News

More to explore: Saudi Arabia launches new tourism packages to drive numbers

A fresh set of tourism packages were launched jointly between the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) and tour operators during Saudi Winter. The packages cover a wide variety of tourism sites and destinations in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Tabouk and the nearby areas. Carefully designed to meet all tastes and interests, featuring high-quality services including reservations, transportation, hospitality and tour guides all at affordable rates. The Duration of tours varies from one-day, two-day or three-day tours, and some might extend to seven days full of excitement, discovery, thrill, and adventure at competitive rates. Each trip has been designed according to a carefully planned schedule covering all archaeological and historical sites, events, and all the important landmarks, including traditional markets and shopping malls.

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Travel industry insisting 'nothing will change' after January 31st Brexit day

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "The UK is primed to enter a new Brexit phase from 31 January when trade talks begin, and when it does nothing will change when it comes to travel. "This means that valid passports can still be used, EHIC cards will still be valid and the same gates can be used at border checkpoints. "People can continue to make their travel plans with confidence that things won't change until at least the end of 2020. "As the UK's most trusted travel association, Abta has been actively providing advice to travelers throughout the Brexit process and will continue to do so as the long term relationship with the EU becomes clearer."

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American Queen Steamboat Company Offers Civil War-Themed Cruises

American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) is hosting several Civil War cruises in 2020 onboard its river ships. Civil War cruises will take place onboard the American Queen, the American Duchess and the American Countess on six different dates. On these cruises, guests will be joined by distinguished speakers who bring to life Civil War history, stories and events. The cruises highlight the unique perspectives and legendary tales that both entertain and enlighten passengers. On land, guests are afforded the opportunity to experience solemn battlefields where experienced historians resurrect memories misplaced in the tumult of war.

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Rome bans souvenir stands around its famous sites; find out why

Your street shopping in Rome experience could change forever as the city has now banned souvenir stands located near its famous sites. Not only souvenir stands, but snack carts are also going to be banned in the city. These sites include places such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish steps. According to reports, 17 of these stalls are being closed down, and only eight of them are allowed to remain open. The ban has been put in place in order to protect the heritage of Rome, according to the city’s mayor, Virginia Raggi. The crowd surrounding such stalls can dampen the experience for a lot of travelers, and significantly reduces the importance and beauty of the sites. However, some of us do like to buy souvenirs and tiny replicas of these heritage buildings. The ban was put in place on January 1, 2020, and is supposedly going to save Rome’s reputation from getting ruined.

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Come 2020 and there will be no more elephant rides at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat

In a welcome move, Cambodia is on its way to elephant rides at the Angkor Wat, its most famous attraction. An announcement regarding the ban has been made by the Angkor Elephant Group Committee, which has also been urged to let go of the 14 elephants that are currently used to give rides at the temple complex. The move has come in the wake of an elephant’s death in 2016, as it collapsed after giving tourists a ride in soaring temperatures. One of the vets attributed “high temperatures, heat exhaustion and lack of wind that would have helped to cool her” as the cause of death. The horrific incident led to outrage around the world, as pleas were made to stop animal abuse. The Angkor Elephant Group Committee Director Oan Kiry issued a statement on the move, "In early 2020, our association plans to end the use of elephants to transport tourists… They can still watch the elephants and take photos of them in our conservation and breeding center. We want the elephants to live in as natural a manner as possible.”

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Schengen Visa fee hike! Here’s how much Europe travel is going to cost from February 02

According to reports, the Schengen visa fee will be raised to Euro 80 and the hike will come into effect on February 02, 2020. Currently, the visa fee is Euro 60. The Schengen Visa is the most common visa for travelling to Europe and is required for business travel, while travelling to visit friends and family, tourism, holidays, cultural and sports events, airport transit and transit for seafarers, official visits, medical tourism, short-term study and research purposes. As per updated regulations, children between 6 to 12 years of age will need to pay Euro 40 instead of the earlier fees of Euro 35. However, there is no fee for infants and children below six years of age.

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