Tag Archives: Latvia

Mutated Corona Virus causes travel havoc in and out of the UK, affecting S A Tourism too!

 

A mutated Corona Virus variant, which has appeared in the UK, and now is evident in South Africa, is causing havoc in that most European countries as are other countries, are banning flights from the UK from today, and South Africa has been added to this list by four countries to date too.

The new Virus strain is not said to be any worse than the current one in terms of its symptoms, but it is spreading 70% faster. It has led the UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock to state that the Corona Virus in that country is ‘out of control’, and for a harsh Tier 4 Lockdown to be imposed in London and Southeast England. Yesterday the country recorded its highest number of new infections, at 35928 cases.

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WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine News headlines: 29 January

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*   The Reserve Bank has left the interest rate unchanged, the repo rate remaining at 5,75 %.

*   The retail trade experienced a ‘fair to middling‘ Festive Season trade, and the projection is that 2015 will be much the same.  Stores targeting the lower income group were impacted by low demand, caused by unemployment and debt.  Woolworths sales growth was lower in the past six months than in the same period a year prior.

*   The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association has become an ‘association partner‘ for World Travel Market Continue reading →

WhaleTales Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines: 29 October

WhaleTalesTourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

*  Cape Town has been named third best city in the world by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 Top Cities listing. It was beaten by Paris and Trinidad, but was ranked ahead of Riga (capital of Latvia), Zurich, Shanghai, Vancouver, Chicago, Adelaide, and Auckland.  Top 10 countries in the world are Brazil, Antarctic (unusual to call this a country!), Scotland (is it not part of the UK?), Sweden, Malawi, Mexico, Seychelles, Belgium, Macedonia, and Malaysia.  The rationale for Cape Town’s ranking was: ‘Expect sculpture-lined green spaces, sustainable projects that are more than just a pretty face, and further regeneration of former industrial districts.  2014 marks the twentieth anniversary of South African democracy – honour it by exploring the city’s history,’ encourages the travel guide.

Cape Town was crowned with first place in the category Top 10 Cities in Africa and the Middle East and ranked eleventh in the Top 25 Cities in the World by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.  The city as also rated tops as Africa’s Leading Destination and also as Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination by World Travel Awards. (received via e-mail from Rabbit in a Hat Communications)

*   Renowned Chef Raymond Blanc is redesigning the winter Continue reading →