Outlook Travel magazine - issue 02

ISSUE 02

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THE WORLD’S MOST ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS Chosen by travel experts

MYANMAR

Southeast Asia’s unexplored gem

GHANA

West Africa’s top destination

YOUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO

GUYANA Paschoe House, Devon, England, is a boutique property offering everything you need for that romantic break

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Limousine service in Hong Kong and cross-border transfer between Hong Kong International Airport to downtown or Guangzhou and Macau.

We provide Landside Meet & Assist service for your convenience up to your arranged transportation. Our concierge counter is located at the Buffer Hall after Custom Hall B.

WELCOME ISSUE 02

A LABOUR OF LOVE

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MYANMAR

THE WORLD’S MOST ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS

AC C O R D I N G TO T H E German writer Goethe, “we

Southeast Asia’s unexplored gem

GHANA

are shaped and fashioned by what we love”. So too

West Africa’s top destination

Chosen by travel experts

YOUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO

GUYANA

is this magazine. The second issue of Outlook Travel, released on Valentine’s Day, is all about romance.

Paschoe House, Devon, England, is a boutique property offering everything you need for that romantic break

In this issue we spoke to Flash Pack creators Lee

EDITORIAL

Thompson and Radha Vyas, who discussed the idea

Editor: Dani Redd dani.redd@outlookpublishing.com Editorial Director: Tom Wadlow tom.wadlow@outlookpublishing.com PRODUCTION Art Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com Senior Designer: Devon Collins devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com Junior Designer: Matt Loudwell matt.loudwell@outlookpublishing.com BUSINESS Managing Director: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Operations Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com TRAVEL GUIDES Director: Joe Palliser joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com Sales Manager: Jordan Levey jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com Sales Manager: Krisha Canlas krisha.canlas@outlookpublishing.com Sales Manager: Matt Cole-Wilkin matt.cole-wilkin@outlookpublishing.com ADMINISTRATION Finance Director: Suzanne Welsh suzanne.welsh@outlookpublishing.com Administrative Assistant: Sophia Curran sophia.curran@outlookpublishing.com Office Manager: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com CONTACT Outlook Travel magazine East Wing, Ground Floor, 69-75 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1UA, United Kingdom.

Sales: +44 (0) 1603 959 652 Editorial: +44 (0) 1603 959 657 SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 657 tom.wadlow@outlookpublishing.com www.outlooktravelmag.com

for their tour company on their very first date. And we also caught up with three resourceful couples who moved to France and purchased beautiful (but dilapidated) châteaux, which they have lovingly restored into luxury hotels. All of our interviewees insist that starting a business together really strengthens your relationship. But my husband and I can barely put up a shelf without arguing, let alone renovate an entire castle!

Stuck for inspiration about where to go on your next holiday? We interviewed travel experts – bloggers, PR executives and podcast hosts – about their top romantic destinations; the results may surprise you.

The issue also features in-depth guides to some fantastic destinations, accompanied by expert local insights from tourism boards. These include Dubrovnik, Mauritius and our cover story Guyana, a country pioneering eco-friendly, community-led tourism initiatives.

You’ll also see the return of our regular slots, including Tiffin Box, a column about Indian food, and our popular Behind the Lens feature – in this edition we are interviewing adventure photographer and journalist Yvonne Gordon about her work.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition. We certainly enjoyed putting it together. Remember that you can subscribe on our website to receive each issue of the magazine directly into your inbox. That way you won’t miss out on our next issue, which is all about sustainable travel.

Twitter: @outlooktravel1 Instagram: www.instagram.com/outlooktravelmagazine Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/showcase/outlook-travel-magazine Facebook: facebook.com/outlooktravelmag

Dani Redd Editor Outlook Travel

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 3

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Our Instagram feed showcases inspiring photographs of the destinations we cover, as well as featuring shots of our favourite hand-selected hotels.

Meanwhile, our Twitter feed keeps you up-to-date with the latest travel news and provides you with a dedicated network of travel professionals to connect with. You can also find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2020 | ISSUE 02

94

28

112

REGULARS 06 NEWS Around the world in seven stories…

10 BEHIND THE LENS An interview with photographer Yvonne Gordon

50 THE TIFFIN BOX A regular column about Indian Food

108 TRAVEL BUSINESS: FLASH PACK

T R AV E L G U I D E S AMERICAS

52 GUYANA South America’s undiscovered gem

74 ALGARVE Beyond the beaches

94 DUBROVNIK The pearl of the Adriaticx

ASIA

40 DA NANG Vietnam’s most up-and-coming city

152 MAURITIUS An Indian Ocean paradise

A business born from a first date

28 MYANMAR

164 INDUSTRY EVENTS

Southeast Asia’s unexplored gem

Our bi-monthly listing of some of the most important events and conferences in the travel industry

18 PHUKET

166 THE LAST STOP

AFRICA

A heart-shaped island in Croatia

EUROPE

Thailand’s most popular island

112 GHANA Otherworldly desert landscapes

124 NAMIBIA Otherworldly desert landscapes

140 TANGA

F E AT U R E S 104 SECRET PARIS The city’s hidden gems

08 MOST ROMATIC DESTINATIONS Chosen by travel experts

68 A LABOUR OF LOVE Château renovation in France

86 ROMANCE, FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD A peaceful break at Paschoe House, Devon

90 WEEKEND IN VERONA Beyond Romeo and Juliet

Tanzania’s best-kept secret

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 5

NEWS

Around the world in seven stories…

AV I AT I O N

ENVIRONMENT

PHOTO BY ALQHADERI ALIFFIANIKO - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0

INTREPID TRAVEL LAUNCHES MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION CARBON OFFSETTING SERVICE FOR TRAVELLERS

LARGE SCALE AIRPORT CONSTRUCTED AT YOGYAKARTA The first phase of construction is complete at the new Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), on the Indonesian island of Java. The first plane to land there was an A320 from Jakarta.

YIA will have the capacity for up to 20 million passengers to take off and land each year. With a current terminal area of 130,000 square metres, the airport is set to replace Adisutjipto Airport, which is struggling with capacity issues.

The new airport was constructed using Wirtgen slipform pavers by PT PP Presisi Tbk, Indonesia’s leading heavy equipment construction company.

“The airport is set to grow by another 65,000 square metres during the second phase of construction. The landing runway will also be extended by another 350 metres,” said Andek Prabowo, CEO of PT PP Presisi Tbk Group of PT PP (Persero) Tbk.

Sustainable tour operator Intrepid Travel has partnered with Offset Earth to offer a monthly subscription service helping travellers offset personal emissions via global climate initiatives.

“It turns the actions of individuals, independently and easily taking accountability for their own footprint, into a massive collective effort to mitigate the global community’s carbon output and enforce reduction strategies worldwide,” said Leigh Barnes, Chief Customer Officer for Intrepid Travel.

There are three tier levels of subscription for Offset Earth – the highest is ‘Mega’, for those who want to offset more carbon than they produce. Subscribers’ carbon emissions will be offset using Gold Standard credits, removing an estimated 22 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year.

H O S P I TA L I T Y

OPENING OF MONTENEGRO’S FIRST FIVE-STAR RESORT WITH SEA-FACING VILLAS Ānanti Resort, Residences and Beach Club, open for bookings from 15th July, is set to become one of the most prestigious postcodes in the Adriatic. It’s located near Rezevici, one of the least developed areas of Montenegro’s coastline – ideally placed for visits to Lake Skadar National Park and the Bay of Kotor.

This independently owned hotel will welcome guests to 14 Seaview

6 | Outlook Travel issue 02

Suites and eight luxury villas, each with a private pool. It also boasts the Wellness and Renewal Spa, a luxurious restaurant and a beach club for guests’ exclusive use.

Jelena Carbarkapa, Director of Sales & Marketing, Ānanti Resort, Residences & Beach Club, said: “Surrounded by untouched natural beauty and offering the ultimate in guest comfort, Ānanti is set to

offer couples, families and groups of friends an intimate retreat in a breathtaking coastal setting.”

AWA R D S

H O S P I TA L I T Y

MALDIVES RESORT NAMED ‘MOST ROMANTIC HOTEL IN THE WORLD’ FOR SEVENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

MAINLAND CHINA HOTEL MARKET FORECAST TO GROW STEADILY IN 2020

The boutique island resort of Baros, in the Maldives, has been awarded the title of “The World’s Most Romantic Resort” for the seventh year in a row at the annual World Travel Awards Grand Final 2019.

The World Travel Awards reward and celebrate excellent service across the global tourism industry and are recognised as a hallmark of excellence. Nominees are chosen by

The latest forecast from STR and Tourism Economics shows that Mainland China hotel markets in key locations are projected to have performance growth, despite China’s challenging macroeconomic environment.

Beijing has a forecasted increase of 3.7 percent increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) and a 1.8+ growth in average daily rate (ADR), while Guangzhou is forecast a RevPAR growth of 3.4 percent.

“China’s economy, and by extension its hospitality industry, remains strong even with concerns around the trade war with the U.S. and an overall global economic slowdown,” said Christine Liu, STR’s Regional Manager, North Asia.

voters from across the travel industry.

Baros is a retreat designed especially for couples, consisting of 75 individual villas, many with private pools, a spa, three gourmet restaurants, two bars and an infinity pool. The resort offers a ‘Romantic Moments’ package, consisting of a private candlelit beach dinner, a sunset cruise and a couple’s massage treatment.

TECHNOLOGY

TRAVEL APP OMIO LAUNCHES IN THE U.S. AND CANADA

ENVIRONMENT

TOURISM DECLARES A CLIMATE EMERGENCY A 12-month global campaign, Tourism Declares, has recently been launched by members of the tourism industry. They are urging travel businesses and individuals to sign on and declare a climate emergency.

Upon signing with Tourism Declares, organisations are committed to developing a ‘Climate Emergency Plan’, advocating for change and accepting the advice of the UN’s IPCC to cut global carbon emissions to 55 percent below 2017 levels by 2030.

67 companies and professionals have already signed on, including Headwater, Exodus Travels and the Adventure Travel Trade Association.

Europe’s leading multi-modal travel booking platform, Omio, recently announced its launch in the U.S and Canada. Consumers will be able to use Omio’s website or app to compare routes according to price, duration and many other variables.

In its first phase of roll-out, Omio is offering ticketing for over 23,000 bus, train and flight routes – partners include Amtrak, VIA Rail Canada and United Airlines. More routes and providers will be added throughout 2020.

“The U.S. and Canada are great markets for a product like Omio, which enables millions of people to compare prices across different transportation options and plan their travel easily with a single product.

We’re thrilled to have such a line-up of partners, routes and options bookable on Omio from day one,” said Naren Shaam, CEO and Founder of Omio.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 7

THE WORLD’S MOST

ROMANTIC D E S T I N AT I O N S From the rugged Mediterranean Island of Gozo to the historic Belgian town of Mechelen, experts in the industry tell us their favourite spots for a romantic break “Lisbon makes a great destination for couples who are looking for an affordable getaway. It was the first destination I visited with my boyfriend and it was incredible. The cost of travel, eating out and exploring was very low and you’ve got the beach and city right at your doorstep. I visited this delightful location in March last year during St Patrick’s weekend and it made the perfect getaway.

Apart from Portugal and other European destinations, research has revealed that millennials are saving up their cash and investing in bigger trips to experience together for a longer period. Since 2017 the amount of package holidays being booked has increased by the year as Brits are looking for simpler ways to book their adventure getaways, through organisations such as Club Med.” LISBON

- Johanna Threlfall, freelance journalist and PR executive

8 | Outlook Travel issue 02

ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS FEATURE

“Mechelen in Belgium.

Gorgeous architecture, snug, candle-lit restaurants and all the chocolate a girl could dream of!”

MECHELEN

- Pip Jones, UK-based travel writer, podcaster and blogger at Pip and the City

It’s hard to imagine a more romantic place than Grand Hotel Kronenhof, a neo-Baroque property with heritage listing tucked away in a pretty, heavily-forested valley in the Swiss Engadine region. In February it’s particularly picturesque - the snow-covered landscape provides the perfect winter wonderland backdrop for Valentine’s Day. The frosty icing on this cake, in my eyes, is a horse-drawn sleigh ride through Val Roseg, while tucked up under fur blankets and with a mug of Gluhwein in hand. Heavenly!”

SWITZERLAND

- Sue Heady, Heady Communications

THE LAKE DISTRICT

“The Lake District is one of the top destinations for a romantic getaway in the UK. I have spent some lovely time in the Lake District with my husband and loved the dreamy scenery and the beautiful villages.

Couples can enjoy lakeside walks, visit picture-perfect villages, enjoy a waterfront picnic, take a rowing boat out onto the lakes, enjoy a romantic cruise or simply warm up in a cosy pub.”

- Deeptha Doshi, travel blogger at The Globe Trotter

FA N J OV E I S L A N D

“I would have to answer Fanjove Island. This tiny island in the Songo Songo archipelago is situated just off the coast of Southern Tanzania. There is something completely unique and special about this island; it could be the soft white sand, the crystal-clear waters, the incredible marine

environment or the fact that you can circumnavigate it in under an hour.

But it’s the complete seclusion you feel on an island with just six bandas (huts) that makes Fanjove feel so romantic, remote and completely different to anywhere else. Paddling in the warm waters without a person in sight, watching dolphins play with just a few dhows bobbing along the horizon or sipping on a sundowner atop the 19th century lighthouse.

Fanjove is the most perfect secluded break, away from the madness and noise of everyday life.”

Mechelen

- Lizzie Jones, Turquoise Holidays

“I loved Ronda, Spain. The atmosphere was amazing. It was a small town with views that take your breath away. My husband and I stayed at Hotel Montelirio and had dinner on the patio at their restaurant one evening at sunset. The patio overlooked El Tajo Gorge and it felt like we were sitting on the edge of the world.

Although there are a lot of tourists there during the day, they’re usually only there visiting on a day trip and clear out by evening.”

RONDA

Switzerland

Fanjove Island

- Clarice, travel blogger at The Clever West Wind

“Remote = romantic in my book and even popular tourist haunts can deliver this out of season. NZ offers so many – Magic Cottage near Keri Keri is a fave, the bays around the South Island’s glaciers, hazy days amongst the tussocks of Central Otago.

Another favourite is Gozo, still so little-known compared to Malta.

There are tricky to access beaches like San Blas, with its roaring red sand, middle of nowhere restaurants and empty inlets and coves begging to explored. It’s also a perfect spot for clear water snorkelling.”

GOZO

- Kate Stinchcombe, communications consultant at Coconut PR

Ronda

Gozo

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 9

BEHIND THE LENS 10 | Outlook Travel issue 02

An interview with Yvonne Gordon, an adventure travel writer and photographer who has tried everything from desert trekking to igloo-building Writer: Dani Redd Photography: Yvonne Gordon

BEHIND THE LENS INTERVIEW

Drift ice walking, Sea of Okhotsk, Shiretoko Peninsula

Y

vonne Gordon is an award-winning travel writer and photographer based in Ireland.

She regularly travels the world on assignments for publications such as The Irish Independent, The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, The Washington Post and AFAR.com.

Yvonne specialises in adventure travel and has been on trips the rest

of us can only dream of. She’s gone packrafting in Italy, explored an ice cave in Alaska, tried drift ice walking in Japan and winter snorkelling in Iceland’s Silfra fissure. She’s recently returned from an assignment building and sleeping in an igloo in the High Tatras mountains in Slovakia.

She has also trekked in India’s Thar desert, camped in a remote

Sami settlement in Swedish Lapland, stayed in a lighthouse on a rock in the Adriatic Sea and sailed to remote archipelagos in Norway and in Burma, where she met sea gypsies.

When not abroad, she likes to travel in Ireland, gathering stories and photos about her home country.

She was recently awarded Adventure Travel Journalist of the Year for Outlook Travel issue 02 | 11

BEHIND THE LENS INTERVIEW

Fans arranged in a Spanish plaza

2019. Her travel photos regularly accompany her features and have been published everywhere from The Sunday Times and The Boston Globe to airline inflight magazines. We got in touch with Yvonne to find out more about her photography practice.

more of my photography in my work again and more publications are commissioning my photos.

With travel photography, it’s amazing to be able to tell stories with photos as well as words, and it’s fun to explore somewhere new with a camera too and see what you can capture.

Outlook Travel (OT): What first attracted you to photography?

Yvonne Gordon (YG): I’ve always loved photography – the challenge and rewards of capturing beautiful places and moments. I also love the creativity of it and how every photographer records the same scene differently.

I got my first SLR camera as a 12 | Outlook Travel issue 02

teenager and photography has nearly always been a part of my work in some way – in a previous job, my photos were used in everything from brochures to billboards.

For a while I was only focussing on writing, but I have started to include

OT: Travel photography is a saturated market. How do you ensure your photos stand out from the crowd?

YG: Most of my focus is on telling stories about people and places that have not already been told. There is a lot of saturation in travel writing too, so I tend to go to places that are not

well known rather than produce more photos and stories about well-known places. Or if I do go to a familiar place, I will look for something unusual there and a new way of telling a story of the place. For example, I explored Tuscany by water and adventure sports, through its rivers, lakes and coastline rather than by road. That turned into a few different stories including an eight-page feature with my photos in Discovery, the Cathay Pacific inflight magazine.

OT: What’s the most exciting thing about being a travel photographer?

YG: It is very rewarding – recording moments and scenes in the best

way possible is very satisfying, just getting a great image you are proud of. Sometimes you are capturing a fleeting moment for posterity.

If you’re focusing on something technical – such as night shots with stars – it’s rewarding when all the elements and settings come together to create the perfect image, even if it takes a lots of bad ones to get one good one.

I love Instagram too for the great camaraderie with other photographers and writers. We follow each other’s travels and support each other’s work and it can be exciting and inspiring to see how other photographers capture places or work with

different conditions or light. It always makes me want to try new things and to be a better photographer.

OT: On the flip side, what are the biggest challenges?

YG: Working with tricky or dull light or bad weather is a challenge. Or sometimes being the only person in a remote area or standing somewhere like a windy cliff. Carrying heavy and fragile equipment, especially on adventure trips, and keeping it charged can be a challenge too.

I recently snowshoed up a mountain in Slovakia to build and sleep in an igloo overnight, lugging my fullframe camera and tripod as well as Outlook Travel issue 02 | 13

camping gear. There was no electricity or power, so I had all my camera batteries in my sleeping bag to keep them warm so they’d last longer. I was also standing a good distance from the campfire to photograph it under the stars – that was quite chilly as the temp was -20°C. OT: What qualities do you need to succeed as a travel photographer?

YG: Patience and flexibility. There’s a lot of hanging around for the right lighting conditions; getting up at sunrise or spending longer at a location than planned. Sometimes it’s a choice between having a fancy dinner somewhere or running outside with the tripod because it’s ‘blue hour’ and perfect light. You need to be always ready to take a photo, as sometimes it’s a just a passing moment. Avoid saying you’ll return later to take it – the conditions can have totally changed when you get back.

14 | Outlook Travel issue 02

OT: What’s been the best place you’ve travelled to?

YG: That’s hard to say as I love everywhere I go, so my favourite is nearly always the last place I have been to. For photos I love colourful places like Cuba, where there is so much going on everywhere you look.

The nature and wildlife in Alaska and British Columbia in Canada are also incredible for photos. I might be biased but I always find Ireland full of fantastic photo opportunities too. If I’m doing a road trip, it takes hours to get anywhere as there is so much to photograph along the way.

OT: You’re a writer as well as a photographer. How do you think these two different artforms relate to each other?

YG: I love how they go hand in hand – photography is an additional tool to tell a story and to bring a reader to

a place. As with writing, you can use photography to either provide the big picture or else just focus in on a small detail. A photo can capture how a place looks but then you can use writing to add in description of the other senses – the sounds, smells, tastes – how it feels to be somewhere or to relate a conversation you had there.

OT: Your photography focusses on landscapes more than people. Is this a conscious decision, and if so, why?

YG: I do sometimes photograph people but I don’t post many of them on social media, partly for their privacy. Taking a photo of someone has a huge element of trust and if I photograph someone, I feel a responsibility over where that final image will end up. It can also be a lot of work to build that trust and connection before you even take the photo.

I love landscapes and I also love

BEHIND THE LENS INTERVIEW

From left to right: Antelope Canyon in Arizona, Croatia seascape, Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska and Hokkaido in Japan

photographing animals. It’s fun to try to get their attention for a photo. I’ve developed a few ‘animal whispering’ secrets to get good poses. Some countries are full of comical

‘characters’ – in Ireland, it’s sheep, donkeys, horses, especially when they are out wandering somewhere they shouldn’t be. The best one so far was when I came across a turkey

and a llama just staring at each other on an Irish roadside. The trick was to get near enough to take the photo but stay far away enough to not scare them away.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 15

BEHIND THE LENS INTERVIEW

Flamenco dancer, Seville

Irrawaddy River, Myanmar

< HOW I GOT THIS PHOTO This is a photo of an Intha fisherman at dawn on Inle Lake in Myanmar. The fishermen use a special one-legged rowing technique and they fish with the baskets, using an oar for balance. I was backpacking in Burma for a couple of weeks and when we got to Inle, we hired a local boatman to take us out onto the lake.

We set out in the dark, just before sunrise, so the dawn light was perfect just as we passed the fisherman in the middle of the lake. It was one of those fleeting moments.

The photo went on to win Photo of The Year at the Travel Media Awards, which was a nice bonus.

Follow Yvonne on Instagram @yvonne.gordon

PHUKET TRAVEL GUIDE

PHUKET Thailand’s most popular island serves up something for everyone, including dramatic beaches, a fabulous dining scene and serene Buddhist temples Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

O

n Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, there’s a beach for everyone. If you’ve come for its famous party scene, check out Patong Beach, a sandy crescent lined with clubs and bars. If you’d prefer a laidback break, head south to Rawai, where you’ll find a relaxed beach surrounded by forest.

There’s plenty to explore on the water as well. Take a kayaking trip around Phang Nga Bay, where limestone karst formations jut out of jade-coloured waters. Diving is another popular sport, thanks to the iridescent shoals of fish and coral reefs below the waves.

The island has long welcomed visitors from other cultures to its shores, thanks to its location on trading routes between India and China. Because of this, it has a rich multicultural heritage. Visit Phuket Town to see eye-catching examples of Sino Portuguese architecture and Chinese shrines.

Phuket’s cuisine is equally multicultural. Tuck into a bowl of ‘moo hong’, garlic-pepper braised pork, or ‘oh toa’, a dish of eggs, taro, deep-fried pork rinds and spicy battered oysters, which is said to have originated from Chinese tin miners.

But Phuket also has a spiritual side. Its forested hills and shimmering bays are dotted with serene Buddhist temples, such as Wat Chalong. One of the buildings supposedly houses a bone fragment belonging to Buddha himself.

IN FOCUS

P H U K E T TOW N PHUKET TOWN IS the island’s cultural epicentre. The streets of Old Phuket Town are lined with colourfully painted Sino-Portuguese buildings. Many of these mansions have been transformed into quirky boutiques, hipster cafés and art galleries. Soi Rommanee is a particularly picturesque street – the pastel façades of former shophouses are illuminated by Chinese lanterns in the evenings.

The town also has some fascinating cultural landmarks.

This includes the Phuket Thaihua Museum, where you can find out more about the island’s culture, from its history of Chinese migration to its cuisine and literature. You’ll find Chinese shrines tucked away between spacious mansions 20 | Outlook Travel issue 02

– the Shrine of the Serene Light has been recently restored.

Phuket Town is also known for its bustling night markets, where you can pick up clothes, curios and street food snacks. The Sunday night market on Phuket’s Walking Street is particularly popular.

Foodie travellers will love visiting Phuket, which has a dining scene that’s beginning to rival Bangkok’s. Even some of the town’s humbler restaurants have been awarded a Michelin Plate, including Go Benz, which has been serving its signature pork with rice noodles and a side of peppery broth for 20 years.

PHUKET TRAVEL GUIDE

1: Terrace Khao-Rang offers a great viewpoint of Phuket Town and skyline beyond 2: The old side of Phuket Town, in the ChinoPortuguese style, also refered to as Chinatown.

3: The Peranakannitat Museum and building.

4: The beautiful pagoda in Wat Chalong or Chalong temple is the most popular and most visited Thai temple on the island.

2

3

1

4

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 21

PHUKET TRAVEL GUIDE

O OUUTTL O LO OKORKE C O M M E N D S

RECOMMENDS Et lat volupta alitatio dolupta tibusani unt modit unt volessed quae eribus et vel initin reiciae simaior sinulluptat que pore voluptat – Lonely Planet

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22 | Outlook Travel issue 02

Acqua Ristorante

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Our resort designed in harmony environment seamlessly blends seaside architecture with the privacy comforts accommodations, Arinara offers an oasis swimming pool and just steps to the sands of the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beachfront.

Whether seeking the perfect retreat or a memorable family holiday, surrender to the enchantment of Arinara Bangtao Beach Resort!

Arinara Bangtao Beach Resort 72/9 Moo 3, Bangtao Beach, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel +66 76314361 to 3 Facsimile +66 76314365 info@arinararesort.com www.arinararesort.com

PHUKET TRAVEL GUIDE

R E S TA U R A N T S YO U ’ L L LOV E While most people come to Phuket for the beaches, Outlook recommends visiting for a different reason – the amazing cuisine on offer. Alongside the fantastic street food scene you’ll find plenty of high end restaurants serving innovative dishes using local ingredients and traditional recipes.

PRU Restaurant (which stands for Plant.Raise.Understand) aims to elevate Thai farm-to-table cooking to a new level. They have their own farm where they raise free-range chickens and grow indigenous vegetables, which are then used in their fine-dining tasting menus.

24 | Outlook Travel issue 02

PHUKET TRAVEL GUIDE

Meanwhile, Acqua Ristorante is our top pick for a romantic dinner date. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the first of a chain of restaurants designed by Sardinian chef Allesandro Frau, which use globally sourced, seasonal ingredients to elevate Italian cooking to a new level.

Like the restaurant itself, the dishes are innovative and aesthetically pleasing, as well as being delicious. Standout dishes include tortelli stuffed with burrata cheese, with a sauce made of sea urchin and squid ink, and sous vide octopus salad with fennel leaves and olives. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be treated to spectacular views over the Andaman Sea as you enjoy your meal.

Blue Elephant is part of a prestigious global chain of Thai restaurants, started in 1980 by Nooror Somany Steppe, marrying European techniques with Southern Thai flavours. Their Phuket restaurant is housed in a palatial mansion and serves dishes such as scallops with black diamond garlic, and foie gras with tamarind sauce.

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S BIG BUDDHA

This 45-metre high marble monument of a sitting Buddha is perched at the top of the Nakkerd Hills. Climb a steep flight of stairs to the monument and you’ll be rewarded with the best panoramic view on the island.

WAT HAI HARN PHI PHI ISLANDS Many tourists touch down in Phuket with the intention of visiting the stunning Phi Phi Islands, with their dramatic limestone formations and picture-perfect beaches. The islands shot to fame after being used as a filming location in The Beach, a movie starring Leonardo di Caprio, and can get busy.

26 | Outlook Travel issue 02

Phuket’s undeveloped southern coastline is speckled with some of the island’s best beaches, and topping the list is Wat Hai Harn.

It’s a gorgeous curve of white sand, lapped by turquoise waves – the perfect place to relax.

PHUKET TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND IT’S EASY TO reach Phuket by air, as Phuket International Airport flies to 61 destinations in 23 countries, nine of which are domestic. It’s served by airlines including Thai Air Asia, Bangkok Airways and Air China. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so is also reachable by road – it’s a 13-hour bus ride from Bangkok.

There are lots of options for getting around the island. Phuket Smart Bus operates a route from the airport to Rawai in the south, stopping off at all major landmarks. Songthaews are the most common local mode of transport – pick-up trucks with benches in the back. They travel along most major routes, stopping when requested. Tuk tuks are also popular.

If you want to explore the island’s quieter corners, it’s worth hiring a motorbike or car. Motorbikes are particularly popular with tourists, and cost around 250 Thai baht (just over $8) a day.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 27

M YA N M A R This Southeast Asian country offers sights to enchant even the most jaded traveller, from the glittering spires of Buddhist stupas to remote indigenous villages Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Joe Palliser

E

ven world-weary travellers will be captivated by Myanmar. By the glinting surface of Golden Rock, balanced precipitously on the edge of Mount Kyaiktiyo.

By the 4,000 stupas scattered across the mist-shrouded plains of Bagan.

By the untouched beaches of the Myeik Archipelago. Myanmar offers some of the most spectacular sights of Southeast Asia – without the crowds.

In this off-the-beaten track country, there are plenty of places where you can relax and unwind. Travel down the wide bends of the Irawaddy River or take a kayaking trip across the glittering waters of the Andaman Sea. Indulge in the bucket list experience of a sunset hot air balloon ride above the stupas of Bagan. Visit one of the many gilded Buddhist temples in the country.

Myanmar’s towns and cities are hives of activity, especially the capital of Yangon.

Visit the country’s local markets or participate in its bustling tea house culture. Since tourism sanctions were lifted in 2015, the local people are delighted to talk to visitors and introduce them to their traditions. A community tourism trip to the remote Chin State to meet indigenous villagers is a particularly special activity.

Whether you’re visiting Myanmar in search of religious monuments or stunning landscapes, we guarantee your expectations will be exceeded, again and again.

MYANMAR TRAVEL GUIDE

Mount Popa is a volcano 1,518 metres (4,981 feet) above sea level, located in central Myanmar in the region of Mandalay approx. 50 kilometres (31 miles) southeast of Bagan (Pagan) in the Pegu Range. It can be seen from the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River on a clear day. Mount Popa is best known as a pilgrimage site, with numerous Nat temples and relic sites at the summit

MYANMAR TRAVEL GUIDE

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

M YA N M A R T O U R I S M MARKETING MYANMAR TOURISM MARKETING (MTM) is the marketing branch of Myanmar Tourism Federation. It was set up to support the organisation’s marketing, promotion and branding initiatives, helping promote Myanmar as a sustainable destination of choice.

We caught up with MTM’s Chairperson, Ms. May Myat Mon Win, to find out more about the organisation, and what makes Myanmar such a compelling country to visit.

Outlook Travel (OT): What have been the challenges and rewards of representing a country that has only recently opened its doors to tourists?

Ms. May Myat Mon Win (MW): As the country has been closed to the outside world for so long, infrastructure challenges and shortage of skilled labour are some of challenges we face 30 | Outlook Travel issue 02

Ms. May Myat Mon Win in the tourism sector. But now there are many training programmes and schools opening for the hospitality industry, and we hope the challenges of capacity-building will ease.

OT: What steps do you take to market Myanmar as a sustainable tourism destination?

MW: We believe sustainability is the key to the future of tourism in Myanmar. Destination management is needed to achieve sustainable tourism, which will contribute to jobs

and long-term growth in Myanmar.

The growth potential for tourism in Myanmar is immense – we need key destinations to be effectively managed and to create new innovative destinations as well.

Myanmar’s tourism sector is at an important stage between growth and sustainability. It is time for the government, private sector, civil society, development partners and local residents to join hands in identifying and addressing issues to support sustainable tourism.

OT: How easy is it for tourists to travel to and within the country?

MW: The Myanmar government has introduced new regulations to facilitate easier access for tourists visiting the country, the next step allowing us to open up to the world.

Tourists from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau and several other

Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar

Southeast Asian countries are now granted visa-free entry. Tourists from India, Mainland China and 11 other countries (including Australia and Switzerland) are now granted a visa on arrival. Citizens of over 100 countries are eligible for e-visas and can get approval within three days.

We do hope that these new regulations will ease access to Myanmar and will allow more travellers from around the world to discover the unique Myanmar culture, nature and most of all the hospitality of the people.

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OT: What are your organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current goals?

MW: Myanmar Tourism Marketing is focussing on organising more media familiarisation trips, allowing travel journalists and influencers to visit the country and to share their experiences through the media.

For European travellers we are promoting nine enchanting discoveries (Kyaing Tong, Loikaw, Mergui Archipelago, Mogok, Mount Victoria, Monywa, Putao, Hpa An and Hsipaw) to take travellers deep into Myanmarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hidden corners, and beyond the classic destinations of Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake.

OT: Are there any interesting projects in the pipeline you wish to highlight?

MW: Sports and gastronomy tourism are some of the tourism types we want to emphasise in 2020. We are working on how to develop these types of tourism in Myanmar. MTM is always looking to promote Myanmar for new markets and for product development ideas.

OT: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Myanmar and how are you responding to them?

MW: In the age of information technology, online promotion and digital

MYANMAR TRAVEL GUIDE

Above: A Myint ruins old city village in Chaung-U township near Monywa Left: Ruin of guardian statue in front of Mingun Pahtodawgyi pagoda

marketing trends are crucial in trying to advertise and attract tourists to Myanmar. Private and government stakeholders in the tourism sector are trying to adopt the use of technology and digital transformation.

OT: It was great to hear that the city of Bagan was designated a UNESCO world heritage site last July. Are there any other historic and cultural landmarks you recommend tourists visit?

MW: After years of challenges, UNESCO inscribed Myanmar’s ancient capital of Bagan as a world heritage site last year. It was a proud moment

for the people of Myanmar, as Bagan has immense historical significance – it’s the heart of the country. Along with the nine enchanting discoveries mentioned before, we would also like to recommend historic ancient cities such as Ava, Sagaing, Sri Ksetra and Beikthano.

a good way to connect people and to bring development and peace across the country for any race or religion.

As the last frontier of Southeast Asia, Myanmar is an enchanting country and its tourism has great potential for development.

OT: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Myanmar?

MW: Myanmar is a hidden treasure, a destination bursting with magnificent monuments, beaches, glittering golden stupas and enigmatic ruins. And we continue to believe that tourism is

Myanmar Tourism Marketing Tel: +95-09-977204456 info.mtm@tourismmyanmar.com www.tourismmyanmar.org

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 33

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

E AT: F OFROB DN GTEH TOTNRYAV R SI… RUA BE OLULREDA N ’ S B E ST B B Q J O I N T… Kaung Myat FOR BURMESE FOOD WITH AN U P M A R K E T T W I ST… Rangoon Tea House FOR LAKESIDE FINE DINING… SEEDS Restaurant and Lounge

F O R A C L ASS I C Y E T CO N T E M P O R A RY URBAN ESCAPE… Summit Parkview Hotel

SLEEP: F O R H I G H - E N D H OT E L S I N YA N G O N …

You can’t go wrong with a GCP Hospitality hotel, and the company has four fantastic properties in and around Yangon. For a start, there’s The Strand, a colonial heritage building with modern amenities and a century-long reputation for luxury. Its sister property, The Strand Cruise, is a luxurious boat with 28 cabins, which takes passengers on cruises along the Irrawaddy River. Inya Lake Hotel, located on the lakeshore in Yangon, offers luxurious rooms and excellent amenities including a large outdoor pool. Meanwhile, Hotel G is a colourful, contemporary urban hotel in Yangon’s downtown area. Great service is guaranteed, whichever property you choose.

34 | Outlook Travel issue 02

F LY: F O R A S E A M L E SS E X P E R I E N C E …

MAI Air is an international airline operating in Myanmar, flying to 17 destinations in Asia from Seoul to Kolkata. They have a seven-star rating from Airline Ratings.com and offer comfortable seats with seamless service. MAI Air is affiliated with the KBZ Group which includes the company Air KBZ, a commercial airline flying to destinations across Myanmar.

EXPERIENCE MYANMAR’S HERITAGE IN LUXURY & STYLE Discover The Strand Yangon, one of South East Asia’s leading luxury hotels since it was founded in 1901, and The Strand Cruise, a highly acclaimed 25-cabin river cruiser sailing Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady River offering 2, 3 and 4 nights itineraries between Mandalay and Bagan.

Enjoy up to 20% discount on Hotel & Cruise when reserving directly with us.

CAPTAIN@THESTRANDCRUISE.COM THESTRANDCRUISE.COM

INFO@HOTELTHESTRAND.COM HOTELTHESTRAND.COM

FOCUS ON

YA N G O N YANGON, MYANMAR’S CAPITAL, is an exciting city to visit; an eclectic mix of Buddhist temples, shopping malls and timeworn colonial architecture.

Wake up early and you’ll see red-garbed monks going on their morning alms walk. Pick up a bowl of mohinga – noodles in a hearty fish broth topped with coriander and crispy shallots – from a local stall for breakfast.

Take a stroll through the downtown area, where you’ll see some examples of colonial architecture including the red-bricked Secretariat, the seat of power for colonial Burma. The city’s most iconic landmark is the Shwedagon Pagoda, with an impressive, gilded 99-metre high stupa.

36 | Outlook Travel issue 02

For something a little more offbeat, head to the Yangon Drugs Elimination Museum. Housed in a brutalist building, it contains a series of solemn exhibits detailing the government’s efforts to stamp out drug use, as well as a surreal diorama detailing the dangers of substance abuse.

Yangon has the best dining scene in the country – as well as streets lined with snack stalls, you’ll also find upmarket restaurants serving Thai, Japanese and Indian cuisine.

Come nightfall, head to Chinatown’s 19th Street, where you’ll find atmospheric outdoor restaurants serving beer, cocktails and barbecued skewers.

MYANMAR TRAVEL GUIDE

Sule Pagoda

Chaukhtatgyi buddha temple in Bahan Township

Sule Pagoda

Main street Outlook Travel issue 02 | 37

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

INLE LAKE This freshwater lake is encircled by green mountains, while gardens, temples and stilted houses float on its waters. It’s best known for its fishermen, who propel and steer their wooden boats using an oar with their leg.

BAGAN The ancient UNESCO city of Bagan was once the epicentre of the Pagan Kingdom – the remains of nearly 4,000 temples and pagodas survive to this day. Take a dawn hot air balloon flight over the city to experience the jaw-dropping sight of thousands of spires piercing misty sunrise skies.

38 | Outlook Travel issue 02

KYAIKTIYO PAGODA This Buddhist Pagoda is a wellknown pilgrimage site at the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo. The pagoda is perched on top of Golden Rock, a huge boulder covered with golden leaves. It appears to be perpetually about to roll down the slope of the mountain – according to legend it’s held in place by a strand of Buddha’s hair.

MYANMAR TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND MOST FOREIGN TOURISTS visiting Myanmar will fly into Yangon International Airport. Carriers such as AirAsia and Nok Airways operate frequent flights to destinations in Asia and the Middle East â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of the most frequent routes is to Bangkok.

The airport is also a hub for domestic airlines such as Myanmar Airways International, which operates regular scheduled flights within the country, to destinations like Mandalay, Myeik and Nyaung U (near Bagan).

Many tourists travel around the country using long distance buses. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also possible to hire a car and a driver, while many adventurous tourists hire bicycles (be warned, the frontier regions are mountainous). A more laidback option is to take a cruise down the Irrawaddy River from Yangon to Mandalay, taking in the sights on the way.

Within larger cities, such as Yangon, the best way to get around is by flagging down a taxi. Trishaws (or cycle rickshaws) are another way to travel short distances.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 39

DA N A N G From its gleaming hotels to its ancient pagodas, Danang is a Vietnamese city where the ancient and modern sit side by side Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

DANANG TRAVEL GUIDE

L

ocated in the middle of the country and flanked on either side by a 60-kilometre-long coastline, Danang is a city becoming increasingly popular with tourists.

With its beautiful sea views, wide riverfront boardwalk and cultural attractions both traditional and modern, it’s easy to see why.

The city has several scenic areas.

The Marble Mountains are five craggy limestone hills in the southeast of the city, bisected by shady walking

paths leading to twisting caverns and ancient pagodas. You can also take a cable car up to the city’s popular Ba Na Hills, where you’ll find a picturesque replica French village and even a theme park.

The city centre is clean, spacious and well-developed, with gleaming high-rise hotels lining the riverfront.

One of the most popular areas in the city is Bach

Dang street, a boardwalk lined with restaurants and shops. The picturesque My Khe Beach, which stretches 30 kilometres down the coast, is a popular spot for an evening stroll.

If you’re interested in Vietnamese culture, head to Danang Fine Arts Museum, which displays over 1,000 pieces of local folk art, modern art and traditional crafts. Meanwhile, Nguyen Hien Dinh Theatre puts on regular cultural performances.

DANANG TRAVEL GUIDE

42 | Outlook Travel issue 02

FOCUS ON

N A M O V I L L AG E TRAVEL NORTH ALONG the coast road from central Danang and after 20 minutes you’ll encounter Nam O, a fishing village on the city’s outskirts.

Since the 18th century, the village has been renowned for its firecracker production. But in 1995, after the government imposed a ban on firecrackers, villagers needed a new livelihood. So they turned their hands to making one of Vietnam’s most popular condiments, fish sauce. It turned out they were pretty good at it.

Nam O fish sauce is the only fish sauce in Vietnam made from longjawed anchovies, which are caught by the villagers, dried, then salted for up to two years, giving the sauce a distinctive red-brown colour and a unique taste. If

you visit the village, you’ll get a chance to see how it’s made for yourself, as well as trying it in local restaurants.

The Trung Thuy Group is going to be building a new eco-resort near the town, something which will draw tourists to the area. Meanwhile, Danang’s local authority is investing around $11 million of its budget into implementing a community tourism project in Nam O, advertising the village and improving offerings for visitors. These include village tours, sunset coracle rides across Nam O Bay and visits to a snail museum, where visitors will be able to see products made from local molluscs. Meanwhile, at Ngu Ong Temple you’ll find 47 whale skeletons once worshipped

by villagers (in Vietnamese coastal culture, whales were once considered gods of the sea; they were never hunted, and funerals were held for any whales washed ashore).

Mr Nguyen Duc Thanh, Strategic Director of the Trung Thuy Group, said: “We are looking forward to developing Nam O into an inviting place in the city associated with the proper exploitation of the nature and cultures, and making this site a “do not miss” place in tour itineraries.”

It is hoped that district authorities will be able to work closely with relevant bodies to create a specific plan for development, and to ensure that the villagers’ livelihoods remain a priority.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 43

Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

DA N A N G C E N T R E FO R TO U R I S M P R O M OT I O N IN APRIL 1999, the Danang People’s Committee established the Danang Centre for Tourism Promotion. It’s vision: to organise and coordinate with tourism businesses in researching, surveying and exploring new markets; to provide guidance in tourism investment; and to coordinate with relevant government agencies in providing professional training for employees and officials working in the field of tourism.

We caught up with An Nguyen, Managing Director of Danang Centre for Tourism Promotion, to find out a little more about her organisation and the city itself.

Outlook Travel (OT): How do you market Danang as a destination?

An Nguyen (AN): Until now, in accordance with the strong economic growth of Danang city, the activities of tourism promotion have experienced considerable changes, specialised in primary divisions, kept pace with the new trends of world tourism and quickly adapted to the fourth industrial revolution.

44 | Outlook Travel issue 02

An Nguyen Danang Tourism Promotion has placed emphasis on public relations and promoting the brand image and tourism products in Danang to tourism businesses, domestic and international tourists in many ways.

For a start, it motivates and raises awareness about Danang to tourists by producing videos, brochures and publishing articles online. It employs other online technologies including social media, a chatbot and a tourism app for mobile devices (Danang Fantasticity) We welcome and support Fam trips, Press trip, bloggers, film crew,

domestic and international journalists to our city. We also attend and organise tourism campaigns and events to showcase attractions and other tourism products in Danang.

To best market Danang we undertake research to identify the core markets and the needs and wants of tourists, allowing us to shape the correct strategy. We also collect feedback from tour operators, travel agencies and tourists to improve or set up tourism products that meet the needs of tourists.

OT: What recent projects are you most proud of?

AN: Last year we organised the first Danang International Food Festival 2019 (DNIFF 2019), “The Taste of Homeland”, from 2nd to 6th June 2019. It aimed to promote food tourism and boost cultural exchange – we were honoured by the attendance of Mr. Thomas Andreas Gugler, the President of World Association of Chefs’ Societies, and 13 brilliant chefs from countries including Greece, India, Singapore and Mexico.

DANANG TRAVEL GUIDE

Tourists were able to watch these chefs create their signature dishes, purchase local ingredients and spices and attend the Food Forum to listen to expert speakers.

OT: Congratulations on your nomination at 2019’s World Travel Awards for ‘World’s Leading Festival and Event Destination.’ What sort of festivals and events occur annually in Danang?

AN: Danang in 2019 lived up to its title as the ‘World’s Leading Festival and Event Destination’ with many notable events. These included religious festivals such as the Avalokitesvara Festival, which originated from a Buddhist prayer ceremony to the spirits, and events such as the Techcombank Iron Man 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship and the Manulife Danang International Marathon.

We also hold ‘Danang – Summer Destination’ every year. It’s a festival offering many exciting events for tourists to experience while spending summer vacation at the beautiful coastal city. The multi-series event aims at promoting coastal tourism products and presenting Danang as the city of events. Moreover, the organising committee also hopes to highlight the gorgeous landscape of Danang’s beaches and at the same time promote Danang as a safe, must-visit destination for domestic and international tourists.

These large-scale and stunning events send a message that Danang is an exciting tourist destination for visitors from all over the world.

OT: Is there any potential for ecotourism development in the region?

AN: The environment is considered an important factor directly determining the quality and attractiveness of tourism products. The foundation and development of tourism as an economic industry relates to the ability to use natural resources and their surroundings in order to develop

sustainable and responsible way towards its environment, economy and society.

OT: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Danang? tourism products. Both natural resources (such as mountains, rivers and beaches) and cultural resources (such architecture and artworks) are potential tourist attractions. In other words, tourism activities and the environment support and influence each other. Tourism activities can improve environmental conditions through building natural parks and cultural villages. However, improper exploitation and poorly planned development can deteriorate the environment.

The Danang Centre for Tourism Promotion realises the importance of striking a balance between tourism development and environmental protection. We hope to develop tourism in a socially responsible, economic and environmentally sustainable way.

The local government aims to concentrate on improving the quality and landscapes of beaches, increasing investments in waste management and control at Danang Bay and the coast from Son Tra Peninsula to Marble Mountains. In addition, there should be strategies to protect Son Tra Peninsula and the Natural Reserve and increase green areas in the city centre.

They also wish to develop an overall tourism plan limiting projects with a negative impact on the environment, ensure that any architectural works harmonise with nature and develop tourism models that preserve and strengthen the city’s cultural environment, history and society.

At the same time, the government should focus on raising awareness of sustainable development within the community through training, lessons and open communications channels.

Against many obstacles and difficulties, Danang is making its best effort to develop tourism in a

AN: Danang is well-located in central Vietnam – just an hour from the capital, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.

It’s also near four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hoi An Town, My Son Sanctuary, Imperial Hue and Phong Nha Cave.

Boasting natural beauty, amazing attractions, hospitable people and openness to the world, Danang is an ideal destination for any kind of tourist. Visitors will be impressed by the mysterious beauty of the sacred Marble Mountains, the fantastic and untouched natural scenery at Son Tra Peninsula, the festive vibes in the modern and lively recreational areas such as Ba Na Hills, Sun World and Danang Wonder, as well as the sparkling Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge at night.

In particular, what makes Danang different is the civility and friendliness existing within each citizen, contributing to the safe and hospitable tourism environment in Danang.

Danang is also equipped with modern and synchronised tourism infrastructure including seaports, an international airport and international standard accommodation from respected brands such as InterContinental, Hyatt, Novotel, Sheraton and Hilton.

Finally, the success of organising international events in Danang has reinforced the idea that the city is a must-visit destination. The Danang Centre for Tourism Promotion is proud to contribute to Danang’s tourism growth and boost its presence in both regional and international markets.

Danang Centre for Tourism Promotion Tel: +84-236-3898-196 www.danangfantasticity.com/en Outlook Travel issue 02 | 45

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

E AT: F OFROB DIG TM R AV …I N I N G …

RUV EE TT NA E S E LFLI E NR ESD Restaurant Nén

Vin Pearl Luxury Da Nang

SLEEP: F O R U LT R A- M O D E R N ACCO M M O DAT I O N A N D R I V E R V I E WS …

Novotel Danang Premier Han River is the first upscale and internationally managed hotel in Danang city. It offers accommodation in serviced apartments and spacious rooms, both with contemporary décor and panoramic views of the Han River.

You’ll also find a spa, fitness centre and outdoor infinity pool here, alongside two bars, a restaurant and an upmarket luxury lounge.

F O R DA N A N G ’ S M OST LUXU R I O U S B E AC H R E S O R T… Vin Pearl Luxury Da Nang W H E R E T R A D I T I O N M E E TS LUXU RY… Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

DO: FOR ADRENALINE-FUELLED GAMES AND RIDES… Fantasy Park F O R G U I D E D M OTO R B I K E TO U R S O F M O U N TA I N PASS E S …

AweRider

46 | Outlook Travel issue 02

Uniquely located in downtown Danang, on the beautifully designed West Bank of the Han River, the Novotel has taken its place as a leading hotel venue for both business and leisure travellers. It is Danangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first upscale, internationally managed hotel, with serviced-apartments and the highest, hippest panoramic bar in the city alongside world-class facilities and restaurants.

Be it business or pleasure, know that at the Novotel Danang Premier Han River we look forward to welcoming you.

At Novotel Danang Premier Han River Vietnam, your experiences become memories.

Find out for yourself by visiting our website (novotel-danang-premier.com) or www.facebook.com/NovotelDanangPremierHanRiver.

Contact us: H8287@accor.com or +84 (0) 236 392 9999 36 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District, Danang City, Vietnam

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

DRAGON BRIDGE The longest bridge in Vietnam spans 666 metres over the Han River, and is constructed in the shape of a golden dragon. Every weekend, at 9:00pm, the sculpture shoots forward water and fire from its head â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the most impressive free spectacle in the city.

HELIO NIGHT MARKET Danangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular night market is lined with hundreds of illuminated stalls serving international dishes and Vietnamese delicacies including banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) and my quang, a local noodle dish.

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DANANG TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND DANANG AIRPORT IS the third busiest in the country, flying to 43 destinations in 11 countries, predominantly in Asia. Most international tourists will fly to the capital, Hanoi, and then catch an 80-minute flight on to Danang â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jetstar, Vietnam Airways and Bangkok Airways all operate frequent services.

The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neighbourhoods can be explored on foot, but many of the attractions are spaced far apart and so motorised transport is necessary. Take a taxi for short trips, or hire a motorbike for a day to explore further afield. There are environmentally friendly electric buggies running the length of the beach road, in place especially for tourists.

SUN WORLD This theme park is located in the heart of the Ba Na Hills. It has over 20 adrenaline-fuelled rides, such as the Alpine Coaster, and two large indoor game centres.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 49

THE TIFFIN BOX REGULAR

THE TIFFIN B OX Dani Redd’s regular column about Indian food

TRADITIONAL SWEETS, KNOWN as mithai, are important in India. And that’s not just because most Indians have a sweet tooth.

They’re given to guests at weddings, made as offerings at religious festivals. According to Hindus, the ingredients in mithai – such as sugar, milk and ghee – are considered ‘sattvic’ or pure, so they can be eaten by devotees, vegetarians and religious leaders.

Mithai also have the power to make or break fortunes. In 1868, a Bengali named Nobin Chandra Das created the rossogolla, a spherical sweetmeat made by boiling balls of chhana (similar to cottage cheese) in sugar syrup. The syrup permeates the

chhana balls, giving them a spongy yet succulent texture. Soon, people were flocking to Nobin’s sweetshop, and he was spoken of with reverence as the ‘Columbus of Rossogolla’.

Nobin’s son, K.C Das, started a chain of sweet shops. In 1972, he set up the first K.C Das in Bangalore, on St. Mark’s Road. Fast forward 45 years and I was standing in the very same shop, looking at the array of sweets in bewildered interest. At the white rossogollas, as pale and spherical as moons, bobbing in vats of clear syrup.

At kesar barfi, square milk sweets stained bright yellow with saffron.

At kaju katli, diamond-shaped sweets made of powdered cashews and decorated with silver leaf.

We ordered rossogollas, and my fiancé’s favourite, gulab jamun – round balls like doughnut holes, drenched in rose-flavoured syrup.

Both were so sweet they made my teeth ache, although I did enjoy the texture of the rossogolla, which squeaked in my mouth like halloumi.

The truth was, I found Indian sweets much too sweet. In upmarket restaurants I would order raspberry mousse or lemon tart, hoping for a refreshing tang that rarely materialised. I couldn’t imagine being able to eat more than one of the mithai that were occasionally gifted to us by friends or neighbours. But I had

Kaju katli

Rossogollas

‘IT DISSOLVED IN MY MOUTH LIKE BUTTER. UNDERNEATH THE SACCHARINE PUNCH, I DETECTED HINTS OF CARDAMOM AND THE MILD NUTTINESS OF BESAN ’

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THE TIFFIN BOX REGULAR

enraptured, and the sweet, which he named Mysore pak, soon appeared regularly at his table. He told the chef to open a sweet shop outside the palace grounds so that his subjects could try it too. His descendants still run a sweet shop in the city.

After the marriage had been made official, we spilled noisily out of the sub-registrar’s office and back to our Mysore pak

reckoned without Mysore pak.

The first time I tried it was on my wedding day, which involved a visit to the sub-registrar’s office on Bangalore’s Church Street – a stuffy room crowded with people waiting to get documents signed. Getting married was a complex, bureaucratic process requiring multiple documents, three witnesses, and a Kafkaesque array of officials, forms, signatures and stamps. To help us out, a family friend had put us in touch with his ‘middle-man’ who would help us navigate the process.

We followed him as he seamlessly

pushed his way to the front of the crowd around each desk, somehow getting our forms noticed in the dense thicket of hands waving pieces of paper. I’m sure a few palms must have been surreptitiously greased throughout the process.

Finally, we were close to being done. My mother-in-law turned to my almost-husband. ​“You have the Mysore pak for him?” ​He shook his head. ​“I’m sorry – we must have left it at the flat.” ​“Oh God,” she said, agonised. ​Bikram said he was pretty sure that the middle-man would prefer cold hard cash, but she was insistent. The best man was duly dispatched to K.C Das. Ten minutes later, on the street outside, my father-in-law tried to press a 500 rupee note into the man’s hand. He emphatically refused to take it. But he accepted the Mysore pak gratefully when it was offered.

Mysore Pak was invented for Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, who ruled the Mysore Kingdom from 1894 to 1940.

His head chef, Kakasura Madappa, wanted to make him a special mithai. He began experimenting with ghee, gram flour and sugar, which produced a sweet with a fudge-like consistency. The king was

flat for a lunch of pizza and champagne. Afterwards, Bikram pulled out the box of Mysore pak. Inside were rectangular sweets, yellow at the edges and slightly darker in the middle. ​“Just have half. They’re quite rich,” he cautioned. ​I broke off a corner. It dissolved in my mouth like butter. Underneath the saccharine punch, I detected hints of cardamom and the mild nuttiness of besan (chickpea flour). ​“Too sweet?” Bikram asked. ​“Yeah,” I said, cramming another piece into my mouth.

Two years later, I still don’t have much of a sweet tooth – by Indian standards, at least. But I’ll always make an exception for Mysore pak.

Perhaps it’s because of the memories I associate with it. Or perhaps it’s because it’s a sweet fit for a king.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 51

This undiscovered South American country offers the adventurous traveller a wealth of experiences, from trekking through lush rainforest to visiting eco-conscious Amerindian villages Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Krisha Canlas

G

uyana is a country for the 21st century adventurer, offering endless opportunities for exploration. First, there are the diverse landscapes: the untouched beaches in the north; an interior carpeted in rainforest and rolling savannas; the soaring peaks and plateaus of the Guyana Highlands. There are plenty of ways you can explore the country. Take a guided hike or a canoe trip down the country’s waterways. Go on a 4x4 self-drive safari to the country’s hidden corners or learn survival skills in the Amazon jungle.

Then, there’s the astonishing array of wildlife – 225 mammal and 900 bird species. Guyana is known as the ‘Home of the Giants’, with some of the largest animals on the planet, such as giant river otters, anacondas, giant anteaters and arapaima (the largest freshwater fish in the world) found here. Six of the 36 wildcat species that exist in the world roam through the pristine rainforest and other natural areas of Guyana.

PHOTO BY DAVID DI GREGORIO

These include pumas, ocelots and elusive jaguars - the largest of the big cats in Guyana.

The country is also renowned for its community-run, environmentally friendly tourism. Villagers collaborate and pool resources to launch initiatives such as eco-lodges, cultural celebrations and guided hikes through the stunning natural landscapes.

Guyana is a melting pot of Caribbean, European, African, East Indian and indigenous cultures, each with their own distinct traditions and customs. Such cultural diversity means that the country has an intriguing, multicultural cuisine.

Try pepperpot, a hot Amerindian stew dish, or metamgee, dumplings cooked in coconut milk. The capital, Georgetown, has a fantastic dining scene.

GUYANA TRAVEL GUIDE

GUYANA TRAVEL GUIDE

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

T H E G U YA N A T O U R I S M A U T H O R I T Y ( G TA ) THE GUYANA TOURISM Authority (GTA) is a semi-autonomous organisation set up in 2002 to develop and promote tourism in Guyana. It came about as a response to calls for action from the tourism sector and membership organisation, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana.

Guyana has a shared vision for 2025 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to be recognised both

locally and internationally as a premier destination protecting its natural and cultural heritage, and to provide authentic experiences while maximising benefits to local residents. The GTA is working with sister agencies, local communities and the private sector to help the country realise its goals. We caught up with Brian Mullis, director of the GTA, to find out more.

Outlook Travel (OT): Why is tourism important for Guyana?

Brian Mullis (BM): Tourism has long been regarded as one of the fastest growing sectors in the world, significantly contributing towards sustainable development in areas such as job and wealth creation, economic growth, environmental protection, and poverty alleviation. Tourism contributes to Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green State

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Outlook Travel issue 02 | 55

Exploring the Burro Burro River offer the traveller a chance to explore the country by water. You can opt for instructed river expeditions, shorter canoeing trips and even rafting.

Agenda and all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Based on an analysis of the VEMS survey from the Guyana Bureau of Statistics, tourism became formally recognised as the second largest export sector in Guyana in 2019.

Travel and tourism injected approximately $300 million directly into Guyana’s economy and contributed to 22,000 jobs in 2018. Based on our most recent visitation data, there has been a 9.12 percent increase in travellers coming to Guyana, and total travel and tourism investment in Guyana is projected to increase to $37 million by 2028.

To put all of this into perspective, Guyana is the only country in the world where tourism that is led by indigenous communities is the 56 | Outlook Travel issue 02

primary focus. It is home to some of the world’s best examples of community driven, owned and led tourism.

The host indigenous communities own and manage the enterprises, which results in all the residents receiving myriad benefits.

OT: How do you market Guyana as a destination?

BM: In a world where travel is becoming more mainstream, and many destinations have lost the authenticity that attracted travellers in the first place, Guyana stands out. It is decidedly not ‘touristy’. This, along with the fact that the country remains largely undeveloped, means that you will discover pristine ecosystems with an abundance of wildlife, rich culture and heritage, and warm hospitality.

You will be privy to immersive experiences in indigenous communities without the need for an interpreter.

Guyana is the only country in South America where English is the official language.

Guyana’s brand pillars include nature and wildlife, active exploration, culture and heritage, birding and conservation. Our primary source markets are the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Germany. We have a value-based marketing strategy focused on attracting travellers that seek out world-class nature, adventure and cultural experiences. We primarily reach our target markets through our marketing representatives, earned media, outbound tour operator partners, digital and

GUYANA TRAVEL GUIDE

cooperative marketing, tradeshows, and fam trips.

In recent months we have attracted prominent news coverage from publications such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure – The Telegraph voted it 2020’s top ‘must visit’ destination.

objectives and will pioritise to achieve each of them: raise the profile and impact of the GTA; optimise nationwide socio-economic and conservation outcomes from tourism; champion the value of tourism; support and empower Guyana’s tourism industry and communities.

OT: What are your organisation’s goals and visions for the future?

OT: Congratulations on winning the award for ‘Best Ecotourism Destination’ at ITB Berlin last year. Can you tell us a little more about Guyana Tourism Authority’s commitment to sustainability?

BM: Our mission is to collaborate with others to develop and promote sustainable tourism in Guyana, maximising local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improving visitors’ experience. In order to achieve our mission and realise our vision, we have four organisational

The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is situated at Mauisparu, near the southern boundary of the Iwokrama Reserve in central Guyana, approximately 300km (190 mi) south of Georgetown and 130km (80 mi) north of Lethem on the Brazilain border.

BM: Guyana has a long-standing sustainability agenda, and sustainability is a way of life for many. This is why, for example, 87 percent of our forest

ecosystems are intact. In recent years, Guyana has expended considerable effort to develop an eco-friendly tourism product and incorporate sustainable tourism best practice into all aspects of its tourism strategy, policy, planning and programming.

Scaling up inter-ministerial and multi-stakeholder collaboration through structured, mutually beneficial partnerships is one of the primary keys to unlocking our full potential.

The case study that we submitted to the ‘Best Ecotourism Destination’ award was centred on the villages of Surama and Rewa. Both of these indigenous communities own and operate eco-lodges. These worldclass examples of community-led

“GUYANA IS THE ONLY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD WHERE TOURISM THAT IS LED BY INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IS THE PRIMARY FOCUS. IT IS HOME TO SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST EXAMPLES OF COMMUNITY DRIVEN, OWNED AND LED TOURISM”

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 57

87 percent of Guyana’s rainforests are still intact. This means that an astonishing array of wildlife call the country home

Left: White-faced Saki Monkey. Above: Giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), also known as the giant river otter Right: Yellow-headed Poison Frog

Xxxxxxxx and owned enterprises illustrate how entire communities can generate positive socio-economic and conservation outcomes from tourism. We are now helping an increasing number of communities follow their lead through a community-led tourism framework and toolkit and donor support.

Last year, we also won a number of other sustainable tourism awards, including ‘The #1 Best in Sustainable Tourism’ at the LATA Achievement Awards in June 2019, and ‘The #1 Best in Destination Stewardship’ at the CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Awards Programme in August 2019.

58 | Outlook Travel issue 02

OT: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Guyana?

BM: Guyana is redefining the meaning of a five-star experience.

While many destinations around the world boast luxury hotels and renowned restaurants catering to ever-discerning clientele, Guyana is quickly emerging as the new off-ofthe-beaten-path destination for welltravelled tourists. Being relatively unknown and somewhat expensive to travel to gives rise to the opportunity for some extraordinary travel experiences that are virtually unheard of today. Like the opportunity to

travel great distances without seeing another human – or any sign of one – having natural treasures such as Kaieteur Falls and the prow of Mount Roraima all to yourself or having meaningful interactions with our indigenous peoples without the need for a translator. There are few places in the world where you can have experiences like these.

OT: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Guyana and how are you responding to them?

BM: There are a few key trends that are transforming tourism in Guyana.

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Conservation tourism is when tourism businesses, communities, donors, and government work together to make net positive contributions to the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

We’re responding to this trend by helping more communities establish their own tourism enterprises to incentivise the establishment of community conservation areas. This has several key benefits, including improving wildlife and bird spotting.

Furthermore, with an increase in ‘flight shaming’ among environmentally conscious travellers, visitors to Guyana can support communities that protect forests sequestering far more CO2 than is generated from their travels.

Traveling in Guyana is experiential – all the senses are engaged through many of the experiences that are available. In an effort to build on the

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trend, Guyana was among the first countries in the world to join the Transformational Travel Council. We believe in transformational travel and that it happens from the inside out, often inspired by exploring a new destination and experiencing the extraordinary. This often results in heightened awareness and the cultivation of empathy and stewardship, which can lead to behaviour changes at home.

Placemaking inspires people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of every community, strengthening the connection between people and the places they share. This collaborative process is beginning to gain momentum in Guyana’s capital city of Georgetown, where business and community leaders are increasingly coming together to revitalise public spaces.

OT: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Guyana?

BM: Absolutely. Tourism has traditionally never been a priority sector in Guyana. However, in recent years, support for tourism is increasing at the highest levels of government and among business and community leaders.

Through continued collaboration and the protection of our wealth of natural and cultural heritage, we can fully realise the potential of tourism and make a substantive contribution to the country’s sustainable development goals, enriching experiences of Guyanese residents and visitors in the process.

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) info@guyanatourism.com www.guyanatourism.com Outlook Travel issue 02 | 59

GUYANA TRAVEL GUIDE

TOP COMMUNITY TOURISM EXPERIENCES I N G U YA N A ONE OF THE most special things about a trip to Guyana is the wealth of community tourism experiences on offer. These are initiatives where villages have worked together, pooling their resources to create tourism products that their communities will benefit from. Meanwhile, tourists will get to immerse themselves in ethical, authentic experiences. Here are Outlook Travel’s top three community experiences in Guyana: Brian Mullis

“SOCIAL IMPACT: community tourism provides the receptive community with direct access to the travel and tourism value chain, supports capacity building, helps to preserve cultural heritage, increases community pride, and reduces out-migration.”

BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY TOURISM Brian Mullis, director of the Guyana Tourism Association, believes there are three fundamental benefits of community tourism: “ECONOMIC IMPACT: increases direct spending by domestic and international visitors, increases enterprise development and creates employment opportunities and a varied economic base. It’s also an economic multiplier effect in creating job opportunities, especially for women and youth.”

“ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: creates alternative livelihood opportunities as an incentive for communities to support the conservation of ecosystems, wildlife protection and natural resource management. It also supports sustainable energy production and use.”

SURAMA ECO-LODGE This was the first indigenous village to embark upon a community-led tourism initiative by building its own eco-lodge.

Guests staying here can try traditional dishes made with local produce and learn more about Makushi culture. The villagers have preserved the biodiversity of the region, as you’ll see if you take one of their guided hikes, river canoe trips or camping excursions in the surrounding area. www.suramaecolodge.com

GUYANA TRAVEL GUIDE

PHOTO BY VISIT GUYANA

ARROW POINT NATURE RESORT

REWA ECO-LODGE This eco-lodge is located in Rewa, a small Amerindian community in the heart of Guyana’s rainforest, which is renowned for its biodiversity. It’s home to around 300 villagers, mostly from the Makushi, who want to conserve and protect their environment. They founded their eco-lodge with a grant from Conservation International. As well as offering outdoor activities, such as dugout canoe trips, they will also take you on tours around Rewa Village to experience their way of life.

Just downriver from Georgetown, along Kamuni Creek, you’ll find the Arawak village of Santa Mission. It’s a calm, picturesque village surrounded by sprawling fields and forest. As you walk around the village, you’ll see weavers and other artisans at work. Enjoy strolling along the nature trails that have been made around the village. The villagers have even constructed an eco-lodge, Arrow Point Nature Resort, which is located on the banks of the creek. The activities on offer include kayaking, swimming, mountain biking and bird watching. www.facebook.com/ ArrowPointResort

www.rewaecolodge.com

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 61

GUYANA TRAVEL GUIDE

IN FOCUS

G E O R G E TOW N THE CAPITAL, GEORGETOWN, is steeped in colonial heritage and has a distinctly Caribbean atmosphere.

Learn more about the country’s Amerindian culture on a visit to the Walter Roth Museum, or its flora and fauna at the National Museum. Soak up its colonial history as you explore timeworn churches, the colonnaded Parliament Building and the Red House, home to former Prime Minister Cheddi Jagan.

The city has a fantastic wining and dining scene, serving food that reflects the country’s cultural diversity: Brazilian barbecue, Creole cuisine, Indian dishes and plenty of Amerindian specialities, such as pepperpot. You’ll get a chance to try Guyanese dishes such as ginger soup and grilled snapper in shady

This map highlights Guyana’s three largest regions: Guyanese Coastal Plain; Guyanese Highlands; and Berbice-Corentyne

courtyard restaurants. There are also plenty of options for a night out, whether you prefer live soca and chutney music in a local bar, or cocktails in swanky rooftop bars.

There are plenty of other attractions in and around the city. Take a guided tour of Demera Distillers Ltd. to find out how the famous El Dorado rum is made. Or take a Jeep tour past lush sugarcane fields to the Uitvlugt Estate, where you can learn more about the sugarcane business and the dark legacy of the slave trade. Georgetown is also a fantastic gateway to exploring the rest of the country, whether you’re interested in travelling along the coast to nearby beaches or taking a historic boat tour of the islands and settlements along the Essequibo River.

Beautiful colonial era building, Georgetown

The neo-Classical Parliament Building in Georgetown, Guyana, is a monumental brick building completed in 1834. Two Russian cannon captured during the Crimean War grace the front lawn

PHOTO BY DAVID STANLEY

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LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S KAIETEUR FALLS One of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most impressive sites is Kaiteur Falls (the largest single-drop waterfall in the world), where water gushes in torrents off a 250-metre high cliff. The falls are surrounded by ancient jungle and can be reached via plane or an adventurous five-day hike.

MOUNT RORAIMA This flat-topped mountain soars to an elevation of 2,800 metres, and lies on the border between Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil. The plateau is an otherworldly landscape of stark rock formations, often shrouded in cloud. On clear days, you can see for miles across the rugged Pakaraima Mountains.

SURAMA VILLAGE Surama is an Amerindian village (mainly inhabited by Macushi people) and the site for the first community ecotourism initiative in Guyana. The local community manages and maintains Surama Eco-Lodge, which offers tourists a chance to stay in traditional huts, try local food and explore nearby nature trails.

66 | Outlook Travel issue 02

Cheddi Jagan International Airport

GETTING THERE AND AROUND GUYANA’S LARGEST AIRPORT is Cheddi Jagan International Airport, located 41 kilometres from the capital. It offers flights to destinations in the Caribbean, South America, Canada and the United States – both American Airlines and Caribbean Airlines operate multiple daily flights to New York.

International tourists can also visit Guyana via small cruise ship, many of which offer nature-based

shore excursions. P&O Cruises and Noble Caledonia are two wellknown providers.

The best way to explore Georgetown is by taxi. You’ll also be able to get minivans (shared taxis) and local buses to nearby towns.

It’s also possible to travel between towns via ferry – a service runs along the Essequibo River, from Charity to Bartica.

The country’s only main road is an unsealed track from Georgetown

and through the rainforest to Lethem, a journey which takes 15-20 hours. It’s serviced by long distance buses, but you can also hire a 4x4 to explore Guyana’s more off-the-beaten-track corners.

However, the quickest and most convenient way to get around is by air, in small four-12-seater Cessna planes, which offer splendid panoramic views.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 67

L

A LABOUR OF OV E We met three couples who took the plunge and bought châteaux in France, which they’re renovating into luxurious B&B and retreat centres

HAVE YOU EVER dreamed of giving up the daily grind?

Swapping long commutes and desk jobs for a rambling house in the countryside and more time with loved ones?

Meet Amy, Erin and Rebecca – three dreamers who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Each of these women, along with their partners, purchased a château in France, which they’re renovating and opening to guests. For each of the three couples, it’s been a life-changing decision.

Rebecca and her husband Tim are both British, and although they’d holidayed extensively in France, they were happy with their life in Stamford, Lincolnshire. But then Rebecca watched a TV programme, Escape to the Château (which follows a British couple renovating an 68 | Outlook Travel issue 02

uninhabitable 45-room chateau in France), and realised there might be a better option. ​“I started searching online and realised that we could swap our four-bed Victorian townhouse in Stamford, with its lovely, but admittedly little, garden for a 14-bedroom château with 15 acres of park and woodland,” she says.

For Erin and Amy, both of whom have French husbands, moving to France was always part of the plan. Amy and Marc had been living on Montserrat, a volcanic island in the Caribbean, but wanted to be closer to family.

“We didn’t set out to buy a château, we just wanted a little place in Europe. But things escalated when we started house-hunting,” Amy explains. “We decided if we did find

RENOVATING CHATEAUS FEATURE

ERIN AND JEAN-BAPTISTE Erin, a doctor, and Jean-Baptiste, a mechanical engineer, purchased Château de Bourneau in 2018.

It’s a 50-room château in the Pays de Loire, built in the French renaissance style with fairytale turrets and a moat. The Château de Bourneau currently has the facilities to sleep 44 people in four large holiday cottages, each with a private pool. The couple has also converted a room in the château to a luxurious honeymoon suite. They cater for group holidays, weddings and other private events. In the future they hope to restore the château in its entirety and the open the grounds for more community events, such as concerts and foodie festivals.

WEB: www.chateaudebourneau.com INSTAGRAM: @chateaudebourneau @theintrepidchatelaine

a big place, we had to be able to make a living from it, so we didn’t have to get jobs in order to manage it.”

Meanwhile, Erin and Jean-Baptiste had always dreamed of buying and restoring a historic building in France together, and after nine years living in the UK, were ready to move. ​“It was only when we first saw the Château de Borneau, with its romantic turrets rising above the wildflower meadow, that we both had a complete “coup de foudre” (love at first sight),” Erin says.

But renovating a château proved to be far from a fairytale experience for all three couples.

“A day in the life of a real “châtelaine” is a lot less Outlook Travel issue 02 | 69

RENOVATING CHATEAUS FEATURE

glamourous than people think! More Cinderella-style task keeping than harp strumming and champagne swigging!”

Erin says.

Extensive renovation was needed on all three properties. Château de Rosières, Marc and Amy’s home, had a derelict top floor. The surrounding outbuildings were also in a state of disrepair. And the more closely they looked, the more they realised there was to do. A simple bathroom renovation turned into a huge, nine-month project.

“We had to carve new paths for the drains all the way through the house, because it previously had some horrible shredder system for the toilet that just ended up in the pond in the front garden,” Amy explains.

Château de la Ruche, Rebecca’s petit château, was also

AMY AND MARC Amy, a civil servant turned yoga teacher, and Marc, an agricultural engineer, bought Château de Rosières in 2016 and moved there in 2018. It’s a 30-room château in the mountains of northern Ardèche above the Rhône Valley, a medieval fort that came into its own during France’s 16th century wars of religion.

In the next two years the château will be opened as a retreat centre for group breaks such as yoga or painting. A studio in a medieval barn and a café/ restaurant in the old coach house will all be heated with the estate’s own wood supply to enable year round activities. Amy and Marc also plan to open the café and gardens to the general public this summer and have future plans for vineyards and a green amphitheatre.

WEB: www.chateaurosieres.com INSTAGRAM: @chateaurosieres

70 | Outlook Travel issue 02

very run down when they moved in.

“It had semi-functioning electrics and plumbing, and the septic tanks failed within two weeks of us moving in,” Rebecca says.

All three couples had to tackle challenging renovation projects before opening their châteaux to guests. Amy and Marc, for example, have recently completed the installation of a new woodchip boiler, which they will power using the trees from their estate – the largest domestic installation in France. Erin and Jean-Baptiste have renovated the four holiday cottages in their grounds, which house 44 people. Meanwhile, Rebecca and Tim have had to install a new septic tank and do extensive rewiring. These are all costly renovation projects – all three women say the

financial burden is one of the biggest challenges of owning a château. As a result, the couples try to do as much of the unskilled labour themselves, learning as they go.

“It’s been a brilliant challenge and we’ve learned so many new skills,” Rebecca says.

Alongside renovation projects, there are lots of other tasks to be ticked off. ​“Dividing our time is the hardest challenge – there is the important administration side of things from accounting, marketing and organising everything from yoga and art retreats to weddings, hen-dos and private parties, amidst the need for continuing general maintenance of the estate,” Erin explains.

Because of this, it can be difficult to strike a good

RENOVATING CHATEAUS FEATURE

work-life balance. ​“You love where you live but you can never take a break because it’s always surrounding you, and you think ‘I’ll just do this’ or ‘I’ll just do that,’” Amy explains. ​However, all three couples take pleasure in breathing new life into their châteaux by redecorating rooms, managing the grounds and sourcing period fixtures and fittings from local brocantes, or antiques markets.

The couples find that the reaction from guests is one of the most rewarding things about being a château owner. ​“When they’re blown away by how magical it is here it makes all the hard work worth it,” Rebecca says. “You’re reminded of why you fell in love with it in the first place.”

Amy explains that the friendly atmosphere of Château de Rosieres and its surrounding grounds seems to really improve guests’ wellbeing. ​“They feel like they can sleep better than they have for

REBECCA AND TIM Rebecca, a journalist, and Tim, an engineer, relocated to Château de la Ruche in 2017 with their two children, Rufus and Laurie. It’s a petit-château built in the late 18th century, located in the Pays de Loire. The couple have currently renovated three bedrooms of their château and offer ‘laidback luxury’ B&B breaks (both families and couples are welcome). They’re currently in the process of renovating one of their outbuildings into a self-catered holiday cottage, for week-long rentals. Rebecca also plans on expanding her on-site brocante shop, where guests can purchase antiques similar to those in the château, and other locally sourced gifts.

WEB: ww.chateaudelaruche.com INSTAGRAM: @chateaudelaruche

ages, that they can relax more – they just love it,” she says.

Another reward is how their relationships with their partners have developed while working on such largescale projects together. All three say it’s strengthened their relationship, despite the stress of working and living together. ​“We’ve been able to carve out our own roles and make the most of each other’s strengths. A big part of this adventure was about working together and it’s definitely made us closer,” Rebecca says.

Amy, who married Marc soon after meeting him on Montserrat, knew that embarking on such a large-scale project together was a risk. ​“It means you get to see each other all day every day, and learn about each other’s way of doing things,” she says. “As challenging as it is, each day is a challenge that helps you develop your relationship together.”

But the rewards of owning a château far outstrip the challenges. All three couples are happy with the decision they’ve made. ​“The Château de Bourneau is our family home and a labour of love for us. It brings us so much pleasure seeing it come back to life and how much joy it brings our guests and local community,” Erin says.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 73

TH E ALGARV E Portugal’s sun-kissed southern region attracts visitors by the millions, but it still has plenty of unspoilt corners, from Moorish towns to footprint-free beaches Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Matt Cole-Wilkin

W

ith its dramatic limestone cliffs and golden bays, this sun-kissed region in southern Portugal welcomes upwards of four million tourists a year. Many of them flock to coastal resort towns such as Lagos and Albufeira, which are renowned for their crenellated coves, lively nightlife and the oldworld charm of their historic centres.

But despite its popularity, areas of the region remain unspoilt. Cape St. Vincent National Park stretches across the rugged west coast of the Algarve, encompassing untouched bays and quiet whitewashed villages, fragrant meadows and pine forests.

Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, just south of Faro, is an intricate network of saline marshes, creeks and islands – you’ll find birds such as flamingos and the rare purple gallinule nesting here. Travel inland and you’ll discover sun-dappled cork forests and then, further north, soaring mountain peaks.

The region is also rich in cultural

attractions, thanks to five centuries of Moorish occupation and a history of maritime exploration and transatlantic voyages. You’ll discover fishing villages built in the Moroccan ‘white cube’ style and museums dedicated to reconstructing the Algarve’s brinesoaked history.

And the food is another draw.

Spicy, barbecued piri piri chicken originated in the region. The Algarve is also renowned for its seafood dishes, known for their freshness and simplicity. One such dish is conquilhas à Algarvia, fresh clams cooked with slices of Portuguese sausage and garlic. Another is cataplana de marisco, a seafood stew simmered in a piquant tomato and white wine sauce.

Despite the region’s popularity, a visit to the Algarve remains an evocative experience. The salty taste of the grilled sardines from Portimao, the stippled light of the cork forests, playing in the waves under cornflower skies…

THE ALGARVE TRAVEL GUIDE

THE ALGARVE TRAVEL GUIDE

IN FOCUS

FA R O The Algarve’s capital boasts some fantastic architecture, a great dining scene and a gorgeous coastal location

IMAGE: POR USER:OTOURLY - OBRA DO PRÓPRIO, CC BY-SA 3.0

FARO, THE REGION’S capital, is often bypassed in favour of the beaches. But we recommend stopping for a couple of days in the city, which boasts an attractive marina and a cidade velha (old town) of cobbled streets, sun-kissed squares and medieval buildings. Visit Igrejo do Carmo – a church which represents the oldest example of Rococo architecture in the area – and check out the macabre chapel made of 1,245 bones in the courtyard. The Museu Municipal showcases the city’s history from Roman rule and Muslim occupation to Christian conquest, and is well worth the trip.

Faro also has an exciting dining scene and an energetic nightlife. We recommend heading to one of the city’s restaurants serving traditional cuisine at candlelit tables, such as Se7e Padras or Dos Irmaos. There are

IMAGE: BY BEXTREL - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0

Igrejo do Carmo

A view of the historical centre 76 | Outlook Travel issue 02

lots of different options for post-dinner drinks, ranging from live music venues to upmarket cocktail bars.

The city is surrounded by some stunning landscapes. The flamingo-filled lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa are right on the doorstep. Take a ferry through Ria Formosa and after 45 minutes you’ll arrive at Ilha Deserta, an uninhabited island and biodiversity hotspot which boasts deliciously empty beaches.

IMAGE: BY HUSOND - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0

IMAGE: BY BEXTREL - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0

The civil governor’s palace in Faro

The building of the Câmara Municipal of Faro Outlook Travel issue 02 | 77

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

E AT: F OFROB T ETST R AV ER L IL-E RUTDHGEE B PE PR ES R… I CHICKEN IN T H E A LG A RV E O Teodósio F O R M I C H E L I N - STA R R E D D I S H E S W I T H LO C A L I N G R E D I E N TS …

Bon bon

SLEEP: F O R E U R O P E ’ S M OST R O M A N T I C R E S O R T… Monte Santo Resort was named Europe’s Most Romantic Resort for five consecutive years by the World Travel awards, and it’s easy to see why.

Spacious suites and opulent villas are set in eight hectares of manicured gardens, around six outdoor swimming pools. Enjoy a romantic dinner at the fantastic Aroma Restaurant or unwind at Alma Spa with a luxury treatment.

FOR HIGH-END DESIGN IN A CO U N T RYS I D E S E T T I N G …

Vila Valverde FOR SCANDI CHIC IN A FORMER P E R F U M E D I ST I L L E RY… Quinta dos Perfumes

DO: F O R P O R T U G A L’ S M OST P O P U L A R S U R F C A M P… Algarve Surf School 78 | Outlook Travel issue 02

THE ALGARVE TRAVEL GUIDE

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

ALGARVE TO U R I S M BUREAU THE ALGARVE TOURISM Bureau promotes the Algarve Region and its tourism products within overseas markets. It does this through partnerships with both the public and private sector, such as joint marketing campaigns with tour operators and airlines, press and fam trips, destination training, trade shows and tourism fairs.

We caught up with João Fernandes, President of Algarve Tourism Bureau, to find out more about the organisation.

events from theatrical productions, contemporary circus and gastronomy to music and heritage education.

There are over 400 events in the calendar are held in the 16 municipalities of the region.

As we have a good selection of characterful and five-star properties in stunning natural scenery, we are also promoting weddings, plus meetings and events.

Outlook Travel (OT): What are your organisation’s current goals?

JF: This year we have a charming and historic hotel opening on the eastern border of the Algarve, Pestana Pousada Vila Real de Santo António. It consists of three historic 19th century buildings located in the centre of the town. It will be completed by Easter 2020. The $3.3 million development, overlooking Marquês de Pombal Square, will have 57 rooms and showcase the heritage and local culture of the town. It will be the fourth historic pousada for the region and Pestana’s 17th hotel in the Algarve.

Starting construction this year is Ombria Resort, a major new luxury development set amidst rolling green hills, rivers and cork and oak forests in

João Fernandes (JF): Currently we are focussing on promoting activities in the low and shoulder seasons to highlight how Algarve is an all year-round destination – it has so much more to offer than just beautiful beaches, amazing weather and stunning golf courses. Other activities include walking, cycling, surfing, nature tourism, nautical activities, gastronomy and wines.

This year we have the fourth edition of our innovative arts and cultural programme, 365 Algarve. From October to the end of May 2020, the region will host an array of exciting 80 | Outlook Travel issue 02

OT: Are there any interesting projects in the pipeline you wish to highlight?

Tropical plants on cliff rocks with view of a beautiful beach near Portimao town

the inner Algarve region of Portugal, eight kilometres north of Loule.

Ombria Resort will set the bar as one of a new generation of low-density resort developments with sustainability, the environment and support of the nature and local heritage at their hearts.

The resort has leisure and entertainment facilities including an area for organic farming, honey harvesting facilities, astronomical observatory, heated swimming pools, a beach club at one of the nearby beaches, paths for nature walks and mountain biking and other sports facilities.

THE ALGARVE TRAVEL GUIDE

OT: Is there any potential for ecotourism development in the region?

JF: In 2019 the Algarve’s Sustainable Tourism Observatory was created to establish what needs to improve for the region to become a more sustainable tourism destination. It is now part of the World Tourism Organisation’s International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO). This will make it even easier to exchange information with partners, implement similar management and monitoring techniques and increase the Algarve’s tourism competitiveness.

We have ecotourism projects of all sizes, from the Ombria Resort mentioned above to small boutique hotels such as Casa Modesta, which has just nine rooms and overlooks the Ria Formosa Nature Park, considered one of Portugal’s seven wonders.

Nature tourism and Nautical tourism are also key areas we are developing.

On a National level Portugal’s 2027 Sustainable Tourism Strategy will focus on an economic, social and environmental framework to position Portugal as one of the most competitive and sustainable tourist

destinations in the world. In Algarve we will work to align ourselves with the standards set.

OT: How do you market the Algarve so it maintains its popularity as a destination?

JF: We have PR and marketing agencies that we work with in our key markets – UK, France, The Netherlands, Germany and Spain – who are continually promoting the destination to their markets through social media, media relations and partnerships. We assist them with product training, events, hosting media and fam visits.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 81

“THE ALGARVE HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER TOURISTS. FOR A START, IT’S HOME TO SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL NATURAL LANDSCAPES IN EUROPE”

We also develop joint marketing campaigns with tour operators and airlines, participate in trade events, fairs, press and fam trips. We have reinforced our digital marketing campaigns with partners and in our own social media channels which are very dynamic.

OT: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in the Algarve and how are you responding to them?

JF: Wellness tourism is a growing trend, and we have many new facilities and programmes that are being introduced by our hotel partners to meet demand. These include the latest medical spa facilities and technologies at Longevity Wellness Resorts and special retreats that cater for holistic wellness from meditation to 82 | Outlook Travel issue 02

yoga. Recently Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards recognised Vila Vita Parc as the third best Destination Spa Resort in the world.

We are shining a light on wellness by organising two Algarve Spa Weeks where visitors can enjoy 50 percent discount on all treatments at participating hotels in April and October 2020.

The trend for independent travel has grown and the Algarve region has a wide range of accommodation options for all tastes and budgets, from all-inclusive and luxurious four and five-star hotels to great quality budget options. Villas and self-catering accommodation are plentiful for those that prefer the comfort and privacy of a home away from home.

Since the latest bankruptcy at Thomas Cook, we have been working

hard to make good the losses by stepping up negotiations with other tour operators and OTA’s carrying out marketing campaigns. We have also been working with other airlines, encouraging them to fill the gaps left by the collapse of Monarch in 2017.

And, as mentioned, with the establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Observatory, we are focussed on helping sustainable tourism businesses.

OT: The Algarve is renowned for its beaches, but what else does it have to offer tourists?

JF: The Algarve has so much to offer tourists. For a start, it’s home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Europe. Hiking, walking and cycling are great ways to enjoy the sights and the abundance of

THE ALGARVE TRAVEL GUIDE

birding hotspots, in particular the Castro Marim wetlands, the Ria Formosa and Lagoa dos Salgados. Key walking routes include Via Algarviana, a long-distance pedestrian path running from Alcoutim in the Eastern Algarve to the western tip at Cape St. Vincent, and the Vicentina route which runs from Santiago do Cacém in the Alentejo to Sagres. Ecovia is a spectacular cycling route that runs along the Algarve coast.

The Algarve Tourism Bureau has unveiled a new website which provides details of routes for those looking to explore the region by bike or on foot.

There are few places that can match the Algarve’s culinary offering.

The cuisine is simple and lovingly prepared with local produce such as fresh seafood, almonds, figs, oranges and internationally distinguished olive oil. Festivals and fairs celebrating the region’s gastronomy are held in towns and villages regularly, for both locals and visitors alike to sample local delicacies. Top food

festivals include the annual traditional Sausage Fair of Monchique in March, while August is seafood festival season in the Algarve – seafood lovers will have a feast of a time at the Portimão Sardine Festival and the Olhão Seafood Festival.

The Algarve boasts the most Michelin star restaurants in the whole of Portugal. In 2020 the region is home to seven Michelin starred establishments (and nine establishments such as Vila Joya and Ocean have two stars each).

The Algarve is synonymous with golf, boasting a remarkable collection of first-class championship courses and amazing golf resorts strung along the sunkissed coastline. The region attracts hundreds of thousands of golfers to its fairways all year round. It’s also known for it’s nautical tourism, and hosted many events in 2019, including the Powerboat Grand Prix, the Aquabike World Series, windsurfing competitions and dinghy sailing competitions.

OT: What landmarks and attractions do you recommend tourists visit in the Algarve?

JF: I recommend taking a boat trip in Ria Formosa Natural Park, a unique coastal lagoon in central Algarve recently elected as one of the seven Natural Wonders of Portugal, and having lunch on a desert island at Estaminé restaurant.

Visit Cape St. Vincent, the southwest edge of mainland Europe, and then take a scenic drive up the Vicentine Coast (considered Portugal’s greatest coastal paradise) and watch the surfers.

Enjoy an alfresco lunch of sardines or fresh seafood in Portimão, at one of the many riverside restaurants, or a day relaxing on the beach. My favourites are Dona Ana, Meia Praia, Praia da Marinha and Falésia beach.

I also suggest kayaking along the coastline to see the impressive Benagil Cave and iconic Ponta da Piedade rock formations in Lagos.

OT: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in the Algarve?

JF: Yes I am! Tourism numbers since 2017 have continued to rise – the Algarve surpassed the mark of 20 million overnight stays between January and November 2019.

For the third year in a row, this is the only region in Portugal to reach the level of 20 million overnight stays in one year, and it’s expected to increase.

Since early 2019 the Algarve has had 7.3 percent more guests (than in 2018) and an increase of 2.4 percent overnight stays. Total income in the first eleven months of 2019 rose by 7.2 percent. In the same period, golf courses recorded 1.29 million rounds and Faro airport handled 8.7 million passengers.

Cape St. Vincent

Algarve Tourism Bureau www.algarvepromotion.pt/en Tel: 00351 289 800 403 Outlook Travel issue 02 | 83

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S LAGOS Lagos has an old town of tiled streets, picturesque plazas and timeworn churches, enclosed by centuries-old walls. It’s also surrounded by some of the best beaches in the region, which accounts for its popularity.

CAPE ST VINCENT This rugged headland is Portugal’s southernmost point, where many famous explorers launched maritime voyages of discovery – the solitary lighthouse doubles as a maritime museum. Visit at sunset for the most dramatic vistas.

84 | Outlook Travel issue 02

THE ALGARVE TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND FARO IS THE largest airport in the Algarve, offering flights to 69 destinations (most of which are in Europe) through carriers such as Ryanair, EasyJet and Air France. The busiest route is between Faro and London Gatwick, an airport with plenty of onward connections worldwide.

Thanks to its popularity with tourists, the Algarve has good public transport connections, including an efficient bus network and a railway line. Buy a tourist pass from the railway ticket office for unlimited travel over a specified period.

However, the most popular way for tourists to get around the region is by hiring a rental car. That way you really can discover the Algarveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unspoilt corners.

SILVES This traditional Algarve town was the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital during the Moorish rule.

It offers up fantastic architectural gems such as the ancient, red-walled castle and Silves Cathedral, the most important Gothic monument in the Algarve.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 85

ROMANCE, FA R F R O M THE MADDING CROWD Paschoe House in rural Devon, England, is a boutique property offering everything you need for a romantic break – exquisite rooms, delicious food, and picturesque rural surroundings Author: Michael Edwards

P

eace, privacy and seclusion, far from the madding crowd, are important for a romantic break.

Paschoe House, a spacious Tudor Gothic style cottage built in the mid-19th century, is an intimate boutique hotel and romantic hideaway in rural Devon. There are just nine rural themed rooms, though the Jack and Jill suite has an adjoining room if you 86 | Outlook Travel issue 02

really have to bring the family.

Putting some distance between the two of you and the frenetic 21st century world is essential. West of Exeter, south of Exmoor but north of Dartmoor, twixt moors and seas, Paschoe House awaits at the end of a long private drive. Eventually, passing through farmland and with views of the lake, you arrive at a country house

both elegant and reassuringly solid. It was designed by John Hayward, the architect also responsible for Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum.

When you step inside there’s an indulgent welcome of homemade petit-fours and cookies.

Birdsong rules in a countryside quilt of green fields, hedgerowed lanes and sparkling streams.

PASCHOE HOUSE FEATURE

Mornings are leisurely and the grandfather clock seems to tick to a slower beat. Breakfast is not served until nine oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock. Moreover, Paschoe House closes, rests and revives from late Monday morning until Wednesday afternoon check-in. This is a place for quiet walks, a massage in your room, taking a book from the shelves of the Library Bar, a game of croquet on the

Mornings are leisurely and the grandfather clock seems to tick to a slower beat

lawn or a cocktail as the sun sets.

It is a green, fertile landscape where romance blossoms.

“Meet me by the swing,” reads one anonymous note, found in a 1920s cigarette tin, hidden away in a nook in what is now Hedgehog Room.

Builders discovered the tin when they were renovating Paschoe House in 2016 “Pigs, meet me in my bedroom,” reads another.

“A local lady told me that her grandfather’s nickname was Pigs and that he owned Paschoe House from 1948 to 1958,” said Tabitha Fern, who manages Paschoe House.

Is this a Thomas Hardy style tale, perhaps of illicit love between servant girl and the master of the house?

Perhaps a mid-20th century take on The Go Between? As the opening line of that great novel reminds us, “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.”

Possibly not. Still, Paschoe House remains a romantic location. This rather special hotel draws people from afar. Robin Fern collects guests 88 | Outlook Travel issue 02

“...IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT PASCHOE HOUSE’S RESTAURANT HAS JUST BEEN AWARDED ITS THIRD AA ROSETTE, AND THE MICHELIN’S INSPECTORS ARE TAKING AN INTEREST AS CRAIG DAVIES WORKS TOWARDS A MICHELIN STAR” from Exeter Airport or the local railway station in the hotel’s Land Rover Discovery, though there are ambitious plans for a helipad.

Tabitha has given the traditional country house a makeover. In the entrance hall an antler chandelier marries ancient and contemporary.

Quirky taxidermy elicits smiles; an ostrich keeps beady eyes on the bar, whilst a curled badger smiles his last sleep curled up by the fire. 13th century stone fireplaces from the original Paschoe House coalesce with a discretely butterfly-patterned light wallpaper.

For couples planning futures and homes together this is inspirational interior design. On the way home you are bound to talk Designer Guild wallpapers, pastel colour palettes, underfloor heating, push-button

curtains, Victorian style roll-top baths, original rural-themed art work, Nespresso coffee machines, woollen jacketed mini hot water bottles, separate thermostat control for the bathroom…

Food, wine and romance have been inextricably entwined through the ages. There’s even a romance to Paschoe’s kitchen garden, once lost and forgotten under a landslip, now producing ingredients for the casual dining, a la carte and tasting menus.

The head chef is Craig Davies, a passionate perfectionist, who has worked alongside many of Britain’s top chefs. He plans to produce 25 fruits, herbs and ingredients every season. His menus for 2020 are already planned around this homegrown provenance.

If you visit Paschoe House, it

PASCHOE HOUSE FEATURE

would be a crime not to sample the tasting menu. Although it changes with the seasons, the spirit of the seven courses remains constant: the creativity of a veloute of parsnip, taleggio cheese and hazelnut, the precise sous vide cooking of a lobster tail resting in a shellfish bisque with brown shrimp and sea lettuce.

Alongside the menu there is a wellmatched wine flight that includes Bouche Pere et Fils Champagne with the lobster, the only red of the evening, a robust Dao, accompanying the red deer and finally a 10 year old Madeira pairing with the decadent Manjari chocolate and whisky jelly.

It’s no surprise that Paschoe House’s restaurant has just been awarded its third AA rosette, and the Michelin’s inspectors are taking an interest as Craig Davies works towards a

Michelin star.

Above all, romance is about dreams. Paschoe House epitomises aspirations and hopes. Tabitha grew up in the chilly Paschoe House that her father bought to restore into a grand family home. Sadly, he ran out of money in 2010. Paschoe House lay empty until 2016 when Tabitha, aged 26 and working in London, asked her father if she could convert the property into a boutique luxury hotel. Tabitha had the vision but still needed to raise finances, obtain planning permission and complete an ambitious restoration project. She was determined to make it work. A rejuvenated Paschoe House opened in August 2017 and a year later hosted Tabitha and Robin’s wedding reception. Can it get any more romantic?

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WEEKEND IN VERONA FEATURE

“ I N FA I R V E R O N A” Visit the city for the Romeo and Juliet-themed attractions, but fall in love with its eclectic architecture and rustic Italian cuisine Writer: Dani Redd

WE STOOD IN the middle of the Piazza Brá on a misty morning in early February. In front of us was an impressive Roman amphitheatre, with archways built from pink sandstone. To its left was a bronze heart sculpture – people were queuing up for a selfie in front of it.

Verona is known for being ‘the City of Love’, as it’s the setting for the world’s most famous romance, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

To find out more about the city’s Shakespearean legacy, we were taking a walking tour with Christina, a sparky, intelligent woman with curly dark hair and bright red nails.

“90 percent of tourists come here because of Romeo and Juliet,” she told us.

Whether two lovers named Romeo and Juliet really existed is hotly debated. Some experts believe Shakespeare’s play is based on a story by a writer from Siena, who insisted his characters, star-crossed lovers Mariotto and Gianozzo, were real. What we do know is that two noble families called Montague and Capulet (or rather, Montecchi and Cappelletti) really did exist in medieval Verona.

“We have searched our records, because we really want them to exist,” Christina said frankly. “There were two possible Juliets. But one had to be 90 | Outlook Travel issue 02

discounted because of her age, the other because she had children.”

But this hasn’t stopped tourists flocking to Verona by the millions in search of a romantic, Romeo-andJuliet themed break.

Christina led us down the narrow streets of Verona’s historic centre, telling us about the Della Scala family, who ruled the city in the medieval period when Romeo and Juliet is set. She showed us the austere red brick houses that the family favoured, with their distinctive swallow-tail battlements. The shape of the battlements indicated support for a political faction called the Ghibellines (who were at war with their rivals, the Guelphs).

Above: Aerial view of the Adige River Left: Balcony of Juliet from “Romeo and Juliet” by W. Shakespeare

WEEKEND IN VERONA FEATURE

We stopped near one of these gothic, fortified houses.

“This is what we tell people is Romeo’s house,” Christina explained.

“But actually, we aren’t sure. We know Cagnolo Nogaróla lived here.

The Montecchi family definitely lived in this neighbourhood. It’s privately owned so we cannot go inside. They have a lot of trouble with people drawing heart graffiti on the door.”

Our next stop was Juliet’s house, which according to history really was owned by the Cappelleti family.

We stepped into a small courtyard.

Above us was a stone balcony dripping with flowers, which was supposedly where Juliet stood listening to Romeo’s first entreaties of love (reportedly added to the house’s façade by the city in 1936). Below it was a bronze statue of Juliet, which was surrounded by people waiting to take a photo with her. A man being photographed was squeezing the statue’s right breast.

“It’s supposed to be for good luck,” Christina said. “But nobody knows how

it started. Maybe someone did it once and everyone copied, the poor girl.”

She told us about another unusual tradition in the city that stretches as far back as the 1930s – writing letters to Juliet. The first were placed at ‘Juliet’s tomb,’ which is in the crypt of the San Francesco al Corso Monastery (where Shakespeare set the tragic end of the play). Later, these letters were placed on the walls of Juliet’s house. But the city clamped down on this, as it was becoming an eyesore. These days, Juliet receives Outlook Travel issue 02 | 91

Inside the amphitheatre

Horse stew

8,000-10,000 letters a year, and a security guard stands in the courtyard, making sure they are placed in the postbox provided.

Any letters with return addresses are answered by the Juliet Club, a voluntary organisation established for this very purpose. It’s possible to visit its archive and see some of the letters. Christina had also gathered some anonymous letters herself over the years, which she showed us.

One was a heartwarming letter written by “Mom and Dad” to their children.

“We could tell you about Romeo and Juliet and how love will conquer all but we’d rather tell you about “real 92 | Outlook Travel issue 02

love”. You know, the kind of love that keeps you up at night because you’re taking care of your sick children,” it began.

Another letter, written on headed notepaper saying “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”, mourned the ‘perfect lover’ who had broken up with her.

“We pretend like everything is normal between us when, deep down, we will never be able to forget that I have hairline fractures in three knuckles, two ribs and one heart because of him,” it concluded.

Reading the letter in its entirety gave me a lump in my throat. Perhaps Juliet was more than a gimmicky

tourist offering – she was a figure enabling people across the world to pour their hearts out, when they felt nobody else was listening.

But of course, there’s far more to the city than its connection to Romeo and Juliet. Christina took us inside the echoing amphitheatre. ​“In the past, these stone walls would have been painted in bright colours. Think Dolce and Gabbana, not Armani,” she told us.

She told us about the bloody battles that would have taken place in the arena, before moving on to discussing its current usage for opera performances – the pool once used for water battle reenactments

WEEKEND IN VERONA FEATURE

Fresco detail, Museo di Castelvecchio

Juliet’s Tomb

Museo di Castelvecchio

had been drained for usage as the orchestra pit. ​“Are there ever any accidents here?” my husband asked, as we climbed the stone steps to the top of the arena. ​“Yes. Once a horse fell into the orchestra pit,” Christina said cheerfully.

This led on to a discussion of horsemeat, which is still used in traditional Veronese dishes. This was because there were many horse carcasses remaining after bloody battles, which were used as meat by the citizens. ​“Sometimes, the carcasses would have lain for a few days in the summer. So they weren’t always fresh.

Bridge Ponte Pietra in Verona on Adige river

People would stew them to hide any nasty taste,” Christina explained.

For lunch I tried a modern version of this horsemeat stew, pastissada de caval, at one of Verona’s traditional inns, Osteria Sgarzie. It was rich with red wine, aromatic with the addition of rosemary, and served on top of polenta. Although I enjoyed it, I preferred my first course of soft sweet potato gnocchi, served with crispy bacon and smoked mozzarella cheese.

We spent the next couple of days exploring the city, stopping for breaks in cosy cafes to drink bitter expresso and snack on frittelle con cioccolato, chocolate-stuffed fried dough balls

only cooked around the time of carnival. We wandered over the gothic Ponte di Castelvecchio to the Museo di Castelvecchio, where Veronese frescos, carvings and paintings were displayed in the chambers of a medieval castle.

One afternoon, the sun finally emerged from behind a cloud. It gilded the forested hills around the city, made the waters of the Adige shimmer. The orange and ochre facades of the beautiful Venetian buildings looked even brighter.

Finally, as the soft afternoon light shone down, I understood why Verona deserved to be called ‘The City of Love.’

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 93

DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE

D U B R OV N I K This Croatian city is a vision of winding streets and eclectic architecture, encircled by fortified walls and bordering the Adriatic Sea. Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik,” George Bernard Shaw once said. Today, this Croatian city is the most popular destination on the Adriatic coast, and it’s easy to see why. The fortified walls of the Old Town hold a labyrinth of architectural treasures, from gothic palaces to cloistered monasteries. Dubrovnik has recently risen to fame as the site of King’s Landing in the popular series Game of Thrones – you can take a walking tour to see the filming locations for yourself.

Beyond the walls lies the cobalt shimmer of the Adriatic. White yachts bob in the harbour. After a day of sightseeing you can cool off in the calm waters of Banje Beach, close to the Old Town. The sea around Dubrovnik is scattered with islands.

The closest, Lokrum, can be reached by sea kayak or a 15-minute taxi boat from Old Town Harbour. Slightly further afield is Korčula, a picturesque island of whitewashed villages, turquoise coves and vineyards producing local wine – it’s believed to be the birthplace of Venetian

merchant and explorer Marco Polo.

Dubrovnik also has an up-andcoming dining scene. Dynamic chefs are beginning to champion the cuisine of the Dalmatian Coast, and use some of the fantastic local seafood, meat and artisan cheeses in their dishes.

The nearby Pelješac Peninsula is a renowned wine-growing region – visit a local vineyard for a tasting.

All in all, Dubrovnik offers up the perfect ingredients for a romantic city break: compelling architecture, excellent restaurants, and fantastic sea views.

IN FOCUS

D U B R OV N I K ’ S O L D TOW N DUBROVNIK’S OLD TOWN occupies a promontory jutting out into the Adriatic and is surrounded by 1.5-metre-thick walls. This fortified city has weathered a few storms, the most recent being a shelling from the Yugoslav People’s Army, in 1991. Although damage was caused, the city quickly recovered. A trip to Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-designated Old Town is top of the list for tourists visiting Croatia.

The Old Town can be entered through either Pile or Ploče Gate.

They’re connected by Stradun, the main thoroughfare through Old 96 | Outlook Travel issue 02

Town. The street is made of polished marble, and is lined with al fresco cafés, timeworn mansions and restaurants.

There’s a lot to see in the Old Town – cloistered monasteries, renaissance palaces and Gothic churches. The Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery are two of Old Town’s greatest treasures – make sure you check out the offbeat Pharmacy Museum within the monastery complex. Another popular activity is a stroll around the top of the city walls, where you’ll be treated to dreamy ocean views.

DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 97

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

E AT: F OFROB AV EO L LNEARLS …

RUFDRGEESTH T , R SE AS LO C A L CUISINE… Pantarul F O R I N N OVAT I V E S E A F O O D ST R E E T FA R E …

Barba

Hotel More

DO: F O R G A M E O F T H R O N E S TO U R S …

King’s Landing Dubrovnik

SLEEP: F O R B O U T I Q U E LUXU RY A N D S E A V I E WS …

Hotel More is a five-star boutique hotel, located on the shores of Dubrovnik’s peaceful Lapad Bay. Stay in light-filled rooms with beautiful sea views. Soak up the sun at the outdoor pool, or Mediterranean seafood dishes on the terrace of restaurant More. Come evening, head to the atmospheric underground bar, located in a natural cave under the hotel.

F O R LUXU RY C R U I S E S TO T H E E L A P H I T E I S L A N DS …

Dubrovnik Boat Services

F O R PA L AT I A L R O O M S I N T H E O L D TOW N …

Pucić Palace Dubrovnik 98 | Outlook Travel issue 02

www.hotel-more.hr

MORE

OFFERS YOU MORE PRECIOUS MOMENTS FOR LIFETIME MEMORIES.

CONNECT WITH US: @hotelmoredubrovnik

CONTACT +385 20 494 200 sales@hotel-more.hr Kardinala Stepinca 33 20 000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

THE D U B R OV N I K TO U R I S M B OA R D

DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE

THE DUBROVNIK TOURIST Board represents the city of Dubrovnik, the towns Rijeka dubrovačka, Zaton, Orašac, Trsteno and Brsečine, as well as the islands of Lokrum, Koločep, Lopud and Šipan.

They have recently appointed a new Managing Director, Ana Hrnić. We interviewed her to find out more about the organisation’s vision and goals.

Outlook Travel (OT): What are your organisation’s current goals?

Ana Hrnić (AH): The goal of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board is to encourage, improve and promote the organisation of cultural, artistic, economic and sporting events that contribute to the enrichment of the tourist attractions of the city. One of its main goals is to encourage and organise actions that preserve and protect the tourist environment in the city, as well as to assist in the development of tourism at those sites that belong to the municipalities or city but are still not touristically developed.

We also promote off-season travel by organising different events with the Croatian National Tourism Board and the county tourist board, including presentations and social network campaigns.

The other goal of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board is to collect and process data on the number of guests visiting Dubrovnik on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

OT: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Dubrovnik?

AH: History is alive in every part of this city – as a museum city and at the same time a live stage, it represents the perfect intersection between the past and the present. Every nook and cranny of this Pearl of the Adriatic, as it is known, hides a treasure.

Dubrovnik is surrounded by 1940 metres of unique medieval ramparts preserved in their original form, and open to visitors as the city’s flagship

“EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY OF THIS PEARL OF THE ADRIAT­IC, AS IT IS KNOWN, HIDES A TREASURE” attraction. Protected by UNESCO World Heritage status since 1979, Dubrovnik can boast one of the first such listings in Croatia.

Its rich history, geographic location, mild climate and traditional hospitality and excellence in tourism make Dubrovnik a recognised high quality product on the international tourism market. Dubrovnik is Croatia’s undisputed convention centre with more conventions, congresses and corporate incentive programmes in this segment of tourism than any other location in the country.

The city is a cultural destination, as shown by its many festivals, prestigious art happenings, major open-air events, excellent artists and athletes, and, last but not least, its architectural treasures. We also have some interesting projects in the pipeline that tourists will enjoy experiencing – the Good Food Festival and Dubrovnik Winter Festival. Dubrovnik really is a city for all seasons.

OT: What are some of the most romantic spots in the area?

AH: Dubrovnik’s most recognisable features, defining both its history and appearance, are the intact city walls with five fortresses offering an unforgettable view over the city, the island of Lokrum and the open sea. If you set out to explore Dubrovnik’s vicinity by sea, you will be enraptured by the beauty of its islands.

Dubrovnik is not built in a way to be admired from the car or coach. The Old City is a place for pedestrians.

Every spot and hidden corner has its own unique flavor, which will give you

a memory to keep.

The cable car offers a panoramic view of Dubrovnik. Glide through the air on a scenic adventure – the ride will give you a breathtaking view of the old town of Dubrovnik, coastal sights with islands and magnificent sunset.

OT: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Dubrovnik and how are you utilising them?

AH: Dubrovnik is getting more and more well-known as King’s Landing from Game of Thrones. Although we don’t have statistics of the number of tourists visiting the city because of this, what we can tell you is that many more younger people are visiting the city – and nothing much has changed in terms of infrastructure since Game of Thrones was filmed here.

The primary positive effect is on the economy, for the studio hired local companies, team members and extras to work with the production.

There are also direct tourism impacts, including more arrivals and overnight stays, while restaurants, bars and car companies have also profited.

Some travel agencies offer Game of Thrones city tours, which are extremely popular.

OT: What challenges does the tourist industry in Dubrovnik face?

AH: For any challenge that Dubrovnik faces, the city of Dubrovnik has the ‘Respect the City’ project, a multidisciplinary strategic destination management project with an action plan geared towards a sustainable future for the city. It is comprised of a set of short-term, medium-term and longterm measures and activities that will enable Dubrovnik to take a leading role in sustainable and responsible tourism in the Mediterranean.

The Dubrovnik Tourism Board Tel 0385 20 323-887 info@tzdubrovnik.hr www.tzdubrovnik.hr/lang/en Outlook Travel issue 02 | 101

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S MOUNT SRĐ For the best views in Dubrovnik, hike or take a cable car ride up to the top of Srđ, a 412-metre high hill just outside of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. You’ll have a bird’s eye view of the harbour, the fortified city and the sea beyond it. On the summit, there’s a restaurant and a war museum.

LOKRUM ISLAND According to local legend, Lokrum Island was cursed by Benedictine monks who were expelled from its shores – these days, its only inhabitants are peacocks. There are plenty of interesting attractions on the island: a botanical garden, a saltwater lagoon, and the Game of Thrones centre, where you can sit on the iron throne.

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DUBROVNIK TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND DUBROVNIK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT is the third busiest in Croatia (behind Split and Zagreb). It has direct scheduled flights to 72 destinations in 26 countries, most of which are in Europe. There are also three domestic flights to Split, Zagreb and Pula, operated by Croatia Airlines. Dubrovnik is easily reached from the airport by bus or taxi.

It’s easy to get around within the city too. The Old Town is pedestrianised, with attractions located within walking distance of each other.

Dubrovnik has an excellent bus system, with many nearby tourist destinations serviced by public transport. It’s only worth hiring a car if you’re planning on travelling much further afield.

If you’re looking to travel to Dubrovnik’s islands, head to the Old Town Harbour, where you’ll find yachts, catamarans and small ferries departing to Lokrum Island and beyond.

Orthodox church in the Old Town in Dubrovnik

LOVE STORIES MUSEUM This heart-warming museum is a monument to love, with exhibitions on the tales behind popular love songs and the romantic myths of Dubrovnik.

It also displays objects of sentimental value donated from visitors – such as a coffee mug that helped start a long-distance relationship – and tells the stories behind them.

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THE BEST KEPT SECRETS I N PA R I S The under-the-radar attractions in the world’s second most visited city include a bar hidden in a laundromat and a swimming pool on a barge

W H AT TO D O THE PROMENADE PLANTÉE

LAST YEAR, PARIS was the second most visited city in the world after Bangkok, attracting around 19.1 million tourists. Crowds come for the attractions – such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower – and the city’s romantic atmosphere. For Paris is a city steeped in romanticism, whether you’re wandering along the banks of the Seine, exploring the cobbled streets and shady parks of the Marais neighbourhood or having a candlelit dinner in a quiet bistro.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “secrets travel fast in Paris.” But we’re not sure that he’s right. Despite the city’s popularity, it still has plenty of hidden gems. We’ve visited again and again over the years, and there’s always something new to explore. Even if you’ve already seen the major sights in Paris, don’t disregard it as a destination. From its hidden bars to its secret parks, here are our favourite spots in the city.

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Paris is known for its manicured parks. But its most unique green space is the city’s best-kept secret. The Promenade Plantée is the world’s first elevated park walkway, built across an abandoned viaduct. It stretches five kilometres, beginning behind the Opéra Bastille (at the crossroads between Rue de Lyon and Avenue Daumesnil) and extending to Square Charles Péguy, near Bois des Vincennes.

Most of the walkway is elevated around 10 metres above street level, giving you panoramic views of city rooftops.

There are staircases and lifts dotted along the route. We recommend making a stop at The Viaduc des Arts, around 500 metres from the starting point. You’ll find 37 artisans showcasing their art, jewellery and other crafts in the arches and vaults of the disused viaduct. There are plenty of galleries, shops and showrooms to peruse – and this being Paris, plenty of nearby restaurants.

WHERE: 1 Coulée verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris WEB: www.francedigitale.com

SECRET PARIS FEATURE

PISCINE JOSÉPHINE BAKER

ARAB WORLD INSTITUTE As well as its parks, Paris is also renowned for its worldclass museums and art galleries. But where do you go once you’ve visited the Pompidou, the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay? We highly recommend stopping off at the Arab World Institute, established to act as a cultural bridge between France and the Arab world. It promotes all facets of Arab culture through its museum exhibitions, cinema screenings and regular cultural performances.

The institute is a pioneering example of contemporary architecture – a particularly innovative design element is a photo-sensitive metallic screen, with geometric motifs replicating the traditional mashrabiyya design.

During the summer months of July and August, many Parisians desert the city to holiday on the coast.

But if you’re in Paris during warm weather, there are plenty of outdoor pools where you can go for a dip.

One of our favourites is Piscine Joséphine Baker, a swimming pool housed in a giant barge on the River Seine. During summer, the glass roof opens to reveal a large sundeck. And in the winter months you can keep warm in the saunas, hammam and jacuzzi.

WHERE: Quai François Mauriac, 75013 Paris WEB: www.piscine-baker.fr

PHOTO BY CONNIE MA FROM CHICAGO, USA

WHERE: 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris WEB: www.imarabe.org

LAVOMATIC Talking of places for drinks, Paris also houses several secret bars. They’re hidden from plain sight, accessed only by those in the know. Our favourite is Lavomatic. By day, it’s a functioning laundromat. In the evening, slip behind one of the washing machines and descend a staircase into a colourful, pop-art inspired bar with swings and great cocktails.

WHERE: 30 rue René Boulanger, 75010 Paris WEB: www.lavomatic.paris

CANAL ST MARTIN One of the city’s trendiest spots for a stroll is the Canal St Martin, a picturesque canal bisected by iron footbridges and fringed with tree-lined walkways. As well as exuding Gallic charm, the canal is also lined with some of the city’s hippest bars and arts venues.

Point Ephémère – a large, grafittied warehouse which holds art exhibitions and concerts – is a popular hangout spot among the Paris art crowd.

WHERE: Canal St Martin, 10th Arrondissement WEB: www.parisinsidersguide.com/canal-saint-martin-paris

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SECRET PARIS FEATURE

Marché des Enfants Rouges PHOTO BY CONNIE MA FROM CHICAGO, USA

W H E R E TO E AT MARCHÉ DES ENFANTS ROUGES Hidden behind an old, wrought iron gate in the Haut Marais area is the oldest market in Paris. Its name is translated as “market of the red children” – it’s a reference to the 16th century orphanage that used to occupy the site, as the children were given red clothes to wear. Built in 1615, this covered market hit hard times in the 1990s and was scheduled for demolition. Locals banded together to save it. Finally, after six years of lying unused, the market was renovated and reopened. It’s now one of the best food hotspots in Paris, with hundreds of stalls selling everything from Japanese bento boxes to Lebanese mezze platters.

There are also plenty of artisan stalls selling local cheeses and wines.

WHERE: 39 rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris WEB: www.timeout.com/marche-des-enfants-rouges

BENOIT In Paris, there’s a bistro on practically every corner. Every beautifully written menu promises classics such as French onion soup and steak tartare; every wood-panelled interior looks equally welcoming. So how do you choose where 106 | Outlook Travel issue 02

to eat? We recommend Benoit, the only Michelin-starred bistro in Paris. It opened in 1912 and was owned for nearly a century by the Petit family – in 2005 it was bought by the Alain Ducasse team.

The restaurant has a typically Parisian, old-world ambiance, with red velvet and brass benches, marble columns and glass and wood panelling. The bistro serves French classics – dishes currently on the menu include parsnip velouté, leg of rabbit with mustard and seasonal fruit tart. Visit for lunch, when the tasting menu is particularly reasonably priced. Make sure you book online in advance.

WHERE: 20, rue Saint Martin, 75004 Paris WEB: www.benoit-paris.com

SECRET PARIS FEATURE

PHO 13

PHOTO COURTESY WWW.PHO13.COM

If you’re getting tired of French cuisine, head to the Quartier Asiatique (Asian Quarter) in the 13th arrondissement. In the triangle made by Avenue d’Ivry, Avenue de Choisy and Boulevard Masséna you’ll discover Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese and Cambodian restaurants to name but a few. One of our favourites is Pho 13, which dishes up authentic, unpretentious Vietnamese dishes. Its specialty is pho – a Vietnamese rice noodle soup – but we also recommend the Bánh cuon, fermented rice pancake rolls served with barbecue pork, fresh salad and herbs.

WHERE: 66 Avenue d’Ivry, 75013 Paris WEB: www.pho13.com

W H E R E T O S TAY COQ HOTEL PARIS Over the years, we’ve stayed in plenty of budget to mid-range hotels in Paris, and COQ Hotel Paris is by far and away our favourite. It’s a boutique, 4-star hotel that’s bursting with character. The rooms are decorated in palettes of navy blue and moody grey, featuring vintage furniture, industrial-style lighting and comfortable beds.

There’s a small outdoor garden with a chicken coop (the hotel will serve you fresh eggs for breakfast) and a dining room serving gourmet cuisine. In the early evening, the hotel offers a free glass of wine for guests, which you can savour in the comfortable lobby next to a roaring fire.

WHERE: 15 Rue Edouard Manet, 75013 Paris WEB: www.coqhotelparis.com

HOTEL DES GRANDS BOULEVARDS Hotel des Grands Boulevards is an elegant, unexpected hotel located at the end of a leafy passageway, set back from a bustling boulevard. Built shortly before the French revolution, it has a pared back, Louis XVI style with rustic vintage touches. 50 bedrooms are sumptuously decorated with rustic linen, wooden furniture and bronze light fixtures. It also boasts a beautiful, glass-canopied dining room and a cocktail bar, The Shell, that’s popular with locals in the know.

WHERE: 17 Boulevard Poissonnière, 75002 Paris WEB: www.grandsboulevardshotel.com

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 107

TRAVEL BUSINESS FLASH PACK

T R AV E L B U S I N E S S

F L A S H PAC K FLASH PACK IS a London-based business born out of the desire for a holiday. Back in 2012, 33-year-old Radha Vyas was desperate to take some time off. Although she’d made plenty of solo trips in the past, she wanted company. But when she looked up group travel tours, there was nothing that catered to her needs. ​“I realised there was no travel company out there talking directly to solo travellers in their 30s and 40s. I saw a huge opportunity and it felt like that lightbulb moment,” she explains.

But one of the first times she shared her idea wasn’t at a business meeting – it was while on a date. The man in question was Lee Thompson, a photojournalist who travelled frequently for work, something Radha says appealed to her adventurous side.

How Radha Vyas and Lee Thompson started a successful business offering boutique, experiential tours to travellers in their 30s and 40s Writer: Dani Redd

​“I shared my idea for the business with him, and he got it instantly. He had been looking for the exact same thing – adventures with like-minded people. We decided to make a go of it and our relationship really grew in tandem with the business idea. ​“In fact, a lot of our initial dates after that were spent attending trade

shows together; not a traditional approach to romance but it worked for us,” Radha says. ​Despite, or perhaps because, of this unconventional courtship, the story has a happy ending – Radha and Lee are now happily married, and owners of a successful business, Flash Pack.

But it hasn’t all been plain sailing.

Starting a business from scratch is a challenge, especially in such a competitive market as the travel industry. When Flash Pack initially launched, in January 2014, they were off to a slow start.

TRAVEL BUSINESS FLASH PACK

​“At the start, it was tough. We’d taken a big gamble in investing our savings into the launch of the business, and conviction alone was not enough to make it work. We needed proof of concept. ​“One person did book to travel with us, but we had to cancel the trip as we got no other bookings. We were running out of cash, and yes, we were considering quitting,” Radha says.

The couple decided to take time out and consider their options. However, their luck changed when they heard that the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro was being repaired, which meant that it was possible to climb to the top. ​“It was the run-up to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil at the time, and the authorities in Rio were getting a lot of bad press over their planning of it. We convinced them that we could turn this around with the world’s first selfie from the top of Christ the Redeemer,” Radha says.

Lee was given permission to capture the ‘First-Ever Selfie with Jesus’ – an image which quickly went viral.

“The image, coupled with a link back to the website, resulted in 1.4 million hits to flashpack.com in two days.

This in turn boosted our Google ranking, as well as generating loads of interest in the brand, immediately spiking sales and leading to consistent revenue from then on,” he says.

The ‘First-Ever Selfie with Jesus’ exemplifies Flash Pack’s creative, risk-taking approach in the early days of their business. ​“It was all about being reactive and adaptable; testing the waters of our product model, while spending as little money as possible. We made quick

“IT WAS ALL ABOUT BEING REACTIVE AND ADAPTABLE; TESTING THE WATERS OF OUR PRODUCT MODEL, WHILE SPENDING AS LITTLE MONEY AS POSSIBLE”

decisions and were forever open to trying new strategies. If it didn’t work out, we learned from it and quickly moved on,” Lee says. ​These days, Flash Pack has its own in-house marketing team, but continues to adopt a similar approach and stays true to the brand’s core values. Although still maintaining a strong social media presence, Radha and Lee are experimenting with advertising in other media and are working on their first TV advert.

Flash Pack is going from strength to strength. Its first customers, in 2014, were six travellers who went to Vietnam. Fast forward to 2019, and group tours for thousands of travellers have been booked – “over 52,000 friendships have been made between Flashpackers, on more than 70 different itineraries in over 50 countries,” according to Radha.

So what explains the brand’s success? Radha believes that an understanding of its audience has been key to its growth. ​“We know our audience because we ARE our audience,” she says.

Then, there’s the trips themselves. The itineraries are varied, ranging from a four-day trip in Iceland, hiking across Sólheimajökull Glacier and bathing in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, to eight blissful days spent surfing and doing yoga on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. ​“We curate daring adventures all over the world, filled with moments designed to surprise and delight.

Travellers who join us get to stretch their comfort zone with activities like zip-lining through the rainforests of Belize or abseiling down Table Mountain in Cape Town. But we also Outlook Travel issue 02 | 109

“MOST FLASH PACK ADVENTURES START WITH SOMETHING THAT TAKES TRAVELLERS OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE. WE DO THIS TO SET A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD AND FORCE THE GROUP TO TRUST AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER”

TRAVEL BUSINESS FLASH PACK

stay in boutique hotels where we can,” Lee says.

The trips are experiential, designed to allow travellers to scratch beneath the surface of a country, discovering the local culture and landmarks.

They have a more upmarket element than backpacking, or group tours for younger age groups. When planning trips, Lee and Radha also make sure days aren’t over-scheduled and group sizes don’t exceed 14. ​“There’s no pressure on our trips: travellers tend to be very independent, with lots of experience travelling, and we always factor in time to go off and do your own thing. Nevertheless, because they’re at a similar life stage, people who stay with us form deep, lasting friendships – it’s the thing they always rave about, and that sticks with them well beyond the adventure itself,” Lee explains.

To Lee, Flash Pack is all about making friends with likeminded travellers – something that is central to the brand’s success. ​“Most Flash Pack adventures start with something that takes travellers out of their comfort zone. We do this to set a level playing field and force the group to trust and support one another. ​“Whether it’s canyoning in Jordan, abseiling down Table Mountain or sumo wrestling in Japan, we believe

Flash Pack regularly turns a group of strangers into friends adventure is an incredible social lubricant. We regularly see it turn a group of strangers into friends,” he explains.

Flashpackers may form strong bonds on their adventures, but Lee and Radha’s relationship has also been strengthened by running a business together. ​“The great thing about working together is that it forces you to have a really clear understanding of each other’s strengths,” Radha says.

“In the beginning, we were both doing a little bit of everything, but

now Lee and I also have very clear divisions on our roles, which helps us with growth: as CEO, I look after operational decisions while he looks after the brand side of the business.

We consult each other but we both have veto over decisions in our own areas of responsibility.

“The other amazing thing is that you have a solid support system.

You share the stresses of running a business and overcome obstacles together, whilst being able to celebrate the highs together.”

Both Lee and Radha are glad they took the plunge and started a business together. And they’re excited about the future too. ​“We’re always dreaming up new, unexpected ways to explore a country or delight our customers, whether that’s a secret island campout in the Philippines or vineyard hopping in the Andean hills of Argentina. Stay tuned for some exciting plans,” Lee says. ​We’re looking forward to seeing what Lee and Radha dream up next.

www.flashpack.com

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 111

GHANA TRAVEL GUIDE

GHANA Friendly Ghana is a West African country pulsing with energy, steeped in history and blessed with some breath-taking landscapes Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Joe Palliser

I

t’s easy to see why Ghana is one of the most popular destinations in West Africa.

For a start there’s the beaches, golden stretches of sand fringed with palm trees.

But the coast is marked by the shadows of the past – slaves were held in Europeanbuilt coastal fortresses before being shipped overseas. Visit Cape Coast to learn more about this haunting legacy.

One of the first African countries to shake off the shackles of colonial rule, modern Ghana has a stable democracy, welcoming multi-ethnic population and an energetic spirit, making it a fantastic place to visit. Cities such as Kumasi are bursting with cultural museums, open-air eateries and artisanal markets. The country holds over 70 major traditional festivals every year, including Homowo, which is an exuberant celebration of a bountiful harvest, and Oguaa Fetu Afahye, unique warrior processions and rituals in honour of the 77 deities in the Fetu Afahye area.

But that’s not all. Ghana is blessed with some spectacular landscapes. Travel inland from the coast and you’ll discover a series of diverse habitats, from mountains to lush rainforest, rolling savannahs to arid plains. In the far north is the Mole National Park, Ghana’s largest wildlife reserve – it’s the only place in the country where you can see elephants in the wild. Meanwhile the Volta Region, running along Ghana’s eastern border, is all lush fields and craggy mountains, perfect for hiking.

GHANA TRAVEL GUIDE

The perfect Accra holiday experience begins here!

Welcome to ‘Afropolitan’.

An icon. Sitting pretty in the heart of Accra, with a great load of history.

The history of a great city and country.

The African Regent Hotel is a destination unparalleled. This is a place that defines its destination, embodies tradition, encapsulates culture, and represents luxury.

Boldly contemporary, yet inspired by elements of traditional African design, the stunning African themed decor, and professionally home-grown staff make the African Regent as much a place to stay and relax as a prime destination to entertain and socialize.

You are welcome to Ghana’s iconic hotel.

237/238 Airport West, Accra +302 765180-2 info@african-regent-hotel.com www.theafricanregenthotel.com TheAfricanRegent AfricanRegent africanregenthotel

Give yourself the great satisfaction of an immersive cultural experience. There is no finer hotel.

GHANA TRAVEL GUIDE

Monument and tomb of the Unknown Soldier

IN FOCUS

ACC R A ACCRA, THE COUNTRY’S capital, is a busy, rapidly developing metropolis. What it lacks in iconic landmarks it makes up for with bags of colour and character. Jamestown is Accra’s oldest district, where you’ll find timeworn colonial buildings alongside colourful street art. It’s famous for its boxing schools – visit and you might chance on an open-air match.

Thanks to its coastal location, after a hot day’s sightseeing you can head to the beach. Labadi Beach is the most popular; locals come here to swim and play ball games, while the air is full of reggae music from the bars lining the sand. Bojo Beach, on the other hand, is quieter and more pristine.

For a taste of local life, head to 116 | Outlook Travel issue 02

bustling Makola Market. You’ll find vendors selling everything from unrefined shea butter to colourful dashiki print fabric, as well as street food stalls. Try crispy waagashi (fried cheese) or a plate of spicy jollof rice. Accra has the best dining scene in Ghana – as well as street food stalls you’ll everything from hip Afro-Caribbean fare to upmarket pan-Asian restaurants.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in Legon Botanical Gardens, one of the city’s greenest spaces. Stroll down sun-dappled paths and around lakes fringed with greenery. The park also boasts a tree canopy walkway, a playground and an obstacle course.

Scratch beneath the surface of this compelling capital and you’ll find plenty to surprise and entertain you.

Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum

Balme Library, University of Ghana Independence Square

Market Outlook Travel issue 02 | 117

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

E AT: F OFROB RUA DFGREO T- L T AT R AV I NEAL LST ER RS E… E T- F O O D I N S P I R E D E ATS …

Little Havana F O R U P M A R K E T B I ST R O C L ASS I C S …

Bistro 22 F O R JA PA N E S E F I N E D I N I N G …

Santoku Restaurant F O R A N A I R P L A N E CO N V E R T E D I N TO A R E STAU R A N T… La Tante DC 10

SLEEP: F O R G H A N A I A N H OS P I TA L I T Y I N TA M A L E …

Jeyad’s Lodge F O R P O O L S I D E CO M F O R T I N ACC R A …

Coconut Grove Regency Hotel F O R O C E A N - FAC I N G S O P H I ST I C AT I O N I N ELMINA… Coconut Grove Beach Resort

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African Regent Hotel

F O R ‘A F R O P O L I TA N ’ LUXU RY I N ACC R A …

The African Regent Hotel bills itself as ‘Afropolitan’, or African and cosmopolitan. It offers internationally regarded facilities – such as a high-tech business centre, large outdoor pool and wellness centre – and showcases African culture to its guests. Rooms are tastefully decorated with colourful fabrics and furniture etched with traditional Adinkra symbols. Meanwhile, the hotel’s restaurant, Muyika, throws the capital’s best Africathemed Sunday brunch. The onsite boutique hosts pop-ups selling clothes and other handicrafts made by Ghanaian designers. The hotel offers a complimentary airport pickup service, and will help you arrange all aspects of your trip to Ghana.

DRINK: F O R A G R E AT AT M OS P H E R E …

Republic Bar and Grill F O R T H E B E ST L I V E M U S I C I N ACC R A … +233 Jazz Bar and Grill

GHANA TRAVEL GUIDE

YOUR COMFORT IS ASSURED Jeyads Lodge has a serene environment where you are assured of good relaxation, comfort and luxury. Our rooms are well ventilated with air conditioning, water heaters, cable TV, fridges and free wifi. Your health as lodgers is our priority hence our fitness bay which offers you opportunity for good exercise at all times. Our chefs are experts in continental and local dishes. Our bar is also well stocked with an array of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages.

CONTACT US Vittin, Tamale (about 200 metres from the Vittin Police Barrier and behind Naagamni (Legacy Service Station) - Ghana +233 243337288 | +233 552559441 | +233 552559442 | +233 552559443 info@jeyadslodge.com | jeyadslodge@gmail.com | www.jeyadslodge.com

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 119

GHANA TRAVEL GUIDE

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S WLI FALLS West Africa’s largest waterfall is located in Wli, set amid a picturesque landscape of forest, undulating hills and gurgling streams. It’s a short hike from Wli tourist office to the falls – the 143 metres of cascading water is an impressive sight.

CAPE COAST This coastal town is one of the most culturally significant spots in Africa, as it was once the epicentre of the slave trade in East Africa. Slaves were locked in the dungeons of the austere Cape Coast Castle, before being herded onto transatlantic vessels. The castle now contains a museum, where you can learn more about this traumatic history.

MOLE NATIONAL PARK Ghana’s oldest and most significant national park offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as antelope, warthogs, monkeys and elephants.

Thanks to a lack of predators, it’s possible to go on unique walking safaris. A trip to the park can be twinned with a visit to the nearby Mognori Cultural Village and the ancient mud-and-stick Labaranga Mosque.

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Butre Beach

GETTING THERE AND AROUND GHANA’S BUSIEST AIRPORT is Kotoka International Airport, located just eight kilometres from Accra. It offers scheduled flights to 29 destinations in 24 countries across Africa, America, Europe and the Middle East.

Visitors from Asia are advised to take an Emirates flight, connecting via Dubai.

Africa World Airlines and Starbow Airlines operate domestic flights in Ghana, from Accra to destinations including Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale. If you only have a short holiday, flying from the south to the north of the country is recommended, as it will save you a lot of time.

It’s also possible to travel long distances by bus – reliable companies include VIP and Intercity STC. Some travellers opt to hire a car, either with or without a driver, for greater freedom of movement.

If you’re travelling shorter distances, around cities or between landmarks, taking a taxi is the recommended form of transport. They can either be booked for a single journey or for the day, depending on your needs. The locals use ‘tro tros’ or minibuses to get around – they travel along a fixed route and leave whenever they’re full.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 121

GHANA TRAVEL GUIDE

G H A N A’ S T O P H O N E Y M O O N D E S T I N AT I O N S 1

GHANA ISN’T THE first place that comes to mind when you’re trying to plan a honeymoon. Destinations such as Santorini or the Seychelles are more popular picks. But Ghana has a great range of luxury hotels and breathtaking landscapes that make it perfect for a honeymoon. From a luxury beach break to an upmarket safari, here are Outlook Travel’s top picks for a romantic break in Ghana.

1. AXIM Axim is a laidback coastal town, where you’ll find a large 16th century fort. It’s renowned for having some of the best beaches in the country, such as Anakobra Beach, a six-kilometre stretch of golden sand. The town also boasts some of the most upmarket resorts in the country. We particularly like Lou Moon Lodge, which caters to newlyweds with a honeymoon package offering a couple’s massage and a candlelit dinner on the beach, as well as accommodation in a villa with its own private infinity pool.

2. LAKE BOSUMTWE Lake Bosumtwe is a natural lake in the ancient crater of a meteorite, 122 | Outlook Travel issue 02

Ghana has a diverse range of options for honeymoons, ranging from relaxing beach vacations to high-end safaris ringed by lush green hills. Not only does it provide a serene atmosphere for honeymooners, but there are plenty of activities on offer, including cycling, watersports and horse riding.

Paradise Resort Lake Bosomtwe is your best choice for accommodation.

3. ELMINA Elmina is an enchanting town, located on a small spit of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Benya Lagoon. You’ll enjoy exploring the UNESCO heritage site of St George’s Castle, and the town’s other colonial architecture, as well as watching the colourful fishing boats in the lagoon.

The historic city of Cape Coast is nearby and makes for an interesting day trip. Stay at one of the town’s upmarket beach-front hotels, such as Coconut Grove Beach Resort, with its colourful rooms and large outdoor pool.

4. MOLE NATIONAL PARK More active couples might prefer going on a safari for their honeymoon. Head to Mole National Park, Ghana’s largest wildlife sanctuary. As well as enjoying scenery of waterfalls, rivers and rolling savannahs, you’ll get to see elephants in the wild. The best accommodation for honeymooners is Zaina Lodge, West Africa’s first luxury safari lodge. You’ll get to stay in luxury air-conditioned chalet tents, go on private walking safaris, and swim in an infinity pool with panoramic views of the park.

5. AKOSOMBO This small town is the place to go for a nature-based escape. It offers winding rivers, a vast artificial lake, hills, lush forest and natural gorges.

There’s so much to do here; birdwatching, canoeing across the lake and walking through butterfly-filled forests. To enjoy this peaceful environment in the lap of luxury, book a stay at Royal Senchi Hotel, where you can stay in private villas on the banks of the Volta River. Enjoy a sundowner at the poolside bar, or a treatment at the wellness centre.

GHANA TRAVEL GUIDE

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NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

NAMIBIA Namibia is a country of rugged, otherworldly landscapes; a desert realm with a complex history and culturally diverse inhabitants Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Joe Palliser

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amibia is known for its sparse, otherworldly landscapes. It gets its name from the Namib, the world’s oldest desert; a sparse, windswept region extending 1,900 kilometres down Africa’s Atlantic coast. The desert is characterised by its red dunes, which plunge down towards the ocean at Sandwich Harbour and Skeleton Coast. It’s also known for its white clay and salt pans, such as Deadvlei, where there are hundreds of ossified trees.

Another scenic spot in the desert is Moon Landscape, named after its eerie, pockmarked topography.

But sightseeing in Namibia isn’t just about deserts.

Inland you’ll find the green-gold grasslands of the Kalahari, and rugged mountains such as the Brandberg, Spitzkoppe and Damaraland.

Tourists flock to Namibia to experience its remote corners. Hot air ballooning, sand boarding and offroad quad bike excursions are all popular activities.

When it comes to safaris, Namibia offers some unrivalled experiences – head to Etosha National Park to see big cats, elephants and black rhinos.

Namibia has a fascinating history. It was inhabited as early as 25,000 BC, with tribes such as Ovambo and Herero gradually migrating into the country. In the “Scramble for Africa” Namibia became a German colony, known as German South West Africa, in 1884. After over a century of bloody battles, Namibia finally gained independence in 1990. These days it’s a country rich in historical attractions and cultural diversity; a country with plenty of stories to tell.

OUR ETOSHA RESORTS

SOME OF OUR PRIZED POSSESSIONS

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO

EXPERIENCE NAMIBIA? ONKOSHI RESORT

HALALI RESORT

OLIFANTSRUS CAMP

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The unobstructed panoramic sunrises and sunsets are spectacular sights to behold. At night, the stars fill the vast open African sky, allowing for sensational stargazing opportunities.

Some of the most popular waterholes of the park are located in close proximity to Halali, and the floodlit waterhole at the camp is an attraction to both wildlife and the visitors seeking to spot it.

The guided morning, afternoon, and night game drives arranged at the resort provide flexible opportunities to see the wildlife.

The campsites take a maximum of 8 pax per site. There are braai facilities for campers and flat bases to make fire. The camp opens at sunrise and closes at sunset as per the general park regulations and day visitors are only allowed to use the picnic facilities up until 16h00.

OKAUKUEJO RESORT

DOLOMITE RESORT

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OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

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in seclusion, on the rim of the majestic Etosha Salt Pan and far away from the public self-drive routes, Onkoshi provides a beautiful escape within the Etosha National Park. The 15 freestanding chalets (30 beds) overlook the vast pan, which is home to a variety of exotic wildlife, including a crowd of pink flamingos and 4 of the big 5 game in the rainy season. ocated

NAMUTONI RESORT  +264 67 229 300  +264 67 229 306 OVERVIEW

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uiLt into an old German Historic Fort built in 1897, Namutoni Resort is the perfect setting for a cultural adventure African savannah. It is located in the eastern part of the Etosha National Park in close proximity to the Fisher’s Pan – a hotspot for birders.

The romantic fort overlooks the flood-lit King Nehale Waterhole from which visitors can enjoy views of wildlife without leaving the resort.

The swimming pool and bar offer moments to relax and socialize.

Resort is situated at the base of a dolomite hill, nestled amongst shady Mopane trees in Namibia’s legendary Etosha National Park. The thick vegetation in the area makes it a popular draw to leopards, rhinos and elephants. aLaLi

kaukuejo ,

located 17 km from the southern entrance of the Etosha National Park, is famous for its floodlit waterhole, where visitors can observe at close quarters a spectacle of wildlife congregating and interacting.

Accommodation is provided to suit every need, in premier bush chalets overlooking the waterhole; bush chalets and double rooms; or family chalets. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, shop, swimming pool, kiosk and camping facilities.

ocated in the western part of the Etosha National Park between the Okaukuejo and Dolomite Resorts, Olifantsrus Campsite is a camping-only facility, there are no chalets available here. The facility has 10 campsites with 5 power stands whereby two campsites are sharing at one stand.

oLomite Resort is located in a previously restricted scenic area in the western region of Etosha National Park, rich in biodiversity due to the absence of mainstream tourism. The dolomite formations in the area give the resort its name and provide a lush vista. With no less than 15 waterholes, wildlife sightings are very common around the resort and provide excellent photography opportunities. Black and White Rhino have often been spotted at the Klippan waterhole.

Moreover, the specially arranged game drives bring you to the most exclusive areas of the park, generally only known to conservationists.

BOOK ON THE GO Our app has been reimagined from the ground up so you can get a little more from it. You can now make and pay for your bookings while on the go. View our resorts and camps even when you are offline. NamLeisure Card applications can also be made right from the app. Download it now for your iOS and Android device.  www.nwr.com.na/app

Visit any of our lodges across Namibia 1.

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Popa Falls Resort Onkoshi Resort Namutoni Resort Halali Resort Okaukuejo Resort Olifantsrus Camp Dolomite Resort Terrace Bay Torra Bay Khorixas Camp Waterberg Resort Gross-Barmen Resort Mile 14 Campsite Sun Karros Daan Viljoen Sossus Dune Lodge Sesriem Campsite Naukluft Camp Hardap Resort Duwisib Castle Shark Island Resort Fish River Canyon & Hobas Camp /Ai-/Ais Hotsprings Spa Mile 72 Mile 108 Jakkalsputz

+264 61 22 4900

Desert elephants, or desert-adapted elephants are not a distinct species of elephant but are African bush elephants (Loxodonta africana) that have made their homes in the Namib and Sahara deserts in Africa

THE BUSINESS OF

C O N S E R VAT I O N TOURISM IS BIG business in Namibia. According to projected figures, the Namibian hospitality industry will inject N$26.4 billion into the Namibian economy by 2020, through tourism and other value-added activities. That equates to 11.7 percent of Namibia’s overall GDP and is set to rise in subsequent years.

Namibia attracts visitors thanks to its untouched landscapes. As a result, the country recognises the interconnected nature between conservation, community development and tourism. They have established the innovative National Community-Based Natural Resource Management Program (CBNRM). It’s both a conservation and rural development initiative, aiming at both improving

128 | Outlook Travel issue 02

rural livelihoods and ensuring sustainable use of land and natural resources.

Conservancies are vast, unfenced sanctuaries where wildlife roam free. They cover over 17 percent of Namibia’s geographical area and generate significant income through both public and private initiatives, such as more than 40 joint venture tourism lodges. Money raised allows conservancies to cover their running costs and invest in community development projects. Conservancies employ local people to conduct annual wildlife counts, and as game guards, meaning they become custodians of their local environment. In Namibia, eco-tourism is one of the country’s greatest success stories.

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 129

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

T H E H O S P I TA L I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N O F N A M I B I A THE FOUNDERS OF HAN realised that tourism had an important role to play in the Namibian economy – they aim for national strategic collaboration and to influence decision-making at national level.

We sat down with Gitta Paetzold, CEO of HAN, to discuss the organisation’s vision, challenges and goals.

The Hospitality Association of Namibia, HAN, was founded in 1987 to represent the coordinated interests of the tourism accommodation sector in Namibia

Outlook Travel (OT): What is HAN’s vision as an organisation?

Gitta Paetzold (GP): HAN has made a promise to optimise the full potential of the Namibian Hospitality Industry, delivering unrivalled service to its members while contributing to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector in Namibia.

The HAN vision is to be recognised as the flagship representative body of the Namibian hospitality industry, and to promote and protect the collective interests of its members, while building partnerships.

130 | Outlook Travel issue 02

dation, but we also represent those in tourism publishing, catering, tourism activities and events management.

As a voluntary organisation, HAN can’t claim to be inclusive of the entire industry. But we can proudly state that this association represents the key stakeholders in commercial tourism accommodation, including all major hotel and lodge groups.

OT: What projects will HAN Namibia be focussing on in 2020 and the years that follow?

Gitta Paetzold OT: How has HAN Namibia progressed and developed since it started?

GP: We began with a membership base of a mere 16 establishments, and now represent nearly 400 entities.

These are mainly tourism accommo-

GP: HAN wishes to constantly identify and encourage the development of new exciting tourism products and destinations – “unlocking new horizons”, as it were. This is of importance, as Namibia is lucky to enjoy a high number of annual repeater visits.

For both them and newcomers, we are committed to regularly presenting something new and exciting.

To do this we work with our key

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Old German colonial buildings, Swakopmund

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia, in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central highlands

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

partners and stakeholders, including our Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Namibia Tourism Board, tour operators, activity providers and many more. We firmly believe that “tourism is everyone’s business” – that everyone has a role to play in making Namibia a unique tourist destination.

OT: How does HAN Namibia plan to unlock new horizons and develop tourism infrastructure?

GP: HAN believes that a successful sustainable tourism industry lies not in numbers, but the quality of experience a visitor to this rugged, soulful country can expect. With arrival numbers nearly reaching 1.5 million, HAN is keen to contribute to new route developments, preventing

over-tourism in popular destinations.

2020 presents an exciting new opportunity for Namibia. There is now the opportunity for tourists to access areas once held by the diamond industry – areas that have been inaccessible to the public for decades and kept untouched, pristine. One such example is the Sperrgebiet, an enclosed diamond area.

The Hospitality Association of Namibia is working closely with strategic partners interested in preserving and promoting the extraordinary features of our country’s flora, its pristine environment and inspiring history.

We are “unlocking” the Sperrgebiet – opening up new tourism horizons in a sustainable, environmentally conscious and well-contemplated way. HAN are hosting a huge Tourism

Congress to debate and “unlock” this potential in June 2020 in Lüderitz.

OT: What challenges does HAN Namibia face, and how does it plan to overcome them?

GP: Tourism has been recognised as one of the four key pillars of the Namibian economy, yet it doesn’t enjoy the attention and development it deserves. Tourism necessitates an efficient infrastructure, such as good rail, road and air connectivity alongside telecommunications and global marketing. HAN realises the government have pressing social issues to attend to, and the challenge is to elevate tourism’s position on the national agenda.

A lack of funding and commitment has led HAN to realise the crucial

importance of effective collaboration with both public and private stakeholders. This will optimise Namibia’s chance to become one of Africa’s most desirable travel destinations.

OT: How would you say Namibia has developed in recent years as a tourism destination, and what are the reasons behind its growing appeal?

GP: “We are in it together” has been our mantra for several years – we find synergies and ways to collaborate to keep special areas attractive and accessible for tourists. One example is the Moon Landscape, a very special destination in the Namib Desert, yet increasingly under the focus of the uranium mining industry. We envisage the same will happen in the former mining area, the Sperrgebiet, which

Luderitz

Herero women proudly wearing traditional dress holds huge potential in terms of historical sites, flora and geology, and may attract a whole new type of tourist to this part of southwestern Africa.

It is this collaboration, and the sense of national pride in our history, cultural diversity and the unique features of Namibia that has set us apart from other travel destinations in the region. We believe that by focusing on what sets us apart from our neighbours, rather than competing with what they have to offer, we will develop a successful and growing tourism sector in Namibia.

We are also interested in developing cross-border packages with nations such as Botswana and South Africa, that we share borders and national attractions with.

OT: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?

GP: Namibia has an amazing story – one of cultural diversity and intriguing history – and we believe that tourism is the perfect platform to help tell it. A young nation like Namibia has seen companies founded 100 years ago and more – some of whom, such as the Namibia Breweries, are

still excelling. Namibian beer enjoys a special status at home and abroad, due to the principle of sticking to “Reinheitsgebot”; only allowing the best ingredients to be used in the brew.

Good food and drink bring people together, and Namibia has some amazing natural ingredients, such as high-quality meat and oysters.

We produce great alcohol too, including devil’s claw gin, and the creamy liqueur unique to the Erongo Mountains. The food alone is reason to come and get a taste of Namibia.

OT: Why should tourists visit Namibia?

GP: Namibia is unique in its diversity, and a special place for people from all walks of life to explore. It offers a myriad of natural and socio-cultural experiences, leaving lasting memories for local inhabitants, expats and tourists from all walks of life. Namibia has something for everyone, whether your interests lie in history, culture, nature, geology or gourmet experiences.

Coming to Africa for a game viewing safari experience was the reality of yester-year – 2020 and beyond holds many more surprises for visitors to Namibia.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 133

THE SPERRGEBIET Namibia’s Newest National Park THE SPERRGEBIET (WHICH means ‘forbidden territory’) – also known as Tsau Khaeb National Park – is Namibia’s newest national park, covering around 26,000 km2. It has been closed to the public for almost a century, after diamonds were discovered in the area.

Although this was done to protect the area’s mineral wealth, it also helped conserve the area’s biodiversity. This is important since the area forms part of the Succulent Karoo Biome, a unique ecosystem which

has the highest diversity of succulent flora in the world. Scientists have classified it as one of the world’s top 25 biodiversity hotspots. However, the scenery of dunes and mountains is dramatically stark.

One of the park’s most unique attractions is Kolmanskop ghost town. Once it was a prosperous mining community. But now sand blows through the abandoned houses and slowly erodes the walls. It’s possible to take guided tours of this lonely landscape.

The national government and tourism agencies are devoting 2020 to developing new tourism routes in and around the park, as well as improving infrastructure. These routes will include former mining hubs such as Oranjemund, a town looking to open up to tourism with new hotels and activities.

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Kolmanskop ghost town

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 135

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

E AT: F OFROB DG THTOREAV ESTRS… RUW I NED K ’E S LBLE LOV E D R E STAU R A N T… Joe’s Beer House Joe’s Beerhouse is one of Namibia’s best-known restaurants, and rightfully so. Situated in the heart of Windhoek, it’s renowned for its great atmosphere and sizzling steak house menu, which includes exotic meats such as oryx. It puts on fantastic live music events and offers a shuttle bus service, so you don’t need to worry about having one pint too many.

FOR TRADITIONAL NAMIBIAN CUISINE… Xwama Cultural Village and Traditional Restaurant F O R A U N I Q U E LO C AT I O N …

The Tug Restaurant FOR LOCAL, FREE-RANGE MEAT PRODUCTS...

MEATCO

SLEEP:

DO: F O R U N I Q U E A DV E N T U R E S …

Namibia Wildlife Resorts If you’re looking for an action-packed holiday in stunning natural surroundings, we recommend booking a stay at Namibia Wildlife Resorts. It’s a state-owned enterprise offering tourism facilities within Namibia’s spectacular protected areas.

There are plenty of accommodation options on offer, ranging from a lighthouse on Shark Island to the more Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort, situated at the source of a geothermal spring. The resorts offer a plethora of activities, such as desert kayaking, hiking and fishing inside the famous Skeleton Coast Park.

The organisation also offers bespoke itineraries for everything from weddings to MICE events.

F O R H OT A I R B A L LO O N S OV E R D E S E R T DUNES… Namib Sky Balloon Safaris F O R SA N D - B OA R D I N G A DV E N T U R E S …

Alter Action Sandboarding F O R B E S P O K E A DV E N T U R E SA FA R I S . . .

Kunene Safaris at Khowarib Lodge

DRINK:

F O R S H I PW R E C K E D C A B I N S I N T H E D E S E R T… Shipwreck Lodge

F O R CO C KTA I L S A N D C I T Y L I G H TS …

Sky Bar at Hilton Hotel

F O R U P M A R K E T E CO -TO U R I S M …

Damaraland Camp

F O R A S H E B E E N -T H E M E D B A R …

Oshebeena Bar at Etosha Safari Lodge

F O R D E S E R T LUXU RY… Little Kulala

FOR WINE WITH URBAN FLAIR… The Wine Bar & Wine Shop

136 | Outlook Travel issue 02

SCAN AND BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW

So much more than just another restaurant. For people who still dream of a truly great escape. +264 61 232 457 | info@joesbeerhouse.com | www.joesbeerhouse.com

SOSSUSVLEI A vast salt and clay pan surrounded by a landscape of undulating red dunes.

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

SANDWICH HARBOUR At this deserted harbour, dunes of up to a hundred metres high plunge dramatically down into the ocean.

CAPE CROSS SEAL RESERVE This reserve has a breeding colony of more than 100,000 Cape fur seals.

138 | Outlook Travel issue 02

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

“Where true adventure begins” Khowarib Lodge & Safaris offers guests a true outdoor getaway, providing luxury Kunene Accommodation set alongside the Hoanib river and in the beautiful Khowarib Gorge

KHOWARIB LODGE OFFERS: A warm and welcoming atmosphere

Comfortable accommodation

Friendly and helpful staff

Good and plentiful food

Tel/Fax (Office hours) +264 64 402 779 Cell (Lodge direct) +264 81 219 3291 Email reservations@khowarib.com www.khowarib.com

LOCAL PRODUCTS, INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS Namibia is proud to be among the SADC countries that export to niche markets. Meatco serves premium market segments as its products are of international standards.

CAffairs@meatco.com.na | www.meatco.com.na

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 139

TA N G A

This off the beaten track destination in northeast Tanzania takes in soaring mountains, pristine marine parks and towns steeped in Swahili traditions Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

TANGA TRAVEL GUIDE

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ordered by Kenya’s Kilimanjaro region in the north and the Indian Ocean in the east, Tanga is one of Tanzania’s last undiscovered regions. It’s untouched by mass tourism, which means that visitors are guaranteed biodiverse landscapes and authentic interactions with local residents.

Travel along the coast and you’ll discover the footprint-free shores of Sange Beach and Ushongo Beach, which stretch beyond the horizon.

There are also smaller, sheltered bays and lagoons (such as Kwale Bay and Manza Bay) fringed with untouched coral reefs. Several islands lie just

offshore, covered with pristine forest and speckled with ancient ruins and lonely lighthouses.

Head inland and you’ll reach the Usambara Mountains, which soar to 2,000 metres above sea level and are carpeted in lush rainforest. The mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains biodiversity hotspot thanks to a wide variety of native flora and fauna, including the colourful African violets.

There are plenty of ways to explore Tanga’s great outdoors. Go kayaking or snorkelling off one of the pristine beaches. Hire a guide to take you hiking through the mountains or take

a private safari in one of the region’s off-the-beaten-track national parks, Saadani and Mkomazi, where you’ll spot lions, buffaloes and elephants.

Tanga also has a unique cultural heritage and rich history. It’s a melting pot of Arabian, Indian and African culture, populated by different tribes such as the Maasai and the Wambugu. Visit the Maasai settlements in Handeni and Korowgwe to learn more about the inhabitants’ traditional way of life. Head to the capital, Tanga city, to learn more about the region’s colonial heritage.

TANGA TRAVEL GUIDE

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

T H E TA N G A T O U R I S M N E T W O R K A S S O C I AT I O N ( TAT O N A ) THE TANGA TOURISM Network Association (TATONA) was founded in 2008, by the region’s first tourism investors. Some of the founding members were former development workers, who had built small lodges for tourists. According to TATONA’s secretary, Sibylle Riedmiller, the organisation’s vision is “to promote tourism 142 | Outlook Travel issue 02

that is culturally sensitive, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable.” Their mission: to protect the diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the region, alongside developing its tourist potential and conserving cultural heritage.

TATONA considers itself the voice of the region’s tourism service

providers, and membership is open to everyone from tour guides to hotel owners, as well as engaged residents.

It is also partnered with the Hotels Association of Tanzania (HAT). We caught up with Sibylle Riedmiller and another committee member, Karla Pelser, to learn more about TATONA’s environmentally conscious ethos.

Bar Ushongo

Outlook Travel (OT): What are your organisationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current goals?

Sibylle Riedmiller (SR): Our mission hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed since the start, but it has become more specific and concrete. We must face the challenge of unsustainable developments that ignore the economic potential of tourism as a preserving force for nature, traditions and culture. We want to enhance the region with its great diversity of natural attractions, historic buildings and local culture, and involve residents as hosts rather than servants.

When tourism is a new industry, it is sometimes difficult for local decision

makers and communities to understand that opting for sustainable tourism creates a win-win situation.

It gives value to natural sites and historical heritage (which are taken for granted until destroyed) by carefully preserving and developing these into tourism products that generate considerable new income.

OT: Are there any projects in the pipeline you wish to highlight?

SR: TATONA is a small organisation, created to give the embryonic tourism sector a voice as a business association, particularly when dealing with the government. A few years

ago, TATONA commissioned impact analysis studies and policy briefs about how certain government policies, legislation and regulations affect the investment climate for the tourism sector â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the industry is overtaxed, especially for small operators.

In order to encourage all players to join the association, we have kept the membership fees low. This means we lack the resources to employ staff (members volunteer when necessary) and currently have no large projects in the pipeline. However, many of our members conduct numerous social projects with local communities in their vicinity.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 143

OT: How do you help conserve and promote the region’s biodiversity?

SR: TATONA has always been a key supporter of our region’s protected areas. These include the rarely visited Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park, the Maziwe Island Marine Reserve, the Mkomazi and Sahare national parks and the forest reserves in the Usambara mountains. As private sector stakeholders, we have participated in writing park management plans, and have joined the park authorities’ advisory committees.

Sustainable tourism is the only sector that generates income from non-extractive use of nature; tourists pay for visiting and enjoying natural resources, rather than exploiting them. The tourism sector needs to create awareness about this basic fact, before extractive industries take over and cause large scale environmental damage or ecocide.

As most TATONA members are 144 | Outlook Travel issue 02

small operators, they don’t have the financial muscle for marketing and lack a voice to be heard at local and national levels. To combat this, we promote our region in the media and through our partner organisation, HAT. One major achievement has been the publication of a uniquely detailed Tanga Tourism Guide.

OT: Why should someone visit Tanga?

Karla Pelser (KP): Led by TATONA, the emerging tourism sector in Tanga is determined to help residents and the local government recognise, preserve and use the tourism potential of the Tanga region. This includes the beautiful, diverse ecosystems of the Indian Ocean coast and its islands, the mountains and the Maasai Steppe. In addition, Tanga City also has a valuable built historic heritage – its historic centre is very well planned and developed, and nowhere in East

Africa are there buildings of this style.

Much neglected for decades, there is now an urgent need to document, preserve and restore this built heritage.

Tanga, being a relatively unknown region, has the advantage of being unspoilt by mass tourism. The culture and landscapes remain very much true to the Swahili Coast traditions.

The footprint on the marine areas in particular has been low and our region boasts some of the most spectacular and well-preserved coral reefs in the world. The Maziwe Island Marine Reserve was recently filmed

by National Geographic for a feature on the importance of coral reefs for our planet’s wellbeing, and a similar documentary was filmed a few years ago exploring the deep underwater habitat of the living fossil, the Coelacanth, that is only found around Tanga and several other locations worldwide.

TANGA TRAVEL GUIDE

OT: What, in your opinion, are the best places to visit in the region?

SR: The region offers a wide range of beautiful places to visit, such as the long Indian Ocean coastline with its sheltered bays, lagoons and uninhabited islands covered by pristine forest.

Tanga City, close to the Kenyan border, has a fascinating history as one of the oldest settlements along the East African coast. The word “Tanga” means “sail” in the Kiswahili language, an indication of the thriving trade along the East African coast, and that the protected Tanga Bay has offered a safe haven for local fishermen over centuries.

Another small historic district town worth a visit is Lushoto, the centre of the Usambara mountains. It was founded by the German colonial government in 1898 as “Wilhelmsthal” (after the name of the then German emperor) and became an important centre of colonial settlement and plantation agriculture. Located at 1,400

metres above sea level, the climate is cool and subtropical and was up to Independence much favoured by European settlers. In 1912, the district already had 13 plantations growing vegetables, fruits, tea, coffee and a variety of other food crops. European vegetables and fruits were introduced, and are still grown and marketed to the rest of the country today.

OT: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Tanga and how are you utilising them?

KP: Globally eco-tourism is on the rise and we have seen an increase in

“OUR OFF THE BEATEN TRACK DESTINATION, WITH LAND AND SEASCAPES STILL UNSPOILT, OFFERS GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT”

eco-conscious travellers flocking to the region. Our off the beaten track destination, with land and seascapes still unspoilt, offers great opportunities for tourism development. Projects such as the reef rehabilitations south of Sange and the turtle breeding project in Ushongo have gained the interest of renowned publications such as National Geographic, which help to promote our region globally.

The trend to value authenticity and traditionally made local products provides a well-paying market for local artisans. The tourism sector showcases these products, local skills and traditions, which generates economic opportunities for local communities. The small lodges and resorts in our region are popular with tourists who seek authenticity and encounters with local people and their culture. Guests appreciate these unique experiences and hearing stories of the Tanga region – it makes them feel part of the local community.

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TANGA TRAVEL GUIDE

ups, reforestation projects, reef-safe sunscreens and more is paramount and needs to be a priority. These principles need to be passed on to the younger generation to ensure that the legacy left is one of unparalleled beauty and conservation, an example of sustainable eco-tourism at its finest.

In summary, our off the beaten track location has a wealth of natural, historic, cultural, ecological and biological attractions that sit comfortably alongside some of the landmark attractions and beaches in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Campaigning for a larger representation within Tanzanian tourism promotion and creating more awareness is key to the region’s continued development and an ongoing challenge that we need to address.

OT: What challenges does the tourism industry in Tanga face?

SR: Many of our natural attractions are still difficult to reach. The Tanga airport can only take small domestic flights, while many roads are unsurfaced and in poor shape, especially during the rainy season. There is only one weekly ferry from Tanga Port to Pemba and Zanzibar Islands – it is a beautiful 24-hour sea safari for the more adventurous traveller.

The historic centre of Tanga City – between the railway line and the port – is a treasure-trove of architectural and built heritage. Most of these historical buildings are government property and have not been well maintained. Though structurally solid, they are often condemned and destined for demolition. Though buildings over 100 years old are legally protected and cannot be demolished without authorisation, the law is rarely enforced. As soon as investors are interested in a plot, the policy is often quick to replace these buildings with “modern” faceless structures at a great historic loss.

KP: The preservation and sustainable management of our diverse, fragile eco-systems is key to the continued development of ecotourism. A great challenge is educating visitors and local inhabitants about the impacts that our daily lives have on the forests, ocean, reefs and other biological and cultural assets. Climate change is felt with more extreme weather 146 | Outlook Travel issue 02

OT: Finally, are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Tanga?

Sibylle Riedmiller

Karla Pelser events such as unseasonal rains and droughts, which affect livelihoods of local people and the tourism sector alike. Education is key and needs to be spearheaded by all operators involved in the industry. The importance of plastic-free initiatives, clean-

KP: There has never been a more exciting time to be part of TATONA and the budding region of Tanga. Some accommodation providers have seen a growth of over 40 percent in international tourist visitors in the last year alone, thanks to the wealth of unique activities and attractions on offer.

Off the beaten track locations invite travellers to swap overcrowded commercial destinations for more authentic ones. With the cooperation of all our members, the local authorities and communities we can ensure that Tanga region will become an internationally acclaimed bucket list destination in the years to come, as “Tanzania’s secret between the ocean and the parks”. For further information, you’re welcome to visit our homepage and download TATONA’s Tanga Tourism Guide.

The Tanga Tourism Network Association tangaregion@gmail.com www.tangatourism.org

IN FOCUS

TA N G A C I T Y A coastal city with a laidback atmosphere and eclectic architecture TANGA, THE REGION’S capital, was a thriving economic centre in the 1950s thanks to its thriving sisal industry (an agave plant with rough fibres used to make ropes, carpets and more), which attracted a sizeable population from Asia and Europe.

These days it’s a quieter city with a sleepy charm and eclectic architecture, hugging the broad curve of Tanga Bay. The streets of the city’s historic centre are lined with timeworn buildings from the German colonial period. They have a unique architectural style that incorporates elements of Arabic design and makes use of

local materials such as coral stone and mangrove wood. To find out more about local history, head to the Urithi Tanga Museum, which contains several exhibitions of local artefacts.

Tanga has a wealth of restaurants, serving up everything from pizza to sizzlers. But we recommend visiting a local café or stall to try East African dishes such as eggs vindaloo, grilled mishkaki kebabs and kashata, a sweet peanut fudge.

If you want to get out on the water,

book a boat tour that will take you on an excursion to nearby Toten Island, which is ringed with mangroves. Amongst the undergrowth you’ll find the remains of a 17th century mosque and a cemetery.

Other nearby attractions include the Amboni Caves and Gallanos Hot Springs, both around eight kilometres from the city centre. It’s easy to reach the region’s beaches from the city too.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 147

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS EAT: F OFROB RUTDHGEE B T ETST R AV P IEZZ L LAE R IN S …TA N G A …

D’Amour Bar and Grill F O R TA N Z A N I A N CO M F O R T F O O D A N D B A K E D G O O DS …

Rusha Roho Restaurant

SLEEP: F O R O C E A N - FAC I N G H OS P I TA L I T Y… Tanga Beach Resort and Spa F O R CO LO N I A L C H A R M A N D M O U N TA I N V I E WS …

Lawns Hotel Lushoto F O R B E AC H F R O N T LUXU RY… Kijongo Bay Resort

DO: For tours in the Usambara Mountains…

Usambara Adventures

148 | Outlook Travel issue 02

TANGA TRAVEL GUIDE

FACILITIES: • Laundry/Dry cleaning service • Gymnasium • Steam bath and sauna • Massage Palour • Photocopy service • Free wireless internet • Conference/Meeting facilities

Holi En j o y A t r u e

d a y Ex p er i e n c e

Tanga Beach Resort & Spa was established 10 years ago in 2009 and is simply the best hotel in Tanga City. The hotel has lots of facilities including state of the art conference rooms.

The hotel has 118 full furnished rooms, Presidential Suite, 12 Executive Suites, 8 Junior Suites and 97 Deluxe Rooms. Apart of the room facilities we do have Restaurant, 2 Bars and a lounge area.

At Tanga Beach Resort Limited we have what it takes to accomodate all of our guests.

sales@tangabeachresort.com | www.tangabeachresort.com

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SOLOMON ISLANDS Interview with Graeme Green, a photographer who has travelled the world from Ecuador to Antarctica

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travel magazine

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Located at Sange Beach near Saadani National Park, we offer the unique opportunity to enjoy much of what Tanzania has to offer all from one spot.

Seven spacious two-story villas One two-bedroom bungalow Salt-Water Swimming Pool - ecologically sustainable, powered on solar Large solar power system Solar water heaters for each room

Game drives in Saadani Park Snorkeling at Maziwe Island Kayaking in Msangazi River Mangrove Walks Spa Services Beach Campfire

+255 787 055 572 | info@kijongobayresort.com | www.kijongobayresort.com ISSUE 01

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 149

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S USAMBARA MOUNTAINS These mountains are one of the most picturesque sights in the region, with their forested slopes, wide panoramas and refreshing climate. They are dotted with colourful rural villages largely untouched by tourism.

TONGONI RUINS These crumbling ruins of a mosque and around 20 large, pillared Shirazi tombs, date back to the 14th or 15th century. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re situated in a grove of baobabs, facing the ocean, around 20 kilometres south of Tanga City.

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TANGA TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND TANGA HAS A small domestic airport, with regular flights scheduled to Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar – most international flights will go via Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest airport.

Tanga City is serviced by “dala dalas” – minibuses that cover routes across the city. Meanwhile, to get around the region, you can use local buses. There are also regular buses between Tanga City and Arusha, Dar es Salaam and the coastal town of Pangini.

Another way to explore the region is by hiring a car, either with or without a driver. While Tanga’s roads are in good shape, in rural areas you’ll encounter poorer road conditions.

MAZIWE ISLAND MARINE RESERVE This pristine marine park is renowned for having one of the world’s most well-preserved coral reefs. Take a snorkelling or diving trip in the translucent water to see for yourself. You can also relax on the small, sandy islet, which is completely uninhabited.

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MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

M AU R I T I U S With its breathtaking beaches, lush natural landscapes and fascinating creole culture, this island in the Indian Ocean is the perfect holiday choice Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

M

auritius is an island lying off the East Coast of Africa, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It’s popular with honeymooners, thanks to its idyllic white sand beaches and luxury hotels – think villas with private infinity pools and butlers on demand.

But there’s far more to Mauritius than its beaches. Venture inland to discover the island’s dramatic interior landscape of volcanic mountains and lush forests. In the Black River Gorges National Park you’ll discover plunging waterfalls and dizzying gorges, as well as

hundreds of colourful bird species.

The Seven-Coloured Earths are a unique geological phenomenon – a multi-coloured, lunar-style landscape of otherworldly dunes.

However, beautiful Mauritius has a dark past. It was colonised by the French, who transported slaves from other parts of Africa to work the island’s sugar plantations. By the time the British captured the island in 1850, slavery had been abolished – instead, they used indentured labourers from India to work the plantations. You can learn about the island’s past with visits to colonial plantations and museums such as

L’Aventure du Sucre, an interactive museum explaining how the sugar industry has impacted Mauritius.

These days, Mauritius has a warm, multicultural society with a distinctive cuisine fusing together Indian, Chinese and Creole flavours.

Try dholl puri, flat-breads stuffed with split peas and served with curry, or rougaille, a piquant Creole tomato sauce served with shrimp or chicken.

Whether you’re trying the delicious Mauritian cuisine, hiking in the interior, or simply lounging on the beach, this amazing island will captivate you.

MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

MAURITIUS TO U R I S M P R O M OT I O N AUTHORITY THE MAURITIUS TOURISM Promotion Authority (MTPA) was established in 1996. Its main objective: to promote Mauritius abroad as a tourist destination. It achieves this through conducting advertising campaigns and participating in tourism fairs. It also provides information to tourists on facilities, infrastructures, and services available to them on the island.

The MTPA also works with other tourism agencies to enhance cooperation and visibility of the destination. It researches market 154 | Outlook Travel issue 02

all matters relating to the promotion of tourism.

We caught up with MTPA’s Director, Arvind Bundhun, to find out more about the organisation’s goals and challenges, as well as the island itself.

Arvind Bundhun trends and opportunities, disseminating such information and other relevant statistical data on Mauritius.

As the operating arm of the Ministry of Tourism, it advises the minister on

Outlook Travel (OT): What are MTPA’s current goals?

Arvind Bundhun (AB): Tourism is a very important pillar of our economy, generating around 80,000 jobs directly and indirectly. We cannot be complacent; we must maintain our product quality and offer the best

MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

Flic en flac beach with Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire services to remain one of the most desired and visited island destinations. We must continually upgrade and innovate our tourism product to differentiate our destination from our competitors.

To achieve this, we are planning new research-based advertising strategies for the short and medium-term that will increase our market share of leisure travel. We are also working to further improve the visibility of the brand, positioning of Mauritius as a first-class destination to visit at least once in your life. This requires an ongoing rebranding exercise, which aims to differentiate Mauritius from other destinations.

OT: What, if anything, is your organisation doing to encourage sustainable tourism in Mauritius?

AB: As a small island nation, we are on the frontline to witness and incur the consequences of ongoing climate change. Mauritius as a whole is con-

cerned about sustainability. Single usage plastics have been banned for five years now and the government is working to phase it out. A masterplan on sustainability will be published by the Ministry of Environment in April.

The tourism industry has long been implementing sustainable measures such as solar heaters, solar panels for electricity, phasing out of plastic straws and packaging, encouraging more and more use of local products and food, reducing waste, using wastewater for plants and golf courses. Most of our hotel groups have obtained certification in this respect from international organisations such as Earth Check and Green Globe.

MTPA supports these initiatives and helps promote green tourism such as trekking in the island’s forests, mountain climbing, and also eco-lodges, which are gaining in popularity nowadays.

is now a well-established MICE destination. There are several reasons for this: the quality and variety of accommodation; attention to detail in the provision of services; stateof-the-art conference rooms and a large number of additional activities on offer, guaranteeing real value for money. Whether you want to buy for large, medium or small groups, Mauritius offers world-class luxury MICE packages in the best places for business on the island.

The diversification of the Mauritian tourism offer continues in line with the trends of world tourism and is now entering the sphere of wellness.

Traditional spas give way to wellness centres and the first-ever Mauritius Wellness Festival took place last year in the unspoiled south of the island.

With its beaches, gastronomy, leisure, nature and wellness, Mauritius will always have something for even the most demanding traveller.

OT: How do you promote travel to Mauritius during the off-season?

OT: Are there any interesting projects in the pipeline you wish to highlight?

AB: We believe that Mauritius is an all-year-round destination because we are blessed to have a temperate climate, where generally our winter temperatures are around 20°C. This means our main attractions – the sea and the beaches – are enjoyable at all times. However, we are aware that tourists are more prone to coming during their vacation, especially with family. So, we are now offering a variety of activities for those willing to come at other times of the year, namely, golf, wellness, sporting activities, cultural festivals and nature parks.

I must also stress that Mauritius

AB: We are working on the rebranding of Mauritius with the Economic Development Board and hope to unveil the new concept soon. In the meantime, we are continuing aggressive campaigns in our main markets and strengthening our efforts in new emerging markets.

At the beginning of 2020, Mauritius will be present in Berlin in March for the ITB fair. In the Middle East market, we are planning two campaigns in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

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MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

OT: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Mauritius?

AB: The assets of Mauritius are indeed numerous. Renowned for its beaches and hospitality, it has today considerably expanded its offerings and is an ideal destination for cultural tourism, leisure, sports, nature, and other activities. Nevertheless, its people remain the main attraction; welcoming, smiling, hospitable, the Mauritian is known for his open-mindedness. This is not surprising when we know that the islanders are the descendants of migrants from Europe, Africa, India, and China. They live today in a harmony often cited as an example of peaceful coexistence for the world.

It is not surprising that Mauritius has enchanted illustrious travellers such as the French novelist Bernardin de Saint Pierre, who chose to set his famous novel Paul et Virginie on this lush island, or Mark Twain,

an American writer to whom we attribute this aphorism, “Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius”.

The island is today synonymous with the ultimate tourist destination to visit at least once in life.

OT: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Mauritius and how are you utilising them?

AB: It seems that Mauritius follows the global trends which see travellers preferring more and more local experiences, encounters with locals and cultural tourism. We have noticed that about 40 percent of our visitors do not go to the big hotels but choose smaller ones, lodges and rental apartments. This brings them closer to the population.

To improve their experience, we are working with these small operators and other authorities, namely the Tourism Authority, so that these

“TOURISM IS NOW A MAJOR ECONOMIC PLAYER IN THE ECONOMY OF MAURITIUS AND WE WILL SPARE NO EFFORT TO MAKE IT THRIVE”

Trou-aux-Biches is a small town with a public beach on the northern coast of Mauritius in the district of Pamplemousses tourists get the expected standard of services. We are improving signage, infrastructure such as roads, introducing new modes of transport like tramways, and improving training for people such as taxi drivers and tourist guides. This can only be beneficial for the whole population, allowing them to get a fair share of the tourism industry.

OT: What challenges does the tourist industry in Mauritius face?

AB: Tourism is an industry subject to many external factors. On one 156 | Outlook Travel issue 02

MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

hand, we have a growing number of competitors both in the Indian Ocean and other island nations around the globe. On the other hand, travellers also depend on economic factors.

Tensions linked with political matters such as Brexit are troublesome and unpredictable. Also growing concerns about the carbon emissions of airplanes are bound to make people think a lot before opting for faraway destinations.

Now we have the coronavirus problem, which has unpredictable consequences. Though tourists from China

are not yet at a significant level, the prevailing precautionary measures – namely flights to and from China – are freezing our projected thrust in this growing market and we don’t know how long it will last. We hope that it will not pervade the general tourism industry and discourage tourists from other countries to travel.

OT: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Mauritius?

AB: We have no other choice. Tourism is now a major economic player in

the economy of Mauritius and we will spare no effort to make it thrive. We have been through difficult times in the recent past with the SARS epidemics, the tragic 2001 attacks in the US and the economic crash of 2008.

But we have never given up and never will.

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority Tel: +230-2031900 www.tourism-mauritius.mu Outlook Travel issue 02 | 157

Chamarel Waterfall

IN FOCUS

CHAMAREL THIS CHILLED-OUT MOUNTAIN village is best known for its Seven Coloured Earths, a series of undulating dunes striped seven different colours. But it also has a host of other attractions, including a working rum distillery and the Curious Corner of Chamarel, an interactive museum of illusions.

The village is also renowned for its dining scene, boasting restaurants serving up the best Mauritian cuisine on the island. You’ll be able to tuck into palm heart salad and octopus curry in local restaurants, as well as more upmarket twists on traditional cuisine.

Chamarel is located in stunning natural surroundings – it’s the gateway to the spectacular Black River 158 | Outlook Travel issue 02

Traditional Mauritian food, Upside Down Bowl Gorges National Park. It’s also home to the Ebony Forest, a conservation initiative to restore a pocket of indigenous forest to its original state. The Mauritius Conservation Foundation has reintroduced the endangered pink pigeon and echo parakeet. It has also set up an onsite natural history museum and walkways through the forest.

Rum from the local distillery

Octopus Salad, Creole Style

MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

The unique Seven-Coloured Earths are one of the top tourist destinations in Mauritius

Black River Gorges National Park

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

E AT: F OFROB T ETD R AV RURDEGFEI N C REELOLLEER S C… UISINE WITH A V I E W… Le Chamarel Panoramic Restaurant F O R A L F R E S CO F I N E D I N I N G …

Le Courtyard

SLEEP:

DO: F O R U N I Q U E U N D E RWAT E R W E D D I N G S …

Mauritius Attractions

F O R A H I G H - E N D H OT E L O N A P R I VAT E PENINSULA… Preskil Island Resort is located on a spit of land near the Blue Bay Marine Park, and boasts a gorgeous private beach. It offers an array of watersports ranging from kitesurfing to catamaran cruises. Relax in Banyan Spa after a day on the water, followed by a meal at 1810, a fine-dining Mauritian restaurant on the beach.

F O R WO R KS H O P S CO O K I N G T R A D I T I O N A L M AU R I T I A N C U I S I N E …

A Feast of Mauritius F O R G U I D E D H I K E S I N M AU R I T I U S …

Explorers Mauritius

F O R LUXU RY I N T H E S H A D OW O F L E MORNE… LUX* Le Morne Resort F O R B E AC H - S I D E LUXU RY… Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa 160 | Outlook Travel issue 02

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

LE MORNE BRABANT A rugged mountain jutting into the Indian Ocean, its caves and woods were once used as hiding places by runaway slaves. It’s been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is a powerful symbol of the slaves’ fight for freedom. Take a hike to the summit for spectacular views.

FLIC EN FLAC BEACH This picturesque eight-kilometre swathe of sand is one of the most popular on the island, frequented by tourists and locals. It’s a great spot for learner divers, and there are plenty of restaurants and luxurious hotels dotted along the beachfront.

BLACK RIVER GORGES NATIONAL PARK This is Mauritius’ largest protected forest, a pristine landscape of forested hills and dizzying gorges. It’s a protected habitat for some of the island’s endemic species, such as the Mauritian flying fox and the Mauritius kestrel. There are some fantastic hiking trails through the park, too.

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MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

www.phoenixmall.mu

ILE AUX AIGRETTES This small islet, lying just offshore from Blue Bay, is a pristine nature reserve that can be visited on a boat trip and guided tour. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the home of giant Aldabra tortoises and pink pigeons, and is thought to be the last resting place of the dodo.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND MAURITIUS AIRPORT (ALSO known as Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport) is the largest on the island, located near the capital of Port Louis. Carriers such as Air Mauritius and British Airways operate scheduled flights to 33 destinations in 21 countries across Europe, Africa, Oceania and Asia. The only domestic flight is to Rodrigues, a small island off the coast of Mauritius.

Although there are public bus services, the easiest way to get around Mauritius is by road.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to flag down a taxi to take you anywhere on the island, or to hire one for the day. Some tourists prefer to hire a car, or even to rent bicycles for short hops along the coast.

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 163

INDUSTRY EVENTS

NDUSTRY EVENTS Our bi-monthly listing of some of the most important events and conferences in the travel industry

WORLD TRAVEL MARKET AFRICA One of the six shows in the WTM portfolio, the event was launched in 2024 to bring the benefits, expertise and opportunities of the global industry to travel professionals in Africa. Mirrored on WTM’s flagship events, WTM London and the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, WTM Africa also delivers a mix of scheduled appointments, networking opportunities, media and evening functions. There will be more than 738 exhibitors and buyers from over 100 different countries, providing attendees with vital content and contacts.

WHERE: Cape Town, South Africa WHEN: 6th – 8th April 2020 WEB: www.africa.wtm.com

IMM 2020 UK IMM 2020 UK, run by Travmedia, is the world’s leading event for travel media professionals (and is also held at seven other locations worldwide). It enables travel brands to connect with media professionals and influencers to discuss marketing opportunities. Meanwhile, journalists can plan their stories for the year and make connections with some of the world’s leading travel brands and tourism boards. Last year’s event was attended by 220 PR professionals, representing 165 brands. You’ll be able to browse exhibition stands, attend training sessions and schedule meetings with other professionals.

WHERE: London, England WHEN: 9th – 10th March 2020 WEB: www.travmedia.com/immuk 164 | Outlook Travel issue 02

11TH WORLD CONGRESS ON SNOW AND MOUNTAIN TOURISM The World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism is a joint initiative between the UN’s World Tourism Organisation, Andorra’s seven communes and its government, developed to discuss sustainable tourism in mountain areas. It’s a biannual event that has been in operation since 1998 and is recognised as a benchmark regarding trends and development opportunities in mountain tourism. This year’s congress addresses the topics of innovation, sustainability and digital transformation in a series of keynote speeches and discussion forums.

There will also be the opportunity to explore the surrounding mountain region, with a programme of cultural visits and leisure activities.

The International Luxury Travel Market in Asia Pacific is an exclusive event allowing suppliers of luxury travel experiences to meet buyers representing one of the world’s most sought-after markets – luxury travellers from Asia Pacific. ILTM considers itself a ‘relationship broker’: at 2019’s conference over 30,000 business events took place between 550 luxury travel suppliers, 150 media publications and 550 travel buyers. This year promises to be even more lucrative for attendees, who will be given a bespoke diary of prescheduled appointments, made according to the preferences they select during the matching process. There are also exhibition stands and less formal networking events, such as an opening gala.

WHERE: Canillo, Andorra WHEN: 11th – 13th March 2020 WEB: www.mountainlikers.com

WHERE: Singapore WHEN: 18th – 21st May 2020 WEB: www.iltm.com/en/asiapacific

ILTM ASIA PACIFIC 2020

Outlook Travel issue 02 | 165

THE LAST STOP GALESNJAK ISLAND

GALEŠNJAK ISLAND

THE LAST S T O P.

166 | Outlook Travel issue 02

P O P U L AT I O N – Z E R O LYING JUST OFF the Croatian coast, south of Zadar, this uninhabited island has an area of just 0.132 square kilometres. However, in 2009 it was splashed across the world’s media when Google Earth pronounced it one of the few naturally heart-shaped islands in the world, something which fired up people’s imaginations. They weren’t, of course, the first to spot this – a 19th century cartographer working for Napoleon had also brought it to people’s notice, but back then there was no mass media to spread the word.

The island is owned by Tonci Juresko. It’s carpeted in forest and ringed by a pebbled beach. In 2013, people were upset to discover that Juresko had deforested and bulldozed two large swathes of land across the island (leading to plenty of quips about it being

“broken-hearted”). Juresko hastened to reassure concerned fans that he had cut down the natural foliage to plant a grove of olive trees and build a chapel to host weddings. According to Atlas Obscura, he had heard about Angelina Jolie considering purchasing a $16.1 million heart-shaped island in New York for Brad Pitt, and realised that his island, too, could be quite profitable.

Fast forward to 2020, however, and the island has yet to be developed.

But despite its lack of amenities, it’s a popular tourist destination, especially with couples. It’s a scheduled stop on several boat cruises and can also be reached by chartering a yacht.

Camping is permitted if formal permission is sought from the owner.

Inevitably, it’s a popular spot for wedding proposals and honeymoons.

Maybe it’s time to take a trip.

Guyana told us its story...

ISSUE 02

w w w. o u t l o o k t r a v e l m a g . c o m

THE WORLD’S MOST ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS Chosen by travel experts

MYANMAR Southeast Asia’s unexplored gem

GHANA

West Africa’s top destination

YOUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO

GUYANA Paschoe House, Devon, England, is a boutique property offering everything you need for that romantic break

offering everything you need for that romantic break Paschoe House, Devon, England, is a boutique property

GUYANA

T

he unrelenting demand to travel, both for business and leisure purposes, is showing no signs of slowing up, and for Outlook Publishing, the growing extent to which we are covering this industry across our existing titles has led to the launch of Outlook Travel magazine.

The major component of the publication takes the form of our Outlook Travel Guides, providing executives, avid travellers and our existing 575,000 international subscribers with the ultimate rundown of all the major economic drivers and thriving hubs across the world, with exclusive input from tourism industry associations and stakeholders – the people who know these places the best.

You can join the vast numbers of tourism sector players enjoying the exposure we provide across our digital and print platforms with a range of options, from advertising through to free-of-charge editorials, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and increase exposure.

For further information, visit www.outlooktravelmag.com

YOUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO Chosen by travel experts

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DESTINATIONS ROMANTIC MOST WORLD’S THE

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