A group of Southland, New Zealand, train enthusiasts are working to restore a 19th-century locomotive, known as the F150, which once served as the “lifeblood of the New Zealand railways.” The project aims to boost regional tourism and preserve a piece of the country’s railway history. Restoring a Railway Icon The F150 steam locomotive was … Read more
The End of Elephant Rides: A Global Shift Towards Ethical Wildlife Tourism Over 1.3 million people search Google each month for “ethical wildlife tourism.” This number isn’t just a statistic; it represents a rapidly evolving consumer mindset. The recent decision by Bali Zoo to cease elephant rides, following mounting pressure from animal welfare groups, isn’t … Read more
Construction and conservation efforts are underway at Kuta Beach in Bali, impacting tourists visiting the popular resort area. The work aims to address coastal erosion and improve facilities for both visitors and the local community. Coastal Conservation Efforts Underway Kuta Beach has been significantly affected by coastal abrasion, with erosion occurring year after year. Intensive … Read more
Philippines Announces Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Nationals to Boost Tourism and Trade Manila, Philippines – In a significant move aimed at strengthening economic ties and bolstering tourism, the Philippines will permit Chinese citizens to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to two weeks, effective Friday. The announcement, made by the Department … Read more
From Farm Protest to Political Earthquake: How Direct Action is Redefining Agricultural Policy A single act of defiance – the dumping of tonnes of potatoes on the Grand Place in Brussels by Belgian farmer Aurélien Holvoet – has reverberated far beyond the cobblestones, signaling a fundamental shift in how agricultural discontent is expressed and, crucially, … Read more
Coral Reefs: The Unexpected Key to Future Food Security A staggering one billion people globally rely on fish as their primary source of protein. But as climate change and overfishing decimate marine ecosystems, that vital food source is increasingly threatened. Now, a growing body of research reveals a surprising solution: restoring degraded coral reefs could … Read more
Bali’s Penglipuran Village and the Secret Monkey Forest are set to adjust entry fees in 2026, offering updated ticketing options and experiences for visitors. Penglipuran Village Updates Pricing Penglipuran Village in Bangli Regency, recognized by the UN World Tourism Organisation as one of the World’s Best Tourism Villages, will implement new visiting packages starting January … Read more
A Marlborough Sounds tourism operator is facing significant disruption due to ongoing road closures for essential repairs, impacting the peak summer season. Portage Resort has reported cancellations and declining visitor numbers as a result of restricted access along Kenepuru Road and Torea Road. Road Works Disrupt Tourism in Marlborough Sounds Capstone Hotel Management managing director … Read more
A significant amount of plastic waste has washed ashore on Pantai Jerman, a popular beach in Bali, impacting the vacation experience for tourists. The annual influx of trash, which typically begins around mid-December, arrived this year in late November. Trash Accumulation at Pantai Jerman Over 7 tonnes of waste accumulated on Pantai Jerman, also known … Read more
Bali authorities are encouraging tourism attractions to phase out elephant riding, citing animal welfare concerns and the need to support the survival of the endangered Sumatran elephant species. The move comes as awareness grows regarding ethical issues within the animal tourism sector. Elephant Welfare Concerns While Bali does not have a native wild elephant population, … Read more