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- The world’s fastest growing countries in travel
- Where is Okinawa?
- CNNGo TV in São Paulo: Cultural capital of Brazil
- 10 best French restaurants in Paris
| The world’s fastest growing countries in travel Posted: 13 Mar 2013 10:59 PM PDT The locus of travel has rapidly moved eastward, and 2013 and beyond continues that inexorable journey. Both consumer and business travel trends are now being defined and tested out in regions other than the United States and Europe. User experience and its intersection with design is the lens that travel will increasingly be defined by, and regions like Middle East, Asia and West Africa are at the forefront of those trends. We talked about this at length in our report earlier this year: "13 Global Trends That Will Define Travel in 2013." Now data from World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) backs that up. In its annual "Economic Impact Research," it has come up with the world's fastest growing countries in travel and tourism, calibrating against GDP contribution, employment growth, business and leisure travel growth, investment and other metrics. Some of the countries on the list will surprise you at first glance, but on deeper dive, make sense. Other industries feed travelThe boom in the top few countries on the list -- especially Qatar and Azerbaijan -- is driven by oil/natural gas and construction. It's understandable that travel is growing. Qatar is also being driven by its new geopolitical prominence, based on the back of its worldwide sovereign wealth spending spree. The mining boom -- or speculators hoping for it -- in central Asian countries like Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan are driving the travel economies there. Peel back the layers on many of these countries, and a big reason for the growth in travel would point to one reason: China. The Asian giant has been buying its way into the emerging countries in Asia and Africa, especially in infrastructure development. That would explain the rise in travel. Some countries like Thailand, Oman and Cape Verde are experiencing genuine tourism-driven growth, with less geopolitical implications than others on the list. A big caveat here: with few exceptions all of these countries are growing this fast from a very small base where the travel and tourism industry is in its infancy. The absolute numbers may not be huge currently, but long term projections until 2023 even out some of these biases, and that's why you see countries like China and India appear in this. Top 10 fastest growing Countries: Direct contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP in 2012 (percent)Qatar - 28.3 Head here for full rundown of statistics and charts: skift.com Story from Rafat Ali, at Skift. Other stories from Skift:      |
| Posted: 13 Mar 2013 03:00 PM PDT
Despite being the site of a major World War II battle and an incredibly popular Japanese beach resort destination, many international travelers know little about the country's southernmost prefecture. Which is where we come in, starting with a little geography lesson. Okinawa has an area of 1,200 square kilometers and is made up of a few dozen, small islands in the southern half of the Nansei Shoto island chain, which stretches over 1,000 kilometers from Japan's Kyushu island to Taiwan. Sounds isolated from the rest of the Japan? It is. And that's why Japanese and those in the know adore it. Sitting about 640 kilometers south of Japan's Kyushu island, Okinawa's main appeal for travelers is that its two dozen or so islands are ringed with crystal-blue tropical waters and white sand beaches. Properly known as the Ryukyu Islands, after the name of the independent kingdom that once flourished there, Okinawa is home to a culture that's distinct from that of the mainland. Although "standard" Japanese is spoken here, there are also a number of dialects that are foreign even to native Japanese.
Other popular Okinawa holiday islands include Ishigaki, Taketomi, Irimote and Yonaguni. When Okinawa hits the news media it is mainly around a U.S. military presence on the island, that includes some 8,000 marines, most based on the main island. More on CNN: Okinawa: Which island is for you? When to visit OkinawaWeather-wise, the best time to visit is July through the end of September. At the tail end of that period travelers run the risk of getting caught in the dreaded, holiday-wrecking typhoon season. October and November, and February through April, are also popular times to visit, though cooler than in peak months. We're still talking 20 degrees Celsius, a far cry from the chilly temps found in northern Japan. Times to probably avoid include the rainy season, which runs May through June, and the holiday of Golden Week, the first week of May, when crowds of Japanese tourists throng the islands and make getting reservations a nightmare. Getting there is becoming easier with ANA and JAL running multiple flights a day from most of Japan's major cities to Naha -- the three-hour flight from Tokyo makes it a popular getaway from the big city. It's even closer to Hong Kong and Taiwan; Hong Kong-based Dragonair operates four flights a week. Naha offers connecting flights to other islands in the archipelago. Okinawan cuisine
Japan's southernmost prefecture has its own unique cuisine, the result of both its location and complex history. Because the Ryukyu Kingdom was an important trading hub linking China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, all those gastronomic influences helped form the cuisine that's still served in Okinawa restaurants today. From China came pork. The Japanese contributed dashi, a stock made from kelp and bonito fish flakes, which serves as the base for most Okinawan soups and simmered dishes. Contact with Southeast Asia brought fruits, vegetables and spices commonly associated with the islands. A low-fat, low-salt diet -- filled with fish, pork, tofu, seaweed and veggies -- is one reason people here have the longest life expectancy in the world. About 400 centenarians call these islands home. Okinawan food may be difficult to define, but its bold, intriguing flavors are easy to love -- particularly when paired with a glass of local Orion beer or awamori, the area's indigenous liquor. For specific dishes to try, check out our overview of Okinawa cuisine. What to do in Okinawa
Okinawa is also a popular destination for war buffs. The battle of Okinawa was a major U.S. land campaign in the Pacific during World War II. Across the islands, especially the main island in areas easily accessible from Naha, memorials and sites have been preserved to commemorate the tragic battle. Read more about Okinawa's World War II history here. In terms of shopping, the best place to pick up Okinawa knick-knacks and maybe a bottle of awamori is Kokusai Dori (International Avenue), a massive shopping and eating strip that cuts a 1.6 kilometer diagonal across Naha. Accommodation optionsOkinawa doesn't have much of a luxury hotel scene at present but that is changing rapidly. Most options being small guest houses on the various islands. In the last couple of years a few high-end options have come on the scene. At the top end of the price spectrum is The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa, which blends the group's luxury style with local culture. The property has 97 guest rooms with a view (rooms average US$510 a night), a pool and spa, and the property sits next to the Kise Country Club, a championship 18-hole golf course. (Ritz-Carlton Okinawa; 1343-1 Kise, Nago, Okinawa; +81 980 43 5555; www.ritzcarlton.com/Okinawa) More on CNN: Luxury lands in Okinawa at last For more on Okinawa travel visit the official tourism website, www.okinawastory.jp. CNN Travel's series often carries sponsorship originating from the countries and regions we profile. However CNN retains full editorial control over all of its reports. Read the policy    |
| CNNGo TV in São Paulo: Cultural capital of Brazil Posted: 13 Mar 2013 05:00 AM PDT Sure Rio may have the 2016 Olympics, but Brazil's boomtown is São Paulo. The country's largest city is South America's undisputed economic powerhouse. And while the work brought people to São Paulo, its place as a cultural capital makes it a city nearly 20 million residents don't want to leave. This month's episode of CNNGo TV gives us a sample of the city's delicious street food with chef Henrique Fogaca. We tour the city with director Fabio Mendonca on bicycles and visit the watering hole that's turned into an antique store by day. Beco Do Batman (Batman Alley)
This place has been a creative hub for artists since the 1980s. It's covered in graffiti which continues to change and transform every time you visit. Rua Goncalo Afonso, Vila Madalena Elevado Presidente Costa E Silva
One of the places is Elevado Presidente Costa E Silva, known as Minhocao or the Big Worm, an elevated roadway that leads straight into the city center. Jam Olido
This place has a very urban feel with a lot of funk and break dancers. Galeria Olido, Av. São João, 473 Ibirapuera Park
Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral (Portão10), VIla Mariana Caos Bar & Antiques
Its walls and ceilings are lined with antiques ready for purchase during sunligt hours, but come dusk it plays music ranging from punk to soul -- there's sure to be an eclectic crowd every night of the week. Rua Augusta 584, Consolação
Racionais MC - Homem na Estrada Racionais MC - Panico na zona sul Visitantes - O Homem Laura Wrona – Sofrendo Paula Lima - Ela E? A Tal Paula Lima - Pisou Na Bola Thiago Pethit – Moon Bicicletas de Atalaia - O Menino e o Anzol Anacronica - Eles Me Querem Assim Rock Rocket - Shark Attack    |
| 10 best French restaurants in Paris Posted: 11 Mar 2013 07:48 PM PDT Down-market food trucks and pop-up restaurants are invading Paris. But when we come to Paris, we want the kind of classic tables that make French dining a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Item. To find the most memorable Paris dining experiences, we turned to Meg Zimbeck, brainchild behind the extensive online food guide Paris by Mouth. Zimbeck and her colleagues lead walking tours in the French capital, and have been seeking out the best tables in the city for years. With her help, we compiled a list of 10 favorite French restaurants in the City of Light. Bistro Paul Bert
Located in the east section of the city, the bistro has a lively atmosphere and serves delicious steak frites and apple tart. Also worth checking out: the owner recently opened up a modern version, Le 6 Paul Bert, just down the street. €35-50 (US$40-66); 18 rue Paul Bert, 75011; +33 1 43 72 24 01; Open Tuesday-Saturday 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; parisbymouth.com/bistrot-paul-bert Septime
A beautiful dining room and open kitchen form the backdrop for carefully perfected innovative cuisine. It can be tricky to get a table, but it's worth the time and patience. "Septime's the place where you can go and depend on having beautiful service that makes you feel special and welcomed," says Zimbeck. €35-50 (US$46-66); 80 rue de Charonne, Paris; +33 1 43 67 38 29; Monday 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m., Tues-Fri 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; septime-charonne.fr Chez Casimir
Located near Gare du Nord, it's particularly convenient for Eurostar riders or those looking for affordable dining, and what Zimbeck calls the best cheese plate in the city. "It's where the locals go for high-caliber bistro food," she says. €20-30 (US$26-40); 6 rue de Belzunce, Paris; +33 1 48 78 28 80; Monday-Friday noon-2:30 p.m., 7 p.m.-11 p.m., Saturday-Sunday open 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; parisbymouth.com/our-guide-to-paris-chez-casimir More on CNN: Literary Paris still lives in the hangouts of history's best writers Relais d'Entrecôte
Served with secret sauce and crispy fries, the portions seem scant until the wait staff comes around with the much-welcomed second helping. Families with picky eaters or those looking to avoid reservations will appreciate the restaurant's three locations. Price €25-30 (US$33-40); 20 rue Saint-Benoit, Paris; +33 1 45 49 16 00; Monday-Friday noon-2:30 p.m., 7 p.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday noon-3 p.m., 7 p.m.-11 p.m.; www.relaisentrecote.fr Chateaubriand
"They take the ingredients that morning and put them together in interesting ways," says Zimbeck. Reserve a table, if you can, but unless you plan far in advance, you'll have to join the crowd on the sidewalk waiting for a spot in line. The small room and portions don't make for a relaxed meal, but one that will surprise and excite. €60 prix-fixe menu (US$80); 129 Avenue de Parmentier, Paris; +33 1 43 57 45 95; Tuesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. with reservation, 9:30 p.m. and on without reservation; www.lechateaubriand.net Verjus
Tucked away behind the Palais-Royal, the top-notch food features fresh, seasonal flavors, not to mention one of the best fried chicken dishes in the city, available at the wine bar. This winter, they opened a sandwich table at their wine bar for lunch. "There's a lot of engagement and conversation," says Zimbeck. €60 tasting menu (US$80); 52 rue de Richelieu, Paris; +33 1 42 97 54 40; Monday-Friday 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; sandwich station hours: Monday-Friday 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m.; www.verjusparis.com Semilla
With wine sourced from the nearby Dernière Goutte wine shop, Semilla offers small production vintages alongside a large selection of full or half-sized plates. You can get out of the three-course meal rut, says Zimbeck, with "comforting, healthy, bright flavors." €35-50 (US$46-66); 54 rue de Seine, Paris; +33 1 43 54 34 50; 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., 7 p.m.-11 p.m. (until 10 p.m. on Sunday); parisbymouth.com/our-guide-to-paris-semilla More on CNN: 7 best eat-in wine shops in Paris L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon
The food is better than the ambiance. Small delectable plates of suckled pig or caviar with smoked eel potatoes won't break the bank. Or splurge for the nine-course tasting menu. At €199, it's no bargain, but it's good value. "It's relatively affordable for a Michelin star restaurant," says Zimbeck. €199 tasting menu (US$265); 5 rue de Montalembert, Paris; +33 1 42 22 56 56; closed Christmas Eve, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.-midnight; www.joel-robuchon.net Les Papilles
A copious four-course fixed menu features a main dish served family-style out of a copper pot and usually a plate of cheese. The plates change daily. "A lot of chefs like to go there on their day off because they don't have to think about it," says Zimbeck. Call ahead for reservations or go around 7 p.m. to get a seat for an early dinner. €33 (US$44) fixed menu, €7 (US$9) corkage fee, wines €20-60 (US$27-80); 30 rue Gay Lussac, Paris; +33 1 43 25 20 79; Tuesday-Sun noon-2:30 p.m., 7 p.m.-10 p.m.; www.lespapillesparis.fr Breizh Café
With subtle Japanese touches in the decoration and plate presentation (think salted butter caramel with yuzu), this authentic Breton sit-down crêperie is the authority in Paris. Try any of their overly stuffed buckwheat galettes made using Bordier butter and wash it down with one of their many artisanal ciders. According to Zimbeck, they're a world apart from what you'll find at most street side crêpe stands. Reservations are required. €14-25 (US$19-33); 109 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris; +33 1 42 72 13 77; Wednesday-Saturday noon-10 p.m., Sunday noon-11 p.m.; www.breizhcafe.com More on CNN: Best of Paris shopping: Street market guide    |
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