Co-management of protected areas by both the state and local communities is one of the best ways to guarantee that tourism will provide economic and social benefits to many people who would otherwise be marginalized, at the same time that it ensures protection for the environment on which these communities rely for their income. An excellent example is the Soncor Sector of Los Flamencos National Reserve, in the Atacama Desert of the Antofagasta Region, in northern Chile.

A local Lickan Antay guide explains the importance of conservation to a group of school children. Photo by Marcela Torres

Los Flamencos National Reserve is located within the Atacama La Grande Indigenous Development Area, which was established in 1997 to promote sustainable development of the ancient territories of the Lickan Antay peoples. Since then, the Lickan Antay communities have strengthened their ancient rights to use of the resources, in many cases following traditional methods, and in others applying modern natural resource management techniques.

When the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) began charging entrance fees to visit the Reserve, at the begining of the 2000 decade, the Lickan Antay Community of Toconao cut off the access road to Laguna Chaxa, in the Soncor Sector, to demand that tourism, carried out in their ancient territories, also benefit the descendants of this ethnic group that live in the nearby town. Their action brought about a revision of the plan and CONAF and the Lickan Antay communities signed co-management agreements for four of the seven sectors of the Reserve: Soncor, Miscanti and Miñiques Lagoons, Moon Valley and Tambillo.

Los Flamencos National Reserve harbors the three flamingo species found in Chile: the Andean Flamingo, the Chilean Flamingo, and James’ Flamingo. Photo by Hernán Torres

Income generated from the entrance fees to these sites, which attract national and foreign visitors, has allowed the communities to strengthen programs to aid elderly and disabled people in their communities. At the same time, a significant amount of this income is invested in the management of each sector and staff salaries. The inclusion of local community personnel in the management of these sectors has allowed CONAF to redirect its staff to sectors and activities that were previously left largely unattended due to the lack of personnel and resources that affect the institution.

First Sustainable Visitor Center

Because of the increasing interest shown by tourists arriving from the nearby town of San Pedro de Atacama, the community decided to improve the site’s infrastructure and visitor information. To that end, in 2006, it partnered with CONAF and the SQM mining company, which exploits lithium in the Atacama Salt Flat, to develop the first sustainable visitor center in a protected area in Chile.

The project included the architectural design and construction of the visitor center, incorporating techniques such as reuse of grey water and electricity generation through solar panels and windmills. The roads were also repaired and the parking lot expanded.

This was the first sustainable visitor center built in a protected area in Chile, using renewable wind and solar energy. Photo by Hernán Torres

At the same time, a group of local guides from the Lickan Antay Community of Toconao was trained in interpretation techniques to convey effectively to visitors the natural and cultural values of the area. To support this, five bilingual signs were developed for the interpretive trail and 18 for the inner hall of the center. A documentary video was also produced, in Spanish with English subtitles, to complement information provided to visitors.

The results could not have been better. Visitors to Laguna Chaxa comment that it is a pleasure to pay an entrance fee because you can see that the revenues are invested in the people and in improving the place, where you no longer find garbage lying around and there is good infrastructure. In addition, tourism has provided local people with a new source of income and each day more and more Lickan Antay Community members seek training to be part of the benefits of responsible tourism.

Getting around Oman can be challenging, but booking your ground transportation ahead through Green Path Transfers is the perfect way to explore the country. Photo courtesy of Elite Travel & Tourism

A Green Path Transfers Partner

For anyone planning a trip to this beautiful country, finding reliable transportation is of course key. Long driving distances combined with regularly washed-out roads and occasionally dangerous wadi crossings all pose serious challenges for travellers. It therefore pays to consider booking at least ground transportation with a knowledgeable local taxi and transfer service.

Fortunately, the experienced professionals at Elite Travel & Tourism can provide comfortable transportation to any destination. In addition to being the whl.travel local connection in Oman, Elite is now the local partner of Green Path Transfers, the fast-growing global and eco-friendly transport service.

Through Green Path Transfers, Elite Travel & Tourism looks forward to expanding the reach of its taxi and transport business to responsible travellers from all over the globe.

“In a developing country like Oman, we have worked hard to bring professionalism and safety to this market,” explains Will Plummer, Business Director at Elite Travel & Tourism. “We believe that with our friendly staff we are ideally place to be the first introduction to those visiting Oman and reassure people of what a fantastic country it is to visit.”

Since 2004, the experienced and knowledgeable team at Elite Travel & Tourism has been helping travellers explore legendary Oman. Photo courtesy of Elite Travel & Tourism

A Local Leader

Founded in 2004 by a Omani local Amor Hardan, Elite Travel & Tourism has grown into a successful and responsible travel business that today offers transport services, as well as tailor-made tours and vacation packages throughout the country. When he decided to launch the company, Hardan, who had already enjoyed a 15-year career at the Intercontinental Hotel Muscat, was eager to show people the many stunning off-the-beaten track destinations worth visiting in his home country.

In 2009, Elite Travel & Tourism acquired another business, called Alanaka Tours, as a way to lead small-group tours and desert-camping adventures. In the same year, Amor’s wife, Karen Hardan, joined the company as general manager and, with her wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, raised the company’s overall level of professionalism.

Today, as a local tourism operator with a strong commitment to the environment and to local communities, Elite Travel & Tourism is pleased to join the Green Path Transfers’ growing global network of responsible transport partners and ground transfer operators. “Being part of the WHL Group family” – both whl.travel and Green Path Transfers are part of the WHL Group – “has already been very successful for us and it is great to be part of Green Path Transfers too,” Plummer adds.

A Greener Perspective

Elite Travel & Tourism is encouraged by the positive value of lasting partnerships with other like-minded tourism and transport businesses also part of Green Path Transfers. Like other partners committed to responsible and sustainable local travel and transportation, Elite Travel & Tourism shares the emphasis Green Path Transfers places on going green, in particular the ability to offset a full 100 percent of the carbon emissions generated by its transfers business.

In keeping with its responsible tourism philosophy, Elite Travel & Tourism is intent on helping to preserve the beautiful local environment of Oman. Photo courtesy of Elite Travel & Tourism

“We believe we can offer the services and standards that clients of Green Path Transfers expect and with our own responsible tourism policy we are very conscious of the need to offset the carbon emissions we make,” explains Plummer. “We are continually working to find new ways to make our own service more green and are exploring what we can do within the Middle East to accomplish this.”

In keeping with its own philosophy and goals, Elite Travel & Tourism hopes the new partnership will help raise consciousness in Oman around the need for more eco-friendly vehicles and transportation solutions.

Far-Reaching Service

With a 32-vehicle fleet of luxury sedans, 11-passenger minibuses and 4×4 off-road vehicles, Elite Travel & Tourism is more than capable of meeting any request for ground transportation in Oman. The majority of the company’s clients head to the beach resorts of Muscat or to the old capital of Nizwa in Oman’s northern region. A journey to Nizwa is Plummer’s top recommendation, since it can be a jumping-off point to the stunning canyon-like scenery of the Hajar Mountains. Also in the north is the Musandam Peninsula, separated from the main part of Oman by the United Arab Emirates.

Beyond this, says Plummer, “a trip to the desert is a must.” With the Wahiba Sands only two hours from Muscat, they are very accessible. For those with more time, he recommends visiting Salalah in the tropical south, a city famous for its sweet-smelling frankincense trail.

“Of course,” adds Plummer, “we offer services everywhere in between all these sites and have many guests who enjoy exploring between north and south, especially along the stunning coastline.”

To learn more about Green Path Transfers and how to be part of carbon-neutral travel arrangements that emphasise green technology in a growing number of destinations around the globe, visit www.GreenPathTransfers.com.

Lençóis Maranhenses, the national park located in the northeastern Brazilian state of Maranhão, is an area of outstanding natural beauty and wonder created by a balance of extremes. A six-month dry season, during which strong winds shape miles and miles of sand dunes, is counterbalanced by a six-month rainy season that fills aqua-tinged lagoons and nourishes lush green vegetation set amidst the sand. The result is a desert-like environment with over 70 kilometres of beaches, but one that still provides enough fresh clear water and rich vegetation to support a wide variety of birds, animals and fish.

Local residents of Brazil's Lençóis Maranhenses National Park boat down the Alegre River in Santo Amaro. Photo courtesy of Marcio Vasconcelos

A trip to this delightful and delicate corner of Brazil appeals both to the traveller on a quest for adventure and to the vacationer in search of peace, quiet and balance. Either way, there is plenty to see and do in Lençóis Maranhenses.

Adventure seekers will find tours in Lençóis Maranhenses that include excursions in 4X4s specially equipped to handle the remote dunes, which reach heights of up to 10 metres. For less extreme interaction, travellers can stroll the long stretches of clear beaches around the town of Barreirinhas, dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon or birdwatch on a riverboat cruise.

Two other highly-recommended activities in Lençóis Maranhnses are just looking up and looking down: up at dusk to watch a vibrant sunset fade into a clear, starry sky; down onto the wind-swept dunes from the window of a scenic flight.

Never miss a sunset in Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil, just before the night explodes with stars. Photo courtesy of Marcio Vasconcelos

Though there is a relatively low number of visitors to Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses) and the tourism infrastructure is still developing, the area is by no means desolate. A number of cosy and rustic Lençóis Maranhenses hotels are well integrated into their surroundings, including in the nearby fishing villages of Mandacaru and Cabure, which thrive during the rainy season, and the towns of Atins and Cabure, which offer beautiful beach walks. Pousada do Rio, for example, prides itself on the small but mindful steps it takes toward achieving balance with the dunes that surround it. By redirecting waste away from the river, the hotel contributes to the sustainability of the enveloping ecosystem.

whl.travel is thrilled to introduce Sandra Rodrigues and her team at Sacada Turismo as the local expert connection to Lençóis Maranhenses. The Sacada team prides itself on understanding the fragile and nuanced balance underlying the incredible beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses; their aim is to build a tourism structure which reflects that balance. They want visitors to come away with a deeper understanding of the region and its ecological importance. They also practice the sustainable tourism they preach by supporting eco-friendly recycling organisations and endorsing partners who share similar values.

The daughter of locally known chef and owner of the Restaurant da Luzia in Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil, feeds a baby goat in the village of Akins. Photo courtesy of Marcio Vasconcelos

“We are very happy to use the whl.travel site, firstly for a positive exchange with tourists from around the world, and secondly to help small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in Maranhão,” commented Rodrigues. “Our goal is to meet a significant number of tourists with speed and friendliness, meeting all their needs and desires. Above all, we want to keep a good relationship with the community. We hope that our destination, Lençóis Maranhenses, will soon have an economic growth of sustainable and equitable manner, and that the local community will experience significant social development, with new opportunities for the vast majority of its population.”

Travel in Lençóis Maranhenses is now possible through www.lencois-maranhenses.travel, which joins a long list of established and successful whl.travel portals in Brazil.

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EM PORTUGUÊS / IN PORTUGUESE:

O Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses está localizado no nordeste do Brasil, mais precisamente no estado do Maranhão. O parque ocupa uma área de grande beleza natural, uma maravilha criada pelo equilíbrio das extremidades. A temporada de seis meses de seca, durante o qual os ventos fortes formam quilômetros e quilômetros de dunas de areia, é contrabalanceada por uma temporada de seis meses de chuva, cujas águas provocam o surgimento das admiráveis lagoas, regando também a vegetação rasteira situada entre as dunas. O resultado disso tudo é uma combinação única de desertos e lagoas,  a imensidão de um oásis, de mais de 70 quilômetros de praias e uma grande biodiversidade.

Uma viagem a este agradável e delicado canto do Brasil contagia tanto viajantes em busca de aventura quanto turistas em busca de paz, tranquilidade e equilíbrio. De qualquer maneira, há muito que ver e fazer em Lençóis Maranhenses.

Visitors cross the Negro River of Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil, in order to reach Queimada village. Photo courtesy of Marcio Vasconcelos

Turistas em busca de aventuras em Lençóis Maranhenses vão encontrar opções de passeio que incluem excursões em jipes 4×4 especialmente equipados para percorrer as diversas duas que podem chegar a 10 metros de altura. Os turistas menos aventureiros podem passear pelas longas e extensas praias de aguas claras ao redor da cidade de Barreirinhas, mergulhar nas águas cristalinas da Lagoa Azul ou apreciar a paisagem através de um passeio de barco.

Outras duas atividades altamente recomendáveis nos Lençóis Maranhenses são esperar pelo entardecer para ver um por do sol desaparecer vibrante e claro, seguido de um estrelado céu; a outra é se aventurar e ver a grande obra que o vento faz nas dunas através da janela de um voo panorâmico.

Embora haja um número relativamente baixo de visitantes nos Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses e a infraestrutura turística ainda não seja bem desenvolvida, a área não é totalmente desolada. Existe uma série de rústicas e acolhedoras pousadas nos Lençóis Maranhenses, que são bem integradas com seus arredores, incluindo as aldeias de pescadores nas proximidades de Mandacaru e Caburé, que prosperam durante a estação chuvosa, e as cidades de Atins e Caburé, que oferecem passeios por belas praias.  A Pousada do Rio, por exemplo, orgulha-se de pequenos passos tomados, mas que são conscientes para atingir o equilíbrio com as dunas que a rodeiam. Redirecionando os resíduos para longe do rio, a pousada contribui para a sustentabilidade do ecossistema que a envolve.

A whl.travel está contente em apresentar Sandra Rodrigues e sua equipe da Sacada Turismo como a conexão de especialistas locais em Lençóis Maranhenses. A equipe Sacada orgulha-se de entender o equilíbrio frágil e sutil que esta incrível beleza dos Lençóis Maranhenses esconde, seu objetivo é construir uma estrutura de turismo, que reflita esse equilíbrio. A agência quer visitantes que visem um entendimento mais profundo da região e da sua importância ecológica. Eles também praticam e pregam o turismo sustentável através do apoio a organizações amigavelmente ecológicas de reciclagem, contribuindo com parceiros que partilham valores semelhantes.

“Estamos muito felizes em usar a whl.travel, em primeiro lugar devido a possibilidade de ter uma troca positiva com turistas de todo o mundo, e em segundo lugar por poder ajudar os pequenos e médios empreendedores do Maranhão”, comentou Sandra. “Nosso objetivo é atender um número significativo de turistas com rapidez e cordialidade, atendendo todas as suas necessidades e desejos. Acima de tudo, queremos manter um bom relacionamento com a comunidade. Esperamos que o nosso destino, Lençóis Maranhenses, em breve tenha um crescimento econômico de forma sustentável e equitativo, e que a comunidade local experimente um desenvolvimento social significativo, com novas oportunidades para a grande maioria de sua população.”

Lençóis Maranhenses se junta a uma longa lista de destinos da whl.travel no Brasil.

An expedition by Land Rover can take you into the farthest reaches of the Omani desert (like the Dhofar region above), retracing the footsteps of the famous Royal Geographical Society survey in 1986. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Land Rover Our Planet

Other changes have also taken place: the Bedouin have moved from tents to houses, traded hunting for supermarkets and accepted uniform government over their traditional, complex justice and power-sharing system. The tipping point came in the 1970s, when the Sultan of Oman passed a number of laws regarding nomadic people, aiming to provide them with schooling, modern facilities and economic benefits. In favour of advancement, though, an ancient way of life looked like it was under threat and the romantic vision of the camel trader under the Arabian nights seemed all but lost.

Today, however, thanks to new innovations in tourism, the nomadic life is here to stay.

The Sultanate of Sands

What is Oman? This stable Middle Eastern country balances on the eastern nose of the Arabian Peninsula, where it has welcomed outdoor enthusiasts for decades.

One attraction, especially for explorers, has always been the desert. The Wahiba Sands, now also called the Sharqiyah Sands, of the Sultanate of Oman are a geological and ecological wonder that burst onto the international scene in 1986 after the Royal Geographical Society led an expedition to the region. There they found a 12,500-square-kilometre carpet of rolling and shifting dunes, home to an astonishing 16,000 species of invertebrates, flora and fauna, and a rich mix of nomadic people, all of which had adapted to living in this seemingly inhospitable place.

The sands take their name from the Wahiba tribe, whose paternalistic society dates back millennia. Some larger clans, like the Bani Khalid, even claim to be descendants of the prophet Mohammad’s companion, Khaled ibn Al-Waleed.

In Oman, the dunes (these are of the Sharqiyah Sands, reaching nearly 200metresin height) make a wide variety of sports possible, from sand skiing and sand boarding to the more tranquil camel ride or foot trek. Photo courtesy of Flickr/larawan ni tianaman

Desert Considerations

The word “Bedouin” translates loosely as “those who live in bādiyah” or “those who live in the desert.” While the Bedouin lifestyle is no longer strictly necessary due to modern conveniences, the practice is still alive and available as something in which travellers can dabble, if they know where to go and stay.

One thing is certain, though: The desert is a dangerous place. It is possible to cross it, for example, but this is highly inadvisable. Because of a lack of any resources at all, such as gas stations, provisions or water, venturing into the desert, especially alone and even more so during the summer months (April to October) when weather in Oman is at its fiercest, is so far beyond fearless that it’s reckless. Many people therefore choose to enjoy the comforts of a ‘base camp’ for exploring the surrounding desert.  Even then, Bedouin women, reputed for their surprisingly good driving skills, have been known to rescue tourists trapped or stuck in the sand.

Desert Camps

Most desert travellers therefore choose to base themselves in what are known loosely as ‘desert camps’. Little more than oases in the middle of vast tracts of nothingness, desert camps offer a daytime of adventure and a nighttime of comfort. To stay in a desert camp is therefore generally safer and more relaxing than nomadic camping, although, for the more adventurous, there are tours that will guide you across through the open desert, generally from north to south.

Much attention has been paid to making desert camps as authentic as possible, featuring natural textiles, traditional Bedouin camp layout, and locally sourced food (and famous Arabian coffee), as well as local staff that has been raised in the area and can read the sands as well as they can the stars.

Many desert camps in Oman are adorned in the traditional Bedouin manner, like the Safari Desert Camp (shown here), which favours lush Omani textiles. Photo courtesy of Elite Tours

There are several desert camps from which to choose, their service offerings covering everything from the bare necessities to real Arabian-Nights style luxury. Tourism in Oman has developed significantly over the past two decades, allowing for all the modern comforts even in the remote desert, so most camps come equipped with toilet tents, Omani-style restaurants, campfires and comfortable tents well appointed with local textiles, artefacts and rugs.

Probably best known of all the Wahiba camps is the luxurious Desert Nights Camp, where you can enjoy en suite bathrooms, air conditioning and a DVD library, as well as a host of personal-guide and transport services. If you’re not looking to break their budget, however, there’s always the well-regarded Desert Safari Camp, known for its authentic design and welcoming staff.  Or try the isolated Thousand Nights Camp set among the famous cineraria trees and complete with its own private pool.

Desert Day Activities

In the morning of a typical day, as the sun heaves toward its zenith, you have a lot of Wahiba Sands activities to consider. There’s actually much more to do in the desert than ride a camel (although the Bedouin are exceptional camel guides).

You can try your hand at Dune Bashing, the practice of exploring the desert sands in a 4WD. Similar activity is illegal along the fragile coastlines of the USA and Australia, but it’s a thriving tourist draw in Middle Eastern countries where the desert is more expansive and less threatened.

When that’s done, if you’ve not had your fill of trying to navigate the up-and-down terrain, there’s always the reckless freedom of quad biking or the elegance of sand skiing. Experienced guides offer treks across the miles of lunar-like isolation and if you’re lucky and arrive between October and April, you may even catch one of the legendary camel races.

When meals are served at desert camps in Oman, guests are usually seated on low cushions in typical Omani style. Typical servings include saffron Maqbous and delicious yogurt drinks flavored with pistachios or cardamom. Photo courtesy of Elite Tours

Desert Night Rhythms

As everyone settles in for the evening at a desert camp, a live Arab Omani band plays, while, in the guest lounge, you recline on massive throws and pillows set up around the campfire. Everyone’s sampling locally grown dates and strong Omani coffee. The music is both classical and lively, ushering in the night in traditional nomadic style.

While women visitors can choose to adorn themselves with ornate Omani henna or barter for brightly coloured woven textiles and camel bags, everyone usually gathers outside to watch the sunset, a notably breathtaking moment as the sun disappears behind the towering dunes.

Then, a far more spectacular sight is about to begin. Far away from city lights and with little or no pollution or cloud disturbance, the desert night sky is said by some to be the best in the world. Many earth communication stations are housed in the Omani desert because of the clarity of reception and vision. In addition, many astronomers use the desert night sky to conduct research and track star movements. Of course, long ago, the stars were guides to the nomadic people, indicating changes in season, coming fortune or doom, or just simple direction. Telescopes are available at most desert camps.

Staring out at the sands of Oman, it can be startling that something as barren as a desert could hold so much life and culture. The complex social and justice systems of the Bedouin are testament to the time spent living in this inhospitable place. The Bedouin ability to tame and use their environment shows the skill of traditional people happily distant from the comforts of places like Muscat (Oman’s capital city), Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Like the oceans, deserts are a challenging frontier for man; to be sure, there is much there yet to be discovered.

Cappadocia's rich history, which dates back to the 6th century, can be experienced today in a unique type of accommodation: the cave hotel. Photo courtesy of Melekler Evi Cave Hotel (www.cappadocia.travel)

Unknowing Pioneer

In 1990, when Mr. Suha Ersoz first opened the Esbelli Evi Cave Boutique Hotel in the Cappadocian town of Ürgüp, he unknowingly became a local pioneer of sustainable tourism. He began with an abandoned 5th-century cave that had all but collapsed. He then put the surviving pieces of wood, gathered stones and rock hewn from the interior of the cave as material into the hands of workers hired from the same town in order to keep the restoration local.

Months later when the Esbelli Evi Cave Boutique Hotel opened its doors, its immediate success spawned the copycat creation of other cave hotels based on the same model.

Now there are more than 400 cave hotels in Cappadocia, ranging from family-run three-room troglodyte guesthouses to lavish 50-room underground resorts. The cave-hotel industry in Cappadocia has become a unique selling point in this region of Turkey.

Such have been the thoughts of Zafer Yazici and Fuyo Ichikawa of Lirita Tours, the whl.travel local connection in Cappadocia. For seven years the company has dedicated itself to working with locals to preserve a traditional way of life in ancient Cappadocia. Yazici and Ichikawa have worked tirelessly to make Cappadocia one of the most sustainable tourist destinations in Turkey.

Unusual volcanic rock formations like these fairy chimneys are one major drawing card of Cappadocia, Turkey. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Zafer YAZICI (www.cappadocia.travel)

Exploring Cappadocia’s Nature and Culture

During any stay in the 5th- and 6th-century caves of Cappadocia, the unusual natural surroundings are certain to contribute to an appealing sense of dislocation, of being isolated in another time (it served as a set for the first Star Wars film). Dotted with ‘fairy chimneys’, the moonlike landscape has inspired artists, travellers, philosophers and historians since as far back as the days of Herodotus. For a bird’s-eye view of the extraordinary geography, hot-air balloon trips are a truly special experience.

To get a little deeper, highly recommended by Yazici and Ichikawa is a trip to the hidden side of Cappadocia, perhaps best exemplified by the Songali Valley. Far less touristed than the famous Göreme or Zelve valleys, Songali remains much as it once did centuries ago. Travellers who choose to explore the area at their own pace can really get off the beaten path. In addition, from Songali, a dazzling maze of gorges unfolds where visitors can discover ancient churches and dovecotes (buildings designed to house doves).

The flamingos at Sultan Saziligi in Cappadocia, Turkey, help constitute one of the largest concentrations of avian wildlife in the world. Photo courtesy of Zafer YAZICI (www.cappadocia.travel)

Also not to be missed is the Sultan Sazlığı, one of the largest bird sanctuaries in Turkey. This famous natural reserve is home to about 250 types of birds (compared to 450 species in all of continental Europe) and more than 20,000 flamingos. Day trips from Cappadocia can be organised to view the avian abundance by canoe.

Of course, no visit to Cappadocia would be complete without a sampling of the local cuisine. As always, there are many restaurants from which to choose, but Yazici and Ichikawa recommend watching for where the locals are eating. “Some restaurants may not look so fancy from outside, but they have good food,” says Zafer. “I would recommend going to the small restaurants used by locals since the taste is better and the prices are cheaper.”

A woman from Soganli village displays her handmade doll to visitors in Cappadocia, Turkey. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Zafer YAZICI (www.cappadocia.travel)

Sustaining Local Life

What makes Cappadocia so unique is certainly its show-stopping scenery, well-preserved churches and caves, antiquated villages and mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine. Today, the region’s commitment is to preserving all of this, especially through efforts like those of Yazici and Ichikawa, the whl.travel local connection, who actively promote local communities and local guides.

“There are of course sightseeing spots you cannot miss,” explains Yazici, “but local tours are really run in a local way. Selected restaurants are more like family restaurants and typical Cappadocian handcrafts artisans, like carpet weavers, stone carvers or potters, are visited on these tours.

“Travellers can also get on local buses and drive to villages to get away from the mass-tourism sites. Depending on the harvest season, you can see how villagers work in the fields collecting potatoes, grapes, apricots and other products that have made Cappadocia famous. Even in the touristy villages, you need only enter one of the back streets to find kids playing where there are no shops and women sit in front of their homes and chat.”

Yazici and Ichikawa believe that both tourists and locals should benefit from a mutual exchange and relationship that will stall the destructive reach of developers and preserve all that Cappadocia has to offer.

“The biggest advantage of visiting Cappadocia is that it is not a mass- tourism destination,” says Zafer. “We have to keep it this way.”

The Fish River in Namibia has slowly worn away the earth over the last 500 million years to create the Fish River Canyon. A hike through the canyon is a challenging yet rewarding experience. Photo is courtesy of the Gondwana Collection. All rights reserved.

Namibia achieved independence from South Africa in 1990. Since then, the young country has been recovering in fits and starts from the inflicted wounds of Apartheid and a long history of instability. Since the early 1990s, the country has enjoyed a welcome period of constancy and is looking for ways to build on its foundation and best use its resources to help Namibian people. But satisfying the demands of the people means understanding the geographical challenges of the country. For example, characterised by stark deserts of sparse vegetation, the Sossusvlei and Southern Namibia regions are quite different from other areas of Namibia; this has made life difficult for the rural inhabitants, the majority of which farm and raise livestock.

Going… Going… Gondwana!

As international travellers increasingly become aware of Namibia’s blend of relative government stability, natural beauty and cultural distinctiveness, the tourism industry is growing stronger and offering locals an attractive way to support their families.

One meaningful way actually allows conscientious travellers to contribute actively and directly to the local economy by signing on with a local travel company passionate about preserving the environment and sustaining livelihoods in the southern region. The Gondwana Collection is truly forging the way for mindful and sustainable tourism and encompasses four private nature reserves in Southern Namibia – Gondwana Kalahari Park, Gondwana Cañon Park, Gondwana Sperrgebiet Park and Gondwana Namib Park – all connected by the Gondwana Four Deserts Route. These four conservancies lie in horseshoe formation, making it easy for holidaymakers to tour the area by car and partake in the activities that each area offers.

Though the true origin of the feral horses that now inhabit the Namib Desert remains a mystery, these animals have certainly made a name for themselves. Travellers flock to witness these horses that have adapted to the harsh desert conditions. Photo courtesy of the Gondwana Collection. All rights reserved.

Many people start their excursions at the top of the ‘horseshoe’ on the red sands of the Kalahari – an area known for its abundant wildlife and expansive dunes – before progressing to the famous Quiver Tree Forest north of Keetmanshoop. An itinerary could then continue with the Wild Horses of Namib near Aus, seeing the diamond ghost town of Kolmanskop, the gigantic rock arch of Bogenfels south of Lüderitz or a list of about 20 other equally varied and exciting things to see and do.

On every agenda, however, the great Fish River Canyon should not be overlooked, as it is said to offer some of the most beautiful hikes in all of Africa. Trekkers will need to be in fairly decent shape and should book long in advance for the few available permits! All along the way, hikers will experience a destination that was unprotected only 20 years ago; Gondwana has steadily been buying farmland and rehabilitating the desert landscape to create this network of conserved parks.

Gondwana Acts Responsibly

At the end of a long and invigorating hike, rest assured that Gondwana can provide you a hot meal and comfy places to bed down. During an overnight stay, guests will encounter some of the staff of 130 now gainfully employed in a region that only counted a few dozen herders in years past – a great boon for a country where the unemployment rate lingers between 40 and 50 percent. These employees are even given opportunities for personal growth through education and career training, since Gondwana offers classes in, among other things, vegetable gardening, hospitality service training, HIV/AIDS peer education, English and German. Guest lecturers also cover topics such as domestic violence, family planning and sexuality, and alcohol and drug abuse, as well as personal insurance and banking.

The springbok antelope has adapted to the dry terrain of the Kalahari Desert in Namibia and can survive as long as their food has at least 10% water content. They can run at speeds of up to 80kph and can jump more than 10 metres in a single bound. Photo courtesy of Hentie Burger/Gondwana Collection Photo Gallery. All rights reserved.

Additionally, the organisation has created a Self-Sufficiency Centre, which is a five-hectare farm that provides fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, milk and eggs to cover about 70 percent of the needs for all guest meals in Gondwana’s lodges and camps. Growing its own locally sourced food, the centre not only cuts down on ingredients imported from South Africa, but also provides 13 more full-time jobs.

In a country still finding its post-Apartheid footing, the Gondwana Collection is part of Namibia’s hope for a stronger and sustainable economic future. A stay in one of the Gondwana Collection’s accommodations helps fund their conservation and social work initiatives; thus far in 2010 about 5% of Gondwana Cañon Park’s turnover has been re-invested in nature and community outreach.

Situated in the center of Beijing, the Palace Museum is also known as the Forbidden City and is China's largest museum. The imperial palace was home to a succession of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Last Emperor – Beijing, China

A winner of seven Academy Awards, The Last Emperor is considered one of Bernardo Bertolucci’s best films. With the scenic setting of imperial China, the film was the first western production ever granted permission to shoot within the confines of the Forbidden City of Beijing. At nearly three hours in duration, the biography elegantly maps out the life of Pu Yi (1903-1967), the final Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, displaying scenes from his life that reflect the history of early 20th century China. Filmed throughout Beijing and parts of Manchuria, The Last Emperor was exquisitely shot by cinematographer, Vittorio Storaro, and cost a whopping US$25 million – hardly small change for 1987.

Life in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro has inspired many a writer and filmmaker. One of the most famous films of recent years to delve into the hardships of Brazilian slum life is the critically acclaimed 'City of God', which garnered a slew of awards worldwide.

Cidade de Deus (City of God) – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Instead of gorgeous beaches and nightlife, City of God dares to show a different side of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, based on a true story about a boy named Rocket growing up on the city’s outskirts. Taking place in the 1960s, the emotionally violent tale captures Rocket’s struggle to free himself from the clutches of his morally deficit setting. The story takes place over two decades, displaying how children living innocently in the favelas (slums) grow up to become drug lords battling for power and terrain. With sex, drugs and a soundtrack that just makes you want to samba, City of God is everything that you want it to be and more. Director Fernando Meirelles’ art direction is stunning, cinematically bringing to life the exquisite beauty of Brazil juxtaposed with the unsightliness of inhumanity.

The beautiful mountain oasis of Chebika in Tunisia is a popular film location. As well as featuring in the award-winning movie, 'The English Patient', this picturesque spot can also be seen in the recent Star Wars movies.

The English Patient – Tunisia

Tunisia has been the setting for many films, such as Star Wars, Jesus of Nazareth, and Raiders of the Lost Ark, but perhaps unbeknownst to most, it was the location for what is thought to be one of the most romantic films of all time: The English Patient. Although the film takes place in the Sahara Desert, it was actually filmed in Tunis and other parts of Tunisia, telling the tale of a passionate love affair that blossoms during an archaeological expedition into Egypt and Libya. Told in flashbacks, the movie exhibits brilliant scenes of the remote desert and the infinite rolling landscape, which sets the scene for a tumultuous journey of love and deceit.

A historically significant region of central Romania, Transylvania is a popular destination with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, but hardly a likely place for celeb spotting. This all changed in 2002, when Anthony Minghella enlisted the help of A-listers Nicole Kidman, Jude Law and Renee Zellweger to recreate a little piece of North Carolina in the Romanian countryside during the filming of 'Cold Mountain'.

Cold Mountain – Transylvania, Romania

A modern day Odyssey, the film Cold Mountain is the epic tale of a confederate soldier named Inman on a journey back to find his love, Ada, after the American Civil War. The gorgeous mountain scenery, which was meant to be Cold Mountain, North Carolina, was actually filmed in the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania in the Eastern European country of Romania. John Seale, the cinematographer, artistically captures the breathtaking magnificence of the rural Romanian countryside, which would almost be enough to make an excellent film, even without the romantic storyline. However, with an emotional narrative and an original bluegrass soundtrack, the film is a triple treat.

Much like the favelas of Rio, the sprawling slums of Mumbai have provided the backdrop to some of the most striking and affecting cinema on India. Both the recent smash hit 'Slumdog Millionaire' and its Hindi predecessor, 'Salaam Bombay!', have brought much-needed attention to the plight of street children in the poorest neighbourhoods of Mumbai. (Courtesy of Wikimedia / Iijjccoo)

Salaam Bombay! – Mumbai, India

Nominated for an Academy Award for best Foreign Language film, Salaam Bombay! is the powerful tale of Krishna, a young boy forced to leave his home in the slums of Mumbai to make money for his mother. Similar to the contemporary Slumdog Millionaire, Salaam Bombay! is a culturally vibrant movie that defies convention to show the underside of Mumbai and the life of neglected street kids. This Bollywood favourite is replete with complex characters and an arousing plot, but what perhaps makes the film so real is that most of the actors were actually street children from Mumbai. After the film went public, the director, Mira Nair, started the Salaam Baalak Trust to help street kids, which is still in existence today.

Jagged mountains, expansive desert, white-sand beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea comprise the dramatic scenery of Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Located in the far south of the Sinai Peninsula, in close proximity to vibrant coral reefs and with services developed around first-rate water sports, particularly scuba diving, what was once a simple fishing village has developed into one of the top holiday destinations in the Arab world and now encompasses the old town of Sharm el-Maya, Na’ama Bay and Sharks Bay.

Trekkers descend from the peak of Mount Sinai (Mount Horeb) after watching the legendary sunrise visible from its peak

Ras Mohamed National Park is only 12 kilometres from Sharm and covers the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula as well as two islands, Tiran and Sanafir. A stunning diversity of ecosystems exists within the national park, varying from underwater caves on the islands to salt marshes and inter-tidal flats. Snorkelling on a tour of Ras Mohamed by boat is an excellent way to explore the gorgeous, world-renowned coral reefs and marine life. The Nabq Protected Area is equally worthy of exploration and boasts inland deserts and mangroves.

Sharm El-Sheikh offers travellers much more than its water and beaches. Mount Sinai, the Biblical name for Mount Horeb, is purportedly the place at which Moses was given the Ten Commandments. St. Catherine’s Monastery is located at the foot of Mount Sinai and claims to be the world’s longest-inhabited monastery; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its cultural importance. While it would take weeks to fully explore more than 200 sacred sites in the area, one of the best ways to experience this holy mountain is on a Mount Sinai Tour, timed to take in a spectacular sunrise from Egypt’s highest peak. Alternatively, to experience life in the desert, embark on a camel ride followed by a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars.

Sharm’s old market place is a great shopping area, selling local, Sinai handicrafts. Sharm restaurants dishing up economical Egyptian fare can be found in the old market, while an assortment of other eateries serves everything from Chinese to Italian food in Na’ama Bay. After a long day of fun in the sun, chilling out in one of the many relaxing Sharm beach resorts is a rewarding and relaxing experience.

A scuba diver is haloed by a swirl of fish as he explores the depths of the Red Sea near Sharm El-Sheikh

The launch of www.sharmelsheikh-travels.com connects travellers with the whl.travel local connection, WHL Egypt, a team of locals in Sharm El-Sheikh whose hallmark is their friendliness and competence.

Speaking on behalf of WHL Egypt, Sherif Abdelwahab said “We hope that our partnership with whl.travel will raise the standard of services in Egypt. Our team is keen on guest’s comfort and we believe that Egypt has a lot of charming places for visitors to enjoy. One of these destinations is Sharm El-Sheikh, which is a real paradise, not only for its sandy beaches and turquoise water being back dropped with the majestic mountains of Sinai, but also for its local people, culture and history. Sharm El-Sheikh will help tourists become more familiar with the traditions, customs and lifestyle of local people.”

The Sharm El-Sheikh destination portal is the second for whl.travel in Egypt operated by the team at WHL Egypt, following the recent unveiling of a site covering Cairo.

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IN ARABIC / باللغة العربية

الجبال الشاهقه , الصحراء الرحبه , والشواطى ذات الرمال البيضاء ومياه البحر الاحمر الصافيه كلها تجتمع فى المناظر الخلابه لمدينه شرم الشيخ , مصر , والتى تقع فى اقصى جنوب شبه جزيرة سيناء , حيث يمكن للسائح ان يستمتع بالشعاب المرجانيه الحيه الى جانب مختلف الرياضات المائيه الحديثه وخاصا رحلات الغطس. وقد كانت شرم الشيخ قديما عبارة عن قريه صغيرة لصيد الاسماك ولكنها الان اصبحت من اشهر المدن السياحيه فى العالم العربى والتى تتكون من المدينه القديمه شرم المياه , شاطى نعمه باى, و شاركس باى.

A view of St. Catherine’s, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai

محميه رأس محمد , تبعد محميه رأس محمد عن مدينه شرم الشيخ حوالى 12 كم و تغطى معظم الجزء الجنوبى لشبه جزيرة سيناء بالاضافه الى جزيرة تيران وسنافير. تجمع محميه راس محمد بين شتى الانظمه البيئيه الساحرة ومختلف الكهوف الموجوده فى قاع البحر الى جانب الملاحات المغموره.

رحله سنوركلينج فى محميه رأس محمد , هى افضل الطرق لاستكشاف الشعاب المرجانيه البديعه والحياه البحريه. فمحميه نبق ,المليئه بالاشجار الاستوائيه, هى من الاماكن التى تتواجد فى الصحراء وتستحق القيام برحلات استكشافيه.

وهناك العديد من الانشطه التى يمكن ممارستها من مدينه شرم الشيخ مثل الرحلات الدينيه الى سانت كاترين الى جانب الاستمتاع بالمياه والشواطىء, مثل جبل موسى والمسمى فى التوراه بأسم جبل حورب وهو المكان الذى تلقى فيه موسى الوصايا العشر من ربه.

يقع دير سانت كاترين فى الطريق المؤدى الى جبل موسى والذى يعتقد انه من اكثر الاديرة فى العالم التى عمرت لفترات طويله, ولاهميته الثقافيه اعتبرته منظمه اليونيسكو احد الاماكن ذات التراث العالمى, واذا اردت ان تستكشف اكثر من 200 من الاماكن المقدسه الموجوده فى هذه المنطقه سوف يستغرق ذلك عده اسابيع, ومن افضل الطرق لزياره الجبل المقدس هو عن طريق رحله الى جبل موسى ومن اعلى قمه جبل موسى يمكنك الاستمتاع بشروق الشمس المبهر. ومن ناحيه اخرى يمكنك قضاء وقت ممتع فى الصحراء وذلك بعمل رحله بالجمال والتى يتبعها عشاء بدوى يشمل مشويات متنوعه تحت سماء النجوم المبهرة.

يمكنك ايضا التجول فى سوق شرم الشيخ القديم , والمزود بالمنتجات المحليه المصنوعه يدويا . وكذلك يوجد مطاعم مختلفه فى شرم الشيخ والتى تقدم اطعمه متنوعه بدءا من الاطعمه الصينيه والايطاليه فى منطقه نعمه باى. وبعد قضاء يوم ممتع تحت اشعه الشمس يمكنك الاسترخاء باحدى شواطىء المنتجعات السياحيه الموجوده فى شرم الشيخ.

A Red Sea scuba diver revels in the spectacular colours and sea life of one of Sharm El-Sheikh's spectacular reefs

ان نشر موقع شرم الشيخ , سوف يعطى فرصه للسائحين للاتصال بمجموعه دبليو اتش ال, و يتميز فريق عمل دبليو اتش ال شرم الشيخ , بالود والتعاون والكفاءة.

وعلى لسان السيد / شريف عبد الوهاب “اننا نأمل ان مشاركتنا مع دبليو اتش ال سوف ترفع من مستوى الخدمات فى مصر, ويسعى فريق عمل دبليو اتش ال مصر الى راحه السائحين حيت ان مصر تمتلك العديد من الاماكن السياحيه الخلابه والممتعه. وشرم الشيخ هى واحده من هذة المناطق السياحيه فهى تعتبر احدى مناطق البحر الاحمر الساحرة ليس فقط لشواطئها الجميله والمياه الزرقاء وقربها من جبل موسى ولكن لثقافه اهلها وتاريخهم المجيد. ومن مزايا مدينه شرم الشيخ انها تساعد السائحين على التعرف على عادات وتقاليد واسلوب حياه الشعب المصرى.

ويعتبر موقع شرم الشيخ ثانى مواقع دبليو اتش ال مصر والتى يمثلها فريق عمل دبليو اتش ال مصر بعد انطلاق موقع القاهرة.

This picture was taken on Bahia de Los Sueños (Dream’s Bay), a beach located directly southwest of the city of La Paz in Baja California Sur. Bahia de los Sueños is known for its solitude, marine wildlife, crystalline waters and white sand. It shows a hermit crab walking across the sand, making its way home. Creatures like this are easily overlooked, but are just one example of the busy ecosystems that are active all around us when you have time to look a little closer.

Los Cabos started to develop its tourism activity in the 1980s and is now famous around the world for its exclusive hotels, variety of eco-friendly programmes and a wide range of activities, including snorkelling, hiking, diving, kayaking, zip lines, sport fishing and much, much more.

Along the Los Cabos coastline, visitors can observe wildlife in its splendid natural state. Walking on a beach on a sunny day is a wonderful experience and is the activity favoured most by locals. The desert area inland from the coast makes for a breathtaking contrast of scenery and acts as a perfect staging ground for extreme adventures such as ATV raids or zip-lining around the canyons.

Nowadays, Los Cabos is prepared to give every visitor a different experience every day: adventure, cultural and gastronomic experiences, a family weekend, a romantic getaway and even just a quiet and relaxing vacation. Los Cabos truly has something for everybody. Especially the hermit crabs!

The construction of dhows, the same traditional trading vessels used in the area centuries ago, is a major industry in the city of Sur, a northeastern regional capital of Oman

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is usually the first stop for visitors to the country. Despite its small size, it is replete with things to see and do. Literally meaning ‘anchor,’ Muscat is a port city that has carefully adopted modern-day conveniences without disturbing its charming Arabesque architecture or the forts and palaces of its past. Although considered a desert centre, Muscat could justifiably be called a ‘garden city’ with its numerous parks and green areas promising respite from the sweltering midday sun.

Oman hotels cover a wide variety of urban tastes, as well as desires for retreat beyond the bustle of town. For example, the Turtle Reservation Scientific Research Centre now includes a new lodge, and Qurum Beach and the quiet bay of Bandar Al-Jissah have become popular havens for travellers in search of water-based activities like sailing and dolphin-watching.

whl.travel’s launch of www.hotels-oman.com opens Oman to the local-travel community through its connection to Will Plummer and the team of Alanaka Tours.

Fully aware of the detrimental effects that mass tourism can have on a destination, Will and the team strive to promote responsible tourism in Oman, allowing travellers to explore their incredible destination without making much of a negative impact. A number of unique Oman tours are led by local guides, limited to 12 people per tour and only follow existing trails. As desert camping is much in demand, Alanaka Tours uses local Omani partners to provide accommodation and tents are equipped with eco-friendly toilets.

Work on the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque of Oman was completed in 2001. It contains the world's largest single hand-woven carpet, measuring 70m by 60m.

Says Will about joining the whl.travel network: “The ability to travel and explore new destinations is one that this generation has had the great privilege to enjoy, and long may this continue. We are all acutely aware though of the damage that is being done to the planet and as a traveller can see the effects that tourism has had on communities and landscapes. If we don’t collectively take action to ensure that environments and local economies are protected rather than being exploited, if we don’t take action to ensure new tourist-related building work is built in an environmentally considerate manner, then we will not only contribute to the destruction of the planet but will ruin the very heart of what makes visiting new countries so exciting – the people and the places themselves. Tourism will become a chore rather than the pleasure it should be.”

The northwest Indian city of Jaipur has almost always been known as the ‘Pink City’. Some attribute the name to city designer’s attempt to imitate Mughal architecture, notable for its use of red sandstone; others point to an 1873 visit by Edward VII, the then Prince of Wales, preparation for which prompted painting much of the city in pink.

The facade of the Jaipur Palace is hidden behind the amazing bustle of the Pink City of Jaipur - a hard-to-imagine flow of traffic. Villagers and locals come every day for trading, buying, selling and festivals.

The tones have faded in the Indian sun to the warm reds that characterise Jaipur today. Internationally renowned for the regularity of its layout, planned primarily its 18th-century founder and ruler, Jai Singh II, Jaipur has also been described as the ‘Paris of India’.

As capital of the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur bears many hallmarks of the region’s martial past. Towering ancient forts serve as a reminder of the battles fought over precious territory on the periphery of the Great Indian Desert. A long way from the stark utilitarianism of most strongholds, the fortresses of Nahargarh and Jaigarh are just two examples of the exquisite craftsmanship sought by the warrior castes of days gone by. The Amber Fort is an undisputed masterpiece of both structural engineering and aesthetics. Ascending the long path to its main gate on elephant back is a moving experience. It’s hard not to be impressed by the pervasive influence of noble tradition that colours the city, and its proximity to profoundly religious sites serves as a reminder of the deep importance of spirituality to India’s development.

Jaipur streets are a hive of activity, with plenty of things to seek out and explore. Its wide cobbled streets are lined with bustling stores selling everything from dairy products to jewellery; it’s easy to lose several hours simply soaking up the daily goings-on as you wander. To help you navigate, remember that the Jaipur Palace is strategically positioned at the centre of town with settlements radiating out around it in a carefully planned fashion. The Old City’s fortified wall also serves as a valuable waypoint, one useful for any tour of town. Once your feet can take no more, settle into any of a wide selection of Jaipur hotels, spend time in the shopping district or feast on local specialties in the city’s many restaurants.

whl.travel’s launch of www.jaipur-hotels.co.in connects travellers to local expert Viney Tyagi and the team at Uni-Crystal Holidays. Viney, speaking for his team, had the following to say about joining the network: “Uni-Crystal Holidays was born for real tourism and is going great each year. Its association with whl.travel is getting stronger since we have the Agra site already launched. Now the Jaipur site is available and we are working on the new New Delhi site. We are looking forward to serving a class of people who care for other people of the world.”

The Jaipur destination portal follows on those for Agra, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad and Pune.

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IN RAJASTHANI / RAJASTHANI MEIN:

Jaipur bharat re uttar paschim mey basiyo hey, ann sagla jan iiney gulabi sheher re naam un jane hai. Koi – koi kewe hai ki jo Mugal Karigari iiney banawane gulabi/laal bhato kaam mey lido hai jun iney gulabi shehar kewe hai, ann jyadatar log inn bat ne jaane hai ki jadi 1873 mein Edward saptam jaipur aaya ha jadi jaipur maharaja sahib wankey swagat mein sagla shehar ra makana ney gulabi rang unn rangwa dida ha.

A ride on top of a beautifully decorated elephant up the ramparts of the Amber Fort is a one-of-a-kind experience that imparts a sense of the past when Rajput royalty was at its height of influence

Jadi sun hi iiney gulabi shehar kewa lag giya. Yeh rang abb dhup ann garmi unn halka pad giya hey. Bahar videsha mein inn shehar ney Maharaja Jai Singh II dwara 18th shatabdi mein innki aachi basawat vastey jaaney hai. Iiney Bharat ra Paris re naam unn bhi jaaney hai.

Rajasthan ri rajdhani weva ri vajeun yo shehar aapan mein kai yaadan unn nishan sametiya hai. Uncha – uncha garh – killa aapni beshkimti mahan bhartiya registani seema re wastey laddi gai purana jamana ri ladaiyan unn yudhan ri yaad dewave hai. Nahargarh unn Jaigarh unn jamana re khstriyaan ri garh Killa banawa ri kushalta batave hai. Amber Garh to Karigari ann suraksha ro ek addwitiya udaharan hai. Haathi par beth unn innka Khuraja chadwa ro ek allag hi majo hai. Inn shehar ra riiti – riwaz, rajsi thath baath  ann ranga re allawa dharm – sthalaan ro bhi shehar mein bado mahatwa ann bol balo hai ann loga mein dharm ri badi bhawna hai.

Jaipur shehar ri Galiyaan mein khub chahal pahal rewe hai ann inn galiyaan mein Khojwa unn karwa ne hkei cheeja hein. Inn galiyaan ann bazaraan ri jhama jhum dukana dudh dahi unn lein jewraat tak beche hai. Yaan mein kei ghanta bitaya jai sake hai unn pato hi ni chale ki katro samey ho giyo hai. Jaipur Rajmahal shehar re beecho bich basiyodo hai, jo ki inney banawta vakhat jai singh ji khaas dhyaan mein raakh unn banayo ho. Purana shehar ri unchi Kot (Shehar Kot) aakha shehar ne simetiya hai unn suraksha deve hai. Inn purana shehar mein bhi dekhwa unn ghumwa re wastey ghani cheejan hai. Jaipur ri hotlaan, Khariddaari, unn khaawa piwa re liye khano ka hotel bhi Ghana hai.

whl.travel ro launch www.jaipur-hotels.co.in sagla touristaan ney local expert VINEY TYAGI unn yaanki team Uni-Crystal Holidays suun jode hai. VINEY aapni team ne inn network unn judwa re sambandh mein keno chave hai ki: “Uni-Crystal Holidays ro janam hi sachha paryatan re waste huwo hai unn yo har saal aacho kam kar riyo hai unn badto hi jai riyo hai. whl.travel re saathe maanko sambandh  aur katho unn majboot weto jai riyo hai kyonki maan pela hi Agra portal launch kar dido hai. Maanki jaipur ri site phelan hi kaam kar ri hai unn maan abbey dilli ri site par kaam kar riya han. Maanko vichar ashya manka ri sewa karwa ko hai jo dujan manka re bare main vichar karta ve.”

Jaipur ro destination portal whl.travel desh ro aathwo portal hai. Pela unn mauzud portal hai – Agra, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad unn Pune.

Travellers to Hammamet are routinely amazed by the sheer beauty of the ‘Tunisian Saint Tropez’. Frequented even during ancient Roman times because of its healing mineral baths and known today for its historic medina and beautiful beaches, Hammamet practically oozes tradition.

Houses in the Medina look out over the tranquil, azure waters of the Gulf of Hammamet

Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea at the start of trade trails leading deep into the Sahara Desert, Hammamet’s Medina, or Old City, is surrounded by a series of early 16th-century fortifications. Setting foot within is like stepping back in time as you wander past donkeys and street vendors in the city’s narrow lanes or take in the largest Roman necropolis in Africa at the ruins of Pupput.

If your appetite for history has been whetted, head north for a day-trip exploration of the ancient ruins of Carthage, west on a Roman Cities Tour or further afield south to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kairouan, Capital of Islamic Culture 2009 and North Africa’s holiest city.

If you’re able to pry yourself away from sunbathing on spotless beaches and want to see more of Hammamet’s gorgeous Mediterranean coast, the city sits on the edge of the Cap Bon Peninsula, which can be is best taken in on a day trip. A tour takes in the area’s outstanding natural beauty as well as local craftsmen at work.

Of course, Hammamet hotels could act as your base of operations for seeing the sights, tastes and sounds of Hammamet as well as the wider area.

whl.travel’s launch of www.travel-hammamet.com, which covers Hammamet and Nabeul, connects travellers with Tarak and the team at Capitol Travel.

The Triumphal Arch of Antoninus marks the entrance to the ruins of the Roman city of Sufetula, very close to modern day Sbeitla

On behalf of the Capitol Travel Team, Tarak Ben Rached says: “We are passionate about the destinations we serve and take great pleasure in being in direct contact with our guests and changing their preconceptions of Tunisia. For us, cultural exchange and the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life are the most rewarding aspects of working in tourism.”

Hammamet is the first whl.travel destination portal to be launched for Tunisia.

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EN FRANÇAIS / IN FRENCH:

Les voyageurs à Hammamet sont régulièrement surpris par la beauté de la ‘Saint Tropez Tunisienne’. Fréquentées, même pendant l’antiquité romaine en raison de ses bains theramaux de guérison et connu aujourd’hui pour son historique médina et de ses belles plages, Hammamet veille a conserver ses traditions.

Situé sur les rives de la mer Méditerranée au départ de sentiers pour le désert et le Sahara, la Médina, ou la vieille ville, est entouré par une série de fortifications du début du 16e siècle. En mettant le pied dedans c’est comme remonter dans le temps ; vous vous promenez dans les ruelles étroites de la ville ou prenez le temps de visiter la plus importante nécropole romaine en Afrique dans les ruines de Pupput.

Customers enjoy a quiet drink in the famous Cafe Bouhdid, just outside Hammamet's ancient walls

Si votre appétit pour l’histoire a été aiguisé, allez au nord pour une journée d’exploration  des ruines antiques de Carthage, à l’ouest sur une tour des villes romaines ou plus loin au sud vers le Site du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO de Kairouan, Capitale de la culture islamique 2009 et ville la plus sainte du Nord de l’Afrique.

Si vous êtes capable de vous grappiller des bains de soleil sur les plages immaculées et que vous souhaitez voir la plus magnifiques côte méditerranéenne de Hammamet, la ville est située sur le bord de la Péninsule du Cap Bon, Qui peut être plutôt des mesures sur un Day Trip. Une visite dure en beauté naturelle exceptionnelle de la région ainsi que des artisans locaux au travail.

Bien sûr, Hammamet hôtels pourrait agir comme base d’opérations pour voir les images, les goûts et les sons de Hammamet Ainsi que la zone en plus large.

whl.travel en lancement de www.travel-hammamet.com, qui couvre Hammamet et Nabeul, relie les voyageurs avec Tarak et l’équipe de Capitol Travel.

Au nom de l’équipe de Capitol Travel, Tarak Ben Rached a écrit: “Nous sommes passionnés par les destinations que nous desservons et de prendre beaucoup de plaisir à être en contact direct avec nos invités et de changer leurs idées préconçues de la  Tunisie. Pour nous, les échanges culturels et la possibilité d’interagir avec des personnes de tous les milieux de vie sont les aspects les plus gratifiants de travailler dans le tourisme. ”

Hammamet est le premier portail de whl.travel qui sera lancé pour la Tunisie.