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ueensland offers $1 holidays in new tourism push
'Bargain holidays' is a new campaign that will see Queensland trips go under the hammer for minimum bids of $1 from now on.
Holidaymakers will have their chance to snap up Queensland getaways from just $1 with this new tourism campaign which kicked off in Brisbane.
State Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said, "Tourism Queensland's 2009 Ultimate Auctions will sell off holidays using an eBay-style platform with bidding starting at $1".
Some great holiday destinations like Fraser Island and Port Douglas, this year people can bid for the chance to be a koala keeper for a day or to fly a Boeing 737 flight simulator. Bidding starts from as low as $1, but the competition can mean that some products end up selling for top dollar.
Tourism Queensland chief executive Anthony Hayes said, "Queensland tourism operators were tapping into the popularity of eBay and increased use of the internet".

Tower of London has its first female Beefeater
Yeoman Warder Moira Cameron, the first female Beefeater, marks the start of a new chapter in the Tower of London's 1000-year-old history by starting work, onsite at the Tower in uniform. (The blue uniform is worn day-to-day by the Yeoman Warders at the Tower. The scarlet and gold State Dress is only worn on State occasions and takes many months to make.)
Since joining the Body of Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London in July 2007, Yeoman Warder Moira Cameron has undergone the rigorous training and induction common to all new Yeoman Warders. This included becoming familiar with each of the 21 separate duties that the Yeoman Warders do each and every day, practising the duties for the Ceremony of the Keys which takes place every night of the year and learning the Tower's 1000-year-old history so she can take her own Beefeater Tour.
Yeoman Warder Moira Cameron said, "Working here at the Tower of London is absolutely amazing, I feel so privileged to be here and it's great to be in the uniform at last. I am still getting used to wearing it but it certainly makes you stand very straight!"
Chief Yeoman Warder John Keohane said, "Yeoman Warder Cameron has been with us for a few weeks now and I can see that she already has built up a great rapport with our visitors. Now that she is in exactly the same uniform doing exactly the same duties as her male colleagues, I think she will prove a great asset to the Tower and a valuable member of my team."
Over the next few months Yeoman Warder Cameron will learn by heart the Story-- the script of the hugely popular Yeoman Warder Tour--before being allowed to lead a Tour herself. The hour-long Tour covers the myths, legends, stories and key events in the Tower's history.

Tourists still support bullfighting industry
Humane Society International asks travelers heading for warmer climate this winter to leave bullfights off the itinerary. Many spectators at bull fights are tourists and choosing not to patronize these cruel spectacles will ultimately lead to the end of bullfighting.
Bullfighting is illegal in many countries including Argentina, Canada, Cuba and Italy. Bullfights take place in Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, Columbia, Venezuela, Peru and Ecuador. In these countries, pressure against bullfighting is increasing. Some Spanish cities, such as Calonge, Tossa de Mar, Vilamacolum and La Vajol, as well as the Mexican city of Jalopa have banned it.
At bullfights, spectators cheer as bulls are taunted, injured and often killed in the name of entertainment. Veterinarians, zoologists and former matadors agree that bulls are submitted to unnecessary suffering both in and out of the ring. Bullfighting creates an atmosphere that desensitizes people especially impressionable children and young adults to suffering.
In countries that still allow bullfighting, only a small and declining percent of the local population participates. Seventy-two percent of Spaniards have no interest in bullfighting, according to a recent survey. The low interest is expected to continue declining in the years ahead. The bullfighting industry receives significant financial support from foreign tourists whose tourism dollars are better spent pursuing other cultural events. HSI encourages travelers to discover the many sights and sounds these countries have to offer away from the bullfighting rings. Many places features outdoor markets, live music, salsa, museums and of course, beaches & more beaches.
The bullfighting industry also receives government subsidies, despite growing taxpayer opposition. Humane Society International is confronting the use of public funds to support bullfighting.
LEVOCA becomes THE NEWEST UNESCO JEWEL
Slovakian town of Levoca and the stunning works of its famous carver and sculptor, Master Pavol, would be included on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Levoca did not get its own separate entry on the UNESCO list. Rather, it was added to a previous 1993 listing for several world heritage sites within the Spisš region: the Spisš Castle and surrounding sites, including Spisska Kapitula, Spisska Podhradie and an early-gothic church in the village of ŽEhra.
Levoca is a small town of some 15,000 inhabitants in the Presov region and is part of the Gothic Route. Levoca exemplifies a typical gothic city, surrounded by city walls, with a picturesque historical square dominated by the town hall building and the Church of St. Jacob which with its 11 altars, is close to paradise for every admirer of gothic art and architecture. The main altar the highest gothic altar in the world, is made of linden wood without any nails. It is one of the finest examples of the work of Master Pavol from Levoca who is now recognised as one of the most eminent carvers and sculptors during the 15th century in Europe.
The church has been undergoing reconstruction since 1992. The municipal office has been supervising it in co-operation with the local Roman Catholic parish office. The city is responsible for exterior reconstruction and the Church for interior work.
According to Ivan Duncko, the head of the tourism department of the municipal office, the upper third of the tower as well as the roof has been reconstructed in recent years. The tower also received a new clock. Reconstruction of the northern façade of the church has also been launched. “The interior of the church is waiting for completion of its renovation too,” Duncko said. In the past years the church has paid for restoration of the side altars, chapels, the organ and the pulpit.
As the second biggest gothic church in Slovakia after the Dome of St. Elisabeth in Kosice, the church and the town around it has now joined several other locations in Slovakia listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list: the mining town of Banská Štiavnica; the folk architecture village of Vlkolínec; the spa city of Bardejov; wooden churches in the Carpathians and in East Slovakia; the caves of Slovenský Kras and the primeval beech forests in the Carpathians.
“It's the start of a new era for Levoca as it is joining the other cultural sites ofEurope and of world heritage,” Duncko said. “On the other hand, Levoca will be under closer observation which will require more responsibility when deciding about the town as a whole or about particular objects in it.” It increases the town's opportunities to receive additional financial resources for renovation of its sites through various grant schemes. The UNESCO listing has brought satisfaction to all those people who worked for several years to prepare and file the nomination form. “Besides, it also brings the pride of belonging to an 'exclusive club' of world-wide sites which place protection of heritage first and which are well-worth visiting,” Duncko said.

Gambling Banned In Russia
A new law forbids gambling in Russia since the 1st July this year. Approximately 350,000 people are likely to lose their jobs. Experts anticipate boom in Internet gambling as a result.
Russians may no longer visit casinos and other gambling businesses in most of their cities. A new law, which was signed by President Vladimir Putin at the end of 2006, forbids such activities.
However the law does not ban gambling completely. Casinos are still allowed in four regions- Kaliningrad, the Primorsky region, the mountainous Altai region and near the southern cities of Krasnodar and Rostov. People in these parts of Russia would perhaps welcome the influx of investment but business people are reluctant to start such operations in the time of crisis. Mostly these regions do not have developed infrastructure and there also may not be enough “clients” for casinos. It will take months orperhaps years before sufficient infrastructure is developed here.
It is expected that the gambling industry will at least partially move underground. Some businesses elude the law by presenting themselves as lotto clubs. Also Poker without monetary stakes and betting for sport matches are still legal. Some companies invest in slot-machines in Italy and Germany but the European market is already more or less filled and Belarus does not seem to be the best place for investments. Some of those, who are now out of the business, plan to transform into marketing companies; others will just rent out their venues.
The aim of the new law was clear to prevent people from becoming addicted to gambling. It should also allegedly help to get rid of criminals involved in the casino business. These would be the positive effects but the law has also numerous negative effects. Approximately 350,000 people are going to lose their jobs in the gambling sector and a number of illegal gambling businesses are likely to grow.

Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival to Run Until 31st August
The 2009 Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival -MMSC 09 which began on July 4 will continue this year until August 31. Visitors can indulge in bargains, promotions, activities and contests that aim to satisfy even the most seasoned ofshoppers.
From glitzy high-end malls to bustling street markets, an impressive spread of goods with attractive price tags will be on offer. Luxury branded items, funky fashion-wear, latest gadgets, antiques and curios, knickknacks and even handicraft.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, the MMSC 09 marks the tenth year of this carnival. Always a favourite with shoppers, the carnival allows touriststo enjoy the sights and sounds of Malaysia while also taking advantage of the once-a-year renowned shopping extravaganza.In addition to shopping for bargains, visitors and local residents alike can expect a string of exciting events throughout the carnival.
MasterCard is again the official card of the MMSC 09. Cardholders can redeem instant gifts as part of the MMSC 2009 MasterCard Redemption Programme at selected shopping venues; as well as prizes amounting to RM 100,000, inclusive of 30 weekly prizes of RM 250 and 1 weekly prize of RM5000 as part of the MMSC 2009 Master Card Contest.
Taking place throughout the whole sale period, cardholders can participate in the contest at the following venues:
Klang Valley
Mid Valley Mega Mall
The Gardens
Ikano
Pavilion KL
Sunway Pyramid
KLIA & LCCT
Sunway Carnival Penang
MAB Airports
Plaza Johor
Mahkota Parade Malacca
Parkson Outlets (35 outlets)

Turkish Airlines and Jet Airways in Frequent Flyer Partnership
Turkish Airlines has entered into a frequent flyer partnership with Jet Airways, one of India's premier international airlines.
As part of the partnership, members of Miles & Smiles, Turkish Airline's frequent flyer program, can now earn and redeem their miles on all flights marketed and operated by Jet Airways. Similarly, members of Jet Airways' JetPrivilege, India's largest frequent flyer program, can now earn and redeem JPMiles on all flights marketed and operated by Turkish Airlines as well.
With this partnership, JetPrivilege members have more opportunities to earn and redeem their miles on Turkish Airline's services to 36 domestic and 116 international destinations today across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, USA, while Miles & Smiles members may do the same on Jet Airways' services to 45 destinations in India and 18 destinations across North America, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

City of Dreams Welcomes One Millionth Guest after just 27 Days
The City of Dreams in Macau welcomed its one millionth guest in just 27 days after its opening.
Developed by Melco Crown Entertainment, the City of Dreams is an integrated entertainment resort that is aiming to become a “must experience” destination in Macau.
More than 37,000 visitors a day on average experienced first-hand Macau's newest leisure and entertainment destination during the first 27 days.
Mr. Au Yiu Hung and Ms. Cheng Shuk Yin, the surprised one millionth guest couple, were greeted at the main entrance of City of Dreams by Mr. Greg Hawkins, President of City of Dreams.
To mark the important milestone, Mr. and Mrs. Au received prizes worth HK$118,888, including a night's complimentary stay in the Rock Star Suite at Hard Rock Hotel and a private shopping spree at The Boulevard.
“It is our great pleasure to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Au to City of Dreams as our one millionth guest,” said Mr. Greg Hawkins. “It is a real achievement to have reached this landmark within just 27 days since our opening. We are delighted with the customer interest generated so far by City of Dreams. Visitors are clearly eager to experience for themselves the wide range of entertainment experiences we have to offer at this amazing urban destination resort.”
The initial opening of City of Dreams will be followed by the opening of the Grand Hyatt Macau later this year, offering approximately 800 additional guest rooms. The much-anticipated Dragone inspired theater show will open in its own purpose-built Theater of Dreams early next year. The third and final planned phase of development at City of Dreams will feature a luxury apartment hotel consisting of approximately 800 units.

Marriott launches Free Night Promotion
Marriott has launched a Free Night promotion which is available for stays upto 7 September 2009 at approximately 300 participating JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance and Courtyard hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Hawaii, the Caribbean and South America.
Travellers who reserve a room between now and 21 August 2009, can receive one free night at participating hotels as follows:
City Hotels: Third night free when you book a minimum of three consecutive weekend nights, between Thursday and Sunday.
Resorts: Free night with a minimum stay of four consecutive nights, available seven days per week.
London Hotels: Free night available mid-week only, on stays of at least three consecutive nights.
The Free Night from Marriott promotion (code RR2) is available at the following four brands:
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Renaissance Hotels & Resorts
Courtyard by Marriott

Ghana to Host World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day will commemorate its 30th anniversary on 27 September 2009 in Ghana under the theme 'Tourism- Celebrating Diversity'.
Other than adding perspective to the role of globalization in balancing tourism influx and environmental and cultural sustainability, this year's theme also aims to shed light on the most human side of the industry, its capacity to build understanding, foster social inclusion and promote higher standards of living.
UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said, “There is increasing awareness of tourism's role as a productive activity and its undisputed potential to generate employment, government income and other benefits whether directly or through induced effects in the economy. Tourism is a global industry and as such has a responsibility to make positive contributions world wide.”
This year's host, Ghana, is one of the Organization's first member states and a key player in UNWTO's Sustainable Tourism for Elimination of Poverty (ST-EP) programme.
The Ghanaian government has scheduled a series of forums and cultural events that will stretch through the week of the 21st of September and climax with UNWTO's Think Tank on 27 September.