Dr. Rajiv M. Verma on LinkedIn: Thank you Christoph and Christian  For Being with us post covid . (2024)

Diving into Love: Saudi Arabia's First Underwater Wedding!How often do you hear about weddings that happen 30 feet underwater? Hassan Abu Al-Ola and Yasmine Daftardar’s stunning underwater ceremony in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea has me thinking about the future of travel and tourism.Couples today are seeking more than traditional venues – they want unforgettable experiences that blend adventure, beauty, and romance. From mountaintop vows to exchanging rings under the ocean, the possibilities are endless!This growing trend isn’t just exciting for adventurous couples but also for the travel industry. It showcases how we can push boundaries and offer unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Saudi Arabia’s focus on promoting its natural beauty, like the Red Sea's rich marine life, fits perfectly with this evolving trend.Let’s connect if you want to brainstorm unique travel ideas that turn dreams into reality! 💡

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After my last post about our latest trip launch - check out my latest blog post - Your Guide To A Maldives Liveaboard Adventure

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Worrying study: Ski tourism leaves behind persistent chemicals in the mountainsThousands of tourists traveling to the mountains by car, day-trippers and artificial snow have environmentalists worried.A study by the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen and the University of Graz now seems to substantiate these concerns. The study came to the conclusion that skiers leave behind per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) when they visit the mountains. PFAS are a large group of chemicals that are used in various industrial sectors and even in the home. One of the things that make them popular is their water and grease repellent properties. PFAS are also stable and durable. They can be found in pan coatings, dental floss and even toilet paper. However, many of these chemicals are toxic. They are also very difficult to break down. The Austrian Federal Environment Agency explains: "Once released into the environment, all PFAS are almost impossible or very difficult to remove."According to the study from Aberdeen, 14 of these PFAS chemicals are left behind on the slopes by skiers. They are often used in ski waxes because of their water-repellent effect and ultimately end up in the snow. The wax gives the skis a better grip, which is why many skiers swear by its use.What is particularly striking is that the chemicals were found in higher concentrations in the soils around Austrian ski resorts, which are used by the general public rather than for professional races, than in areas that are used less frequently or not at all for skiing.Ski waxes containing PFAS have recently been banned by several ski resorts and races due to their potential toxicity. The perpetuating chemicals can have health consequences for humans. In 2018, the European Food Safety Authority came to the conclusion that a large proportion of the population in Europe is exposed to concentrations of long-chain PFAS (PFOS and PFOA) via food that are up to 25 times the tolerable weekly dose. This can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels and impairment of the immune system in children. PFAS have also been linked to the development of cancer and thyroid disease, reports the European Environment Agency.The chemicals are also found in varying concentrations in soil and groundwater in Europe. In Germany the substances were detected at 1,500 locations by March 2023. So far, regulating PFAS has been difficult, partly due to the large number of different substance groups. However, five European countries now want to ban the production, use and import of PFAS and submitted a proposal to restrict PFAS to the European Chemicals Agency for this purpose in March 2023, reports Deutschlandfunk. Critics of the proposal criticize the massive economic consequences that such a ban could have for the industry.https://lnkd.in/eAJK_gUF

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It’s not often that I’m lost for words but Biarritz has that effect on me. So, where to start in terms of the very many good reasons why you should go there?There’s part of me that doesn’t want to share my little ‘Black Book’ of hidden gems that has taken me over 10 years to compile. That’s because, despite its growing popularity, I still like to think of it as my piece of (relatively) undiscovered French Atlantic coast, exclusive to me and me only. Having spent 16 years living and holidaying in the more obviously glitzy and glamorous South Eastern corner of the Côte d’Azur, I’ve visited more gorgeous spots than you can shake a stick at along this stupendously dramatic coastline, which stretches from Monte-Carlo to Marseille.In winter, you can literally piste to plage it, spending a morning skiing or snowboarding in fresh powder at one of the Alpine style resorts of the sun-drenched Alpes Maritimes’ Mercantour region before zipping down to the beach, a mere 90 minutes’ drive away, for a lingering late lunch with your feet in the sand.And come spring, you can immerse yourself in the glamour of Cannes Film Festival, star-spotting along the legendary Croisette or wander around the excellent market and enduringly pretty narrow streets of gloriously over the top but still charming Saint-Tropez.However, when it comes to summer, it’s la Côte Ouest, and Biarritz in particular, which wields a little extra je ne sais quoi, completely and effortlessly eclipsing the Côte d’Azur.Destination Biarritz#Biarritz #FrenchAtlanticCoast #CotedAzur #HiddenGems #TravelInspiration #SummerDestinations #OnboardOnline

"Decline in the Tradition of Female Ama Divers"The story of a female ama diver, immortalized in Yukio Mishima's 1954 novel "Shiosai" and its five cinematic adaptations, casts a spotlight on the unique culture of ama divers in Toba, Mie Prefecture. Despite the passage of 70 years, these female divers, renowned for their traditional method of collecting abalone and seaweed without the use of modern diving equipment, continue to ply their trade in Toba and Shima.In recognition of its cultural significance, the Japanese government officially acknowledged ama diving as a vital cultural practice in 2017, a tradition dating back to before 300 BC. Although the profession boasts the highest concentration of divers in Japan, including a small percentage of men, the majority have always been women. However, there has been a significant decline in the number of active female ama divers, from 6,109 in 1949 to just 660 in 2017, with many divers now advancing in age.Environmental changes pose additional challenges to this age-old tradition. Rising sea temperatures around Toba and Shima have adversely affected seaweed growth, a crucial food source for abalone. Consequently, diminished catches have led to a decline in the number of individuals pursuing ama diving as a livelihood.#AmaDiversDecline#CulturalHeritageJapan#SeaweedFishingTradition#TobaAmaDivers#EnvironmentalImpactOnDiving

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The wonderful winter playground that is Morzine. ❤️Renowned for its vast and varied ski terrain, Morzine caters to winter sports enthusiasts of all levels and as part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, provides access to over 600km of pistes across two countries.It has a vibrant town centre filled with traditional Savoyard charm and the area is teeming with restaurants, bars, and shops, offering a lively après-ski scene and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.Enjoy snowshoeing, ice-diving and sledding or If you're after something a bit more relaxing, you might enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride, ice-skating at the local rink, or unwinding in one of the resort's many spas.When the snow melts, Morzine transforms into a vibrant summer resort. With its stunning alpine setting, it's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding are popular activities, with numerous trails and routes to explore.It's a community rich in Alpine culture and heritage, hosting various events throughout the season, from traditional markets to music festivals and its commitment to sustainability is evident in its well-maintained trails and efforts to preserve the natural beauty of the Alps.Another big bonus is that it’s just an hour from Geneva Airport with direct links to major European cities, making it one of the most accessible resorts in the French Alps. Once there, a network of lifts and free shuttle buses makes getting around the resort easy and convenient.We love this resort and would highly recommend a visit but it is also a fantastic place to invest! If you want to see some of the property for sale there, visit 👉🏻 https://bit.ly/3ucIQHO 📸: @juliette_revol#resortspotlight #morzine #beautifuldestinations #placestovisit #skiresort #buyinginthealps #portesdusoleil #FrenchAlps #propertyinvestment #france #alpinepropertyinvestments

Mount Fuji in Japan introduces entrance fees to overcome excessive crowdingIn a bid to control excessive crowds, administration at Mount Fuji has introduced an entrance fee of ¥2,000 (INR 1033). This is Yamanashi Prefecture’s latest measure to manage the challenges posed by overtourism on Mount Fuji, which is an iconic landmark in Japan. The measure is effective immediately as the climbing season begins, all climbers intending to ascend via the popular Yoshida trail.This fee aims to alleviate congestion and enhance safety on the mountain, which has faced issues such as overcrowding near the summit, environmental damage from littering, and inadequate management of climbing activities.https://lnkd.in/gtQaSKs8#mountfuji #japan #introduces #entrance #fees #overcome #excessive #crowding #iconic #landmark #yoshidatrail #mountain #enviornment #damage #littering #overcrowding #travel #traveling #traveladvisor #travelindustry #travelagent TraveLICE TraveLICE Customercare

Interesting #article on the #tourism sector in Luxembourg by RTL Group. Although the number of visitors to the Casino and the Mudam is down, the number of visitors to museums such as the Villa Vauban and the Dräi Eechelen Museum, as well as to campsites, is up. The casemates, a #UNESCO World Heritage Site, remain the most important tourist attraction.The tourism sector seems to be recovering slowly but surely from the consequences of COVID-19.https://lnkd.in/ePaTjMPP-#echoluxembourg #TourismInLuxembourg #Luxembourg #TouristicAttractions.

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Who says you can't be outdoors in Dubai during summer? 🤣 Just joking.... Yes the summer months can be extremely hot however, there's no shortage of things to do 💃 Dubai has a way of turning up the heat both literally and figuratively, but it’s a city that knows how to keep things cool! 💲 The summer months often bring discounts on accommodations and attractions, so it's a great time to score deals. Plus many attractions are designed to help you beat the heat, like indoor skiing at Ski Dubai, exploring the massive Dubai Mall with its endless entertainment options, or relaxing in luxurious, air-conditioned lounges.If you're open to staying inside you can enjoy world class shopping, visit fascinating museums, or take advantage of the numerous indoor activities. And for those who love a bit of adventure, the cooler evenings are perfect for exploring outdoor spots like the Dubai Marina or catching a dazzling light show. Summer in Dubai might be super hot, but it’s definitely not boring! 😏

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How can we enjoy our trip in Kashmir?To enjoy your trip in Kashmir, there are several activities and experiences you can consider.Scenic Beauty: Kashmir is known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Consider visiting places like Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes.Adventure Sports: If you're an adventure enthusiast, you can partake in activities such as trekking, skiing, snowboarding, and river rafting, depending on the season.Cultural Immersion: Explore the rich culture and heritage of Kashmir by visiting Mughal gardens, ancient temples, and local markets. You can also try the traditional Kashmiri cuisine.Houseboat Stay: Experience the unique opportunity to stay in a houseboat on Dal Lake and enjoy the serene surroundings.Shopping: Kashmir is famous for its handicrafts, particularly Pashmina shawls, carpets, and traditional Kashmiri jewelry.Religious Sites: Visit religious sites such as the Shankaracharya Temple and Hazratbal Shrine to explore the spiritual side of Kashmir.Remember to check the current travel advisories and local guidelines before planning your trip, and respect the local culture and customs during your visit.