oleh admin | Agu 13, 2025 | asia, thailand, tourist attractions, travel destinations, travel in asia
The digital travel company Agoda has announced that Bangkok has been recognized as the top repeat destination in Asia for the second year in a row, according to bookings made during the first six months of 2025.
The city keeps drawing visitors with its vibrant atmosphere, exceptional food scene, and famous sights like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
The top five were completed by Tokyo, Seoul, Bali, and Osaka.
Thailand topped the list, with four additional locations — Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai — also appearing within the top 10.
This underscores the nation’s broad attractiveness and varied geographical characteristics.
Other entries on the list are Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor Bahru (Malaysia), Da Nang (Vietnam), and Hong Kong.
As per Agoda, numerous travelers come back to discover hidden sights, visit beloved places, or experience the ease of known environments.
Strikingly, many users revisited these locations multiple times within only six months.
Akaporn Rodkong, Agoda’s representative in Thailand, mentioned that returning visitors serve as a clear sign of a location’s enduring attractiveness.
She further stated that Bangkok’s ongoing prosperity stems from its vibrant culture, exceptional cuisine, and effective partnership between the travel industry and governmental bodies.
The Thai Tourism Authority (TAT) is launching specific promotions designed to draw additional tourists from major sources such as India, China, Malaysia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Agu 13, 2025 | beaches, portugal, recreation and leisure activities, tourist attractions, travel destinations
Walk along the scenic roads of this lovely coastal town in Portugal, known as a top destination for surfers.
Ericeira, Portugal’s surfing paradise
This tiny coastal village, home to less than 7,000 people, is most famous for being a surfer’s dream destination, a place where life moves at a relaxed pace, far removed from the busy energy of Portugal’s main city. It boasts countless stretches of beautiful coastline—some of which are regarded as…
best surfing spots
In Europe, the coastal town of Ericeira thrives on the sound of crashing waves. Both in summer and winter, groups of surfers—ranging from professionals to beginners—gather in this charming small village located just a 45-minute drive from Lisbon. However, this renowned surfing destination offers far more than its rugged natural beauty—the town boasts numerous lively spots influenced by California’s vibe, along with famous local eateries. Here are our top recommendations for an exceptional visit to Ericeira.
Things to do while staying in Ericeira?
Eat some fish and sea food in a
marisqueira
The
marisqueira
These charming seafood eateries offering fresh daily catches have evolved into essential landmarks along the Portuguese coastline. There’s no need to request a menu since one isn’t provided. Before settling down—often alongside other locals or visitors—you can personally craft today’s specialty by choosing from the fish and sea creatures showcased near the entrance, or occasionally right within the kitchen area. We highly suggest the
Canastra
, which boasts a remarkable position right at the cliff’s edge, offering stunning views of spectacular sunsets.
Give surfing a try
Attempt to surf
Have a go at surfing
Take up surfing for a bit
Experience the thrill of surfing
See how you do with surfing
Go for a session of surfing
Dive into the world of surfing
Test your skills at surfing
Get some practice riding waves
Ericeira’s shores offer an ideal setting for surfers at every skill level. The village features a variety of surfing locations, such as
Ribeira d’Ilhas beach
one of the best-known surfing locations
in Portugal
and the globe. However, this is also the perfect spot to start learning the sport—master a professional-style takeoff within an hour by enrolling in an initial class offered by one of the numerous surfing academies located along each beach. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, you can appreciate the view from atop the cliffs. Plenty of excitement available!
Devote the afternoon to visiting a winery
Having spent the morning riding the surf, how about heading inland to wrap up the day at a
quinta
(to farm), to visit the vineyards and sample the regional wines?
Quinta de Sant’Ana
It is a privately owned, environmentally conscious, and sustainable winery located only 20 minutes away from Ericeira. This offers an excellent chance to explore regional wines like Arinto, a classic Portuguese white grape known for its strong acidity and citrus undertones, set within a picturesque environment.
Go to the Sintra-Cascois Natural Park
Located just thirty minutes’ drive from Ericeira, the Sintra-Cascois Natural Park hosts some of Portugal’s most impressive attractions, such as
Pena Palace, a vibrant castle
constructed atop a hill within the magical village of Sintra. The garden also houses the westernmost location on the European mainland,
Cabo da Roca
a location that the poet Luís de Cames referred to as “the spot where the land meets the sea.”
Lying in the sun on one of the town’s numerous shorelines
Ericeira could easily be known as the city boasting a thousand and one shores. Indeed, a week isn’t nearly sufficient to explore every beach located within and near the town. Warm sunlit golden sands extending beyond sight, rocky outcrops painted in earthy tones crowned with vibrant greenery, and sapphire-colored waters calling out for a dip… these coastlines provide an ideal setting for your vacation, ensuring your visit to Ericeira becomes unforgettable.
oleh admin | Agu 13, 2025 | cost of living, expenses, money, tipping, travel planning and tips
Holiday expenses can accumulate rapidly, including taxi fares for trips to and from the airport, driving costs to reach sightseeing spots, and additional gratuities.
However, recent studies have identified the world’s most affordable and priciest cities for taxi rides.
In the research, 50 well-known cities around the world were examined, including locations in
Japan
to
Mexico
, were analaysed.
Although numerous visitors come to Paris because of its famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, food, and outstanding artwork, the city remained the most expensive place for taxi rides.
A typical five-mile taxi ride costs around £29.12, which includes a 7.5% gratuity.
London
placed second, priced approximately £27.96 including a 10% gratuity, whereas Milan secured third position at £24.57.
In the well-known Italian city, leaving a 7.5% gratuity for cab operators is considered standard.
The study, carried out by taxi insurance experts
ChoiceQuote
discovered that in 86% of the locations studied, giving tips is anticipated.
In the international ranking, Osaka, Japan ranks as the fourth most costly city, where an average five-mile taxi ride costs £24.06.
Amsterdam came in fifth position, with costs approximately £24.
Regarding the most affordable cities for taxi rides, Delhi in India ranked first, with an average cost of £2.06 for a five-mile trip including a tip.
This covers a 12.5% gratuity for the driver, which might appear substantial but totals just 23p when combined with the extremely low fare of £1.83.
Cairo, Egypt came second with £2.31, including a 10% tip on top of the taxi price.
Denpasar, Indonesia, which does not anticipate tipping, ranked third with an average cost of £2.41.
Another Indian city, Agra, ranked fourth for affordability at £3.74, succeeded by Shanghai in China at £4.14.
The research also examined gratuity norms across various nations for taxi operators.
It was expected that the United States ranked first with 17.5%.
This was then followed by South Africa, where travelers are anticipated to leave a 15% gratuity.
In India, Greece, and Mexico, a 12.5% gratuity is typically anticipated, whereas in Egypt, Croatia, and the United Kingdom, taxi drivers might expect around 10%.
In Vietnam, Russia, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, and France, a rate of 7.5% is considered acceptable.
Read more
oleh admin | Agu 13, 2025 | incident, international news, journalism, news, news media
Search teams are looking for a British reporter who went missing in poor weather while hiking alone in an isolated national park in Norway.
Alec Luhn, 38, is a U.S.-born journalist who has contributed to various renowned publications such as the
New York Times
and the Guardian.
He went missing on Monday following his inability to board a flight returning to the UK from Bergen, a town approximately 40 miles northwestern of Folgefonna National Park, where Luhn had been hiking.
Local news outlets stated that he was vacationing with his sibling in the Scandinavian country and chose to embark on a four-day trek starting on July 31 from an outdoor facility located at the northern part of the park in Ullensvang.
The national park spans 550 square kilometers and is characterized by its remote location, housing one of the nation’s largest glaciers.
A group of 30 volunteers engaged in search and rescue operations, accompanied by canines, unmanned aerial vehicles, and law enforcement personnel, was deployed to locate him.
The operation had previously been halted due to unfavorable weather conditions. Tatjana Knappen, an operations manager with the Vestland Police, stated: “The weather began to deteriorate significantly around midnight. It wasn’t prudent to keep searching in the mountains.”
The local authorities stated that the Pulitzer Center Ocean Reporting Network fellow, an expert in environmental journalism, is an accomplished hiker with proper gear.
He was last contacted on Thursday afternoon, along with his wife, Emmy-award winning journalist Veronika Silchenko, who informed the New York Times that he had sent her his schedule via message.
It was reported that she mentioned she hadn’t anticipated hearing from him for several days due to the sighting alert in the park. Silchenko also noted that it was common for her husband to take individual treks.
However, she started being concerned about him by Sunday, and contacted local officials when he didn’t return for his scheduled flight on Monday.
She stated, “I truly miss him. I’m unable to sleep or eat well. It’s extremely difficult not knowing anything.”
Folgefonna National Park attracts many hikers who travel from around the globe to tackle its demanding landscape and appreciate its stunning scenery.
A climate journalist has experience with remote locations, including oil rigs in Texas, arid areas of Somalia, and a scientific vessel in the North Sea.
Read more
oleh admin | Agu 13, 2025 | General
-
A well-known Ghanaian businessman and charity supporter named Kennedy Agyapong is reportedly linked to a traffic collision.
-
The incident happened several days following the helicopter disaster on August 6, which resulted in eight fatalities in the Adansi region of the Ashanti Area.
-
Sources indicate that the business leader has been admitted to the hospital and is undergoing care to aid his recovery.
A Ghana-based entrepreneur and charitable individual named Kennedy Agyapong, widely known as Kenpong, is reportedly linked to an automobile accident.
This incident took place several weeks following the passing of his close companion, Daddy Lumba, and during a period when Ghana is grieving the loss of eight individuals who perished in a helicopter accident near the Adansi district in the Ashanti region.
As reported by Max Online, the event took place on Friday, August 8, 2025, near the Accra–Winneba highway.
The destination of Kenpong remains unknown, as does the cause of the incident. Additionally, it is unclear whether anyone was injured in the accident.
Kennedy Agyapong serves as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Kenpong Group of Enterprises. His efforts have greatly impacted Ghana’s social and economic growth via initiatives in telecommunications engineering, athletics, building, media, and hospitality sectors.
His ventures consist of Kenpong Travel and Tourism, Icegold Mineral Water, and the Kenpong Football Academy.
Ghanaians pray for Kenpong
Following Max Online posting about the businessman’s incident on social media, many individuals commented with their opinions. Some expressed good wishes for him, whereas others offered prayers.
SANGGRALOKA.COM.gh
gathered several responses to the post on social media. See them below:
@Doduwaah said:
Lord, please 🙏 Please, I beg you 🙏.
@E86014Eugene wrote:
Oh no, I hope Kenpong is fine! It reminds me of when @RyanCarterNYK almost got into trouble last year—that was frightening how quickly situations can change. Wishing him positive energy.
@BrTuoo said:
Zayn is overly affected by his friend’s passing.
@GeorgeKojo3 wrote:
I hope Kenpong recovers quickly. May God safeguard and accelerate his healing process for full recovery from any injuries he may have suffered.
@kojo_skiddles said:
“Wow…what’s happening?”
The spouse of Kenpong pays a visit to Moesha Boduong
In an earlier publication,
SANGGRALOKA.COM.gh
stated that the spouse of businessman Kennedy Agaypong, Mandy, went to visit Ghanaian actress Moesha Boduong at her residence.
Madam Agyapong went to the sick actress’s home, brought provisions, and fed her using a utensil while engaging in conversation.
Social media users who watched the video flooded the comments area to express their opinions about Mrs Agyapong’s unique visit.
oleh admin | Agu 13, 2025 | chelsea f.c., european football, football clubs, news, sports
Chelsea promises to be an exciting team to follow this season as Enzo Maresca’s squad has significantly improved compared to last year. Maresca implemented 419 changes to his starting lineup during the previous campaign, surpassing all other top European clubs. Following the latest transfer window, he now has seven central defenders available. His aim was to provide backup for Levi Colwell, along with added competition and support for team staple Marc Cucurella. Additionally, he has brought in Jorrel Hato, who primarily featured for Ajax last season. Despite being just 18 years old, Hato is versatile enough to play on either side.
The young Dutch player has moved to the team for £37 million and inked a seven-year contract. Interestingly, he led Ajax at just 17 years old and has played 111 matches for the club. He has earned six call-ups with his national team.
Several members of Chelsea’s new team additions will feature in their opening home match versus Crystal Palace. This includes Hato, Joao Pedro (valued at £60 million), Jamie Gittens (worth £51.1 million), Liam Delap (priced at £30 million), Estevao Willian (costing £29.1 million), and Dario Essugo (at £18.5 million). Meanwhile, Mamadou Sarr (£12 million) and Kendry Paez (¥17.3 million) have been sent on loan to Strasbourg.
Chelsea have allocated £250 million throughout the transfer period, ranking them just behind Liverpool, who have committed £295.5 million.
Jackson vs. Watkins: Which one is superior?
Is Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea a superior choice compared to Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa? According to Aston Villa manager Unai Emery, yes. He has informed his team that Jackson represents a more promising option for the upcoming season, drawing upon his familiarity with the player during his time at the Spanish side Villarreal, where he played a key role in developing the Senegalese star’s career.
Emery thinks Jackson could achieve more than he has at Chelsea, and there’s incentive for the striker to switch teams due to the addition of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro at Stamford Bridge, pushing Jackson down to third-choice status. There’s also a chance that Xavi Simons might join from RB Leipzig, further worsening Jackson’s prospects. He may find it difficult to get playing time at Stamford Bridge, but under Emery, he would probably receive individual attention and be swiftly integrated into Villa’s attacking lineup.
Chelsea is asking for £80 million for Jackson, who has an eight-year deal remaining, though this amount may be excessive for both Villa and the other team showing interest, Newcastle.
Can Amorim guide Manchester United to a championship victory?
Bruno Fernandes turned down an offer to move to Al-Nassr, a team in the Saudi Pro League, and took part as Manchester United’s captain in a friendly game versus Everton, which concluded with a score of 2-2.
This is intriguing since Bruno both scored and earned player-of-the-match honors even though he openly criticized his teammates for lacking effort and pushed the club to sign better-quality players. Although he isn’t currently popular among the team members, he makes a valid argument, and he’s aware that should Ruben Amorim fail to begin the upcoming season strongly, he might face dismissal—and Fernandes certainly wouldn’t want that for his Portuguese teammate. Facing Arsenal next week presents a challenging task.
The new addition, Bryan Mbeumo, played for 45 minutes on the field and contributed to the Red Devils’ victory in the Premier League Summer Series, as they defeated West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton to claim the title.
Manchester United’s initial lineup, indicating how Coach Ruben Amorim envisions the first Premier League match against Arsenal on August 17, includes Bayindir, Amad, Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Fernandes, Cunha, and Mbeumo.
Newcastle targets FC Porto forward
Newcastle have acknowledged they may be unable to sign Benjamin Sesko, with FC Porto forward Samu Aghehowa under consideration as an alternative for the strike position. The Spanish player is estimated to be worth £70 million, a fee that Newcastle can manage.
Manchester United are keen on securing Sesko, who considers them his top choice, and it’s reported that he has reached an agreement on individual terms. If more transfers aren’t completed, Newcastle will face a less strong attacking lineup. The players they aimed to bring in have opted for different clubs instead of moving to St James’ Park. Liam Delap and Joao Pedro went to Chelsea, and Newcastle had targeted both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumbo, but both have ended up at Manchester United.
Liverpool secured the signing of Hugo Ekitike before Newcastle could, leaving Coach Eddie Howe disappointed and questioning his scouting department. Although they will participate in the UEFA Champions League next season, apart from Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale, they lack additional high-quality additions. Additionally, there remains the challenging status of Alexander Isak.
Isak decides to undergo training in Spain.
The Alexander Isak situation continues… Eddie Howe remained quiet when questioned about the status of his Newcastle forward. The Swedish player joined his team-mates following his absence from the club’s trip to the Far East.
Strangely enough, what kept Howe silent was Isak’s choice to go to Spain lately and train at Real Sociedad’s facility rather than work with his Newcastle fitness squad in Benton. Staff members who didn’t head east are fully capable of conducting training sessions. Isak brought his own private fitness team with him to Spain. What’s remarkable is that Eddie Howe mentioned he found out where Isak was because he saw it reported in the media!
Liverpool made an offer surpassing £100 million, which Newcastle rejected.
An announcement issued from Anfield stated that they will not increase their offer. Nevertheless, I believe the situation might not be concluded yet. Isak has openly expressed his desire to depart from northeastern England and move to the northwestern region, specifically Liverpool. Although he could request a transfer, this option is typically considered as a final measure and often causes tension between players and their teammates or club authorities.
Forest takes advantage of an opportunity to sign Douglas Luiz
Following his move from Aston Villa to Juventus last year, matters have not unfolded as expected for the central player, Douglas Luiz.
The player from Brazil has faced a challenging period due to injuries and unpredictable play; he participated in just 27 matches throughout various tournaments. Last week, he skipped a practice session and will now face financial penalties from the team as well as being listed for transfer.
Arrive at Nottingham Forest…the determined Midlands-based team has initiated talks with Juventus regarding the acquisition of Luiz, yet there are two challenges. Firstly, they must persuade him to move to one of the rising but not as high-profile teams in the Premier League. Secondly, they need to reach an agreement on a fee they can manage financially.
Luiz has mentioned he is willing to consider a transfer, though only Nottingham Forest have shown interest so far. Due to budget limitations, Forest are exploring the possibility of a temporary signing, with the potential to make it permanent after the upcoming season. They can provide Luiz with European competition participation next season for the first time in three decades, which should appeal to him; additionally, reports indicate they might offer him a yearly salary of £5 million through a contract extending to 2030.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Agu 13, 2025 | food and drink, foodies, shopping, snacks, Travel
Vietnam’s street food is gaining widespread popularity, with tourists opting for new delights like fried bananas and rice paper wraps instead of traditional options such as pho and banh mi.
Having spent over a month exploring Vietnam, Filipino Dannica Refe came back home carrying two suitcases filled with snacks valued at almost VND7 million (US$275).
![]()
The 25-year-old remarks: “It’s not even close to what my friends spent. They splurged more than VND10 million ($381) and still wished to purchase additional items.”
She came to Hanoi in mid-June for a vacation but confesses her primary reason was to join the TikTok challenge of sampling local Vietnamese street food.
She immediately went from the airport to convenience shops and grocery stores to purchase the products she had come across as suggested.
She claims she developed feelings for the snacks.
I could devour a bag of grilled coconut cookies without ever growing weary of them. They surpass numerous desserts found in high-end restaurants across the Philippines and are more affordable.
She is also amazed at the variety of Vietnamese snacks. For instance, using just one ingredient such as young green rice (
com
) individuals can prepare glutinous rice, ice cream, and sweets.
Prior to returning home, she and her companions visited supermarkets and stores in Hanoi’s Historic District, looking for treats to bring back as mementos and presents.
A clip she posted displayed snacks and instant coffee being placed inside her suitcase, which gained numerous views on TikTok.
Over the past two months, the “Vietnam snack haul” phenomenon has become popular online, featuring clips of foreigners purchasing instant noodles, treats, and coffee accompanied by tags such as #snackvietnam.
Numerous tourists show astonishment and mention they became hooked on these snacks.
Several people also ask for guidance on transporting significant amounts back home.
Hoang Nghia Dat, chief executive officer of VNA Travel, mentions that international travelers today seek more than just tourism; they are interested in culinary adventures, particularly street foods and traditional restaurants.
Previously, their main interest was trying foods such as pho or Vietnamese cuisine at restaurants. However, nowadays, they are eager to enjoy snacks from roadside stalls, sip locally brewed beer, or look for food vendors offering street-side treats.
bo bia
(Chinese sausage spring rolls).”
Thuy, who runs the Tai Loc sweet soup store located in Hoan Kiem District of central Hanoi, mentions that many international tourists have visited her establishment over the last month, opting for traditional specialties such as cassava dessert and steamed bananas wrapped in glutinous rice.
Many people are amazed to discover that these desserts cost just a few ten thousand VND ($1 to $2), but they can still savor them inside a lovely traditional home.
Thuy further mentions that local convenience stores have grown busy with international customers looking for treats, which was uncommon before.
|
|
Boxes of traditional Vietnamese snacks and beverages that Dannica Refe bought on her visit to Hanoi. Image provided by Tiktok/nicsrefe.
|
Nguyen Tien Dat, deputy chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, states that social media is transforming the way visitors discover Vietnam. More travelers are now exploring independently, relying on online culinary recommendations.
The range of tastes and affordable costs of Vietnamese street foods attract many tourists, he states.
Towards the start of this year, the culinary guide TasteAtlas featured various Vietnamese street dishes such as
bun dau mam tom
(rice noodles and tofu with prawn sauce) and
banh ran
(deep-fried sticky rice ball) in its list of
The Top 100 Dishes of Southeast Asia
alongside timeless favorites such as pho and banh mi.
Dat states: “Food holds an important position in the growth of tourism. Although the action of tourists purchasing Vietnamese snacks might appear minor, it contributes to promoting our food culture worldwide.”
By June this year, the count of foreign visitors arriving in Vietnam increased by 23% compared to last year.
This highlights the importance of maintaining hygiene in street food and utilizing media to showcase Vietnamese snacks.
Our aim is for visitors to come back because of meals that are delicious, budget-friendly, and leave a lasting impression.
|
|
Zane Hanson (L) and his Vietnamese partner sample local street food in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of Zane Hanson
|
Twenty-one-year-old Zane Hanson from New Zealand arrived at a school entrance in Ho Chi Minh City and paused near a roadside stall offering popular children’s treats. He mentions that his Vietnamese partner showed him this post-classes snack habit, with items priced between VND5,000 and VND20,000 ($0.20 to $0.80).
He tried
keo chi
A dessert crafted from manually stretched malt sugar encased in a crisp cookie along with grated coconut. He also sampled a bowl of crushed ice soaked in fruit syrup, which he mentioned was the initial refreshment that helped cool him down during the hot weather apart from beer.
I tried instant noodles, pho, and instant coffee that my girlfriend brought with her, thinking these were the essentials, until the Vietnamese snack craze took off online.
He arranged a trip to Vietnam in early July to join the movement.
In New Zealand, snacks usually refer to biscuits or potato chips, and street food is uncommon.
Hanson was surprised by how cheap the snacks were in Vietnam: a bubble tea that costs VND160,000 ($6) back home sells for only VND20,000 ($0.70) on the streets here and includes tapioca balls.
He entered a store with children and was overwhelmed by the taste of hot potato chips,
o mai
(sweetened or seasoned dried fruits), and rice paper wraps.
Nearby school snack kiosks are filled with students and adults enjoying food and conversation.
|
|
Maximilian Rolf (L) sips on beer and savors local cuisine with a companion in Hanoi. Image provided by Maximilian Rolf
|
Maximilian Rolf, aged 31, hails from Germany and has been residing in Hanoi for more than three years. Eating snacks has become a regular part of his everyday life. He likes to have light meals with companions at roadside vendors during the afternoon, an activity that aids individuals in unwinding following a tiring day.
He mentions that although Germany also has snacks, it is difficult to find sweets similar to those found in Vietnam.
“Banana fritters (
banh chuoi
They are a weekly necessity for me. It’s incredible how something as straightforward as fried fruit can be so tempting.
He has likewise developed an affection for savory fried rice cakes (
banh ran man
2) soaked in fish sauce along with green papaya. Initially, he thought they were unusual, but quickly became addicted to their mix of tastes.
oleh admin | Agu 11, 2025 | migrants, morocco, tourists, Travel, world
The tourism industry in Morocco continued its robust growth during July 2025, with 2.7 million tourists visiting, representing a 6% rise from July of the previous year.
This expansion involved both global visitors and Moroccans residing overseas, highlighting Morocco’s lasting attractiveness. As per an announcement from the Ministry of Tourism, the count of international travelers hit 875,000, reflecting a 2% increase compared to last year, whereas visits from the Moroccan expatriate community increased by 7%, totaling 1.8 million.
These numbers support the ongoing revival and expansion of the industry. As of July 2025, Morocco reported around 11.6 million visitor entries, marking a 16% rise from the corresponding timeframe in 2024. Expatriate Moroccans made up 52% of all visitors.
In response to the most recent statistics, Fatima Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and the Social and Solidarity Economy, stated: “Morocco is more than just an area waiting to be explored; it is a location that carries strong emotional ties for countless travelers around the globe. This ongoing expansion is fueled by local travel, our expatriate community, and guests from abroad.”
oleh admin | Agu 11, 2025 | cost of living, economics, local news, news, tourists
Las Vegas
has revealed another alarming indication of its downturn, with rising costs and consumer protests having caused tourists to leave.
The practice of tipping in Las Vegas has dropped by up to 50 percent,
according to Fox News
.
Employees are attributing a significant decrease in tourists to their reduced number of clients and diminished income.
“No tip taxes, that’s a great idea,” Charlie Mungo, 36, a tattoo artist based in downtown Las Vegas, said to the
Wall Street Journal
regarding President Trump’s latest policy
But it doesn’t truly benefit us much if there’s nobody to learn from.
Mungo mentioned that he currently earns approximately $1,500 per month and has lost almost one-third of his customers since Canadian travelers, who previously accounted for 30% of his clientele, have ceased visiting.
Several people attribute the situation to economic issues, increasing expenses, and potential political sanctions against the city.
Certain service employees are blaming
Donald Trump
claiming that his administration has caused a decrease in foreign tourists, whereas some argue the actual issue lies with Las Vegas itself.
“We’re all beginning to lose our composure,” Mungo remarked.
Jacob Soto, 22, who works as a manager at Pinkbox Doughnuts located in downtown Las Vegas, shared with the Wall Street Journal that his credit card gratuities have dropped from $200 per week to between $100 and $150.
“I somewhat depend on tips by the end of the day,” he remarked.
In the r/VegasLocals section of Reddit, a bartender mentioned she previously earned roughly 80 cents per drink.
“Currently, I’m earning approximately 10 cents,” the server wrote.
A new server joined: “We’re putting in three times as much work as before but earning only a fourth of what we used to.”
As per the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, total number of visitors to Sin City has decreased by over 6 percent this year.
In March, Las Vegas received 3.39 million tourists, marking an approximate eight percent decrease compared to the 3.68 million visitors recorded in February.
In April, more than 3.3 million guests were recorded, representing a decrease of 5.1 percent compared to the previous year.
Hotel occupancy stood at 82.9% during the same period, versus 85.3% in March 2024.
Midweek attendance saw a drop of 2.5% during the same timeframe, even though over half a million individuals participated in meetings at the location.
In June, there were reports of an 11.3% decrease in tourists when compared to June 2024, with international visits to the city declining by 10%.
Read more
oleh admin | Agu 11, 2025 | public transportation, tourists, transportation, Travel, vietnam
For the first time ever, Vietnam’s tourism island of Con Dao is launching public bus services, which will operate entirely on electricity.
Renowned for its untouched natural beauty and peaceful appeal, the island is introducing six electric bus lines linking the airport, marketplace, sightseeing spots, and living neighborhoods. This initiative forms part of an extended effort to ease road overcrowding, lower pollution levels, and encourage eco-friendly travel as more tourists arrive each year.
Every route will operate 40-seater electric buses at 15-minute intervals, spanning almost 72 kilometers throughout the island. These services will connect the downtown area with the airport, Ben Dam Port, as well as the northern and southern coastlines. One of the routes will cater to major tourist attractions, hotels, and nearby lodgings. This represents the initial introduction of a public transport network in Con Dao, marking an important step in its growth.
As stated by Pham Vuong Bao, vice director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transportation Management Center, rising population numbers and higher tourism levels have put stress on local facilities. Limited public transport choices mean electric buses can alleviate road congestion and support a plan for eco-friendly, advanced transportation.
A greener future
The updated bus network forms only a portion of Con Dao’s initiative toward sustainable development. Officials additionally seek to promote the transition of locals from traditional motorcycles fueled by petrol to eco-friendly electric models. Beginning in 2026, individuals purchasing e-bikes will benefit from reduced charges related to registration and license plate processing. Residents with limited income will qualify for substantial monetary assistance, along with access to affordable loan options designed to ease the expense of acquiring such vehicles.
This initiative is part of an overarching plan aimed at transforming Con Dao and Can Gio into areas with minimal emissions as per Ho Chi Minh City’s extended environmental approach. The overall funding for this project is projected at VND2.158 trillion (US$82.3 million), where public resources account for almost one-third, and the remaining portion comes from private sector contributions. Approximately VND590 billion will be allocated toward facilitating the shift to electric motorcycles.
The island is also set to link up with the national power network in September, an initiative expected to provide more stable electrical supply and support the growth of renewable energy options like roof-mounted solar panels and ocean-based wind farms.
Previously, Con Dao belonged to Ba Ria–Vung Tau Province. Following a nationwide administrative reform beginning in July, when Ba Ria-Vung Tau was combined with Binh Duong and integrated into Ho Chi Minh City, it transitioned into a specialized administrative area within the newly formed city.
The group of islands covers almost 76 square kilometers and consists of 16 islands, with Con Son being the biggest. With increasing tourism, facilities like transport, accommodation, and restaurants have rapidly developed, contributing to the island’s growing reputation as one of Vietnam’s emerging tourist spots.
At present, Con Dao has approximately 8,500 vehicles, mostly powered by petrol or diesel. However, authorities aim for all motorcycles on the island to transition to electricity by 2030, with all public and taxi services utilizing renewable energy sources. Public transportation is expected to cover every resident of the area. The ultimate objective is to boost public transit ridership to 80%, thereby enhancing both accessibility and sustainability on Con Dao.
