World News by Wild Rose

A controversial lighting project along a walking trail on The Peak is in doubt following mounting complaints that the installations damage Hong Kong’s natural beauty. Designed as one of several new attractions meant to replace a retired light show, the initiative has been criticised by local residents and visitors as counterproductive. The South China Morning Post looks at what has gone wrong with the project. 1. What is the project about? The Tourism Board planned small light installations for...

Parts of two installations in a controversial lighting project along a walking trail on The Peak have been removed, days after Hong Kong’s tourism authorities pledged to balance the community’s needs and said the scheme was not “set in stone”. The removals came hours after Commissioner for Tourism Ann Chan Wai-yan inspected the site on Saturday morning with a lawmaker and a district councillor, following an outcry from residents who accused the Hong Kong Tourism Board of removing trees and...

Benin has been nominated in four categories at the 2026 Africa Tourism Awards, putting the West African nation in the spotlight for its cultural heritage and tourism appeal.

South Africa has public holidays on 16, 25 and 26 December 2026, and schools close on 9 December, so US visitors should plan around both dates. The post South Africa Holidays and Closures in December 2026 appeared first on The Rio Times.

Jamhuri Day, Christmas and Boxing Day in Kenya fall on 12, 25 and 26 December 2026, with entry rules, rail seats and the Level 3 advisory for US visitors. The post Kenya Holidays in December 2026 for US Visitors appeared first on The Rio Times.

Fatimah Zainal had already paid for her flights and accommodation when videos of the unrest in France made her jittery about the Paris leg of her European holiday. “The videos definitely made me panic,” said Fatimah, who plans to visit the French capital solo from October 31 to November 3 after travelling through Belgium. The press officer for an international organisation said the Malaysian government’s travel advisory gave her second thoughts, and changing her flight would cost up to an...

Extended illumination expected to sustain tourist inflow; hotels record full occupancy during festive season

The annual Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival later this month promises more booths and longer hours to help attract over 168,000 visitors. The South China Morning Post unpacks what is on offer so you can enjoy the event to the fullest. 1. What is the festival and when is it open? Organised by the Tourism Board under the theme “Taste the World’s Best,” the festival will be held from October 29 to November 1 at the Central Harbourfront, opening at 7.30pm on the first day and 1pm on the following...

The BBC's Madeline Halpert spoke to city tourists, residents and horse carriage workers about the industry and their opinion on the ban.

Across Coorg and Chikmagalur, estates are turning the journey from coffee cherry to cup into a reason to travel, with experiences shaped by local history, biodiversity and generations of growing knowledge

Tourists flocked to the Abu Simbel temple in Egypt on Thursday to witness a rare astronomical ceremony that has been taking place for thousands of years.

Energy Minister K.J. George, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, says the initiatives had enhanced Dasara’s global visibility and strengthened Mysuru’s position as a major tourism destination.

The images of France’s riots posted and broadcast around the world have cast a pall on the country’s important tourism sector, with many fearing worse consequences if violence returns. “The surge of violence in the centres of Nice, Paris, Lyon – it’s catastrophic,” said Christelle Cassagne, head of the ADN Tourisme body covering the country’s tourism institutions. “When you book a hotel for a week, it’s not so you stay stuck in the hotel,” she said. The scenes of clashes with police, public...

Tour operators have changed itineraries and pulled Hong Kong travellers away from protest hotspots in France, while some school groups have cancelled planned trips to the country following the issuance of an official travel warning. EGL Tours chairman and executive director Steve Huen Kwok-chuen said one of the company’s tour groups had encountered protests at the Louvre in Paris on Saturday, with police helping clear a route for their coach to return to the hotel. “Our tour group happened to be...

France announced partial curfews in Paris and other cities on Monday after weekend demonstrations over soaring prices degenerated into some of the worst street violence in recent years. Images of riots and looting in France over the weekend have been seen across the world and are worrying the country's tourism industry. Could the violence put off foreign tourists from visiting? FRANCE 24's Selina Sykes reports.

Dominican Republic history from Columbus to 2026: independence in 1844, two US interventions, the Trujillo dictatorship and today's tourism-led democracy. The post Dominican Republic History Explained, From Origins to 2026 appeared first on The Rio Times.

Condé Nast Traveler senior features editor Megan Spurrell tells Bloomberg This Weekend what nearly 800,000 reader votes reveal about travelers’ favorite cities, including Chicago’s enduring appeal and the rise of destinations such as Phnom Penh. Speaking with hosts David Gura and Christina Ruffini, Spurrell says affordability, food, hospitality and evolving local cultures are helping both familiar destinations and less-traveled cities win devoted fans. (Source: Bloomberg)

While only around 1,200 homestays have official recognition, nearly 7,000 unlicensed units are reportedly operating in major tourist destinations in the State and offering services through various online platforms

Designed with extra-large glass windows and an observation-friendly layout, the vistadome coach aims to cater to tourists, families, and leisure travellers keen on taking in the scenic landscape

At least 10 tourists have been killed in a fire at a seaside resort in the southeastern Bangladeshi district of Cox’s Bazar, the country’s largest travel destination, officials said on Saturday. Dolon Acharya, an officer at the Fire Service and Civil Defence department, said the fire broke out in the morning at Tuptup Resto and Resort at Patuartek beach. The flames gutted the entire facility. The scene is located more than 320km (199 miles) southeast of the capital Dhaka. Acharya said...

The Andhra Pradesh government’s efforts to recognise Gandikota’s tourism potential have put this geologically significant site back in the spotlight. However, with renewed activity and growing popularity, the site is experiencing poor waste management that takes a heavy toll on the environment. Furthermore, it continues to struggle with heavy foot traffic, natural weathering, and systemic neglect

During last year’s Dasara celebrations, the division recorded a total passenger footfall of 6.95 lakh, with a daily average of 69,523 passengers, and earned ₹5.43 crore from ticket sales

Visitors can witness the feeding of the camp elephants in similar arrangement as available in Theppakadu elephant camp in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Kozhikamuthi elephant camp in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve

Dasara has gradually evolved from a palace-centric celebration into a multi-venue festival encompassing culture, entertainment, youth engagement, and tourism. The inclusion of Kambala this year has brought in new questions, writes Laiqh A. Khan

Hussong's Cantina in Ensenada dates from 1892 and claims the margarita. This guide covers its history, hours, tolls of about US$8 and US permit rules. The post Hussongs Cantina in Ensenada Mexico appeared first on The Rio Times.

A debate over tipping culture has erupted across the Indonesian resort island of Bali and beyond, triggered by a politician’s unfavourable comparison of domestic and foreign tourists. In a social media video, I Gusti Arya Wedakarna urged domestic tourists to “normalise giving tips in touristy places”, which he said was part of the island’s “ethics”. “Perhaps that’s the psychological reason why Balinese people are more excited about serving foreigners,” said Wedakarna, an Indonesian Regional...

Only American, Delta and United still fly to Tulum from the US. Here are routes, fares, Cancún options, transfer prices and entry rules for 2026. The post Tulum Flights and Airport Transfer Tips appeared first on The Rio Times.

The glass-roofed coach has 44 rotating seats and an observation lounge at the rear