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- Where does the world’s best drinking water come from?
- 3 ways mobile will change the way we travel by 2015
- Sydney's small bar scene takes off
- Myanmar hit by severe hotel shortage
- World’s best beach is …
| Where does the world’s best drinking water come from? Posted: 26 Feb 2013 06:02 AM PST Though all eyes were on the Academy Awards show in Hollywood, another exciting ceremony was taking place in the United States last weekend -– the 23rd annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting. Held in the spa town of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, it's the largest water tasting competition in the world, according to organizers. The "international" signifier is a bit misleading. Though the awards do encourage global entrants, U.S. water samples dominate. On Saturday night, 11 judges spent hours tasting and selecting from among 82 waters sourced in 21 U.S. states and 10 foreign countries. There were 32 municipal waters -- straight from the tap -- from a dozen states, as well as Canada, South Korea and Thailand.
At the end of a tough day of sipping, the town of Emporia, Kansas, was awarded the top prize for its municipal H2O. A Canadian brand won best bottled still water in the world -- Canadian Gold from Marchand, Manitoba. A total of 30 bottled waters were tasted. Two sparkling waters tied for first place: Touch Sparkling Mineral Water of Manitoba and Celvik Dobri Kiseljak of Bosnia. Ten sparkling waters entered the competition. The purified category was won by Rain Fresh Oxygen Purified from Garland, Texas. More on CNN: World's 50 most delicious drinks The 11 media judges included representatives from regional and national media, who were instructed by organizers to look, sniff and taste each water according to guidelines similar to those in a wine tasting. The waters were rated for each attribute including appearance (it should be clear -- or slightly opaque for glacial waters), aroma (there should be none), taste (it should taste clean), mouth feel (it should feel light), aftertaste (it should leave you thirsty for more). Here's the full list of winners. Best Municipal Water 20131. Emporia, Kansas Best Bottled Water 20131. Canadian Gold Artesian Water (Marchand, Manitoba, Canada) Best Sparkling Water 20131. Touch Sparkling Mineral Water (Marchand, Manitoba, Canada) and Celvik Dobri Kiseljak (Tesanj, Bosnia) (tie) Best Packaging 20131. Lumen (Dallas, Texas) Best Purified Drinking Water 20131. Rain Fresh Oxygen-Rich Purified Water (Garland, Texas) More on CNN: Seoul's Shinsegae water bar: 80 ways to stay hydrated      |
| 3 ways mobile will change the way we travel by 2015 Posted: 25 Feb 2013 09:49 PM PST Travelers want instantaneous information at their fingertips when they fly, and technology is quickly catching up to their expectations. Air travel technology specialist SITA has came out with a report Flying into the Future that looks at how the industry will change in just three years, by 2015. 1. Mobile bookings and purchases will become more prevalent Although SITA predicts a humble 5 percent increase by 2015, other sources believe mobile could count for as much as 50 percent of online bookings by 2017. Social media is also expected to be a major sales channel for about 13 percent of airlines and airports, an idea that seems even more realistic after American Express launched its buy-by-tweet program. The day may not be far off when airlines' Twitter feeds become a source for spontaneous bookings with travelers tweeting a hashtag to take advantage of special fares. 2. Self-service airports will become the norm
Apple's Passbook and near-field communication are making it possible for fliers' boarding passes to pop up when they approach the gate, leading to a more seamless check-in process. Boarding, flight transfers, and baggage are the still the biggest obstacles to creating a complete self-service check-in; however, several airports are making headway with the introduction of a self-service bag drop. 3. Fliers will have more control and information during various steps of their journey
The majority, 85 percent of fliers, want to turn to mobile apps for flight status updates, but only 43 percent of airlines and 42 percent of airports currently offer these mobile notifications today. By 2015, 90 percent of airlines and airports say they will have developed and executed this technology. Flight tracking and airport terminal maps are other functions that would drive customer satisfactions. Story from Samantha Shankman, at Skift. Other stories from Skift:    |
| Sydney's small bar scene takes off Posted: 25 Feb 2013 05:59 PM PST For years, a night out in Sydney meant downing schooners at a huge, street-corner pub before hitting one of the gaudy mega-clubs in Kings Cross. Now, however, drinkers are turning their backs on raucous pubs and heaving nightclubs in favor of smaller, more intimate watering holes. Since a change in licensing laws in 2008 made it easier, and far cheaper, for potential proprietors to open so-called "small bars" –- with capacities under 120 and, significantly, no gaming machines -– more than 50 of these pint-sized drinking dens have sprung up across the city. "Melbourne had always led the way with the small bar movement and, much to Sydney's disdain, we were never able to do the same thing," says Chris Lane, who opened the city's first small bar, the appropriately-named Small Bar, in 2008. "People had been to these other cities and wanted to see the same sort of bars in Sydney. The market was ready for it." "We had a history of only having large pubs here in Sydney," adds Jason Scott, co-owner of three of the city's most popular small bars, including Shady Pines in Darlinghurst and the Baxter Inn in the city's central business district. "We'd never had small, owner-operated bars, which feel more authentic than the large, corporate-owned chains." 'More character and passion'Often hidden in basements and laneways, with little or no signage to distinguish them from their surroundings, these quirky new venues have added some much-needed vigor and vibrancy to Sydney's bar scene. "Each one has its own personality and style," explains James Bradey, owner of Grandma's Bar. "They're a little bit more personable and they're focusing on quality of service and the experience. While every single one may not appeal to everybody, there's going to be one or two out there that are exactly what you're looking for." From Western-themed saloons and 1920s-style speakeasies, to kitsch cocktail bars and grungy rock 'n' roll joints, the small bar trend has seen all manner of venues open their doors. "Most big pubs all have the same eight beers, whereas smaller operators, who are more enthusiastic about providing a different service, will seek out the little craft boutique beers, so there's a wider range of products on offer," says Scott. "You can see that the owners are showing you something about themselves, so therefore you get more character and passion coming through." With new places seemingly opening up each month, the trend shows little sign of slowing down, with Sydneysiders looking to discover the next big thing in small bars. Five of Sydney's best small barsBaxter Inn If you can find this American-style drinking den, which is tucked away in a basement at the end of an uninviting alleyway off Clarence Street, you'll be rewarded with perhaps the best selection of whiskey in the city. There are more than 300 bottles to choose from, all proudly displayed behind the bar. The low lighting, jazz soundtrack and exposed brick walls –- all adorned with retro boxing and horseracing paraphernalia -– make this the perfect place to sit back for a dram or two. Basement, 152-156 Clarence St.; Monday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.; www.thebaxterinn.com Bulletin Place
Cocktails are, unsurprisingly, the stars of the show, with an ever-changing selection –- drinks make use of whatever is in season -– displayed on a roll of paper behind the bar. The rustic décor, casual atmosphere and exquisite cocktails –- all made by knowledgeable bar staff -– look set to make Bulletin Place a firm favorite with Sydney's small bar connoisseurs. 10-14 Bulletin Place, 1/F; Monday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight (opens at 6 p.m. on Saturdays); www.bulletinplace.com Grandma's Bar
The extensive cocktail menu includes classics such as daiquiris, margaritas and mai tais, as well as more exotic concoctions from around the world. The doilies, teacups and patterned wallpaper accentuate the homely feel of this warm and welcoming watering hole. 275 Clarence St. (basement); +61 (0)2 9264 3004; Monday-Saturday, noon-midnight (opens at 5 p.m. on Saturdays); www.grandmasbarsydney.com.au Mojo Record Bar
Australian craft beers dominate the menu, but there's also a decent selection of cocktails. The bar's vast record collection ensures that you can enjoy plenty of good tunes. 73 York St. (basement); www.mojorecordbar.com Uncle Ming's
Lit with a soft red glow and furnished with retro Oriental décor –- complemented by a whiff of burning incense -- Uncle Ming's is a world away from most Sydney small bars. Add in Japanese whiskey, Asian beers and cocktails served in teapots –- plus dumplings to snack on –- and you have a sure-fire winner. 55 York St.; www.unclemings.com.au    |
| Myanmar hit by severe hotel shortage Posted: 25 Feb 2013 02:00 PM PST Myanmar might be on the hot list of places to visit, but visitors should be wary of touching down in Yangon without a hotel reservation. The surge in visitor numbers in the last few years has vastly outstripped hotel room supply, and the city is struggling to meet demand. It's an issue that's not going away any time soon -- the major hotel shortage is expected to continue for the next five to 10 years. Visitor numbers have been steadily increasing for some time. Between 2009 and 2011, international visitor figures grew about 25 percent each year. Last year saw a 54 percent increase in arrivals, as the country undertook economic and social reforms. More on CNN: Myanmar records one million tourists, surge in tourism income What does all this mean for travelers? Not only do they need to book well ahead, they've got to be prepared to pay comparably big bucks for a room. Two- and three-star hotels are charging more than US$100 a night for average rooms. Rising accommodation costs
The company's senior vice president Andrew Langdon has direct experience. When he visited Yangon in 2011, he stayed in a four-star hotel and paid US$70 a night. He returned in December 2012 and paid US$260 for the same room. "In the space of about 12 months the rate had gone up almost 400 percent -- and it's going to go higher," says Langdon. It's a simple matter of supply and demand. In 2012, hotels were running at an average 70 percent occupancy. This year, occupancy is expected to run at 80 percent, according to Jones Lang LaSalle research. Meanwhile, last year's room rates were up 50 percent on 2011. That will likely increase another 20-25 percent this year. Myanmar's Ministry of Tourism estimates there are 8,000 hotel rooms in Yangon, of which 1,500 to 2,500 are of international standard. The few name brand hotel groups that do have a presence are almost exclusively Asian -- large American and European hotel groups have been kept out by strict economic sanctions. Thomas Henseler, general manager of one of Yangon's most exclusive hotels, The Governor's Residence, recommends guests book at least six months in advance. More on CNN: Myanmar: Is now a good time to go? "Last year was extremely busy with average occupancy for the year going up from 55 percent in 2011 to 75 percent in 2012," says Henseler. Among the current crop of big brand hotels are the Parkroyal from Singapore, The Chatrium Hotel from Thailand and the Sedona Hotel from Malaysia. Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts is one player that's ahead of the game. In 1996, the group opened a 22-story property in Yangon's central business district -- Traders Hotel Yangon. A year later, the group built two 21-story towers near Kandawgyi Lake, intended as serviced apartments. The project was put on hold as the Asian financial crisis struck, but last year work restarted on the project, which will put 240 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments on the market. More on CNN: Aung San Suu Kyi draws thousands to Myanmar's first literary festival No room at the inn? Build more inns
The serviced apartment market is strong, according to Langdon. Yangon has only a handful of quality serviced apartments and they're running at 100 percent occupancy, with a waiting list of more than 100 people. "A friend told me that there are lots of new expats being sent there, they're in their early thirties and they're being given a US$10,000 per month housing allowance because that's what it costs to rent anything decent there," says Langdon. Other upcoming hotels include the 270-room Centrepoint Towers Hotel, set to open in April, and the 100-room Nawarat Hotel in Hlaing Township, which is also scheduled in the spring. Vivienne Gan, public relations vice president at Langham Hospitality Group, says the group is looking at a number of sites in Yangon. But hotels take time to build -- three years on average -- and even those groups that manage to buy the land soon or do a joint venture hotel still won't be up and running until 2016 at the earliest. The message to tourists is clear: book your accommodation well before you fly, especially during the peak season from November to February. There have been reports of unprepared visitors who have found themselves on the streets or knocking on monastery doors, but this isn't only ill advised, it's against the law. International visitors are required to register with local authorities before they arrive at a private residence. Myanmar Travel agent Nway Nway stresses the importance of booking a hotel room in advance. "In truth, we don't allow our tourists to stay in local houses or monasteries for their own security," she says. Have you visited Myanmar recently? Share your experiences in the comments box below.    |
| Posted: 25 Feb 2013 06:02 AM PST The world's best beach has been named and, though you may not have heard of it, hundreds have given Rabbit Beach on a remote island in the Mediterranean Sea top marks during TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice 2013 awards. "Caribbean colors, white beach, unique setting. The crystal clear sea makes it difficult to leave," the travel site said of the beach, which is located on the island of Lampedusa. The island is officially part of Sicily, despite being located more than 100 miles from it. Also on CNN: World's 50 best beaches, our picks The awards are based on feedback from "millions of travelers" over the last 12 months, the site says. This year best hotels and best "hotels for romance" have been awarded, too. At the time of writing, 346 TripAdvisor reviewers have given Rabbit Beach the top "Excellent" rating, while one voted it "terrible." Perhaps that voter prefers Grace Bay on Providenciales, which came in second. "We have come three times and definitely returning! We recommend highly to those who love white, silica sand with clear, turquoise waters," wrote one reviewer. Australia's Whitehaven Beach, a perennial favorite on "best beaches" lists, came in third. Brazil, Puerto Rico, Spain, Bermuda, Aruba and Wales also had top 10 entries. Yes, Wales, more often known for its rainy days and baritone male choirs, beat out places in the Pacific, West Indies and Thailand with Swansea's pretty Rhossili Bay. Also on CNN: World's 50 best beach bars Check to see if your favorite beach is listed below, then share your thoughts in the comments sction. World's best beaches according to TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice 2013 awards
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