http://www.medindia.net/healthnews/MedicalTourism_road.asp Medindia largest health website in india. en-us Copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:32:54 GMT http://www.medindia.net/news/croatia-hopes-julys-eu-entry-will-boost-tourism-120607-1.htm Croatia's azure Adriatic coastline dotted with over a thousand verdant islands has already won the nation a spot on the world tourist map and hopes are high that July's EU entry will boost the sector. And will provide a much needed shot in the arm to the struggling economy. "EU entry will certainly improve Croatia's image as a tourist destination and might even bring an investment surge," said Goran Hrnic, chief executive of the Gulliver Travel agency, a member of TUI Travel, Europe's largest tour operator....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/croatia-hopes-julys-eu-entry-will-boost-tourism-120607-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/tiber-river-in-rome-judged-too-dirty-for-tourist-cruises-118777-1.htm Along Rome's Tiber River, tourist cruises have been suspended indefinitely for the first time since they began a decade ago because the waterway is judged too dirty. "Tourists and Rome residents were expecting navigation for the year to resume at Easter. But we didn't open out of respect for them," said Mauro Pica Villa from "Rome Boats", the company in charge of all cruises on the river. "We're ashamed of the Tiber's state of abandonment," he told AFP on Thursday. The river's tall stone ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/tiber-river-in-rome-judged-too-dirty-for-tourist-cruises-118777-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/tourist-influx-greets-iceland-118266-1.htm A wooden bridge covers a crack in the paved road leading to the site where the world's oldest parliament was founded in 930 in Iceland's Thingvellir national park. But the bridge is considerably younger, only dating back to last summer. It was built after a few hundred metres (yards) of tarmac road almost collapsed, buckling under a steadily growing stream of visitors. A hole in the ground revealed that the road was merely built on layers of sand that could have collapsed at any moment....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/tourist-influx-greets-iceland-118266-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/tourism-gets-a-boost-in-south-africa-117960-1.htm A surge of 9.2 million tourists visited South Africa last year, says president Jacob Zuma. The number of tourists travelling to South Africa grew by more than 10 percent, despite the global economic crisis. "This phenomenal tourism growth is evidence that we are successfully setting ourselves apart in a competitive marketplace," Zuma said. Britons continued to come to South Africa in droves and were the most frequent visitors, followed by the Americans and Germans. But aggressive ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/tourism-gets-a-boost-in-south-africa-117960-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/un-tourism-body-chinese-travellers-are-top-spenders-117051-1.htm The UN World Tourism Organisation said that Chinese travellers are the world's biggest tourism spenders, splashing out a record (Dollor) 102 billion (78 billion euros) on trips abroad in 2012. The number of Chinese travellers to foreign countries jumped from 10 million in 2000 to 83 million in 2012, the Madrid-based body said in a statement, attributing the spike to China's rising disposable incomes and an easing of travel restrictions. "Expenditure by Chinese tourists abroad has also increased almost eightfold since 2000....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/un-tourism-body-chinese-travellers-are-top-spenders-117051-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/world-tourism-number-crosses-1-billion-mark-un-113776-1.htm ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/world-tourism-number-crosses-1-billion-mark-un-113776-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/land-of-pi-campaign-to-promote-indian-tourist-destinations-abroad-112812-1.htm Indian tourism minister K Chiranjeevi is hoping to take advantage of cinema to generate interest in various tourist destinations in the country and revealed that a new campaign, known as "Land of Pi", will be launched in the overseas markets. Announcing several initiatives for promoting "film tourism" through films shot in India, Chiranjeevi said a "Land of Pi" campaign would be launched soon across all media, including print, online, electronic and outdoor, to promote Puducherry and Munnar as tourist destinations....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/land-of-pi-campaign-to-promote-indian-tourist-destinations-abroad-112812-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/multi-lingual-helpline-for-tourists-to-be-set-up-by-tourism-ministry-112347-1.htm The setting-up of a multi-lingual helpline to provide general information and assistance to tourists was met with approval by the Union Tourism Minister K. Chiranjeevi. To begin with, the helpline will be in the languages of the important source countries besides Hindi and English. Chiranjeevi has directed that the toll free helpline should be accessible from everywhere in India and should start functioning in the new calendar year. The primary objective of the proposed helpline would ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/multi-lingual-helpline-for-tourists-to-be-set-up-by-tourism-ministry-112347-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/paris-worlds-most-popular-tourist-destination-111260-1.htm Once again Paris has been named as the world's most popular destinations, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. The top five destinations in the world are Paris, London, New York, Mediterranean resort Antalya, Turkey, and Singapore, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation said. While the United States and France remain the two largest destinations for world travel, experts said that much of the explosive growth in tourism has been to countries such as Guatemala, the ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/paris-worlds-most-popular-tourist-destination-111260-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/life-of-pi-gets-two-national-tourism-awards-111201-1.htm Hollywood film 'Life of Pi' has received two national awards for promoting India as a tourism destination, especially Puducherry and Munnar (Kerala). Union Tourism Minister Chiranjeevi, who made this announcement here today, said the National Tourism Awards would be given to Ang Lee, Director of the film 'Life of Pi' and Yann Martel, writer of the book of the same name. He expressed the hope that this will go a long way in encouraging more and more Film producers from abroad to shoot their films in India....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/life-of-pi-gets-two-national-tourism-awards-111201-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/indian-tourist-officials-warns-playboy-club-109487-1.htm In Goa, Indian tourist officials warned that if there was any evidence of "obscenity, vulgarity or nudity" then they will shut down a Playboy club set to open next month. Playboy's local franchisee PB Lifestyle has announced plans for more than 100 outlets in India, starting with a beachside club in the holiday state, but their "bunny" waitresses will sport a new look to suit conservative Indian values. "They may brand the club as Playboy but if they indulge in obscenity, vulgarity or nudity, ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/indian-tourist-officials-warns-playboy-club-109487-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/conference-on-medical-tourism-to-be-hosted-by-hyderabad-108994-1.htm Eight countries will take part in the Indian medical tourism conference here next month. The countries include the US and Britain. Indian Medical Tourism Conference and Alliance 2012 (IMTCA 2012), an international conference dedicated to promoting medical tourism in India, will be held Nov 2-3. i-Transition Worldwide (I) Pvt. Limited and ONE HealthCare Worldwide, US are organizing the conference, which will see countries like US, Britain, France, Turkey, Thailand, Philippines, Dubai and Fiji participating....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/conference-on-medical-tourism-to-be-hosted-by-hyderabad-108994-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/japan-confident-medical-tourism-will-not-be-hit-by-current-japan-china-row-108969-1.htm Though relations between Tokyo and Beijing appear in urgent need of major surgery, officials in the far north of Japan are hoping the budding industry of medical tourism can thrive despite the political row. They are quietly confident that a spat over disputed islands will not seriously impact the growing number of relatively wealthy Chinese visiting Japan for its high quality treatment, therefore keeping the lifeblood pumping in an industry that analysts say could one day be worth (Dollor) 7.0 billion a year....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/japan-confident-medical-tourism-will-not-be-hit-by-current-japan-china-row-108969-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/moroccos-tourism-suffers-a-setback-107396-1.htm Marrakesh has developed over the years as a chic tourist destination drawing in the world's rich and famous with its labyrinthine souks, palm-fringed palaces and Islamic heritage. But 18 months after a terrorist attack struck at the heart of Morocco's ochre city, the number of visitors continues to fall. Down a narrow alleyway in a hidden corner of the medina, Riad Karmela is one of many exquisitely restored houses in the old city whose leafy courtyards, dripping pools and roof terraces ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/moroccos-tourism-suffers-a-setback-107396-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/malaysia-has-been-declared-a-top-tourist-spot-for-muslims-106217-1.htm Malaysia has been declared a top tourist spot for Muslims, according to an independent study. The study came to the conclusion based on the number of trips by Muslims, and declared that the top destinations for Muslim tourists are Malaysia, Turkey and UAE. According to The Star, the next six destinations are Singapore, Russia, China, France, Thailand, and Italy, the Global Muslim Lifestyle Travel Market: Landscape and Consumer Needs Study survey conducted by United States-based marketing research firm DinarStandard said....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/malaysia-has-been-declared-a-top-tourist-spot-for-muslims-106217-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/ayurveda-tourism-in-kerala-to-be-taken-to-the-next-level-106048-1.htm Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine and well-being. Kerala has now set its eyes on pushing tourism centred around ayurveda to the next level by promoting its curative and cosmetic properties. "Beaches, backwaters, hills and ayurveda are the four pillars of tourism in Kerala. We realise there is still a large potential within ayurveda to attract people to our state," says state Tourism Secretary Suman Billa. "So far, when it came to ayurveda, we mainly focused on well-being....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/ayurveda-tourism-in-kerala-to-be-taken-to-the-next-level-106048-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/london-olympics-gives-boost-to-tourism-and-retailing-105344-1.htm It has been revealed that the London Olympics has given a boost to retailing and tourism in the country. London Mayor Boris Johnson welcomed the figures showing that tourism and shopping places have seen an increase in number of visitors during the Games. "This jaw-dropping weekend of outstanding sporting success for Team GB has seen many hundreds of thousands of people travelling to 2012 venues and crowds several deep lining the streets to cheer on Triathlon and Marathon competitors," the Daily Express quoted Johnson, as saying....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/london-olympics-gives-boost-to-tourism-and-retailing-105344-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/next-top-tourist-spot-might-be-libya-104960-1.htm A Libyan tourist organization believes the country has what it takes to be the next top tourist spot, despite enduring more than 40 years of bloody terror and dictatorship. With more than 2000 km of palm-fringed coastline and an historic quarter in Tripoli, the Libyan Society for the Activation of Tourism has said the country has a lot to offer to adventurers, reports News.com.au. Adel Belhaj of the Libyan Society for the Activation of Tourism said Libya is filled with ancient ruins, which makes it a "paradise" for history buffs....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/next-top-tourist-spot-might-be-libya-104960-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/muslim-tourism-business-expected-to-grow-by-50-percent-by-2020-104846-1.htm With spending by Muslim tourists expected to grow by more than 50 percent to (Dollor) 192 billion by the end of this decade, facilities, such as halal spas and prayer room, catering to solely to such tourists are springing up in major tourist spots around the world. Their growing number and affluence means Muslims -- especially from the oil-rich Middle East -- are travelling like never before, and it is a trend that looks set to gather pace. Spending by Muslim tourists is growing faster than the ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/muslim-tourism-business-expected-to-grow-by-50-percent-by-2020-104846-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/tourism-officials-reassure-travellers-about-egypts-reputation-as-a-holiday-destination-102222-1.htm Egyptian tourism authorities have begun infusing confidence among travellers about the future of the country as a holiday destination. Extremists within the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), which possesses a parliamentary majority and has strong links to the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood, have demanded a ban on the sale of alcohol across the country, while calls have also been made for Egypt's beaches to be segregated by sex and for revealing swimwear to be outlawed. Last week Mohamed Morsi ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/tourism-officials-reassure-travellers-about-egypts-reputation-as-a-holiday-destination-102222-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/special-tourism-zones-get-major-backing-from-goas-music-lovers-101249-1.htm The state government's decision to lobby for special tourism zones (STZ) to allow enthusiasts to party till the wee hours has received backing from musicians and music aficionados in Goa. According to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, his office was lobbying with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to create these STZs in non-populated areas where central sound pollution norms, which ban loud music beyond 10.30 p.m., could be bypassed. 'I honestly think it is a good move. Goa has been losing quality ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/special-tourism-zones-get-major-backing-from-goas-music-lovers-101249-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/medical-tourism-soaring-high-101131-1.htm The rewarding market in medical tourism is on the rise; right from liposuction in Athens to an eye operation in Dubaitempting more and more countries look for ways to profit from foreign patient care. "Everyone wants their share of the pie," Sanjiv Malik, director of DM Healthcare, a Dubai-based network of hospitals, said at a recent conference on medical tourism attended by more than 300 professionals here. The "pie" is getting bigger. Nearly three million patients go abroad for medical treatment every year....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/medical-tourism-soaring-high-101131-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/World-Tourist-Intensify-Even-With-Crisis-UN-96279-1.htm Global tourist figures inflated in 2011 regardless of the economic crisis, the Arab spring and Japanese disasters, and will hit one billion in 2012, a UN body said on Monday. The number of international tourist arrivals grew by 4.4 percent to 980 million in 2011, up from 940 million in 2010, the Madrid-based United Nations World Tourism Organization said in an annual survey. But while the number of visitors to Europe surged as civil conflicts drove many tourists away from sunspots in the ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/World-Tourist-Intensify-Even-With-Crisis-UN-96279-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Philippines-Tourism-Caught-in-Copycat-Ad-Row-Second-Time-95818-1.htm Philippine tourism suffered a setback Friday over claims of its new slogan copied an old Swiss one. This is the second time in a row after having already ditched an earlier campaign that allegedly plagiarized Poland's. Hours after the government rolled out its "It's more Fun in the Philippines" campaign, Internet pundits pointed to a 1951 Swiss National Tourist Office ad which proclaimed "It's more fun in Switzerland!" Dennis Gorecho, who described himself as a Manila lawyer, criticized ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Philippines-Tourism-Caught-in-Copycat-Ad-Row-Second-Time-95818-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Agent-Says-N-Korea-Tourism-to-Reopen-After-Kim-Death-95550-1.htm A tour organizer has said that North Korea will reopen to tourists on January 10, less than a month after strongman Kim Jong-Il died. Kim died on December 17 from a heart attack at the age of 69, prompting a 13-day mourning period in the communist country that culminated Thursday in a huge memorial service for the late leader. "We have just been informed by our Korean partners that the DPRK (North Korea) will open to tourists from January 10th," Koryo Group, a Beijing-based travel agency ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Agent-Says-N-Korea-Tourism-to-Reopen-After-Kim-Death-95550-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Tourist-Ban-in-Dutch-Cannabis-Cafes-to-Start-in-May-94954-1.htm The Dutch justice ministry has confirmed that new legislation to ban non-Dutch residents from cannabis-selling coffee shops in southern Netherlands should be enforced no later than May 1 next year. "The law will be amended on January 1, but there will be a kind of grace period until May 1," ministry spokeswoman Charlotte Menten told AFP. The centre-right government of Prime Minister Mark Rutte has since September 2010 been weighing a "cannabis card", reserved for residents only and obligatory ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Tourist-Ban-in-Dutch-Cannabis-Cafes-to-Start-in-May-94954-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Tourism-in-Japan-Affected-by-Atomic-Fears-91442-1.htm Fears of radiation have caused a dip in tourism in Japan. But despite an appearance of normality, business is far from booming in Matsushima, where serene pine-covered islands have attacted generations of tourists to an area classed as one of Japan's three most beautiful spots. The guesthouses and hotels -- in a district the Michelin Blue guide gives its maximum three stars -- owe most of their business to workers helping to rebuild coastal communities shattered by the March 11 tsunami. ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Tourism-in-Japan-Affected-by-Atomic-Fears-91442-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Record-Year-for-Paris-Tourism-89792-1.htm The City of Light has reported a record number of visitors this year. The number of tourists rose 3.5 percent in the first half of the year to a record 7.6 million, according to Paris tourism office director Paul Roll. The hotel occupancy rate rose to 78.3 percent to its best reading in a decade, with the average cost of rooms rising 7.8 percent to 158.40 euros ( (Dollor) 228.56). Revenue per room, a key indicator of the profitability of the sector, rose 11.6 percent to 127.60 euros....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Record-Year-for-Paris-Tourism-89792-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Quality-and-Affordable-Treatment-Making-Kolkata-a-Medical-Tourism-Hotspot-88489-1.htm West Bengal's Kolkata city emerged as a favourite destination for medical tourism, owing to the world class facilities provided to the foreign patients at an extremely affordable price. In the past few years, significant surge was witnessed in the number of foreign patients who arrive in the city to get treated at various hospitals. A few of the renowned hospitals in the city saw a rise in the number of patients coming from abroad. Rupali Basu, who is the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Quality-and-Affordable-Treatment-Making-Kolkata-a-Medical-Tourism-Hotspot-88489-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Tunisian-Tourism-Woes-Reflected-By-Empty-Hotels-and-Silent-Beaches-87586-1.htm The Tunisian seaside resort of Yasmine Hammamet with its fine beach, warm blue sea and welcoming hotels is like a picture postcard in early summer -- but with nobody in it. Europeans, Algerians and Libyans have all deserted the town in the northwest of Tunisia, which is undergoing the worst tourist season in history, like most of the other seaside towns in the north African country since the January revolution that ousted the despot Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali. "It's worse than catastrophic," ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Tunisian-Tourism-Woes-Reflected-By-Empty-Hotels-and-Silent-Beaches-87586-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Bikini-Clad-Women-to-Promote-Goa-Tourism-87555-1.htm An official has confirmed that the Indian resort state of Goa is to return to using bikini-clad women to promote tourism, following a self-imposed ban on using scantily-clad models for publicity. Tourism director Swapnil Naik said a nine-week television ad campaign featuring a Miss India finalist, an Indian actress and a former Miss Russia would be launched in 140 countries in Europe, Africa and Asia next Monday. The two models are shown in the 30-second commercial in the two-piece swimwear ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Bikini-Clad-Women-to-Promote-Goa-Tourism-87555-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Piedmont-in-Italy-Seeks-Foodies-to-Boost-Tourism-86972-1.htm The Piedmont region in northwest Italy is bidding to become a new destination for food and wine lovers even though it was long mocked for its poor weather and relatively obscure for many foreign tourists. With Tuscan cities like Florence and Pisa regularly overrun by the summer hordes, tourism officials in Piedmont say their region has been spared and is a better fit for higher-spending foreigners who want some peace and quiet. "Bed and breakfasts, charming hotels and farmhouses -- that's ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Piedmont-in-Italy-Seeks-Foodies-to-Boost-Tourism-86972-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Asian-Tourism-Festival-in-Singapore-85342-1.htm Organizers have confirmed that Singapore will host a major travel and tourism festival in October to showcase business opportunities in a surging Asian market. Called TravelRave 2011, the event will string together a cluster of related events, from October 17 to 23, they said on Thursday. They included an ITB Asia travel fair, a retreat for policymakers and industry leaders hosted by the UN World Tourism Organization, a conference on hotel and tourism investment, and an annual meeting of Asian convention and travel bureaus....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Asian-Tourism-Festival-in-Singapore-85342-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Despite-Drug-Violence-Tourism-is-Booming-in-Mexico-85229-1.htm There is little sign the millions of foreign tourists who visit Mexico each year are losing much sleep over the gruesome headlines from Mexico's drug war. Not only has international tourism not suffered in Mexico because of the violence, the number of travelers was up 12.4 percent in the first quarter of the year, Mexico's tourism minister said Wednesday. US, Canadian and European airlines are adding capacity to meet the demand, and Mexico is experiencing big jumps in tourism from places ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Despite-Drug-Violence-Tourism-is-Booming-in-Mexico-85229-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/SAfricas-Double-Pronged-Marketing-Scheme-Focuses-on-Tourism-and-Wines-84148-1.htm The busload of Swedes that sweep onto the 326-year-old South African wine farm clearly defines the country's new two-edged marketing scheme - theirs is one among the many wine tasting visits that marries vineyard tourism with bottom-line marketing. Sweden is now the third biggest buyer of wine from South Africa, one of the countries the industry is courting to counter a tough export climate. "At the moment it's somewhat stable but you have to fight for every piece of pie out there. The market ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/SAfricas-Double-Pronged-Marketing-Scheme-Focuses-on-Tourism-and-Wines-84148-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Japans-Tourism-Industry-Battered-by-Tsunami-82827-1.htm Until two weeks ago, the beach resort of Okumatsushima was a thriving stop on the Japanese tourist trail when a huge tsunami virtually wiped it from the map. On a summer day, thousands would visit the resort's pristine sands, many of them staying in the guest houses that dotted the shoreline on Japan's picturesque northeast coast. They came to gather shellfish or take boat tours of pine-covered islands and eat the oysters produced in the bay. But on March 11 the town's tourist industry ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Japans-Tourism-Industry-Battered-by-Tsunami-82827-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Thai-Tourist-Resort-in-A-Soup-Following-Seven-Deaths-82571-1.htm Thai tourist resort , Downtown Inn, is in the news lately for all the wrong reasons. With the death of the 59-year-old Canadian tourist, Bill Mah, the number of deaths in the resort has touched seven. People close to the tourists have begun to raise questions about the cause of death of seven tourists in this resort. The death of the senior British couple, George and Eileen Everitt, due to heart attack at the Downtown Inn is also intriguing. Mr. Mah was staying in Chiang Mai for two weeks....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Thai-Tourist-Resort-in-A-Soup-Following-Seven-Deaths-82571-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Schengen-for-SEAsia-Making-Tourism-Simpler-for-Tourists-82476-1.htm Travellers could soon be able surf in Bali, shop in Singapore and eat spicy street food in Thailand before crossing into Cambodia and cruising the Mekong in Vietnam -- all on a single tourist visa. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is working on a plan that would open the region to foreign tourists in the same way Europe's unified visa system has streamlined travel. "You would just have to apply for one visa and you could then visit all the countries using that visa," said ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Schengen-for-SEAsia-Making-Tourism-Simpler-for-Tourists-82476-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Why-a-Holiday-Here-Stinks-The-Worlds-Smelliest-Tourist-Locations-82094-1.htm A survey has revealed the world's smelliest holiday spots and they fall in Mexico, Italy, France, Country Durham, and New Zealand. The survey was conducted by travel website Skyscanner.com and it came up with the world's foulest-smelling locations, the Courier Mail reported. First on the list is Cancun in Mexico, which is known for its beaches and party atmosphere, and also its unpleasant odour, which comes from sewers close by hotels. Next, Venice in Italy has a reputation for being ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Why-a-Holiday-Here-Stinks-The-Worlds-Smelliest-Tourist-Locations-82094-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/The-Beer-is-Out-of-This-World-Oz-Firms-Develop-Drink-for-Space-Tourism-81762-1.htm Two companies in Australia have developed a beer that can be safely consumed in space. With space tourism preparing to take off as early as next year, Saber Astronautics Australia and the Four Pines Brewing Company came up with the thirst quenching beer. Jaron Mitchell, the founder of Four Pines, said the creation of space beer was an event for the history books. "Wherever humans have journeyed or conquest to throughout history in the last few thousand years, we first worry about water, food, shelter and clothing," News....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/The-Beer-is-Out-of-This-World-Oz-Firms-Develop-Drink-for-Space-Tourism-81762-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Egypt-Wooing-Tourist-Post-Political-Upheaval-80925-1.htm Hundreds of Egyptian tour guides gathered in the shadow of the Great Pyramids on Monday to plead with tourists to return to the Land of the Pharaohs following the fall of Hosni Mubarak's regime. The upheaval of recent weeks and media coverage of days of violent clashes have combined to scare off visitors and stifle Egypt's key tourism industry, threatening thousands of jobs. Inspired by the success of political protests in bringing down the regime, workers in several public and private sector ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Egypt-Wooing-Tourist-Post-Political-Upheaval-80925-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Disaster-Stricken-Indonesians-Live-Off-Volcano-Tourism-Dollars-80549-1.htm Javanese villagers who survived the violent eruptions of Mount Merapi volcano last year are tapping into the macabre market for disaster tourism to help rebuild their shattered lives. Suwarni lost her house and father-in-law when the volcano burst into life in October and November, killing more than 350 people in searing rivers of lava, ash and gas that swept across the surrounding countryside. Government assistance was scant and with little prospect of employment the 26-year-old mother ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Disaster-Stricken-Indonesians-Live-Off-Volcano-Tourism-Dollars-80549-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Dutch-Weed-Coffee-Shops-Has-Had-Enough-of-Tourist-Nuisance-80273-1.htm Learning to grow their own weed or finding a dealer: French and Belgian potheads are seeking alternatives to the famous Dutch coffee shop as The Hague plans to cut off drug tourists. Incensed by the "nuisance" caused by millions of people crossing its borders each year to visit one of 670 licensed coffee shops, the Netherlands plans to turn these cannabis-vending cafes into private clubs for card-carrying members -- Dutch residents only. "We are busy learning about growing cannabis at home," ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Dutch-Weed-Coffee-Shops-Has-Had-Enough-of-Tourist-Nuisance-80273-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/The-Pink-Dollar-Being-Eyed-by-Global-Tourist-Industry-79815-1.htm As more countries allow gay marriage, travel operators trying to shrug off hard times are waking up to the vast potential of gay and lesbian tourism, including the new and burgeoning market for same-sex weddings and honeymoons. But industry experts warn that any businesses eyeing the pink dollar, euro, pound or yen need to be welcoming to gays while also avoiding the cliches associated with the community if they want to be taken seriously. "The tourism industry is really opening its eyes ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/The-Pink-Dollar-Being-Eyed-by-Global-Tourist-Industry-79815-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Ground-breaking-New-Law-to-Make-Health-Tourism-Easier-for-European-Cross-border-Travellers-79659-1.htm A new law approved by parliament Wednesday will make it easy for European travellers short of prescription drugs, or on waiting-lists for surgery at home, as they will be reimbursed for care anywhere in the EU by late 2013. The ground-breaking European parliament law, adopted after years of talks, sets out patients' rights to medical care in any of the 27 member states, while spelling out rules for reimbursement and requirements for prior authorisation. "This is a big day for European health, ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Ground-breaking-New-Law-to-Make-Health-Tourism-Easier-for-European-Cross-border-Travellers-79659-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/World-Tourism-Shoots-Up-UN-79611-1.htm Global tourism bounced back from the financial crisis with unexpected vigor arising almost 7 percent last year, reported UN World Tourism Organization on Monday. "Boosted by improved economic conditions worldwide, international tourism has recovered faster than expected from the impacts of the global financial crisis and economic recession of late 2008 and 2009," it said in a statement. International tourist arrivals were up by 6.7 percent at 935 million compared to 2009, higher than the pre-crisis ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/World-Tourism-Shoots-Up-UN-79611-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Philippines-Plans-to-Introduce-Medical-Tourist-Visas-79584-1.htm In order to promote medical tourism, the Philippines plans to issue medical tourist visas for foreigners who wish to seek medical treatment or health enhancement procedures. The medical tourist visas, to be introduced this year, will allow foreigners to stay in the country for six months without having to apply for extensions as regular tourists are required to do, according to the Bureau of Immigration. "The visa will help the Philippines become competitive in the lucrative medical tourism ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Philippines-Plans-to-Introduce-Medical-Tourist-Visas-79584-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Celebrating-New-Year-on-the-Hills-Amid-Snow-is-the-Latest-Tourist-Craze-78805-1.htm The hilly resorts of Dharamshala and Nainital are overflowing with tourists who are flocking these hill stations to ring in the New Year amid chill and snow. Dharamsala is witnessing the arrival of a large number of tourists ahead of the New Year. Gurleen Kaur, a tourist from Punjab, said she hoped there would be good snowfall on New Year's Eve. "We have planned New Year celebrations here. We expect more snow so that we can have sort of winter landscape here, proper winter landscape to enjoy completely," said Kaur....]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Celebrating-New-Year-on-the-Hills-Amid-Snow-is-the-Latest-Tourist-Craze-78805-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Angola-Tourism-may-be-Boosted-by-Lure-of-Adventure-Fishing-78643-1.htm Adventure anglers fishing for the giant tarpon look set to put post-war Angola back on the visitors map. The powerful game fish, which can weigh more than 100 kilogrammes (220 pounds), is mainly found in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a prized catch among avid sport fishermen. The area around the mouth of the Kwanza river, which spills into the Atlantic, has been bracing for a flurry of activity since the fishing season got underway in November. Adventurers and fishing enthusiasts ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Angola-Tourism-may-be-Boosted-by-Lure-of-Adventure-Fishing-78643-1.htm http://www.medindia.net/news/Tourism-Chiefs-Pleas-to-Use-Potter-Link-Rejected-by-JK-Rowling-78641-1.htm It has always been clear that the place where JK Rowling grew up cast a lifelong spell on the Harry Potter author. Various landmarks of the Wye Valley have been mentioned in her books and key scenes in the film adaptations have been shot in the area, but when locals sought to exploit their association with the 45-year-old author and her characters to help draw more visitors to the area, they received abrupt refusal by her literary agents. Multi-millionaire Rowling had even named a quidditch ...]]> http://www.medindia.net/news/Tourism-Chiefs-Pleas-to-Use-Potter-Link-Rejected-by-JK-Rowling-78641-1.htm