World Tourism News: December 2011

Sightseeing Dubai skyscrapers

Object just released a list that's as interesting as it is depressing called "15 skyscrapers on hold." There's a few on there you've probably already heard about, such as the Chicago Spire, which may never be restarted again. Its aborted construction has left a hole 76 feet deep and 110 feet wide in the middle of Chicago, and that's not the only building there to be paused.

Also on the chopping block is 58 Leonard Street, a zany skyscraper in New York City that we gave you an early look at. Dubai, the city of seemingly endless construction, also took a hit with a few of its wild and outlandish 'scrapers grinding to a halt. Check out Oobject's list to see what other towers are getting the ax.

850m Tall Tower Proposed For Dubai

Sightseeing Dubai skyscrapers

It’s been a while since we first revealed the plans in Dubai for a series of megatall buildings including what at the time was labeled the AC Towers.

Since then the design has solidified along with the details about the project with it now being called One Dubai and having a height set at 850 metres, about the same as the Burj Dubai, with 201 storeys. It will be the central landmark of the planned Jumeria Gardens, yet another massive skyline to compete with the likes of Dubai Marina

Dubai Plans 1140 Metre Tall Tower

If you thought the Burj Dubai was about as high as they could ever go, the crazy property developers of that Arab city have come up with something even bigger, a skyscraper over 1 kilometre tall.

Called the Nakheel Habour & Tower it consists of four separate vertical strands arranged around a central void with numerous skybridges at various points connecting them together.

Wind And Solar Powered Dubai Skyscraper

The Burj al-Taqa (Energy Tower) to be build in Dubai will produce 100% of its electricity needs from a 60 metre diameter roof-mounted wind turbine and 15,000 square metres of PV solar panels. Another 17,000 square metres of solar panels will be located on a nearby artificial island visible from the tower. Any excess electricity generated will be used to extract hydrogen from sea water by electrolysis to be used to generate electricity at night through hydrogen fuel cells.

The tower will rise to 322 metres and have 68 storeys. Construction will cost in excess of £200 million.
Earlier this year work was completed on the Bahrain World Trade Center - a pair of skyscapers joined together by three integrated wind turbines. These wind turbines - a world first - will provide 11-15% of the energy needs of the buildings. However the Burj al-Taqa will be the first 100% renewable energy powered skyscraper in the world, and the first to have a huge wind turbine generator installed on its roof.

Burj al-Taqa

The Burj al-Taqa has been designed by German architect Eckhard Gerber from the ground up to be as energy efficient as possible. The whole building will be cylindical to reduce the surface area exposed to the sun, and a protective solar shield will wrap around two-thirds of the exterior of the building from the ground to the roof protecting the side of the building in direct sunlight to keep it out of the rooms.

The windows will be glazed with cutting edge vacuum glazing (so advanced they will only be available on the market after 2008) which will insulate the building against the scorching 50+ degree outside heat. These units will transmit 2/3 less heat than the best products on the market today and will slash the amount of electricity needed to power air conditioning units.

The air-conditioning itself will use air pre-cooled by seawater to keep the temperature of the interior of the tower to just 18 degrees Celcius. At the same time water is cooled which is pumped around the ceilings at each level to help keep the temperature down without the need to blast so much cold air out of air-condition ducts.

Mirrors installed on the roof of Burj al-Taqa will direct a cone of light through the centre of the building bathing every floor of the building in free natural light

Travel and Tourism - Travel to dubai

Oh, Dubai. Sometimes we wish you success, because you’re so funny. Other times we can’t wait till you run out of oil and just turn back into a desert wasteland, because you’re so gross.
Of late, the Gulf city-state has been trending somewhere between those two courses. They’ve shut down all kinds of massive half-baked construction projects, but are pushing ahead on a select few. Most notable in the “pushing ahead” category are the world’s tallest building and the city’s new metro system (exempted on the “half-baked” count). The powers that be in Dubai have been planning a grand simultaneous unveiling of the two in September, in fact — seeing it as a perfect opportunity to get massive amounts of media attention and declare to the world, “We’re still actin’ all rich!”
Sadly, there’s a hitch. Construction on the Burj Dubai, the 206-story luxury residential and office tower–space will supposedly go for $3,500/square foot and up–is running behind schedule, and will not be complete by September. So the metro–which features a “Gold class” section for “VIPs”–will debut alone and therefor won’t get anywhere close to as much media attention.
It turns out that Dubaites (?) are pretty upset about it. Nearly half “believe the delay to the Burj Dubai is a missed opportunity to put Dubai back on the global map.” An additional 17 percent are sad because Dubai now looks like the kind of slacker place that can’t keep to a schedule when building white elephant projects.
To celebrate the synergy that might have been though, here are some fact boxes and photos of the $4 billion, 2,600-foot aluminum stalagmite and the $4 billion, 22-mile first phase of the new metro system.

Dubai MetroFast facts:

In full operation, Dubai Metro is projected to carry approximately 1.2 million passengers on an average day, and 355 million passengers per year”
Trains will be WiFi enabled”
The 32.5 mile Red Line [which will open in September] will have 29 stations, four of which will be underground”
Rolling stock is being supplied by Kinki Sharyo under a $456.2m contract for 385 cars”
All stations will have platform doors to increase safety and allow a more comfortable, climate controlled environment”
The driverless, fully automated trains are fully air-conditioned”
The trains will offer standard ‘Silver’ class, a women and children only section plus a first class ‘Gold’ section for VIPs”
The “Gold” car will be located at front of each train and will be just for men (specifically, non-poor men). The “Silver” cars for the ladies and the rugrats and the downtrodden will follow behind.
Gold cars will feature wide leather seats, an explansive view through the train’s front window, and an “exclusive lighting design.”

Photos:

Transit construction, Dubai-style:

Like Paris, Dubai’s Metro stations will have platform doors:

.Inside a “Silver” car (i.e. for pleebs, women and children):

Inside an exclusive “Gold” car (just us rich dudes!):

A train on a viaduct:

The rolling stock (fancy talk for “train cars”) arrives from Japan:

A design rendering of a station hub:

.That station in real life:

.A rendering of a smaller station:

.A system map. Service to the crazy man-made archipelagos is still on the drawing board:

Burj Dubai tower

The foundation is made up of 192 concrete and steel pilings more than 164 feet (50 meters) deep. They are joined by a 12-foot-thick raft upon which the skyscraper rests.
45,000 cubic meters of concrete was used in the foundation.
Underground parking spaces: 16,000
The air conditioning chillers installed on the 155th and 159th floor are so high that their design had to take into account the thinner air at that elevation.”
In 2006, 2,500 construction workers rioted because of low pay and poor treatment. They did an estimated $1 million damage.
The tower is designed Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
The interior will be decorated by Giorgio Armani. An Armani Hotel, the first of four by Armani, will occupy the lower 37 floors
In keeping with Islamic custom, the hotel pool will have separate hours for women and men at the pool.

Photos:

Scale: Those little buildings on either side are all really, really big

And from afar:

An elevator shaft, taken at an earlier stage of construction:

The work continues, up top:

View from the bottom:

Working construction on the Burj — the wages are crappy, but you can’t beat the view:

4 Best Exotic Honeymoon Destinations in Exotic Island

Hawaii:

is no doubtedly the next favorite and popular honeymoon destination.Each and every island of this place is exotic and unique.Every island offers you different taste of life, be it experiencing active volcanoes, waterfalls or whale watching etc.

Bali, Indonesia:

Bali, an Indonesian island is a perfect destination for couples who want romance and a little bit of intimacy. Bali, offers newly wed couples to stay in there private villas with private swimming pools, gardens and good house keeping facilities.

Turtle Islands:

If you are in love with water and looking for a honeymoon full of exciting water activities, then Turtle Islands is the best destination for you. Sailing, Saltwater fly fishing, snorkling are some of the water activities that you can enjoy with your beloved. Turtle islands concists of some 14 white sand beaches in which some of them are isolated and covered with high cliffs and coves.

Seychelles Islands:

are honeymooners’ paradise. It is located in eastern Africa in the west of Indian Ocean. These exotic islands are a year round honeymoon destination, especially for people who are in love with beaches and sunshine.

The Best of Natural Bali

A Bali holiday encompasses some of the best of Asia's natural attractions from height defying waterfalls to beautifully landscaped gardens, hot springs and monasteries. Aruyvedic massage centres draw on the natural elements of the island and complement the undiscovered beauty of this unspoilt paradise.

Waterfalls
You can't take a Bali holiday without experiencing one of the island's breathtaking waterfalls. The Gitgit Waterfalls are located just a stone's throw from Singaraja and boast a 40 metre drop of spectacular crystal clear water, at the bottom of which, visitors can swim on their Bali holiday. The refreshing pool is seemingly bottomless and swimming alongside a deafening waterfall is certainly a very memorable experience. You may not want to bring a loved one with you though, as a local legend has it that anyone that bathes in this pool with their lover will eventually separate.
If you and your partner are planning a romantic Bali holiday and want to visit one of the island's waterfalls, then you may feel safer sticking to the Daybreak Waterfalls at Lovinia. Although they aren't by any means as impressive as the falls at Gitgit, at least as you bathe together in the pool, you'll be safe in the knowledge that the two of you will still be together upon returning home from your Bali holidays.

Hot Springs

If you want to swim somewhere a little warmer on your Bali holidays then take a visit to the island's only hot springs at Banjar. These are located nearby a Buddhist Monastery and set in perfectly landscaped tropical gardens. You can spend two hours simply relaxing in the hot springs which are said to contain many healing properties that are more beneficial than those offered in massages at many of the international hotels in Bali. On the same site as the hot springs is a traditional Balinese restaurant which serves vegetarian cuisine. The Brahamavihara Arama is the only Buddhist Monastery in Bali and sits in prime position overlooking the sea.

Natural Massage

A Balinese massage is a perfect addition to a Bali holiday and offers an opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural resources of the island, from the fresh aloe vera flowers to the volcanic mud used in the treatments. Many of the hotels in Bali offer their own traditional take on the Balinese massage, but it is believed that the best that the island has to offer can be experienced at the Bali hotel, Anantara Seminyak, which is as equally renowned for its stunning sunsets as it is for the many massage treatments that take place in its luxury spa. One of the spa's signature treatments is the vanilla magic massage, which uses vanilla pods grown in the west of the island alongside sweet almond oil and cracked black pepper. This treatment may sound good enough to eat, but it is also instrumental in soothing nerve tension and boosting energy levels.
With a plethora of holistic treatments and some stunning natural attractions, a Bali holiday showcases some of the best that Mother Nature has to offer. With many more natural attractions including rugged mountains and pristine beaches, it's no wonder that so many people are now heading to this paradise island.

Exotic South Pacific Island Yacht Cruises

- Cruise the exotic South Pacific Islands aboard a luxurious shared catamaran yacht! Sail either the Leeward Islands: Bora Bora, Taha'a, Raiatea and Huahine, the Tuamotu Atolls - Rangiroa or the Marquesas Islands, discovered uninhabited villages, hidden beaches, crystal clear lagoons and much more! The accommodations offer large, panoramic, well-ventilated living room/lounge and four self-contained, air-conditioned cabins with private facilities. On deck you will find a large cockpit, outside dining area sheltered from the sun and two large trampoline/sunbathing areas. Each catamaran has a team of one skipper and one chef-hostess. Both are experiened sailors and will be your guide for this spectacular exotic island yachting adventure! 7-Nights Dates: April - November Rates: from $2388 per person. Contact our Exotic Island Vacation Consultants for Additional Information!

Luxury Hotels in Miami - The Best Hotels in South Beach

South Beach, known colloquially as SOBE, is like nowhere else. Trend-setting, affluent and vibrant, it has a distinct up-market Latino flavor. White sand and azure ocean beneath a cloudless sunny sky, the eclectic mix of pastel Art Deco hotels along Ocean Drive, beautiful people strolling arm in arm in the latest fashions, this is what South Beach is all about. It is an escape from reality, at least for the time you are there! Once the home of drug barons and Mafioso, it is now an idyllic retreat for the rich and famous, as well as the migratory flock of snowbirds who return year in, year out.

Along with the palm-fringed beachfront, South Beach offers fabulous designer shopping from Lincoln Road to name-dropping Collins Avenue. Armani, Kenneth Cole, Benetton, Sephora, Ralph Lauren, Diesel....they can all be found here on these narrow streets. After dark, restaurants, bars and nightclubs buzz with music and you pay more for valet parking than most people would pay for cocktails, but hey, there is only one South Beach! See and be seen is the name of the game. After dining out in style at one of the many Michelin starred restaurants such as the lovely Casa Tua, or Palme d'Or, walk though romantic Lummus Park beneath the stars and then retire to your chosen luxury hotel for a nightcap in the bar.

Once again there are too many wonderful hotels to list, even on the short stretch of Ocean Drive. If you are looking for Art Deco inspiration consider the newly renovated Hotel Victor, right next door to Casa Casuarina, better known as the Versace Mansion. This delightful boutique hotel in Miami has retained some of its finest Art Deco features in the extensive lobby and bar. Right on the beach is the Raleigh, which has retained all its 1920s charm including the uniquely shaped swimming pool. With designer shops at the front, and the boardwalk and beach to the rear, everything is conveniently close by. Rather more hip and trendy but one block back from the beach is the Shore Club Miami, a true celebrity hang-out. Designer-cool rooms by British designer David Copperfield, and managed by Ian Schrager, creator of the boutique hotel genre, this contemporary style hotel is a far cry from the 1930s in which it was built. The Casa Grande is quite the opposite.This refined luxury hotel invites guests to truly relax and feel at home. Last but certainly not least, checkout the Pelican; owned by Diesel it is a temple to OTT decor and zany fashion. Wherever you choose to stay you are unlikely to be spending long within its four walls.

London Tourism

London Tourism Map

London Tourism City Photo

London Tourism city Photo

London Tourism Photos

Lovely Beach Resort - Honey Moon Vacation

Sipping cup of coffee or tea with your loved ones in a resort overlooking beach is inexplicable! If you are on a hunt for beach resort or a place by the river side or water fall, there is plenty of them in India. Honey moon couples can plan their ideal vacation right away. Do not mess up with a holiday with your loved ones or fiancé always run through a couple of sites online and then decide the best one for you.

If you like some rental apartment aloof and in the midst of the nature, you can pick them as per your needs. Have a look at the pictures that a site carries before you book one for your self. Check out for its view from all sides. Consider the availability date and book it if you don't want to miss it. If they don't have any charges or minimal charges for cancellation of the rental apartment, book it before hand. Do not mess up with your holidays, by running for things last minute. If you are newly married it is advisable to plan things before hand. Do not let your cousins or friends look at the place of their choice and book it on your behalf. It is okay for them to book it on your behalf only after you have seen the place not other wise. Their interests and yours may not always match.
Consider room rent and do not forget to check for the services provided along with the room rent. You will have more free time and can relax if there is 24 hours room service. See if there are any hidden charges, get things cleared before hand rather than crib about it later.
If you are going with your family and need some time out with your spouse inspite of having a kid, a baby sitter can be arranged for you. The same can be checked online under the category family vacations. While your kids have fun at the beach resorts with trained babysitters, you can enjoy some time around the city indulging yourself in some shopping, sightseeing or just getting close to each other.

German Tourism

german tourism industry

German Tourism. Caribbean accused of a wave of energy that the living space, sophistication and live in the city of Miami Beach is a marriage. With world-class shopping, restaurants, seafood delicacies, a colorful arts scene, sporting events and transportation services, family entertainment, the nation is considered one of the best places in the capital city of Miami. In fact, Miami is once a vibrant, tropical is not much to offer. If you are not only beneficial for the people of Miami will be at the pleasure of the wealth of these exceptional charges, I think you're wrong.

german tourism office new york

In fact, many other major cities like Miami, New York, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle, the cost of living in a more competitive cost of living ucuzdurBel Miami, environment, world trade centers, and Miami did not Manohar it offers, attractions and living in Atlanta, Seattle, Indianapolis and Phoenix.In addition, prosecutors in Miami of the mother of sales below the national average.

german tourism bureau

No cost savings from state taxes and local income tax in Miami. You Miami, as well as reduce the cost of property taxes, car insurance and electricity have a beautiful home. Living in the great cities of Miami and others are occupied, the less travel time. In general, the low cost of living in Miami, not enjoying things. Therefore, the more time and money spent on it. When Washington, DC, the federal government and the film industry in Los Angeles, the beaches of Miami.

Holiday Rentals Spain in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is probably the most popular of the Canary Islands with British tourists for winter holiday rentals in Spain. There are many good reasons for this including the fantastic winter weather, four hour flight time and plenty of good accommodation available to book direct. A holiday apartment rental in Spain's beautiful island of Lanzarote is ideal for a much-needed break and some therapeutic winter sun! Lanzarote, unlike some of its neighbouring islands, retains much of its natural Canarian charm.

Lanzarote has all the ingredients needed to provide a wonderful winter break including sun, sea and sand and this is why it is such a favourite with British tourists who book an apartment rental in Spain here year after year. The biggest tourist resort is Puerto del Carmen and it is a popular holiday choice for many people in the UK. Puerto del Carmen started life as a fishing village but now has many bars, restaurants, hotels and villa holiday rentals Spain for visitors to choose from.

You can rent luxury Spanish villas in Lanzarote especially in the Playa Blanca area which is regarded as one of the more upmarket resorts. Other types of holiday rentals Spain, such as small apartments and more modest villas are available throughout the main resorts like Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen. Lanzarote does not have the profusion of high-rise hotels which sprung up in the last thirty years in other popular Spanish holiday destinations, mainly due to the influence of the artist Cesar Manrique who was born on the island. As a result of his endeavors, high-rise buildings were prohibited, advertising hoardings forbidden and the development of the islands three main tourist resorts carefully monitored.

An apartment rental in Spain in Lanzarote is an ideal base from which you can explore this fantastic island. Villa and apartment holiday rentals Spain in Lanzarote are available across all of the major resorts and some rural locations. Whether you are looking for a holiday villa in the centre of a busy resort, within walking distance of local amenities or luxury Spanish villas in Lanzarote in a quiet rural location, you will find a villa to suit on this wonderful island.

Mississippi Tourism | Mississippi Tourism Association

mississippi tourism brochures

Queensland floods receive such an interesting and international media did not stop a lot of tour operators. So, there is not a book for those who were the cause, or even just thinking about it, to cancel their holiday in Queensland. Then came Hurricane IELTS. IELTS is the largest hurricanes, and Australia has never been seen before. It is placed in the eye near the speed of 300kph. The closest comparison is to the hurricane, more than 1,800 across the state of Florida, Louisiana, and death, and Mississippi.

mississippi tourism guide

So far, it seems that only the death in Australia of the person who barricaded themselves in the house of energy to run their own generators, suffocated. Why is this big gap? The state has seen several hurricanes in Queensland each year. Since the 1970s may be the emergence of building codes to ensure buildings to resist hurricanes. The good early warning system (the owner of the steps, if they are likely to be floods or hurricanes), and disaster management plans and evacuation centers. Is a relatively unpopulated area by Hurricane IELTS, or it may have been evacuated.

mississippi tourism statistics

So, even if the mandate of the North Queensland coast of Australia and the points of the most popular tourist and took the biggest monster unrest continues, has resumed most of the northern operation. Then I called again through various means, and make sure there is no travel plans or make thinking, is still available, and then ask them to move forward. Some operators are affected by the floods and tropical storms. Many of the local support for reconstruction. The best way to help outsiders to access and support for the North Queensland tourism.