Aswan, Egypt | AFP | Deep in the Nubia, a region along the Nile in southern Egypt, a baby crocodile sits on Mamdouh Hassan’s shoulder to wow tourists. The reptiles are a source of income for Egypt’s Nubian minority, with visitors paying to marvel at the tamed creatures. But beyond bringing …
Read More »Witchcraft practices discouraging tourists from Ssezibwa falls
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uncontrolled witchcraft practices at Ssezibwa falls in Buikwe district are discouraging local tourists from visiting the falls despite its beautiful scenery. According to legendary tales, Ssezibwa was born of Nakangu Tebatesa, the wife of Nsubuga Ssebwato. It is alleged that Nakangu gave birth to …
Read More »For China virus insurance, check the small print
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Companies and tourists out of pocket from the global disruption caused by the virus epidemic in China risk meeting a cold shoulder from insurers, industry experts warn. Basic travel insurance policies are unlikely to cover epidemics. Instead, individuals are being advised initially to consult their …
Read More »Anti-Asian assaults a ‘neglected’ plight in France
Vitry-sur-Seine, France | AFP | Ming was getting off the bus in the Paris suburbs when a masked man attempted to rip her handbag from her. When she resisted, the attacker threw her to the ground and beat her unconscious. The ordeal left her with two fractures and suffering from post-traumatic …
Read More »Tourism grew slowest in 2019 – BOU
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Tourism earnings are estimated to have grown slower in the first ten months of 2019, according to to the Central Bank. The government planned to attract more one million tourists this year on top of the 1.8million people received in 2018. But the Central Bank …
Read More »Despair, jihadism and revolt: Mali’s torn heart
Mopti, Mali | AFP | Untroubled by time, the mighty Niger River glides through the Sahel city as women wash their clothes in its brackish waters and cows slumber nearby in the heat. But this peaceful image is an illusion, for Mopti, a city of 150,000 people, is on a dark, …
Read More »Budhagali’s burial site to become an attraction
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Traditional healers led by their leader, Kezia Kulanama have resolved to construct a statue alongside Budhagali Nabamba’s grave which will attract tourists. Speaking to journalists on Thursday after launching their sixth day of traditional mourning, Kulanama argues that, the graves of over 38 ancestors of …
Read More »Burkina tourist hub loses Western visitors to jihadist threat
Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso | AFP | “They’ve placed us in the red zone, which means the tourists aren’t coming like before. Even the aid workers don’t come,” said Antoine Atiou, governor of Burkina Faso’s Hauts-Bassins region. The “red zone” refers to the risk of jihadist attacks — a top-end warning by …
Read More »Development dilemma as eastern Greenland eyes tourism boost
Kulusuk, Denmark | AFP | Kayaking past blue-white icebergs drifting along near a pristine harbour, wandering around colourful houses or trekking in the snow-capped wilderness: July and August are high season for tourists in eastern Greenland. Many of the 85,000 tourists who visit each year head to the west coast, but …
Read More »Drowning rocks Mexico’s idyllic floating gardens
Mexico City, Mexico | AFP | Noe Carmona is poling his small boat around Mexico City’s floating garden district, Xochimilco, trying to sell roasted corn to tourists in the colorful gondolas that lazily ply the canals. It’s after noon, but clients are scarce, and he has yet to make a sale. …
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