Top Stories
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Florida’s deep data dive highlights its most valuable tourists
DestinationsFlorida welcomed a record 89.3 million visitors in 2012, up from 87.3 million in 2011. This growth is due in part to the number of overseas and Canadian visitors increasing far faster than was expected based on historical trends. Florida’s goal of becoming the most visited destination in the world hinges on increasing brand awareness [...]
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Nairobi trying to shed “Nairobbery” image, starts walking tours
DestinationsThe nickname “Nairobbery” does little to help the image of Kenya’s unruly capital. That could be changing. The region is witnessing rising visitor numbers…driven heavily by the increased spending power and travel habits of Africa’s growing middle class. On May 26, Nairobi visitors enjoyed the city’s first historical walking tours. Two-hour trips now pass by the [...]
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NYC tests free mobile-charging stations at 25 spots this summer
DestinationsNot so long ago, we featured a Pensa concept that we called a rest stop for the urban age–a system called Street Charge that could attach to any sign, then top off cellphone batteries through a solar panel (all while providing a convenient ledge for your coffee). Following the concept’s release, Pensa received a lot [...]
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Saudi prince invites world’s largest cities to bid for mile-high tower
DestinationsSaudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal says he is looking at the world’s largest cities, including Shanghai, Moscow, London and New York, as possible locations to build a mile-high skyscraper that would be the world’s tallest building by far. The prince is inviting Dubai’s biggest real estate developer Emaar Properties, chaired by Mohammed Alabbar, to [...]
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The world’s greatest sporting event highlights Brazil’s development divide
DestinationsIt is about twenty to two. The sun of Mexico City is just beyond its apex, casting narrow shadows. The man in the blue shirt shuffles forward wearily, without real conviction. From behind his right shoulder, a second figure appears; clad in brilliant gold. Casually, the gold shirt leans in towards the blue, pauses, then [...]
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Japan removes short-stay visas for Malaysian tourists
DestinationsTour and travel companies have responded with a big arigato gozaimasu (thank you) to Japan’s decision to abolish visas for Malaysian tourists, with some expecting their bookings to double. Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) deputy president John Tan Chai Keong said its 2,800 tour agents expected a big boost in Malaysian travellers [...]
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The next wave of Royal Baby travel souvenirs to hit the market soon
DestinationsFrom Union Jack booties to “Born to Rule” sleepwear, the British royal family has joined retailers in offering baby products to mark the arrival of the royal heir. Analysts estimate the baby fever could boost the economy by 240 million pounds ($380 million). A baby sleepsuit modeled on a guardsman’s outfit is one of the [...]
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ChinaOB Daily: London, Ireland, UK, South Africa, Korea
DestinationsEditor’s note: We’ve recently started a new daily roundup of news affecting outbound business, for countries trying to attract Chinese travelers. Follow all news from ChinaOB Daily, here. How London can attract more Chinese visitors: ”For the UK, I’ve long argued that the focus should be squarely on high net worth individuals and small groups of discerning tourists. It [...]
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Foreigners working summers in U.S. may be kicked out with new immigration bill
DestinationsLanding a job at a summer camp or at an amusement park is a rite of passage for many young Americans. Those jobs also appeal to foreigners participating in a cultural exchange using J-1 visas. But with U.S. youth unemployment at 25 percent, Congress is now taking a close look at the J-1 visa exchange [...]
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Here’s one way to lure Chinese visitors: Build a replica of Forbidden City
DestinationsAustralia’s coastal Wyong region outside Sydney, a pretty stretch of pristine beaches and wildlife-filled wetlands, isn’t high on the travel agenda of most Chinese tourists. But the local mayor and a Chinese businessman have big plans to change that – by building a A$500 million ($480 million) theme park that will include a full-size replica [...]
