News 06.11.18
Serbia celebrates double-digit growth
Thanks in part to visa-free travel, Serbia (EU1550) has recorded double-digit growth in visitor arrivals for the sixth year running, and expects this to continue over the next three years.
International arrivals in 2017 numbered almost 1.5 million and the projected growth for the next three years is 40%.
Offering visa-free travel to citizens from Europe, China, Russia, India and the USA has no doubt helped, but Maria Lubovic, chief executive of the National Tourism Organisation, says greater awareness of what the country has to offer is key. “We offer a range of quality tourism products such as city breaks, cultural tours, wintersports, activity holidays, river cruising, health tourism and major, internationally acclaimed festivals,” she said. Marketing plans for 2019 include a higher focus on integrated digital campaigns including travel and news portals. A six-part TV series highlighting what Serbia offers to tourists will also air on Sky in the coming year.
In 2021, Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city – one hour by road from Belgrade – will be the European Capital of Culture, the first time the accolade has been awarded to a country outside the EU. And in Belgrade, hotel
There’s also a thriving arts scene
investment has been especially strong, with new openings this year including Hilton, Mama Shelter and
TRAVEL AGENT OPPORTUNITIES Dominica marks 40th anniversary with fam trips
Dominica (CA260), the former French and British colony in the Caribbean Windward Islands chain, is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its independence this month and is increasing its budget for travel agent training and fam trips.
Hurricane Maria stood in the way of attempts to get agents out to the island in 2017, so now is a good time to focus their efforts on Dominica.
Independence celebrations see the island highlighting its Creole
26 06.11.2018 Morne Trois Pitons national park, Dominica
culture with colourful festivities, including the Miss Wob Dwiyet Creole Pageant.
The island’s first major international brand also opens next year, the Kempinski Cabrits Resort and Spa. Tucked away in the Cabrits national park, it has been designed to preserve a natural balance between the land and the sea, while promising a comfortable and contemporary guest experience. Travel agents can visit the stand to see if they qualify for a fam trip.
NEW IDENTITY
Say hello to Eswatini
Eswatini (AF559), the tiny country landlocked within South Africa, has recently ditched its former title of Swaziland.
Serbia has picturesque towns and villages
the Sheraton. The newest is the 236-room Radisson Blu Old Mill, a slice of industrial-chic in a restored former cotton mill, with room rates from €60 per night.
The $3 billion Belgrade Waterfront is currently under development, and will provide a new cultural and leisure focus for the city, with more hotels, restaurants and public spaces.
Construction is also under way for a new scenic gondola, linking the city to the Kalemegdan Fortress overlooking the river Danube. Work is also in progress to increase the pedestrianisation zone of the city centre.
Most former colonies change their names immediately after gaining independence, but although Eswatini’s is long overdue 50 years after British rule ended, it marks a milestone in the country’s history. Anyone visiting at this time of great national pride can expect a welcome typical of the Swazi people and a range of outdoor experiences particular to southern Africa. Game reserves and wildlife viewing top the bill, with other specialities including smaller creatures often overlooked while on safari elsewhere. Bird-watching is popular, and a conservation effort to protect rhinos is of particular importance. Visitors can see it all at the Hlane Royal national park and Mkhay game reserve. Stop by the stand for the full lowdown, but first check the tourist board’s new list of 50 reasons to visit Eswatini at
thekingdomofeswatini.com.
Eswatini is a top choice for safari breaks
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80
