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3bet999 Israeli airstrikes killed a hospital director at his home in northeastern Lebanon and six others, while at least five paramedics were killed by Israeli strikes in the country's south on Friday, Lebanon's Health Ministry said. The United Nations reported heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. Four Italian peacekeepers were lightly wounded when a rocket, likely fired by Hezbollah, hit their base, the U.N. said. A full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in September after nearly a year of lower-intensity conflict. More than 3,640 people have been killed in Lebanon and 15,350 wounded, the majority following Israel’s escalation and ground invasion, the Health Ministry said Friday. In Gaza, Israeli strikes hit Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of the territory, wounding six medical staff and damaging its generator and oxygen systems, the hospital director said Friday. More than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, the Health Ministry said. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250 . Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Here’s the Latest: BEIRUT — An Israeli airstrike killed the director of a university hospital and six others at his home in northeastern Lebanon, state media said. The strike targeted Dr. Ali Allam’s house near Dar Al-Amal Hospital, the largest health center in Baalbek-Hermel province, which has provided vital health services amid Israel's campaign of airstrikes, the Health Ministry said. State-run media reported that the strike came without warning. The ministry described his death as a “great loss,” and provincial governor Bachir Khodr said in a post on X that, “Mr. Allam was one of the best citizens of Baalbek.” In two separate episodes on Friday, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed five paramedics with Hezbollah's medical arm, the Health Ministry said, describing it as “war crime.” The militant group provides extensive social services, including running schools and health clinics. In a report published Friday, the World Health Organization said nearly half of all attacks on health care in Lebanon since Oct. 7, 2023, have resulted in fatalities. “This is a higher percentage than in any active conflict today across the globe,” WHO said. In Lebanon, 226 health workers and patients were killed and 199 were injured between Oct. 7, 2023 and Nov. 18, 2024, the report said. The Health Ministry said Friday that 3,645 people have been killed in nearly 14 months of war between Hezbollah and Israel, while 15,356 were wounded, the majority following Israel’s escalation in late September. The death count includes 692 women and 231 children. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israeli strikes hit Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of Gaza, wounding six medical staff and damaging its generator and oxygen systems, its director said Friday. Hossam Abu Safiya said the strikes before dawn Friday hit the entrance of the emergency unit as well as in the hospital courtyard. He said two members of the nursing staff suffered critical injuries. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Abu Safiya said the strikes caused damage to the functioning of the generator and disrupted oxygen supplies. The hospital is currently treating 85 wounded, 14 children in the pediatric ward and four newborns in the neonatal unit, he said. During the past month, Kamal Adwan Hospital has been hit several times, was put under siege and raided by Israeli troops, who are waging a heavy offensive in the nearby Jabaliya refugee camp and towns of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya. The Israeli military says it detained Hamas fighters hiding in the hospital, a claim its staff denies. UNITED NATIONS – Two rockets hit a headquarters of the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, injuring four Italian peacekeepers, the United Nations says. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the rockets were likely launched by Hezbollah militants or by affiliated groups Friday, impacting a bunker and a logistics area in the southwest headquarters at Chamaa. One of the structures that was hit caught fire, and the blaze was swiftly put out by U.N. staff, he said. According to Italy’s Defense Ministry, some glass shattered due to the explosion, hitting the four soldiers. Dujarric said the four injured peacekeepers were receiving treatment at the medical facility of the mission, known as UNIFIL. “Thankfully, none of the injuries are life-threatening,” he said. Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called the attack on the UNIFIL base “intolerable.” He reiterated that the Italian contingent remains in southern Lebanon “to offer a window of opportunity for peace, and cannot become hostage to militia attacks.” Dujarric said Friday’s attack was the third on Chamaa in a week and came amid heavy shelling and ground skirmishes in the Chamaa and Naqoura areas in recent days. UNIFIL’s main headquarters is in Naqoura. Friday’s attack follows a rocket attack on a UNIFIL base east of the village of Ramyah on Tuesday that injured four peacekeepers from Ghana. Dujarric said UNIFIL strongly urges Hezbollah and its affiliates and Israel to avoid fighting near its positions, which are supposed to be protected. “We remind all parties that any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law” and the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, he said. BEIRUT — Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs and the southern port city of Tyre on Friday, after the Israeli army issued several evacuation warnings saying it is targeting Hezbollah sites. The strikes in Beirut came dangerously close to central Beirut and Christian neighborhoods. One strike hit a building housing a gym and medical and beauty clinics, located just meters (yards) from a Lebanese army base. “What is there in the building to target? This attack they carried out on us in this building is a criminal and vile act,” resident Hassan Najdi told The Associated Press. “Because if their intention is targeting Hezbollah, this building has nothing to do with Hezbollah.” Najdi said he purchased an apartment in the building last year but had not yet moved in. He allowed a displaced family to move in and urgently asked them to evacuate after receiving the Israeli warning. The blasts sent plumes of smoke into the air and shattered glass in the vicinity. No casualties have been reported, but the strikes caused damage to nearby infrastructure and a key road connecting central Beirut to its southern suburbs. “We remain steadfast,” said Ali Daher, an employee at a mall facing the targeted building. “Everything that is lost can be replaced, and whatever is destroyed can be rebuilt in (no time).” In Tyre city, the Israeli military conducted multiple airstrikes after a series of warnings, claiming the targets belonged to Hezbollah’s Aziz unit, accusing it of firing projectiles into Israel. The Israeli military carried out other airstrikes across Lebanon, many without warnings, as heavy fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in villages along the Lebanon-Israel border intensified. ROME — Italy said Friday it plans to discuss the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court over the Israel-Hamas war when it hosts Group of Seven foreign ministers next week. Premier Giorgia Meloni insisted that one point remained clear for Italy: “There can be no equivalence between the responsibilities of the state of Israel and the terrorist organization of Hamas.” Italy is a founding member of the court and hosted the 1998 Rome conference that gave birth to it. But Meloni’s right-wing government has been a strong supporter of Israel after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, while also providing humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. In a statement Friday, Meloni said Italy would study the reasonings behind the decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy respects the ICC and supports it. “But at the same time we are also convinced that the court must have a judicial role, and should not take up a political role.” Tajani will host G7 foreign ministers Monday and Tuesday outside Rome for the final meeting of the Italian G7 presidency. “As far as decisions are concerned, we will take them together with our allies,” Tajani said. During the G7 meetings, “we will talk about this with my allies there, and we will see what to do next.” Another member of the governing coalition, the outspoken Transport Minister Matteo Salvini was more defiant in supporting Israel. “If Netanyahu comes to Italy he will be welcomed,” Salvini was quoted by Italian media as saying. This item has been updated to correct that Salvini spoke of a potential Netanyahu visit to Italy, not Israel. ROME — Four Italian soldiers were slightly injured after two exploding rockets hit the United Nations' peacekeeping mission base on Friday in Chamaa in southern Lebanon, Italy's defense ministry said. Initial information suggested that two rockets hit a bunker and a room of the mission base, damaging the surrounding infrastructure, the ministry said. Shattered glass hit the four soldiers. The incident was the latest in which UN peacekeeping posts have been hit since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon on Oct. 1, leaving a number of peacekeepers wounded. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto called Friday's attack “intolerable.” He said he will try to speak to the new Israeli Defense Minister to ask him “to avoid using the UNIFIL bases as a shield.” Crosetto said the conditions of the four Italian soldiers “did not cause concern.” He reiterated that the Italian contingent remains in southern Lebanon “to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks.” Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni on Friday said she learned about the new attack with “deep indignation and concern.” Meloni reiterated that “such attacks are unacceptable,” renewing her appeal for the parties on the ground “to guarantee, at all times, the safety of UNIFIL soldiers and to collaborate to quickly identify those responsible.” GENEVA — The World Health Organization says nearly half of the attacks on health care in Lebanon have been deadly since the Middle East conflict erupted in October last year, the highest such rate anywhere in the world. The U.N. health agency says 65 out of 137, or 47%, of recorded “attacks on health care” in Lebanon over that time period have proven fatal to at least one person, and often many more. WHO’s running global tally counts attacks, whether deliberate or not, that affect places like hospitals, clinics, medical transport, and warehouses for medical supplies, as well as medics, doctors, nurses and the patients they treat. Nearly half of attacks on health care in Lebanon since last October and the majority of deaths occurred since an intensified Israeli military campaign began against Hezbollah militants in the country two months ago. The health agency said 226 health workers and patients have been killed and 199 injured in Lebanon between Oct. 7, 2023 and this Monday. JERUSALEM — Israel’s new defense minister said Friday that he would stop issuing warrants to arrest West Bank settlers or hold them without charge or trial — a largely symbolic move that rights groups said risks emboldening settler violence in the Israeli-occupied territory. Israel Katz called the arrest warrants “severe” and said issuing them was “inappropriate” as Palestinian militant attacks on settlers in the territory grow more frequent. He said settlers could be “brought to justice” in other ways. The move protects Israeli settlers from being held in “administrative detention,” a shadowy form of incarceration where people are held without charge or trial. Settlers are rarely arrested in the West Bank, where settler violence against Palestinians has spiraled since the outbreak of the war Oct. 7. Katz’s decision was celebrated by far-right coalition allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. National Security Minister and settler firebrand Itamar Ben-Gvir applauded Katz and called the move a “correction of many years of mistreatment” and “justice for those who love the land.” Since Oct. 7, 2023, violence toward Palestinians by Israeli settlers has soared to new heights, displacing at least 19 entire Palestinian communities, according to Israeli rights group Peace Now. In that time, attacks by Palestinian militants on settlers and within Israel have also grown more common. An increasing number of Palestinians have been placed in administrative detention. Israel holds 3,443 administrative detainees in prison, according to data from the Israeli Prison Service, reported by rights group Hamoked. That figure stood around 1,200 just before the start of the war. The vast majority of them are Palestinian, with only a handful at any given time Israeli Jews, said Jessica Montell, the director of Hamoked. “All of these detentions without charge or trial are illegitimate, but to declare that this measure will only be used against Palestinians...is to explicitly entrench another form of ethnic discrimination,” said Montell. BERLIN — A German official has suggested that his country would be reluctant to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. The ICC’s warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant put Germany, a staunch ally of Israel, in an awkward position. The government said in a statement Friday that it is one of the ICC’s biggest supporters, but “at the same time, it is a consequence of German history that unique relations and a great responsibility connect us with Israel.” The government said it takes note of the arrest warrants and that “we will examine conscientiously the domestic steps.” It said that any further steps would only be an issue if a visit by Netanyahu or Gallant were “foreseeable.” Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit was pressed repeatedly at a regular news conference on whether it would be conceivable to arrest an Israeli prime minister. He replied: "It’s hard for me to imagine that we would carry out arrests in Germany on this basis.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday refused to comment on the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, saying that the court's rulings are “insignificant” for Russia, which doesn’t recognizes the court’s jurisdiction. The ICC last year issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and a number of other top Russian officials, accusing them of war crimes in Ukraine. The Kremlin has brushed off the warrants, saying that in Moscow’s eyes they’re “null and void.” Asked if the ICC warrants for Netanyahu and others can help resolve the tensions in the Middle East, Peskov said: “Well, in general, the actions of the ICC are unlikely to help anything. That’s the first thing. And secondly, we don’t see any point in commenting on this in any way, because for us these rulings are insignificant.” DEIR AL-BALAH, The Gaza Strip — Large crowds of displaced people crammed themselves in front of a bakery in the Gaza Strip for the second day in a row, desperate to get their share of bread after bakeries closed for five days due to a flour shortage and the lack of aid. “I am a 61-year-old man. This is the third day that I have come to Zadna Bakery and I still cannot get bread ... I have children to feed,” said Majdi Yaghi, a displaced man from Gaza City. The price of a small bag of pita bread increased to $16 by Friday, a stark increase from about 80 cents last month. A bag of pasta now costs $4 and a small bag of sugar costs nearly $14. That has left many Palestinian families surviving on one meal a day and reliant on charitable kitchens to survive. In Khan Younis, women and children lined up at the al-Dalu charitable kitchen for bulgur, the only food available at the makeshift charity. One of the workers there, Anas al-Dalu, told the AP that they cook ten pots every day of either rice, beans, or bulgur. But that hardly fills the need for the thousands of people displaced in the area. “The charity here is in a difficult situation. It is a drop in the ocean, and there is no aid or charities. There is nothing," said Nour Kanani, a displaced man from Khan Younis. “It is a crisis in every sense of the word. There is no flour, no charities, and no food.” BEIRUT — Israeli troops fought fierce battles with Hezbollah fighters on Friday in different areas in south Lebanon, including a coastal town that is home to the headquarters of U.N. peacekeepers. A spokesman for the U.N. peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL told The Associated Press that they are monitoring “heavy clashes” in the coastal town of Naqoura and the village of Chamaa to the northeast. UNIFIL’s headquarters are located in Naqoura in Lebanon’s southern edge close to the border with Israel. “We are aware of heavy shelling in the vicinity of our bases,” UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti said. Asked if the peacekeepers and staff at the headquarters are safe, Tenenti said: “Yes for the moment.” Several UNIFIL posts have been hit since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon on Oct. 1, leaving a number of peacekeepers wounded.

Friday, December 20, 2024 The world of travel is ever-evolving, and as we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that the tourism landscape will be shaped by new trends, emerging technologies, and shifting consumer priorities. Travelers are becoming more conscious of sustainability, wellness, and unique experiences that go beyond the typical vacation. This article dives into the key travel trends and predictions for 2025, offering insight into what’s next for globetrotters and the tourism industry alike. Sustainability has been a growing priority for travelers in recent years, and in 2025, this trend will only gain momentum. Eco-friendly travel options, carbon offset programs, and environmentally conscious accommodations are becoming essential parts of the travel experience. Tourists are now seeking destinations that emphasize green practices, such as zero-waste initiatives, renewable energy use, and sustainable tourism certifications. Hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals are increasingly prioritizing energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-friendly design. This trend is not only driven by consumer demand but also by government regulations, certification programs, and industry-wide sustainability goals. Energy Efficiency One of the most critical aspects of sustainable accommodations is energy efficiency. Hotels and resorts are adopting advanced energy-saving technologies such as: For instance, major hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton have committed to reducing their carbon footprint by implementing energy-efficient technologies in their properties worldwide. Boutique hotels and vacation rentals are also following suit by installing solar panels and offering eco-friendly appliances. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos . Waste Reduction Reducing waste is another core aspect of sustainable accommodations. Hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals are taking active measures to decrease waste production and improve recycling. Some of the initiatives include: The elimination of mini shampoo bottles in favor of refillable dispensers is one of the most visible examples of this shift. Large brands like InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) have pledged to eliminate single-use bathroom plastics, a move that significantly cuts down on waste. Eco-Friendly Design and Architecture Accommodations are being designed to harmonize with nature and reduce their environmental impact. Key features of eco-friendly design include: Examples of sustainable design can be seen in properties like the Six Senses chain and smaller eco-lodges in remote areas. These properties offer luxury experiences while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint. Eco-Friendly Transportation Transportation accounts for a significant share of tourism’s carbon footprint, with flights, cruises, and rental cars being major contributors. However, the industry is shifting toward greener alternatives that offer travelers sustainable options for getting from one place to another. Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Green Rentals The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is transforming the car rental market. Major rental companies like Hertz and Enterprise are expanding their EV fleets, providing tourists with cleaner options for local transportation. Countries like Norway, known for their early adoption of electric vehicles, have seen a boom in the number of EV rentals available to tourists. The availability of charging points in hotels and tourist hotspots further supports this shift. Sustainable Public Transportation Public transportation systems are being modernized to reduce emissions and promote eco-friendly travel. This is especially important in large cities and popular tourist destinations, where congestion and pollution are significant issues. Travelers are now choosing train travel over short-haul flights, particularly in Europe, where high-speed trains connect major cities. This shift is encouraged by the lower environmental impact of trains compared to airplanes. Low-Emission Flights and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Air travel remains one of the most challenging areas for sustainability, but significant progress is being made. The aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 has driven the push for cleaner fuels and greener aircraft designs. Airlines are also being held accountable through sustainability reporting and stricter environmental regulations. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos . Green Tourism Destinations Travelers are increasingly choosing destinations that emphasize sustainability, clean energy, and eco-friendly tourism experiences. Countries and cities with strong commitments to green tourism are reaping the benefits of this trend. Leading Green Destinations Several countries are leading the way in sustainable tourism and attracting environmentally conscious travelers. Other countries like Bhutan, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have also gained recognition for their green tourism initiatives. Sustainable City Destinations Cities are also taking proactive steps to enhance sustainability in tourism. Green cities have become role models for how urban tourism can be sustainable. From the use of electric buses to city-wide recycling initiatives, these cities set the standard for modern eco-friendly tourism. Role of Certification and Accreditation Certifications help tourists identify destinations and accommodations that meet sustainability standards. These certifications ensure that travelers can make informed decisions when choosing where to stay, visit, and spend their money. The role of technology in travel is more significant than ever before. By 2025, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and mobile apps will revolutionize the way people plan, book, and experience their trips. AI-Powered Itinerary Planning AI is redefining how travelers plan their trips. Traditional travel agents are being replaced by AI-driven platforms that offer personalized, dynamic, and data-driven itineraries. By analyzing traveler preferences, past travel behavior, and budget constraints, AI tools can create tailor-made travel plans in seconds. 1. Personalized Travel Experiences AI-powered platforms like Google Travel, TripHobo, and Inspirock provide customized itineraries based on user input. Travelers can specify their interests, preferred activities, and available time, and the AI generates an optimized schedule. Key features include: For example, an adventure enthusiast may receive suggestions for hiking trails, ziplining, or water sports, while a foodie might get a list of popular restaurants and culinary tours. This level of customization enhances the travel experience and saves time that would have been spent researching options. 2. Smart Booking and Reservation Management AI-powered tools simplify the booking process by providing travelers with real-time availability and price comparisons for flights, hotels, and activities. These tools make travel planning faster, more efficient, and more accurate. AI learns from user feedback, ensuring better recommendations for future trips. Virtual Reality Tours Gone are the days of relying solely on photos and reviews to choose a travel destination. Virtual Reality (VR) is giving travelers the chance to experience destinations, hotels, and tourist attractions before booking. VR technology creates immersive previews, allowing travelers to “try before they buy.” 1. Destination Previews With VR tours, travelers can explore landmarks, hotel rooms, and tourist sites from the comfort of their homes. This technology is especially useful for: This hands-on experience boosts traveler confidence in booking destinations, knowing exactly what to expect when they arrive. 2. Enhancing the Booking Experience VR also transforms how travel agencies market their services. Travel agencies can now offer clients a sensory preview of destinations, which increases booking rates. Key applications include: The emotional connection created by experiencing a destination in VR encourages travelers to book sooner, leading to increased conversion rates for travel providers. Seamless Digital Payments Seamless digital payments have become an essential part of modern travel. Tourists no longer need to carry large sums of cash or worry about currency exchange fees. Mobile payment platforms, e-wallets, and contactless payments provide safe, fast, and cost-effective transaction options. 1. Mobile Payment Platforms and E-Wallets Digital payment platforms like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay allow travelers to pay for services with just a tap or scan. This trend is especially significant for international travelers, who often face exchange rate fluctuations and foreign transaction fees. With mobile payments becoming standard in airports, hotels, and tourist attractions, travelers experience smoother, cashless journeys. 2. Cost Savings and Currency Conversion Seamless digital payments eliminate the need to carry foreign cash or deal with unfavorable exchange rates. Instead, payments are processed at the real-time currency exchange rate. Key benefits include: This payment revolution empowers travelers to make purchases globally with minimal financial stress, contributing to a more convenient and enjoyable travel experience. The demand for health-focused travel has grown significantly, and by 2025, wellness tourism will become one of the most sought-after travel trends. Travelers are prioritizing well-being, seeking experiences that promote mental, physical, and emotional health. Wellness retreats and resorts have seen a surge in demand as travelers seek vacations that offer a blend of relaxation and health improvement. Unlike traditional resorts, wellness retreats emphasize personal growth, self-care, and holistic well-being. From yoga and meditation to detox programs, these retreats provide immersive, rejuvenating experiences. Yoga and meditation retreats are among the most sought-after wellness experiences, providing mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical health benefits. Countries like Bali, India, and Costa Rica are famous for their yoga retreats, while wellness centers in Greece, Thailand, and Mexico are gaining popularity. Detox programs focus on eliminating toxins from the body and mind. These retreats offer specialized diets, cleansing regimens, and natural therapies. Detox retreats can be found in luxury resorts and secluded eco-lodges, with Thailand, Portugal, and the Caribbean offering some of the most well-known detox getaways. Unlike short-term retreats, holistic wellness resorts provide ongoing well-being services during the entire stay. These resorts combine fitness, mental well-being, nutrition, and relaxation into one comprehensive experience. These resorts cater to wellness seekers looking for balance and well-being without sacrificing luxury and comfort. Guests leave feeling renewed, re-energized, and more focused on personal wellness goals. Nature-focused experiences are gaining traction as travelers yearn to reconnect with the natural world. These experiences provide mental clarity, stress reduction, and physical rejuvenation, which are essential components of wellness travel. Activities like forest bathing, eco-therapy, and wildlife immersion offer therapeutic benefits while promoting a deeper connection with nature. Originating in Japan, forest bathing, or “shinrin-yoku,” involves immersing oneself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest. This practice has been scientifically linked to lower cortisol levels (stress hormone) and enhanced mental well-being. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Finland have made forest bathing part of their wellness tourism strategies. Wellness retreats in the U.S. (like the Blue Ridge Mountains) and European countries like Slovenia also offer this immersive natural experience. Eco-therapy focuses on using natural surroundings to heal the mind and body. This concept is based on the idea that human well-being is deeply connected to the natural environment. These experiences are prominent in destinations like New Zealand, Iceland, and Norway, where unspoiled natural landscapes provide an ideal setting for eco-therapy and nature immersion. Wildlife and wilderness immersion offers travelers a chance to escape modern life and experience the wonder of the wild. Wilderness retreats are rising in popularity as travelers seek peace, simplicity, and detachment from city life. Travelers are moving away from one-size-fits-all wellness programs toward personalized wellness services that address their unique health and lifestyle needs. These services are tailored to meet each traveler’s physical, mental, and emotional goals. Wellness retreats and resorts now provide health assessments to understand the traveler’s goals, health history, and preferences. This approach is common in wellness clinics and health-focused resorts like SHA Wellness Clinic (Spain) and Chiva-Som (Thailand), where wellness programs are tailored for each guest. Fitness programs are no longer generic classes but are personalized to suit individual abilities and goals. Customized fitness plans appeal to health-conscious travelers who want to maintain their exercise routines while away from home. Customized wellness trips also extend to personalized meal plans. The blending of business and leisure travel—also known as “bleisure” travel—is set to become a major trend in 2025. Remote work capabilities have expanded, allowing travelers to extend business trips into personal vacations. Work-from-anywhere packages are specially designed to cater to remote workers who want to combine work and leisure in a single trip. These packages include access to essential amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, and business support, enabling professionals to stay connected while enjoying the perks of a vacation. Hotels and resorts are upgrading their facilities to accommodate the needs of remote workers. Instead of just offering a “desk in a room,” they now provide complete, productivity-enhancing environments. Major hotel chains like Marriott, Hyatt, and Four Seasons have launched “work-from-anywhere” packages. These packages allow guests to rent rooms as workspaces during the day or book extended stays for “workcations.” Unlike traditional vacation stays, workcation packages cater to longer stays, often offering discounts for week-long or month-long bookings. These options attract digital nomads and remote workers seeking affordable, comfortable, and well-equipped living and working spaces. Work-from-anywhere packages are about more than just productivity — they also focus on well-being and leisure. Work-from-anywhere packages appeal to individuals seeking work-life balance, providing opportunities to work during the day and relax in paradise after hours. Hybrid travel experiences combine business and leisure, creating a new category known as “bleisure” travel. Business travelers extend their trips to explore new destinations, participate in leisure activities, and engage with local culture. Hybrid travel bridges the gap between work and play, offering professionals the chance to combine both in a single trip. This approach is fueled by the realization that remote work no longer confines people to traditional office spaces. Hybrid trips are popular for company retreats, off-site meetings, and professional conferences. Corporate retreats are no longer just about team-building exercises and workshops. Many companies now blend team-building with leisure activities to improve employee morale and engagement. Hybrid experiences provide a way for companies to attract and retain top talent. By offering travel perks as part of employment packages, companies create more meaningful and enjoyable work experiences. Hybrid travel emphasizes cultural immersion, allowing business travelers to interact with the local community. These immersive activities make hybrid travel more memorable, encouraging travelers to return for personal vacations. Destinations like Spain, Italy, and South Africa are especially appealing for hybrid travel due to their rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. As the digital nomad lifestyle gains traction, countries are adjusting visa policies to welcome remote workers for extended stays. Digital nomad-friendly destinations offer the ideal blend of work, leisure, and community, making them attractive to long-term remote workers. Digital nomad visas allow remote workers to live and work in a foreign country for an extended period without requiring a traditional work visa. These visas benefit countries by attracting talent, increasing tourism revenue, and boosting local economies. Some destinations have become magnets for digital nomads due to affordable living costs, strong internet connectivity, and vibrant communities. Remote workers are drawn to these destinations for their affordability, welcoming environment, and strong remote work infrastructure. The digital nomad lifestyle thrives on community and networking. Nomad-friendly destinations have become hotspots for collaboration, innovation, and professional development. This sense of belonging motivates travelers to stay longer, building lasting relationships in these communities. In 2025, travelers will seek out lesser-known destinations as part of a growing desire for authentic and crowd-free experiences. Over-tourism in popular locations has prompted a shift toward more unique, undiscovered destinations. Emergence of Hidden Gems In 2025, lesser-known destinations will see a surge in visitor numbers. As travelers seek fresh, off-the-beaten-path experiences, countries previously overshadowed by popular tourist hubs will gain prominence. Places like Georgia, Albania, and Namibia are already emerging as new favorites. Travelers are drawn to the untouched beauty, affordability, and authentic cultural experiences offered by these hidden gems. Governments and tourism boards are actively promoting these destinations to attract international visitors, further fueling this trend. Avoidance of Overcrowded Hotspots Over-tourism in iconic hotspots like Venice, Bali, and Santorini has sparked a shift toward quieter, less crowded destinations. In 2025, travelers will prioritize peace and privacy, opting for remote beaches, small towns, and nature retreats over congested landmarks. The rise of sustainable tourism and growing awareness of responsible travel will also push tourists to avoid overburdened sites. Local Immersion Experiences Travelers in 2025 will seek meaningful connections with local communities. Instead of standard tours, they will participate in cooking classes, artisan workshops, and farm stays. Experiential travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and education will rise in popularity, giving travelers a deeper appreciation of local customs, crafts, and heritage while supporting local economies. Luxury travel is evolving beyond five-star hotels and first-class flights. By 2025, travelers will prioritize exclusivity, privacy, and personalized experiences. Private Villas and Yachts Affluent travelers in 2025 will prioritize privacy, exclusivity, and customization, driving demand for private villas and yachts. Instead of crowded resorts or shared spaces, high-net-worth individuals will opt for secluded beachfront villas, mountain chalets, and private island rentals. Yachting vacations will also see a surge, with travelers booking fully staffed luxury yachts to explore remote coastlines. Companies like Airbnb Luxe and bespoke travel agencies are already catering to this demand, offering curated stays and experiences in lavish, private settings. Experiential Luxury Luxury travel in 2025 will move beyond opulence to offer unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. High-end travelers will seek immersive adventures like private wine tastings with master sommeliers, VIP access to fashion shows, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of world-renowned landmarks. Personalized safaris, underwater hotel stays, and experiential dining with celebrity chefs will also be in high demand, offering more than just luxury — but unforgettable stories. Hyper-Personalization Personalization will be at the heart of luxury travel in 2025. Hotels, airlines, and concierge services will use AI and customer data to tailor every detail — from curated dining menus to personalized welcome gifts. Luxury travelers will expect bespoke itineraries, customized excursions, and tailored wellness treatments, ensuring every moment is uniquely theirs. Adventure tourism has always had its enthusiasts, but by 2025, more travelers will embrace the thrill of adventure-based experiences. Extreme sports, outdoor exploration, and adrenaline-pumping activities will be in high demand. Space Tourism Space tourism, once a sci-fi dream, is set to become a reality by 2025. Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are leading the charge, offering commercial suborbital and orbital flights. As costs gradually decrease, more affluent travelers will have the chance to experience weightlessness and view Earth from space. While early flights are limited to ultra-wealthy individuals, advancements in technology and competition among space tourism providers are expected to make space travel more accessible. Travelers will seek the prestige of being among the few who have ventured beyond Earth’s atmosphere, driving demand for this ultimate adventure. Extreme Adventure Packages The quest for adrenaline-fueled experiences will define luxury and adventure travel in 2025. Activities like skydiving, paragliding, bungee jumping, and extreme hiking on perilous trails (like Peru’s Huayna Picchu) will become essential bucket-list experiences. Adventure travel operators will package these activities into exclusive, all-in-one trips that promise unforgettable thrills. Custom safety protocols and expert guidance will be integral to ensure a balance of excitement and security. Multi-Day Adventure Tours Adventure travel will shift from one-day excursions to multi-day tours that combine several activities with nature immersion. Imagine hiking through jungles, camping under the stars, and rafting through rapids — all in one itinerary. These tours offer an immersive escape from daily life, attracting travelers seeking both excitement and a connection with nature. Destinations like Patagonia, New Zealand, and Iceland will see growth in demand for these curated, adventure-packed tours, with operators offering fully guided, all-inclusive experiences for thrill-seekers. Digital Nomad Villages By 2025, purpose-built digital nomad villages will become a game-changer for remote workers seeking a balance of work, play, and community. These villages will offer co-working hubs, co-living accommodations, and curated social activities. Unlike traditional tourist areas, nomad villages are designed for long-term stays, providing stable Wi-Fi, fitness centers, cafes, and wellness spaces. Locations like Madeira (Portugal) and Bali (Indonesia) have already embraced this concept, and more destinations will follow suit. These hubs foster a sense of belonging, with community events, networking opportunities, and knowledge-sharing meetups becoming key highlights. Long-Stay Travel Options Monthly and quarterly rental options will see increased demand as digital nomads prioritize stability and affordability. Unlike short-term vacation rentals, these packages will offer significant cost savings for longer stays. Hotels, resorts, and apartment rental platforms will adapt by offering discounted “30-day-plus” packages. Websites like Airbnb and platforms like Selina already offer long-stay options, but by 2025, this will become a norm. These options appeal to digital nomads who want to explore new destinations while maintaining a consistent work-life balance. Nomad-Friendly Workspaces With the rise of remote work, nomad-friendly workspaces will become essential. Cafes, hotels, and coworking hubs will prioritize business travelers by providing fast Wi-Fi, dedicated quiet zones, and private meeting rooms. In 2025, more accommodations will offer “work-friendly” certifications to attract remote workers, ensuring ergonomic workstations, soundproof rooms, and tech-friendly environments for uninterrupted productivity. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos .Austin arrives in Japan in his last Asia trip as secretary

The state government will commission a new mobile filtration plant to clean up tap-water supplies in the Blue Mountains that have been tainted by a plume of cancer-linked “forever chemicals”. The additional filtration is already being installed at the Cascade Water Filtration Plant in Katoomba, which supplies drinking water to nearly 50,000 residents across the area on the World Heritage List. A new mobile water filtration plant will be installed at Katoomba to remove cancer-linked PFAS contaminants from tap-water supplies. Credit: Wolter Peeters The plant will deploy granular activated carbon and ion exchange resin technology to purify the water. The per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) were discovered at elevated levels in Blue Mountains drinking-water supplies after the state government was pressured into testing by a Herald investigation in June. The article challenged authorities’ assumptions there were “no known PFAS hotspots in our drinking-water catchments” . After initially dismissing the Herald’s reporting, authorities quietly commissioned tests that revealed the true extent of contamination. Levels have been detected in the Cascade Water Filtration Plant that would breach Australia’s proposed new drinking-water guidelines for forever chemicals, set to be finalised by April next year. The new filtration technologies are expected to significantly reduce PFAS levels and ensure Sydney Water can comply with the new guidelines. “It is important that communities are confident in the knowledge that they have access to safe and secure water, and this new technology will help us in those efforts,” NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said., /PRNewswire/ -- , President of Abstrakt, is shedding light on the significant challenges businesses face when building in-house Sales Development Representative (SDR) teams. Rising costs, complex technology needs, and extended timelines are making outsourcing an increasingly attractive option for companies seeking efficient and effective sales solutions. "We often find companies have already tried to do this all on their own and struggled," said Watkins. "It's a lot of puzzle pieces to put together, and working with a professional team that does this exclusively often gets better results." Watkins noted that businesses often underestimate the full scope of building an SDR team, from recruiting and onboarding skilled personnel to investing in necessary software and AI tools. Additional hurdles include developing outreach strategies, maintaining accountability metrics, and ensuring consistent performance tracking. "Building your own team can be a good route if you have the fully dedicated resources to do so," Watkins said. "But it requires a lot of software, content planning, research tools, and follow-through on sequencing." The rise of AI-driven sales tools has added to the complexity, with many companies struggling to optimize these technologies for maximum impact. Watkins explained that companies often lack the expertise to effectively integrate AI into their outreach efforts, further extending the time and cost required to build a functional SDR team. For many businesses, outsourcing to specialized teams like Abstrakt provides a faster and more cost-effective solution. By eliminating the need for ongoing training, technology investment, and process development, outsourcing offers immediate access to experienced professionals and proven systems. Abstrakt, which handles over 100,000 appointments annually across industries, has seen firsthand how outsourcing delivers measurable results for its clients. "Evaluate your resources, timeline, and ability to stay accountable to your sales goals," Watkins advised. "If there are gaps, partnering with a team that specializes in this work can help you grow faster and more effectively." Abstrakt is a B2B lead generation and marketing agency based in . With over a decade of experience, the company specializes in omnichannel appointment setting and helping businesses achieve measurable growth. View original content: SOURCE Abstrakt Marketing Group

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U.S. Bolsters Chip Production with Billion-Dollar IncentivesKia has introduced its latest B-SUV, the Syros, bringing forward a range of innovative features. Known for integrating advanced technology in its models, Kia continues this tradition with the Syros, which boasts five standout features. These segment-leading specifications set the Syros apart from its competitors, showcasing Kia’s dedication to providing vehicles that go beyond the standard, offering modern solutions for today’s drivers. 1. Rotational Flush-Type Door Handles The Kia Syros introduces rotational flush-type door handles, a premium feature typically seen in high-end cars. These door handles not only enhance the vehicle's modern, radical design but also offer a sleek and clean look, setting the Syros apart in its segment. 2. Trinity Panoramic Display The Syros takes cabin technology to the next level with its tri-screen setup. It features a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital speedometer, and a 5-inch climate control screen. This setup offers seamless connectivity and a premium in-car experience, further enhanced by the Connected Car Navigation (CCN) cockpit operating system, similar to the flagship Kia EV9. 3. Sliding and Reclining Rear Seats with Ventilation For ultimate passenger comfort, the Kia Syros offers sliding and reclining rear seats, making it a standout in the segment. Additionally, the rear seats come with a cooling function, ensuring a comfortable ride even on warmer days. This feature is the first of its kind in this category. 4. Level-2 ADAS Safety Features The Kia Syros is equipped with Level-2 autonomous driver assistance systems (ADAS), offering a suite of advanced safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree parking camera, lane-keeping assist, front collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, ensuring a safe and confident driving experience. 5. Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates The Syros takes convenience to the next level with OTA software updates, which allow owners to regularly update 22 different controls, including the Trinity panoramic display, ADAS systems, and even the body control unit. This feature ensures that the car stays in tune with the owner's preferences and gets the latest improvements without needing a visit to the service center.

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