Jinja, in eastern Uganda, is fast securing its place as one of Africa’s hottest destinations. Dynamic yet easygoing, this town set on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, is just a few kilometres from the Source of the Nile Gardens, the outlet that feeds the northern flow of the White Nile on its long journey to the Mediterranean Sea. This is just one of its many allures, complementing a charming and relaxed atmosphere, striking flora and fauna and multitudes of attractions.

Adventure seekers enjoy white-water rafting on the mighty rapids of the River Nile near Jinja, Uganda

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Posted under General, Uganda, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

MIRAR DEBAJO POR ESTE MENSAJE EN ESPAÑOL / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN SPANISH

At the precise point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortes (also known as the Gulf of California) – at the very tip of the Baja California Sur – lies Cabo San Lucas, a perfect vacation spot for avid travellers, young and old. As a famously picturesque locale, Cabo San Lucas is blessed with white sand beaches, year-round sun and temperate weather, all part of its magnetism, attracting die-hard fishermen and beach bums alike.

The famous Arch and Bay of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, are a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Locals call the arch the 'window to the Pacific Ocean.'

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Posted under General, Mexico, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

The Caprivi Strip of Namibia is a curious, narrow panhandle in northern Namibia that thrusts east to the Zambezi River and borders Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Although geographically small – about 450km long and 100km at its widest – it is land rich in vegetation, and host to both dramatic scenery and some of the best bird and game viewing in Africa.

Hippos wallowing in one of the many rivers of the Caprivi Strip in Namibia (photo by Ute von Ludwiger)

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Posted under General, Namibia, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

VOIR CI-DESSOUS POUR CE MESSAGE EN FRANÇAIS / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN FRENCH

Often called the ‘Red City’ or the ‘Jewel of the South’, Marrakech has for centuries been regarded as the quintessential Moroccan city. Once home to camel caravans, it is today a seamless fabric of old-world traditions and elements of the new, and continues to exude an unmatchable charm. Although Marrakech is not the country’s capital (a privilege belonging to Rabat), it is an epicentre of Moroccan tourism and one of Morocco’s Imperial Cities.

Jemaa el Fna Square of Marrakech, Morocco, with its Koutoubia Mosque in the background, is the beating heart of the city

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Posted under General, Morocco, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

By Michelle Rodrigues

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As the world continues to see greater numbers of travellers, locally owned and small travel products are often not able to keep up the pace with Internet advances. Today tourists often prefer to search and book online and this phenomenon is cutting out small operators who do not have the skills or the soft infrastructure (photographs and quality written content) to participate on the Web.

Locals participate in the harvest of the blue agave, the key ingredient required for the production of tequila

A World Heritage Site is a place recongised by the World Heritage Centre, administered by UNESCO, with a significant cultural and physical importance. Tequila, Mexico is one of these places. WHL Consulting is working in Tequila with the Consejo Regulador del Tequila in support of La Ruta del Tequila to build the capacity of small and locally owned tourism products in and around the World Heritage Site of Tequila, Mexico, original source of the popular alcoholic beverage.

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Posted under General, Mexico, countries, responsible organisations, whl.travel news

SILAKAN LIHAT DI BAWAH INI UNTUK ARTIKEL INI DALAM BAHASA INDONESIA / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN INDONESIAN

At the heart of Indonesia’s South Sulawesi province lies the vibrant provincial capital of Makassar. Formerly called Ujung Pandang, the city has for centuries made its mark in Indonesian history as a bustling port. Today it’s a sprawling metropolis, still rich in history and culture – a perfect gateway from which to discover the rest of the region.

A tongkonan is the name of a traditional house of the Toraja people who live on Indonesia's Sulawesi Island. Its curved shape is similar that of a boat and it is adorned by buffalo horns.

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Posted under General, Indonesia, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

By Ethan Gelber

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The lion is one of the Big Five found in Kruger National Park, the country’s largest game reserve and a superb place for a safari (photo courtesy of South African Tourism)

The clock’s ticking. Every hour we move closer to 4pm South Africa time on 11 June 2010, when the World Cup 2010 kicks off in Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium. The anticipation is palpable, but so is the growing frustration and sometimes anger about the absurd room rates and out-of-focus travel opportunities in a country driven by high expectations.

So what are you to do? Are there reasonably priced accommodation options anywhere in South Africa? How can one find exciting and responsible travel options beyond the pomp of a month of games? And, as we’ve written about already, is there any way of ensuring that some of the money spent will be fairly distributed, so that the inflated profits benefit as wide a cross-section of people as possible, not just the already rich and powerful?
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Posted under General, South Africa, countries, local tips, responsible organisations, responsible travel, responsible travel news, whl.travel newsletter

By Ethan Gelber

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Michelle Rodrigues, who works for the WHL Group in Miami, USA, is the newest TIES Travel Ambassador

One week ago, The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) announced Michelle Rodrigues as its newest Travel Ambassador. Michelle, born and raised in New York City but now resident in Florida, USA, is also a project manager and content editor for the WHL Group in its North America and the Caribbean Regional Office currently based in Miami.

Promoting Responsible Travel

The Travel Ambassador Program is a brainchild of TIES, “the world’s oldest and largest international ecotourism association,” which plays a pivotal role as a “global source of knowledge and advocacy uniting communities, conservation and sustainable travel.”

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Posted under General, responsible organisations, responsible traveller, whl.travel news, whl.travel newsletter

By Ethan Gelber

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From the top of Mt. Lovćen, a symbol of Montenegrin freedom since the villages on its slopes were never been conquered by either Austrians or Turks, the whole of Old Royal Montenegro is visible.

Until not that long ago – only about 100 years – the whole of Montenegro was still a tribal society with groups of families united by clan and living in regions called nahijas. The oldest historical part of Montenegro, today referred to as Old Royal Montenegro, which was independent for centuries, was split into four such nahijas: Crmnička, Katunska, Riječka and Lješanska nahija.

Sadly, today, despite its incredible cultural and historical importance, its proximity to other major attraction (like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor and its famous bay, Skadar Lake National Park and the Ostrog Monastery) and its beautifully preserved environment, the Old Royal Montenegro district is disused, neglected and its local population is in serious decline.

But that may all be about to change thanks to a contract signed between the Delegation of the European Commission in Montenegro and the Centre for Sustainable Tourism Initiatives (CSTI).
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Posted under Montenegro, countries, responsible organisations, whl.travel newsletter

* MIRAR DEBAJO POR ESTE MENSAJE EN ESPAÑOL / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN SPANISH
* LEIA LOGO ABAIXO ESTA NOTICIA EM PORTUGUÊS / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN PORTUGUESE

For the adventurous traveller in search of an ideal climate, picturesque scenery and historically interesting architecture, Arequipa, Peru, should figure prominently on any itinerary. Called La Ciudad Blanca or ‘the White City’, Arequipa is a distinctive ensemble of stunning buildings constructed out of sillar (white volcanic rock). It is located in the south of the country and surrounded by three towering snow-capped peaks. It is also a short trip from the two deepest canyons in the world: Colca Canyon and Calhauca Canyon.

Arequipa’s cathedral, one of the most stunning in all of Peru, might just be more charming at night than during the day. It's seen many earthquakes and fires over the years, but has been rebuilt and still stands strong.

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Posted under General, Peru, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news