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Laos Visa Requirements, Application, Fees, Validity & More

Laos Visa Requirements, Application, Fees, Validity & More

Laos, a landlocked Southeast Asian nation, is a hidden treasure that has been gaining appeal among tourists seeking a genuine experience. Laos attracts visitors, businesspeople, and expatriates with its stunning scenery, rich culture, and kind hospitality. Before visiting this beautiful nation, you must learn about Laos visa requirements. To enter Laos easily, you must understand the visa process. Knowing the visa requirements, application procedures, fees, and validity dates for a brief vacation, business travel, or long-term stay is crucial to avoid problems. Most tourists visit Laos on a tourist visa. Visitors can enter the nation for up to 30 days, with the potential for extension. Meetings, conferences, and investment possibilities require a business visa. Work visas for Laos need eligibility and accompanying paperwork. For inhabitants of certain countries, Laos allows visa-free entry or visas on arrival. It’s important to understand these exclusions’ restrictions and duration. You can get a Laos visa at a specified entry point in Laos or a Laos embassy or consulate in your home country. Each choice has its application, documentation, and expenses. Laos allows visa extensions, but it’s best to prepare ahead to minimize overstays. This comprehensive guide to Laos visa requirements, application procedures, fees, validity periods, and more will cover each visa type, visa exemptions, application processes, and frequently asked questions to prepare you for your trip. Let’s explore Laos visas and fulfill your vacation ambitions! Types of Laos Visas It’s crucial to understand Laos’ visa options before visiting. Travelers typically seek these visas: Tourist visa: For leisure, sightseeing, and cultural discovery in Laos. Tourist visas are accessible to most nationalities, however, some require prior permission or extra documents. A completed visa application form, a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport-sized photos, evidence of Laos lodging, and a copy of your travel itinerary are typical. Tourist visas can be obtained at Laos entry ports or through a Laos embassy or consulate in your home country. Application fees vary by country and method. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days, however, the Laos Department of Immigration can extend them for 60 days. Business visa: Business visas are for those visiting Laos for meetings, conferences, or investment possibilities. Business visas are generally granted to Laos-based enterprises, organizations, and government entities. Business visas need a completed visa application form, a passport with at least six months of validity, recent passport-sized photos, an invitation letter from a Lao firm or group, and a letter of recommendation from your employer. The Laos embassy or consulate issues business visas before travel. Country and stay duration determine the application fee. Business visas can be extended up to 30 days. Work Visa: Laos workers need work permits. Lao employers must sponsor or give work visas. A work visa usually requires a completed visa application form, a passport with at least six months of validity, recent passport-sized photos, a copy of the employment contract or business registration documents, and a work permit approval from the Lao Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. Work visas must be obtained from a Laos embassy or consulate before travel. Country and stay duration determine the application fee. Work visas are valid for the term of the job contract and can be extended based on employer and employee needs. To guarantee a smooth application and Laos immigration compliance, each visa type’s criteria and processes must be thoroughly reviewed. Laos Visa Exemptions Certain nationalities can enter Laos visa-free. Important Laos visa exemption information: Visa-exempt nations: Laos has visa-exempt arrangements with numerous nations. Check with the nearest Laos embassy or consulate or the official government websites for the latest visa-exempt list. Restrictions: Visa exemptions have restrictions. These include duration, purpose (tourist, business, or both), and eligibility. Avoid legal complications and overstays by understanding and following visa exemption rules. Visa-free duration: Visa-free stays vary per country. Some agreements offer longer visa-free visits beyond 14–30 days. To prevent overstaying and fines, make sure you leave Laos within the allowed timeframe. Extension choices: Visa exemptions seldom allow extensions. If you want to stay in Laos longer than the visa-free period, you must apply for a visa or a visa extension. Consult the Laos Immigration Department or the nearest embassy or consulate for visa extension alternatives. Note that visa exemption agreements might change. Before visiting Laos, check the visa requirements and exemptions to ensure you have the latest information. If your nation is not qualified for a visa exemption or you want to remain in Laos for purposes other than those authorized under the visa exemption agreements, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa in advance or upon arrival, depending on the visa category. Applying for a Laos Visa Applying for a Laos visa depends on your reason of visit. Here are the main steps for applying for a visa at a Laos embassy or consulate in your home country or on arrival: Embassy/Consulate Application: Getting a Laos visa from a local embassy or consulate is typical. Key steps: Find your country’s Laos embassy or consulate. Visit their website or call them for visa application, paperwork, and cost information Follow the embassy or consulate’s instructions. These normally include a completed visa application form, a valid passport with a minimum six-month validity, recent passport-sized photos, evidence of trip itinerary, proof of lodging, and proof of adequate finances to cover your stay in Laos. Submit the completed visa application form and accompanying papers to the Laos embassy or consulate in person or by mail, as instructed. Visa costs vary by kind and term. Visa fees vary by kind, duration, and country. Make sure you can pay the visa costs and any embassy or consulate fees. Visa-on-arrival: Laos offers visa-on-arrival at selected entry locations. Key points: Eligible nations can get visas on arrival. For visa-on-arrival eligibility, check government websites or your local embassy or consulate. Bring a completed visa application form (usually available at the entry point), a valid passport with a minimum six-month validity, recent passport-sized photos, proof of onward travel

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The Telegraph Hotel in Coventry has a record-breaking month.

The Telegraph Hotel in Coventry has a record-breaking month.

After a £20 million investment, the luxury hotel in the heart of the city opened its doors in 2021 and has since broken all previous sales and occupancy records. The hotel’s room rate increased by 5% in July, and room sales were up 14% over the same month last year. The four-star hotel contains 88 rooms, a rooftop bar named Generators, and Forme & Chase, an all-day bar and restaurant. Since the hotel’s opening, Amy Windsor has served as general manager. According to Amy Windsor, the hotel has benefited greatly from the expansion of the tourism industry and an improving nightlife sector. We saw record numbers for July, which Amy attributed to the fact that everyone benefits when there are events taking place in the city center, from hotels and restaurants to music venues and theaters. “The events and activities that took place in the city center were a big reason why we had our best-ever takings in the month. We had a significant boost from university graduation ceremonies as well, and we were completely booked for the duration of that time. Our business has expanded during the week as more people visit the city for an evening of entertainment at places like the HMV Empire and the Belgrade Theatre.We constantly suggest additional locations for our visitors to check out throughout the area, and this cooperative effort is causing the city to prosper. “Our visitors frequently comment on how astounded they are by the variety of amenities the Coventry city center offers. Whether it’s for families, couples, or groups of friends going out on a night out, we offer a fantastic variety of pubs, restaurants, and nightlife places for people to experience. Along with Coventry Cathedral and the museums, “the daytime attractions are also bringing in tourists,” in particular “new attractions like Charterhouse and St Mary’s Guildhall.”A key component of the overall visitor appeal is the availability of high-quality hotels in the city center. To fully explore everything the city has to offer, we have had one visitor stay with us seven times over the past two years. For all the local businesses, anything that increases foot traffic to the city center is wonderful news. According to the most recent tourism statistics, Coventry’s tourism industry has recently grown at historic rates, with the visitor economy expected to be worth £750.86 million by 2022. This includes an increase in the average overnight spending per tourist in the city to £225.74, which will be very beneficial to the city’s hotel industry. The data were made public in the most recent STEAM report, which Destination Coventry, a destination management organization, had ordered. In order to strengthen and advertise Coventry’s offer to nighttime visitors, Visit Coventry, a division of Destination Coventry, recently launched a new campaign in partnership with venues throughout the city. “It’s fantastic to see a business, which is a key player in our visitor economy, thriving,” said Paul Jones, managing director of Destination Coventry. The city center of Coventry is now hosting several fantastic events that are attracting a lot of visitors, so there is a lot to be pleased about.One of our hospitality industry’s crown treasures, The Telegraph, deserves to profit from the robust program for both daytime and evening customers. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/coventrys-telegraph-hotel-experiences-a-record-month/

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Air New Zealand launches live sports onboard.

Air New Zealand launches live sports onboard.

As the airline rolls out live TV across its widebody aircraft, sports fans flying with Air New Zealand will soon be able to support their favorite team from 33,000 feet in the air. The live TV entertainment trial, which will be made available on the airline’s 787 and 777 planes, will be gradually introduced starting today, offering customers of Air New Zealand a front-row view of the action and featuring programming such as upcoming All Blacks matches. Customers of Air New Zealand will be able to follow every play of the game thanks to live sport onboard, provided they follow the instructions of the airline’s “Onboard Officials.” In order to ensure that passengers can enjoy the action and celebrate (or commiserate) without becoming their neighbor’s worst nightmare, the airline has created some rules of fair play in the skies. Tips from Air New Zealand for maintaining composure while watching live sports: Please stay seated; although cheering is encouraged, this is not a line out. Observe your neighbors’ privacy because they may be doing something else. When competing for armrest space, stay onside because going offside could get you a yellow card. Recline, unwind, and take in the game! Launching live TV onboard, according to Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty, gives passengers more entertainment options than before. Adding live sport is a great way to provide customers access to even more material so they never have to miss a minute of the game. “We’ve been on a quest to deliver consumers the best entertainment options in the skies. We love rugby, much like most Kiwis, so starting the roll out of live sport today means passengers will be able to watch live rugby onboard and cheer on their team while in the air.Although we are aware that many of our customers are ardent sports fans, there are a few rules we advise adhering to, such as being seated and keeping your neighbors in mind when celebrating. The live TV service provided by Air New Zealand includes Sport 24, a channel that connects viewers to must-see sporting events and is offered by Panasonic Avionics. Customers may watch the Rugby World Cup, Premier League, US Open, NRL, AFL, NFL, and many other events on the channel. Source- Travel daily

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In Asia Pacific, Collinson improves airport lounges and travel experiences

In Asia Pacific, Collinson improves airport lounges and travel experiences

In response to the strong return and growth of travel in Asia Pacific across most markets, Collinson, a global leader in the provision of airport experiences, loyalty and customer engagement solutions, and owner and operator of Priority Pass, keeps growing its network of airport lounges and travel experiences to accommodate the rising number of travelers. In the first seven months of 2023 (from January to July), airport lounge visits increased dramatically across Asia Pacific by 44%, with South and South-East Asia seeing the greatest growth. Additionally, when pre-pandemic July 2019 lounge visit data is compared to July 2023 data, a 32% rise is shown. As we celebrate the nearly complete return of travel in the Asia Pacific region, where air passenger traffic is reportedly at over 90% of pre-pandemic levels, Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific President at Collinson, said, “We remain focused on elevating our members’ travel journeys by growing and enhancing our airport lounges and travel experiences. We carefully and cooperatively worked with industry partners from all over the region in the first half of this year to nearly double the number of airport lounges and travel experiences in the Asia Pacific network. Members of Priority Pass now have access to 88 new airport lounges and travel opportunities in Asia Pacific. 27 lounges have been introduced in popular travel locations throughout Asia Pacific, including Cambodia, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and the Philippines, thanks to a recently renewed collaboration with Plaza Premium. Through direct agreements with Blue Sky Group, Noi Bai Aviation Joint Stock Company (SNG HNG), and SSP Malaysia, Collinson also increased the number of airport lounges it operates in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Through a direct relationship with Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Business Travel Service Co Ltd, it has also added seven premium airport lounges in mainland China. “We continue to be focused on extending our inventory to provide smooth, joyful, and stress-free travel experiences to our members as we meet the growing volumes and evolving expectations of travelers. Results from our recent Asia Pacific customer engagement and loyalty study report, which found that 76% of customers consider a brand’s experience to be just as important as its goods or services, provide more evidence for this, Handcock continued. The analysis, which polled more than 4,750 regular travelers in 10 Asia Pacific markets, found that travelers in the region, especially Millennials and Gen Z tourists, are looking for unusual and immersive experiences. Airport lounge access came in first on respondents’ lists of travel perks, and Priority Pass membership makes it possible to enjoy other top-rated experiences like dining savings and lifestyle and wellness benefits. Access to co-working spaces – Connect and Miracle Co-working space – in Singapore Changi Airport and Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport are new experiences that have been introduced to the Asia Pacific portfolio this year. Members can also choose from a variety of dining options thanks to the addition of 16 additional restaurants in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Japan. Travelers entering Japan can also decompress and unwind at the Kutsurogi Dokoro, a Japanese-style public bath located at Chubu Centrair International Airport, or they can choose to take a nap at the nine-hour capsule hotel located at Narita Airport. Currently, Priority Pass Members get access to more than 550 airport lounges and travel experiences throughout Asia Pacific, as well as more than 1,400 worldwide in all of the key travel regions. Members get access to a wide variety of exclusive activities that help make every travel exceptional, including spas, sleeping pods, and eating. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/collinson-increases-airport-lounges-and-travel-experiences-in-asia-pacific/

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Flight Centre Travel Group generates a significant profit during the fiscal year 2023.

Flight Centre Travel Group generates a significant profit during the fiscal year 2023.

The corporate travel segment of FLT continued to outperform, handily outpacing the recovery of the larger market and generating record TTV in FY 23. The $11 billion result for FY23 was a 96% year-over-year rise (FY22: 5.6 billion) and a nearly 25% increase over the previous TTV record (FY19: $8.9 billion). “FCM Asia has had a roaring performance in corporate travel, breaking 2019’s TTV record despite China being closed until January 2023,” stated Bertrand Saillet, Managing Director of FCM Asia. After China’s opening, this led to a robust performance in H2, with a 36% increase over H1. Through significant important customer wins across the globe and a retention rate of more than 98 percent among current customers, we increased our market share in Asia. “Our technological investments allowed us to develop the FCM Platform, which is exclusive to China and India, enabling us to provide technology on par with market standards while providing the best client experience. As a result, we have attracted Asian-based companies, making FCM the preferred TMC in the area. “We are very well positioned for FY2023 and are working closely with our customers, suppliers, and partners,” the company stated, “with a significant year over year decrease in expense margins.” Flight Centre Travel Group experiences significant profit growth in the fiscal year 2023. During the 2023 fiscal year (FY23), there was a significant recovery and trading conditions improved. The second-best performance ever achieved: Total transaction value (TTV) growth of 112% to $22 billion.underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased by around $485 million year over year to $301.6 million.The business successfully carried out its core international strategies during FY23, which included: Grow to Win: Through excellent client retention and significant numbers of new account wins, this strategy has helped FLT outperform the larger industry recovery in the $US1.4 trillion global business travel sector. According to predictions from the Global Business Travel Association, FLT’s corporate TTV surpassed pre-COVID levels in June 2022, over two years before the expected industry recovery, and it continued to grow steadily throughout FY23.FLT has maintained its investment in significant growth factors like: Technology: FCM corporate platforms power the omnichannel development of the Flight Centre brandInnovation: By utilizing robotic process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to create a better customer experience while achieving sales and savings goalsProduct Strengthening: As airlines heavily engage in new distribution models, such as New Distribution Capability (NDC), they are strengthening their product (content) aggregation capabilities to provide corporate clients the largest range of airfare options.Global Corporate Travel Sector Comfortably Outpacing Industry Recovery In FY23, FLT’s corporate travel division delivered record TTV while comfortably outpacing the recovery of the entire industry.The $11 billion FY23 result reflected 96% year-over-year growth (FY22: $5.6 billion) and an increase of over 25% over the prior TTV record (FY19 $8.9 billion).The Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) business surpassed its previous record by 59%, Asia by 24%, the Americas by 15.6%, and Australia-New Zealand (ANZ) by 10.5%. New TTV milestones were also reached in all other geographic segments.With 31% of group corporate TTV generated by the Americas business, FLT’s largest corporate operation, it was barely ahead of ANZ (30%), EMEA (28%) and Asia (11%) in terms of revenue.With growth once again being driven organically by high customer retention rates and a sizable pipeline of international account wins for both FCM (large market sector) and Corporate Traveller (SMEs/start-ups), corporate transaction volumes also exceeded pre-COVID levels, well ahead of the estimated industry-wide recovery of 70-75% of FY19 transaction levels.With wins often coming from rivals, FCM gained new, committed clients with annual spending in the neighborhood of $1.6 billion. Corporate Traveller won more than half of its uncontracted business from previously unmanaged accounts.In terms of EBITDA during FY23, the company generated an underlying profit of $190 million, an increase of about 3000% year over year (FY22: $6 million). Source- Travel daily

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Yas Island keeps its summer thrills going.

Yas Island keeps its summer thrills going.

On Yas Island Abu Dhabi, the leisure and entertainment destination, guests and children can make the most of the remaining summer days with an exceptional lineup of family-friendly attractions and unmatched entertainment. With back-to-school season just around the corner, the fun never ends. Yas Island offers something for everyone all year long, whether you’re looking for exhilarating rollercoaster rides or quiet leisure by the shore. Are you trying to make enduring memories with your loved ones? At the biggest and slimiest family event of the year, the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, kids are in for a treat when they get to meet their favorite online personalities. Visitors can enjoy upbeat entertainment and interesting performances at the event, which is scheduled to take place at Etihad Arena in September and is catered to Nickelodeon fans throughout the world. With Yas Island’s “Kids Go Free” packages, make the most of your visit and have access to a variety of benefits, including free stays, playtimes, and dining experiences for children. Before September 30, visitors who book a stay at one of the island’s participating hotels are eligible to take advantage of Yas Island’s Kids Go Free promotion. Visitors can join the celebrations later in October and watch a fantastic performance of “Disney on Ice” as they commemorate a century of wonders this October 11–15 at Etihad Arena. As Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and all of your favorite Disney characters glide on ice while narrating fantastical stories and putting on a stunning, show-stopping performance of art, a world of excitement awaits! A trip to Yas Island’s theme parks is essential for nonstop family-friendly entertainment. ‘Race into Summer’ at Ferrari World Yas Island in Abu Dhabi continues to enthrall thrill-seekers and young children with a variety of Ferrari-themed activities and an enthralling drone show that gives visitors an incredible way to top off an action-packed day at the park. With Warner Bros. WorldTM Abu Dhabi’s DC Super Hero Season running through September 3, visitors and children may experience splash-tastic adventures at Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and meet their favorite Super Heroes there. In addition, the recently opened SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi gives visitors and kids a fantastic chance to take in the fantastical wonders of the sea as they bid farewell to the last few days of summer. Visitors and children can wave farewell to the end of summer and welcome the start of the school year with a haven of action-packed adventures and themed entertainment at every turn thanks to Yas Island’s nonstop year-round program of activities and plenty of fun in store. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/yas-island-extends-summer-thrills/

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Thai Vietjet collaborates with JNTO to promote travel between Thailand and Japan.

Thai Vietjet collaborates with JNTO to promote travel between Thailand and Japan.

Thai Vietjet, a pioneer in the global tourism recovery, has expanded its collaboration with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), providing passengers on Thai Vietjet’s flight between Thailand and Japan with a unique discount coupon worth THB 500. Passengers purchasing Thai Vietjet tickets on flights between Bangkok – Fukuoka and Chiang Mai – Osaka between now and October 31, 2023, with travel dates from today through December 31, 2023 (excluding public holidays), are eligible for a special discount worth THB 500 by using the discount code JPN500 on Thai Vietjet’s website. “The partnership between Thai Vietjet and JNTO will play a great role in stimulating the tourism industry between Thailand and Japan,” said Pinyot Pibulsonggram, Director of Commercial at Thai Vietjet. For Thai travelers, Japan has long been one of their ideal vacation spots, and vice versa. Both companies are urging tourists to experience the beauty of Japan on a premium airline service provided by Thai Vietjet by providing them with a special discount promotion. We are confident that this partnership will promote Thailand and Japan’s tourism industries. “We are very happy and sincerely pleased that we have been able to work with Thai Vietjet to promote the air routes to Japan,” said Kei Doi, Executive Director of the Japan National Tourism Organization Bangkok Office. Thai Vietjet is a crucial partner for JNTO, whose goal is to increase Japan’s appeal, as it makes travel between Thailand and Japan more convenient. The JNTO Bangkok Office will keep introducing Thais to the variety of attractions that Japan has to offer. Up until October 31, 2023, you can use the exclusive discount code JPN500. When purchasing tickets on Thai Vietjet’s flights from Bangkok to Fukuoka and Chiang Mai to Osaka on the airline’s website at www.vietjetair.com for travel between now and December 31, 2023 (excluding public holidays, terms and conditions apply), passengers will receive a discount worth THB 500. Thai Vietjet now operates daily flights between Fukuoka and Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi). The outbound flight from Bangkok leaves Suvarnabhumi Airport at 00:30 and arrives at Fukuoka Airport at 07:55 (all times are local). The return flight leaves Fukuoka at 08:55 and arrives in Bangkok at 12:35. Additionally, the airline provides four weekly flights between Chiang Mai and Osaka, leaving from Chiang Mai at 23:00 and arriving in Osaka at 06:20 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The return flight takes out from Osaka the next day at 09:05 and arrives in Chiang Mai at 13:05 (all times are local). The A321 airplanes are used to fly between Thailand and Japan. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/thai-vietjet-teams-up-with-jnto-to-stimulate-thailand-japan-tourism-2/

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DOT and TESDA sign agreement to increase tourist training opportunities and education

DOT and TESDA sign agreement to increase tourist training opportunities and education

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) signed a formal five-year partnership agreement on Thursday, August 24, to increase chances for training and skill upgradation of tourism professionals to fulfill post-pandemic business expectations. As witnesses, DOT Undersecretaries Mae Elaine Bathan and Ferdinand Jumapao, TESDA Deputy Director Generals Vidal Villanueva III, Rosanna Urdaneta, and Aniceto Bertiz III, and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco participated in the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Under the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement, the cooperating government bodies will work together to update and develop tourism-related Training Regulations (TRs), Competency Standards (CS), competency-based curricula (CBC), and Competency Assessment Tools (CATs) in accordance with new trends, emerging skills, and technologies; empower local communities by offering tourism scholarships; improve the employable skills of industry stakeholders through training in specific tourism skills; and collaborate in the imp As a result, a joint technical working group made up of three officials from DOT and TESDA each will be established to manage the projects covered by the collaboration. This partnership with the Department of Tourism will advance the objectives of our President’s vision for the transformation of the tourism industry, whose foundation and best asset are none other than the Filipino people, the secretary of tourism said in her keynote address. “I would like to extend my profound gratitude to TESDA led by the very active and dynamic Secretary Mangudadatu for this partnership with the Department of Tourism,” she said. She continued, thanking the organization for making tourism a priority in their National Technical Education and Skills Development Plan. “This Memorandum of Agreement between TESDA and the DOT will further the development of our human capital in the Philippines, as well as empower individuals to contribute effectively to the recovery, resilience, innovation, and sustainability of the industry in the post-pandemic era,” she said. The activities under the collaboration, according to the director of tourism, would also promote the administration’s goal of turning tourism into “a pivotal and reliable economic pillar for the Philippines fostering prosperity and enriching the lives of millions of Filipinos.” “But we will not stop at training alone; after training the workers under this partnership, we will ensure that they are employable by capitalizing as well on our existing partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE),” she insisted. The collaboration with the DOLE to organize the Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso: The 1st Philippine Tourism Job Fairs, which had provided more than 21,000 employment possibilities to tourism professionals, was one of Frasco’s first initiatives as director of tourism. Director General Mangudadatu commended the DOT for working with TESDA on his behalf. “I want to express my gratitude to Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco for joining us at this historic occasion. Another significant step in the growth and improvement of our tourism education will be marked by the signature of this Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Tourism, he said. “Through this relationship, we will develop a top-notch tourist workforce and industry-competitive human resources. I am committing this relationship to the out-of-school youngsters, displaced tourists, and college graduates of the tourism program who will benefit from it, he continued. The implementation of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreement for Tourism Professionals and the revision and upgrading of training requirements for industry personnel are two other collaborations between the DOT and the TESDA. Source- Travel dailyLink- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/dot-tesda-ink-deal-to-expand-tourism-education-reinforce-tourism-training-opportunities/

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Albatros Expeditions offers the best cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic.

Albatros Expeditions offers the best cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic.

Albatros Expeditions is the top option for discriminating travelers looking for an unmatched journey when it comes to discovering the pristine beauty of the arctic regions. The cruise line offers an incredible choice of cruise offerings, laying the groundwork for remarkable adventures into the wonderlands of the Arctic and Antarctic. The cruise line has a decades-long history of competence and experience. Let’s take a closer look at the newest additions to Albatros Expeditions’ fleet, Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros, as we explore what makes the company the best polar trip provider. Albatros Expeditions proudly introduces Ocean Victory, launched in 2021, and Ocean Albatros, launched in June 2023, as additions to their previous legacy fleet. Modern technology aboard these cutting-edge vessels ensures the highest levels of safety, comfort, and environmental sustainability. These ships redefine what it means to explore the arctic regions in comfort, from roomy staterooms to opulent facilities. Since 1995, sailing the sustainable course Sustainability is not just a fad at Albatros Expeditions; it is a core concept ingrained in the company’s character. They were honored with the European Travel Award for sustainable travel in 1995 as a result of their commitment to protecting the arctic areas’ delicate ecosystems. Instead of being satisfied with recognition alone, Albatros Expeditions actively supports a number of nonprofit organizations that promote polar conservation, making sure that their expeditions have a positive impact on the areas they visit. The cruise line’s clean ship certification, which has one of the lowest emission ratios per passenger in the business, further demonstrates its environmental sensitivity. Their commitment to leaving these pristine environments in the same condition as they were found is demonstrated by their dedication to reducing their carbon footprint. Only fair-trade organic teas and coffees are served, there are no single-use plastics onboard, and totally recyclable parkas keep passengers toasty without compromising sustainability. Albatros Expeditions recognizes the importance of embracing the minimalist style, sustainability, and craftsmanship that Scandinavian products are recognized for when creating an authentic experience with Nordic history. This concept is reflected in their onboard experiences, where each element has been carefully chosen to capture the spirit of the Nordic way of life. Every area of their ships is infused with the “hygge” spirit, which is known for comfort and contentment. This setting fosters a genuine connection between travelers and the tranquil polar surroundings. Starting an exploring journey A group of enthusiastic explorers who share a profound affection for the arctic areas are the driving force behind Albatros Expeditions’ success. Sren Rasmussen, their owner and chairman, is an exceptional expedition leader as well as a biologist, lecturer, and author who is knowledgeable about evolution, conservation, and anthropology. Every aspect of the cruise line benefits from this knowledge, making each voyage a rich mix of learning, exploration, and adventure. Creating enduring memories Any arctic expedition’s lasting impact is determined by the memories it leaves behind. With an exceptional Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 87 and a Trustpilot score of 4.5, Albatros Expeditions routinely achieves high rankings in this area. These ratings represent the numerous tourists whose lives were irrevocably altered by the immersive experiences provided by Albatros Expeditions, and they are more than just statistics. Each experience becomes a treasured memory that lasts a lifetime, from seeing stunning icebergs to coming across wildlife in its natural habitat. Cheap luxury: when price and quality converge Albatros Expeditions dispels the myth that polar expeditions are prohibitively expensive. Their affordable pricing demonstrates their dedication to providing incomparable value and opens up these extraordinary adventures to a larger audience. However, affordability does not mean giving up on luxury. Every passenger receives a premium service from the cruise line that redefines accessible luxury, making sure they are all comfortable and have an amazing time. Albatros Expeditions has repeatedly demonstrated that it is the best option for individuals looking for Arctic and Antarctic excursions. They stand out in the field thanks to their history of sustainability and dedication to designing real, life-changing experiences. Albatros Expeditions continues to pioneer the way for polar research with a group of enthusiastic explorers at the helm and the magnificent new ships Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros. Albatros Expeditions guarantees a trip that will indelible leave its stamp on your soul, regardless of whether you are an experienced traveler or setting out on your first polar expedition. Source- Travel daily

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Top suggestions for a family camping trip without screens

Top suggestions for a family camping trip without screens

With family, friends, or as a lone adventurer, summer is the ideal season to explore nature. An outdoor digital detox is the ideal way to cap off the summer. Research has shown that a seven-day break from social media apps enhanced mental health, and it’s obvious that people are looking for new methods to put down their devices as more than 76 million videos on TikTok have the hashtag #digitaldetox. It might be challenging to turn off our smartphones between work, school, and digital downtime. Thankfully, many of us will have more opportunity to disconnect and decompress with a tranquil vacation in nature now that summer has here. The RSPB Shop has put together this helpful wild weekends guide, which includes where to go, what to bring, and the best outdoor activities, to help you organize a peaceful holiday and put the screens away. 3 Practical Tips for Locating Family-Friendly Camping and Hiking Locations You may escape from it all without traveling abroad. Beautiful, family-friendly camping areas abound in the UK, making it the perfect place to spend a staycation. There is a location for everyone, whether they choose to hike along the amazing trails of the Lake District or unwind on a picturesque campground in Wales with a view of the shore. To help you plan your trip and identify the best family-friendly locations, consider these top tips: 1) Seek out trails with easy terrain and fascinating landmarks: When going on a hike with your family, choose routes that are easy to moderately difficult so that you can comfortably finish them in a few hours. Keep an eye out for regions with interesting landmarks because doing so will add to the family’s enjoyment and keep the kids from getting bored or restless. 2) Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities: If you’re attempting to reduce screen time while traveling, make sure the campground you choose provides a variety of amenities. You may get your family to spend time together without using their phones by using the game room, swimming pool, or other on-site activities like kayaking. 3) Immerse yourself somewhere utterly new: Camping somewhere you’ve never been before is the ideal way to enjoy a screen-free trip. You’ll be too busy spending quality time with your loved ones to be concerned about your phone because there are so many interesting local places to see and enjoyable things to do, including birding where you can see birds that you don’t typically see at home. According to an RSPB representative, spending time in nature away from screens is a fantastic way to rekindle relationships with your loved ones: “It might be difficult to switch off, especially now that screens play such a significant role in our lives, but getting back to the fundamentals and taking your time in nature are both good for the mind. Digital detox allows one to focus on in-person social connections without interruptions. The ease of camping and being outdoors is a terrific way to spend time with friends and family and offers the space to re-connect with yourself, nature, and your loved ones. Where to go for a weekend without screens in nature Prime locations for camping and trekking in the UK include: The South West is one of the most popular areas for UK vacations, thanks to the spectacular Jurassic Coast that stretches across Dorset and Devon and the coastal walks in Cornwall. Trails like the one from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door provide breathtaking vistas until you arrive at a magnificent beach that’s ideal for a quick lunch and some downtime.The Lake District is a national park in Cumbria that offers countless, stunning hiking trails across its distinctive U-shaped valleys and jagged hills. Haweswater is a fantastic place to see a variety of birds, including raptors. Here, campgrounds offer a breathtaking backdrop of mountains and lakes that make for the ideal morning views.Scotland is a hiker’s heaven because of its countless glens and several lochs. Families can also take pleasure in viewing famous structures and places like Glencoe’s Hagrid’s Hut or the numerous fairy pools on the Isle of Skye.Wales: Wales is home to numerous hiking paths and outdoor pursuits. Hike waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons or climb Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in Southern Britain. Why not, instead, set up tent close to the beach? A fun family weekend by the sea is ideal in Tenby.essentials you should bring The key to organizing a fantastic camping vacation is planning, since the last thing you want to do is show up without the necessities! Who knows what sort of misadventures you might have? If you prepare for every scenario, even the weather, your trip will go smoothly. Following are the RSPB’s top suggestions for packing: While camping: It’s always important to have a sturdy tent that can endure any weather. A pop-up tent may be advantageous if you are traveling with kids because it will take less time to set it up.There are many different sizes and densities of sleeping bags. Look at sleeping bags that are appropriate for the kind of weather you will probably experience where you will be staying.If your campsite allows them, camping chairs are excellent for lounging around your tent or spending the evening around the campfire. Select lightweight, folding chairs that are simple to pack away and transport on day trips.For transporting your camping supplies and bringing your needs on walks, a sizable backpack is a must. In order to readily access your water bottle, map, and other belongings without having to dig through the main compartment, go for a design with lots of pockets.For morning coffee, afternoon tea, or nighttime hot chocolate, you’ll need a campfire and mugs. To reduce how much you bring, stainless steel cups work great for keeping drinks hot and cold.While hiking: a water-resistant jacket to keep you dry when sightseeing and trekking. To stay dry and comfortable when hiking, you’ll need a lightweight, water-resistant outfit.For prolonged outdoor activities, use a sun

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