Maldives unrest causes tourist cancellations
The Maldives has lost more than US$100 million (Bt3 billion) in revenue due to the cancellation of visitor bookings after a wave of political unrest, following international coverage of street violence.
The potential visitors are concerned, says Maldives’ tourism organisation, about safety and security in the island nation. Violent clashes took place two weeks ago in the Maldives between supporters of former President Mohamed Nasheed - who says that he was forced to resign at gunpoint. To follow the situation in Maldives, visit www.Haveeru.com.mv. – AFP
Luang Prabang recognised for slow life
Luang Prabang in Laos, a Unesco World Heritage Site, has been recognised by British travel magazine Wanderlust, as the best tourist destination for the second consecutive year. “We love the fact that your top city isn’t about bright lights and fast living. No, the laid-back Lao city Luang Prabang likes to take things slow. Really slow,” the magazine says about the former capital. More than 270,000 tourists made it to Luang Prabang last year. – DPA
Connecting Vang Vieng and Udon Thani
A bus service will soon connect Vang Vieng district in Vientiane province and the northeastern Thai city of Udon Thani. Buses from Vang Vieng to Udon Thani will run twice daily at 8am and midday, with return buses departing at 8am and 4pm. From Vang Vieng, the 45-seat second-class air-conditioned buses first stop at Nong Khai, with a one-way ticket costing 75,000 kip (Bt290) per person, before travelling onto Udon Thani for an additional 8,800 kip. – ANN
On a clear day, you can see …
The Dutch city of The Hague boasts a new viewing area on the Hague Tower with views on clear days stretching as far as Rotterdam, Leiden and Hook of Holland. From the “City Balcony” 130 metres aloft, the Peace Palace, Kurhaus, Grote Kerk, the Town Hall and the Ministries are all clearly visible. Entry to the viewing platform is free. Visit www.DenHaag.info.
YSL heads to Denver
Visitors to Denver in the US state of Colorado from March 25 can enjoy a sweeping retrospective of French designer Yves Saint Laurent's 40 years of creativity. The show features the historical foundations of Laurent's work and a selection of 200 garments along with numerous photographs, drawings and films. Visit www.DenverArtMuseum.org – DPA
All aboard the knitting express
Railway journeys are ideal for a spot of knitting and that is exactly what travellers on Switzerland's Rhaetian Railway will be able to do on February 26. The day marks the start of what is being billed as the world’s first knitting express. Experts will be on hand to pass on their skills and give advice about the traditional handicraft. The price of wool is included in the fee of 82 euros (Bt3,335). The train “casts off” from Chur station on the return trip to Disentis. Bookings can be made with the Rheatian Railway. – DPA
