by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | incident, safety, tourists, Travel, vacations
When organizing a holiday, many tourists create highly detailed travel plans, bring along an excess of clothing items that they probably won’t require, and investigate the securest areas as well as the top-rated pubs and eateries to check out.
Nevertheless, only a small number of people take precautions to protect themselves against carbon monoxide poisoning during their stays at hotels.
Airbnb
rentals, and that, according to Kris Hauschildt, founder of the Jenkins Foundation, needs to change urgently.
After her parents, Daryl and Shirley Jenkins, succumbed to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning at a hotel in Boone, Hauschildt founded the Jenkins Foundation.
North Carolina
In April 2013, she began advocating for reforms related to carbon monoxide detectors in hotels and rentals. She also informs travelers about the risks posed by this “silent killer” gas.
Each year, CO poisoning leads to the deaths of more than 400 Americans and causes illness in over 100,000 others, according to data.
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention shows.
The danger of the gas lies in its difficulty to be detected, as Hauschildt explained to SANGGRALOKA.
Carbon monoxide is undetectable by smell, taste, or sight. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similarly hard to identify because they frequently resemble those of other ailments, like common flu-like illnesses.
flu
Or food poisoning, which travelers frequently hesitate to get treated for, Hauschildt mentioned.
In recent weeks, two cases of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning involving American tourists overseas have come to light.
Last month, Miller Gardner, who is 14 years old and the son of ex-New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, was discovered deceased in a hotel room in Costa Rica. Local authorities have preliminarily indicated that carbon monoxide poisoning may be the cause, suggesting it appears to match such an incident.
In late February, three female tourists visiting San Pedro, Belize—Kaoutar Naqqad aged 23, Imane Mallah aged 24, and Wafae El Arar aged 26—were discovered deceased within their accommodations at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort. The cause of death was determined to be carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hauschildt mentioned that she feels constant anguish whenever she hears about new deaths caused by carbon monoxide, noting it’s heartbreaking to witness these incidents continuing when they could be so readily prevented.
“I have been tracking this issue over the past 12 years, and it remains significantly misconstrued. Moreover, it’s a concern that most travelers remain oblivious to,” she stated.
We lack the innate capability to identify the poison directly, hence as individuals who frequently move from one place to another, we should equip ourselves with knowledge on the most effective ways to safeguard against it irrespective of your destination—be it a hotel, a holiday rental, or perhaps even a family member’s residence.
Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when significant amounts of CO fumes are breathed in, leading to an oxygen deficiency in the body that can result in harm to the brain, heart, and other crucial organs.
Common adverse effects may encompass migraines, lightheadedness, impaired eyesight, nausea, loss of strength, thoracic discomfort, and disorientation.
CO is generated when fuels such as gasoline, wood, propane, or charcoal are burned. This leads to many unintentional poisoning cases, frequently due to faulty equipment like heating systems, air conditioners, and generators.
Hauschildt stated that victims are particularly defenseless when they are asleep.
Regarding Miller Gardner’s situation, local authorities stated on Monday that a ‘machinery area’ next to the family’s hotel room experienced an unidentified contamination and was found to have elevated levels of the gas.
The hotel has contested the official conclusions, and Gardner’s family is awaiting a toxicology report to determine the reason behind the teen’s demise.
In Belize, authorities stated that they think the fatalities of Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar resulted from a faulty water heater located within the ladies’ restroom.
Two visitors staying at the Royal Kahal following the discovery of the deceased women felt ill due to carbon monoxide exposure. They informed SANGGRALOKA that although thankful to have avoided a similar tragic end, they now regret not recognizing the signs sooner and taking additional precautions to safeguard themselves. This realization left them feeling somewhat foolish.
Hauschildt suggested that the most effective method to protect yourself is by carrying a portable carbon monoxide alarm and understanding how it works prior to starting your journey.
The sole method to detect carbon monoxide exposure is through a detector, hence it’s crucial to carry one when traveling. This ensures you can become alerted, leave your surroundings immediately, and contact 911, especially if located within a public facility, thus preventing potential fatalities and injuries to others.
We often believe that when we stay in hotels or other public buildings, we are secure and adequate safeguards are already provided. However, the absence of regulations for installing carbon monoxide detectors poses a significant issue. Therefore, it’s crucial to take matters into our own hands.
Hauschildt added: “This genuinely is a widespread issue, and it should be acknowledged as such.”
We should not treat carbon monoxide as if its behavior changes based on the type of building it’s in.
Carbon monoxide exhibits consistent behavior, and the most effective way to counteract it is by installing carbon monoxide detectors in suitable locations—ensuring these regulations are upheld regardless of geographical location.
The two visitors staying at the Royal Kahal following the fatalities of Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar—whom Sanggraloka recognizes as ‘Jane’ and ‘Alice’—mentioned that they carried a carbon monoxide detector but were uncertain about using it correctly.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suggests placing a portable detector close to sleeping zones inside hotels or rented properties, making sure the alert is sufficiently loud to rouse you during slumber.
Hauschildt mentioned that despite hotels or rentals having carbon monoxide detectors, it’s crucial to carry your own when traveling internationally since the destination country might lack adequate safety protocols.
Following the media coverage of the three fatalities in Belize within the United States, Jane and Alice contacted the Royal Kahal to inquire whether it remained secure for them to continue their stay at the seaside resort.
On February 25, a worried Jane messaged the hotel via Facebook, querying, “Is it safe to visit?” These messages were provided to SANGGRALOKAshow.
In reply, a spokesperson named ‘Daniel’ confirmed that she should not worry about any safety concerns at the Royal Kahal. He stated that the ‘unfortunate event’ with Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar was beyond their jurisdiction.
“Although we’re still awaiting an official statement from the authorities, all indications suggest this was likely due to a drug overdose,” penned Daniel.
‘Although these conditions are regrettable, the hotel had no means of avoiding these fatalities.’
The hotel representative additionally guaranteed Jane that each suite at the Royal Kahal was equipped with both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, further stating: “you can be confident that your visit here will be entirely worry-free.”
Alice sent an identical message to the hotel but did not get any reply.
The pair of women, together with their circle of friends, proceeded with their plans and reached the island of San Pedro on March 1 – exactly seven days following the discovery of Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar’s lifeless bodies.
Right away, Jane and Alice mentioned, they noticed something amiss.
Although the employees were friendly, numerous notices were posted throughout the hotel indicating that they would be performing smoke detector inspections the next day from 9 AM to 3 PM.
The women did not hear any fire drill alarms during their stay, but upon returning to their room on the second day of their trip, they discovered that all the smoke detectors had been taken off the walls.
At that point, inquiries regarding the fatalities of Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar were continuing; however, regional authorities had declared in public that carbon monoxide was not likely involved, stating that preliminary examinations did not reveal anything suspicious at the site.
Intrigued about the removal of the detectors, Alice contacted the reception to inquire if they needed to be reinstalled. However, she was informed not to do so and was asked to place them on the countertop instead, where they stayed throughout her entire visit.
On March 5th, and most of the following day, March 6th, both the gas supply and hot water were discontinued. The gas service faced another cutoff on March 8th.
Given subsequent events, the women think that shutting off the gas and water was the hotel’s way of trying to manage the high carbon monoxide levels found within the resort, which local authorities were said to have discovered later.
“I genuinely hope we had scrutinized it more back then, but we truly didn’t believe there was anything amiss,” stated Alice.
It was a pleasant place to stay, and when you’re on vacation, you don’t expect to worry about things like carbon monoxide poisoning or strange accidents ruining your sleep for the next day.
I mean, we were already aware of not consuming tap water or being cautious with specific foods sold on the streets, so we weren’t entirely uninformed.
However, we were informed that the hotel was the latest addition to the island and came equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. Given how expensive the suite was, we simply assumed it would be secure.
After five days into the journey, Jane experienced a fright.
Early in the morning, she woke up to discover that her left leg had become entirely numb, accompanied by feelings of dizziness, blurry vision, and a persistent headache.
When trying to stand up to head to the bathroom, Jane mentioned that she fell onto the floor and remained there for about 40 minutes, paralyzed and unable to move.
Following this, she remained beside the open window for another three hours until she could move freely once more.
Jane mentioned that her symptoms lasted for a week after she got back home.
Alice and her fellow travelers were also encountering unusual symptoms such as blurry sight, weariness, and persistent migraines — indicators commonly associated with carbon monoxide intoxication.
“My symptoms weren’t as severe as Jane’s; I mainly experienced headaches along with some blurry vision,” explained Alice.
It was terrible; I recall saying to my spouse that I had to locate my glasses, and they responded that they were already perched on my nose.
Only upon returning home, following a string of reports from SANGGRALOKA, did the two women connect their symptoms to potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
They simply thought they were experiencing typical exhaustion associated with travel overseas and excessive exposure to sunlight.
Alice carried a portable carbon monoxide detector but admitted she didn’t know how to use it since she hadn’t tested it prior to their departure.
She maintained the detector in her bedroom, positioned as far as possible from the suite’s kitchen and water heater.
Alice mentioned that as she was preparing herself one morning, she glanced down and noticed the phrase “three digits” displayed on the CO detector’s screen.
“I can’t recall whether it was in the hundreds, two hundreds, or three hundreds, or something else,” said Alice.
However, it wasn’t until I returned home, emptied my suitcase, and noticed it said 0 that I understood something must have been amiss at the hotel.
Now I feel incredibly foolish because we should have been more cautious. However, we were informed that the other visitors had succumbed to an overdose, which led us not to consider carbon monoxide at all.
The text message from the U.S. Embassy they received on March 7th, the final evening of their trip, was what truly unsettled Jane, Alice, and their companions.
The team had spent the day drinking aboard a boat circling the island when they got back to land and noticed multiple missed calls along with a voicemail urgently asking them to contact the embassy immediately.
A guy friend called, and he was informed that it would be ‘in their best interest to exit the hotel and look for another place to spend the night.’
When the male friend inquired about the reason, the embassy declined to provide further details, stating that it was solely for their safety considerations.
Jane, Alice, and their party went back to the hotel only to discover multiple people in suits stationed in the hotel’s lobby.
A person whom Jane thinks served as Royal Kahal’s general manager told them that the hotel would close for the week. However, they were given the choice to remain until their last night if they deemed it safe enough to stay.
After spending the entire day out partying and having limited options left on such short notice, they opted to spend the night at the hotel.
They were the sole occupants of the premises that evening and departed for the United States the following day.
Alice mentioned that upon returning home, she contacted the embassy and learned that multiple rooms at the hotel had been discovered to have elevated levels of carbon monoxide.
The embassy chose not to comment and directed SANGGRALOKA inquiries to local authorities, who received several requests for clarification.
Over the past few weeks, a toxicology report has verified that Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar all succumbed to acute pulmonary edema—a buildup of fluid in their lungs—caused by inhaling excessive amounts of carbon monoxide.
The local authorities suspect that a faulty water heater in the ladies’ restroom was responsible for causing their fatalities.
Every woman who was tested showed carbon monoxide saturation levels of approximately 60 percent. Levels as low as 40 percent can be fatal.
In a statement to SANGGRALOKA, a representative from Royal Kahal stated that the fatalities were considered an ‘isolated incident.’ They also mentioned that the hotel has resumed its operations.
The statement, dated March 26, indicated that although the official cause of the tragic incident had not yet been announced by the authorities, early signs suggested that the toxicology report would likely attribute the deaths to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Since the moment this secluded incident came to light, we have taken every conceivable measure to guarantee the safety of the Resort. It has been open to visitors again starting from March 19th.
‘We have collaborated with the Belizean government, and local authorities have carried out several thorough evaluations of each section of the premises. All these inspections confirmed that none of the areas exhibit hazardous concentrations of carbon monoxide.’
This tragedy has profoundly impacted everyone at the Royal Kahal Beach Resort. Our thoughts are with the families and beloved ones of the young women during this immensely challenging period.
The Chief Medical Examiner’s office in the women’s home state of Massachusetts is carrying out a second autopsy for the three individuals, with the process still continuing.
The hotel has yet to comment on what Jane and Alice have claimed.
A comment posted on the hotel’s TripAdvisor page mentioned that another visitor reported “alarmingly high” carbon monoxide levels during their stay in February.
Jane and Alice express feeling immensely fortunate to have experienced just slight symptoms, yet their hearts ache for the families of Naqqad, Mallah, and El Arar.
Their hearts also ache for the family of Miller Gardner.
‘It’s just all so tragic,’ said Jane.
Read more
by admin | Apr 2, 2025 | business, government regulations, passports and international travel, tourists, Travel
Despite warnings, the expansion of a UK travel permit scheme to EU visitors is not impacting tourism to Northern Ireland according to some businesses in the sector.
Starting Tuesday, travelers from the European Union will join others worldwide in requiring an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for entry into the UK.
The leader of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance has stated that this situation creates an obstacle for visitors who enter the Republic of Ireland and might want to explore Northern Ireland as well.
Nonetheless, a hotel chain and a travel agency have informed SANGGRALOKA that they haven’t experienced any effects on their operations.
Colin Johnston, the managing director of the Galgorm Collection, stated that although the industry had lobbied against the ETA, when it was properly communicated to tourists, “they find it acceptable and comprehend it.”
During his appearance on the SANGGRALOKA’s Talkback program, he mentioned that some participants were unnerved by the considerable negative coverage of the ETA in the media. He also noted that “by persistently discussing it, we might be causing more harm to ourselves.”
Heather Rennie McGill from the touring company Rabbie’s mentioned that this situation boils down to “improving communication and making it easier for customers to handle the necessary legal requirements for entering the country.”
When the ETA was initially implemented in 2023 for travelers heading to the UK from non-EU countries, she mentioned that it affected “the quality of service or customer care we needed to provide,” however, she did not observe any effect on our reservations.
She mentioned that the system was inducing stress among certain customers and imposing an unwanted additional expense.
The British government has stated that the ETA will assist in stopping misuse of the immigration framework.
‘Deeply concerned’
The leader of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance, Joanne Stuart, has stated that several tour operators are excluding Northern Ireland from their trip plans to the island of Ireland as a result of the program’s growth.
We are highlighted as part of the island of Ireland, and this has consistently been rooted in effortless travel experiences.
She informed the SANGGRALOKA that 69% of those vacationing in Northern Ireland arrive via the Republic.
We’ve placed this obstacle in our path… and now we’re beginning to feel the effects of it.
During her address at the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday, Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald expressed deep concern regarding the consequences of implementing the ETA scheme and how this would affect the region’s tourism industry.
Archibald mentioned that she had interacted with the UK government just last week regarding this matter and reiterated her call for an exemption of Northern Ireland from the plan.
Previously requested exemptions for Northern Ireland
were rejected
According to the previous UK government, this would lead to “an unacceptably large gap” in United Kingdom border security.
What does ETA stand for, and how can you obtain one?
The ETA is a document required for non-British and non-Irish citizens who don’t need a visa but wish to enter the UK.
This will cover international tourists who land in Dublin with intentions to visit Northern Ireland afterward.
The current application cost for the UK ETA via the app or the GOV.UK website is £10; however, starting from April 9th, this fee will increase to £16.
As stated on the official government site, applicants for an ETA typically receive a response within 3 business days; however, they also mention that numerous applications may result in “an even faster outcome.”
The travel journalist Lisa Minot informed SANGGRALOKANews NI that for most individuals, it should take merely a few minutes.
A visa subclass ETA is valid for 2 years or up until your passport expires, allowing you unlimited visits to the UK during this period.
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UK denies travel permit exception for Northern Ireland visitors
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Tourism leader claims travel permits will negatively affect Northern Ireland’s hotel industry.
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Minister cautions about effects of electronic travel authorization
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 2, 2025 | disaster management, disasters, news, politics, tourists
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports intends to revamp its approach for the latter part of this year in response to the declining Chinese market and diminished trust after the recent earthquake. The aim is to set up a fresh crisis management group.
The ministry plans to engage in discussions with a strategic advisory group to guide the Tourism Authority of Thailand as they implement this initiative, stated Natthriya Thaweevong, who serves as the permanent secretary of the ministry.
Thailand has encountered several issues this year impacting tourist confidence, such as the earthquakes that struck both Myanmar and Thailand recently, along with worldwide economic difficulties, according to Ms. Natthriya.
She mentioned that the nation can no longer depend on the Chinese market as heavily as it once did. Before the pandemic hit in 2019, Thailand saw an all-time high of 11 million tourists arriving from mainland China. However, the comeback after the pandemic has been sluggish, with visitor counts failing to recover fully so far. The previous year witnessed approximately 6.7 million Chinese travelers visiting the country, and projections for this year anticipate about 7 million arrivals.
The Tourism and Sports Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, announced the establishment of a Tourism Risk and Crisis Management team aimed at supporting the sector. This team will include members representing various organizations within the tourism supply chain, including entities like the Interior Ministry and the Department of Land Transport.
Based on early responses from businesses, he mentioned that the ministry intends to work alongside the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to provide certification for hotels that successfully pass a security inspection post-earthquake.
“We aim to concentrate on conveying one key message: Thailand remains a secure destination for travelers,” he stated.
Mr. Sorawong mentioned that the Chinese market is particularly reactive to information about the earthquake, and the ministry intends to talk with the Chinese ambassador to try and rebuild trust.
He mentioned his intention to bring influential figures from China’s media landscape to showcase that every province across the nation is safe for tourism, along with Bangkok, which faced the biggest impact.
In light of the approaching Songkran festivities, all events are scheduled to proceed without changes. The ministry has requested that the Tourist Police collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to guarantee tourist safety across key regions.
It also motivates visitors to install the Thailand Tourist Police app, enabling them to get direct warnings from the Tourist Police in case of any unforeseen incidents.
Mr. Sorawong expressed his belief that the slow-down in booking activities wouldn’t persist, since officials have been diligently addressing the problem.
The president of the Thai Hotels Association, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, stated that the government ought to implement the domestic co-payment tourism promotion program at the earliest opportunity.
He projected that the typical hotel occupancy rate for April and the Songkran holiday season would stay at approximately 60%, which is below the previous year’s figure of 65%.
In the meantime, a spokesperson for the Thai Airlines Association mentioned that flight reservations experienced a decline of 40-60% over the two days following the earthquake. Notably, there was an exceptionally steep reduction in bookings from China, which fell by 60%.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
