More than 50 Countries Sign UN Sustainable Tourism Declaration
BAKU, Nov 23: More than 50 governments have committed to a U.N. declaration aimed at making global tourism more climate-friendly, which emerged during a climate summit held in Azerbaijan.
For the first time, tourism has been incorporated into the U.N. Climate Change Conference Action Agenda. This marks the importance of the sector in discussions about climate change.
The tourism industry contributes approximately 3% to the global GDP. It is also responsible for about 8.8% of total greenhouse gas emissions. This dual role puts stress on the need for sustainable practices.
Countries that signed the declaration will integrate tourism into their climate strategies. These strategies are known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). They are updated every few years to outline emission reduction goals. The next updates are due in February.
In many emerging nations, tourism serves as a vital source of foreign income. However, it remains susceptible to climate-related events such as hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts. This vulnerability necessitates proactive measures for sustainability.
Kanan Gasimov, head of Azerbaijan’s tourism agency, brought into light the link between sustainability and business viability. He stated that the future of tourism depends on sustainable actions taken .
Alongside the declaration, additional initiatives were introduced. The World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance launched a framework to monitor and report on environmental metrics. This includes greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and energy consumption in hotels.
Collecting and analysing data will enable the tourism sector and travellers to understand their environmental impact. Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the alliance, emphasised the industry’s responsibility to protect the destinations they depend on.
Romania, Bulgaria to fully join Schengen Area by January 2025
BUDAPEST, Nov 23: Romania and Bulgaria are on track to become full members of the Schengen Area as early as January 2025, according to Hungarian officials. This development comes after years of partial inclusion for the two Balkan nations, which joined the European Union in 2007 but only gained limited access to the Schengen Area in March 2023.
While air and maritime travel between the countries and the Schengen Area has been unrestricted, land borders have remained subject to checks due to concerns over illegal migration, particularly from Austria, which had previously blocked their entry into the zone.
Recent discussions in Budapest among the interior ministers of Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania led to Austria lifting its opposition. This crucial step paves the way for a final decision by EU interior ministers, expected in December 2024.
Hungarian Interior Minister Sándor Pintér announced that Romania and Bulgaria are now “one step closer” to full membership, highlighting the deployment of at least 100 border guards to the Bulgaria-Turkey border as a significant measure.
EU officials, including Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, welcomed the agreement, affirming that Romania and Bulgaria now “fully belong” to the Schengen Area. Johansson expressed her satisfaction with the progress, viewing it as a move towards greater freedom for citizens of both countries.
The anticipated accession of Romania and Bulgaria will expand the Schengen Area, allowing travellers with Schengen visas to cross into these new member states without additional border checks. This integration is expected to enhance travel opportunities across Europe, simplify cross-border movement, and boost tourism and trade in the region.
Currently, the Schengen Area comprises 23 of the 27 EU member states, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, facilitating the free movement of millions of travellers daily. With the inclusion of Romania and Bulgaria, the Schengen Area will become even more accessible starting in January 2025.
Other Schengen nations are Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
Puducherry Becomes India’s Sole Entry In Lonely Planet's Best In Travel 2025 List
LONDON, Oct 26: Puducherry has earned a prestigious spot in Lonely Planet's recently released Best in Travel 2025 list. Known for its charm and coastal beauty, Puducherry is the only Indian destination to join 29 other must-visit locations worldwide in this annual roundup.
The Best in Travel 2025 is a roundup of 30 top destinations to visit in the coming year, offering travelers a chance to explore a wide array of experiences across.
The popular travel magazine has released a month-by-month guide to the best time to visit each of these incredible places in the coming year, categorised into three distinct sections: cities, countries, and regions.
In the cities category, Toulouse, France, has claimed the top spot. While, Bansko in Bulgaria, Osaka in Japan, and Edmonton in Canada have made the cut as urban hot spots.
Cameroon, Lithuania, and Fiji received recognition as top country destinations, while Chiriquí in Panama and Valais in Switzerland were highlighted as regions with appeal.
Puducherry, previously known as Pondicherry, was a French colonial settlement in India until 1954. It is now a Union Territory town bound by the southeastern Tamil Nadu state.
February is the perfect time to visit Puducherry, as it sits outside the two monsoons and the weather is cool and dry, according to Lonely Planet's recently released Best in Travel 2025 list.
The former French colony of Puducherry, with its tree-lined streets, mustard-coloured colonial villas, and chic boutiques, offers a beautifully preserved glimpse into its colonial past in the charming French Quarter.
One can use the great weather to explore the city’s captivating spiritual sites, serene temples and ashrams, contemporary art galleries, and unique blend of French colonial architecture, shared Lonely Planet.
Travellers can even hit the beach, as Puducherry works to reclaim sandy beaches that were previously eroded, transforming this seafront city into a beachfront destination.
"If you're planning a trip to Puducherry, make sure to visit the nearby Auroville, a 'universal township' where international residents live in an experimental community," advised Lonely Planet.
Another destination to visit in February, according to Lonely Planet, is Launceston and the Tamar Valley in Tasmania, Australia. As summer comes to a close in Launceston, temperatures average around 23°C (73°F), making it an ideal time for exploration.
Travellers are encouraged to check out the food-focused Festivale in City Park, running from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 2025. After indulging in local cuisine and wines, don't miss the opportunity to visit Narawntapu National Park, where you can spot kangaroos and wombats before relaxing on the park’s stunning beaches.
"You can book direct flights to Launceston from almost all Australian state capitals," a planning tip advise by Lonely Planet.
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