Chamonix, the French ski resort
After Cuba tourist destinations, how about ski holidays in eastern countries?
There are different ski-fields in Switzerland, France and Italy.
I am ready for my favorite travel destinationsAfter a busy work schedule, I am planning for a trip to distant lands; tried to Google some of favorite tourist destinations in the World.
Cuban charities calling! |  | 
Cuba is home to large-hearted people and there are numerous organisations that work to help the people in need in this part of the world. From great literature to music and dance the country is known for its creativity and for expatriats looking to help people in Cuba there are numerous doubts to be cleared. However, came across a helpful article by the Red Cross - 'How do I know if a fundraiser is genuine' that can answer amny of your doubts. Companies like Appco Group work in fundraising in a transparent manner and help reach the much-needed funds to the people who strive to make a difference to people in remote corners of the world. Cuba and Algeria met AGAIN to sign on the dotted lines!The Cuban capital has an Algerian guest, again; yes, the men of Abdelaziz Bouteflika are in Havana for the 17th session of the Intergovernmental commission. The 55-year old Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz (Cuban Minister - Foreign Trade and Investment) and Djamel Ould Abbes (Algerian Minister - Health, Population and Hospital Reform) discussed on various topics, with intent to strengthen the relationship of both countries. Hey Rudolf, the Cuban land has enough scope for everyone – do you think your client (Blackcode Advertising) can do some wonders, here?!
Give them the MATTER, and the Cubans will give you ENERGY!The human world never recognizes true worth of anything, be it living or non-living things.
From Cuba to Scotland on Holiday | |
If you are planning a trip to Scotland from Cuba for a holiday then choosing the right type of accommodation, so if you are a couple for example then touring Scotland is probably not an issue, however if you are travelling with a family then having a base is probably a better idea. There are loads of hotels, B&B's and great self catering cottages across Scotland to choose from, the quality properties tend to get booked up early but that's not to say you cant still get some good last minute deals.
Experience the charm of Cuban cultural toursThe mere mention of Cuba would conjure images of spectacular and unspoilt beaches that Cuba is famous for. However, not many of us know that Cuba is famous for many other attractions beyond the beaches. The cultural tours of Cuba have evolved to be the most popular attraction in any Cuban itinerary. Cultural tours are designed to help people understand one another and to have an overview on the rich history and culture of Cuba. Commemorative stamps to mark the 65th anniversary of Philippines - Cuba tiesThe Philippines and Cuba will mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the unveiling of special commemorative stamps on July 1. This was announced at the Philippine Embassy on Havana’s 113th Independence Day celebrations. Cuba publishes Che diaryCuba published the diary of the revolutionary "Che" Guevara, "Diary of a Combatant", which recounts Che's experience aboard the yacht Granma, and the revolutionary three-year armed struggle in Cuba's Sierra Maestra.
Published by the Australian firm Ocean Press/Ocean Sur, the book was edited by the Che Guevara Studies Centre, which is directed by his widow Aleida March. The diary was first published in 1968, which carried accounts of the ill-fated guerrilla campaign in Bolivia, in which he was captured by the Bolivian military and executed on October 9, 1967. Born in Rosario, Argentina on June 14, 1928, Guevara met Castro in Mexico City in 1956 and joined the expedition of the Granma, which left Mexico with 82 men on board to overthrow the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. Foreign investments to boost Cuban tourismThe proposed plan to allow foreigners to develop golf courses, marinas and land projects will ensure a fillip in the tourism industry of Cuba. The Cuban government is considering granting foreigners medium- to long-term leases of real estate to lure affluent tourists to this beautiful island. Cuba does not allow foreign ownership and this has been a major impediment in the development of tourism infrastructure in Cuba .
Over 2.4 million tourists visited Cuba last year and golf is one of the most popular ingredients in the tourist itineraries in Cuba but many of them came for short stays and spent less money. The cash-strapped Caribbean island is planning to attract a bigger-spending class of tourist and golf is seen as the key for this. At present there is only one 18-hole golf course in the whole of Cuba and there are plans to set up 10 new courses, several of which are in an advanced stage of planning. Some European and Canadian investment firms have expressed their interests in building golf courses along with luxury sea front apartments and villas. Cuba has no real estate market and Cubans are not allowed to buy or sell homes and the new lease arrangement will alleviate the problem of allowing foreigners to develop the properties in Cuba. AmericanTours International Offers Educational “People to People” Travel to CubaAmericanTours International (ATI) offers “ATI-Study Cuba in Cuba” is now available at www.CubaATI.com. The recent opening of academic travel to Cuba by the Obama administration allows universities to immediately activate study abroad programs with CubaATI.
CubaATI travel specialists work closely with American universities and students to custom design academic travel programs that meet their specifications and are within the legal guidelines of the U.S. Treasury Department (OFAC). Students enrolled for credit in U.S. higher education institutions are now able to participate in “ATI-Study Cuba in Cuba” and may be accompanied by faculty and staff on programs facilitated by CubaATI. ATI arranged the first group program in America for MBA students from Vietnam at UCLA. The key element in the Cuba travel experience is to work with a licensed, established and reputable travel company with superior destination knowledge and a trusted, reliable network on the ground in Cuba. ATI’s expertise in creating specialized itineraries for the visitors’ precise area of interest and budget, with a focus on “people to people” exchanges, enables individuals or groups to maximize their Cuba experience. New OFAC rules defining legal travel increases opportunities for Americans to experience Cuba’s historical and cultural venues while participating in programs that currently include educational exchange, religious activities and humanitarian projects. ATI provides all of these travel services through www.CubaATI.com including air, car, coach, hotel and guides across the entire island. Since October 2010, it is estimated that 222,000 Cubans have bought licenses to open businesses that include travel related industries such as restaurants and lodging in private homes. Travel to Cuba with AmericanTours International helps to support their entrepreneurial endeavors. Decade Long US Embargo Against Cuba Could Be Lifted After Oil DiscoveryThe five decade-long United States embargo against Cuba could finally be lifted after the discovery of an enormous oil field in Cuban waters. The US imposed embargo on Cuba is the world's longest and still running. This was because there was little the US wanted to buy from its impoverished neighbour- Cuba.
But the discovery of, between five and 20 billion barrels of oil in the deep waters off Cuba's north coast, only 60 miles away from Florida, has made American businessmen and politicians consider lifting the embargo. Repsol, the Spanish oil firm, will start exploratory drilling within months. If it strikes a large deposit, the trade embargo could be significantly revised or removed, says experts. Opponents of the US embargo argue that it has failed to drive Fidel and Raul Castro from power and that if Cuba becomes rich from its oil, regime change is even less likely. They also argue that warmer relations between the two countries could help stave off an environmental crisis if there is a spill from the field. Also there's an opinion that US could treat Cuban oil in the same way it treats oil from Venezuela: Like, "We don't like them but we like their product and we are going to buy it". The current embargo expires this September. However, it is unlikely that Barack Obama will move to lift it before the conclusion of his next run for President. Cuban Hard Currency Devaluation To Increase Tourism and Buying Power For The Tourists!This is going to be a great news for the tourists who are visiting Cuba. The Central Bank of Cuba has announced an 8 percent devaluation of the island’s hard currency, the Cuban Convertible Peso ( CUC ). This move will increase the buying power of tourists who're flowing daily to the Island.
The devaluation puts the CUC at 1 X 1 with the US Dollar (it had been $1.08 CUC x 1.00 USD) and also gives more buying power to the Euro and all other currencies. In the case of US dollar only, the 10% tax imposed for exchanging U.S. dollars in cash into CUC will remain in place. But, it does not apply to credit card or wire transfers. This decision is supposed to boost Cuba’s tourism, exports and give incentive for local production over imports. Law Restricted Cuba's Restaurant Scene Now Goes FreeAfter years spent working in dreary state-run restaurants and hush-hush culinary speakeasies, restaurateurs and chefs are operating under a set of new, less exacting rules that allow their talents freer reign. There are a brand new places and splashy re-openings in and around Cuba.
If the restaurants are successful, they could generate badly needed tax revenue and provide a model for how to shrink the bloated state-employed sector by absorbing hundreds of thousands of bureaucrats into the private sector. Authorities first let private restaurants open in homes in 1993 during the austerity that followed the collapse of Cuba's lifeline, the Soviet Union. But just months later they slammed on the brakes. In 1995 they rolled out strict rules: Paladars (the word is Spanish for "palate") were limited to 12 seats and prohibited from serving steak or seafood. Live music was banned. Employees had to be family members or registered as residents of the home. The new rules allow the independent restaurants to seat up to 20 people. Gone is the ban on seafood and steak, as well as the rule on hiring only family members. Since then 60 to 100 restaurants have been launched in Havana, including new, reopened and clandestine ones that went legit. They're also opening in lesser numbers in cities on the tourist route. In blistering hot Santiago de Cuba, the island's second largest city, a number of homes now have improvised ice cream and fruit shops. Getting a license for a new restaurant is now quick and easy, and government inspectors are professional and helpful. Still, running a restaurant can be brutal even in a thriving economy. In Cuba, there's an array of taxes that one restaurateur estimates will take at least 60 percent of his earnings this year. Supplies of fresh ingredients are unreliable and credit is often unobtainable. The government is developing plans to extend loans, but for now, many entrepreneurs have gotten startup capital from relatives overseas. Foreigners and well-heeled Cubans are too few to support all the new restaurants that have opened, and some restaurateurs are already scaling back operations or giving up. So restaurant owners are tempering their expectations for now. Cuba Serves As the Third Largest Tourist Destination In the CaribbeanAt the opening ceremony of the International Tourism Fair(FIT), Cuba 2011 Cuban Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero have announced that Cuba has become the third largest tourist destination in the Caribbean.
In the last decade the island nation of Cuba received about 30 million overseas visitors. More than 2.5 million visitors came to Cuba in 2010, a 4.2-percent increase from 2009. Canada, Britain, Spain, Argentina and Russia are the five countries accounting for most of the tourists. The minister expressed concerns that the figure would be much higher if the US citizens were not restricted from visiting because of the ongoing economic and political embargo imposed by Washington on Havana for "ideological differences" over the past 50 years. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) expects to see the number of tourists arrivals continue to increase in 2011 up to 6 percent. Travel to Cuba Now With New GuidelinesWhile travel restrictions to Cuba still apply, the long-awaited guidelines defining who can travel freely to Cuba were released and made official this week. Supporters of the changes say more exposure to Americans will lead Cubans cutting the ties with their government.
The new rules allow journalists plus religious and educational groups to travel to Cuba pretty much whenever they want to. They also allow Americans to send up to $2,000 annually to Cuba. That is limited to $500 per quarter (up from $300) and that money must be intended to support private economic activity. One of the biggest changes brings back licenses for people-to-people educational exchanges (like foreign-exchange students) which the Bush administration suspended. The Obama administration had lifted some restrictions to Cuba in January. |
Cuba and Kerala - Amusing similarities!Cuba and the love of football, is quite like Kerala on the other side of the world. Kerala is in the southern tip of India and is a tropical place with green backwaters, beaches and seafood. What's more is that the place follows the politics in Cuba with great interest; yes Communism is the other common thread between the two places. A stroll around the roads and you are sure to spot a few youths wearing Che Guevera T shirts; walk into a library you may end up talking about the 'Motorcycle Diaries' dissecting Castro-Che friendship and so on. Then there is the Hemmingway fan pouring over the 'Old man and the sea' bringing us to fishing - yet another activity here; featured in movies and books in the local language all the time. To find out more amusing similarities and obsessions visit Kerala, with the help of Karma Kerala, travel operators who do bespoke holidays with care! How is that for a journey - From Cuba to Kerala! Note: Kerala is called 'Gods own country" for its beauty! Cuba is busy giving a facelift to El Cobre ShrineCuba is getting READY for the Pope Benedict XVI, and to commemorate 400th anniversary of 'Our Lady of Charity'!
Cuba warns the Spanish nosey-parker to STAY AWAY!The Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister is not in a good mood; and the reason is - Spain! Yes, a scornful remark by the Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister irked Dagoberto Rodríguez, which made the latter retort to the former to “MIND HIS OWN BUSINESS!” I was busy with a client (ANB Promotions Ltd.) project, but then thought of sharing this juicy news here.
You can travel and earn money tooThose smitten by the travel bug but afraid that they’d lose all their money can now heave a sigh of relief. You can earn as you travel, says our panel of experts… “Today, with direct marketing being there everywhere and all ready to take in people, you can travel and earn at the same time. For example, if you happen to spend a month in Singapore, you can perhaps go knock doors of any direct sales company, like Appco Group Singapore and try to make some money in the course of your wanderings”.
The UK Bribery Act, 2010, implemented and set out for a smooth sail
The surge in tourists fail to bring in more revenue for Cuban tourismIt is ironical that though Cuba registered a surge in the number of tourists including a 20 percent hike in the number of Americans, the tourism income has failed to make a recovery from the downturn caused by the global financial crisis . The overall tourist footfalls inched up to 2.53 million last year as against 2.15 million in 2007, hcoowever as the visitors are making shorter trips and spending less, the revenue has not made any notable recovery. World travellers like Christos Niarchos belong to the demographic that travel no matter what happens - the adventure-seekers that they are!! The American Fraternity Park In the Cuban Capital, Havana!The American Fraternity Park or simply the Fraternity Park is a customary meeting ground and reference for visitors and residents in the capital of all Cubans. Spain Promotes Cuban Tourism As a Summer OfferSpain is promoting Cuban Tourism as part of its summer offer to the visitors. The Spanish travel agency Travelplan have presented features of tourism in Cuba to hundreds of industry professionals. The presentation to the country's most important tour operators and travel agencies was made at a downtown Madrid hotel.
Travelplan, part of the Globalia Group, is the leading Spanish tour operator both in number of destinations and passengers, and is the largest issuer of tourists to Cuba. The Cuban Tourism officials are now thankful to Travelplan for its confidence in the island, a destination that is more than sun and beach. Apart from Madrid, the Cuban summer advertising campaign has been presented in the cities of Barcelona, Bilbao, Vigo, Malaga, and Valencia. Golf Federation in Cuba to Prepare for 2016 Olympic Games SportCuba is going to set up a golf federation to prepare for the introduction of the sport to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. The president of the Cuban Olympic Committee, José Ramón Fernández, pointed out that the country has few golf courses, and that new ones, planned to be built soon, will be dedicated mainly to tourism.
The tourism ministry has among its projects to increase the number of golf courses. But they know the cost is very high and maintenance is exclusive. Growing the grass, irrigation and mowing require exceptional attention. Cuba will tend to the sport as a function of tourism. Likewise, the Cuban Olympic Committee will create a rugby federation. Rugby will also bow as an Olympic discipline in 2016. Cuba announces tax break for private businessesIn order to encourage private enterprises, Cuba has announced a moratorium on payroll taxes for small business owners and increased the limits on the size of private restaurants. Under the new guidelines, anyone who hires between one and five workers will not be subject to payroll taxes during 2011.
These measures were adopted at a recent Cabinet meeting chaired by President Raul Castro and it applies to all small business owners, especially private restaurants and cafes that employ waiters and cooks. Many stylish restaurants have opened in Cuban cities like Havana since the government began overhauling the economy last year. The liberalized procedures have enabled over 222,000 Cubans to work for themselves. Authorities are also finding out whether state-controled real estate could be put to better use by renting it out to private restaurant owners, which could attract more private investors. Though Cuba's Communist government still employs about four in five Cuban workers, and the state controls virtually all means of production, Cuba is opening up to business ideas and private participation in reshaping its economy. Foreign Tourists To Cuba Increased in the First Quarter of 2011Foreign tourists arriving in Cuba on a visit is on the rise in the first four months of 2011. The figure increased by 11.9 percent during the first four-month period of 2011, as compared to the same period of 2010. According to the National Office of Statistics report, until the end of April, the island had welcomed one million 179,963 tourists, and that in that same month the figure of one million travelers was registered 13 days in advance with respect to 2010. Standing out countries among those sending tourists to Cuba are Canada, Russia, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Chile and France. Cuban tourist industry plans to welcome some two million 700,000 vacationers in 2011. The increase in competitiveness is the main challenge of the island, presently the third most important tourist destination in the Caribbean, preferred by 30 million travelers since 1990. Cuban cigar roller sets new world recordCuba is well known for its exotic cigars and takes credit to some of the best tobacco grown in the world. Now the record for the largest cigar in the world also goes to a Cuban cigar roller who has rolled out a staggering cigar that measures at over 268 feet long. Castelar Cairo, the creator of this largest cigar started working on the massive cigar along with a team of helpers as part of an event put on by the Cuban tourism ministry. During the process he has also beaten its own world record for making the longest stogie.
It was in the year 2001that Castelar Cairo first entered the record books by making a cigar measuring 36 feet. He has bettered his efforts three times before this latest creation. Castelar Cairo who picked up the nifty tricks of the cigar rolling trade at the tender age of five, has become a five-time Guinness World Record holder with this feat. Cuba is not only famous for its premium hand rolled cigars but also for some of the biggest cigars as well. Explore the big and bold world of cigars in Cuba, where innovations and creative ideas never cease to exist! Cuban City of Sancti Spiritus to Welcome 497 Foundation AnniversaryThe 497 foundation anniversary of the central Cuban city of Sancti Spiritus will be celebrated next June 2 through 5.
The boulevard attracts many visitors. Few days away from the celebration, local heritage authorities will highlight the architectural and urban values of the city’s historic center. A program is scheduled during the event in which it includes the awarding ceremony for the Prize of the City (Premio de la Ciudad) which will be granted in the literature, plastic arts, music and photography sections. The anniversary event's main gala will be held June 4th with performances of local artists. Likewise, a local culture colloquium, a photo exhibition as well as book and handicrafts fairs have been also announced. The scientific event Juan Berdalles in memoriam will allow experts to exchange experiences and present researches on ecology, natural science and environmental issues, among other subjects. Havana Tourism Fair FITCuba 2011 to Highlight MexicoThe 2011 edition of the International Tourism Fair in Havana - FITCuba will focus on Mexico and multi-destination tourism.
During this fair called FITCuba congress which will be held from May 2-7 at the Morro-Cabana fortress in Havana, Mexico will highlight the nearby attractions of Yucatan and the 10 historical routes program. Mexico is the seventh-largest source market for tourism to Cuba, with 67,000 visitors in 2010. Cuba welcomed 2.5 million foreign visitors last year, 4.2 percent more than in 2009. Some 300 tour operators are expected to join FITCuba this year. The event will include presentations by Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero and Carlos Vogeler, the Americas head for the World Tourism Organization. Habaguanex, the state company in charge of tourism in Old Havana, will present a new cultural tour about “Mexican Traces in Havana” during the event. Habaguanex will also announce a new boutique hotel in Old Havana. The Terral, whose construction is expected to be completed this winter, will offer 14 rooms on the Malecón seaside boulevard. Now this is indeed a new stepstone for Cuba Tourism. Making the Best out of Low-Cost Vacation Packages in CubaCuba in terms of tourism is truly a stunning location worth a visit. With some of the greatest landscape and scenery, Cuba oozes in history at every corner. If you are looking for a low-cost vacation package to Cuba, there's something best in the world's to be found.
If you can't afford that all inclusive holiday in a pricey hotel, you can still witness the colonial architecture, long white beaches, music, dancing, drinking and have a lot of fun. It is amazing to almost step back in time with classic 1950s cars on every road. There are plenty of options out there for the budget travellers who want to experience the real island experience. First, think about the right types of accommodation for you and your budget. The hotels might be quite expensive but there are other options such as discount travel vacation packages and deluxe vacation packages to Cuba. A cheaper location for visit is Santiago Cuba, the second city. As a historical attraction for those interested in the overthrowing of the previous regime in the 1950s, this is a must see area. A lot of backpackers and budget holiday makers book into local homes as a way of cutting down costs. This can be an extremely insightful way to see the country and witness first hand how people live. Take a stroll on foot or find a bike to rent when travelling around the towns and villages. This is a much better way to sample the atmosphere and to watch the people getting on with their daily lives. Plenty of museums are available at quite a cheap rate and of course you can visit the rum factories and see that world famous spirit that we all love. With dance classes and folk music to be found in the interesting night life, you are sure to find something to suit you on your low cost holiday. As for the food, take care to talk to the locals and people who have visited the country before, if that is possible. You will be able to find tourist restaurants to eat in, but at a premium, so scope out the best local places to eat, there are plenty of food stalls on the streets and even from people's homes. As for seafood, that can be found readily across the country as you would expect of an island. It is possible to find low cost vacations to Cuba that will suit any holiday maker on a budget. Find the right accommodation, food and transport and you will be on your way to finding the truth behind this island paradise, rather than just soak up the sun in an all inclusive hotel. |