World Tourism Blog

As Mexican officials investigate a bloody attack that left eight people dead in one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations, officials there say the drug wars appear to be having little effect on tourism.

Six women and two men died Tuesday in a fire at a bar frequented by locals in the resort town of Cancun. Employees at Castillo del Mar have told police that gunmen tossed gasoline bombs at the establishment, which is located in a low-income area far from the city’s main tourist zone.

Quintana Roo state Attorney General Francisco Alor told a local radio station that the cause of the blaze remains under investigation and that the bar has had problems in the past, although he did not elaborate.

Businesses throughout Mexico are often hit up for protection money by drug cartels, which sometimes set fire to those that refuse to pay, the Associated Press reports. And while Cancun has largely avoided the drug-related violence that has killed more than 28,000 people in Mexico since 2006, drug cartels and immigrant traffickers are known to operate in the area.

But the violence appears not to be deterring vacationers, who are scheduling trips to Mexico even after the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning on Aug. 27, advising American citizens to delay unnecessary travel to the central Mexican states of Michoacan and Tamaulipas, as well as Sinaloa, Durango and Coahuila.

The warning also ordered children of all U.S. government employees to leave Monterrey amid a high number of kidnappings there and following an Aug. 20 shooting near the city’s American Foundation School. An earlier warning that authorized the departure of relatives of U.S. government personnel from U.S. consulates in the northern Mexican border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros also remains in effect.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to “stay within the well-known tourist areas,” according to the warning.

“Although narcotics-related crime is a particular concern along Mexico’s northern border, violence has occurred throughout the country, including in areas frequented by American tourists,” the warning read. “U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times … In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens living in Mexico have been kidnapped and most of their cases remain unsolved.”

But despite the danger, the number of international tourists visiting the country by plane increased 35 percent in June compared to the same month in 2009, according to Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) statistics.

MTB officials say nearly 820,000 people from destinations worldwide visited Mexico in June, up from 605,435 in June 2009. Of those visitors, the tourism board said, roughly 573,000 were from the United States, a 23 percent increase from the same period a year ago. Canadian visitors, meanwhile, skyrocketed more than 100 percent compared to the year before, up from 21,322 to more than 41,000.

But figures provided by the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries paint a different picture, indicating that the number of U.S. air passengers to Mexico actually declined by 2.5 percent this year and by nearly 11 percent in 2009.

MTB officials say cruise travel is also on the rise, as the number of American cruise passengers in the first four months of 2010 increased 6 percent compared to 2009 levels. Passengers from Canada also increased 9 percent from a year ago, MTB officials said. Mexican ports welcomed 5 million cruise passengers last year, and that figure is expected to reach nearly 6 million this year.

Despite the recent suspension of service on Mexicana Airlines, MTB officials are touting increased service by AeroMexico — the country’s largest transcontinental airline — from Miami to Monterrey and Houston to Monterrey. Other airlines have also begun offering additional direct flights to Mexico’s hot spots, or will begin to do so shortly. British Airways is scheduled to begin flying direct between London and Cancun in November, and China’s Hainan Airlines will begin flying direct to Mexico City. U.S. airlines, too, are offering new direct routes from San Francisco to Los Cabos and Charlotte, N.C., to Puerto Vallarta.

“We feel these numbers are evidence of the strength and quality of Mexico’s destinations,” Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara, said in a statement.

Online travel agencies agreed that Mexico remains a top tourist destination despite its deadly drug war.

Genevieve Shaw Brown, a senior editor for Travelocity, said Cancun remains the country’s most popular destination and ranks No. 13 among the travel site’s domestic and international locations.

“Two of the reasons Mexico remains popular are value and convenience,” Brown said in a statement to FoxNews.com. “There are direct flights to Mexico’s major tourist destinations from nearly every major city in the U.S. That competition among airlines helps to keep pricing down. Average international airfare from the U.S. this fall is $769 round trip as compared to airfare from the U.S. to Mexico at $443 round trip.”

Marita Hudson Thomas of Orbitz.com said Mexico’s resort towns are “largely unaffected” by the ongoing travel warnings. In fact, she said, Cancun was just named the company’s top international destination for the Labor Day weekend.

Popularity of Mexico’s Gulf Coast resorts aside, the State Department travel warning makes it clear that travel South of the Border is not without risk. And recent news reports bear out the potential danger.

At least 16 people were injured last week when a grenade exploded at a bar in the resort city of Puerto Vallarta. And other tourist hot spots like Acapulco, Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo and Cuernavaca aren’t immune to the drug-related violence.

“In April 2010, three innocent bystanders were killed in a shootout between Mexican police and [drug-trafficking organization] members in broad daylight in one of [Acapulco's] main tourist areas,” the warning reads. “In the same month, numerous incidents of narcotics-related violence occurred in the city of Cuernavaca, in the State of Morelos, a popular destination for American language students.”

By Foxnews

Tourism Mexican

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry has earmarked Bt14 million (about $US447,000) to turn Kaeng Wang Tao stream in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) Province into an eco-tourist destination for trekking, canoeing and rafting.

The stream, situated in Khon Buri district, is about 70 kilometers south of the provincial town and is fed by Wang Tao Waterfall in Thap Lan National Park, which extends to parts of neighboring Prachin Buri Province.

Pornchai Amnuaysap, a local provincial councilor, said the money will be spent on constructing a visitor information centre, public toilets and jetties, in addition to new trekking routes along the stream and a resting area by the Lam Chae reservoir on the outer fringes of the national park.

Mr. Pornchai said construction of the new facilities is expected to take about six months, with Kaeng Wang Tao ready to cater to visitors by early next year.

Already popular as a tourist destination because of it’s unspoiled beauty, visitors to the area who want to enjoy the natural surroundings currently have a choice of 18-home stay facilities at Mabkrad village and numerous raft-houses at Lam Chae reservoir in which to stay.

The new facilities are expected to increase the popularity of the region with local and international tourists alike, as well as see the introduction of a greater range of activities, which the provincial council has committed to ensuring leaves the local environment unspoiled or damaged.

Kaeng Wang Tao stream remains open to those interested in trekking, or just sightseeing, and can be reached by taking Highway 224 from the provincial town to Chok Chai district and then Route 2071 to tambon Khok Krachai in Khon Buri district, where a two-hour boat ride across the Lam Chae reservoir brings visitors to a point where they can trek to Wang Tao Waterfall.

By John Le Fevre

Thap Lan National Park and Kaeng Wang Tao stream in Khon Buri district of Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) Province are to receive some amenities making it more friendly as a eco-tourism destination.

Singapore predicted it will have 11.4 million - 12.5 million foreign tourists up to the end of 2010.

Bey Soo Khiang, Senior Executive Vice President (Marketing & Corporate Services) of Singapore Airlines said at the opening of Natas Holiday Fair 2010 at Singapore Expo on Friday that the country`s tourism industry looks brighter and more prospective than last year`s.

Until July 2010, Singapore`s economic development continued increasing by 13-15 per cent of its Gross National Product (GNP), which is level than that of the United States.

“The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates that the number of foreign tourists will increase 3-4 per cent in 2010, while that in in Singapore will grow to 12.5 million.”

“It is quite reasonable to have such optimism,” he said.

Moreover, Singapore`s tourism sector is also undergoing a transformation. This year saw the inauguration of Marina Bay Sands, integrated with the World Resort Sentosa.

It will also be supported with world class events like the Youth Olympic Games and Formula One. The two events may increase the number of foreign tourists to Singapore.

Changi International Airport reported that the number of passengers on transit increased by 17 per cent in the last six months.

SA is encouraging an increase in the number of foreign tourists by expanding overseas flights.

Now SA flies to 62 destinations in 34 countries.

“If we make a comparison with Indonesia`s tourism sector, the estimation has a very wide gap. Indonesia with is much larger than Singapore and has more destinations, may only have seven foreign tourists until the end of this year.”

By Eturbonews

Singapore predicted it will have 11.4 million - 12.5 million foreign tourists up to the end of 2010.

Since opening in November 2008, Mexico’s Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort has rapidly established a reputation as the ultimate green retreat. It has been nominated for “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Green Hotel” at the 2010 World Travel Awards, and has just been awarded Green Globe certification for the second year in a row in recognition of it sustainable practices, conservation of the environment, support for local communities, and preservation of local culture.

Located in Riviera Maya, Hacienda Tres Ríos is an exclusive luxury resort focused on green travel. The highest grade award from Green Globe Certification comes after an extensive review of the resort’s procedures, daily operations and green practices.

Last year Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort was voted “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Green Hotel” at the 2009 World Travel Awards. The eco paradise has also been nominated for four awards in this year’s ceremony, including “Mexico & Central America’s Leading Green Hotel” and “Mexico & Central America’s Leading All-inclusive Hotel”. The World Travel Awards is recognised as the ultimate travel accolade and is hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the “Oscars of the travel industry”.

The Green Globe Certification was delivered by Romeo Dominguez, representative of Green Globe America Latina to Romárico Arroyo, vice president of development and financing, Tres Ríos. At the ceremony, the Tres Rios sustainability team and its leader, Gabriel Santoyo, received an award from Green Globe recognizing the excellent work done to achieve the recertification.

“We not only received this certification for a consecutive year, but we did it with an incredible 95 percent. I don’t know of any other hotel – worldwide – that has achieved such a high grade and so soon after opening,” said Mr. Gabriel Santoyo, chief environmental officer for Tres Ríos. Mr. Santoyo has been responsible for coordinating all sustainable management practices that have resulted in this exceptional score.

The vice president of development and financing, Tres Ríos, Romárico Arroyo, highlighted the hard work that has been invested in Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort to ensure this luxury resort follows strict environmental and quality standards in Mexico, as well as international sustainability standards.

“Tres Ríos started out as an ecological park, and we have been consistent in following our set guidelines and standards to protect the extraordinary beauty and diversity of the region. Our guests are able to reconnect with nature while they enjoy the Mexican hospitality and all the luxury we offer,” said Mr. Arroyo.

Green Globe Certification CEO Guido Bauer said: “It is reassuring to see how a luxury beach resort can operate at such high standards of sustainable management. The Tres Rios sustainability team are experts in managing natural resources, including the care of 120 species of plants and 90 species of animals. This conservation management is further enhanced by their training programs for staff and the local community.”

From its opening in November 2008, Hacienda Tres Ríos has positioned itself as a model for sustainable tourism in Mexico and abroad. The resort has been recognized by the highest Mexican environmental authorities, the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). It has also been featured at tourism fairs around the world, with the sustainability team invited to share their knowledge in forums in London, Spain, and Berlin.

Besides its Green Globe certification, Hacienda Tres Ríos is recognized by international environmental organizations like UNEP, Sustainable Travel International, and Rainforest Alliance. Its environmental achievements have been acknowledged in the leading travel markets of Europe including Germany and London.

Located in a 326-acre of jungle, mangrove, and coastal dunes, the eco-friendly resort is built 2.8 meters above sea level on stilts that allows for the free and natural movement of water flows. The construction and design allows for electricity consumption to be reduced 38 percent in air conditioners and 70 percent from lighting. Specially-designed operating systems allows for water consumption to be reduced by 40 percent. The resort also uses 100 percent biodegradable products and recycles the same percentage of solid waste.

By Breakingtravelnews.

Hacienda Tres Rios

Take a ferry to a remote island or see Sweden’s answer to Nantucket

For years I’ve flown over Stockholm’s famed archipelago, or glided by it on a big cruise ship heading for Helsinki. Finally, I filmed one of my TV shows here, diving into the 80 miles of scenic islands that stretch out from downtown Stockholm. Locals love to brag that there are 34,000 islands — but they must be counting mossy little rocks, so I don’t use that figure. Ferries serve a hundred of them, providing Stockholmers with the ideal island escape.

The local name for this area is “Skargarden” — literally “garden of skerries,” unforested rocks sticking up from the sea. That stone is granite, carved out and deposited by glaciers. The archipelago closer to Stockholm is rockier, with bigger islands and more trees. Farther out (such as on Sandhamn), the glaciers lingered longer, slowly grinding the granite into sand and creating smaller islands.

One of the joys of an archipelago trip is to grab a perch on the breezy sundeck with the Swedes as they enjoy their island wonderland. Even if your island isn’t an official stop, ferries will dock on request … or to plop down the day’s mail.

Two major companies run public ferries from downtown Stockholm to the archipelago. Waxholmsbolaget’s big ships depart across from Stockholm’s Grand Hotel, at the stop called Stromkajen. The smaller Cinderella Batarna ships — generally faster, more comfortable, and a little pricier than their rival’s — leave from near Stockholm’s Nybroplan. Because the routes and schedules can be confusing, it’s smart to review and confirm your plans in advance, ideally at a tourist information office.

Your archipelago options are endless in this idyllic land-and-seascape. For a quick look, consider one of the many half- or full-day package boat trips from downtown Stockholm. For more flexibility, freedom, and a better dose of the local vacation scene, do it on your own. Overnighting on an island really lets you get away from it all and enjoy the island ambience. Don’t struggle too hard with the “which island?” decision, although nature-lovers might want to travel well beyond the island of Vaxholm, where the scenery gets more striking.

With thousands of islands to choose from, every Swede seems to have his or her favorite. Here are four possible island destinations, listed in order starting from Stockholm and sailing toward Finland:
The self-proclaimed “gateway to the archipelago,” Vaxholm is more developed and less charming than the other islands. Connected by bridge to Stockholm, it’s practically a suburb. But it also has an illustrious history as the anchor of Stockholm’s naval defense network. Its main attraction is its “new” fortress, dating from the mid-19th century, when an older castle was torn down and replaced with this imposing granite behemoth.

The rustic, traffic-free isle of Grinda — half retreat, half resort — combines back-to-nature archipelago remoteness with easy proximity to Stockholm. The island is a tasteful gaggle of hotel buildings idyllically situated amid rustic charm — walking paths, beaches, trees, and slabs of glacier-carved granite sloping into the sea.

The remote and lesser-known isle of Svartso (”Black Island”), a short hop beyond Grinda, is the “Back Door” option of the bunch. Unlike Grinda, Svartso is home to a real community; islanders have their own school and library — but only 80 year-round residents. While the island is less trampled than others (just one B&B and a great restaurant), it is reasonably well-served by ferries. It’s perfect for those who want to slow down and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Out on the distant fringe of the archipelago — the last stop before Finland — sits the proud village of Sandhamn on the island of Sandon. Literally “Sand Harbor,” the town has a long history as an important and posh place — Sweden’s answer to Nantucket. It is an extremely popular stop for boaters — from wealthy yachties to sailboat racers — as well as visitors simply seeking a break from the big city. You’ll find two halves to Sandhamn: In the shadow of the iconic yacht clubhouse is a ritzy resort/party zone throbbing with big-money nautical types. But just a few steps away, around the harbor, is an idyllic old town of colorfully painted, shiplap cottages tucked between tranquil pine groves. While most tourists come here for the resort, the quieter part of Sandhamn holds the real appeal.

No matter which island you plan to explore, the best way to experience the magic of the archipelago is simply stretching out comfortably on the rooftop deck of your ferry. Enjoy the charm of the lovingly painted cabins as you glide by, your lounge chair positioned to catch just the right view and sun, the steady rhythm of the ferries lacing this world together, and people savoring quality time with each other and nature. The journey truly is the destination.

By Rick Steves

With its swanky yacht club, Sandhamn is often regarded as Sweden's answer to Nantucket.

With over 5 million annual visitors on average, Benidorm is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The Costa Blanca, Alicante province beach paradise is a boon for package-holiday tourists who want to spend some time on the Mediterranean.

The beaches of Benidorm

Once a sleepy, traditional village, Benidorm’s long, wide coastline drew the attention of major international investors in the mid-1960s. No longer a hidden gem of the Costa Blanca, Benidorm’s fortunes altered irrevocably when plans for a world-class coastal resort came to fruition.

Modern buildings soon appeared on the narrow, winding streets of Benidorm and initial waves of foreign tourists made it clear the old fishing village was quickly becoming a desirable destination. In a few short years, Benidorm was invaded.

To accommodate the town’s surge in popularity, a necklace of high-rises was built around the coast. These towering, gleaming apartment complexes and hotels in Benidorm earned the resort town a new nickname: the “Manhattan of Spain”.

Benidorm’s remarkable skyline transformation had an undeniable pull on millions of new tourists. The additional lure of Blue Flag-designated beaches helped the area’s popularity skyrocket even further. In no time, domestic tourism to the coast had been overtaken by visitors from abroad.

Apart from the three main beaches of Levante, Poniente and La Almadraba, Benidorm has a large number of leisure and entertainment attractions. One should however, make time for the heritage quarter of old Benidorm, a rare relic from the town’s pre-mass tourism and package-holiday era. The contrast between the old quarter’s landmarks, such as Iglesia de San Jaime, and the modern high-rise skyline is stark.

Other worthwhile, non-tourist-trap attractions include Benidorm (Peacock) Island, various underwater caves (ideal for avid divers) and the distant mountains that provide such a brilliant, indelible backdrop.

Benidorm’s somewhat infamous reputation as the most popular beach and package-holiday destination on the continent aside, the Costa Blanca resort is a gem. Visitors can indulge in a plethora of “touristy” attractions of course, from amusement parks to pubs, theme restaurants to souvenir shops, but those who want genuine charm and even relative peace and quiet can find it in Benidorm as well.

By Florin Nedelcu

Benidorm - View from the west side Mount

Storied buildings let travelers’ imaginations run wild.

Travelers have long ago discovered most of Europe’s castles. These fortresses can be fun, offering battle re-enactments, sound-and-light shows, catapult demos, dress-up costumes, fake garden parties, wagon rides, tourist accommodations, and medieval banquets.

But beyond the touristy castles are the ones I prefer — the forgotten ones. These are evocative, stony husks without plaster or furnishings — where you’ll see broken stairways and open skies rather than rooftops. Massive chunks of stone no longer guard anything from anyone and lichen grows on walls seemingly to cushion stones for a fall they’ve been expecting for centuries.

Castle ruins invite you to ramble the ramparts and let your imagination roam. Climbing through waist-high weeds on rubble corralled by surviving walls, you can break off a spiky frond and live a sword-fern fantasy.

In France’s Dordogne region, I like to hike to Chateau de Commarque near Sarlat. The Chateau is a 20-minute walk through a forest of chestnut trees to a clearing, where the mostly ruined castle appears like a mirage. The owner, Hubert de Commarque, bought the castle in 1968 and has been digging it out of the forest ever since.

Along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in Ravello, the ruins of the 13th-century Villa Rufolo impressed Richard Wagner enough to place the second act of his opera “Parsifal” in a setting inspired by the villa’s magical gardens. With its commanding coastline view, the ruins create an operatic experience that doesn’t even need music.

In the scenic foothills of the French Pyrenees lies a series of surreal, mountain-capping castle ruins. Like a Maginot Line of the 13th century, these sky-high castles were strategically located between France and the Spanish kingdom of Roussillon. The most spectacular is the Chateau of Peyrepertuse, where the ruins seem to grow right out from the narrow splinter of cliff. The views are sensational — you can almost reach out and touch Spain.

Along the coast of Northern Ireland, the romantic remnants of Dunluce Castle perch dramatically on the edge of a rocky headland. On a stormy night in 1639, dinner was interrupted as half of the kitchen fell into the sea — taking the servants with it. That was the last straw for the lady of the castle, who packed up and moved inland. Ever since, the forces of nature have had their way.

Thanks to invading French armies, there are lots of ruined castles in Germany’s Rhineland. One massive edifice, Rheinfels Castle, sits like a dead pit bull above the village of St. Goar. It withstood a siege of 28,000 French troops in 1692. But in 1797, the French Revolutionary army destroyed it. Once the mightiest of Rhine castles, it offers the best ruined-castle experience on the famous river.

I’ve clambered through Rheinfels, climbing a dark spiral staircase, as bat dung drifted softly down around me. Standing gingerly at the top of the stairs, I looked out at empty space instead of a floor. Across the expanse was the most finished element of the castle: the still-tidy square holes into which hand-hewn floor beams had been stuck. What became of the beams and all they supported?

Light filtered from slits in the wall. Archers used these narrow breaks to shoot at invaders. Peering out, I surveyed the overgrown terrain beyond the castle; green and brushy today, but once shaved clean to create a no-man’s land, where no enemy could find cover as he approached.

At Rheinfels and some other castles, you can crawl through (claustrophobic) underground tunnels leading away from the shell of the castle. This is where explosives would be packed, ready to surprise invading forces and blow them to smithereens if they dared approach the walls.

Ruined castle appreciation isn’t for everyone. Some might say it’s a guy thing … to peer, wonderstruck, over the shoulder of a guide who lowers a lamp on a rope into a dungeon that has only one way in or out — a mean-spirited hole in the ceiling. Stories of knights sleeping in wooden boxes filled with hay in dank, ground-floor rooms evoke an era when life was nasty, brutish, and short (like the people).

The advent of powerful cannons — near the end of the Middle Ages — changed the very architecture of castles. Cannon balls were great levelers. Instead of soaring tall (and vulnerable), castles had to be built squat and stocky. But whether you like your castles short or tall, intact or in rubble, what’s always free to soar is your imagination. And when that kicks in, then humble and forgotten ruins can rival Europe’s great and famous castles.

By Rick Steves

Castle ruins can offer jaw-dropping views, like this one at Chateau of Peyrepertuse in the French Pyrenees.

Abu Dhabi Sky Tower

The Middle East houses some of the world’s most impressive and stunningly beautiful structures. Dubai, Doha and Al Riyadh all have residential areas which are sure to impress. However, if you are looking for a luxurious property Abu Dhabi is the first place in the Middle East you should concern yourself with.

The Emirate’s architecture is modern and futuristic, and the architects who designed the hotels, residences and commercial buildings have won many prestigious awards for their work. Abu Dhabi is certainly a great destination for high flying executives with a taste for refined elegance.

In the Shams Abu Dhabi development in Abu Dhabi, the Sky Tower structure is one of the most impressive buildings in the Middle East. The 75 storey sky scraper has residential quarters starting from the 41st floor. These apartments are being sold very quickly, so if you want one you’ll have to get in quick. Architecturally, the Sky Tower is relatively simple in appearance; the structure almost looks like a huge pile of gleaming silver coins.

If you would like to live along the waterfront, you should head over to Harbour Heights in Reem Island. The spectacular 41 storey building is as streamlined and penetrating as a stack of knives. The beautiful building overlooks Reem Island’s bustling harbour, and is fully equipped to handle the most demanding of occupants. The fully equipped residential building has a modern gym containing state of the art machinery. If you are a more spiritual person there is a huge Yoga suite ready and waiting for your display of various asana. After your workout, you can head down to the impressive spa rooms and saunas – you can even enjoy a massage to unknot any worries.

Following on the waterfront theme is the Oceanscape building in Shams Abu Dhabi. The building consists of two offset arcs with a mirror finish reflecting the vivid Middle Eastern sky. This beautiful structure is part of larger development consisting of 10 districts. Oceanscape is a 32 storey building with each apartment facing the ocean. Internally, each apartment is the essence of luxury. The living spaces are configured differently catering to the needs of the occupant. The apartments have 1 to 4 bedrooms and the residents can enjoy the huge private swimming pool.

There are too many impressive residential areas in Abu Dhabi to list here; however, with so many glorious properties available you are sure to find one that fits your style and lifestyle. Abu Dhabi has, without doubt, some of the most beautiful properties in the Middle East.

By  LUCAS LOWECROFT

A CURIOUS thing has happened in the Baltic Sea. The Swedish island of Gotland — a singular, sparsely populated place — has become a magnet for two disparate groups: party-crazed club youths who unleash Champagne showers inside neon-lighted nightclubs, and stressed-out solace-seekers who retreat into the island’s untamed wilderness. It is a strange dichotomy, and one that is becoming ever more acute.

Gotland, the largest island in the Baltic Sea, lies about 60 miles off the southeastern coast of Sweden. Its geographical size is comparable to Long Island’s, but with a year-round population of less than 60,000, the island is largely undeveloped. Within 10 minutes of leaving Visby, the only sizable town on the island, an idyllic landscape dotted with rustic cottages and rural farmhouses starts to unfold. Before the summer revelers discovered Visby on Gotland’s western coast, this Unesco-protected medieval town attracted primarily one kind of tourist — the quiet kind, prone to bike trips and solitary strolls.

But recently, Visby’s relative proximity to Stockholm — 35 minutes by air or three hours by sea — has made it an easy getaway for young city dwellers throughout the summer. First drawn by an annual weeklong, bubbly-soaked dance party called Stockholmsveckan (to the relief of residents, this year’s iteration ends this weekend), revelers are fueling velvet-rope nightclubs in the middle of town and the freewheeling “after beach” scene at Kallbadhuset beach club overlooking the sapphire sea.

“Before, Stockholm brats just came to Gotland for one week in July to drink Champagne and act like pigs,” said Alex Schulman, a Swedish author and Stockholm native who has spent the last two summers in rural northern Gotland. “That was the only time that Stockholmers came to Gotland.”

But in recent years, the rest of Gotland — and the tiny neighboring island of Faro — has caught Stockholm’s collective eye.

“There’s been an enormous explosion, particularly with Stockholmers buying houses in Gotland,” Mr. Schulman said. “Part of that has to do with more celebrities coming here. Up on Faro, there are loads of politicians. In southern Gotland, there are a lot of media people. And as more and more celebrities come here, the cooler it becomes.”

And therein lies the root of Gotland’s tourism paradox. As more bold-face names escape the city by retreating to second homes on the peaceful island, its cachet grows, which in turn attracts the larger crowds that inflate the Visby party scene. Fortunately, the island is large enough to please everyone.

Lingering over a latte at Rute Stenugnsbageri, a rustic bakery and cafe housed in an old limestone barn, Mr. Schulman gestured at the handful of other patrons soaking up the bright morning sunshine at tables scattered around the gravel yard. “People come here and this is nowhere,” he said, referring to the bakery’s rural location 30 miles north of Visby. “This is a little dirt road out in the middle of nowhere.”

But sometimes, nowhere is exactly where people want to be.

Rute Stenugnsbageri’s owner, Erik Olofson, baked at some of Stockholm’s best cafes but decided to trade city life for a pastoral one after being enchanted by Gotland. “It’s quite barren, and everything grows a bit shorter and is a little smaller,” he said, describing the area’s vegetation.

Indeed, when driving through the vast openness of Gotland, the ribbon of road unfurls across a flat green landscape. There are no billboards, no guardrails, just country churches and grazing herds of indigenous gray, curly-haired sheep. Occasionally, a squat, decommissioned windmill appears in a meadow, or a sleek, modern wind turbine twirls slowly on the horizon.

But everywhere, Gotland’s haunting beauty follows. Inside the gate of the Narsholmen nature reserve on the island’s east coast, a dusty road plunges through a scene like a savannah to a red-and-white lighthouse on the edge of a rocky coast emblazoned by waves of indigo wildflowers, fittingly called blaeld, or blue fire.

By INGRID K. WILLIAMS

Djupvik Hotel, in a remote spot on Gotland’s west coast, is near the rocky shores of Ekstakusten nature reserve, some fishing huts and not much else.

Brazil is a superb place to visit for that long awaited vacation. The largest country in the South American continent and the fifth largest in the world, Brazil has a lot to offer the global tourist who is always looking for the out of the ordinary. Rio de Janeiro’s beaches and their annual carnival attract people in thousands. Apart from this, Brazil is the best place for nature lovers as the Amazon rainforest exists here ready to enthrall people with its natural wonder. It is a land filled with adventure and excitement, numerous picturesque surroundings like mountains and hills. The Tropic of Capricorn and the Equator pass through Brazil.

Amazonia National Park

The place is one of natural splendor spreading over seven of the 27 states of Brazil. The Rainforest is home to many animals such as the boa constrictor and the jaguar. You can also see the beautiful which is a favorite of scientists. Bird watching, climbing, trekking and boating along the river are some of the things that you can get to do in this wonderful place.

Amazonia National Park - Green Inferno

The Iguassu Falls

The Iguassu Falls are composed of 275 cataracts and is a splendid sight acting as a natural border to the countries of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.

The Iguassu Falls

Things to do

The Federative Republic of Brazil is filled with natural resources. Visit Pantanal which is one the world’s greatest wildlife reserves.

Manaus is situated right inside the Amazonian Basin and is a popular destination for tourists wanting an excursion inside the forests.

Visit the city of Salvador situated on the Bay of All Saints. Get the unique experience of walking down narrow cobblestone streets and also visit the Igreja de Sao Francisco which has the inside of the church covered in gold leaf! 17th century antiques are also on display at the Museu de Arte da bahia and Museu de Arte Sacra.

Do visit Sao Paulo, the commercial center of Brazil with huge buildings, pubs and clubs. It is a more modern side to Brazil.

Recife is another place worth visiting in Brazil. It is filled with canals, bridges, museums and churches.

Sao Luis named after Louis XIII of France is one of Brazil’s most beautiful cities. It is a wonderful combination of the Brazilian and African cultures.

How to get there

Going by bus is the best way to reach places in Brazil. In fact, it is the only efficient way of reaching your destination due to the lack of good train and car services. The bicycle is a common means of transport taking you to places where a car or bus may not be able to. For moving around in the Amazon areas, the boat is the only way out and the most recommended means of transport.

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