by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | morocco, portugal, tourist attractions, Travel, travel destinations
Morocco is enhancing its position on the international tourism scene and is emerging as a top choice for Portuguese travelers as the Easter break draws near.
The popularity of Morocco, along with other travel spots, is seeing a significant rise amongst tourists from Portugal. This was stated by Pedro da Costa Ferreira, who leads the Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies, according to an official announcement made to Lusa, the Portuguese news agency.
He noted that this demand is fueled by early reservations made by travelers who favor a wider range of locations, often willing to pay premium rates. This trend indicates that “the travel industry is witnessing extraordinary expansion this year, with booking numbers surging notably above those recorded in earlier periods.”
“Some locations have shown strong performance following the initial booking phase. Demand has notably increased for places like Morocco, Cape Verde, and the Caribbean, whereas the island of Madeira leads in domestic reservations with the approach of the Flower Festival,” he noted.
Regarding this, Tiago Encarnação, the operations director of the travel agency Lusanova, highlighted that reservations remain robust as the April 25 holiday draws near.
Destinations like Morocco, Italy, and the Baltic nations are becoming more popular, whereas Madeira and the Azores continue to be appealing local options, according to him.
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Portuguese Travelers Favor Morocco as a Top Destination
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SANGGRALOKAEnglish – Morocco News
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by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | beaches, events and festivals, tourist attractions, tourists, Travel
Cox’s Bazar, April 2 – In Cox’s Bazar, home to the planet’s longest uninterrupted natural seaside stretch, there has been a significant influx of tourists due to the elongated Eid-ul-Fitr break attracting myriad visitors.
The beaches at Laboni Point, Sugandha Point, and Kolatoli Point buzz with tourists, fostering a lively festival atmosphere.
Visitors are enjoying an array of beach pursuits—some zip around on jet skis, capturing thrills amidst the waves; some lounge about on inflated rafts basking in the sun. Meanwhile, groups of family and friends find respite from the warmth beneath vibrant parasols, relishing the soothing sea air.
Hotels Nearly Full Booked
The president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel, Motel, and Guesthouse Owners’ Association, Abul Kashem Sikder, mentioned that approximately 90% of rooms across over 500 establishments including hotels, motels, and resorts had been reserved beforehand.
Sylhet prepares for an influx of 1.5 million visitors during Eid as business opportunities surge.
“Our facilities have the capacity to accommodate up to 187,000 visitors daily, and we’re experiencing an unusually high demand during this Eid season,” Sikder stated.
Robin, who hails from Dhaka, mentioned that during the Eid holidays, Cox’s Bazar is considered the premier spot for travelers seeking an ideal mix of enjoyment and rest along the coast.
Improved Security Protocols for Visitors
To guarantee a secure time at the seaside, the Sea Safe Lifeguard organization has stationed 27 certified lifeguards along Sugandha, Kolatoli, and Laboni Points—the most popular areas of the shore.
Imtiaz Ahmed, who serves as the Field Team Manager for Sea Safe Lifeguard, stated, “Our crews are on heightened alert, and we’re conducting educational initiatives to avoid incidents while swimming at sea.”
Sajek and Khagrachari are now accessible to tourists following a month-long restriction.
Additional DIG Apel Mahmud from the Cox’s Bazar Tourist Police mentioned that assistance stations have been established at crucial locations, and surveillance has been increased in collaboration with the district police to guarantee safety.
“The aim is to guarantee that each traveler has a secure and stress-free holiday experience, leaving with cherished recollections,” he mentioned additionally.
by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | community, islands, nature, tourist attractions, tourists
A renowned island on Instagram, once celebrated as the most picturesque in the Mediterranean, has transformed into a nightmarish habitat teeming with rats, resembling a dilapidated favela in some neglected nation.
Around the globe, the small Maltese island of Comino has earned recognition for its stunning turquoise waters and its well-known limestone beach called the Blue Lagoon.
The charming island’s appeal has grown thanks to social media influencers visiting Comino for the ideal photo opportunity and due to its feature in popular Hollywood movies like Troy.
Nevertheless, even though Malta’s tourism board calls it the ‘most beautiful location in the Mediterranean,’ Comino is currently suffering from excessive tourist traffic.
Throughout the summertime, as many as 10,000 visitors arrive daily by boats, only to be squeezed into the crowded bay.
Impromptu bars blaring loud tunes encircle the attendees offering alcohol and finger foods, only to have these items discarded as trash, thus becoming a readily available meal for Comino’s rapidly growing rodent populace.
Activists in Malta are currently battling to safeguard Comine, designated as a protected natural reserve and avian sanctuary, against potential destruction.
A civic organization called Movimento Graffiti is advocating for significant reforms in how the island is governed.
In 2022, they organized a large demonstration during which they took control of and removed sun loungers and umbrellas.
A participant from the group referred to the present circumstances as ‘intolerable’, according to Andre Callus.
‘The residents of Gozo and Malta consider it a nightmare, so they avoid going there now. Commercial enterprises have completely overtaken Comino. Despite being a tiny location, there are 11 kiosks selling food and drinks. Their primary aim seems to be maximizing profits from the island,’ he explained.
The Daily Telegraph
.
Maltese non-governmental organizations (NGOs) claim that a study assessing the number of tourists the island can accommodate was suppressed by the Maltese authorities. However, numerous residents clearly observe the adverse effects of overcrowding due to tourism.
Residents of the tiny island nation took to writing letters to local newspapers criticizing the current condition of Comino.
One remarked that the once-famous Blue Lagoon now resembled “a dilapidated favela in some neglected nation.”
Someone else commented: “This formerly picturesque island has transformed into a circus, and I would not visit it again even if someone offered me money.”
The Maltese government is attempting to carefully navigate the space between safeguarding the natural allure of Comino and fostering Malta’s tourism industry — an industry that constitutes 15 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product.
Ian Borg, who serves as the minister for tourism, suggests reducing the daily visitor limit to half, dropping from 10,000 to just 5,000 individuals permitted to explore the island each day.
In order to implement this legislation, the authorities must verify with commercial boat owners the number of passengers they transport and the frequency of their daily trips.
Mr. Borg has additionally committed to reviewing the permitted number of bars operating and installing public restrooms.
Nevertheless, organizations like BirdLife Malta advocate for Comino’s designation as a nature reserve to be upheld, which includes removing waste every day and limiting visitor numbers.
Comino symbolizes the broader challenges posed by tourism for Malta; this small country with a populace of slightly more than 500,000 experienced an astounding 3.6 million tourists visiting last year.
To cater to visitors, extensive shoreline projects have been greenlit, but activists argue these initiatives are causing irreparable harm to Malta’s natural surroundings.
Mark Sultana, CEO of BirdLife Malta, wishes that the condition of the Blue Lagoon serves as an awakening for both politicians and developers.
“The cow has been milked excessively,” he stated.
Read more
by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | events and festivals, festivals, flowers, tourist attractions
The Rokko Island Tulip Festival offers an ideal setting to revel in the splendor of spring. Now celebrating its 24th edition, this festival showcases approximately 30,000 tulips across 30 distinct types, transforming Kobe’s Rokko Island into a breathtaking floral paradise. Just a short 40-minute journey from Osaka Station, it serves as a convenient and picturesque attraction for both flower enthusiasts and photography aficionados seeking an unforgettable experience.
Rokko Island Tulip Festival
The festival comprises five sizable flowerbeds, designated as A through E, situated alongside the River Mall—a bustling retail district adjacent to a main canal. These beds provide distinct experiences, highlighting an array of tulip varieties and striking hues. Certain beds exhibit elaborate floral artwork, with this year’s creations anticipated to outshine those from prior years. During evening hours, the tulips glow under lights, casting a enchanting ambiance. As a bonus for attendees, anyone donating ¥1,000 toward the tulips can obtain either one potted tulip or a bunch of five cut tulip blooms (subject to availability).
Festival Highlights
The festival provides numerous entertaining activities suitable for every age group. A few of these are exclusively accessible during the weekend, hence you should review the timetable. Engage through your mobile device or join right at the floral areas. Every participant will be granted a distinctive Rokko Island Tulip Festival postcard crafted by members of the Rokko Island High School Art Club.
by admin | Apr 1, 2025 | hotels, tourist attractions, Travel, travel destinations, vacations
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Chris Mooney checks in to the adult-only TUI Blue Seno hotel in Turkey
-
EXPLORE FURTHER: Understanding the secret messages embedded in check-in passcodes
Carved into the rockface of the Turquoise Coast in Turkey, the perfectly manicured hotel grounds careen from the top of a secluded cliff to the golden sands below.
At the end of a winding path that curves softly to both sides, a tranquil beach comes into view, nestled securely inside its own secluded bay. A mild wind from the Aegean Sea rustles through as visitors bask in the ideal climate here (approximately 20-25°C during April/May; even warmer during summertime).
This is the adult-only
T
UI Blue Seno hotel, near the town of Sarigerme on Turkey’s southwest coast, a slice of perfection in an area of breathtaking natural beauty.
The approach into the nearby Dalaman Airport – just a 20-minute bus trip away from the small town of Sarigerme – offers a breathtaking dive into an area rich with vegetation and mountains that remains mostly unaltered by contemporary development.
The TUI Blue Seno, too, is a perfect example of conformity to its surroundings. It manages to blend the ancient with the contemporary seamlessly, with its 34 two-storey accommodation buildings, numerous swimming pools and glamorous dining facilities only just discernible in an explosion of colourful blooms and woodland.
During our initial visit to an all-inclusive resort, the Seno went above and beyond to convince us that we had been missing out significantly throughout all those years of managing everything ourselves.
Displaying a masterclass in customer service, exceptional levels of cleanliness and a varied choice of food and drink, it felt like a steal for the price.
Whether you want to just sit and relax on the beach or at any one of the resort’s four pools, or five bars for that matter, or find something more adventurous, Seno has it. The resort also features a spa and a gym.
A range of aquatic activities can be enjoyed here, such as canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and waterskiing, alongside boat tours to discover the series of coves, bays, and shores scattered along the beautiful Dalaman coastline.
If you are more comfortable on dry land, the hotel has a dedicated entertainment team providing games throughout the day – the regular afternoon volleyball match was a must watch – as well as those which require a little less physical enthusiasm, like seated darts. There are even cooking classes for those not content with being waited on hand and foot.
Maybe you’d rather take a trip to the Blue Lagoon in neighboring Olu Deniz, where a beautiful sandy spit extends into the sapphire waters of the Mediterranean, surrounded by eateries, pubs, and opportunities for even more aquatic activities.
If you’re historically inclined, consider taking a day trip to the archaeological site of Kaunos, which boasts ancient baths and an amphitheater, located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away.
Ephesus, formerly the second-largest metropolis of the Roman Empire and regarded as Europe’s most intact ancient city, offers substantial rewards; however, it requires a more extensive trip north along the coastline toward Kuşadası.
For us? This meant a week off from work and an opportunity to rejuvenate. Whether at the beach, the bar, the restaurant, or back in our room, we wandered about freely.
The accommodation, part of the 314 available at the location, was cozy and spotless, situated high up on the cliff face offering breathtaking vistas over the bay.
Regarding the food, those loose-fitting clothes weren’t as spacious when returning home.
The primary buffet restaurant provided an array of delights limited only by imagination: freshly caught seafood, aromatic curries, crisp salads, artisanal pizzas, and even roasted specialties—all prepared just for you upon request.
Even though we were told that nearly all the rooms were reserved, it didn’t feel crowded at all, and the service remained outstanding.
On the shore, plenty of complimentary beds were available, and the Beach Snack restaurant once more provided an extensive selection of pasta, fish, and meat dishes all day long, prepared fresh upon request.
Do not let the sharp incline deter you; a team member was available to transport both us and our baggage between the room and reception using a golf cart.
Additionally, there is a frequent minibus service that operates in a circular route from the top of the resort to the bottom, approximately every 10 minutes, allowing you to disembark at your desired location.
Even the gardeners halted their carts to provide rides if they noticed a guest having difficulty.
The cliffside path is quite steep. Walking down to the main restaurant posed no problem, but ascending back up after enjoying a fulfilling dinner and several glasses of wine proved to be an entirely different challenge.
We were never left without options for getting back to our place of stay.
Additionally, guests could enjoy à la carte meals at the Culinarium restaurant and the Grill House, though reservations were required for both. The panoramic vistas from the Culinarium’s terrace stood out as exceptionally beautiful.
Additionally, the Starlight bar adjacent offers entertainment, and we had a fantastic time when we visited as the group of three singers had filled up the (outdoor) venue.
However, if you’re planning a getaway similar to ours, aimed at escaping the urban chaos and filth for a bit of calm rest, evenings typically wind down early – midnight marks the end of lively activities – and peace is readily available.
It’s obvious really; we’re already making reservations for next year.
TRAVEL FACTS
TUI provides a 7-day beach vacation for two adults at the 4-star resort.
TUI BLUE Seno
In Sarigerme, Turkey, starting at £1,116 per person for departures on June 1, 2025, from London Stansted Airport.
This comprises flights along with accommodation in a double room featuring a balcony, transportation services, and up to 20kg of baggage allowance.
Prices are accurate as of 01/04/2025.
Read more
by admin | Mar 31, 2025 | culture, tourist attractions, tourists, tours, Travel
Tokyo boasts an array of remarkable museums, ranging from art galleries and historical exhibitions to science centers and traditional gardens. However, touring these places one by one can become quite costly. This is where the
Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass for 2025
offers an affordable and hassle-free method to discover more than 100 cultural sites in Tokyo and its surroundings for just a portion of the usual cost.
• What does the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass entail?
• How to Maximize Your Use of the Grutto Pass
• How to Purchase the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass
• Experience Roppongi Using the Grutto Pass: An Recommended Route
• Map Out Your Cultural Exploration in Tokyo
What does the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass entail?
The Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass 2025 serves as both a digital and physical entry pass, providing admission to 102 venues including museums, zoos, aquaria, botanical gardens, and historical sites throughout Tokyo and nearby regions.
For just
¥2,500
, you get
a two-month validity period
Starting from the initial usage until March 31, 2026, this allows you to discover Tokyo’s deep cultural legacy at your leisure.
Offering complimentary admission or reduced prices at
over 100 locations
It offers an excellent opportunity for tourists looking to explore the art and history of Tokyo without breaking the bank. This pass is especially beneficial for those staying longer term, allowing them to distribute their museum visits over a period of two months. By planning ahead and visiting nearby attractions on the same day, you can significantly reduce costs while fully immersing yourself in the rich cultural offerings.
Museums Newly Added for 2025
Every year, the Grutto Pass roster gets updated with thrilling new entries. In the 2025 version, they’ve added some fascinating elements.
・
JCII Camera Museum:
Discover the journey of photography in Japan, spanning from vintage camera technology to contemporary digital advancements.
・
Minato City Historical Museum:
Discover the history of Tokyo’s Minato Ward via historical relics and interactive multimedia displays.
・
Shitamachi Museum:
The museum brings back to life the everyday scenes from Tokyo’s historic district.
・
Yokohama City Museum of Urban History
Find out how Yokohama evolved from a modest fishing community into one of Japan’s key port cities.
・
Yokohama Museum of Eurasian Cultures:
The museum showcases the cultural interactions among Japan, China, and Europe.
How to Maximize Your Use of the Grutter Pass
If you’re planning to visit just one or two museums, purchasing the Grutto Pass might not make sense financially. However, for enthusiasts of museums, history, and cultural experiences, this pass proves to be quite economical. It provides entry into many of Tokyo’s top galleries and exhibitions related to art, history, and natural sciences at a significantly reduced rate compared to individual tickets.
This pass is particularly beneficial for long-term visitors and residents, as they have up to two months to spread out their visits. However, it also offers excellent savings for tourists with shorter stays, especially if they intend to explore numerous museums and cultural landmarks within a brief timeframe. With some thoughtful trip planning, one can greatly enhance the value of this pass.
In spite of this, some adaptability is essential. The exhibits might vary, and specific sites necessitate bookings for particular shows, making it wise to review museum websites beforehand. Additionally, several places operate during restricted hours or undergo occasional shutdowns, which could be disappointing when your schedule is tight. Furthermore, should you be touring with relatives or companions, remember that the pass is intended solely for personal use and cannot be divided among others.
For those ready to put in some effort to plan ahead, the Grutto Pass provides a budget-friendly and hassle-free method to discover Tokyo’s extensive cultural offerings, suitable for stays ranging from a brief couple of days to several months.
Benefits of the Grutt Pass
・
Great Value:
For merely ¥2,500, the pass quickly covers its cost with just a couple of museum visits.
・
Extended Validity:
Effective for two months after initial use, so you can take your time without feeling rushed.
・
Access to 100+ Locations:
Entrance for free or reduced prices at museums, botanical gardens, zoos, and historic locations.
・
Flexible Purchase Options:
Available as an electronic ticket or a physical card.
・
Discover at Your Leisure:
There’s no rush to fit all your visits into one day; take it easy and savor Tokyo’s cultural experience without stress.
How to Purchase the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass
Obtaining the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass for 2025 is straightforward, as you can choose between an electronic ticket or a physical card. For immediate access, the e-ticket is ideal; alternatively, the physical pass can be obtained from the counters of collaborating venues (*1) and various spots throughout Tokyo.
E-Ticket (Online Purchase)
• Buy online using your computer or mobile device.
• Once purchased, a QR code will be delivered through an email.
· The electronic ticket is prepared for immediate usage, rendering it the quickest choice.
Physical Pass (On-Site Purchase)
If you prefer a physical card, you can purchase it at the counters of participating facilities (*1) and designated locations listed below:
・
Tokyo Tourist Information Center
(Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Ground Floor)
・
Asakusa Cultural Tourism Visitor Information Center
(near Kaminarimon)
・
Tokyo City i
(KITTE, near Tokyo Station)
・
TIC TOKYO
(Nihonbashi Exit of Tokyo Station)
・
LIBRO Shiodome SIO-SITE
(Bookstore)
・
Tokyo Central City Visitor Information Center
(KYOBASHI EDOGRAND)
(*1) Grutto Pass Cards cannot be purchased at the Japan Olympic Museum.
Convenience Store Voucher Purchase
• You can purchase a voucher at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart stores.
・The voucher
needs to be swapped for a physical pass
At each participating location prior to usage
Experience Roppongi Using the Grutto Pass: An Recommended Route
Roppongi stands out due to its blend of art, culture, and nightlife. Using the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass, you can delve into some of the region’s top museums while soaking up the lively but sophisticated ambiance of the neighborhood. Although not every museum featured here is located precisely within Roppongi itself, many are situated close by in areas like Toranomon and Kamiyacho—easily accessible via a brief trip on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line—which makes it simple to see everything in just one day.
Here’s a well-structured schedule for spending a day visiting museums in and around Roppongi:
In the morning: Sen-oku Hakukokkan Museum in Tokyo
Begin your day at Sen-oku Hakukokan Museum in Tokyo. This museum showcases an extensive array of artworks spanning various disciplines such as Japanese paintings, Western art, contemporary ceramics, tea ceremony tools, and Noh theater masks and attire. It provides valuable insights into traditional methods handed down over time.
Google Maps
Noon: Okura Museum of Art
Next, visit the Okura Museum of Art, Japan’s oldest existing private museum, founded in 1917 by businessman Okura Kihachiro. The museum’s collection focuses on classical East Asian art, featuring Buddhist statues, ancient Chinese bronze ware, Edo-period craftworks, and samurai armor. Some of its standout pieces include a Heian-period Samantabhadra statue and a rare Muromachi-era calligraphy scroll.
Google Maps
In the afternoon: Visit the Kikuchi Kanjitsu Memorial Tomo Museum
End your cultural tour at the Kikuchi Kanjitsu Memorial Tomo Museum, which focuses mainly on contemporary Japanese ceramics. The museum, founded by collector Kikuchi Tomo, features exhibitions that shed light on contemporary ceramists, including those who have passed away and left an important mark in the Japanese contemporary ceramic world. Enjoy works of art in an exhibition space that has been designed specifically for visitors to observe ceramics.
Google Maps
Nevertheless, not every site holds equal interest or value for everybody, making them less essential to see. The allure of the Grutto Pass is found in the opportunity to savor the distinctive appeal of each location at your leisure. Likewise, when exploring other regions, conducting prior research about the attractions you wish to visit along with those nearby allows for unexpected finds and further exploration of more sites.
Map Out Your Cultural Exploration in Tokyo
Before your visit, make sure to review the websites of each museum for the latest information on exhibitions, operating hours, and special events.
Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass 2025
, you’ll gain access to an accessible and fulfilling experience in Tokyo, Japan.
No matter if you’re a visitor discovering Tokyo or a resident seeking an enjoyable way to spend your weekends, make sure to bring your
Grutto Pass
And begin exploring Tokyo’s captivating sights right away!
For more details, visit
The official website for the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass
Or ask at any of our participating locations.
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