News Stories

Elephant Exploitation for Tourism: From Zoos to Jungle Treks

The ethics of using animals for the amusement of tourists was again called into question recently following an attack on an animal keeper in Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney, Australia. Lucy Melo was rushed to hospital in a critical condition…

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Progress Made on Eliminating HIV Travel Restrictions

Despite a growing global effort to end discrimination towards individuals with HIV, 45 countries currently enforce travel restrictions against people living with the disease. The United Nations and GCBHealth (formerly the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria) are…

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Overcrowding on Everest Raises Concerns

Summiting the world’s highest peak is a feat unto itself, but for many who have paid in the range of 35,000 to 50,000 US dollars, the ascent of Mount Everest can be deadly not only because of the harsh conditions…

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Burma’s New Environmental Challenges and Opportunities

The recent political opening of Burma (Myanmar) after decades of isolation is bringing new environmental challenges as the country struggles to modernize and develop its infrastructure and policy framework.
Due to its long isolation, Burma’s natural riches remain largely undeveloped.…

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Bike Tourism a Rising Trend

No longer just for the athletic elite, bike tours are becoming a fast-growing trend in the travel industry—and tour operators have taken notice. Travelers are seeking out bike tours to stay active, minimize environmental impact, and experience diverse landscapes and cityscapes at…

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World Heritage Site Timbuktu Threatened

The irreplaceable historic and architectural treasures of Mali’s great desert city, Timbuktu, are under threat of destruction by Islamist rebels occupying the city. Timbuktu, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, has already suffered several attacks on its religious monuments, including…

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Orphanage Tourism in Cambodia Means Big Business

Since Cambodia’s return to peace in the 1990s, tourism has boomed with more than two million visitors every year. For many of these travelers, a visit to an orphanage has become an essential part of any Cambodian tour. The directors…

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2012 Tourism for Tomorrow Award Winners Announced

The World Travel and Tourism Council recently announced the winners of the 2012 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, which recognize world leaders in sustainable tourism. According to the Council, the awards were created to highlight and honor best practices “beyond short-term…

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South Africa Leads the Way in Medical Tourism

Despite an overburdened and under-resourced public healthcare system, South Africa is fast becoming a top medical tourism destination in the private care sector because of the professionalism and polish of its private treatment packages, new research reveals.
The Southern African…

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Honeyteering: Newlywed Couples Find Meaningful Honeymoon Experiences in Volunteering

The traditional image of a honeymoon involves relaxing on a pristine white sand beach, sipping on drinks with umbrellas in them while gazing out at the crystal blue waters. But more and more newlywed couples are choosing something radically different…

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