March 20, Oman inaugurates its new international airport in Muscat

The capital of Oman, a country full of tourism, has inaugurated its new international hub. The goal is the inclusion of the top 20 airports in the world by 2020. In addition to design, the new airport focuses on technologies to speed up security procedures by reducing waiting times. 2017 was a record year for the Sultanate of Oman which welcomed 43.664 Italian visitors, registering a growth of 35.3% compared to the previous year. Italy is currently the fourth largest market in Europe, after the United Kingdom, Germany and France and the sixth international market. In total, in 2017 there were 702,922 international tourists who chose Oman as a destination for their travels, a figure that led to an increase of 13.1% compared to 2016. The development strategy of the sector is on two levels: « The first aims at a medium / high cultural profile clientele that buys the product mainly from traditional tour operators; the second level includes the promotion to a more holiday-oriented public – in particular couples and families with children – who choose the locality of Salalah and in particular the villages ». It should also be noted that Astoi, the Association of Tour Operators belonging to Confindustria, through a survey among its members reported Oman among the preferred tourist destinations of 2018.

The Residence Mauritius offers all the uniqueness of an extraordinary dinner in a local family’s home.

by Alessandro Furlotti Mauritius

Discover the authenticity of the Mauritian culture through the variety of flavors, aromas and spices on the occasion of a special dinner at local family’s home. The Residence Mauritius collaborates with Charlène, a local chef who spent her childhood in the coastal village of Trou D’Eau Douce, to give guests a unique gastronomic experience!

Every Wednesday, Charlène takes guests to the local Central Flacq market to buy fresh, typical ingredients for a one-hour guided tour. During the lesson, guests learn to cook typical Mauritian cuisine such as chicken or curry fish, as well as local vegetables and pickles. In the evening, guests will be welcomed into the house of Charlène in his village for a “homemade” dinner.

and most visited tourist area on the island, off the northwest coast of Madagascar, welcomes Ethiopian Airlines

by Alessandro Furlotti Madagascar Nosy Be

The airline lands at Nosy Be- three times a week with departures from Italy every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Boing 737-800 can accommodate 16 passengers in Business class and up to 138 passengers in Economy.

It is the largest and busiest tourist destination in the island of Madagascar. Its white sandy beaches, its blue-green seas and its extraordinary underwater life make it a perfect destination for diving, fishing, cruises and much more.

India, a journey into the past

by Alessandro Furlotti India

And in order not to miss anything, this month, until September 30th, the historical correspondent Cox & King offers a Royal Stay in India of 15 days and 14 nights.

A journey into the past, into an age of luxury and ancient splendor; an experience of opulence and extravagance, to relive the story while tasting traditional delicacies; exploring thundering bazaars through winding alleys that once housed the artisans and personal jewelers of kings and queens.

A journey that starts from Delhi capital to get to the spiritual heart of Varanasi, to continue in the city of Mughal in Agra, in the legendary Fatehpur Sikri and through the royal cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

New hotel in the heart of Antananarivo

by Alessandro Furlotti Antananarivo Madagascar

Havana Hotel Resort is a new luxury hotel located five minutes from city center. The hotel is housed in a completely renovated old building with a modern decoration and consists of 42 rooms divided into three categories: suites, apartments and studios. The charming restaurant offers a refined dining experience. The cocktail bar “The Moon”, located on the roof overlooking Lake Anosy, is the ideal place to relax with friends and relatives.

Vietnam Mon Amour: an edge of the Orchid and Azalea Cruise cruises the discovery of the most suggestive bays in the country is even more fascinating and comfortable !!!

by Alessandro Furlotti Halong Bay Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, North Vietnam, one of the seven natural wonders of the world …

The bay is dotted with 1,600 limestone islands and islets, mysterious caves and covers an area of over 1,500 sq. Km. This extraordinary area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

The most traditional way to explore the bay is on a cruise. In the list of “must have” trips of the month, we suggest two new cruises on board of “Orchid and Azalea Cruise” – offering the highest level of service, a relaxing atmosphere, for those looking for something more in the services offered by these places.

All well-designed cabins are luxurious and well-appointed, all with private balconies from which you can enjoy the beauty of Ha Long Bay – Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha. The large windows open onto wonderful views from the sea allow you to enjoy a private view directly from the balcony of your cabin. A really fantastic feeling.

In addition, for those who wish, in the morning you have the opportunity to participate at the Tai Chi lesson led by an expert Master of the discipline. Squid fishing is the special activity on board.For those who want to improve their culinary art, have the opportunity to participate in cooking classes. These lessons of 1/2 hours, allow guests the total immersion in the fascinating world of Vietnamese cuisine through the expert guidance and advice of the onboard Chef. It is important to remember that the onboard kitchen offers a variety of foods and the perfect combination of Asian and European cuisine. What are you waiting for … Vietnam on a cruise awaits you !!!

Madagascar … primitive beauty …

by Alessandro Furlotti Madagascar

For those who want to break with the repetitiveness of beach life and excursions between sea and nature, today, the absolute novelty of Antananarivo is the opening of Le Musée de la Photo du Madagascar.

A few steps from the former Palace of the Queen of Manjakamiadana, the first museum of photography is a true innovation for the capital of Madagascar. The gallery represents various photographic collections that show the history of Madagascar through different periods, the daily life of the Malagasy people, the images after independence and the period of the great buildings. The “Café du Musée” is open from Tuesday to Sunday, an ideal place to have lunch. Another way to learn more about Madagascar and the hidden history of the “City of a Thousand”.

7 selected travel agents that attend the eductour in Azerbaijan from 9 to 13 April 2018.

by Alessandro Furlotti Azerbaijan

Excellent reductions for the newly concluded eductour that took place in Azerbaijan in collaboration with our partner Enctours and Turkish Airlines.

Tour Operator, thanks to a specially organized program that touched the most significant cities of the destination such as Baku – Gobustan – Shemakha – Lahij – Sheki), were able to test the services offered by the three hotels that hosted them : Sapphire Inn Hotel 4 * www.sapphire.az Sheki Saray Hotel 4 * www.shekisaray.az and Pullman Baku Hotel 5 * http://www.pullmanhotels.com/gb/hotel-A8J3-pullman-baku/index.shtml – We wanted to let the T.O. discover the beauties of this country, today still for many unknown, since we are very interested in their feedback. We are very satisfied with the outcome of this experience, which we hope will lead to excellent results in terms of travel materializations. Once again we find that making the product live for our partners is one of the best ways to enhance our work.

The Residence Maldives offers a special “Wine & Dine” tasting menu at the suggestive “The Falhumma” overwater restaurant.

by Alessandro Furlotti Maldive

For the most demanding palates, the executive Sous Chef Ashish Domee has developed a refined and personalized menu, available on the island for a limited period.

To a menu inspired by local specialties, with fine labels from all over the world, paired wines are specially selected to accompany each course.

Moreover, with the introduction of the new unique “In-Villa Floating Breakfast” service, the most spoiled guests will be able to have their breakfast comfortably immersed in the warm and enveloping waters of their personal pool with priceless, endless views of the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka, the journey of serenity

by Alessandro Furlotti Sri Lanka

For those in search of serenity, do not miss the thrilling 5-night stay in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with partner Jetwind who reserves special quotations on bookings received by 31st August 2018, for stays up to 20 December 2018 (last tour start date 15.12.18).

The history of Sri Lanka is characterized by dominations and colonization (Indian, Dutch and English) that have profoundly influenced the culture and in more recent times suffered a civil war and the hard blow of the 2004 tsunami. Today, finally the situation is quiet and the economy of the country, based mainly on the export of tea and spices, is recovering.

THE STAGES OF THE JOURNEY:It starts from the chaotic Kandy: the Sinhalese love this city that stretches all around an artificial lake and in whose temple, Sri Dalada Maligawa, is kept the tooth of the Buddha. From here it is reached and one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the country: first stop Dambulla, where 5 temples are excavated in the rock, dating back to the first century. B.C. Statues are kept in each cave and the walls are painted with scenes from Buddha’s life.

Prepare also trekking shoes and empty the backpack to face the steps that will take you to the top of the rocky fortress of Sigiryia (200 meters). Built at the behest of King Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. to defend himself from his brother who came to claim the throne he was entitled to, there is still a swimming pool, rock frescoes, a 1000-year-old graffiti, the throne and a pair of huge stone leonine claws which, at the foot of the rock formation, welcome (and warn) visitors.

The trip does not miss the visit to the memorable orphanage of the elephants of Pinnawela, a place that since 1975 houses the wounded or abandoned elephants. Over the years the number of elephants has gradually increased and now there are about a hundred; this number also includes children born in freedom who arrive from every part of the island and those born in captivity. Do not miss the “pappa” time and the river bath.

Hotels where to sleep:

Thilanka Hotel, Kandy– Deluxe Room – http://thilankahotel.com/
Thilanka Resort & Spa, Dambulla –Deluxe Room – http://thilankaresortandspa.com/
The Covenro, Katunayake – Standard Room – http://covanro.com/

Menu