Words & photos: Ollie Sungkar A small town where you see Japan through the lens of history, nature and culture. On my recent Japan road trip, I had a chance to visit Kurashiki, a historic city in western Okayama Prefecture that breathes a laid-back atmosphere. You can easily reach there by taking Shinkansen (a bullet train) – 3 hours from Tokyo, 45 minutes from Osaka. But I came from the other side of country where I enjoyed the beautiful panorama along the 150-kilometer bus ride from … [Read more...]
5 Popular Countries Open for Tourism
By Prasiddha Gustanto Editor at ALVEO The global tourism industry was among the hardest hit when the pandemic broke out in early 2020. Things got so bad that the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) named 2020 as the worst year for tourism in recorded history, with one billion fewer international arrivals compared to 2019. Conditions improved somewhat in 2021, with the UNWTO reporting a four percent upturn compared to 2020, but the number of international tourist arrivals … [Read more...]
Nice to be Here
Text and images by: Chris Andre Widely promoted as "Bali" of France, Nice is a beautiful European summer city that offers more than sprawling beaches. For those who have been to France, a visit to Nice would still induce ooh and ahs. This small tropical destination in the south-east of France, along the French Riviera, is surprisingly full of colors. The history notes that Nice was actually derived from the city’s previous Italian name, Nissa. That itself provides some clues as to why the city … [Read more...]
16th Anniversary of Thousand Islands Leading Up to 2018 Asian Games
The month of November was a special time for the people of Thousand Islands. The special regency in North Jakarta celebrated its 16th anniversary on November 9, and the event coincided with the official opening of Thousand Islands Festival. The event held at the ‘capital’ of the regency, Pramuka Island ran from November 6 until 12. The festival is supported the Tourism Ministry and features activities, such as beach clean-up, music performances, and various competitions. The region has been … [Read more...]
Rotterdam – Architectural Medley in Europe’s Largest Port
Text: Joshua Paundra People rarely put Rotterdam on the top of their agenda as a place to visit on their journey in the Netherlands. Situated by the river Maas, the third largest city in the Netherlands is also known as the largest port city in Europe. Yet, the city is not always about business. Spend a day or two in Rotterdam and you’ll find out what the city has various things to offer. If you miss city life, the city center offers tempting shops that will bring out the shopaholic … [Read more...]
Paris of the Orient
Text & Images: Chris Andre Shanghai, the most sophisticated metropolis in China, strikes as a surprisingly affordable and beautifully urban holiday destination. For those who’ve never stepped a foot in mainland China, a trip to this part of the world could be a little bit daunting. The absence of Google (the browser, map and Gmail) and the experience of lost in translation are just two among many challenges you’d encounter right from very start. Thankfully, what Shanghai lacks in … [Read more...]
Buton Revisited
Text : Gandi Faisal In late June, I got a chance to revisit Buton Island, Southeast Sulawesi. It was a trip long in coming if for no other reason than Buton being my late mother’s hometown, and that I finally got the chance to take my family there. It was also a trip I found I sorely needed to recharge and to get reacquainted with my parent’s past, or what’s left of it. Buton is more than a paragraph or two in students’ book describing the island as the place where all of that … [Read more...]
Tour de Singkarak stirs international enthusiasm
After having successfully held the annual event for five consecutive years, Tour De Singkarak is set to climb higher in the realm of international cycling sport event. Jean-Etienne Amaury, president of Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), an event organizer giant that has scored numerous successes organizing internationally acclaimed events such as Tour De France and Paris-Dakar Rally, expressed his surprise and delight on how Tour De Singkarak is held. “It’s my first time to be here. I’m … [Read more...]
High Hopes
Blessed with beautiful scenery, Maluku has tapped the large potential in tourism and hospitality industry. Hotelier Andre Sitanala expresses his enthusiasm on how the industry could shape the future direction of the Spice Islands. “One of the development strategies to build Maluku toward economic recovery is through tourism and hospitality. However, it would be hard to succeed without the support of the islands’ good infrastructure that ensures safety and comfort,” says Andre Sitanala, the … [Read more...]
Boosting Tourism
Blessed with natural grandeur and beautiful landscapes, Indonesia is looking forward to gaining economic benefit from tourism development. The Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has set the promotion budget of Rp492.1 billion or US$57 million for tourism development in 2011. The allocated budget is for marketing activities that include overseas and domestic promotion, marketing information, facilities promotion and MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Exhibition). The Rp492.1 … [Read more...]
