World News

Syria has begun granting visas again for US citizens, after a period of difficult travel conditions to the country for Americans. Syria closed to tourists when the COVID pandemic initially struck 2 years ago and gradually reintroduced visas for visitors from certain destinations – including the UK and EU. 

However, restrictions remained in place for US citizens, with no visas being issued, until last month. The country has now relaxed its US ruling and it means Americans can now join us on our fixed date group adventure in September to Syria, as well as private trips at any time of the year.  

With a little over a month to go for the 52nd Asian Area Congress in Bali, Skal has issued a special subsidy for attendees. This will be the first Congress held in person since 2019, and the organization wants to see all clubs represented.

Skal realizes that air fares have increased over the past 4 years, and as such, to encourage clubs to attend, the SIAA Board at its recently concluded Board Meeting decided to offer a subsidy of US$200 per Skal member for registration, up to a maximum of 3 registrations for each Asian Area Club.

Noted American jazz performers used music to support African Americans’ struggle for civil rights during the mid-20th century.

In 1958, jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins recorded ‘The Freedom Suite’ with drummer Max Roach and bassist Oscar Pettiford. The song’s theme was groundbreaking, and its length — nearly 20 minutes — was unusual.

The 2nd edition of the World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC), organized by UNWTO, Government of Croatia through its Ministry of Tourism and Sport, and the Affiliate Member Croatian National Tourist Board, brought together experts and leaders from across the sports and tourism sectors, alongside representatives of destinations and businesses.

The countdown to the 25th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival intensifies with 19 electrifying new musical acts revealed. The Festival - from 22-24 June at Warner Park Stadium - showcasing a mix of Soul, Soca, Jazz, R&B, Reggae, and more.

The musical versatility unites A-list musicians, island visitors, and locals for a memorable celebration of culture and entertainment. The latest performers named to the Festival schedule include: Burna Boy, AkaiiUSweet, Kollision Band, Small Axe Band, Stadics, Erica Edwards, Anthony B, Romain Virgo, Teejay, Nicha B, 313 Family, Mr. Bagnall, Kes the Band, Nailah Blackman, Preedy, Gramps Morgan, Nu Vybes Band International, Ricardo Drue and Dexta Daps.

The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture further advanced its focus on Domestic Tourism by partnering with passionate creative Digital Content Creators.

On the 17th April, 2023, the Ministry held an award ceremony and launched an Our Islands, Our Vibes Content Creators’ Competition to increase local patronage of the tourism products and services offered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Yas Island Abu Dhabi, the world's leading leisure and entertainment destination, appoints Jason Momoa to be the destination's newest Chief Island Officer. American actor Jason Momoa assumes the former role of stand-up comedian Kevin Hart who announced the end of his reign as Chief Island Officer earlier this year, after making Yas Island hart-to-beat.

Renowned author, professor and political commentator, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, has been invited to be the keynote speaker at the University of the Virgin Islands’ 59th Commencement Ceremonies on May 11 and 12, on St. Croix and St. Thomas, respectively.

Dr. Dyson currently serves as the Centennial Chair at Vanderbilt University. He holds positions as the University Distinguished Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies in the College of Arts and Science, as well as the University Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Society in the Divinity School.

Entrepreneur Bonnie Naua, of Papua New Guinea, displays her designs at the first regional U.S. Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Summit in Malaysia in March. (State Dept./Amelia Shaw)

Bonnie Naua has felt a connection with clothing since she was 19 and earned runner-up in the 1992 Miss Papua New Guinea pageant. Now, as owner of Saroni Tailoring Services, she designs clothes that reflect the vibrant cultural heritage of her island home.

The first Cities Summit of the Americas the week of April 24 in Denver will bring together leaders from city, state and regional governments across the Western Hemisphere. President Biden announced the event at the Ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles in June 2022.

In addition to government leaders, the summit will include representatives from the region’s youth, arts and culture groups, as well as indigenous and previously underrepresented groups. The summit will build relationships and advance regional cooperation in a wide variety of subject areas.

Royal Queen Seeds (RQS) made history in Times Square with its latest advertisement.

The company has secured a prime spot in New York's world-famous square. The exclusive message commemorates the city's first 4/20 as a legal market, a historic date in cannabis culture and recreational use.

After eight months of unpredictable strikes at Germany’s airports, and train services, a compromise has been reached Saturday night just around midnight.

Those 2.5 million people working in the German transportation service can expect a payment of EURO 3,000.00 each for inflation adjustment. In addition, salaries will increase on a step-by-step basis in 2024.

Tata Communications, a global digital ecosystem enabler, today announces its commitment to be Net Zero by 2035 across its global operations. On this Earth Day 2023, Tata Communications aims to 'Invest in our Planet' in its drive to accelerate and make a stronger sustainability promise for the Earth.

As part of this, the Company outlines the 3Cs for environment protection and empowering enterprises through:

The World’s Best Airline has opened the new Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Hamad International Airport (HIA) named ‘The Garden’. The lounge overlooks ‘The ORCHARD’, surrounded by renowned retailers and restaurants, while offering uniquely designed relaxation spaces and areas to socialise and indulge in a scenic masterpiece.

The Muslim festival of Eid ul Fitr is now upon us to celebrate the end of Ramadan - the month of fasting on the first day of the 10th month of the Islamic calendar and in 2023 begins today. Saudi Arabia confirmed the crescent moon sighting and said that Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated on April 21.

During Ramadan Muslims were fasting by refraining from eating or drinking during hours of daylight, whilst also remembering the month the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Now is the time for the special celebrations.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Christophe Harbour, a luxury oceanfront resort in St. Kitts and Nevis, embraces the importance of supporting local art and fostering tourism linkages with the creative arts community in the twin-island nation. 

General Manager Richard Elliott says he is proud to share the resort’s commitment to incorporating the local culture and heritage into the guest experience, ensuring visitors a unique and authentic journey.