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    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi displays a spectacular drone show this summer season

    Ferrari World Abu Dhabi lights up the sky over the Italian Zone in ‘Bell’Italia’ with a mesmerizing ‘Drone Spectacular’ show that will captivate guests, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7h30 pm until September 3.
    Featuring a large number of drones hovering in perfect harmony, the breathtaking show returns once again with a spellbinding display of lights and a synchronized performance for families and guests to enjoy. These drones will illuminate the sky with an astounding palette of colors, using cutting-edge LED technology, transforming the show into a breathtaking visual that will leave spectators excited.
    The show gives a unique opportunity for guests to enjoy an unforgettable performance that complements the park’s award-winning rides and the family-friendly activities that are in store for guests exclusively all summer long.

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    Holiday Inn brings its innovative Open Lobby to the Middle East for the first time

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    Dubai Destinations campaign invites residents and visitors to embark on new summer adventures

    Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the #DubaiDestinations campaign has rolled out its latest phase inviting residents and tourists to embark on a new journey to discover Dubai’s offerings in the warmer months of the year.
    The collaborative campaign, implemented by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), seeks to showcase the city’s unique charm as a summer destination to audiences across the world through engaging stories.
    The current season of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, running until the end of August, will showcase the city’s top-rated experiences in the summer and its distinctive attractions ranging
    from serene beach destinations and exciting indoor activities to thrilling waterparks and picturesque hotels.
    Her Excellency Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), said: “Aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform the emirate into the world’s best city to live and visit, the campaign continues to open new windows into the unrivalled diversity, memorable experiences and creative urban vibe that define Dubai’s character as one of the globe’s greatest destinations. By harnessing the power of storytelling, the campaign seeks to highlight the city’s offerings during the warmer months, with an emphasis on the unique experiences that set Dubai apart as one of the world’s most captivating destinations. This season of the campaign extends a fresh invitation to both the local and global community to explore Dubai’s diverse attractions and share their memorable moments.”ADVERTISEMENTShaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said: “The latest season of the #DubaiDestinations campaign invites residents and visitors to embark on an exhilarating journey to explore the unique and enriching treasures that Dubai offers in the summer months. As with every season, we join hands with government entities, industry stakeholders from the public and private sectors, and the vibrant creative media community to raise the profile of Dubai’s diverse array of summer attractions. Through interactive guides, engaging media content and other immersive activations, we aim to weave compelling narratives that showcase the essence of the Dubai experience, enticing people from the UAE and all over the world to set out on their own extraordinary adventures in Dubai.”
    As part of the campaign, Brand Dubai will introduce a collection of interactive guides, offering valuable insights into Dubai’s premier summer experiences. From top-rated summer camps for children to thrilling water activities, enchanting staycations and indoor hotspots, these guides serve as indispensable resources for exploring the best of Dubai during the summer season.
    The #DubaiDestinations campaign will also put the spotlight on indoor destinations, such as malls, restaurants with play areas, indoor sports activities and theme parks, as well as Dubai’s most-loved homegrown food outlets from the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ network, an initiative
    launched by Brand Dubai to highlight the success stories of businesses born and initiated in Dubai.
    Brand Dubai will be partnering with some of the emirate’s most accomplished creatives including influencers, photographers, digital media content creators, visual artists, animators and videographers to create compelling content about Dubai’s destination offerings.
    The campaign is being rolled out over digital, broadcast, print and outdoor media to ensure it reaches large sections of local and international audiences.

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    ABTA unveils simple six-step Travel Checklist ahead of busy summer getaway

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    ABTA unveils simple six-step Travel Checklist ahead of busy summer getaway

    ABTA – The Travel Association has unveiled a simple six-step Travel Checklist (abta.com/travelchecklist) to guide holidaymakers through the most important elements of their pre-holiday preparations.The checklist includes checking the Foreign Office travel advice for the destination they’re visiting, making sure their passport will be valid for their travel dates, taking out comprehensive travel insurance, and getting their travel money sorted.
    Those travelling to the EU are also advised to familiarise themselves with the new requirements since the UK left the EU and to take an in-date EHIC or a new GHIC with them in case they need to access state-provided emergency healthcare while away.
    ABTA’s research and booking trends from its members have consistently shown holidays are high on people’s spending agenda this year, despite the ongoing squeeze on household finances, with two-thirds (65%) of people planning to go on holiday abroad before the year is out.
    Graeme Buck, ABTA’s Director of Communications, said:
    “Whether you’re already booked to travel over the summer months, or are thinking of booking late this summer, following ABTA’s Travel Checklist is designed to remove any eleventh-hour panicking by making sure you’ve ticked off the essential steps to take before you go away.ADVERTISEMENT“For anyone yet to book, our number one piece of advice is to speak with an ABTA member travel agent or tour operator. They’re experts at taking the stress out of holiday planning, as they have access to better prices and a wider choice of trips compared to booking independently, and can easily guide you through the deals on offer to find you the best break for your budget.”
    ABTA’s Travel Checklist
    Read the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) for the latest advice on entry requirements, any recommended travel vaccinations, and guidance on safety and security for the destination you’re visiting.
    Check your passport will be valid for the dates of your trip and renew as early as possible if needed. Note that if you’re travelling to any country in the EU (except Ireland), your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the EU and be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave.
    Take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers your specific needs, including any activities you plan to do or existing medical conditions.
    Make sure you take an in-date EHIC or a new GHIC with you if you’re travelling to the EU or Switzerland, so you can access state-provided emergency healthcare if you need it while you’re away. Apply for a card for free at NHS.uk.
    If you’re travelling to Europe, note that important changes since the UK left the EU include restrictions on items that can be taken into the EU, changes to the documentation required when driving or taking your pet abroad, and potentially charges for using your mobile phone depending on your network.
    The use of card and cash overseas varies, so make sure you take enough travel money with you for the country you’re visiting. Remember you may need cash on arrival for bus or taxi fares, as well as for tips or for cash-only transactions while on holiday.Visit abta.com/travelchecklist for the full advice.

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    ATLANTIS SANYA FUELS LOCAL NIGHT ECONOMY WITH MYRIAD OF SUMMER NIGHT ACTIVITIES

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    ATLANTIS SANYA FUELS LOCAL NIGHT ECONOMY WITH MYRIAD OF SUMMER NIGHT ACTIVITIES

    Atlantis Sanya welcomed more than 3,000 guests as the ultimate destination for unforgettable vacations kicked off the summer with a splash with the launch of Aquaventure After Dark summer carnival. In line with an industry-leading move to spur the after-hours economy in Sanya, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark premiered a series of nighttime activities and performances in celebration of the much-anticipated summer holiday season.The world-renowned water theme park will also be extending operational hours to 21:00 PM till 30 August 2020 with tickets for entrance into After Dark sessions between 16:00 PM and 21:00 PM beginning from RMB 198 per person.
    Aquaventure After Dark Water Screen Projection Show
    “Atlantis Sanya is reputed as a top travel destination in China with a diversified portfolio of products and services, including a state-of-the-art hotel, an incredulous open-air aquarium, magnificent water theme park, the interactive Dolphin Cay to meet-and-greet dolphins in their habitats and an array of world-class food and dining options. At the same time, we are constantly rolling out innovative cross-product offerings to enrich the tourism scene in Sanya and bolster tourism consumption. For the upcoming summer holidays, we have taken great care in planning a myriad of fascinating activities under the Aquaventure After Dark summer carnival campaign where to market demands for the summer season fusion with characteristics unique to Atlantis Sanya’s offerings. Visitors can expect to enjoy 34 exhilarating rides and slides as dusk sets into night and witness the immensely popular Go Go Duck swim-off, as well as a plethora of water screen projection shows, spectacular fireworks display and other fabulous performances,” said Mr. Heiko Schreiner, Managing Director of Atlantis Sanya.

    Live performance at Aquaventure WaterparkADVERTISEMENTThe Aquaventure After Dark summer carnival will start with an exclusive Go Go Duck! daily “swim-off” at 17:30 PM where thousands of yellow rubber ducks playfully share water slides with visitors in a gushing rush, splashing fun-filled waves around the waterpark. As night falls, the water theme park will transcend into party mode with dazzling light shows and live music to get the adrenaline pumping. Live in the moment as DJs crank up the holiday mood and set the night on fire with sizzling hot mirror dancing, all in the good spirit of summer fun. Visitors will experience the ultimate sensory moment when the breathtaking water screen projection comes on. In addition, visitors can expect to be bedazzled by a spectacular show of fireworks display and marvel as the skies of Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark light up in a burst of colors at 21:00 PM sharp on every Saturday and Sunda

    Nighttime Fireworks at Aquaventure Waterpark
    As the first water amusement park in China to operate all year round, Aquaventure Waterpark endeavors to go the extra mile in ensuring that visitors across different age groups get to experience a variety of fun activities tailored to their demographics any day of the year. Be it taking a ride down one of the 34 fun slides or exhilarating rapids river, getting an up-close personal experience touching sting rays and sharks, or taking an exploratory journey along the underwater tunnel, visitors are bound to find activities that captivate their interests. Atlantis Sanya is constantly looking at ways to enhance its portfolio of products and services while concurrently encouraging lateral business growth and extending vertical business reach. The resort is committed to crafting unique and immersive vacation experiences for both guests and visitors alike, and will continue to roll out a multitude of themed campaigns born out of creative originality by the resort management team. The launch of Aquaventure After Dark summer carnival is a classic example of what the public can expect from this world-class integrated entertainment and leisure resort destination.
    Aquaventure After Dark Rundown
    Aside from the Aquaventure After Dark summer carnival, Atlantis Sanya has lined up a series of night tourism offerings for vacationers to have the coolest summer ever. This includes a Beery Beery Good Summer promotion at the resort’s Tikki Bar and Nereus Beer Brewery between 11 and 26 July where visitors and hotel guests are entitled to free flow of German Weissbier for just an additional top-up of 100 yuan. Simply showing your Aquaventure Waterpark entrance tickets to enjoy this offer! A pint of ice cold German craft beer, authentically brewed by skilled brewers from Germany, is the opulent indulgence to chill your summer night.

    Tikki Bar & Nereus Beer Brewery
    Hainan is a key strategic site in FOSUN’s blueprint for the tourism sector. As of today, Fosun Tourism Group (otherwise known as FOLIDAY) has successfully incorporated and established the ultimate integrated entertainment and leisure destination in Sanya – a concept that first originated in France and subsequently made famous within the globetrotting community by Club Med for its all-inclusive Mediterranean resort vacations.
    As the premiere tourist destination under FOLIDAY and a benchmark initiative of Sanya Tourism 3.0, Atlantis Sanya has been under the spotlight since officially launching in April of 2018. In barely one year after opening, the resort raked in a total of 1.31 billion yuan in sales and attracted 5.2 million visitors for the year of 2019. By now, Atlantis Sanya is synonymous with online popularity, snagging itself a spot as one of the top favorite locations for famous internet celebrities to check-in on social media if one is ever in Hainan. Original Tik Tok content inspired by Atlantis Sanya has far exceeded 1.8 billion videos.
    Mr. Qian Jiannong, Chairman and CEO of Fosun Tourism Group, expressed that FOLIDAY will continue to actively seek out opportunities that complement the distinctive advantages presented by Hainan’s status as a free port. The Group will also endeavor to leverage on the unique competitive edges of its FOLIDAY eco-system and tap on its extensive pool of resources in branding, intellectual property and original contents as a global brand in leisure travel and tourism offerings to further vested interests in Hainan so as to reinforce and expand its presence on this idyllic island and cement its position as market leader in the Hainan tourism sector.

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    ITB China 2023 Fully Booked: China’s Premier Travel Marketplace Set for a Resounding Live Return

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    ITB China 2023 Fully Booked: China’s Premier Travel Marketplace Set for a Resounding Live Return

    ITB China, the highly anticipated marketplace for China’s travel industry, is gearing up for its grand live event from 12 – 14 September 2023. With an impressive line-up of exhibitors representing all travel trade segments, the three-day B2B show promises to reconnect global travel suppliers with the resurgent Chinese market.
    The international participation and strong demand from industry players provide a positive outlook for the show. Looking ahead, ITB China 2024 will mark its return next year on May 27 – 29. Save the date and be part of another remarkable edition of the annual event.The organizer, Messe Berlin (Shanghai), is pleased to announce that ITB China 2023 has reached full capacity of exhibition space reserved for the upcoming event. Under this year’s slogan “Crossing Barriers • Connecting Markets”, ITB China will play a pivotal role in reconnecting global travel suppliers with the resurgent Chinese market, by offering abundant business opportunities through face-to-face meetings onsite and the latestinterpretation of the travel trends in China.
    Media and Visitor registration is now open at: reg.itb-china.com
    David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai), expresses his excitement, stating: “With the sudden opening of China’s outbound travel market at the beginning of this year, Chinese buyers are now eagerly anticipating access to international resources to rebuild and update their product portfolios. ITB China 2023 will facilitate this with attending travel suppliers from Europe (24%), Asia (28%), Americas (15%), Middle East(16%), Oceania (10%), and Africa (7%), underlining the global nature of the event, and our role in driving the recovery of the Chinese international travel market.
    The exhibition showcases a wide range of global destinations, including national and regional tourism organizations from Aragón, Andalucía, Berlin, California, Catalonia, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, France, Galicia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Los Angeles, Madrid, Malta, Malaysia, New Zealand, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Scandinavian Tourist Board (Denmark & Norway) Serbia, Spain, Switzerland,Tahiti and Turkey.ADVERTISEMENTAmong the global destinations, newcomers such as Beijing, Bursa, Chengdu, Maldives, NEOM, New York, Raktda, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom will make their debut on the ITB China show floor. The European Travel Commission (ETC) will once again showcase a prominent presence, emphasizing the diverse and appealing travel experiences that Europe has to offer.The exhibition will also feature many global hotels and accommodation providers including this year’s Partner Hotel Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Bintan Resorts, Gloria Hotels & Resorts, INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, Jin Jiang International, Jinling Hotels & Resorts, LN International Hospitality Management, Mayfair Cruises, Meliá Hotels International, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Restel, S.A, Travco Corporation, VinWonders,WebBeds and many more.
    Moreover, online travel agencies (OTA’s) and transportation & mobility providers will be also prominently featured, offering their exceptional products and services at this year’s show. Some notable names among them include Trip.com Group, Fliggy, Expedia Group, Avis Budget Group, Bohr Omnibus GmbH, Europcar, Hertz Car Rental, Oceanwide Expeditions, Poseidon Expeditions, Reluxtrans Car service and TOPONE Car Service.
    The travel technology segment is back with a large number of exhibitors including DerbySoft, DidaTravel, Flightroutes24, Fly Today, Freed Group, HeyTrip, JegoTrip, Miki Travel, Mondee, Shiji Group, TEK TRAVELS DMCC, Yalago or YunShang Technology to name just a few.
    Demand for places at the ITB China show floor is also high among exhibitors from attractions, tour operators and customized travel providers such as Bounty Group Bali, Brilliant Africa，Defence Collective Singapore, Designer Safari, Disneyland Paris, EternityX, Hurtigruten group, Beijing Tianxingjian International Travel Service, Benchmark Adventure, Bhutan Land of Happiness Tours, Kuoni Tumlare, Travel The Guianas & Caribean andYoyiyo.it.
    ITB China is proud to gather top and hand-selected Chinese buyers including an impressive 86% of founders, C-level executives, directors and senior managers from leading Chinese travel agencies. The event’s matchmaking system ensures successful meetings and high-value connections, maximizing business opportunities during the attendees’ limited time at the exhibition. Coinciding with the travel trade show, the ITBChina Conference will provide a platform for exchange and knowledge transfer with experts and top-level speakers, further enriching the experience for all participants.
    Save the date! ITB China 2024 has been scheduled for 27- 29 May, marking its return to the regular time slot in spring. The organizer is delighted to announce that the exhibitor registration for 2024 is now open, catering to the pressing demands of the exhibitors.Interested exhibitors can secure their presence for next year’s event or inquire about lastminute freed-up spaces to join this year’s ITB China 2023. Open slots will be allocated according to a waiting list. For more information, please visit www.itb-china.com or contact [email protected]

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    Major study reveals Jet2.com and Jet2holidays continue to lead the industry for customer service

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    ATLANTIS SANYA FUELS LOCAL NIGHT ECONOMY WITH MYRIAD OF SUMMER NIGHT ACTIVITIES More

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    Major study reveals Jet2.com and Jet2holidays continue to lead the industry for customer service

    Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have once again been rated amongst the best companies in the UK for delivering outstanding customer service, according to the latest UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI).The July 2023 UKCSI, published by The Institute of Customer Service, has ranked Jet2holidays joint 7th out of more than 280 major brands and organisations for customer service.
    With a customer satisfaction score of 84.5, it means that not only is the UK’s largest tour operator the only tour operator to appear in a list of the ten most highly rated organisations for customer satisfaction, but it has also improved its score by 0.8 points compared to July 2022. The average ‘tourism’ company scored 80.4.
    Leading leisure airline, Jet2.com, has also been highly rated coming in joint 22nd after receiving a customer satisfaction score of 82.1, and ranking significantly higher than the national ‘transport’ sector average of 71.9. As well as the only airline to appear in the top 50 list of organisations, this score makes Jet2.com the top-ranked transport company in the report.
    The companies’ successes in the most recent UKCSI survey are the latest examples of how the award-winning airline and tour operator have continued to deliver their customer-first strategy.
    For example, Jet2.com has continually operated its entire programme without making cancellations this year, meaning customers can book and travel on their well-deserved holidays knowing they will get away as planned. This follows on from Jet2.com being repeatedly recognised last year for not making any cancellations due to its own staff shortages. The airline, along with Jet2holidays, took action to proactively recruit well ahead of the bounce back last year, and as such had a very visible uniformed presence in place (referred to as the Red Team) in UK airports as well as in main overseas airports and in resorts. This Red Team are on hand this summer, providing customers with an award-winning friendly service and giving customers extra assurance that they are in the best hands when they travel.ADVERTISEMENTThe UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI) is a national barometer of customer satisfaction, which has been published by The Institute of Customer Service since 2008. It is based on the experiences and relationships that more than 10,000 customers have had with over 280 organisations in 13 different types of sectors.
    Over 25 different metrics, such as employee professionalism, product/service quality, ease of dealing with an organisation, ethical behaviour, and complaint handling are factored into the results to reveal the companies with the best customer service across the UK. The measures in the UKCSI reflect the priorities customers have identified as the most important attributes of customer experience, and also include measures of customer effort and Net Promoter Score (NPS).
    Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as the best airline and tour operator for customer satisfaction once again. The UKCSI is a benchmark of how customers feel about different companies they use and the customer service they are providing, and the findings of this survey show that our customer-first approach is working. Once again, we are ahead of the competition for customer satisfaction thanks to our ethos of always putting customers first. This summer is our busiest summer yet, however once again we are continuing to operate our programme without making cancellations, meaning customers can look forward to their well-deserved holidays, just as they should be. It takes a dedicated team of brilliant colleagues to consistently meet these standards, so I would like to pay tribute to everyone at Jet2.com and Jet2holidays for their tireless work ensuring that every customer feels like a VIP when jetting off on holiday with us.”

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    New Icelandair Destination: Innsbruck, Austria

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    Visit Detroit sets industry standard for destination organizations with new website

    Developed in partnership with Tempest — a leading website, CRM and digital solutions provider for the Destination Marketing industry — Visit Detroit has officially launched a bold new vision for VisitDetroit.com that channels the essence of Detroit’s personality and signature experiences to travelers and event planners with captivating new visuals and improved functionality.
    The new VisitDetroit.com features modern, experiential design elements that pay tribute to Detroit’s rich cultural heritage, including iconic line art, halftone imagery and typography that draws parallels to Motown albums and music-themed brands. High resolution imagery remains a primary focus to better leverage Detroit’s unique experiences, while customizable, circular icon scrollers showcase the diversity of activities through campaign-style visuals.
    Functionally, the new website benefits from a refined information architecture optimized for organic search that aids in content discovery through search engines and site navigation. A dynamic and responsive site search — enhanced and personalized with artificial intelligence (AI) — populates results in real time, efficiently connecting travelers and meeting planners to local businesses and Visit Detroit partners. Industry-leading mapping functionality further elevates website content, aiding users with effortless navigation of Metro Detroit’s neighborhoods, top attractions, meeting venues, restaurants and experiences.
    “We’re thrilled to officially unveil this bold new vision for Visit Detroit, which authentically showcases our city’s spirit with unparalleled functionality that will aid, inspire, and attract a worldwide audience,” stated Claude Molinari, President & CEO of Visit Detroit. “The improved functionality will better spotlight the vibrant businesses, attractions, individuals and events that form the fabric of our city and region.”
    “It has been a pleasure working alongside the team at Visit Detroit to deliver this best-in-class digital experience, which will serve as an invaluable asset for the community of Detroit,” said Gregg Shapiro, President & Chief Creative Officer of Tempest. “The new VisitDetroit.com captures what makes Detroit such a unique destination and sets a new standard for destination websites moving forward.”ADVERTISEMENT“Visit Detroit was grateful to partner with Tempest to create an immersive digital experience that reflects the vitality of our region,” said Stan Smith, Sr. Director of Marketing for Visit Detroit. “By focusing on how users can easily engage with content, the new website is designed to capture the imagination of our audience and move them to Detroit.”
    For more information, please contact:
    Christopher Moyer, Senior Director of Communications, Visit Detroit — [email protected]­

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    Papua New Guinea: A New “Heaven on Earth” for Cultural Photography and Bird Lovers

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    Papua New Guinea: A New “Heaven on Earth” for Cultural Photography and Bird Lovers

    When Belgian photographer and photo tour leader David Van Driessche sought new locations for his photo trips, he decided to explore Papua New Guinea and its many cultures.Little did he know that his travel to this country would evolve into a truly memorable adventure as he developed close friendships with tribal members. He found new friends and colorful models for his photography tours, but more importantly, Van Driessche successfully encouraged the tribes to build living quarters in their remote villages where tourists and photographers could reside for a few days.
    Today, several tribes are building small cottages and rooms to accommodate tourists and photographers. Construction is primarily with wood collected from the surrounding forests. The units are artfully designed and include the amenities of home, such as a comfortable bed, shower, toilet, dresser, and clothing rack. Air conditioning is unnecessary because of the mild mountain climate.
    “Travel agencies currently book tourists in hotels located in faraway cities like Goroka or Mount Hagen, requiring long hours of travel to the tribal villages. This allows only a few hours with the tribes before returning the same day to the hotels in those cities,” says Van Driessche. “With these new cottages, I can take groups of tourists and photographers from one tribe to the next without having to leave the area and go back to the city. It means the clients get a ‘full immersion experience’ with the tribes and their way of life.”
    About two years ago Van Driessche had the good fortune of meeting Randy Hanna, also a professional photographer and photo tour leader who is based in the United States. Together they collaborated on ways to help generate income for ethnic groups in Papua New Guinea. With the cooperation and financial support from Hanna, Van Driessche started building eco-lodges with two of the most famous, colorful, and exciting cultural groups in Papua New Guinea – the Asaro Mudmen and the Mindima Skeleton tribes.
    According to Van Driessche, the best part of Papua New Guinea is the road between Goroka and Mount Hagen. Located here is The Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge with ten rooms and more under construction. From this location, photographers can experience six different cultural events ranging from the Moko Moko Victory dance of the Asaro Warriors to the Burning Heads of Gimmesave.ADVERTISEMENTJust a two-hour drive from the Asaro Mudmen lodge is the Omo Bruglgamo Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge. This lodge has five budget rooms and three deluxe rooms, with more under construction. Found next to the Skeleton tribe are the Insect Hunters and Dusk Shaker cultures, as well as the famous Chimbu Bila with their long-feathered headdresses.
    Who are the Mudmen and Skeleton Tribes?
    Van Driessche, who now lives in Thailand, spent months exploring the tribes of Papua New Guinea. He worked most closely with the Mudmen and Skeleton tribes and was thrilled when they agreed to build lodging for his photography tours. As they have worked together, Van Driessche has learned many of the legends and history that make each tribe distinctly different. Each tribe has unique ceremonies and festivals which require masks or body paint to create special, colorful appearances.
    The Mudmen from Asaro pay tribute to their ancestors by covering their bodies with mud and wearing heavy masks also made of mud. Centuries ago, the Asaro were known as shy jungle-dwellers. Legend has it that one day they were attacked by a powerful tribe and fled to the nearby Asaro River. When their assailants reached the river, they came upon figures coated in white and gray river mud. Believing they had met the ghost spirits of the Asaro they had just killed, the aggressors panicked and quickly fled from the ghosts. They never returned.
    Members of the Skeleton Tribe from Mindima use white paint on their bodies to appear as skeletons. As the story is told now, a few villagers went hunting in the mountains but never returned. A search party found a small cave containing numerous human bones. They believed a big monster (probably a bear or wolf) had killed the hunters. To get rid of the monster they painted themselves as skeletons and laid next to the bones. When the monster returned and had his back to the living skeletons, they killed it. To this day the Skeleton Tribe continues to paint their bodies like skeletons to ward off evil and honor their ancestors.
    Two More Projects in the Making
    Van Diessche has two more eco lodge projects underway, one in the Jiwaka Province with the Sekaka Tribe. Known for their elaborate headresses made of colorful bird feathers as well as the Forest Skull Kids of Koskala, this ethnic group is building the Koskala Gerupeng Lodge near the town of Banz. The village is only a one-hour drive from Mount Hagen Airport and an hour’s drive from The Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge.
    The other project is in Enga Province with the Black Faced Tribe of Suli Muli. This small group of people, known for using distinctive black face paint, is one of the most isolated in Papua New Guinea.  They live in small, scattered communities throughout the mountains, and their way of life has remained largely unchanged for centuries.  The Suli Muli people have recently started building their first eco lodge units. “Because this area has had no tourism, the experience is truly amazing,” says Van Driessche. “To be with a tribe that has experienced very few visitors has always been my dream. It’s like going back in time and learning to appreciate how our ancestors lived – but it’s real life now.”
    Birds of Paradise
    Near Mount Hagen is another phenomenon that lures photographers to Papua New Guinea: the birds of paradise. Legend informs us that these birds were forever in flight, never touching the ground nor resting in trees. Whether true or not, the birds of paradise are among the most beautiful and colorful flying creatures on earth.
    Of the 42 species of paradise birds, all but two are found in Papua New Guinea. Although most male birds of paradise have spectacular plumage, there are a few species where the male and female have almost identical, generally modest-looking plumage. Coloring and type of plumage vary drastically among species.
    Finding these magnificent birds amidst dense foliage can be extremely challenging. However, with the help of local tribesmen, who know the habits of the birds and the environments in which they live, these gorgeous birds can be readily located.
    Come to Papua New Guinea
    Long ago, Papua New Guinea was known for cannibalism, but today it is a very safe country for travelers to experience colorful culture and unique tribal traditions. “The headhunters of the past have become tourist hunters of today. They are anxious to share their unique customs and cultures with others,” says Van Driessche.
    If you are a photographer, birder or simply an adventurer, join us in Papua New Guinea for the experience of a lifetime.
    For additional information:
    tribesofpapuanewguinea.com

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    Elite Havens Expands Portfolio With 4 Stunning Additions to Their Luxury Indonesia Villa Collection

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    Visit Detroit sets industry standard for destination organizations with new website More