African locations are perfect for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. Here’s a look at the continent’s most breathtaking natural pools that are well worth the swim. Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe) No list of wild swimming spots in Africa is complete without mentioning Devil’s Pool. Situated right on the edge of the world’s largest waterfall, this natural pool offers an experience unlike any other. Located on the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls, Devil’s Pool is a must-do for thrill-seekers. During the dry season, which runs from August to January, water levels drop low enough to allow access to this rock pool right on the edge of the waterfall. Visitors can wade into the pool and look down over a 100-meter drop, while the mighty Zambezi River rushes beneath. The sensation of standing on the precipice of one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls is both awe-inspiring and heart-pounding, making Devil’s Pool one of Africa’s top wild swimming destinations. Blue Nile Falls Plunge Pools (Ethiopia) The Blue Nile Falls, also known as Tis Issat or The Water that Smokes, is one of Ethiopia’s most famous natural wonders. These majestic falls are located in the northern highlands of Ethiopia, and they thunder down with dramatic force, especially during the rainy season. While the main falls are too powerful and dangerous for swimming, there are calmer, downstream plunge pools that offer a more tranquil swimming experience. Surrounded by mist and rainbows, these pools provide a refreshing dip with a stunning backdrop of the roaring falls.

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Top 5 Slow Travel Destinations for 2025: Ultimate Guide

In 2025, slow travel is taking center stage as travelers are seeking more meaningful, immersive experiences in places where time seems to slow down, allowing them to connect deeply with nature, culture, and history. Slow travel encourages exploring destinations at a leisurely pace, savoring every moment while minimizing the environmental impact of travel. If you’re ready to embrace this slower, more thoughtful way of exploring the world, here are the top five slow travel destinations that will offer you epic getaways and unforgettable experiences in 2025: Japan, Italy, Laos, India, and The Scottish Highlands. Kyoto, Japan: A Cultural Retreat in a Timeless Setting Kyoto, Japan, with its blend of ancient temples, tranquil gardens, and preserved traditions, is the perfect destination for slow travelers. Known as the country’s cultural heart, Kyoto offers a serene atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down and reflect. The city is home to seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the Fushimi Inari Shrine, providing travelers with an abundance of historical and spiritual experiences.

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Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2025 to Showcase Trends in London

Once again, London rises as the global nerve centre of creativity and excellence in food and drink, as the Speciality & Fine Food Fair opens its doors in the magnificent Olympia London on September 9 and 10, 2025. Now in its twenty-sixth edition, the Fair remains the must-attend gathering for buyers and professionals from retail, foodservice, hospitality, wholesale and manufacturing. This year it raises the bar again, introducing fresh features, widening the product scope and multiplying discovery moments that are set to redefine what the food and beverage industry will look like tomorrow. Set at the Fair’s heart, the dedicated pavilion for artisanal producers, beverage innovators and boundary-pushing challengers invites the world to taste excellence. From avant-garde startups to revered names, exhibitors will unveil the full spectrum of culinary craftsmanship while panel discussions, masterclasses and live demos expose the driving forces of the industry: smarter food production, stronger sustainability and continually-evolving consumer appetite.

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Thailand Launches $20 million Domestic Flight Program for 2025 Tourism Boom

Thailand is gearing up for a phenomenal tourism boom in 2025, buoyed by a THB 700-million domestic flight campaign that rewrites the travel playbook. Visitors from abroad will soon have the chance to hop on a free domestic flight, nudging them to venture further than the familiar skylines of Bangkok and the beaches of Phuket. The plan teams up with leading airlines to spotlight hidden gems—from secluded islands to mountain villages—while spreading visitor spending deep into the countryside. With its daring approach, the Kingdom is not just filling hotel rooms; it is redistributing the tourism pie for maximum, countrywide benefit. Set against a promising tourism outlook, the initiative paints Thailand as a must-visit magnet for global wanderers, paving the way for extraordinary growth from the moment the program lifts off in 2025. Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports is rolling out a bold plan to supercharge travel to the Kingdom. With a budget of THB 700 million, the program will hand out free domestic flights to international guests visiting the country from August to December 2025. The move aims to divert attention away from world-famous spots like Bangkok and Phuket and instead encourage tourists to discover the hidden gems of Thailand’s smaller cities and scenic regions. By giving visitors complimentary air travel within Thailand, the government hopes they will wander further and experience the country’s amazing culture and beauty.

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Saudi Arabia Launches Online Umrah System for Easier Travel

Saudi Arabia has launched a new digital platform to streamline the Umrah pilgrimage for international visitors, allowing online visa applications, accommodation, transport, and guided tour bookings. This initiative addresses long-standing challenges in planning the pilgrimage by centralizing all services in one accessible online hub. By simplifying the process, reducing paperwork, and offering multilingual support, the platform enhances convenience and efficiency, aligning with Vision 2030 goals to modernize religious tourism, improve service quality, and attract more Muslim visitors from around the world. Saudi Arabia has unveiled a cutting-edge digital platform to simplify the Umrah pilgrimage for international visitors, marking a significant step in modernizing religious tourism. Launched on August 20, 2025, the platform, accessible at umrah.nusuk.sa, provides a comprehensive online hub where pilgrims can apply for visas and arrange essential travel services, including accommodation, transportation, and guided tours. This innovation forms a key part of the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to enhance the quality of services, attract more Muslim visitors, and embrace technology to streamline spiritual journeys.

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