Snow-capped Kilimanjaro, floating above the clouds is no doubt one of the most beautiful and impressive sights in the natural world. Even hard-boiled non-believers, in their unguarded moments, empathise with the Maasai who call it the “House of God”. The mountain is one of the Seven Top Summits of the world –it has the highest point on the African continent.

Though there are higher mountains, they form part of mountain ranges, Everest for example. But Kili, as it is popularly known, is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. It rises gently from 3,000 feet, reaches for the heavens and only halts after a 16,000 feet ascent. The diameter at the base is an amazing 64 kilometres.

Kilimanjaro is located to the northeast of Tanzania, on the border with Kenya. There is a popular myth of how the mountain came to be part of Tanzania, which was at one time part of the German Empire.

Queen Victoria is supposed to have granted the mountain to her German grandson Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) as a birthday gift. It is also said that the Germans had been grumbling at the blatant unfairness of missing a snowcapped mountain within their empire while the Queen has two – the second being Mount Kenya.

Though historians have discredited the myth, it has refused to die and it is still a source of amusement for many. Unwilling to allow the truth to stand in the way, some anti-colonial historians fume with indignation, citing how the boundaries of Eastern Africa were arbitrarily decided in the capitals of the imperial powers.

To most people in the west, Kilimanjaro has long been associated with Ernest Hemingway on account of his 1936 short story “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”.

In 1952, Hollywood fascinated by the magic of Kili the book evokes, turned it into a movie with Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner in leading roles.

Kilimanjaro is young as far as mountains go, and geologists allow it only 750,000 years. The mountain is made up of three dormant volcanoes -Kibo (19,340 feet), Shira (13,000 feet) and Mawenzi (16,896 feet). Kibo occasionally belches some steam and sulfur.

The highest point on Kibo is Uhuru Peak, where you see some awesome glaciers and fantastic views of the country below. Though Kili is only three degrees south of the equator, the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi are covered in ice and snow year round.

Many learned people in Europe hotly disputed that a snow-capped

mountain could be found at the equator when the German missionary Johann Rebmann reported it in 1849.

Going up the mountain, you move from tropical to artic conditions. There are five distinct climatic zones, with each zone taking approximately 3,300 feet.

The zones are- the lower slopes, then forest, then moorland, alpine desert and the summit. The lower slopes are cultivated and agriculture flourishes. The forest region is dry in the north and wet towards the southern slopes. The forest carries many tree species including podocarpus, camphor, fig and olive trees and bamboo.

The only animals to be found here are blue and Colobus monkeys and a variety of birds including hornbill and turaco. At the moorland region, you find the giant groundsels and lobelias common in the high altitude mountain regions of eastern Africa. Further up, vegetation and animal life are sparse.

Kili is the worlds’ most accessible summit. Any reasonably strong and ambitious person, without using any special mountaineering equipment can conquer this giant. It is however hard work. Altitude and the resulting thin air will be the main challenge and not your failing strength. To avoid succumbing to high altitude sickness, you guides will constantly advise, you take the mountain slowly, slowly or “pole pole” as they say in Swahili.

You should therefore avoid a quick ascent and take time to acclimatise to the mountains’ oxygen challenged air. By ignoring such good advice many young males fail to reach the summit, when older more deliberate climbers make it.

To enjoy the natural beauty and majesty of Kili, you do not even have to climb it. By using a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can ascend to the Shira Plateau, which is perched at 12,000 feet. The first person recorded to have reached the summit is the German climber Hans Meyer in 1889. Unlike today’s climber, he did not have the benefit a route map and he only made it on the second attempt.

Having been taught a lesson in humility, for the second try, he brought along an Alpine expert and a local guide. Meyer named the summit after the Kaiser Wilhelm II, but this was years later revised to Uhuru or freedom in Swahili.

Since the days of Meyer, the icecap has receded and scientists worry that it will vanish altogether in 20 to 50 years. So, hurry up and climb Kili while it is still such a pretty sight.

Today, few climbers few use the difficult route pioneered by Meyer. The climb normally takes five to six days and involves four to five overnight stays in comfortable mountain huts.

The Marangu route, which was established way back in 1909 is the easiest and most popular and is used by over 90% of climbers. Experienced climbers prefer the more scenic and difficult Machame route.

Climbers are not entirely without a sense of humour and they refer to Marangu as the coca cola route, and Machame as the whiskey route. Other routes are Shira, Mweka and Umbwe.

Shira is a scenic route that takes you through the Shira Plateau,which you reach by four-wheel drive vehicle. The route gives you great views of the Rift valley and Mount Meru. Using Mweka, you reach the summit and return to base in 4 days. But as you may suspect, it is quite steep and therefore not easy at all.

The Umbwe route is even steeper and quicker and you take only three days up and down. The route is spectacular, but it is for the fit and experienced and not casual climbers. In addition, there are technical routes such as the Western Breach and Lemosho routes.

Regardless of the route you pick, all Kili climbs start at Marangu Gate. This is where you get your permit and pay entry fees. On the typical Marangu route climb, spend four nights up the mountain. The route is clearly marked right to the summit. You start by trekking through the forest zone to Mandara Hut (9,000 ft) for the first night. Onward through moorland, you halt for a second night at Horombo Hut (12,450 ft).

Then through the alpine desert, your third night finds you at Kibo Hut (15,450 ft). But you really do not sleep there as you go for the summit just after midnight.

You then descend back to Horombo Hut for your last night after an overall trek of about 77 kilometres. If you want to spend more time up high to acclimatise, you can overnight twice at Horombo Hut.

On the Machame route, you spend one night more on the mountain.You overnight at Machame Hut, Shira Hut and Barranco Hut. You connect to the Mweka route and continue to Barafu Hut.

After tackling the summit, you descend for your last night at Mweka Hut. On the next day, you rejoin other mortals at the base of the mountain. You are advised to pick the route that best fits your experience.

Most aspire to reach Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Kibo -and indeed all Kili. Others are satisfied with Gillman’s Point, the slightly lower peak on Kibo. But Mawenzi, actually lower than the Kibo peaks, is more jagged and requires mountaineering experience. Many climbers find scaling Kili, whatever height they reach, a very satisfying experience.

But do not be too disappointed if you do not reach the summit.Different estimates indicate that only 15-30% of climbers get to the top. Climbing Kilimanjaro is for those who are physically fit and mentally prepared.

It is your ability to muster that extra dose of determination that will count when the going gets tough. In terms of physical preparation, start by taking hikes uphill with a pack strapped on your back. This rehearses the climb, minus the altitude of course.

Think also of putting in some aerobic training at the gym and by jogging. If you are having heart or lung problems, better not risk the climb. In all cases, it is a good idea to talk to your personal physician to ensure that you do not bite more than you can chew.

It is best you buy a climbing tour package to take advantage of those with local knowledge. The typical package will bundle together: return transfers – Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate, park and rescue fees, services of guides, porters and cooks, accommodation in mountain huts and all meals on the mountain.

In addition, you need to hire locally or bring along equipment and sleeping bags. Some useful stuff to gather include – waterproof hiking boots, rain suit, flashlights, sunglasses, prophylactics for high-altitude sickness, hand gloves and night shoes.

You need a daypack to carry a few essentials, as the porters carrying your equipment will usually hike their own way. Some items to carry on your back include bottled water, extra clothes, camera and sunscreen. Besure to review and book our very good value Kilimanjaro Climbing offers.

You can climb Kili, any time throughout the year. But it is obviously less fun during the March to June period when it rains the most. The second and lighter rains come from late October to early December. The best time is when it is warm and dry – January, February and September.

July, August, November and December also good, though cooler. Due to the variation of conditions along the route- from tropic to arctic – it is convenient to dress in layers you can either shed or add on. Generally, in the northern Tanzania region, you can expect temperatures to average from 15°C in May to August and 22°C over December to March.

At the mountain, temperatures drop by roughly 1 degree Celsius for every 650 feet ascended.

Many climbing enthusiasts want Christmas and the New Year to find them up the mountain, and unless you book early, it is difficult to get a slot.

The best way of relaxing after the trek is by taking a safari in the unrivalled wildlife sanctuaries of northern Tanzania or heading to the beaches of Zanzibar. We have covered these attractions in earlier editions of this newsletter here.

You can book your safari or Zanzibar stay and Kili climb together – have a look at our Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Hotel offers. If you want to put together your own safari, then visit the Tanzania Car Rental and Tanzania Hotels and Lodges pages of our website.

Kilimanjaro is 475 km to the northwest of Dar es Salaam. The base for climbing Kili is nearby northern Tanzania towns of Moshi or Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport services the region. But it is usually cheaper to disembark at Nairobi in Kenya and then to take a shuttle bus to Arusha. http://www.gotomountkenya.com

There is really no doubt that Ireland is a wealth of history and culture. It’s a place of magnificent castles, museums, cathedrals, park, gardens, heritage sites, historical buildings, and other natural treasures like mountains, beaches, lakes, bays and many more. Dublin is a place that won’t let you stop; you’ll just be craving for more to see and experience!

You’re probably thinking right now about how you’ll get to these places once you’re in Ireland. Is hiring a car one of the things you’re thinking of? Well, it is indeed a great idea! Whether you’re on your own, or with your family, friend or with your special someone, hiring a car is a perfect idea.

Here are some tips that you might want to consider if you’re planning to hire a car in Ireland:

• Before you even consider which company to go to, you must first evaluate your needs; decide on the size of car you want so that you can avoid making hasty or expensive decisions.
• Have a list of car hire companies in Ireland then choose among these rental companies. To get the best rate possible, you should call several different rental companies and ask for a price estimate, or search online.
• Make sure that you know your insurance inside and out, make sure that you are covered.
• Get the least amount of car that will satisfy your needs. Go for a simple yet comfortable car because the bigger and glamorous the car, the more money you’ll be spending.
• Look for discounts or special rates, most of car rental companies offer special prizes for a certain time of the year. Most of these discounts are scheduled during vacation seasons.
• Another important thing is to make sure to ask if there will be extra charges that will increase the base rental rate.
• Return the hired car on time. If you return your car late, the rental agency may charge you as much as a full day’s rental, sometimes at a rate higher than before.

There are so many car hire companies in Dublin. What is important here is for you to choose what you think is best and will fit into the budget you assigned for it. With car rental companies, a special tour around Dublin is made possible on an efficient way!

It’s a pity Uganda has a not yet figured out a way to make this religious given situation as a tourist potential capable of eclipsing all other amazing, the level of reverence Uganda martyrs command globally. In the US alone there over 100 institutions named after the Uganda martyrs. Thirteen year old Kizito and Charles Lwanga seem to have a special appeal in the western world; many schools, churches and youth Associations are named after them.

Spiritual tourism is rated amongst the fastest growing businesses in the world. Just take a look at Saudi Arabia; Holy land to the Muslim faith, whereby the total number of pilgrims visiting the country every year is estimated to be 82,000 in the 1990 s to over 2million in 2007.

To facilitate the pilgrims on their Hajj, traders from all over the world, go to the holy land to do business; generating billion of dollars from Mecca and medina. However in 1980s the Saudi Authority imposed quotas to limit the number of pilgrims to around two million. This created a black market for places in the waiting lists established by Muslim government.

The wait in Iran, for example, could take 12 years. Some people would register as candidates for the pilgrimages and they sell there torn to others, for up to $ 10,000. Several countries like Israel and the Italy have also for years reaped big from the increasingly growing lucrative spiritual tourism sector.

Uganda has always been a popular tourist destination for all sorts of tourism, cultural, wildlife especially for gorilla trekking. This could explain why spiritual sub-sectors have not been in the spotlight, in spite of its huge potential.

The market for spiritual tourism is considerably small in the western world yet at the same time some of the potential attractions like the Uganda Martyrs are gaining ground. For Example many Black Americans in their campaign to get back their roots are adopting Uganda Martyrs as their patron saints. For years a number of them have been making annual pilgrimage to Namugingo to torch base with spiritual and racial roots.

Spiritual tourists are not easily turned away by things like poor weather. They are more tolerant, accommodative, dependable and generous. Take the example of Israel in the Middle East. Although the country has been in covered with insecurity since its inception the number of pilgrims that die in the hajji in Mecca every year has not stopped Muslims from going for the same activity.

Therefore traffic jams; the bad roads, bad food, poor accommodation facilities, the stuffy air and noise around the Namugongo shrine on every 3rd of June only make the pilgrims feel the worthiness of pilgrimage, Some pilgrims spend weeks walking; others sleep under trees all this in the name of attending Uganda martyrs day. The declaration Uganda martyrs both catholic and protestants and even a number of Muslims murdered by Mwanga in 1886 and Mutesa 1 respectively by the church has already gone along way in promoting the attraction. The government of Uganda needs to double its efforts in marketing and promoting the attraction in the outside world thereby increasing on the visitor numbers especially on Martyrs day.

Besides Namugongo, Uganda has other shrine in places like Munyonyo, Mityana, old Kampala, Nakivubo and Kyamula. Plans are in place to construct Mucuni Acholi Land, where Bishop Janan Luwumu was buried. Another place of worship worth being mentioned is the Bahai Temple on kikayi hill in Kampala. These are all potential tourists sites, where all sorts of business can be set up especially to cater for the need of spiritual tourists.

The only way of developing Uganda’s tourist potentials an be through embarking on aggressive world wide marketing strategy by stakeholders especially tour companies operating in Uganda like Africa Adventure safaris, Primate Adventure company being one of the leading Uganda gorilla safari provider and other safaris like Chimpanzee, rafting, wildlife and many more.

Its from this that the government of Uganda and church has tried to market the martyrs by declaring June 3rd a public Holiday thus giving the local population time to participate. Still there is a lot more that these institutions can do, for instance the government marketing the martyrs through the Ministry of tourism and the church in the pulpit and the pilgrims who go abroad for their various pilgrimages.

Claudious Tours and Safaris

If you plan to spend your holidays in Africa and love wild life and beach holidays, this is a wonderful chance to make the most of your holidays in this region. A chance you can’t miss!

Nature: Mountain biking and nature walks are good options if you like being surrounded by nature. And with Kilimanjaro near, it will be a real pleasure. This location is perfect if you’re looking for the tranquility and peace that only the contact with nature offers. Whatever your choice don’t forget to take your water bottle and your camera with you!

Beach sports: Running and beach volley are only two of the sports you can practice in the more than 40km of white sandy beaches in the Mombassa region. Contrary to the Algarve, the beaches are not crowded so you can truly enjoy your activities.

Masai Mara National Park.This region has been a major tourist attraction for many years due to its excellent location and many, many options available like the balloon ride, visiting of the Masai Village, walking safari in the park and many more. Although a tourist place, it is also quiet and peaceful and here you’re surrounded by Mother Nature: from one side you have the masai grazing their cattle and on the other side you have the lion lying helplessly under the trees.

Here you can breathe in the fragrance of pine groves or also acquaint yourself with the golf course fairways. A unique, unspoilt place offering unforgettable experiences. Here, sky’s the limit.

Holidays in Troia can include:

– enjoying the sun in one of the many lovely beaches,

– indulging yourself in a round of golf on some of the most challenging and breath-taking golf courses in the country,

– embark on nature walks or biking on the Arrabida (The Arr?bida Natural Park, covering an area of approximately 26,687 acres, has predominantly Mediterranean vegetation, with some rare species unique to the region),

– go on a boat trip and you may be able to see pink flamingos flying above you and lovely friendly dolphins swimming below you. Truly an experience you’ll never forget!

– Sailing, diving and kite-surfing are also activities you can enjoy here.

And to end a perfect day in Troia, and before you taste the wonderful Portuguese cuisine, why not watching the sunset on Melides Beach?

The safari that will take you to all this places.

7 days Amboseli, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara

Highlights

Enjoy a cup of coffee with the beautiful backdrop of Kilimanjaro in the vicinity of Amboseli where the biggest elephants are found, visit the scenic pink lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara Great Reserve. This is a tour that will take you to the major national parks & reserves and Rift Valley lakes. All the programs we handle includes: Africa Holiday Travel, Africa Visa Travel, Africa Wildlife Tours, Safaris to East Africa, Tours to Kenya, Mombasa Beach Travel, Cultural Tours to Kenya, Adventure Safaris in Uganda, Tanzania Holiday Travel, Uganda Vacations, Kenya Budget Camping, Kenya Lodge Holidays, Kenya Wildlife Tours, Mt Kenya Trekking, Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing, Zanzibar Beach Tours, Nairobi City Tours, Mombassa Excursions, Ecotourism in Kenya, South Africa Hotels, Kenya Hotels, Tanzania Hotels and disability tours.

Areas of Interest: Lake Nakuru National Park,  Great Rift Valley, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Great Wildebeest Migration (Seasonal), Amboseli, Mt. Kilimanjaro,

Activity: Game Viewing, Camping, Scenery, Photography, Culture, Bird Watching, Relaxation, Beach Life

Currency Price: USD $1,225 /person estimated

Customize:  This package can be customized

Country: Kenya

Duration: 7 days

Persons: min (2) max (7)

Accommodation: Camping

Game Parks: Masai Mara (Kenya)

Amboseli NP (Kenya)

Lake Nakuru NP (Kenya)

Activities: Wildlife Viewing

I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara

After breakfast, we will pick you up from your Nairobi hotel. Thereafter, depart for the Masai Mara Game Reserve. You will have a spot at the viewpoint of the Great Rift Valley and at Narok town for lunch then proceed for a game drive on arrival, tracking various animal species and birds with your driver / guide. Dinner and an overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 2: Masai Mara

Early breakfast followed by a full day of game drives within the reserve. Masai Mara is renowned for its high animal concentration and abundance. Black-maned lions, elephants and buffalo can be seen (3 out of the big 5) though luck is essential for spotting leopard and rhino, which make the other two. The reserve is essentially the northern extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and is home to numerous plains game including wildebeest, common zebra and the Masai giraffe as well as antelopes like Thompson’s gazelle, hartebeest, impala and dik dik among others. You will have a break for your picnic lunch at the hippo pool where hippos are in view and with luck, crocodiles. Return to the campsite for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Masai Mara

Early breakfast followed by a game drive. The landscape here is scenic savannah grassland on rolling hills; this reserve is the best park for game in Kenya as it has an extensive road and track network, which enables close range viewing and photography. Lunch at the campsite. In the afternoon you will have a choice of three activities; a game drive or an escorted nature walk with our armed Masai guides. At an extra cost you can visit a local Masai village to see their nomadic lifestyle. All activities end at the campsite where you will retire for the night after dinner.

Day 4: Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru

After breakfast depart Masai Mara for Nakuru to arrive in the late evening for dinner and overnight at a campsite with lunch en-route. Depending on the time you depart from Masai Mara, you can get here in time to do a short game drive so that Day 05, you depart early morning for Amboseli via Nairobi. It is a very flexible day whereby our driver cum guide wills liase with clients onboard to agree altogether on how to go.

Day 5: Lake Nakuru – Amboseli

After breakfast you will have a morning game viewing session in Lake Nakuru National Park to view flamingos for the park which is famous, other water birds, various antelopes and plains game, Cape buffalo, the Rothschild’s giraffe, baboons and with luck the rare white rhino which is an endangered species. Drive to Nairobi for lunch then on to Amboseli National Park for dinner and overnight at a campsite, game drive en-route.

Day 6: Amboseli

A day of game drives in this park, which contains swamp grounds in which elephants and hippos in abundance. A visit to the observation hill will follow where you will look out for Mt. Kilimanjaro peak if weather conditions permit. A variety of plains game, antelopes and birds can be also be seen. You will have a lunch and leisure break at the campsite in the mid afternoon. Rest of meals and overnight at a campsite.

Day 7: Amboseli – Nairobi

After breakfast, proceed for your final game drive. An early lunch will be taken then depart for Nairobi in the evening.

Package Includes:

Includes:

All National parks entrance fees

All game drives

Professional fluent english-speaking driver cum guide

Comfortable transport in our safari vehicles with hatch-roofs fitted with VHF radio

All campsite fees in all the above mentioned parks

All camping equipment (except sleeping bags, which we have available for hire in Nairobi)

Two man mosquito-netted canvas tents

Africa Jungle comfortable seats

Comfortable foam mattresses 2-4 inches and ground sheets in the tents.

Three meals per day safari

Excludes

International flights

Visas and travel insurance

Items of a personal nature

Items not mentioned above

Sleeping bags, which we have available for hire

Drinking Water/Alcohol

Local Village visits

Hot air Balloon ride

It is also understandable why the green lobby and the tourism industry has brought into question the justification for volunteering abroad and why volunteers sometimes feel like they are caught in a conundrum.

Global warming is one of the most serious threats facing the world and some of the leading campaign groups have stated that the most ethical thing we can do for the environment is to stay at home. Whilst we can all agree that the best form of travel is to avoid flying, we should not stop flying altogether. That would send us back to the dark ages with massive unemployment (1 in 10 people work in the tourism sector), business recession, and increased poverty (deepening recession, increased unemployment and worsening poverty is not conducive to creating new lower carbon technologies and lifestyles).

There are many people who rely on tourism for their livelihoods and many natural habitats depend on visitors for their survival. If you want evidence of this you should look no further than Latin America. Tourism is a big contributor to the economy of many Latin American countries and the industry generated nearly US$2 billion in Costa Rica alone in 2007 (three-fifths of GNP). Tourism helps support some of Latin America’s most fragile natural habitats and if we stopped flying there many national parks and private reserves will lose their incomes, deforestation will increase and global warming will accelerate. Unless we support the people and communities now making money through ecotourism they have no other choice but to exploit natural resources.

Similarly, it is worth noting the importance of international volunteers to conservation efforts in the region. Without the commitment and financial support of international volunteers, many organizations would be unable to carry out their vital work. This is because there is generally very little governmental or outside support for these organisations and the projects which they manage. Your contribution as a volunteer could help ensure the long-term survival of a tropical forest or an endangered species. This is because you are actively participating in the conservation of that habitat or species. The participation of international volunteers also enables money to reach grassroots level of society and this can change a small communities perception of their environment or an endangered species.

The question of whether it is possible to be an ethical volunteer seems to largely rest on the ability to make informed choices before and during your trip. If you choose the right project, minimise the impact of your travel, maximise the benefits for local economies, and stay for a considerable period of time, then you can most definitely volunteer abroad with a clean conscience.

It is worth mentioning the importance of choosing the right project before setting off and the key message is ? do your research if you want to so some really valuable work. Prospective volunteers must examine the work they will be doing and how it affects local people and the natural environment. Although there are some good placement companies out there, a do-it-yourself placement is the most ethical form of volunteering as you work directly with the host organization. You also have the assurance that all your money goes to the cause rather than paying for the marketing and administration expenses of a volunteer placement (sending) agency. If you opt to work through an agency please be aware that some of these agencies offer little more than glorified holidays and others are more interested in making money than helping the environment or providing sustainable and well-targeted help for local communities. No one benefits from these placements apart from the companies that organise them. An ethical volunteer ensures that as much of their money as possible reaches the grassroots level of society. Eco-conscious travellers should consider contributing to a project that helps reduce the impact of climate change and/or provides a hands-on approach to offsetting their own carbon emissions.

It is also worth mentioning the length of time volunteers spend overseas. You are clearly going to do more harm than good if you travel all the way to Costa Rica from the UK (a carbon-heavy 8,700km flight) to rescue sea turtles and stay for only a few weeks. To maximise the benefits for local communities and negate the environmental impact of your flight you need to contribute to a project for a much longer period of time. A long stay is more sustainable if travelling long distances as this will enable you to minimise the impact of your flight. The time spent as a volunteer is time not spent contributing to carbon emissions in your home country (i.e. non use of home appliances, zero emissions form you car, etc). A long stay also eliminates the need to take several shorter holidays throughout the year.

In reality, the dramatic growth in short breaks and cheap flights is a more pressing issue than questioning the justification for volunteering abroad, particularly if volunteers wish to devote their time and energy to do something positive for the environment. Those who want to stop us flying should focus more on the business and the leisure side of flying rather people wanting to make a difference (e.g. those that fly with a purpose). The destruction of the Amazon and other tropical forests around the world should also be a priority for campaign groups (e.g. air travel accounts for less than 5% of carbon dioxide emissions, clearing tropical forests for agriculture is estimated to produce 18% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions ? more than the entire global transport system).

Singapore Travel & Tourism Market (2009 – 2015)
The report has been researched at source Globally and Singapore specific, and features latest-available data covering:
• Global tourist arrival and receipts
• International and Outbound tourism globally
• Top 10 spenders globally
• Inbound and Outbound tourist arrivals
• Expenditure in Singapore by top 10 countries ( http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=135112&rt=Singapore-Travel-Tourism-Market-2009-2015.html )
• Hotel industry – No. of hotels & rooms, revenue generation from hotels, Average Occupancy Rate, Average Room Rate & Revenue per Available Room data is available
• Singapore – Inbound, Outbound tourist arrival and expenditure forecast till 2015
• Sectors – Holiday, Business Travel & MICE Industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions)
• Cruise Tourism, Formula One Grand Prix Race, and Casino Tourism have been analyzed in the report.
Research Highlights
• Globally International tourist arrivals reached 922.4 Million, up from 904.3 Million in 2007, representing a growth of 2%.
• It is estimated that by 2020 international tourist’s arrival will cross the mark of 1.5 Billion tourist’s arrivals globally.
• Singapore Inbound tourist arrivals have crossed the 10 Million mark by the end of 2008.
• It is expected that the Inbound tourist arrival in Singapore will increase with a CAGR value of around 10.18% for the period spanning from 2009-2015.
• It is forecasted that Singapore tourism receipts will increase with a CAGR value 15.71 % for the period spanning 2009-2015.
• Business Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions are the second highest region for travelers to visit Singapore from 2006 to 2008 and it’s increasing its share rapidly.
• Singapore hotel room revenue has grown with a CAGR of 15.5% for the period of 2004 to 2008.
• Internet is the most preferred medium to gather information by tourist, In 2008 more than 50% tourists gathered information from internet.
• Singapore cruise passenger is expected to cross the figure of 1 Million by 2015.
• Formula One Grand Prix Race is attracting lots of tourists to Singapore and generated more than US$ 100 Million of Tourism Receipts in 2008.
• Casino tourism is going to be another major revenue earner for Singapore tourism.
Key Players Analyzed
This section covers the key facts about the major players (airlines, hotels and tour operators) currently operating in the Indian tourism industry. The key players analyzed in this section include – Airlines: Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines Ltd, Thai Airways International Ltd, Hotels: Meritus Mandarin, Singapore, The Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore, Tour Operators: Prime Travel & Tour, WTS Travel & Tours
Data Sources
Information and data in this report has been collected from various printable and non-printable sources like Magazines, Newspapers, Trade Journals, White papers, Online paid databases, News websites Government Agencies and Trade associations.

To know more and to buy a copy of your report feel free to visit : http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=135112&rt=Singapore-Travel-Tourism-Market-2009-2015.html
Or
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For about three years it appeared that “The Friends of the Birmingham Central Library” ‘s campaign to save the old library was a successful one but as the news broke that it was not considered to be given the listed status, the dream turned to dust.

Birmingham Central Library, the current main library in the area was opened to the public in 1974 and is said to be the Europe’s largest public library. It is located in Chamberlain Square which is very convenient for access by all means of transportations. The library has always been controversial and attracted a lot of criticism and praise since before it was opened. In one of the most radical comments specially coming from a British, Charles, the prince of Wales pictured it “like a place where books are incinerated, not kept.” From the other side the building is described as the best example of Victorian and Edwardian construction which its true value has not been appreciated yet.

Ever since the rumors began that some high rank authorities are considering demolishing the Birmingham Central Library some of the brummies formed a campaign to prevent it. The hope for keeping the library rocked up when “English Heritage” made a favorable recommendation to the architecture minister, Margaret Hudge to the effect that the old library should be given a listed status.

Finally on 23 November, 2009 it came as a great shock to the campaigners that despite all their efforts and the advice of “English Heritage”, Hudge rolled out the expectations and undermined the building as “not of special architectural or historic interest.”

But it was not a sad day for everybody. The news, from the other side, was greatly welcomed by The Birmingham City Council and the majority of brummies for it paves the way for building the new super-library which is estimated to cost 195 million British pounds. Many praise the authorities just for having the audacity of suggesting such project amid one of the toughest recessions of century.

The construction of the new library will take about four years and thousands of jobs will be created. It is predicted that after a few months of opening it will turn into the busiest public place in Europe. It will be a flamboyant colossal structure with a vast area reserved for fashion stores, restaurant and supermarkets.

So before it is too late pack your bags and rush to Birmingham otherwise you might not get in time to be one of the last visitors of the good old library. But before getting on the plane or a train it would be a good idea to check out at least a few online resources for hotel reservation services and/or ticket booking.

There are so many great hotels and bed and breakfasts to choose from extra luxurious five star to economy and low price but convenient enough for a nice stay around soon to be “the place of old library”. A few of them are literary right around the corner of the Birmingham Central Library. Being just on the Paradise Circles accommodation and transport would be the list of a tourist’s worries.