Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*  Ethical tourism and Fair trade certified products are of increasing interest in tourism, especially to Swedish and Swiss travelers.

*   Fracking is likely to commence in 2014, despite an outcry over its effect on tourism and on the environment.

*   ‘South African wines are honest wines at honest prices, but who knows as the excitement builds? Now is the time to explore and familiarize yourself with what they have to offer. Good deals abound!’ writes American wine writer Richard Fadeley of WineWebMan.

*   A survey has found that 15% of reviews on sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor are fake.  The USA Federal Trade Commission now demands that if reviews are written against payment or free receipt of services or products on blogs, in publications, or on review sites, the relationship must be declared.

*   The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry says that the proposed new bill prohibiting the advertising of alcohol will affect the alcoholic beverage industry and the economy, as well as the marketing and hospitality industries.

*   The ‘Magic of Bubbles‘ Cap Classique and Champagne Festival will be held in Franschhoek on 30 November and 1 December.  (received via media release from Smart Communications & Events).

*   The Arctic is rich in hydrocarbons, fish, fresh water, and minerals, and has 20% of the world’s oil and 30% of natural gas reserves.   A forum to be held in Russia will debate how to extract these valuable resources without endangering the environment.

*   Frankfurt Airport is celebrating Oktoberfest, with oompah music, and Frankfurt-ers and beer served in its restaurants, until the traditional Bavarian festival ends on 6 October.

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com  Twitter: @WhaleCottage