Top Ten Destinations

If you were looking for fun and excitement, where would you want to travel? Would it be to smell African spices, European architecture, or South American rain forests that grab your attention? Would you even be able to choose between neighbouring countries which all seem the same from the other side of the world? Here are the world’s top tourism destinations based on the World Tourism Organization:

1. France
2. Spain
3. United States
4. Italy
5. China
6. United Kingdom
7. Austria
8. Mexico
9. Germany
10. Canada

For this article, we’ll take a different approach, and take a walk through each region and look at the most popular countries with our visitors – which should provide another view into what people consider the best and most popular destinations.

The most popular continent is Europe, and the most popular destination for world travelers looking for architecture, history and culture. The most frequently visited country is Italy, followed closely by France and the UK, with all three accounting for almost 18% of all visitors exploring the region, and followed by Spain and Germany to round out the top five.

Africa is next, known for a blend of poverty and down to earth living with spices, culture and community strength. The most popular destination is, not surprisingly, Egypt, which alone garners 4% of all African interest, with South Africa, Rwanda, Morocco and Tunisia closely grouped together for the next most popular places to visit.

The far eastern countries of Asia are next in line to garner tourists and visitors to see the societies that have grown with less of a Western influence. There is a strong top three grouping with China, Thailand and Japan the top destinations of choice, and Malaysia and Singapore not far behind.

The Caribbean, with its combination of rich sun, surf and sand and cities with creole cooking and patois tongues, is next on the list of popular destinations. The Bahamas lead the way with more than 10% of visitors, and followed by both Aruba and the Dominican Republic, with Cuba’s popularity with Europeans and Canadian, and finally Jamaica.

Oceania, home to some of the pirate stories that are taught to young children and the diverse marine life swimming next to untouched islets, has Australia as its most popular choice. Beating New Zealand for second is Fiji, with Palau and New Caledonia rounding out the top five destinations.

A popular destination for ecotourists, South America has two strong destination countries. Brazil and Argentina combine for almost 25% of all tourists, trailed by Chile, Colombia and Venezuela, the three of which together combine for just over another 25% of visitors.

The region next most popular with researchers is the Middle East, where politics and religion can make travelling more challenging, but worth the effort to see a rich ancient history. Afghanistan is beginning a revival of interest, followed by Pakistan and Israel, and then Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

North America, with only 5 main countries has a wide selection of modern architecture, ancient archaeology, frozen tundra and sunny beaches. The United States and Canada lead Mexico, with the often overlooked Bermuda coming closely before Greenland.

The final region is Central America, surprising when considering the rich Mayan and Aztec history that infuses the modern way of life in many areas. El Salvador is the top destination, with over 20% of tourist interest, and Panama, Nicaragua and Honduras follow closely together, and Guatemala and Costa Rica tied for the final fifth position.

Collecting every country together, we finally come down to our list of most popular destinations. A strong European bias can be seen with the first five of the top ten destinations dominated by Western European countries:

1. Italy
2. France
3. United Kingdom
4. Spain
5. Germany
6. United States
7. Bahamas
8. Canada
9. Brazil
10. Australia

Each of these countries has its own prides and joys, and many of the other countries not listed can be considered jewels on their own. At least figuring these countries in on your itinerary will be truly worthwhile if you have the time and are in the area – you will not be disappointed!

Source by:  www.worldtraveltips.net

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World Travel And Tourism Council Appoints The Alternative For Brazil Summit

WTTC’s 9th Global Travel & Tourism Summit set for Florianopolis in May.

(1888PressRelease) April 14, 2009 – Creative Engagement Agency the Alternative has been appointed by WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council) to oversee the 9th annual Global Travel & Tourism Summit in Florianopolis, Brazil this May.

“We are delighted to appoint the Alternative as event directors for the first time and are looking forward to harnessing their expertise to help us create something different for the Brazilian summit,” said WTTC chief operating officer Ufi Ibrahim.

“We are very excited about staging this year’s event in Florianopolis, it represents a unique opportunity to put a spotlight on the region.”

The annual invite-only summit is on 15-16 May and will be themed “Real Partnerships – Energising Economies”, bringing together national, state and local governments from Brazil and other parts of the world, and also global industry leaders.

The five-strong Alternative team’s role will include coordinating Brazilian agencies and working with the regional government representatives to help direct the summit.

“This is an incredibly prestigious event with a great reputation,” said Alternative managing director Tim Bleszynski. “It is a great honour to have been selected to work on such a project and we are relishing the responsibility to ensure this event meets with the exceptionally high standards to which a summit demands.”

You can find this article here

WELLINGTON – North Island, New Zealand

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is a vibrant city nestled between hills, the beautiful Wellington Harbour and the stormy waters of the Cook Strait. It is the second most populated city in New Zealand.

It is the main point of departure to the South Island. The city itself is an architectural blend of old Victorian and Edwardian variety and modern buildings, with a bustling waterfront encompassing beaches, walkways and marinas.

Wellington is named New Zealand’s “Windy City” with ferocious winds from the Cook Strait roaring through the city. To counter the extreme weather, the people of Wellington have created the country’s best cafe and arts scene, making Wellington the urban cultural capital of New Zealand.

The city plays host to numerous arts festivals in the summer season. The benchmark for art and culture is the Te Papa, New Zealand’s most modern and interactive museum built on a stunning waterfront location.

The city centre is very walkable along the waterfront through the Civic Square to Queens Wharf and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea. New Zealand’s Parliament is located in the Parliamentary District.

A brief tour of the Parliament building gives you a peek into the political scene and you can view the original Treaty of Waitangi in the New Zealand Archives. Close by is the birthplace of Katherine Mansfield, New Zealand’s most famous short story writer.

Wellington offers plenty of interesting activities. A ride on the Cable Car to Kelburn, a walk through the Botanical Gardens, a visit to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary or a stroll up Oriental Parade to the city’s lookout point on Mount Victoria are all fun activities that will keep you enthralled and occupied.

For those looking for more physical activity, a tramp to the seal colony at Red Rocks, the walking and biking trails of Southern Walkway, sailing or going on the ferry to the wildlife sanctuary of Matiu/Somes Island are great activities. Wellington also serves as an excellent base to visit Kapiti Island and Wairarapa.

Maori history attributes discovery of Wellington Harbour to Kupe around 925 A.D. Several Maori tribes (iwi) settled around the harbour over the centuries. Neither Abel Tasman nor Captain Cook could enter the harbour during their visits due to ferocious winds.

In 1840, the New Zealand Company bought a large piece of land near the harbour and this brought in the first European settlers. As there was a scarcity of land in the harbour region, settlers started land reclamation and it continued over a century later.

Wharves and businesses sprung up in the harbour making Wellington a hub of commercial activity and famous for its imports and exports. In 1865, Wellington was named the capital of New Zealand. Today it is a prosperous city with a rich tradition of maritime history, urban culture and modern day cosmopolitan living.

Wellington City

Wellington is not just the capital of New Zealand but also the cultural capital of New Zealand. Blessed with a beautiful natural harbour, it has a rich history, starting with the early Maori settlers and lasting through to the landing of the European settlers.

Today it is a bustling multicultural city of four hundred thousand people. Wellington houses the New Zealand Parliament and all major decisions affecting the country are made here.

Wellington owes its cultural significance in large measure to the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, the most modern and inventive museum in New Zealand. It is also home to the National Opera, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the studios of the brilliant director, Peter Jackson, the creator of the Lord of the Rings movies.

The cultural capital status that Wellington enjoys attracts the leading artists, fashion designers, academics and politicians to its fold.

Wellington is renowned for its incredible cafe buzz, alternative theatres, art galleries and swanky shops. The outlying terrain is varied ranging from the desolate South Coast to the stylish beaches of the Kapiti Coast, the natural magnificence of the Rimutaka Ranges, and the colonial Greytown and Martinborough wineries.

Wellington City – More Information

Kapiti Island

Kapiti Coast extends to the north of Wellington and is laced with funky beaches, beachside suburbs and golf courses. From here, 5 kms offshore, is the bird sanctuary and marine reserve of Kapiti Island.

Kapiti Island – More Information

Waikanae

Waikanae is located 14 kms south of Otaki and is home to the famous Nga Manu Nature Reserve, a large bird sanctuary.

Waikanae – More Information

Paraparaumu

Paraparaumu is about 45 kms from Wellington and is the most densely populated place on the Kapiti Coast. It serves as the main exit point to Kapiti Island.

Paraparaumu – More Information
Source:
Wellington Accommodation

Wellington Activities

BAY OF ISLANDS – North Island, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands, 240 kms north of Auckland, is a jewel in the North Island’s crown. Its coastal scenic splendour, scattered islands and beautiful blue waters make it a tourist’s delight.

The Bay has a rich history and is easily accessible. It is the seat of European settlement in Aotearoa and is a place of great importance for Maori as the Treaty of Waitangi was signed here.

Paihia is the main beachside town and serves as the main accommodation base for visits to the outer islands by the numerous visitors that pour in to enjoy the sun and the surf.

It is very close to Waitangi where the Treaty was signed. Russell is a pretty little town across the bay with passenger ferry services. To the northwest, Kerikeri is a nice town with rich colonial history.

The Bay of Islands serves as the main tourist centre in the Northland region and provides opportunities to see surrounding spots of interest. Daylong bus tours to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach are a must on your travel itinerary. Paihia offers scenic flights over Northland.

The history of the Bay of Islands dates back to when it was heavily populated by Maori because of its warm climate, numerous sheltered bays and plentiful seafood. Captain Cook anchored here in 1769 and named it the Bay of Islands.

The French came here a few years later and whalers were regular visitors to the area. The sustained contact with Pakeha or Europeans led to firearms, alcohol and diseases spreading amongst Maori and the shattering of their society. Next came the missionaries, intent on reeducating the Maori people.

In 1833, James Busby was appointed by the Crown to guard British interests and secure the region. He had limited armed support and judicial authority. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 and brought some stability to the Bay of Islands region. The capital was shifted from Russell to Auckland and later Wellington.

Kerikeri

Kerikeri, about 25 kms northwest of Paihia, is located away from the Bay of Islands itself but is a focal point in the history of this region. It has an agrarian based economy and some good sights on offer.

Kerikeri – More information

Russell

Russell is a pretty hillside village with great sea access, just 15 minutes by ferry ride from Paihia. It has a rich history and was the capital of New Zealand in the 1840s when it was known as Kororareka. In summer it is brimming with tourists coming off the passenger ferries from Paihia and Opua to look around the village’s historic buildings and beautiful waterfront.

Russell – More Information

Waitangi

Waitangi, a short distance away from Paihia, is the place where in 1840, the historic Treaty Of Waitangi was signed. This treaty ceded Aotearoa’s sovereignty to Britain in return for protection. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds across the Waitangi River is one of the most significant places in New Zealand for both Maori and Europeans and serves as a focus point in determining this young nation’s identity.

Waitangi – More Information

Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach are part of the Aupori Peninsula and form the northern most point of New Zealand. Cape Reinga is the most northern point accessible by road and for Maori, it is the “Place of Leaping” from where the spirits of the dead depart. On the western side of the peninsula is the 64 mile long Ninety Mile Beach.

Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga – More Information

Bay of Islands Transportation

The Bay of Islands Visitor Centre is on Marsden Rd in Paihia. Buses from Auckland halt here. The adjoining Maritime Building houses booking services for all the major tour and cruise operators and is open till 9 pm during peak season from November to March. The Bay of Islands airport is about 22 kms northwest, close to Kerikeri. Planes from Auckland land here. There is a shuttle bus operating from the airport.

Source:

Bay of Islands Peninsula Accommodation

Bay of Islands Activities