Most popular travel destinations of 2016

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Celeb travellers and tour operators reveal Indian and international destinations that were popular in 2016, and their picks for the coming year. Shraddha Uchil listens in

David Sassoon Clock Tower

Byculla (Mumbai)Bharat Gothoskar Founder, Khaki Tours

A lot of people have started conducting heritage walks in Byculla now. The area used to be the richest suburb in the city at one time, and has some beautiful old mansions. Apart from this, it houses the city's oldest museum, a Chinese temple, the other Hanging Garden, and also a temple where the 'idol' is a mound of lava. Byculla has a compelling story, and that's why it lends itself well to heritage tours.

Big draw in 2017: I believe Byculla will continue to be a draw, because it is home to a plethora of hidden gems that Mumbaikars are yet to discover.

St James Beach in Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa (International), Spiti (India)Vishal HanmattekarCo-founder, The Blueberry Trails

This year, there has been a lot of interest in South Africa because it offers varied experiences. So whether it's families, honeymooners or adventure seekers, there is something here for everyone. You can go shark-cage diving, have a meal at a traditional vineyard, or go on a romantic hot air balloon ride with champagne. On the other hand, history and culture buffs can head to Johannesburg. And, of course, we can't leave out the wildly popular Kruger National Park and Cape Town. In India, Spiti is gaining favour among tourists because it's less commercialised than Ladakh.

Big draw in 2017: Iceland will be a big draw. It's a part of Europe, but its culture and landscape is different. Moreover, people can go there to see the Northern Lights. As far as Indian destinations go, Arunachal Pradesh seems to be high on travellers' radars.

Kalavantin Durg (Maharashtra)Asif mazharFounder, Nature Knights

Not too far from Panvel - near Prabalgad Fort - you will find Kalavantin Durg, a watchtower that makes for a great trekking option. What makes it special is a non-technical rock-climbing stretch, which even beginners can try. It's an easy trek, but with elements of adventure and thrill thrown in.

Big draw in 2017: The popular destinations have gotten far too crowded lately, so trekkers - even newcomers - will be looking at spots that are off the radar. One such place is Thakurwadi, on the outskirts of the city.

Bologna

ham and cheese

Bologna, ItalyManu ChandraChef-partner, The Fatty Bao and Monkey Bar

Bologna is a small city with a charming history. It helps that it sits right in the middle of the food centre of Italy, so you are guaranteed to find platters of ham and cheese at every little bar. Being home to a university, the place is always buzzing with youthful energy, as are its handful of clubs. Cut through the noise of the main squares and you'll discover a bunch of small antique shops that sell their wares at reasonable prices. Also, if you're a pet owner, Bologna will make you very happy, since pets are allowed almost everywhere.

On his 2017 wishlist: Seoul, Tokyo, Melbourne, and Ho Chi Minh City

Sedona, the USARamona Arena Event and television show host, singer, and scriptwriter

This year, I visited the UK, Canada, the USA, Pondicherry, and Kerala. All my trips are always special to me for a variety of reasons, but I'd have to pick the USA this year as the most memorable. If there's one destination I'd recommend to travellers, it would have to be Sedona in Arizona. It's a quiet place, tucked away in the midst of the incredible Red Rock State Park. The place is filled with spirituality (including a Buddhist stupa), history, and activities. There is plenty else to see around, like the Montezuma Castle. You must go here if you enjoy activities like rock climbing and hiking.

On her 2017 wishlist: Cuba, Chile, Argentina, Iceland, Namibia, and Zambia

Source: Most popular travel destinations of 2016

South Africa sees 28% increase in Indian arrivals

South Africa Tourism has witnessed a growth of 27.9 per cent in Indian arrivals from January to June 2016. According to arrivals statistics of August 2016, India has now emerged as the eighth long-haul tourism source market for South Africa.

Speaking about the development, Hanneli Slabber, Country Manager - India, South African Tourism said, "India has always been a very important market for South African Tourism. 2015 was a spectacular year for South African Tourism and with a steady rise in arrivals in the first half itself, 2016 could well turn out to be one of the best years ever for South African Tourism in India. As of June 2016, 51,020 Indian tourists have visited South Africa between Jan 2016 to June 2016 which is an increase of 27.9 per cent vis-à-vis the same period last year. We are looking at around 100,000 visitors from India to South Africa in 2016. We had 79,000 visitors from India in 2015."

She further added, "India has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing outbound tourism market over the years. Keeping this in mind, we are investing heavily in India and constantly adapting to the evolving consumer interests, diversifying our products and customising our offerings to varied consumer demands. We have wonderful expectations from the Indian market and going forward our increasing engagement with trade and consumers would help us in realising this vision."

As per the recently released TTFDS report, there has been a significant increase of 51 per cent in the Total Foreign Direct Spend in South Africa per person travelling from India excluding capital expenditure (all pre-payments done in India prior to departure). The average spends in SA by Indian travellers increased from 10,400 Rand in 2014 to 15,700 Rand in 2015. According to the recent report on the length of stay for 2015, the average number of nights spent by Indians increased by one night making it an average of 18 nights.

Speaking about the trends from India market Slabber said, "A growing number of Indian tourists, who have valid driver's license, are opting for self-drive tours along various scenic routes. We do see a lot of destination weddings going to Cape Town and the Game lodges – this is especially the trend where one party is a NRI. It has been observed that a lot of the smaller weddings opt for game lodges. They often take over the whole lodge and tend to spend a lot of time there before the wedding, bonding with family and friends."

South Africa offers one of the world's best adventure opportunities. "Adventure enthusiast can choose from a variety of exciting activities – on land, air and underwater – including numerous cycling, hiking and running trails, surfing, sky-diving. From bungee-jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge, which is the highest commercial bridge in the world, to abseiling off Table Mountain, diving with great white sharks to snorkelling with sea horses in Knysna, South Africa is a one-stop destination for the adrenaline junkie, Slabber added.

Last year, South African Airways had discontinued their direct connectivity between India and South Africa. When asked about plans to re-introduce direct flights, she explained, "Ensuring easy accessibility is of prime importance to the continued growth of tourist arrivals from India. Presently, South African Tourism is working with various airlines to ensure sufficient arrivals into key cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, through marketing alliances and code-sharing."

Source: South Africa sees 28% increase in Indian arrivals

Fun facts about the infamous black mamba

Posted: December 29, 2016

Safari adventurers visit their destination with different expectations. Unfortunately, in the early evolution of this awe inspiring industry​, the term Big Five was used to draw safari enthusiasts to the bush.

​This term refers to the "Five ​Most Dangerous Animals you can hunt on foot" ​and, as you can imagine, it is not palatable to most conservationi sts​.

There are so many other stunning creatures, in addition to the proverbial Big Five, that are an incredible privilege to experience and this black mamba (dendroaspis poiylepis), Africa's largest venomous snake, is one of them.

There are so many facts and so much fiction about this animal it becomes quite difficult to reconcile the two.

See here for factual information and read on below for our own fun facts about this serpentine sweetie, some are disputed – can you guess which!?

1) The coffin shaped head… well, that one you can figure out.

2) Speed over the ground; Usually one kph less that the average person can run!! (actually only about 15 kilometers per hour for a short distance). This is subjective as there have been no black mamba races nor any volunteers to do testing. A provoked black mamba was measured at about 10km per hour in 1906 in Kenya.

They normally go their fastest while trying to escape from humans, rather than chasing them!

3) They are subject to quite heavy predation (snake eagles, mongooses and occasionally Cape File snakes)

4) The 'black' part is the inside of their mouth, as they tend to be a brown/metal grey colour.

5) They will rarely strike/bite a human (most times when handling them or when they feel threatened) but if they do, it will be repeatedly and they will envenomate when they can.

6) They are very skittish and the display they put on if confronted is generally remembered forever. They flatten their necks while rising off the ground and audibly hiss while flicking their tongue. They will generally not let a human approach within 40 meters (We are a walking destination, but not for getting close to mambas).

7) Their tongues are absolutely fascinating as can be seen in the picture above.

See here for all the pertinent facts about this complex organ. Game drives can be exciting and the thrill of seeing a black mamba in the wild is one of the greatest sightings at Senalala Luxury Safari Camp.
Source: Fun facts about the infamous black mamba

Italy Surpasses Greece As Top Euro Destination For Asylum Seekers

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Migrants pray in a tent city in Rome, on Aug. 1. The migrants are mostly from Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan. In 2016, more migrants arrived in Italy than in Greece, which was the top destination a year earlier. Most of those reaching Italy are from sub-Saharan Africa rather than the Middle East. Stefano Montesi/Corbis via Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption Stefano Montesi/Corbis via Getty Images

Migrants pray in a tent city in Rome, on Aug. 1. The migrants are mostly from Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan. In 2016, more migrants arrived in Italy than in Greece, which was the top destination a year earlier. Most of those reaching Italy are from sub-Saharan Africa rather than the Middle East.

Stefano Montesi/Corbis via Getty Images

At a busy office in central Rome, the man who oversees Italy's national network of committees that process asylum requests sits behind a desk with tall piles of folders.

Angelo Trovato says each committee has three members — representing police, local authorities and the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR.

"Each applicant is interviewed by one committee member," says Trovato. "But when it comes to deciding the destiny of an individual, the decision can't be by a single person. It must be reached collectively."

Rifling through his paperwork, he pulls out a sheet and points out that, in just two years, the number of committees has grown from 10 to 48.

In 2016, Italy overtook Greece as Europe's primary place of entry for migrants, with nearly 180,000 arrivals, slightly more than Greece's 175,000. An EU agreement with Turkey to prevent migrants from disembarking dramatically reduced the more than 1 million refugees who arrived in Greece in 2015.

In Italy, there are fewer arrivals from the Middle East and many more from sub-Saharan Africa. With Italy's EU partners setting up stricter border controls, the majority of migrants cannot move to Northern Europe where there are more employment opportunities.

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Several member states have also refused to take in migrants under an EU plan that would relocate 40,000 asylum seekers in other countries.

Italy is now tackling a surge in asylum seekers, though most migrants have no idea what the process entails. As of early December, some 116,000 migrants had filed requests for asylum this year, almost five times as many as in 2013.

Persecution or poverty?

Trovato says the committees must judge whether in their countries of origin applicants face persecution due to race, religion, ethnicity, membership in a special group or for political views, as established by international conventions.

Or whether they're just fleeing poverty, and therefore should be sent home.

"In every interview," says Trovato, "we guarantee the presence of an interpreter who speaks the applicant's native language in order to determine whether he fulfills asylum requirements."

One asylum committee is located just down the hall from Trovato's office. Some 20 African migrants, mostly men, sit in chairs along a long corridor.

Many are restless, some whisper to each other, others hold their paperwork tightly. They're all waiting to be interviewed.

One young man, speaking French, says he is from Guinea in West Africa.

Asked his name, he says Toure' Sekou. Maybe it really is his name, but Sekou Toure' is also the name of his country's first president. Like many migrants, this young man is fearful and diffident toward strangers.

Asked to tell his story, he says, "I prefer to tell it to the interviewer, I don't like to talk too much."

The entire asylum process can take from a few months to more than a year. A positive result depends on how believable the applicant's story is.

Barbara Boni, a lawyer who does pro bono work with asylum seekers, says the newly arrived are often still in a state of shock from the perilous sea crossing. And those fleeing persecution or conflict often don't have documents to prove it.

"Asylum seekers often leave out details they don't think are important," says Boni. "If they're not prepared beforehand, they generally speak very little and that hurts their chances."

Figuring out the system

For help navigating the system and legal advice, migrants can go to an immigration services center in Rome.

One of the volunteers is Abiba Outtara, who has lived in Italy since 2007. Outtara was granted asylum thanks to medical records that proved she had been tortured in jail during civil strife in her native Ivory Coast.

Trained as a nurse, she says her job now resembles that of a therapist, carefully probing to discover the real dramas often buried deep inside many migrants. Most of them, she says, don't even know what asylum is.

"Most of them have probably been living for years under a dictatorship," Outtara says, adding, "They tell the interviewer a different story, because they don't even know what persecution is."

With migrant arrivals surging, so are asylum rejections. This year, committees turned down 57 percent of requests.

But under Italian law, all migrants have a right to appeal in the civil court system, and courts are generally more lenient than the committees.

According to the migrant grapevine, perhaps as many as half the committee rejections are ultimately overturned. But the process can take years.

Source: Italy Surpasses Greece As Top Euro Destination For Asylum Seekers

ZIMBABWE NAMED BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN AFRICA

Tuesday 27th December 2016 9:05

Condé Nast has named Zimbabwe as the best destination for travellers to Africa in 2017. Zimbabwe and Rwanda are the only African countries on the American luxury and lifestyle travel magazine list.

"A new $150 million airport in Victoria Falls, capable of welcoming 1.5 million people a year aboard massive passenger jets, is only one of several reasons why Zimbabwe is on our 2017 list. The country is building up its tourism infrastructure despite—and, sometimes, in spite of—years of economic downturn and authoritarian governance. 

The same resilience is on show in the country's conservation efforts; there's been a clampdown on poaching and biodiversity flourishes in Hwange National Park, the country's largest game reserve. While everyone's booking stays in the safari parks of Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa, we recommend scouting for the Big Five in much less-crowded (and often more affordable) Zimbabwe.

 A new under-$1,000 eight-night safari by Gecko Adventures, launching in the spring, will take you from Victoria Falls, through Hwange and into South Africa's Limpopo province, making it possible to see the best of the country in a single stretch," said Conde Nast.

Canada tops Condé Nast Traveler's 17 best places to visit in 2017 because its "cities are truly having a moment. Montreal is redefining itself as a food city worth the flight (it's only an hour in the air from NYC). Toronto is taking the Iceland approach and encouraging travelers to extend their layover via AirCanada's new free up-to-seven-day stay. And the Rocky Mountaineer, a train that winds from Vancouver to Jasper without Wi-Fi, might just be the world's best tech detox."

Related

Source: ZIMBABWE NAMED BEST PLACE TO VISIT IN AFRICA

Top destinations for 2017

Now that we have celebrated Christmas, it's time to look forward to the New Year and the holidays we'll be taking in 2017. Monarch has a selection of destinations that are perfect for each season, helping you plan the next 12 months of getaways. So read on for inspiration and get booking.

Perfect for spring Madrid

Spring is a fantastic time to go on holiday, as much of Europe is starting to warm up, but still has a particularly fresh feel to it. Going away at this time of year means that you don't have to wait until the summer for a break and you get to stay ahead of the crowds. The question is where to go…?

As one of the highest capitals in Europe, Madrid can be a tad chilly in the winter months, so waiting until spring to discover Spain's capital is a good idea. By then you will be able to enjoy a tinto de verano – a drink similar to sangria, but more widely consumed among the locals – at a pavement café without any extra layers.

May is also the month that Madrid's patron saint San Isidro is celebrated and events will take place between the 12th and 16th. Such of the action is centred around the Pradera de San Isidro Park, but there are things to get involved with all over the city. It's a great opportunity to get an insight into Spanish popular culture and has just about every type of music represented, with dancing, storytelling and circuses to enjoy.

Perfect for summer Porto

The summer is a great time for visiting some of Monarch's newest destinations and if you don't believe us when we say Porto should be on your 2017 hit list, just listen to Lonely Planet. The popular guide book publisher put the Portuguese city at number three on its list of best value places for the year ahead.

Here is what it had to say about this wonderful destination: "Portugal's second city has a clutch of inexpensive museums, cheap vintage trams to delight the transport nerd in your party and a pebbly beach an hour's walk along the riverbank. Atmospheric wine caves offer inexpensive tours and tastings, and day trips to vineyards are easy to arrange."

Zagreb

Another wonderful option for summer 2017 will be the Croatian capital of Zagreb, as regular direct flights will be up and running by then. While it's a fantastic destination to visit at any time of year, Zagreb really come into its own in the summertime. Meander the pedestrian streets and kick back at one of the outdoor cafes or plan your holiday around a specific event.

There's loads going on in Zagreb throughout the summer and music fans have their pick of festivals. INmusic is the biggest Croatia has to offer and takes place on Youth Island in the middle of the city's Lake Jarun. In the past it has attracted big names, such as Florence + The Machine, Jake Bugg and The Coral. Arcade Fire and Alt-J are set to headline the 2017 edition of the festival, so it's going to be a good one.

Perfect for winter Andorra

By the time winter rolls around again – I know, we're thinking ahead – it will be time to don those skis and head to some of Europe's most popular resorts. Andorra may not be the first place that comes to mind as a ski holiday destination, but it's certainly worth considering. This diminutive country is located less than three hours' drive away from Barcelona and its location in the Pyrenees mountain range means it's absolutely breath-taking.

If you're mad about skiing then Andorra will be a good fit, as it is home to 303 kilometres of ski runs, which isn't bad for a with an area of just 468 square kilometres in total. In fact, the furthermost outlying slopes from the capital, Andorra la Vella, are just 28 kilometres away, meaning you can ski in the daytime and enjoy all the amenities of a major city in the evening.

Source: Top destinations for 2017

Where should you travel in 2017? A list of top travel lists

Where should you travel in 2017? Here's a list of top destination lists from expert sources across the travel industry, from guidebook and magazine publishers to travel agents, tour operators and websites.

-- Top 10 U.S. destinations: Asheville, North Carolina; Western Washington; Lincoln, Nebraska; California's southern desert region; Montana's Flathead Valley; Atlanta; New York's Adirondack Mountains; Texas Hill Country wine region; Denver; Florida's "Emerald Coast"

-- Top 10 countries: Canada; Colombia; Finland; Dominica; Nepal; Bermuda; Mongolia; Oman; Myanmar; Ethiopia

-- Top 10 cities: Bordeaux, France; Cape Town, South Africa; Los Angeles; Merida, Mexico; Ohrid, Macedonia; Pistoia, Italy; Seoul, South Korea; Lisbon, Portugal; Moscow; Portland, Oregon

Montreal, Quebec; Karasjok, Norway; Bermuda; The Pantanal, South America; Mississippi River; Paris; Sulawesi, Indonesia; San Francisco; Fatima, Portugal; Nashville; Panama Canal; Nan Madol, Micronesia; Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda; Germany; Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Maine; Haida Gwaii, British Columbia; Doha, Qatar; Cuba

Houston; Salt Lake City; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Miami; Las Vegas; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Cincinnati; Nashville; Atlanta; Chicago; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Orlando, Florida; Portland, Oregon; Columbus, Ohio

-- First 10 on a list of 100 destinations: Skala Sikaminias, Greece; Bermuda; West Sweden; Okinawa, Japan; Kyushu, Japan; Hokkaido, Japan; Arizona; Puerto Rico; Singapore; Buenos Aires

-- U.S. destinations: Asheville, North Carolina; Marfa, Texas; Portland, Oregon; Yolo County, Northern California; Haines, Alaska; New Orleans; Black Rock City, Nevada; Nashville; Park City, Utah; Santa Barbara, California; Chicago; Philadelphia; The Catskills, New York; Los Angeles; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Pittsburgh

U.S. TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION

-- Top "hot" destinations: Cuba, Italy, Iceland, United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, China, Vietnam

-- Top emerging or off-the-beaten path destinations: Cuba, Iceland, Croatia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Myanmar, Iran, South Africa and Morocco, Cambodia and India

TRAVEL LEADERS (travel agents)

-- Domestic destinations: Orlando; Maui, Hawaii; New York City; Las Vegas; Alaska cruise; Honolulu; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Miami.

-- International destinations: Caribbean cruise; Cancun, Mexico; London; European river cruise; Rome; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Paris; Mediterranean cruise; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya, Mexico

TRAVEL + LEISURE MAGAZINE

-- North America: Montreal, Quebec; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Baja Wine Country, Mexico; Veracruz, Mexico; Indianapolis; Cincinnati; Honolulu; Nashville; Norfolk, Virginia; Philadelphia; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Tofino, Canada; Bermuda

-- South America: Salta, Argentina; La Paz, Bolivia; Angra dos Reis, Brazil; Guayaquil, Ecuador; Nicaragua; Panama City, Panama; Pisco, Peru; Montevideo, Uruguay

-- Africa: Okavango Delta, Botswana; Tamouda Bay, Morocco; Cape Town, South Africa; Madagascar; Rwanda; Seychelles

-- Asia/Middle East: Cambodian Coast, Cambodia; Hampi, India; Kanazawa, Japan; Jerusalem; Al Jabal Akhdar, Oman; Suzhou, China; Laos

-- Oceania: Noosa, Australia; Perth, Australia; Queenstown, New Zealand

-- Europe: Helsinki, Finland; Jura, France; Provence, France; Hamburg, Germany; Paros, Greece; Belfast, Ireland; Turin, Italy; Rotterdam, Netherlands; Oslo, Norway; Belgrade, Serbia; Malaga, Spain; Lake Lucerne, Switzerland; Devon, United Kingdom

Helsinki, Finland; Hokkaido, Japan; Lima, Peru; Canada's national parks; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Medellin, Colombia; Aarhus, Denmark; Madagascar; Cyprus; Hong Kong; Oaxaca, Mexico; Edinburgh, Scotland; Alaska; Saxony, Germany; Wellington, New Zealand; Marfa, Texas; Kiev, Ukraine; Laos; Denver; Minho region, Portugal; Yorkshire, England; Washington, D.C.; Bordeaux, France; Cape Town, South Africa; Antigua and Barbuda

Source: Where should you travel in 2017? A list of top travel lists

Bringing fire education to Africa

The African city of Nairobi is home to approximately 4.5 million people, yet has only four to six fire trucks to service the entire area. In comparison, Alexandria has a population of approximately 13,000, but has 12 fire trucks.

This equipment obstacle, among others, was one of the reasons Karin Anderson, a Kensington firefighter and EMT, chose to travel to Africa in November to help educate the emergency personnel there as part of the organization Africa Fire Mission.

PROVIDING EDUCATION

Africa Fire Mission serves to improve the public safety services available in Africa, and was founded in 2012. Last year, Anderson met the founder of the organization, and he encouraged her to participate in the upcoming trip. Though hesitant at first, she ultimately decided to take part.

"What we did was we conducted a fire academy," Anderson said. "Before, they had never had one in Kenya. We had three classes — leadership, fire prevention and emergency medical class. Me and my friend Bjorn (Ringdahl) from Ringdahl Ambulance in Fergus Falls taught the EMS class."

The EMS class included 50 students, both men and women. Anderson says one of the most important things to take note of while teaching was the language barrier.

"They can speak English," Anderson said. "But that's their second language. Their first language is Swahili, which they speak much more fluently. ... We had to make sure they were getting it, mostly through facial expression."

Because education is difficult to obtain in Kenya, it's what emergency personnel wish for the most. So, when Anderson and her team presented the opportunity, they were more than excited to learn.

"What was really cool was when we brought out the CPR mannequins, and all the stuff for hands-on, like for burns and bandaging," Anderson said. "They were like little kids in a candy store. Here we complain when we have to train. But they were so thrilled that somebody was bringing them training and that they had these mannequins to actually practice on."

Before leaving for Africa, three local companies — Alex Air Apparatus, Fire Safety USA and Great Plains Fire — donated things like paper, pens and backpacks for Anderson to bring with her. She says she was shocked that such simple materials were so coveted.

"That's what they wanted the most," she said. "I ran out and had no more to give them. I could have brought another suitcase over."

A STARK CONTRAST

While in Kenya, Anderson observed many differences between the United States and Africa, the largest being the treatment of firefighters.

"The firefighters are not heroes over there," she said. "They're not even looked up on. They're looked down on. If they come to a fire and they run out of water, which they do because there's no water towers like there are here, they get in the trucks to leave and people think they're abandoning them and they throw rocks at them."

In Kenya, emergency vehicles also have a difficult time navigating roadways and reaching their destination quickly.

"They've got to get through an entire city and people don't move over for fire trucks and ambulances," Anderson said. "You either go around in the ditch or don't get through at all. People are not educated about things like that. I don't think they really know how to go about moving over when there's really nowhere to move over to."

On the flip side, there were aspects of Kenyan culture that Anderson says appealed to her more than U.S. culture.

"They were like, 'Don't be in a hurry, you're on Kenya time, just slow down,'" she said. "You did learn pretty quick that you're not getting through traffic in an hour, you're not getting out of the grocery store in 10 minutes."

Additionally, the people of Kenya were kind and grateful.

"You walk into any business and they're immediately welcoming you," Anderson said. "At first, I couldn't figure out why they were saying, 'You're welcome, you're welcome,' when I hadn't said thank you yet, but what they were saying is, 'You are welcome. You're welcome here.'"

Anderson says leaving was difficult, but that come next year, it is likely she will return and may even spend some extra time in the area.

"It was hard to leave the academy," she said. "I got a lot of gifts given to me from the Kenyans and a lot of people wondering when I'm coming back. ... They're talking about having medical clinics in the slums, where they bring over EMTs and nurses and treat patients in the slums. It's not set for sure, but I might go and help with that."

Source: Bringing fire education to Africa

Could a digital currency bring Africa closer to China?

Now, a Kenyan start up is bringing Africa closer to its biggest investor, China, by letting companies on the continent send payments to the Asian nation which are traded in Bitcoin.

Using BitPesa's website, users in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo can send money directly to bank accounts in China.

It's fast and could cut conventional money transfer costs by up to 60%, according to the company.

Until now African companies have had limited options for paying their Chinese suppliers in a swift and affordable way, says CEO Elizabeth Rossiello.

More than 70% of transactions are made through independent money transfer operators -- who offer an often sluggish but cheaper service on average than post offices, banks or other conventional methods, according to a 2016 report.

"Some companies are even giving cash to a middleman who physically gets on a plane. There had to be a better solution."

The service is available in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and DRC and the company hopes to keep expanding

How it works

Take a solar power start up importing their panels from China, for example. They can register via BitPesa's website and request to make a transfer. BitPesa then calculates the transaction fee, based on the amount and currencies involved.

The fee is agreed and the user pays with mobile money or by bank transfer.

"It arrives, depending on where you are, just a few minutes or hours later in the Chinese bank account," Rossiello says.

"We request your ID, your address, your date of birth (at registration). We check them against the same databases the banks use," she adds, highlighting the site's emphasis on security.

BitPesa takes care of the Bitcoin trading at the back-end, and for the user the experience is much like sending money by any other independent money transfer service.

Raised $4 million

Established in Kenya in 2013, BitPesa -- which has raised $4 million in capital -- is not the only operator trading with Bitcoin in Africa, with others in this sector mostly based in South Africa.

But its China scheme, which launched this month and for the first time allows users to make online payments to clients in Asia, give the company a unique selling point.

Some shops and pubs, such as this one in Australia, accept Bitcoin.

With trade between China and Africa estimated to have hit $220 billion in 2016, as Chinese companies invest heavily in small businesses across the continent, it's a smart move.

Already, the company has seen interest from large multinationals.

"We are very excited by the initial uptake," says Rossiello, who pays her international staff in Bitcoin too.

International money transfers can be costly and often go via payment corridors that zigzag the globe before reaching their destination -- an inefficient and archaic method, says Rossiello.

"Why not have [money moving in] direct lines instead of spaghetti bowls?"

BitPesa hopes to keep expanding, proving that Bitcoin should not be feared but embraced as a tool which connects the continent.

Not everyone is so easily persuaded, with some firms still wary of Bitcoin, Rossiello adds.

"You have to do it totally digitally. You can't walk into the bank. You can't pay in cash. It's a behavioral change."

The rise of 'digital cash'

Created in 2009 by an unknown person with the alias Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin has seen increased interest in recent years with some experts saying it could have a vast impact on the future of financial technology.

There are different ways of trading the currency, and while some use it to shop online, others keep it in an online wallet in the hope of seeing the value increase.

People attend a Bitcoin conference in New York.

One Bitcoin had an estimated value of $790 in mid December 2016, and around 180 million Bitcoins have been traded globally since the currency launched -- a number which has nearly doubled over the past year, according to industry platform Blockchain Info. "There's been a strong increase in the number of transactions," says Eddy Travia, founder of the Bitcoin Institute and CEO of Coinsilium, who acts as an adviser to companies that use Bitcoin.

"It's really a form of digital cash."

The currency is anchored in a so-called blockchain -- a way of digitally tracking the transactions to avoid the money being used more than once. Payment companies that trade with Bitcoin tend to fall under the same regulations as conventional money transfer services, Travia explains.

Source: Could a digital currency bring Africa closer to China?

From Canada to Madagascar, the Hottest Vacation Destinations of 2017

You might fancy skiing in Japan, or heading to a swanked-up Nashville. Or maybe it'll be Montevideo. Or Madagascar. Or Ethiopia… Boarding passes, please.

The 51st state. America's hat. Take your pick among the bevy of diminutive nicknames our northern neighbor has suffered—too polite and apologetic to ever form a rebuttal. Of course the joke's on us now, especially on election night when the Canadian immigration website famously crashed due to a sudden surge in search queries.

Besides the appeal of a progressive social democracy led by a political prince who enjoys topless photobombing, Canada's immense natural beauty is finally getting the spotlight it deserves. Celebrating 150 years as a nation in 2017, Canada just eclipsed the awesomeness of the American Parks Service centennial by offering everyone a Discovery Pass allowing free admission into any of the nation's reserves from coast to coast.

Start in Nahanni National Park, in the Northwest Territories—a dense and hidden wilderness carved by glacial canyons and roaring rivers. So utterly remote and spectacular, Nahanni was the first place ever to be inscribed on UNESCO's coveted list of World Heritage Sites. Pair it with a stay at Blachford Lodge on the vast inland sea of Great Slave Lake—the perfect place to watch the northern lights.

From the surfable shores of Tofino in British Columbia to the ceaseless charm of Newfoundland's "outport" coastal communities along the Bonavista Peninsula in the east, you could make five separate trips to Canada next year and you'd only be scratching the surface.

Trendy wouldn't even begin to describe Japan during the "Bubble Economy" era, and now the buzz is back with a noticeable uptick in international travelers descending upon the Land of the Rising Sun each year. Shinkansen (bullet train) plans continue to be rolled out, creating easy new routes between hubs like Tokyo and Kyoto and smaller destinations.

Long-term plans are already underway to create faster trains and brand new resorts on Japan's northern island, Hokkaido, making 2017 the perfect time to go before the inevitable inundation of tourists and the increased awareness in Japan leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Long famed for its superlative skiing—coined "Japow" for the pixie dust snow—Hokkaido is already a favorite for Australians, but is suddenly starting to catch on with the mainstream American crowd. The newly refurbished Kiroro, a Tribute hotel, marks the first of several initiatives to bring in international skiers beyond the traditionally popular pistes at Niseko.

Beyond skiing, Hokkaido has a rich culinary tradition based upon locally sourced seafood and high-quality dairy from the island's farms. Whisky distilling, too, has a proud heritage; the land bears some similar environmental traits to the Scottish Highlands.

Following the lead of IcelandAir, Azores Airlines (originally called SATA), based on the tiny archipelago of Portuguese islands 1000 miles off the coast of Lisbon, will be increasing its transatlantic capacity and service by 46 percent next year. Stops on the islands will of course be offered along the way, but a direct transcontinental link brings a new destination into focus for America travelers: Cape Verde.

A Creole combustion of Afro-Portuguese influence, the volcanic islands off the coast of northern Africa make an interesting alternative to the Caribbean with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, like Praia de Chaves on the isle of Boa Vista.

If you search the bowels of the internet for travel trends five years ago, a lot of top 10 lists featured Music City. The titular TV show starring Connie Britton was making its soap-Opry debut just as the city's penchant for serious BBQ eats was earning a more mainstream reputation.

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But now the city's breaking away from its niche appeal and becoming a worthy destination for every stripe up traveler bolstered by a phalanx of new hotel properties like the Thompson Nashville; the hotly anticipated 21c Museum Hotel Nashville will open in the spring.

Next-level Nashville is marking a great trend in America's middle, as smaller cities too—like Indianapolis, Indiana, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lexington, Kentucky—are making strides toward becoming both more livable destinations but also worthy weekending spots for city mice.

We have a very bad habit of lumping geography together in big chunks. It happened with the Ebola outbreak a few years ago when East Africa suffered dramatic losses in tourism when it was West Africa—thousands of miles away—that was under siege. Similarly, many nations in the Middle East suddenly seem like a no-go zone when the unrest splashed across the news is located in very pronounced pockets.

Jordan is perhaps the most heartbreaking victim of these circumstances—a modern and stunning nation that has seen two-thirds of its tourists evaporate over the last five years. Sights of incomparable beauty—like the orange vastness of Wadi Rum, Petra, and the Dead Sea—are yours for the taking.

As the world bemoaned the general lack of organization during the Rio Olympics we thought: If only there were a place with that signature South American joie de vivre but without any of the chaos and hassle. Consider Uruguay. Already a favorite with spend-y Argentinians and Brazilians, it's got beautiful beaches, gaucho-style farm-fresh beef, a growing wine trade, and a capital city—Montevideo—that's making a meteoric rise in the food and fashion sectors.

With more natural resources per square foot and more endemic flora and fauna than any other country in the world, the subcontinent-sized island of Madagascar often feels cloaked behind corruption. There might, however, be a change in the winds—the construction of luxury lodge Miavana may be the prelude to a renewed interest in this faraway island and the timing couldn't be better as mining and logging continue to threaten this delicate biome.

Another country marking an anniversary with pomp and circumstance, Finland turns 100 next year, and is using its centennial to broadcast its own brand of Nordic-esque coolness: quirky design, midnight sun, and the most pronounced sauna culture on the planet.

Winter wonders will be played up in kind with the World Skating Championships being held in the capital, Helsinki.

Globetrotters may be interested to learn that a pause in Helsinki is a perfectly reasonable stop for East Coast Americans on their way to Asia. For example, New York to Tokyo via L.A. clocks you more time in the sky than flying from New York to Tokyo via Helsinki.

Ethiopia further opens its doors in 2017 as its national airline continues helping the country make inroads into becoming a new transcontinental hub. Direct links from the United States are increasing, as is a newfound interest in non-safari African travel. Discover the tribal voices of the Oro Valley and explore the ancient earthen churches of Lalibela.

While the American media has been busy ascribing a fantastical zoo-like quality to Cuba—"come see it before it changes!"—Puerto Rico has been unfairly recast as the Zika monster. Prices have dipped in PR as a result, and with trendsetters making a beeline to Havana, you'll have the stunning cobbled streets of Old San Juan all to yourself.

Honorable Mention: Washington, D.C.

Just because Trump doesn't want to live there doesn't mean you shouldn't visit! Named best food city by Bon Appetit magazine, and the newest destination to receive a Michelin dining guide, D.C. is poised to remind you that the city's climate won't be totally depressing come January.

Source: From Canada to Madagascar, the Hottest Vacation Destinations of 2017

15 Hippie Destinations Around The World

Long back, in the 1960s, with some wanderers and free soul people moving around the world without any worldly attachments provoked the heart of many. Gradually, one wanderer met another and formed a group while ended up with a beginning of a new Revolutionary era, The Hippie Revolution. It started around Africa and later swerved into different parts of the world, where more people got involved and that is how still Hippie people exists around the world and that too in large number.

Hippie Movement commenced being a culture and later, almost turned into a religion. It's hard to believe that, in the 21st century, when technology and fast movements have taken over everything, when money became more important than food and family and 'showing off' has turned into a high-profile culture, there still exists some people who have the courage to leave behind the materialistic life and roam around the world with music and free soul. Are you shaken enough by this introduction and want to spend a year of Hippie life? Well, then these are the places for your Hippie start over.

Ibiza, Spain

Pic Credit: ytimg.com

Ibiza, Spain dates back to the 60's when, artisans, designers, and creative thinkers crowd the place to enjoy the whimsical atmosphere of Ibiza. Ibiza is not just for college boys partying around with their modern sophisticated girl pals. It's more than that. Though Ibiza is eminent as a party lover's paradise, all over the world, the history justifies that Ibiza, Spain was the hotspot place for Hippie people.

Lucky to say, it's still the most wanted Hippie place around the globe. The bohemian touch of culture with Spanish extravaganza has a mesmerizing feeling that you can only enjoy in Ibiza, Spain. Famous as the Hippie people's paradise, Ibiza has grown up market places and shopping places where you can get the subtle palette of Hippie culture. The food, the ambiance, the lifestyle, everything reflects a hippie at heart.  If you are looking forward to a Hippie year, Ibiza must be your destination.

Goa, India

Pic Credit: theplaidzebra.com

As small is its name, Goa is the smallest state of India yet most beautiful and' want to be' place for every youngster across the world. Setting off from a honeymoon destination to great Christian destination wedding, Goa is the antique place which still holds the Portuguese culture even after 69 years of Indian Independence. With the quintessence of sea beaches and churches and a Cathedral surrounding the state, Goa is the ultimate Hippie place to be around.

The place has got a mixed blend of Portuguese customs with a subtle and a regal Bohemian touch. Goa is draped with beautiful sea beaches. The evening street markets that lights up across the beaches charms the place with shopaholic hearts from all around the globe. And food? Talking about Goa and not describing the scrumptious Goan food would be an injustice. Enjoy the appetizing seafood while you lay down to get a nice sun tan.

Christiania, Denmark

Pic Credit: confuzine.com

The glamorous Danish City of Denmark, Christiania is the one hippie place which dates back to 80's. With graffiti and gritty edges, the scenic beauty of the city is mesmerizing. Fun to say, that initially Christiania was not a place which hippies would like. But gradually with time, this Danish city became the hub for hippies.

Nimbin, Australia

Pic Credit: bigjoint.org

Australia stands for only one thing- surfing. Known as the Queen of Islands, Australia is the only continent called a country which is surrounded by water on all its sides. And somehow this natural feature has attracted the hippie culture to its heart. Speaking about hippie culture in Australia, the first place that comes to mind is Nimbin, the paradise for hippies from all around the globe.

It is known that hippies traveled to Nimbin, Australia in search of free love, free soul, positive energy, peace, and cannabis. And at the edge of this volcano land, the hippies were ultimately successful in finding the ultimate stage of peace and tranquillity. The Australian culture in Namibia is well molded with the hippy culture and the blend has come up with a never ending joy of peace and freshness. Nimbin, Australia is the best place for hippie travelers who are traveling on dollar bills. The place has a history to offer you if you are a hippie at heart.

Arembepe, Brazil

Pic Credit: ytimg.com

Popular for its white beaches and clean sand dunes, Arembepe, Brazil is where the hippies reside. Do you want to get indulged into the world of Hippie lifestyle? Arembepe is the place for your visit then. The surfer's paradise and hippie's residence, Arembepe is a small place in Brazil, which is experiencing hippie culture since the birth of the hippie movement. The communal living, the whimsical atmosphere of hippie culture and colorful graffiti justifies it all.

The local music of the place has molded into being more bohemian kind and hippie fun. Not to forget the delicious, Brazilian food, the hippies traveling to Arembepe, Brazil have a wonderful thirst for its communal lifestyle and local cuisine. Though the hippie culture has given rise to certain places in Arembepe which are solely hippie oriented and subtle, Hippie movement in Arembepe was more prominent during the 60's. The midway saw a decrement in the number of hippies travelers to the City, however, with the recent rise in popularity, the Hippie culture of the city has again risen up to the extremities.

Kasol, India

Pic Credit: googleusercontent.com

The tranquillity and peace that the Himalayas provide are better than any other place in the world.  Kasol, a small place located in the heart of Himachal Pradesh in India, says it all. Kasol is a paradise place for trekkers and mountaineers. But when it comes to the hippy culture, Kasol is no place behind. With the chilliness and capricious air in the atmosphere, Kasol stands at its best when welcoming the Hippie culture.

It's not long back when Kasol started embracing Hippie people. The Himalayas have provided the place a clean sheet of peace and spirituality. Hippie culture is all about finding peace in the world and hence Kasol doesn't stay behind at all. American and African hippies jam-pack Kasol all over the year. Since Kasol has a cold climate throughout the year, people traveling to Kasol doesn't have to worry much about its weather and calamities.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Pic Credit: jayrajsinhchavda

With the beautiful gateway to the Great Himalayas, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal has always been the hippie place for travelers who are a mountaineer at heart. With the strike of Nepal Earthquake in 2015, the city almost returned from the verge of extinction. However, this incident brought more anticipation to the heart of hippie culture which attracted more and more travelers to its heart.

Nepal is the pagoda city with Buddhist traditions and culture flowing all around the country. Kathmandu is often visited by people who moved out of their own world in search of some peace and spiritualism. Kathmandu offers an exotic range of spiritualism and positive vibes for the rest of your life. The hilly snow clad way from the Kathmandu city to the Great Himalayas has become the house of mountain loving Hippie travelers. With the peaceful Nepali music and marijuana, this is the ideal place to visit if you are listing your Hippie destination.

El Bolson, Argentina

Pic Credit: harryandkerry.com

The hippies started their voyage to El Bolson, Argentina during the 70's and till now it is a jam-packed place for the hippies. Cuddled up between the mountain ranges, El Bolson is a mere village which has turned into a hipster place for the hippies. The lush greenery and the fresh farms are the reasons for the hippie attraction to this place while dates back to the 70's.

A hippie movement started out with people who wandered around the world in search of peace and positivity. Keeping this in context, there is no reason to doubt why El Bolson, Argentina became a hub for the hippies. To be more precise, El Bolson still holds the strong essence of hippie culture and its customs to its heart.

Panajachel, Guatemala

Pic Credit: wikimedia.org

During the early 60's, The Guatemala city of Panajachel was the hub for hippie travelers. With the sea waters, beach ambiance, peace and a little touch of spiritualism, most people from the US, wondering in Hippie movement, visited Panajechal for inner peace and achieve free soul.

Though the Civil War affected the city too much extent and its jam-packed hippie traveler's visits decreased, but the city remained draped in the essence of Hippie culture. And that is how even today, traditional hippie travelers target Panajachel during their wandering voyage of the globe. Had spoken often about the history of hippie culture, the Panajachel city is engrossed into big marketplaces, mostly local markets, which deals with items that only has an inner Hippie touch. The Boho look and the hippie culture justify the exquisiteness of the city.

Nelson, Canada

Pic Credit: ambermcgregor.wordpress.com

The Bohemian town of Canada, Nelson is the paradise for hippies. With the neutral palette of Bohemian culture, the place has transformed into a hobo land. Hippies are best known for their carefree mind and free souls. And Nelson, Canada is exactly the ideal place for them. With the unbiased blend of Bohemian culture and the magical environment in Canada, the hippies do enjoy a quality time in Nelson.

With the chain of heritage structures that the city offers, the streets are covered in beautiful floral canals and local street coffee shops where finding a hippie in a Bohemian draping style is a common sight. Hippies enjoy traditions and local country type feel which are devoid of any show-off or materialistic charisma. Nelson has such blends of free soul places and natural charisma, that hippies can never keep their hands off the place.

Tulum, Mexico

Pic Credit: justinwashere.com

Mexico is famous for its wide range of delicious Mexican cuisine and sea sand shores. Tulum, Mexico is no exception. Caught up in the paradise moment of the hippies, Tulum, Mexico has grown to be the Hippies land of peace and tranquillity. The beautiful coastline, clean water, white sand beaches, lush greenery and nature's charisma, everything have blended together in a just correct amount to form a place solely for welcoming the hippies.

Ever since the birth of the hippie revolution, Tulum, Mexico has been the hub for all travelers. One reason includes its chain of sand dunes and local restaurants that have draped the city in its arm of Bohemian touch. With the bars and local markets, it has become evident that the cute dream catchers available for sell at the local market are solely the imprints of the hippie culture that has fallen into the city.

Boulder, Colorado

Pic Credit: marijuana.com

The Colorado City, Boulder has shown the world the different kinds of hippie culture that it holds. Unlike other countries, Boulder has a variety of hippie culture. Starting from Eco-friendly hippies to the ones who love adventures, Boulder is the home for all. Though the hippie culture has declined a little in Boulder, recently, still the history of hippies that the city carries is still attracting hippies to visit their ancestral land.

Earlier, the hippies came up in search of a free soul, peace, and lifestyle. Materialistic life meant nothing to them. Hence, they wandered around the world with hollow pockets and their marijuana rolls, to find peace in the world. During the 70's, the hippies finally landed in Boulder to create a culture of free mindedness and hobo culture. To be honest, the city is again grabbing its hippie culture and emerging to become a paradise land for the hippies.

Vancouver, Canada

Pic Credit: baltimoresun.com

Vancouver, Canada is often known as the land of love and revolution. The place turned into a hippie hub during the sixties when travelers from a distant land wandered into Canada to find peace. These people, popularly known as hippies started out a new culture called a hippie culture which is more like a religion today. The hippies were the one who spread the spiritual idealisms in the city, for which the city is still thankful.

To elaborate a little about the hippies and hippie culture that existed in Vancouver during the 60's, it won't be inappropriate to compare the city's current scenario with that of the old time. The local markets with the cute dream catchers at display to sell, clearly explains the city's charm in hippie culture. Vancouver is indeed the best hippie place in the world to travel to. If you are planning your own to the life of hippies, Vancouver, Canada must be your destination, sooner or later.

Eugene, Oregon

Pic Credit: askasheville.com

Are you already feeling hippy at heart? Hippie culture is all about a cultural touch of local music, marijuana smokers, inner peace, free soul and letting yourself free to the wilderness of the nature. If you have any of these qualities in you, Eugene, Oregon, is waiting to welcome your hippy footsteps. Step a foot in the land of hippy customs at Eugene and let your soul set free from the materialistic longings.

Live in the hippy style huts with the minimalistic yet chic lifestyle of the hippie culture. The communal living and the herbal remedies that Eugene offers, is enough to set yourself float in the neutral palette tonne of hipster culture. The place itself have built up a local hippie lifestyle with all the global food and wilderness in the air. To enjoy the hippie culture while drowning yourself into the heart of American Hippie culture, you ought to visit Eugene for sure.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Pic Credit: rantlifestyle.com

Morocco is the best destination known for travellers who want to get a week break from the daily schedule and get off the beaten track with some peace and magic in the atmosphere. Chefchaouen, Morocco is the ultimate place to enjoy a hippie lifestyle. With all those subtle colours and magic in the air, this city offers a peaceful seat for a peaceful free soul. The city is cheap, colourful and has more to offer than you stay in here.

The local markets are overloaded with hippie things that may make you nostalgic at heart. Wholesomely customized for a hippie lifestyle, Chefchaouen, Morocco is the best to start off your hippie ride around the world. With the local music and essence of marijuana, Morocco has become the hub for hippies. It's not quite an old history when hippies started travelling to Morocco and in no time, the entire place has customized itself with DIY hippie life.

Source: 15 Hippie Destinations Around The World

12 International Artists And Events Who Are Performing In South Africa In 2017

Justin Bieber is touring South Africa in 2017. Photo: colorlines.com

South Africa is becoming a favourite destination for international artists to tour, with the likes of Justin Bieber and the Blue Man Group touching down in the country during 2017.

Many of the world's top bands, singers and entertainers are paying attention to South African audiences, understanding the value of tapping into the SA market, while adding concerts in the rainbow nation for their international tours.

While many of the performers and events that will be touring in South Africa have not yet been announced for the year ahead, some have communicated dates and intentions to entertain South Africans in early 2017.

We take a closer look at 12 international artists and events who are performing in South Africa during 2017.

Source: Computicket, BigConcerts, CapeTownMagazine, Channel24.

Birmingham band The Vamps will be in South Africa in 2017. Photo: Birmingham Mail

The Vamps

British pop rock band The Vamps will be touring South Africa in March 2017, with a show each in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The popular group will begin with a concert at the Kirstenbosch Gardens on March 18 before another at the Ticketpro Dome in Jozi two days later.

The Great Moscow Circus will be in SA. Photo: YouTube

The Great Moscow Circus

The world famous Moscow Circus will be in town for South Africans who are looking for entertainment that will include clowns, jugglers, accrobats and other talented individuals from Russia and around the world. Arriving in South Africa in December, they will perform across the country until late February 2017.

Justin Bieber is touring South Africa in 2017. Photo: colorlines.com

Justin Bieber

Global megastar Justin Bieber is due to perform for South African audiences as part of his Purpose World Tour in 2017. He will begin with a show in Johannesburg on Sunday, May 14, before performing in Cape Town three days later. Tickets for his South African concerts range from $28 to a massive $1,065 for the VIP experience.

Ferrari GTC 4 Lusso. Photo: Cape Town Motor Show

The Cape Town Motor Show

The premier motor show in Africa is held in Cape Town each year, with new car models unveiled and technological advances in the automotive industry revealed. Petrol heads and motor enthusiasts will enjoy the international show at the GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World between 27 and 29 January.

The Lumineers will tour South Africa during 2017. Photo: PopMatters

The Lumineers

The American folk rock band will be on South African shores between April 26 and 28 as part of their Cleopatra world tour, with the international artists playing shows planned in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Blue Man Group

The international entertainment phenomenon, known simply as the Blue Man Group, will perform their award-winning production in South Africa for the first time as part of a new world tour from February to April 2017. The trio of bald performers painted blue will be in Cape Town and Johannesburg during 2017.

The Whispers will be on tour in South Africa. Photo: Cincinnati Arts

The Whispers

As part of the Legends of R&B Volume 2 concert organised through Big Concerts, The Whisperers will be co-headlining alongside fellow American band The Stylistics in March at the Montecasino Teatro in Johannesburg. The Whisperers have been producing numerous hit songs since the 1960s.

The Apollo Theatre in London. Photo: Whatsoninlondon

Stars From The Apollo

Stars from the Apollo will feature a list of comedians who have performed at 'Live at the Apollo', one of the UK`s most prestigious comedy shows. The Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in London has seen some of the best funnymen and women on the planet, and a selection of those will be at Montecasino in Johannesburg in early February.

Andrew Young is a well known saxophonist. Photo: ImBored

Andrew Young

European saxophone performer Andrew Young will be returning to South Africa in February to play shows at the Barnyard Theatre in Plettenberg Bay after enjoying success in the country earlier this year. He will release his latest album, 'Diamonds', at the same time.

British pianist Joanna Macgregor will entertain South Africans. Photo: The Telegraph

Joanna Macgregor

World renowned British pianist Joanna Macgregor is another of the international artists who will be in Johannesburg for a one-off concert on February 4. She returns to South Africa after a long absence with plans to play music from the likes of Chopin, Piazzolla, Stravinsky, Gyorgy Ligeti and Arvo Part.

Cape Town International Jazz Festival (Photo: flickr.com

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

The largest jazz festival in Africa and the fourth largest in the world takes place in Cape Town at the end of March next year. A lineup of over 40 local and international artists perform on five stages over the course of two days, with over 36,000 people expected to attend.

The Stylistics are in SA for shows in 2017. Photo: Kalamu ya Salaam

The Stylistics

In addition to The Whispers, The Stylistics will form part of the lineup for the Legends of R&B Volume 2 concert in March at the Montecasino Teatro in Johannesburg. The Stylistics were one of the best-known Philadelphia soul groups of the 1970s, and will bring their soothing tones to South African audiences next year.

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Source: 12 International Artists And Events Who Are Performing In South Africa In 2017

Does China Dominate Global Investments?

International Trade

  December 19th, 2016 | Written by Peter Buxbaum

CHINA WILL ACCOUNT FOR 25 PERCENT OF GLOBAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION BY 2035: This need for energy has sparked Chinese investment across Asia.

The U.S. is the largest destination for Chinese FDI in the world, drawing 14 percent since 2005.

China became the largest energy consumer and producer in the world in 2011.

The Netherlands and the U.S. are the largest investors in Latin America.

Overseas investments offers China an opportunity to bolster its own economy, and to leverage its economic strength to increase its influence abroad. Beijing's policies encourage investments in foreign markets and Chinese firms have actively expanded their overseas footprint in recent years.

Natural resource-extraction activities in Africa, Australia, Canada, and Latin America continue to dominate Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI), but Chinese companies have also begun acquiring strategic assets in American and European high-tech sectors.

For all of the talk of China's growing FDI, it still represents a small share compared to investments from the more advanced economies of the United States and Europe, according to a recent report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank. China's share of foreign investments in regions like Latin America and Africa are much smaller than its cohorts.

On the other hand, China could emerge as a world leader in international investment, according tot he report, if China's leaders manage to rebalance the Chinese economy toward a consumer-driven and high-end manufacturing model.

Annual Chinese FDI into Latin America and the Caribbean has expanded dramatically over the last several years. Investments totaled $81.55 billion between 2005 and 2015, growing steadily from $430 million in 2006 to $4.87 billion in 2009 and peaking at $24.48 billion in 2010.

But the region accounted for only 10.5 percent of China's total global FDI over the past decade, and China's investment in the region pales in comparison to other actors. Chinese investments constitute one percent of total inflows from all investor countries. The Netherlands and the United States are the largest regional investors, accounting in 2014 for 20 percent and 17 percent of global investments.

In 2014, China was the fourth largest investor in Africa, making up 6.1 percent of global investments behind France (18.3 percent), Greece (10 percent), and the United States (nine percent).

But China's investments in Africa may expand considerably over the next several years, according to the report. Global investments in Africa fell seven percent from 2014 to 2015, with Middle Africa feeling the biggest hit. But Chinese investment into Middle Africa nearly doubled from $350 billion in 2014 to $630 billion in 2015.

Chinese investment in Africa is motivated by resource extraction. Of the total $77.47 billion China invested in Africa between 2005 and 2015, 42 percent ($32.63 billion) was invested in metals and 35 percent ($27.31 billion) into energy. Natural resource contracts made up four out of the five largest investment deals.

China still trails behind other countries in Africa greenfield investments. China invested $6.42 billion in Africa from 2013 to 2014, while the United States and France led investments over that period with of $21 billion and $10.57 billion, respectively. "China's greenfield investments suggest that Chinese firms are diversifying their interests in Africa," said the report, "as there has been a marked increase in manufacturing projects."

Europe, the United States, and Canada have become major destinations for Chinese foreign direct investment over the last decade, receiving 43.25 percent of China's total global FDI for a total of $297.40 billion. But China's share of foreign investment in North America and Europe between 2005 and 2014 was less than five percent.

The U.S. is the largest destination for Chinese FDI in the world, drawing $95.41 billion or 13.88 percent of all Chinese investment since 2005. But China accounted for less than one percent of FDI into the U.S. in 2014. The Netherlands and Japan constituted shares of 35.14 percent and 30.48 percent, respectively.

In recent years, China has expanded its investment focus from resources and raw materials to strategic acquisitions intended to increase the market competitiveness of Chinese products and companies. From 2011 to 2015, Chinese firms invested $22.49 billion in the European and North American transportation sectors.

Chinese pork producer Shuanghui acquired American pork producer Smithfield for $7.1 billion in 2013 to glean insight into the operational, managerial, and production aspects of Smithfield's food-safety management system. "Such investments indicate," the report concluded, "that Chinese firms are navigating overseas investment with strategic intent, as China aims to transition to an innovation-based economy."

Source: Does China Dominate Global Investments?