World Tourism Blog

As Greece recovers from the damage caused by street violence, strikes and a massive blow to its reputation on the international stage, surrounding nations are set to steal its tourists, particularly Croatia.
 
It is said that every cloud has a silver lining and the crisis in Greece is proving that this saying is at least half true. The cloud over Greece looks more violent than ever and is stopping Brits, Germans and Italians from visiting the traditional destination. The silver lining has a Croatian flag on it as the Greek unrests pushes tourists in a northerly direction.

This is not to say that Croatia has nothing to offer without being a substitute for a nearby EU country in crisis. The country boasts a general mixture of green and blue as the Adriatic combines with stunning islands such as Hvar and medieval walled cities like Dubrovnik to create breathtaking landscape.

 If it were not for the “Balkan” reputation, there is no reason to believe why the former Yugoslav country should not be more popular. The government relies on at least 10 million visitors per annum. Then the figures of Croatian tourism are very favourable and account for one sixth of the country’s economy.

With the help of Greek crisis, Croatia has experienced a 7% growth in overnight stays this July. Whether these stays are in expensive hotels or tents, it still shows an element of progress. This means every 50th tourist in Europe visited Croatia in July. In Greece, the number of tourists remains almost the same yet spending is significantly down compared to last year. Indeed, tourists in Greece have been spending at least 7% less than in 2009.

By Tourism-Review

CROATIA TO EARN OUT OF GREEK CRISIS

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

Crathes Castle, Royal Deeside - Bill Harrison.

Royal Deeside is the name given to the valley of the River Dee as it winds its way from the Cairngorm mountains to the sea. The scenery varies from the rugged beauty of the Upper Dee to the softer arable countryside west of Banchory and the area offers plenty of opportunity for sightseeing as well as a rang of visitor activities.

Queen Victoria and Royal Deeside

The concept of ‘Royal Deeside’ came into being with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s first visit in 1842, as part of an extended Highland journey. Both fell in love with the area; the Queen (who was proud of her Stuart blood) took to all things Scottish with enthusiasm. In 1848 the royal couple bought Balmoral Castle and its estate, where the royal family still holiday each year and the area has been known as Royal Deeside ever since.

The Towns of Royal Deeside

Excluding the city of Aberdeen there are four main settlements on Royal Deeside, along with a number of smaller villages. From west to east to west along the A93 they are:

• Braemar, which lies where at the confluence of the rivers Dee and Clunie
• Ballater, most closely linked to the Royal Family
• Aboyne, where there are many prehistoric remains but which became fashionable in the 19th century
• Banchory, which dates from the 5th century but like the other Deeside towns flourished with the coming of royalty.

Of these, Ballater is the town with the strongest royal connection. Some eight miles from Balmoral, it was the terminus of the railway built along Deeside (though the railway has gone, the station contains tourist information, shops and an exhibition). A busy centre, it has a range of shops, many of which supply members of the Royal family, sporting Royal Warrants to prove it.

The bustling village of Braemar lies seventeen miles west of Ballater, commanding the upper reaches of the river: the Balmoral estate reaches very close to it. The village’s royal connection lies in the world-famous highland games, the Braemar Gathering, which takes place on the first weekend of September and is attended by members of the royal family.

Castles and Countryside on Royal Deeside

Balmoral Castle is probably the most significant visitor attraction on Royal Deeside. The present castle was built by Victoria and Albert in the place of the existing building, which was deemed too small. Although the private apartments are not open to the public, visitors have access to the gardens and to an exhibition is the ballroom (open April to July, 10am-5pm).

Scottish legislation has ensured that the public has free access to the rest of the estate, which includes the 1,145m peak of Lochnagar and the popular walking area of Glen Muick, throughout the year. You should note, however, that measures and such as stalking and shooting may restrict access to parts of the estate at certain times of the year.

Royal Deeside is also studded with other castles of note. Those at Crathes and Drum are in the ownership of the National Trust for Scotland and form part of Aberdeenshire’s Castle Trail. The castle at Braemar, which was defended by both sides during the Jacobite rebellions (ending it in the hands of the Hanoverians) is open for limited periods only during the summer.

Activities on Royal Deeside

While many visitors are happy to sightsee (Royal Deeside is popular with tour buses) there are a number of different activities available. The area is dominated by large estates where shooting and stalking are available to commercial organisations and individuals (at a cost); but the river fishing along the Dee, one of the best salmon rivers in the world, is more easily available (contact local tourist information offices for details).

Walking is popular. As well as treks for the serious walker, there are many shorter walks through trees and moorland. Red and roe deer, red squirrels, and rarer creatures such as black grouse and golden eagles all live in the woods and on the moors; at height and black grouse; in higher areas, mountain hare and ptarmigan may be seen. As an alternative to walking, bikes can be hired in Ballater and Braemar.

There are various organised activities available including:

• pony trekking for all levels is run in Glen Tanar and for more experienced riders at Balmoral
• land rover tours into the hills at Balmoral and at Braemar
• quad biking, paintball and archery at the Deeside Activity Park.

Deeside and Beyond

Deeside is easily accessible. Braemar, at its far end, is less than 60 miles from Aberdeen by road and less than 100 miles from Edinburgh. For those without a car there are regular buses. From Deeside itself, it’s easy to get to other areas of interest, including the Cairngorm mountains (via the village of Tomintoul), the ski areas of the Lecht and Glenshee.

By Jennifer Young

River Dee, Royal Deeside - Nigel Corby

BRITAIN has a new national park, although even the most dedicated lover of the countryside could be forgiven for not having noticed its opening.

The South Downs National Park stretches from St Catherine’s Hill, near Winchester in Hampshire, to Beachy Head in East Sussex.

With an area of around 630 square miles, it is England’s third biggest national park behind the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

It was first proposed as a national park more than 60 years ago but only became one in April.

Around 110,000 people live there, making it, by far, Britain’s most populated park. The staff who run it reckon it receives almost 40million visitors a year.

The area is mostly chalkland and its main feature is the South Downs, which run the full length of the park.

National park status won’t make a huge difference to the area for the casual visitor. Life will go on much as before. This month saw the 31st South Downs Way Walk, which covered the 100 miles of the South Downs in nine days.

I went for more modest strolls, basing myself in Midhurst, arguably England’s prettiest town.
I stayed at the Angel Hotel, a 350-year-old former coaching inn which has been smartly refurbished as a modern hotel while keeping its historic charm. From there I caught the No1 bus to Pulborough, a large village that grew up around a Roman ford.

Having previously printed off directions from Google Maps, I walked six miles to join the South Downs Way at Amberley. The route between the villages is mostly by back lanes, which is where Google Maps proved a Godsend.

Not only do you get a map and directions, but key turning points are marked by photos - a good reason for all those Google camera cars that criss-crossed the country.

My original plan was to walk a 12-mile stretch of the South Downs Way east to Cocking.

Instead I became fascinated by Amberley, a picture postcard village of thatched cottages and an impressive 12th Century church. I enjoyed an afternoon strolling round the village before having cream tea at The Sportsman pub.

It was such a balmy evening that back in Midhurst I took the chance to eat outdoors, enjoying tapas washed down with glasses of Rioja at Faustinos wine bar.

But the real highlight of the South Downs Park is, naturally enough, the South Downs Way.

The best known bits are at the eastern end with the unspoilt Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, often used as a stand-in for the White Cliffs of Dover in film and TV shows, and Beachy Head with its uncanny allure for suicides.

But the prettiest parts, at least for me, are around Petersfield in the west and the Singleton and Cocking areas of West Sussex.

By TIM SPANTON

Scenic ... South Downs National Park.

Cape Town Has Much to Offer, Even If You Are Not a Soccer Fan

CAPE TOWN - Overshadowed by Table Mountain and teeming with soccer fans here to watch the World Cup, Cape Town is a vibrant city at the tip of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.

Reuters correspondents with local knowledge help visitors to get the most out of a 48-hour visit to a city in the feverish grip of Africa’s first World Cup.

FRIDAY

6 p.m. - Kick off your stay with sundowners or hot chocolate at Wakame Asian sushi restaurant in Beach Road , Mouille Point, enjoying an uninterrupted vista of the ocean as the waves break meters away. Even in winter, the sun pokes out its brilliant head periodically and this is an ideal spot to relax as the fading light becomes one with the ocean darkness. Call them on +27 21 433 2377. If raw fish isn’t quite your fancy, then try the sophisticated Aubergine restaurant where diners enjoy their meals as a fireplace provides warmth and ambience during the cold winter nights. Situated in the former 19th century home of the Cape’s first chief justice, the restaurant offers innovative twists to culinary classics, with wild boar and geranium scented sauce among the favorites. The restaurant is found at 39 Barnet Street, Gardens or could be contacted on +27 21 465 4909.

7:30 p.m. - It’s soccer World Cup time and the inner-city undergoes a regular metamorphosis as streets are blocked or opened to assist thousands of fans attending matches at Green Point Stadium. The stadium, within walking distance of the city’s central business district, is adjacent to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a mega-mall that offers something for everyone. Having whet your appetite earlier, why not grab a succulent Ostrich (the world’s largest flightless bird) fillet with red wine sauce at Belthazar Restaurant (Shop 153, +27 21 421 3753) or for those with a wilder palate, a game kebab typically featuring meat cuts from Kudu, Springbok, Gemsbok and Impala buck. Also situated at the V&A is Nelson Mandela Gateway (+27 21 413 4217), where you can buy tickets (200 rand p/p return) to visit Robben Island Museum and see the cell which held South Africa’s first black state leader for 26 years. There are usually four tours a day during winter ending 3 p.m. daily, (including Sundays and holidays). To cater for increased demand during the World Cup tournament, there are an extra two boat trips at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The island is a World Heritage site and a former leper colony. All trips are weather dependent.

By Wendell Roelf

The new 70,000 seat capacity Green Point Stadium (bottom L) for the FIFA Soccer World Cup in Cape Town, on April 25, 2010. Overshadowed by Table Mountain and teeming with soccer fans here to watch the World Cup, Cape Town is a vibrant city at the tip of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.

This year’s Super Bowl is in Miami, but all South Florida wants to play.

The region’s three international airports give visitors the flexibility to try a variety of beaches, restaurants and social scenes on the mainland and south into the Florida Keys, said Rodney Barreto, chairman of the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee.

“It’s not a bad place to be entertained while you’re waiting for the big game,” he says.

More than 70,000 ticket-holders are expected to attend the game, while more than 40,000 extra people will likely show up just for the parties and extracurricular activities, Barreto said. Many will extend their trips to include the Pro Bowl, also being played in Miami, on Jan. 31. Here’s a sampling of what they’ll find across South Florida:

FOOTBALL FESTIVITIES: The big game doesn’t kick off until 6 p.m. on Feb. 7, but the pre-gaming starts days earlier. A Feb. 3 fishing tournament in Miami, organized by the host committee, honors Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, free-agent NFL defensive lineman Corey Smith and former South Florida player William Bleakley, who died last year when their boat overturned off the coast of Florida. Former NFL coach Jimmy Johnson hosts the Billfish Bowl, Feb. 4-6 in Key Largo; the sailfish tournament, benefits Gridiron Greats, an organization helping retired football players with their medical costs.

The NFL Players Choir will perform in “The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration” at the Adrienne Arsht Center on Feb. 5. A free concert with fireworks is scheduled on the beach next to the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel on Feb. 6; scheduled acts are Barenaked Ladies, O.A.R., and Robert Randolph and The Family Band. But you don’t have to come to Miami to catch The Who’s performance. The band will provide televised halftime entertainment during the big game.

Only VIP tickets remain for the Taste of the NFL fundraiser for hunger-relief groups on Feb. 6 in Fort Lauderdale. Taste of the NFL invites one chef from each city with an NFL team to cook with the help of an alumni player. A “Super Sunday Brunch” is planned Feb. 7 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood.

Tailgating is welcome at LandShark Stadium, though fan parking is limited because of security and other activities set up outside the stadium. Of course, Miami will try adding a little glamour. Morton’s The Steakhouse is offering platters of filet mignon sandwiches, lamb chops, shrimp cocktail, mini-New York cheesecakes and other gourmet options for tailgaters who don’t want to cook; order the platters for pick-up at the restaurant’s Coral Gables, North Miami Beach and downtown Miami locations. Donald Trump’s International Beach Resort in Sunny Isles Beach will send a personal chef with tailgating guests as part of its “Tail-Great” package.

Let’s be honest: People come to South Florida to see and be seen. Score an outside table at one of the restaurants on Lincoln Road in South Beach and watch shoppers, dog-walkers and beach-goers traipse by. Lounge chairs for rent on the beach offer a comfortable view of Miami Beach’s best-known tourist attraction: people wearing next to nothing. NFL cheerleaders will show off their, um, skills in a beach competition Jan. 29 in Fort Lauderdale.

For a more family-friendly sunbathing session, stretch out near the lighthouse in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne, an island just off downtown Miami. The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables offers cool serenity; the swimming pool is a historic landmark carved out of coral rock and features caves, stone bridges and waterfalls.

A water taxi along the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale offers an alternative to area’s congested roadways. The route is lined with mulitmillion-dollar yachts and mansions belonging to high-powered executives, celebrities and socialites.

Locals and tourists swarm beneath the neon hotel lights on beachfront Ocean Drive in South Beach. A less glitzy strip of hotels and motels is worth a drive across the causeway downtown: the MiMo Biscayne Boulevard Historic District. “MiMo” is short for Miami Modern, an architectural style from the 1950s and 1960s. Their futuristic shapes can look shabby now, but the neighborhood is home to hip cafes and independent boutiques.

Missing the theme park experience of central Florida? Ride the wooden roller coaster, go-carts, bumper boats and other rides at Boomers! in Dania Beach.

Winter is the most comfortable time of year to visit the Florida Everglades. The best way to traverse its swamps and sawgrass is by air boat. Tiny Coopertown — with just eight residents — is a tourism hub with air boat tours, a restaurant that serves Everglades delicacies such as frog legs, and an exhibit housing more than a dozen live alligators. A tram carries visitors around a paved, 15-mile loop at the Shark Valley Visitors Center in Everglades National Park. Bicycles can also take you around the loop, but beware the speed bumps — those are alligators sunning themselves next to the pavement.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida also calls the Everglades home. Details about the tribe’s air boat tours, motocross course, RV campground, traditional village and casino gambling are available at.

An entire state park lies underwater off Key Largo. Snorkeling, scuba and glass-bottom boat tours launch daily from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Home Security Systems.

The Overseas Highway, which stretches over 127 miles in the Florida Keys, has been named an All-American Road.

Completed in 1938, the Overseas Highway incorporates 42 bridges over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The All-American Road designation is the highest recognition possible under the National Scenic Byways program.

Only 30 other U.S. roadways have earned the prestigious title. Keys officials expect the accolade will lead to increased tourism and additional highway funding.

“The All-American Road designation will bring status to us with international and domestic visitors, so that they know driving U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West is a one-of-a-kind driving experience,” said Judy Hull, president of the Florida Keys Scenic Corridor Alliance, which spearheaded a multiyear effort to achieve the distinction. “It should help us with tourism and future highway grant funding.”

The Overseas Highway follows a trail originally blazed in 1912 when Standard Oil millionaire Henry Flagler completed the extension of his Florida East Coast Railroad from Miami to Key West. Construction of the highway began after the railroad ceased operating following a 1935 hurricane.

In 1982, 37 of the original bridges including the Seven Mile Bridge were replaced with wider spans. Most of the historic bridges still stand alongside the newer ones and now serve as fishing piers for anglers.

Along with the Overseas Highway, officials announced four other All-American Roads. They are Historic Route 66 in Arizona, Maine’s Acadia All-American Road Trenton Extension, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway in Maryland and Michigan’s Woodward Avenue (M-1) Automotive Heritage Trail. Hard money training

Tens of thousands of people are expected to stream through the White House gates this weekend for a rare opportunity to see the fragrant roses, blue salvias and towering, decades-old trees that beautify the president’s back yard.

Held twice a year, the fall White House Gardens and Grounds tours are set for Saturday and Sunday.

Some 25,000 visitors are expected to absorb history with every step along the South Lawn’s circular driveway.

The self-guided tours, about 30-45 minutes long, include the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden near the East Wing, also known as the first lady’s garden and the Rose Garden, on the opposite side and steps away from the Oval Office.

Also on the tour is the Children’s Garden, a popular spot because of the footprints and handprints of presidential grandchildren — from President Lyndon B. Johnson to George H.W. Bush — that line its walkway.

Guests can look up at the magnolia trees that towered over President Barack Obama’s recent “beer summit.” President Andrew Jackson had them planted in memory of his wife, Rachel, who died shortly before he took office in 1829.

At a patio table under a magnolia canopy is where Obama, Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Cambridge, Mass., police Sgt. James Crowley shared a beer and small talk in July after the officer’s arrest of the professor sparked a national uproar over race relations in the U.S.

Visitors also can read about first lady Michelle Obama’s produce garden. It is too far away to be part of the tour.

“In the spaces between these colorful flower beds and in the shade of these majestic trees, world leaders have met, Easter eggs have been rolled and weddings celebrated,” Mrs. Obama says in the program. “All of these defining moments, and many more, will continue to unfold on the White House lawns in the years to come.” Hard money training