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Issue 60: Saturday, 2 November 2019

Ian McIntosh's

Tourism addicted to endless growth

According to Adelaide based academic Dr Higgins-Desbiolles, the tourism industry needs to buck its addiction to endless growth, recognising the finite limits of the planet and learning to work within them. “Just as other areas of industry have had to recognise the importance of sustainability, both socially and environmentally, tourism must stop sacrificing a long-term future for short term gains.” Read her full report here

Cruise ship impact study for KI

Ideas on how to restrict visitation to pristine destinations like Tasmania are being discussed. A good example is South Australia’s Kangaroo Island which was recently linked by air to Sydney and is now beginning to appear on cruise ship itineraries – ships that carry thousands of visitors. There is a tourism impact study being conducted into whether the island can cope right now. On a recent trip to Alaska we noted how tiny remote towns had lost all character and become garish cruise pax shopping malls.

Record cruise season for SA

South Australia’s record summer cruise season has officially begun following the recent arrival of Princess Cruises’ Sea Princess. Over the 2019-2020 season SA will see a surge in cruise ships sailing to and from the region with three Princess ships, including the 143,700 tonne 3,560 guest flagship Majestic Princess, completing itineraries to and from Adelaide. “Princess Cruises will make three international roundtrips from Adelaide’s doorstop including New Zealand, Fiji and South Africa,” a spokesperson said. Itineraries here

Avoid crowds in the Philippines

With a number of destinations around the world currently experiencing the effects of over tourism, tourists are beginning to see the benefits of taking the road less travelled according to Tourism Philippines. “With over 7,000 islands to explore, the Philippines offers a huge range of destinations to take travellers off the well beaten track including Siargao Island voted best island in the world by readers of Conde Naste Traveler.” More details, https://www.tourismphilippines.com.au

Or, escape to WA’s Kimberley

An escape to the Western Australia’s magnificent Kimberley is set to become an even easier option as El Questro has announced a sweep of earlybird specials for the 2020 season. The deals have been timed to align with new direct flights between Melbourne and Kununurra, ‘The Kimberley Express’ takes off in May next year. At El Questro’s luxury Homestead guests can stay four nights and save 25 per cent on the 2020 special. Details here

Two for one deals to Africa, India

Thinking of heading somewhere exotic but worried about the purse strings? Go Tours 21st Birthday Sale has been extended until November 7, 2019. Have a look at the two for one deals to destinations including India, Vietnam and 25% off Egypt, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Peru. Europe Holidays is also on sale with 30% off the second person deals. See here

Luxury small ship Arctic cruise

Want to really get up close to the breathtaking views and fire-and-ice scenery of the Arctic? According to PONANT, the way to go is from Greenland to Alaska aboard one of the company’s small-ship luxury expeditions to the Arctic in 2020. Follow in the footsteps of the great polar explorers and marvel at stunning glaciers, ice floes, fjords, primal forests and volcanoes. Have a look at itineraries here

Cheap trip to The Big Apple from UK

Heading to the UK and want to add a visit to the US? I have used Norwegian Airline several times and enjoyed the service and value. Thanks to popular demand, the airline is adding more flights between London Gatwick and key US destinations such as San Francisco, Denver, Austin and Tampa next year. The increases will take effect from March 29 2020 and run throughout the summer 2020 schedule. You can for instance enjoy a taste for the Big Apple with flights + 3 days’ hotel stay from £439. Have a look here

Where are the best restaurants?

Millions of Tripadvisor readers vote on everything from hotels to restaurants and while you have to read between the lines at times – they usually sum up a property of product very well. The latest poll has selected the 20 best restaurants in the world. Coming in first is TRB Hutong, Bejing China. Here is a comment: “After a three hour meal, including several tasting menus followed up by wine pairings, we can positively announce that Hutong lives up to the occasion.” See all the winners here

Emirates or Qatar to Europe?

Emirates or Qatar, Doha or Dubai? Last week I outlined the good and the bad of travel to Europe in economy on these carriers. Next week I will compare business class on the two carriers. We usually use Emirates so it will be a new experience for me to travel with Qatar in what is described as the world’s best business class “in your very own personal suite delivering a level of luxury like never before.” We will see.