April 2020 edition

M&TatW e-Magazine MICE & TOURISM around the World the global monthly online magazine since 1997 vol. 23, issue 4, April 2020

Viva Italia

Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Italy

Greece’s Eastern Aegean Islands An Interview with… Ms. Nina Cunderlik managing director & owner of DESTINYcfu

The Namib Desert Oil Price Crash & The Airlines ‘Two night destination or the 10th visit to Istanbul’

Message from

Caroline-Artemis Welcome to the April edition of the e-magazine.

This month’s edition has plenty to read and to keep you busy during this challenging time. We hope you are all keeping well.

Now is a great time to work from home, but also to spend valuable time with our families, doing jigsaws, playing board games and catching up on reading and watching films.

With destinations and travel in mind, I can highly recommend a few fantastic reads that I have really enjoyed: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles: The novel is about a Russian aristocrat, Count Alexander Rostov, who in 1922 is sentenced by the Soviets to permanent house arrest in the luxury ‘Metropol Hotel’. It's a delightful read with historical insights and many wonderful characters throughout.

The Africa House by Christina Lamb: This true story highlights the rise and fall of British Rule in one part of Africa. Set in Northern Rhodesia during the final decades of the British Empire, Stewart Gore-Browne built a large country estate modelled on the finest homes of England, complete with uniformed servants, daily muster parades and rose gardens. An enlightening read about life then and the difficulties encountered.

The Girl Under The Olive Tree: Set on the Greek island of Crete during both 1941 and 2001, the story is follows Penelope Georgiou who travels back to the island to face the ghosts that have haunted her since her time there as a nurse during WWII. A superb insight into life on the island during the war.

I leave you with this supportive quote by Roy T. Bennett, who was well known for this positive thoughts and creative insight… … Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.

Enjoy this April edition! Καλό Πάσχα!

Happy Easter!

Joyeuses Pâques!

Buona Pasqua! !‫ع يد ف صح س ع يد‬ Счастливой пасхи!

Caroline-Artemis Laspas co-founder & editor

MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine Volume 23, Issue 4, April 2020 edition – Online since 1997

Contents 6-15 Greece’s Eastern Aegean Islands 18-19 An Interview with…

Ms. Nina Cunderlik

Pserismos Island Greece

21-25 M.I.C.E News Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions 22 The 2nd successful MEETEX - Croatian Meeting Experience Summit 25 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

26-28 THE NAMIB DESERT

30-33 Airlines & Aviation News 31 Oil Price Crash & The Airlines 34-37 ‘Two night destination or the 10th visit to Istanbul’ 40-42 Tourism News Europe, Americas, Asia & Africa 41 Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Postoponed Yokohama, Japan

www.bmlinternational.co.uk

GREECE’S EASTERN AEGEAN ISLANDS The Secret Beauty of the Greek Islands

by Dimitri Laspas

The light house, Ikaria island, Greece

Located on the furthest side of Greece on the Eastern borders Aegean and the Dodecanese islands.

are the groups of islands known as the North Located close to and facing the Asia Minor coast, the North Aegean islands comprise of 5 big islands (Ikaria, Samos, Limnos, Lesvos, Chios) and smaller ones (Agios Efstratios, Agios Minas, Antipsara, Thymaina, Oinousses, Samiopoula, Fournoi and Psara), each offering classic crystal waters, beautiful secluded beaches, traditional villages, green landscapes and authentic cuisine and hospitality. Despite their distance from mainland Greece, they have grown into popular destinations with frequent ferry and flight connections.

Further south, the Dodecanese region comprises of 15 main islands (Agathonisi, Astypalaia, Chalki, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, and Tilos) and numerous smaller ones (Alimia, Arkoi, Chalki, Farmakonisi, Gyali, Kinaros, Levitha, Marathos, Nimos, Pserimos, Saria, Strongyli, Syrna and Telendos), with crystal clear

waters, stunning beaches, important archaeological finds, imposing Byzantine and medieval monuments and unique traditional settlements.

Discover the lesser-known, unspoilt islands of Leros or Pserimos, or take in the splendour of Rhodes or Kos. The map of Greece

It is a hard decision to make when deciding which one to visit, so here is a small resume of each island’s highlights.

Don’t forget you can always ‘island-hop’ and experience the delight of a few islands in one trip!

Fourni Island, Greece

Agios Efstratios: This small volcanic island is surrounded by Limnos, Lesvos, and Skyros islands. With serene unspoilt nature, the island has been declared a Site of Community Importance (SCI), and an Important Bird Area of Greece. There are traditional villages to visit too.

Fournoi: This small group of islands used to be a pirate hideaway. It now offers flora and fauna within its pristine nature.

Mediterranean monk seals, dolphins and sea turtles can be found here due to the clear waters of the island.

Chios: Known for the unique natural resin collected from ‘mastic’ trees in the south of the island. Visit the ‘Mastichochoria’, a group of beautiful fortified villages built in the 14th century when the island was under Genovese rule. Mesta is a medieval heritage town with preserved towers, ancient churches and magnificent stone houses joined together with arches.

Ikaria: Home to the famous myth of Icarus who flew too close to the sun with his waxed feather wings, which melted and resulted in his death from falling out of the sky. As well as beautiful beaches Ikaria has a variety of archaeological sites, natural monuments, traditional villages, hot springs from antiquity, and endemic species of fauna and flora.

Plomari distillery, Lesvos, Greece

The Windmills, Chios Island, Greece

Lesvos / Mytilini: Sappho, one of the most famous lyric poets of ancient Greece, was born here. In the capital Mytilene there are beautiful mansion houses while many traditional villages can be found across the island. Plomari Village is known globally for its ouzo. Experience the hot springs at Thermi, Eftalou and Gera or enjoy the unspoilt, golden beaches.

Ikaria Island, Greece

Limnos: The island of Hephaestus (god of fire and protector of blacksmiths) is perfect for a laid back vacation. Myrina the capital and port has an interesting history and be sure to explore the volcanic areas and the island’s museums as well as the Alyki and Chortarolimni Lakes.

Limnos Island, Greece

Oinousses: A cluster of 9 islands, located between Chios Island and the Erythraian Peninsula of Asia Minor. It is a quiet destination offering great underwater activities such as exploring the colourful seabed. With a strong centuries-old maritime tradition throughout the islands, visit the Maritime Museum.

Oinousses Island, Greece

Samos: Birthplace of the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, and the astronomer Aristarchus of Samos, the first to suggest that the Earth revolves around the sun. With UNESCO monuments of Pythagoreion, an ancient fortified port with Greek and Roman monuments, as well as the Heraion, the temple of the goddess Hera. Explore Vathy, a traditional village, as well as the green island nature and gorge. Be sure to try the islands famous natural sweet wine too.

Samos Island, Greece

Pythagoras

Psara Island, Greece

Psara: The Island features in Homer’s Odyssey. It is small but was important during the Greek War of Independence in 1821.

With plenty of hiking trails, explore beautiful churches and monuments.

Thymaina: With only 140 inhabitants, this tiny island offers beautiful beaches at Keramidou and Aghios Nikolaos and delicious local cuisine. Also visit the churches of Aghios Nikolaos and Aghios Dimitrios.

The Dodecanese islands, as beautiful as the other Greek islands of the Aegean or of the Ionian sea, each island, hides their own beauty, cuisine and hospitality.

Astipalea Island, Greece

Astipalea: This is the westernmost island of the Dodecanese, where it meets the Cyclades Islands.

Therefore there is a real mix of characteristics from both sets of islands on Astipalea giving it a real unique feel.

Hóra, the island’s capital and port, is a very picturesque settlement.

Marathi Island, Greece

The castle on the hilltop is imposing and surrounded by small houses with whitewashed walls, blue doors and wooden balconies.

Arki & Marathi: These small islands are barren but charming with old whitewashed houses and cute little tavernas. Maráthi has a beautiful beach covered with lentisks and tamarisk (salt cedar).

Halki: The town of Halki is the island’s capital and is listed as a traditional settlement, amphitheatrically built overlooking the clear-blue sea. With many impressive neoclassical mansions highlight the past prosperity of the island.

Halki Island, Greece

Kalymnos: This Island is world famous for its natural sponge harvest. After WWII Kálymnos was the only Greek sponge-harvesting industry supplying both domestic and international markets with sea sponges.

Telendos, Kalymnos Island, Greece

The capital and port of Póthia, is a delight as too is the castle of Chrissoheria and the Archaeological Museum. Discover Byzantine monuments like the Great Castle in the former capital of Horió. The best persevered early-Christian settlement in all of Greece is located at Eliniká should also not be missed.

Karpathos Island, Greece

Karpathos: Blessed with plenty of streams, pine-tree forests, vineyards, olive groves, rocky caves and mountainous landscapes, Kárpathos is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The traditional villages see villagers still dressed in traditional costumes and they still speak their old local dialect. Visit the villages of Ólympos and Mesohóri.

Kassos: Although small, Kássos was once a mighty maritime and commercial power. With wellpreserved mansions in Fre, the island’s capital and main port, give an idea of its past grandeur.

Boúka is an old pirate lair, with small fishing boats, traditional coffee shops and an old lighthouse.

At Armáthia, the largest of the islands around Kássos, there are excellent beaches, like Marmara and Karavostassi!

Kastelorizo/Megisti: This is Greece’s most eastern island with is 3 satellite smaller islands, Ro, Stroggili and Psomi, just a swim distance from the Turkish coast.

Its capital and port offers pretty colourful houses, small churches and picturesque alleys. Visit by boat Galazio Spileo, the largest and most spectacular sea cave in Greece.

Finally, you must visit the nearby legendary island of Ro where the famous ‘Lady of Ro’, Despina Achladioti used to raise the Greek flag every day until her death.

Kassos Island, Greece

Kos: Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, lush vegetation, ancient and medieval monuments, treelined roads and large squares.

The island’s treasure is the medieval Nerantziá Castle, situated at the entrance of the port. In the ancient city of Kos discover important archaeological finds dating back to the 4th century; sit under the 2,500 year old plane tree where Hippocrates himself, the Father of Medicine, used to teach his students and examine his patients. It is in fact the oldest plane tree in Europe! Explore the 4th century Asclipiion, the Antimáhia 15th century castle with its imposing battle tower. Finally visit the pretty village of Zia located in the cedar forest.

Kastelorizo/Megisit Island, Greece

Leros: This is the island of Artemis, the goddess of forests and hunting. Here you will find pure nature with pine trees, olive groves and low plains with freshwater streams. The waters are azure blue and there is an Italian architectural influence in Agia Marina, the capital of the island. Explore centuries-old magnificent castles like Brouzi and the Castle of Panayia, or go scuba diving and explore ship wrecks on the seabed.

www.miceandtourismaroundtheworld.com

Kos Island, Greece

Hypocrites

Leros Island, Greece

www.madameandmademoiselle.net Lipsi: This is a small and quiet island where both the landscape and people are welcoming and hospitable. This island is also surrounded by many uninhabited islets ideal for bird watching.

Lipsi Island, Greece

Nisyros: Formed by volcanic eruptions, today Nísyros is still an active volcanic centre together with the volcanic centres of Milos, Santorini and Methana.

In the village of Nikia is a ‘Volcanic Museum’, the only one of its kind in Greece.

Mandraki is the main town and port with beautiful narrow streets with many of the colourful houses built using andesite and dacite (volcanic material).

Patmos: This is the ‘island of the Apocalypse’ or ‘Jerusalem of the Aegean’. Pátmos is a popular pilgrim destination as it is here that in a cave, John the Theologian, one of Christ’s disciples, wrote the ‘Book of Revelations’.

The capital Hóra is a beautiful and well preserved medieval settlement with narrow, labyrinth alleys and stunning houses. Discover too the imposing fortified monastery of Saint Ioannis.

Easter is a great time to be on Patmos as the deeply religious and spiritual celebrations are amazing.

Patmos Island, Greece

Pserimos: This islands name means ‘looking for the ideal destination for serene, relaxing holidays’. And it’s true, sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, paradise bays (Vathí), all await.

There are several hiking routes, scuba diving and climbing to be done despite it being such a small island.

Pserimos Island, Greece

www.bmlinternational.co.uk

Rhodes: a beautifully preserved medieval city with ancient walls and 7 gates, the Palace of the Grand Master and the famous Street of the Knights. The ancient harbour of Mandráki has 3 windmills and strong fortifications at the end of the dock.

There are many remarkable buildings to visit too. Visit stunning wonders of nature; the Seven Springs, the Valley of the Butterflies and Rodíni Park, a green valley with running waters, small bridges and many peacocks.

Visit the breath taking Acropolis of Líndos and Ialissós as well as Ancient Kámiros; powerful cities in ancient times.

Well-preserved castles, like Kritinia and Monólithos are also a must discover!

Rhodes Island, Greece

Symi: This pretty neo-classical island offers a unique cosmopolitan atmosphere. A top site is the miraculous icon of Archangel Michael at the monastery of Panormítis, one of the most significant monasteries of the Dodecanese.

Symi Island, Greece

Telendos: This tiny beautiful island was once joined to Kálymnos but split off following an earthquake in 554 AD. Today there is only one small village on the island. With walking trails through dense pine forests as well as Byzantine ruins, you can swim in beautiful beaches like Plaka, Potha, and Paradise, go scuba diving and explore the ancient city sunk between Kálymnos and Télendos or go hiking, climbing, wind surfing, canoe-kayaking and spear fishing!

Telendos: This tiny beautiful island was once joined to Kálymnos but split off following an earthquake in 554 AD. Today there is only one small village on the island.

With walking trails through dense pine forests as well as Byzantine ruins, you can swim in beautiful beaches like Plaka, Potha, and Paradise, go scuba diving and explore the ancient city sunk between Kálymnos and Télendos or go hiking, climbing, wind surfing, canoekayaking and spear fishing!

Natural sponges, Kalymnos Island, Greece

Tilos: Ragged mountains, dense forest and hilly vistas, green valleys are all home to 400 species of flowers and herbs as well as rare species of birds. No wonder Tilos is a huge ecological park protected by international treaties.

Visit Megálo Horió, the island’s capital, with stunning stone houses and narrow alleys. Visit the medieval castle as the view is breath taking.

Tilos Island, Greece

So, as you can clearly see from the most limited review of these beautiful islands, which offer much more than is suggested here, from stunning ancient architecture, to churches and monasteries, pretty villages with traditional houses, authentic local cuisine and bustling ports, unique museums, religious icons, green forests, olive groves, sparkling seas and secluded beaches and bays, the Islands of Eastern Greece are a true jewel shining bright in the Greek nation.

Molivos, Mytilini/Lesvos Island, Greece

www.madameandmademoiselle.net

An Interview with…

Ms. Nina Cunderlik In a recent interview with Ms. Nina Cunderlik managing director and owner of DESTINYcfu, through MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine, she tells us about her humble beginnings and to where her journey has led her till today.

My name is Nina Cunderlik and from a young age I have been involved in tourism and events via my family.

I have been lucky enough to study tourism in Business college and European Studies at the University of Matej Bell, where I had the possibility to work in travel and event agencies.

In Slovakia you can study in 2 Universities together and after short break in studies I finished a European Culture Studies and Master Degree in International relations.

Having worked from such a young age, I understand each client is special and each country is different. For that reason I opened ‘NC Agency’. NC stands for the 1st letters of my first name and surname. The Agency cares about each event, conference or wedding from ALPHA to OMEGA. During my career, I have lived and worked in many big cities such as London, Paris, Rome and Barcelona.

This allowed me to understand the world and build a great team for cooperation. I have worked as a tour guide, representative, account manager, event manager and product manager.

However the love of the sea brought me to open Sailingboat.sk while also running NC Agency.

In 2018, I opened travel agency DESTINYcfu, a travel agency based on the Greek island of Corfu. In February 2020 I planned to open an office in Italy, but due to the Coronavirus that plan is on hold.

DESTINYcfu is a young office with a lot of experience.

DESTINYcfu cares for its partners as if they were family.

Quality is everything and so far we have not said ‘no’ to any client or partner, hence we have a bi g portfolio of services.

Based in Corfu means we provide inbound for Corfu, hotels, transfers or excursions on the Island. With over 50 different holi day packages, shore excursions or trips on the Island, including cruise options and package for groups to o.

Due to its geographical strategic location, Corfu can offer combined tours with Italy, Albania or the Greek mainland. We have many requests for other Greek destinations and so have become a DMC for Greece with teams in Athens, Santorini, Zakynthos, Myk onos and Thessaloniki. For our Greek clients on Corfu we offer travel to other destination around the worlds.

www.destinycfu.com

www.DESTINYcfu.com

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With cooperation in our 2 office in Slovakia, we provide incoming for Slovakia and European tours. Slovakia is a great country for castles, relaxing in Spas and for skiing. Through our cooperation we help other Slovak travel agencies prepare new programmes and new destinations.

We also focus on business tourism and M.I.C.E., from preparing conferences, events, meetings or team building.

However, the sweetest events to organise are weddings; it’s a special day for you and you with us. You can enjoy your day in Greece, Slovakia and Italy.

Co-operating with sailingboat.sk, you can enjoy sailing in the best locations in Europe; Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain or Portugal.

Finally, we also offer Medical Tourism services. We find new doctors for co-operation and prepare projects for pharmaceutical companies, etc.

During the Coronavirus, I started a new project designed to support the events, hotels, wedding and tourism destination by making videos and writing a blog to support my love, my hobby, my job... preparing, caring and creating new projects, new weddings, new events, n ew destinations, new meetings.

‘Do everything with love’ .............and I DO! This year I began cooperating with a hotel and from next year you can enjoy the new minimalist style, situated on a long sand y beach with all-inclusive and lots of facilities for couples and families.

So, from Corfu to Slovakia and beyond, we can help you with any number of projects and travel requirements. Just get in touch for more information.

M.I.C.E News

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions

nd

A successful finish for the 2

annual MEETEX - Croatian Meeting Experience Summit

Last international industry event was held in Croatia The 2nd National MEETEX - Croatian Meeting Experience Summit was successfully held in Zagreb from 9-11 March 2020. The organisers were the Croatian Meeting Professionals Association (HUPKT) and the company Innovative Events.

The event’s patron was the Croatian Ministry of Tourism. The main partners and sponsors were the Croatian National Tourist Board, Zagreb Tourist Board - Convention Bureau, Croatian Chamber of Commerce, City of Zagreb, as well as hotels, The Westin Zagreb, Canopy by Hilton and Sheraton Zagreb, together with Eldra, the company for technical support for events and Hercex, the transportation company.

For its 2nd year, MEETEX brought together 66 Croatian suppliers and 50 international buyers from specialised agencies, corporations, and international trade associations from European countries, and held nearly 1100 business meetings over 2 days.

In addition to overseas buyers, representatives of domestic and regional companies as well as professional associations were also participants.

Despite MEETEX being organised during a time when the issues of the pandemic COVID-19 virus were already present in Asia, Italy, and several other European countries, almost all the buyers responded, and arrived to Croatia with immense interest and held meetings with our suppliers.

Domestic and foreign experts from the meeting industry moderated MEETEX. Besides the official part of the programme,

participants also had the opportunity to participate in social incentive programmes in Zagreb as well as informal gatherings, through which they were all able to get to know each other better and experience Zagreb as an attractive destination for meeting indu stry.

For foreign buyers there were also familiarisation trips organised. Before MEETEX, two groups visited Istria, Kvarner and Zagreb, and after MEETEX, another 2 groups experienced what was offered by Sibenik-Knin and SplitDalmatia County. In this way, the buyers were able to personally see for themselves one part of the richness of Croatia’s tourism offerings, specifically related to the MICE industry. The Croatian National Tourist Board, Zagreb Tourist Board, Istria Tourist Board, Kvarner Tourist Board, Opatija Tourist Board, Tourist Board of Sibenik-Knin County, Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County and the Tourist Board of Split all helped in the organisation and execution of these study tours.

MEETEX organisers have long-term cooperation with University of Economics in Zagreb, University of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Opatija and the University of Libertas in Zagreb. Therefore, meetings industry students from these universities also visited MEETEX. Throughout the meetings between buyers and exhibitors, the dominant theme was the situation on the market caused by the pandemic virus COVID-19. However, everyone expressed hope as well as readiness for the meetings and programs of companies and associations held in Croatian destinations to be focused more on the fall 2020 period and well in to the 2021.

A trend that is certain to business customers is that in the post-pandemic period, for several reasons, projects and events will likely have a lower number of participants. There will be a greater demand to receive value and quality for money. Those destination s and service providers that will be very competitive are ones that will have superior service offerings, authentic and unique products along with services and experiences. Croatia, with its attractions, infrastructure and professional staff has all the requirements to continue positioning itself in the European and global markets for meeting industry as soon as the pandemic crisis ends. In addition, exhibitors and buyers who participated in MEETEX 2020 are determined and expect the first business guests to arrive as early as June, and to have back-to-normal operations as of September 2020.

Since the 2nd MEETEX was held successfully as the traditional and the only national industry event, organisers are already planning activities and the organisation of the 3rd MEETEX in Croatia, in March 2021.

www.meetex.eu

www.hupkt.hr

www.cmpa.eu

LONDON’S SCIENCE MUSEUM OPENS 1st OUTDOOR EVENT SPACE The Science Museum has launched its 1st ever outdoor event space located in the Courtyard of the newly opened Smith Centre.

Originally constructed in 1890, the Smith Centre has recently undergone refurbishment to present 4 rooms of varying size as well the open-plan courtyard where guests can relax and enjoy the summer sun.

The Smith Centre can accommodate up to 200 guests for a standing drinks reception and evening hire includes access to The Salon, The Boardroom, One Meeting Room and the Courtyard. The versatile space is also enhanced with a range of hand -picked historical objects from the Science Museum collection including a replica pressure suit from the last mission to the Moon. Clients can further enhance their event by hiring one of the Science Museum’s galleries or our events -dedicated space Illuminate, in conjunction with the Smith Centre.

DISCOVER SUWON, KOREA’S NEWEST MICE DESTINATION With the opening of a new convention centre, hotel and luxury department store, Suwon is quickly on the rise as Korea’s lates t MICE destination. The location puts visitors just far enough from Seoul to provide a break from the noise and crowds, but still within easy reach for those wanting to take a day trip into the main city.

Suwon provides an experience of both old and new. Stone walls of an ancient fo rtress weave through the city centre, and modern high rises surround the sprawling greenery of a lake park. You can go from exploring a bustling traditional market to shopping for the latest trends all in a single day.

Whether you are looking for something new, or simply want to escape the crowds, add Suwon to your list of destinations.

What to do: A trip to Suwon would not be complete without a visit to the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to eat: Suwon is famous for (grilled short ribs).

two foods – Fried Chicken and Galbi

Where to shop: Suwon is home to Korea’s newest department store, Galleria Gwanggyo. The massive 12 -story shopping centre.

The all-glass walkway offers a unique, thrilling experience with beautiful views of the surrounding Gwanggyo New Town.

MICE & TOURISM around the World

e-Magazine

DUE TO THE CONTINUED SPREAD OF THE CORONA VIRUS MANY EVENTS HAVE NOW BE POSTPONED OR CANCELLED AND RE-SCHEDULED FOR 2021.

WE HAVE UPDATED OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS PAGE WITH ALL THE LATEST DATES

www.miceandtourismaroundtheworld.com/calendar-of-events If you have a new event or new dates – please email through our website / contact us

www.miceandtourismaroundtheworld.com

THE NAMIB DESERT ‘AN AREA WHERE THERE IS NOTHING’

by Caroline-Artemis Laspas

If there is one thing the Namib Desert is not, then it is not ‘an area where there is nothing’, which is the meaning of the deserts name in the local Nama language.

Indeed, the Namib Desert is a land of surprises and extremes. Located along south-western Africa’s Atlantic coast, it is one of the driest places on Earth, but offers a stunning mars-like landscape of soaring sand dunes, rugged mountains and plains stretches some across 3 countries. It extends over 2,000km from southern Angola through Namibia and into northern South Africa.

It is thought to be the oldest desert in the world dating back 55 million years.

Summer temperatures reach a scorching 45°C and yet night times are often below freezing, making it one of the most inhospitable places on the planet.

However, dead to life it most certainly is not, this arid land is home to many creatures! Even with a tiny amount of annual rainfall or none at all in some places, animals like oryx, springbok, cheetahs, hyenas, ostriches and zebras live here having adapted to survive in these conditions. There are also unique herd of elephants that have adapted to live in the desert.

Ostriches have adapted by raising their body temperatures to reduce their water loss; the Hartmann mountain zebra are good climbers adapting to the desert’s rugged terrain; while the oryx can survive for weeks without drinking by eating waterrich foods.

Some 3,500 species of plants are found here, about half of which are endemic. One such plant is the Welwitschia Mirabilis, which consists of a stem and 2 leaves. It is believed to be a 2000 year old spieces that can grow up to 6ft tall and 24ft wide.

Charles Darwin called it the ‘platypus of the plant kingdom’.

The Quiver Tree has equally adapted to its extreme environment; it cuts off its own leaves during a drought to save any moisture that would be lost through its leaves.

One of the most extreme environments of the desert is a 500km area of soaring sand dunes and rusting ship hulls along the Atlantic known as the Skeleton Coast. Covering an area from southern Angola to central Namibia, it is named the Skeleton Coast due to the huge number of shipwrecks and whales carcasses found along the shores. The many shipwrecks are due to a weather phenomenon created by the cold Atlantic currents meeting the hot desert air and creating foggy conditions and making ship navigation dangerous.

One of the most spectacular sights of the Namib desert are the rolling ochre sand dunes surrounding Sossusvlei, a salt and clay pan in the centre of Namib-Naukluft National Park – Africa’s 3rd largest national park (50,000sq.km.) The deep orange colour of the dunes is not found elsewhere due to the high levels of iron in the sand. The dunes here are also some of the highest in the world with some over 200m high. However there is one giant sand dune called ‘Dune 7’, soaring nearly 400m into the sky. These dunes can also be seen from space!

Desert Circles! One intriguing phenomenon found across both the desert and plains are ‘fairy circles’; barren patches of sand encircled by a single species of grass. The why and how have baffled experts for decades. It was thought they only existed in Namibia, but another crop has been discovered in Australia. The local Namib Himba people believe they are caused by spirits, and are footprints left by their god, Mukuru.

The desert offers many options for tourists and Sossusvlei is one of the most visited destinations in the Namib-Naukluft National Park where visitors can take hot air balloon rides, try quad biking, desert hikes, paragliding and sand boarding.

At the Swakopmund's Living Desert Snake Park visitors can see a variety of snakes, scorpions, geckos and lizards. Or take a day trip to track the desert elephants in their natural habitat.

A stunning land of extremes and beauty the Namib Desert is jewel of Africa.

Airlines & Aviation News

OIL PRICE CRASH & THE AIRLINES Under normal circumstances the huge drop in oil prices would be a joyous moment for airlines, with it being one of their largest expenses.

However, with flights being cancelled and a huge drop in flight demand, the airlines are in a state of limbo and many holding their breath to see if they can survive, while COVID 19 continues to spread across the world.

UK’s Fly Be finally shut and more recently, Norwegian Air Shuttle announced an 85% reduction in flight schedules, including plans to let go almost 90% of its staff. Indeed, it has become a rather special sight to see a plane fly overhead in the sky wherever you are in the world.

With fuel prices going up and down frequently, many airlines buy their fuel by ‘hedging’ in order to limit huge fuel price variations.

Fuel hedging means an airline agrees to buy an amount of oil in the future at a pre-agreed price. That gives them more stability as well as allows for the oil suppliers like Shell and BP to secure future sales at a set price, again giving them stable and predictable revenues. These agreements mean both parties agree to give up potential profits in return for certainty. But these is always one side that ‘wins’ and one that ‘loses’.

The Airlines are finding that at present they are the losers. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecast that airlines could lose UK£92 billion in sales in 2020 due to Covid19. However, by not using the fuel to fly, airlines cut their costs by an estimated UK£23 billion.

Interestingly, most U.S. airlines do not participate in hedge-fuelling so they would enjoy this big drop in fuel price. In addition, Asia carriers also do not fuel hedge on fuel, making this situation more favourable for them.

TAKING TO THE SKIES AGAIN - AN-225 After modernisation, Antonov has again begun flights with the An-225 cargo plane. The 6-engine, 290ft wingspan, 600,000-pound cargo aircraft is the world’s largest operational aircraft.

It is famous for several reasons; it is the world's heaviest aircraft as well as having the longest wingspan of any aircraft in operation. This gives it the ability to carry enormous loads across long distances, ideal for emergency relief missions.

JAPAN EXTEND ENTRY BAND TO 73 NATIONS Starting this month Japan will ban entry from 73 nations and regions. The decision was made to help contain the Covid-19 coronavirus and prevent it from spreading. This is in addition to the 24 places already under the no-entry list: Iran, South Korea, several European nations and certain parts of China.

Below is the updated list: Asia Pacific: Australia, Brunei, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

North America: Canada, United States of America.

Central and South America: Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Dominica, Ecuador, Panama.

Europe: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Britain, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia.

Middle East and Africa: Bahrain, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Israel, Mauritius, Morocco, Turkey.

Anyone travelling on a passport from the 73 nations, or who have visited those countries in the past 14 days, will be denied entry into Japan.

EASYJET DELIVER ANOTHER BLOW TO AIRBUS

Easyjet founder, Sir Stelios Haji-loannou is putting pressure on the company’s board of directors to cancel an order for 107 Airbus aircraft estimated to cost UK£4.5 billion.

The cancellation is due to the current Coronavirus crisis that has led to hugely reduced flights and passengers as well as the forthcoming economic crisis due to hit in the aftermath of the current situation, with industries like tourism and aviation taking a long time to recover as the lockdown is expected to be removed gradually and is predicted to take from 8 to 14 months until day to day life and business gets back to ’normal’. Mr. Haji-Ioannou’s decision is aimed at having to avoid requesting a state rescue loan in order to keep the company in business.

AIRBUS INSPIRED BY NATURE TO BOOST AIRCRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE Airbus has tested it new fello’fly initiative in order to help boost environmental performance of commercial aircraft and make a significant impact on emissions reduction for the aviation industry.

Airbus’ fello’fly project aims to demonstrate the technical, operational and commercial viability of two aircraft flying together for longhaul flights; just as migratory birds do! A ‘flock’ of A350s are flown in a bird-like formation with a separation of just 1.5 nautical miles.

Through fello’fly, a follower aircraft will retrieve the energy lost by the wake of a leader aircraft, by flying in the smooth updraft of air it creates. This provides lift to the follower aircraft allowing it to decrease engine thrust and therefore reduce fuel consumption in the range of 5-10% per trip.

This new project helps further strengthen Airbus’ position in developing, innovating and leveraging emerging technologies, directly contributing to the sustainable reduction of the environmental footprint of the aviation industry as a whole.

LONDON CITY AIRPORT SHUT UNTIL END OF APRIL London City Airport has temporarily suspended all commercial and private flights in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Virtually all European airlines have grounded flights in response.

Whether big or small, all airports depend on spending from passengers to operate through fees from airlines, foot traffic at their retail outlets, and services such as parking, etc. But no passengers and no planes means no real revenue, and the likely loss of many jobs.

QATAR AIRWAYS OPENS BRISBANE ROUTE AMID CORONAVIRUS With all the negative news around the global pandemic, the virus has created a positive story with a new route for Qatar Airways, which st will operate flights to Brisbane for the 1 time and increase services to Australia to help people get home.

Qatar will add 48,000 seats and use larger aircraft like the Airbus A380 on these routes.

Doha is one of the few transit options still open for people wishing to get to and from Australia and New Zealand.

Qatar will fly daily from Doha to Brisbane using a Boeing 777-300ER, twice daily to Perth with an A380 and 777-300ER, and twice daily to Melbourne with an A350-1000 and 777-300ER. The carrier will fly three times a day to Sydney using an A350 and 777-300ER. Previously, Qatar only flew to Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.

RUSSIA LOCKS ALL ITS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS. th

From 4 April Russia has suspended all international flights as well as the repatriation of Russian citizens, with the aim to limit the possible spread of the coronavirus that passengers may bring with them in the country.

AIR ANTWERP FLY BACK TO LONDON CITY ON 4

TH

OF MAY

The carrier, which began operating on 9 September 2019, currently only operates this one route. In normal times, it operates 3-daily flights during the th week and once on Sundays. But from 4 May, its weekday service will reduce to twice-daily, which is not surprising given the fall in demand.

ETIHAD GOES CONTACTLESS HEALTH AIRPORT CHECK-IN Etihad Airways is to try new contactless, self-service technologies. These machines can estimate a passenger’s vital signs, beside check-in, and will conduct a touchless health screening at airport kiosks as well as bag drops.

This facility, will have the ability to triage a passenger at a self-service touchpoint prior to boarding. It will automatically suspend the self-service check-in or bag drop process if a passenger’s vital signs indicate potential illness symptoms, reducing the risk of transmission a virus to another passenger or staff.

www.madameandmademoiselle.net

‘Two night destination or the 10th visit to

Istanbul’

by Orinta Labutyte photographer and writer

Galata Tower, Istanbul, Turkey All photos in this article are © of Ms. Orinta Labutyte

Different from the other 9 times, this 10th visit to Istanbul wasn‘t planned.

Being one of the thousands of travellers who were coming back home due to the sudden closure of country borders, I had to hurry back to Europe.

Istanbul became my two-night en-route destination; a place I always feel good like at home.

Every time I visit this majestic city, full of history, cultural mix, smells and tastes, mysterious vibe – I discover something new.

Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul

Passing through the most famous Istanbul Istiklal Avenue, where normally about 3 million people are passing every day, today this number diminished due to the threat of the virus. Shops have good offers as it is ‘sales’ time if you want to buy one or another thing for the best price, but with an entrance step, stopping and thinking, is this new collection dress the priority now? Priorities and inner values have changed for so many of us. Even hospitable Istanbul merchants are more modest and more silent with their invitations to come inside and look around or to buy something from them. Just famous Istanbul cats, dogs and seagulls seem not to be afraid of anything and enjoy their daily life without a big interruption from tourists.

Aghia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

It was interesting to experience Istanbul in this period: empty public transport stops, empty trams, empty underground paths, empty ferries and closed mosques. Even prayers from thousands of Istanbul minarets sound different. Th e city rests from people’s voices, crowded streets.

The Bosporus, Istanbul, Turkey

Bosporus waters are empty from its crossing boats. Beautiful clouds are giving a fantastic look to ‘a sleepy’ Istanbul. Wandering to the half empty fish market, passing under the Galata Bridge – silence and just long shadows. A strange feeling comes whenever I remember hardly being able to pass through without being invited to one or another restaurant.

A quick glance to the Egyptian spice bazaar that works since the 17th century and always has something to offer – quite empty, comparing to my previous visits there. Some more minutes and I come to a majestic Sultan Ahmet Square, with a colourful fountain in front of Aghia Sophia, where there is just one chestnut & corn salesman‘s stroller. Only cats are wandering around with their own business without paying attention to anyone.

There is one place I always visit whenever I am in Istanbul - Lest Arts Turcs. Probably the best-located place in the heart of the historical city where everyone can deepen their knowledge about the Ottoman empire, traditions, culture, heritage and to learn something that has been developed hundreds of years ago in Istanbul. It is a centre where people from all over the world meet each other and share their knowledge and skills, tying bridges for further cooperation within different initiatives.

One of the most famous activities – workshops of ‘ebru’, also known as ‘paper marbling’, included in the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Historians, after studying various sources, still do not find the common agreement when and where the ebru appear for the first time, or who invented it. One of the versions is this art was travelling from Turkestan to Iran, following the Silk Road and at the beginning of 16th century it verified the Persian name indicating ‘cloud’. Since the 17th century, in Istanbul, the art of marbling is one of which is not taught by writing or explaining, as it is an art where students are trained by means of the ‘master/apprentice’ system. This is very common for all classical Ottoman arts.

The Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

What means ‘master-student’ relationships, I experienced during my first ebru workshops in Les Arts Turcs where I was taught different types such as gelgit, tarakli, hatip, bülbül yuvasi, çiçekli (respectively come-and-go, combed, preacher, nightingale's nest, flowered, etc.) by ebru master Fikret Güney. It was my first, but not the last time at trying to master ‘ebru’. Next time, soon, when Istanbul will rest and take its new challenges and rhythm back.

Ms. Orinta Labutyte and Mr. Fikret Güney

As Napoleon Bonaparte once said “If the earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.” The only city in the world, situated on two continents – Europe and Asia has passed through many challenges, no doubt it will handle today‘s challenge too. Until the next meeting, ‘Istanbul benim – Hayat benim’.

Tourism News Europe, Americas, Asia & Africa

TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES POSTOPONED Due to the continued uncertainty of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 has now been postponed until 2021.

The new dates for the Games of the XXXII Olympiad are from 23 July to 8 August 2021. The new dates for the Paralympic Games will be celebrated from 24 August until 5 September 2021.

The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope across the world during these unprecedented times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel. Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan. Despite the date change, then games will keep the name ‘Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020’.

INTERSTATE JOINS FORCES WITH IHG TO RECOGNISE INDUSTRY TRAILBLAZERS Interstate Hotels & Resorts has joined forces with IHG to award top-performing hotels ‘Trailblazer Status’.

The initiative which has been running for 2 years is open to all 43 IHG hotels within Interstate’s UK, International and European managed portfolio.

Hotels are scored across areas including customer experience, loyalty enrolment and engagement and guest service. Highest scoring hotels are then awarded at a prestigious awards dinner.

Debbie Johnson, Senior Vice President of Operations at Interstate Hotels & Resorts, said: “Our Trailblazer initiative, managed in partnership with IHG, rewards hotels who go the extra mile when it comes to customer care.

“As an industry, customer experience and outstanding service fundamentally sits at the heart of everything we do. This incentive is about Interstate and IHG supporting great brand ambassadors who live and breathe this approach, whilst maximising our relationship as an operator with our brand partners.”

Interstate Hotels & Resorts is now working with its other brand partners to develop the initiative across its wider portfolio.

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UK’S TOP VISITOR ATTRACTIONS MAY BE CLOSED BUT THEY’RE OPEN ONLINE TO THE WORLD! Millions of people around the world are at home, online and being inspired by members of ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions); they are discovering the breadth, depth and diversity of the UK’s visitor attractions through websites and digital galleries, science podcasts, virtual tours of Parliament, through to web-cams of zoos and safari parks, as well as being able to take part in church and cathedral services and watching opera and theatre.

Bernard Donoghue (Director) of ALVA, explains; “in the last week or so there has been an explosion in the number of people, here and around the world, virtually visiting the UK’s top visitor attractions. Our members are creating amazing new online experiences and tours to inspire people who are at home and encourage them to create their own 'UK tourism must visit list' of places they will visit, or re-visit, when attractions re-open.”

He continues: “All of our attractions have fantastic websites and we encourage members of the public to visit them to see their collections, people, places and stories, and use this time at home to plan for the future. It’s really clear from interest from around the world that when our members re-open, the world would like to turn up.”

Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth, UK Members such as British Museum, Natural History Museum, V&A, Science Museum and National Gallery have seen a substantial increase in visitors to their websites.

The number of visitors to britishmuseum.org has doubled in the past two and a half weeks, with many viewing their online content and virtual tours. The Natural History Museum’s Discover has had 5 million visits over the last year, from all around the world and visits to the National Gallery’s Virtual tour pages are up 796% compared to last week, and 1144% over last year.

BEST EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS 2020 REVEALED More than 600,000 global travellers voted for their Best European Destinations for the 11th edition of the European Best Destination 2020 competition. Athens won 2nd place. The Greek capital was amongst the top 20 European destinations, along with other hotspots such as Madrid, Vienna, Paris, Berlin and Rome.

The Parthenon, Athens, Greece