Myanmar celebrates first Countdown

The venue is the 6.4-hectare Myoma Ground owned by Myanmar's Defence Ministry, about two kilometres away from Shwedagon Pagoda, the country’s most famous landmark. Some 50,000 people are expected to join the celebration with security provided by the army. According to www.WorldTimeZone.com, Myanmar will be the fourteenth country to enter 2013. – EMG

 

Up close with a Swede

A new website in Sweden is helping tourists who want to learn more about the country to make contact with residents. The site – www.VisitASwede.com – helps to promote cultural exchanges between visitors and locals. For tourists, it’s a chance to learn about Sweden from a native. Meet with a Stockholm resident at his favourite tavern, make a date for coffee, or explore the site’s many other meet-up offerings.

 

Caving on the river

The region of caverns along the Margaret River in Australia is getting a new addition: Moondyne Cave is being reopened again after 10 years. A torchlight guided tour takes three hours and ends with everyone sitting down together over lunch, Australia Tourism reports. The tours are held Tuesdays and Fridays. Organisers provide overalls, helmets and gloves. Check out www.MargaretRiver.com.

 

Wining and dining on the volcano

The Canary Island of Tenerife has opened up the first of five volcanic regions to tourists. The local tourism office says that vacationers can become better acquainted with volcanoes in the Isla Baja area in the northern part of the island, with various routes being offered for exploration, whether by foot, bicycle or car. Restaurants serve up wines from grapes grown locally in the volcanic soil. Other offerings include scuba diving, paragliding, bird watching and swimming in a natural basin comprised of lava stone.

 

Big bucks for the big birds

The aviation industry will be more profitable than expected this and next year, according to the International Air Transport Association. Carriers were forecast to make a total profit of US$8.4 billion in 2013, 12 per cent higher than IATA’s previous assessment from October. The upward revision was much higher for this year. IATA raised its profit prediction by 63 per cent to $6.7 billion. Business travel improved this year as global trade outpaced overall economic growth, says IATA said in Geneva. However, stronger trade did not help the air cargo business. Air freight decreased because customers preferred ocean shipping. – DPA

 

Yangon gets back on track

Myanmar’s old railways will be improved in January through the assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency. The development will cover Yangon’s circular rail network and Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw railways. “Japan will design suitable locomotives after studying existing rail networks,” said Win Naung, Ministry of Railways officer. Besides from technological support, Japan will also provide a low-interest loan. More than 100 out of 400 locomotives operated by Myanmar Railways are 40 years old. – EMG