Getting to Ireland is as easy and hassle-free as ever for British visitors.
This is thanks to the Common Travel Area, established in 1923, which means that British visitors can travel freely to Ireland without restriction. In most cases you can even just use your driving license instead of a passport for travel (however, please note some air or sea carriers may require passports as photo ID, so always check with your travel provider).
With a world-class welcome, fabulous scenery, rich culture and heritage, outstanding cuisine and unrivalled access by air and sea, a holiday to the island of Ireland is even closer & easier than you think!
The Catalan Tourist Board has announced that Catalonia will invest a huge amount of money, concretely 12 million euros, to make Catalonia a leading destination for wine and gastronomy tourism.
Catalonia has a rich cultural heritage linked to gastronomy, wine and cava, a varied offer of activities and events and a network of specialised tourist companies.
Catalonia has been fascinated by gastronomy: renowned chefs such as Ferran Adrià, Carme Ruscalleda, and the Roca brothers have placed Catalan cuisine among the most reputed in the world. The region proudly holds restaurants with 69 Michelin stars, being the territory with the highest number of Michelin star restaurants. Wine and Cava are also part of Catalonia’s history.
This year important events are taking place in Catalonia:
1 1. Roca Brothers will open a cultural and gastronomic centre in Sant Julià de Ramis, close to their restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, that will also have a hotel apart from the restaurant with a menu that will include the most representative dishes of the 35 years of history of El Celler de Can Roca.
2 2. The reopening of El Bulli as a museum of culinary innovation on the 15th of June 8 years after of its closure. Instead of serving food, El Bulli will function as a laboratory and “museum of culinary innovation”.
3 3. The cellar of Castell de Peralada is celebrating this year its 100 years and they have created a wine to commemorate this anniversary.
4 4. Barcelona will host, on the 28th of November, the awards ceremony for the Michelin stars given to restaurants in Spain, in the Auditori Fòrum of the Barcelona International Convention Center. The gastronomic coordinators of the event will be renowned chefs, such as Jordi Cruz or Torres Brothers.
It’s a region with a revered gastronomy as well as a rich natural and cultural heritage too (https://isyourhome.catalunya.com/experiencia/catalonia-is-appetising/). On this website, a lot of gastronomic and wine routes can be found among Catalonia, such in Priorat, Penedès, la Conca de Barberà, l’Empordà, el Pla de Bages, Alella, Terra Alta, Costers del Segre and Tarragona. There are also lots of wine festivals every month.
Furthermore, a lot of the recipes come from the Book of Sent Soví, the oldest culinary text in Catalan, composed in 1324. The contents are recipes that have been written by a lot of cooks, with each one writing their own methods of preparing the dishes, blending several culinary traditions in a single work.
Catalonia will participate in the Taste of London (https://london.tastefestivals.com/) as exhibitor in this year’s edition in Regent’s Park in London (14-18 June) to present some of the national products that will be able to be tasted and experiences the destination has to offer.
Says that individual actions will not solve the problem affecting the region
Punta Cana, La Altagracia . -The Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, David Collado, made a fervent call to the members of the Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), who are meeting in the country, to unite to seek a joint solution to common issues like the sargassum that affects a large part of the Caribbean.
“The solution to the sargassum problem cannot be individual,” said Collado in his opening remarks at the 118th meeting of the UNWTO executive council, which began this Wednesday in the touristic eastern region of the country and will last until tomorrow Thursday.
He said that solutions should be sought to the issues that affect the region at a general level, referring to sargassum.
“And organizations like this one should help small countries to find solutions when we don’t have them,” said Collado.
Minister Collado also thanked the UNWTO for choosing the Dominican Republic to hold its 118th meeting, for the first time in history.
He understands that this is recognition of the success story that the tourism industry has had in recent years, making it a leader in the region.
He indicated that tourism is not a luxury for the Dominican Republic, but something essential due to the impact it has on the economy, which represents more than 25 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In opening the meeting, the Secretary General of the UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, highlighted the achievements made by the country in terms of tourism, especially its rapid recovery.
He said that the Dominican Republic has become a world reference for tourism.
“Mr. Minister David Collado, without you and your team it would have been impossible to organize this summit, the most important for our organization and for tourism.”
Foreign Minister Roberto Alvarez highlighted the importance for the country of the meeting of the UNWTO executive committee, which is being held for the first time in the Dominican Republic.
“We hope that this forum is especially conducive to promoting responsible, local, sustainable and universally accessible tourism,” said the Dominican Foreign Minister.
At the UNWTO meeting, Minister Collado was accompanied by the Dominican ambassador to that body, Aníbal de Castro and the Vice Minister of Tourism, Carlos Peguero, among other officials.
19 ministers from 38 nations present, including the 35 member countries and 3 observers, as well as some 200 delegates, participate in this 118th meeting of the UNWTO, which takes place in Punta Cana, from last Tuesday to Thursday, where the industry leaders globally.
The Dominican entered the Executive Committee of the UNWTO, after more than a decade, thanks to the work of this government and the results in the recovery of tourism.
Communications Directorate
If you’re craving it, Miami has it. From Michelin-starred sushi concepts to delicious, authentic Caribbean fare, it’s no wonder Bon Appétit declared Miami its 2023 Food City of the Year. Check out what landed this foodie destination on the culinary map and plan your next best meal in Miami.
La Seu d’Urgell and Sort, two small towns in Terres de Lleida, in the Catalan Pyrenees, will host the 2027 International Canoe Federation (ICF) World Championships.
The International Canoe Federation will make history in 2027 when La Seu and Sort in Catalonia host world championships in three different paddling categories during a combined event.
The Board of the ICF meeting in Budapest was impressed by the breadth of the La Seu submission, and its vision of a reduced carbon footprint for a major sporting event.
The 2027 International Canoe Federation World Championships is an opportunity for the sports tourism industry in the Pyrenees, building on the experience earned by hosting various championships over the last 50 years.
While Greater Miami & Miami Beach is known the world over for the great music produced here, figuring out just where to find live music when you’re visiting can be tricky. Although Miami’s famous nightclubs don’t typically host bands, scores of other venues all across the destination are overflowing with live music, from small local acts to big touring shows. If you want to listen to salsa in Little Havana, it’s easy to find. Prefer rock ‘n’ roll with a side of craft beer? We’ve got that too. Here are some of the best live music venues in Miami, organized by neighbourhood.
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is making cultural and adventure-filled activities more accessible through Miami Attraction & Museum Months. From April 1 to May 31, the two-month-long programme invites locals and visitors to explore Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s various attractions and museums through incredible savings on admissions and BOGO deals from a record-breaking number of more than 40 participating partners. Visit MiamiTemptations.com for a full list of offers.
From animal encounters to exclusive museum exhibitions to the arts and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone during Miami Attraction & Museum Months. Immerse yourself in a video game or optical illusion, stroll along beautiful gardens, learn about the history of the city or set sail for a scenic view of the skyline by sea. This year’s programme includes several new participants, such as Treetop Trekking Miami, Haitian Heritage Museum, Paradox Museum Miami, Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach and InBattle VR.
“Greater Miami and Miami Beach is recognized worldwide for being a metropolitan paradise filled with world-class museums and a myriad of exciting attractions that inspire and captivate locals and visitors alike,” said David Whitaker, president & CEO of the GMCVB. “There’s a plethora of unique experiences across our most sought-after cultural, historic and family-friendly attractions. We are excited to feature them during this program.”
HIGHLIGHTS OF SPECIAL OFFERS INCLUDE:
A DAY AT THE MUSEUM: Whether you’re looking for a maze of art galleries or a unique photo opportunity, there is no shortage of museums to explore. Experience mind-twisting and eye-tricking exhibits with 20% off admission to the Paradox Museum Miami, or see contemporary art at The Bass in Miami Beach for 15% off admission. Browse international art of the 20th and 21st centuries at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) with buy one, get one free admission, or become immersed in Haiti’s beautiful art, music, and artifacts at the Haitian Heritage Museum.
THIS YEAR’S PARTNERS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING, PLUS SEVERAL NEW PARTICIPANTS*:
Miami Attraction & Museum Months is one of seven programs within the Miami Temptations Programme established by the GMCVB. The series of themed months are designed to cultivate awareness and appreciation of the many assets within the vibrant destination by curating special programming and discounts for visitors and locals to explore. The programme is also home to Miami Spice Restaurant Months, Miami Spa Months, Miami Health & Wellness Months, Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months, Miami Hotel Months and Miami Entertainment Months.
For a complete list of special offers and events available from the GMCVB’s Miami Temptations Programme, visit www.MiamiTemptations.com.
El Bulli is back and is set to open its doors in 15 June 2023. Legendary Catalan chef Ferran Adrià has reopened his world famous el Bulli concept eight years after it closed. However, instead of serving food, ‘elBulli1846’ acts as a museum of culinary innovation.
The restaurant famed for its molecular gastronomy avant-garde approach to culinary art held three Michelin stars and won the top accolade in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants a record five times.
The Bulli now functions as a laboratory and “museum of culinary innovation”, rather than a restaurant. It is an exhibition space and lab dedicated to study, research and experimentation to build knowledge about “both basic and applied efficiency in innovation”.
The elBulli1846 is situated on the site of the original El Bulli restaurant in Roses, Cala Montjoi, on Catalonia’s Costa Brava.
Throughout the geography of Catalonia, we find small villages that captivate us, where it seems that time has not passed thanks to its cobbled streets and old towns that retain the architecture and essence. The Catalan Tourism Board has compiled them in the link below so that you don’t miss a single one.
These small villages are very characteristic, as they have no more than 2,500 inhabitants (or 1,500 in their historic centre), conserve their original architecture with the decorative elements and designs typical of the period, and preserve the natural environment surrounding them. In addition, they all have a Cultural Asset of National Interest that makes them unique, and a good tourist infrastructure that allows them to welcome tourists who visit them with services of high quality.
Rupit is a great example of a Charming Village, as it is also one of the municipalities awarded as “Best Tourism Villages” of 2022 by the UNWTO. This award recognizes rural destinations that promote sustainable tourism, in which the community, the environment and tourists are committed to preserving and promoting the values and products of the community. It also holds the Biosphere Destination and Quality Night Sky certificates from the Catalan Government.
It is a charismatic village with the characteristic small streets made of stones of medieval times, a wooden suspension bridge that crosses the river and spectacular natural surroundings. Find few metres away the highest waterfall in Catalonia, named Salt de Sallent, with a drop of more than 100 metres. It is an ideal place for long walks while you discover all its corners and enjoy the silence of nature, following one of the routes they offer. If you prefer to explore the area on two wheels, we recommend you to visit the following website, where you will find the map of two mountain bike circuits that pass through the village https://www.rupitpruit.cat/turisme/que-fer/rutes-en-bicicleta-btt/?lang=ca.
Another charming village in the province of Lleida is Taüll, also located in the Catalan Pyrenees. The reason is that includes two Romanesque churches which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: Santa Maria and Sant Climent de Taüll. These two churches are part of the Vall de Boí Romanesque Ensemble built between the 11th and 12th centuries. It is also very close to Aigüestortes National Park and Sant Maurici Lake, which offer active tourism and nature activities all year round.
To discover these villages and the region’s main attractions, a route called the Grand Tour of Catalonia covers the entire region by vehicle and can be organized to suit each traveller’s priorities. It is designed based on a sustainable tourism model, promoting a balanced distribution throughout the territory and throughout the year.
From the high Pyrenees to the wetlands of Terres de l’Ebre, along the Mediterranean coast, Catalonia offers cycling fans everything they need for a satisfying journey on two wheels; being one of the best appreciated destinations for international cyclists to stay. In addition to the pleasant temperatures all year round, quiet roads and specialised accommodation offer all guarantees and services for this sport.
Catalonia’s rich terrain has also led to the creation of a total of 18 mountain biking centres and trails, comprising more than 6,400km of marked itineraries taking you to every corner of the destination. Mile upon mile of well-maintained road routes, as well as bespoke services and accommodation, Catalonia is a land where everything is within reach.
Catalonia accounts with more than 60 accommodation facilities with the Cycling in Catalonia label, recognized as bike-friendly lodging. This seal of approval, certifies and guarantees the commitment of the destination to cycle tourism.
Its diverse geography includes mountain passes – in the Val d’Aran – and the large sandy beaches of the Costa Daurada.
It’s a region with a rich natural and cultural heritage too, as well as revered gastronomy (https://isyourhome.catalunya.com/experiencia/catalonia-is-appetising/), all of which perfectly complement a cycling adventure.
Moreover, the destination offers the possibility of cycling family activities, to enjoy the more relaxing side of cycle tourism. Catalonia has a wide range of routes that are suitable for everyone, such as the Greenways – old disused and turned into a network of family friendly cycle paths (https://www.viesverdes.cat/en/). Over a third of the region is protected and boasts one National Park, 14 natural parks and many sites of special interest, protected areas, marine and natural reserves.
In Catalonia, road cycle tourism is an experience for everyone: a perfect Mediterranean cycling destination. Of the 11 Catalan municipalities with the Sports Tourism Destination label, 5 are certified in road cycling:
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