Japan

Amazing Land of Myriad Insights

Japan is such an amazing country for tourism that travelling there once is never enough! Mixing action and adventure, people prefer rides on rollercoasters boasting serious speed, climb Mt. Fuji in the summer months, and enjoy themselves to the fullest skiing and snowboarding in the winters. There are cycling routes that give fantastic views, including a ride across a 70 km bridge connecting Hiroshima with the island of Shikoku. Other options include flying down to the subtropical islands of Okinawa where one may enjoy kayaking or exploring mangroves in Yanbaru National Park Japan

By His Excellency Dr. Akima Umezawa, Consul-General in Dubai, Japan

Tourism is considered a pillar of growth strategy in Japan. Japan is ranked as the 4th competitive country in the travel and tourism sector among 141 countries in the world. This is the highest in Asia! Japan has scored remarkably higher points in almost all aspects, such as health and hygiene, safety and security, and cultural resources and business travel. Japan is especially proud of its traditional cultures, foods and four season’s nature. Last year, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had announced that the government would boost efforts to achieve its target of 40 million visitors to Japan by 2020, as it seeks economic growth through tourism. The number of tourists visiting Japan has drastically increased in the last decade, and it has also updated its historically highest record every year, such as 28.8 million in 2017 and 31.2 million in 2018. Prime Minister Abe has also pointed out that “The target of 40 million visitors to Japan in 2020 is now within our reach. We will swiftly work toward it,” in a Cabinet meeting on tourism strategy at his office. During the meeting, the Japan Tourism Agency reported that the number of visitors and their spending in 2017 had increased 3.5-fold and quadrupled, respectively, compared with those in 2012. The agency added that the total number of foreign visitors staying in regional areas quadrupled in the same time period.

Japan is hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2019, as well as Olympics and Paralympics in 2020 in Tokyo. Thus, it views tourism as a pillar of its growth strategy. It has eased visa requirements for many friendly countries, especially for India and the UAE in the last couple of years. It has also increased the number of low-cost carriers and other flights to boost inbound tourism. Tourism-related facilities and services have expanded dramatically especially for tourists from foreign countries.

The Recent Future Now, Japan has grand ambitions to bring more than 60 million visitors to the country by 2030. In the meantime, the country isn’t just dreaming a huge target, it’s encouraging enormous concrete actions too. Thanks to concerted country-wide endeavors by governments, local municipalities and private sectors to transform the Japanese tourism economy, the country seems on track to achieve this vision, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Japan will soon host several international events, including the Rugby World Cup (2019), the G20 Global Summit in Osaka (2019), the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo (2020), and the Kansai World Masters Games (2021), among others. The Rugby World Cup 2019 is a tournament like no other. Asia’s first Rugby World Cup has captured the imagination of Japanese and fans around. It kicks off by a match between Japan and Russia on 20 September. Qualified 20 national teams compete through having the 48 enthusiastic matches in 12 cities from North to South. Final match held on November 2 decides the World number one in Yokohama.

Tokyo also is gearing up to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Tokyo 2020 will see over 15,000 athletes from 207 nations participate in what will be the most innovative, inclusive and inspiring Olympics yet. The world’s best athletes will arrive in Japan for the games starting on July 24, 2020 with a spectacular opening ceremony, and would run until August 9. Shortly afterward, the Paralympic Games will begin on August 25 and end on September 6. There are 33 Olympic sports and 22 Paralympic sports which will be held across 43 cities all around Japan.

Furthermore, in 2020, the world’s first Nintendo-themed park opens in the Universal Studio Japan. “Super Nintendo World” features Nintendo’s legendary worlds and characters, presenting the exciting world of Nintendo, such as an all-new “Mario Kart” attraction. In 2022, Tokyo DisneySea opens the newest theme port, “Fantasy Springs”. It consists of three areas inspired by Disney films that are loved by guests of all ages – Frozen, Tangled and Peter Pan. The four attractions, three restaurants, and one new hotel will also be opened in Fantasy Springs.

Enjoy My Japan

In the past, foreign travelers focused on Japan’s “Golden Route,” of Tokyo, Hakone/Mount Fuji, Kyoto/Osaka. Today’s clients are now demanding one-of-a-kind experiences such as seasonal festivals or time-sensitive attractions like the annual cherry blossom season. Here in the UAE, it’s a peak travel season to Japan in cherry blossom months, i.e. late March to early April.

Furthermore, Japan has solidified itself as a top tourism destination, with a wide appeal for both corporate and leisure clients. New digital marketing and public relations initiatives – including the 2018 Enjoy My Japan global campaign – have been put in place. Now, summer in Japan is full of fireworks, festivals and fun in the sun. Although, across much of Japan the summer is characterized by hot and humid weather, many locals opt for cooler climates near the ocean or up in the mountains when taking refuge from the heat.

Art & Architecture

Japan’s art, design and architecture are enjoyable for all tastes, as it blends both the ancient and the modern styles. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa holds everything that is modern, while The National Museum of Art Osaka in Osaka or the Tokyo National Museum would offer a perspective on older things. If one is visiting specially for a deeper understanding of the Edo period (1603–1867), pop-artist Katsushika Hokusai and his ukiyo-e wood block prints, one must go to the Hokusaikan Museum in Nagano Prefecture.

Even buildings in major cities offer architectural inspiration, and therefore simply roaming around in the streets of Japan gives one a feeling as if they are browsing a design museum. One would discover structural surprises at every turn while going to the cavernous Tokyo Station or the Mikimoto 2 or Prada buildings in upmarket Tokyo districts. However, if one wishes to visit actual design museums, then one would find Tokyo’s 21_21 Design Sight or the Archi-Depot Museum acutely interesting.

Exciting Culture

Japanese rousing culture may be experienced everywhere in the country, as it is reflected not only through the country’s ancient shrines and temples, but also in the trendy streets of Harajuku, at a friendly izakaya, or at a lively festival. One may even stay at a temple for a taste of temple life, or take a walk through one of the country’s ancient trails, or even get creative with a traditional craft at a local studio. Longlasting memories may be created while visiting traditional Japanese theater, avant-garde art installations and local festivals ranging from the regal to the raucous.

Festivals

Matsuri in Japanese, meaning festivals, are an innate part of Japan’s culture. Some are small and peaceful, and others are large and fiery. During summers, Japanese like to light up the skies with spectacular, colorful displays through hanabi in Japanese, meaning fireworks. Some festivals such as the Gion Festival in Kyoto or the Aomori Nebuta Festival in Aomori would reveal the traditional aspect of Japan.

During winters, festivals include anime characters, historical and political figures, and famous architectural wonders, which are carved into snow and ice, and lanterns are lighted throughout the paths that are also lined with igloos. The Sapporo Snow Festival and the Nozawa Fire Festival are popular in winters. During spring, festivals include flowers, as spring is also the season of cherry blossom and other flowers. During immensely fulfilling spring festivals such as the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival and the Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival, one must enjoy the food, drink and friendly atmosphere under trees, in parks, around castles, and along rivers.

During fall or autumn, momiji in Japanese, meaning the red maple leaves, dominate the outdoor festivals. Fall festivals are generally held around temples and shrines, such as the Fujiwara Autumn Festival in Hiraizumi, and the Kawagoe Festival, and showcase different areas’ history with historical parades, noh (skill) performances and seasonal food. During autumn, international events such as the Tokyo International Film Festival, Tokyo Motor Show and Tokyo Comic Con are held.

World Heritage Sites

Japan boasts of several world heritage sites such as Himeiji Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, and the historic villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama, and several more. All of them offer you deeply interesting examples of Japanese history. Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture is known as the land of the samurai, and Tsuruga Castle also showcases samurai culture. For ninja fans, one must visit the village of Iga Ueno in Mie Prefecture, or the Koka region in Shiga Prefecture. The southern islands of Okinawa are famous for the stone walls of the long-lost Ryukyu Kingdom, where one may discover extraordinary artistic, musical and culinary traditions. Coastal regions of Tokyo help visitors enjoy stunning beaches and saw-toothed coastline. Those who like trekking may go deep into the mountains. A trek to the top of Tokyo’s highest mountain – Mt. Takao – takes a day from the capital, while those who have several days to spare may walk the pilgrimage routes that wind through the Kii Mountain Range in western Japan. Other attractions include bubbling, geothermal waters at Japan’s many hot-spring resorts. A soak in the warm waters is a dip into traditional Japanese culture, and offers relaxation for body and soul. One may visit the mountains of central Japan, or down south to the island of Kyushu and relax in rocky baths overlooking the ocean or in high-class mountain retreats. Japan’s deep-rooted tradition of craftsmanship has led to worldfamous Japanese products that are of the highest quality in the world. Japan offers you all kinds of soulful experiences: lovingly brewed sake and prized porcelain that would remind you of the centuries-old crafting style, modern gadgets and fashion. Japan is for all, young and old, traditional and modern!

Italy

Land of Renaissance & Exploration

Holding a special place in the global sphere as the birthplace of the Roman Empire, Italy is home to spellbinding masterpieces of art and architecture, and boasts of the highest number of UNESCO world heritage cultural sites in the world. Its astounding tourism attractions include serene lakes, lofty mountains, and a dramatic coastline, and a lifetime of experience in literature, language and philosophy

By Her Excellency Ms. Stefania Costanza, Consul General for Italian Republic, Mumbai

Amajor advanced capitalist mixed economy, which is the eighth-largest in the world and the third-largest in the Eurozone, Italy is a founding member of the G7 and the OECD, one of the world’s most industrialized nations, and is also one of the leaders of the world economy, and trade & exports.

Tourism Opportunities

 Country of great cities of Rome, Venice and Florence, Italy – Bel Paese (Beautiful Country) – has richly contributed to the world in the fields of fashion, literature, opera, art, architecture, design, films and so on. Some of its main tourism destinations include the following:

Colosseum: It is a colossal Amphitheater, the largest ever built by the Roman Empire and has inspired almost all sports facilities since then, continuing to date. It has been host to innumerable public spectacles and shows – even mock sea battles, and holds two stories of tunnels, rooms, cells, and passages for gladiators, workers, wild animals, and storage below the ground floor. It is a perfect reminder of rich Roman past and the ancient history of Italy.

Venice Canals: Venice can be understood through a gondola ride through its network of canals, which are the city’s main streets to travel through its various islands. Lined by old buildings retaining their exotic charm for the past several hundreds of years, the canals are a great way to visit and enjoy the grand palaces that face the canals. A Vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal would offer an experience of a lifetime to visitors.

Pompeii: Though Mt. Vesuvius destroyed this city in AD 79 as it erupted ferociously, its lava encased and conserved – as it cooled – several of city’s priceless art treasures: frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures. Later excavations re-sired remains of houses, markets, baths, temples, theaters, streets – scarred by the tracks of chariots – and even humans, and reintroduced the world to the more than 2,000 years old magnificent Roman engineering.

Leaning Tower of Pisa: A worldrenowned gem of Italy, its construction began in the 12th Century, and restoration work was done in the 1990s. Visitors are allowed to climb up the stairs of the tower, which gives an extremely impressive view of the city. It is also known as La Torre Pendente, and stands on the Piazza dei Miracoli, where visitors would also find the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, all of which are exemplary & brilliant works of medieval stone carving.

Vatican City: Home to some of the world’s most priceless art collections, it boasts of the great Basilica of St. Peter, the tomb of St. Peter and the Pieta – one of Michelangelo’s most touching works! From the St. Peter’s Square outside, the Pope addresses followers. Other attractions include the Sistine Chapel famous for its wall and ceiling paintings by Michelangelo, and the Vatican Museum holds several of Italy’s other most famous artists.

St. Mark’s Basilica: This is one of the most important tourist sites in Venice with its famous square, Piazza San Marco. A work of brilliant art, the Basilica has been constructed with a mix of architectural styles in which the Byzantine Empire’s influence is clearly seen and displays Venice’s long trade connections to the East. Inside, visitors would be mesmerized by the stunning mosaics and the high altar covered in gold and jewels. The Doge’s Palace, next to Basilica also holds in its heart various priceless masterpieces of Italian art.

Milan Duomo: This is the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente, called Il Duomo by the locals in Milan. It is not only one of the world’s largest churches, but is also one of the best examples of the flamboyant Gothic style of architecture in the world. It holds the tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici, a 12th-century bronze candelabrum, and the gold reliquary of San Carlo Borromeo. It also has an elevator to go to a portion of the roof, where visitors may walk at great height among the carved stone pinnacles.

Mount Etna: The world-famous live volcanic Mount Etna on the island of Sicily is one of the highest peaks in Italy, surrounded by a national park called the Parco dell’Etna. Visitors are allowed to walk along the craters and fissures, and may witness the lava or steam. As the volcanic soil supports cultivation of grapes, visitors may taste an array of fantastic local wine.

Indonesia

Land of Mysteries & Excitements

Made up of thousands of volcanic islands, Indonesia – a Southeast Asian nation – has shown excellent progress in tourism. Home to hundreds of ethnic groups, it is world-famous for its stunning beaches, live volcanoes, Komodo dragons and elephants, orangutans and tigers roaming in jungles. As the island of Java represents Indonesia’s vibrant, sprawling culture, Jakarta and Yogyakarta are known for fun and traditions.

By His Excellency Ridwan Hassan, Consul General in Dubai, Republic of Indonesia

Holding a distinguished vision, the current administration is focused on sovereignty in political, economy and cultural area. “Indonesia Progresses” has been the basic theme of all positions. Narrowing down to our priority on international relations, Indonesia focuses on maintaining sovereignty, protecting all of Indonesian citizens abroad, boosting economic diplomacy, and increasing Indonesia’s role in regional and global arenas

My Efforts towards Cordial Relations

Indonesian Consulate in Dubai focuses on improving economic cooperation between the two countries. The Consulate has been actively supporting the participation of business entities on various trade exhibitions in Dubai, in order to promote Indonesia’s innovation and diversification in trading products and businesses. Also, the Consulate is keen on facilitating various business forums to match any business opportunities between Indonesia and Dubai. Indonesian Consulate, collaborating with Indonesia Trade and Promotion Center (ITPC) Dubai, facilitates potential buyers from Dubai and Northern Emirates to attend “Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI)”, an annual exhibition on trade, tourism and investment sectors that have been creating many profitable business deals.

Tourism Opportunities Tourism industry is the 4th largest sector that supports Indonesian economy to grow, among goods and services export sector. For the record, tourism in Indonesia is ranked as the ninth-fastest growing sector in the world, the third-fastest growing in Asia and the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia. Indonesia has targeted to attract about 20 million visitors by 2019. Some of its main tourism destinations include the following:

Medan: This is the largest city in Sumatra Island, and due to its ethnically diverse population, it is known for scrumptious delectable culinary spots, rich with many flavours. Some examples include Bolu Meranti, Bika Ambon Zulayka, the Durian fruit or cake, and the sweet passion fruit Markisa. Here, one may also visit the Maimoon Palace that gives a glimpse of the royal heritage. Other attractions include Lake Toba, the Samosir Island, Berastagi.

Raja Ampat: For those who are looking for a pristine paradise full of Mother Nature and warm friendly people, Raja Ampat is full of exceptional, beautiful, enchanting, magnificent, and fascinating wonders. This island-regency in West Papua Province holds spectacular wonders above and beyond its waters, on the land and amidst the thick jungles. Raja Ampat literally means ‘The Four Kings’. It is an archipelago comprising more than 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool.

The sheer number and diversity of marine life at Raja Ampat and its huge pristine coral reef systems are a fascinating experience for scuba divers and snorkelers, as pigmy seahorses, Manta Rays, wobbegongs, schools of Tuna fish, giant trevallies, snappers, batfish, and barracudas swim around you.

Bali: Known as the Land of the Gods, Bali is famous for its natural beauty enhanced by looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that offer visitors peace and serenity. Bali is also considered a surfers’ paradise. It is full of dramatic dances, colorful ceremonies, arts, crafts, intricately carved temples, luxurious beach resorts and exciting nightlife. As Bali is located 8 degrees south of the equator, its climate is typical tropical, warm and humid all year round with only two main distinctive seasons: Dry Season and Rainy Season. So visitors may find the several peaks over 3,000 meters above sea levels around Bali’s central mountains cooler and worth exploring.

Then, Bali’s white beaches and a variety of water sports are a favourite destination for family holidays, where visitors would definitely like banana boats, parasailing or jet skiing, swimming or sunbathing by the sea. Mountain climbers would like Gunung Agung and Mount Batur. One may also enjoy the dramatic Kecak dance – telling the story of Ramayana wherein prince Rama’s wife, Sita, is abducted by the ogre Rahwana – in the open air on a cliff, by Uluwatu temple. The sun slowly lowering in the sea over the horizon beyond this beautiful temple is an unforgettable experience for the visitors. After a day’s tiring explorations, one must relax and rejuvenate for the next day at world-famous Balinese spas found all over Bali. Balinese spa products are not only to be enjoyed during the stay, but can also be brought home as souvenirs.

Banyuwangi: Literally meaning Aromatic Water, it is the eastern-most city of Java Island, is full of lush green, and is also the most densely populated island. Its southern beaches are brushed by the Indian Ocean, and it owns the impressive Mt Raung (3,282 meters) and Mt Merapi (2,800 meters) above sea level. Here, one may watch wild animals roam freely in the Alas Purwo Reserve, trek through the savannah of Baluran, or revel on the Pulau Merah or G-Land beach or Sukamade Beach. Visitors who hike up Banyuwangi, also find it amazing that blue flames spring out from the yellow sulphurous rocks that are cut and gathered manually by traditional miners.

Bintan: Known for its high-end resorts, world-class golf courses, and magnificent coastal beauty, it is considered a heavenly getaway for leisure and adventure seekers. It is also world-famous for organizing marathons, triathlons, extreme sports and golf challenges. Some of the famous locations at Bintan include the stunning Bintan Lagoon Resort, Penyengat Island, Trikora Beach and Senggarang and Sebung Village. Bintan Lagoon Resort covers 23,000 hectares of sandy white coast facing the South China Sea. There are currently ten independent beach resorts, four designer golf courses, as well as a range of recreational facilities and attractions located within the fully. integrated Bintan Resorts. Penyengat Island holds historical monuments and relics of the past, an interesting blend of Javanese and Dutch architecture, and the Sultan of Riau Grand Mosque. Trikora Beach is interesting for its breathtaking long stretch clear crystal water beaches, and picturesque and stunning surroundings. Senggarang and Sebung Village is a small fishing village filled with rows of fishermen’s stilt houses and ancient Chinese temples, and is famous for seafood served in Kelong-style restaurants.

Jakarta: It is the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, home to people with diverse ethnic backgrounds, and is a conglomeration of villages known as kampung. Here, one would find the iconic landmarks such as Monas, The Merdeka Palace, The National Museum, Istiqlal Mosque, The Jakarta Cathedral and Monumen Selamat Datang or the welcome monument widely renowned as Bunderan HI. Visitors would also enjoy the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol or Ancol Dreamland containing Dufan Theme park, Seaworld, Atlantis Water Adventure Park, Ecopark, Art market, etc.

Yogyakarta: Together with its twin city Surakarta (Solo), Yogyakarta is the cradle of civilization on Java. It is famous for the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 8th and 9th century and the Mataram kingdom of the 16th and 17th century. Visitors would certainly enjoy the living museum of The Kraton or The Keraton (Sultan’s Palace), the famous Alun Alun, or even silversmiths working at amazing jewellery at Kotagede. Parangtritis, Indrayanti, Pok Tunggal, Siung, Krakal, and Jogan beaches are located here. Puncak Becici, Pinus Pengger, and Jurang Tembelan are also counted among the exciting backto-nature destinations in Yogyak

Bandung: It is known worldwide for the historic Bandung Conference, also known as the first Asian–African Conference in 1955, in which 29 newly independent countries from the two continents representing over half of the world’s population met, including the legendary leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Prime Minister Zhou En Lai of China and Indonesia’s President Soekarno. Bandung is also famous first as a University City, most prominently known for its Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), from where Indonesia’s first President Soekarno graduated, and then also as a Creative City, where millennials and students are encouraged to express their exuberant creativity in art, music and innovative digital creations Makassar: The largest city in eastern Indonesia, it is Indonesia’s busy air hub, connecting Sumatra, Java, Bali and Kalimantan in the west with Sulawesi, the Moluccas and Papua in the east. Visitors interested in Makassar’s history must visit Fort Rotterdam, which is a well-preserved bastion from the Gowa Sultanate, dated back to the 17th century. It also owns the Losari Beach and an iconic dessert called Es Pisang Ijo, which is a banana wrapped in thin green dough, shaved ice, some syrup and sweetened condensed milk.

Iceland

A Unique Land of God’s Fancies

A land loved by all who live and travel to the country, owing to various extremes yet holding a fine balance between sundry aspects of geography, climate, food, music and literature, Iceland also holds a promise of utmost excitement and adventure, as anyone setting foot in Iceland would surely fall for Glacier Hiking, Ice Climbing, Snorkeling, White Water Rafting, Mountain Hiking, Cave Tours, Soaking in Geothermal Pools and Whale Watching.

By His Excellency Mr. Gudmundur Arni Stefansson, Ambassador of Iceland in India

I celand is world-famous for several reasons. And, its picturesque landscape with drastic cliffs, black beaches and spectacular waterfalls isn’t the only one or the most important of them. It is the safest country in the world and the only safety measures and precautions one needs to take while in Iceland are due to its rough nature and unpredictable weather.

Progressive & Peaceful Nation

Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic. It is home to a progressive and peaceful nation that has formed a modern society where freedom and equality are held in high regard. Iceland continuously ranks at the top for measurements of quality of life, gender equality, and democracy. Iceland is a country of extreme geological contrasts. Widely known as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’, it is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe, and some of the world’s most active volcanoes. Iceland is also the land of light and darkness. Long summer days with nearly 24 hours of sunshine are offset by short winter days with only a few hours of daylight. Uniqueness of Iceland lies in its unspolit nature and the fact that it has a small population of 3,50,000 people. Iceland is full of exciting activities and breathtaking landscapes. You can witness geysers, waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, valleys and endless stretches of black sandy beaches. For activities, you can go hiking, biking, snowmobiling, kayaking or you may just soak up the warmth of a natural hot spring. The options are endless! Some experiences can only be enjoyed in the summertime others only in wintertime and some all year long. Seeing the Northern lights is on the bucket list of many people and Iceland is an excellent location to witness that as it is surely a unique experience.

Promoting Relations between Iceland & India

We are actively promoting tourism in India through various activities including shooting of Indian films in Iceland. To cater to the needs of the growing tourists from India, the Embassy has started issuing visas in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore through VFS Global directly. We also plan to extend visa application services to other cities soon. India and Iceland are top fishing nations exporting large amount of fish and seafood across the globe. The two nations have renewed the MoU on sustainable fisheries cooperation in September 2019 during the State visit of President Ramnath Kovind to Iceland. To encourage people-to-people contact through arts and culture, a new MoU on Culture was signed during the visit of President Ramnath Kovind to Iceland in September 2019. A visa agreement was signed between Iceland and India in September 2019 which will allow officials from both sides to travel without a visa. We focus the work of the Embassy on a few key areas. Promoting tourism to Iceland has been very successful. We have had a yearly 50% increase in the number of tourists travelling to Iceland. The Indian film industry has also showed much interest in Iceland. The biggest success is Gerua the feature song of the Bollywood movie Dilwale, which received some 200 million views on Youtube. Iceland is primarily a food exporting country. It exports fish and lamb. India is not a classic market for Iceland. India has turned to be a more high-tech connection for Iceland rather than a traditional export market. Thus, other focus areas include business opportunities in targeted high-tech areas such as renewable energy, in particular geothermal energy and hydropower, biotechnology, information technology, and environmental technologies. Iceland’s start-up industry is also fast growing and provides an attractive market especially in cutting-edge sectors like digital technology and biotechnology.

Tremendous Potential

I believe that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the recent visit of your President Shri Ram Nath Kovind clearly indicates that there is interest and potentitial for both countries to collaborate for partenership in Geothermal energy. I also believe that India and Iceland have tremendous potential to grow politically, culturally and socially in the next decade – India being the world’s largest democratic country and Iceland the oldest one!

Uganda

Pearl of Africa

Creating a mosaic of distinct wildlife habitats & national parks; several UNESCO heritage sites; stunning landscape comprising magnificent lakes, rivers and forests; majestic mountains, plateaus & valleys; and captivating flora & fauna, Uganda may well be called a land of fairytales. Committed towards consistent growth of the people for God and the Country, it has successfully transformed itself from a troubled past to a present of stability and prosperity

By His Excellency Mr. Madhusudan Agrawal, Consul General for Republic of Uganda, Mumbai

Hailed as a pioneer in the liberalization of media in Africa, Uganda has also won praise for its vigorous campaign against HIV/AIDS, and holds a great potential of growth & development through untapped reserves of crude oil and natural gas.

Vision 2040 Uganda’s National Vision is ‘A transformed Ugandan society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years’. This involves changing from a predominantly low income to a competitive upper middle income country within 30 years. It is envisaged that the country will reach a per capita of USD 9,500 by 2040. The theme of the Vision is, ‘Accelerating Uganda’s Socioeconomic Transformation’. The Vision attributes, which are consistent with the principles of the constitution, are: (a) Independence and sovereignty; (b) Democracy and the rule of law; (c) Stability and peace; (d) Knowledgeable and skilled; (e) Able to exploit and use its resources gainfully and sustainably; (f) In a strong federated East Africa with an effective African Common Market and a strong African Defence Mechanism. To realize this Vision, Uganda will need to increase its GDP 30-folds in the next 30 years to attain the level of development observed in Upper Middle Income (UMI) countries. An analysis of these countries’ development paths and assessment of Uganda’s potential confirms that it is possible for the country to attain an upper middle income status within the next 30 years. The Vision is conceptualized around harnessing the opportunities, improving competitiveness and strengthening the fundamentals for transformation. The opportunities include: Agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, minerals, knowledge and ICT, abundant labour force, geographical location, water resources, industrialization and trade. On the other hand, the fundamentals include: physical infrastructure; ICT infrastructure; Science, Technology, Innovation and Engineering (STIE); and human resource. Its focus areas of development include Tourism, Agriculture, Industrialization, Oil and gas, Minerals, and Knowledge & ICT sector.

been robust over the past years and has successfully grown in terms of visitor arrivals, conference business, and investments in the tourist accommodation facilities. It is increasingly becoming a key source of livelihood and pride, helping to support families and local economies, and to build communities throughout the country. Uganda Vision 2040, the Second National Development Plan (NDP II) and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto 2016– 2021, and sector development plans emphasize water-based tourism including water sports on navigable lakes and rivers, and redevelopment of the Source of the River Nile into a world-class tourist attraction site and turn it into a modern international and domestic tourism center as priorities. Uganda’s tourism largely rides on her natural endowments which give an edge over many of the popular tourist destinations in Africa. Uganda has an abundance of diverse tourist attractions ranging from abundant and diverse wildlife, culture to landscapes and water bodies. Uganda stands out in Africa because the country has more than 50% of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, over 1,060 species of birds, constituting 11% of the global population of bird species, 345 species of mammals, 86 species of amphibians, 142 species of reptiles, 1,249 species of butterflies, over 600 species of fish and over 5,406 species of flora. Uganda is also home to the source of River Nile, the longest river in the world, Lake Victoria, the largest fresh water lake in Africa and Mt Rwenzori, the legendary mountains of the moon, the only mountain in the world with a snow cap on the equator. Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in Africa, with a surface area of about 68,800 sq. km shared between Kenya (6%), Uganda (45%) and Tanzania (49%). The catchment area of the lake covers 180,959 sq. km.; 15.9% of this is constituted by Uganda. Biodiversity combined with the scenic beauty of the Lake Victoria, is one of the important contributors to increased tourist arrivals in the country and the investment in the hospitality. industry. Uganda’s rich culture is also something to explore, from the captivating dances to exquisite cuisines.

My Contribution as Consul General

I have been dedicatedly working on several fronts, and some of the notable achievements include the following: Post accreditation of Hon. Consul of Uganda, Indian Vice President Shri Hamid Ansari visited Uganda in Feb 2017. Ugandan Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda visited Mumbai for inauguration of the Consulate office. Ugandan Vice President Edward Ssekandi visited India for first Uganda Investment Summit held on 8th March 2018. Letter of Intent signed worth USD 1.2 billion for investments in various sectors. Welcomed Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Uganda on 25th July 2018. Donation of Mobile Mammography Van – Hope Express – ‘Breast Cancer – Early detection saves life” to Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) in 2018

South Africa

Land of Hope and Promise

Home to some of Africa’s magnificent landscapes, South Africa boasts of stunning coastlines, mountains, hills, national parks and canyons. Similarly, the diverse and exciting wildlife or serene & insightful countryside or extraordinary artwork, all tell captivating tales of a glorious past and a promising future. Add to that, lively cultural experiences and numerous activities & adventures, and South Africa becomes a must-visit destination for tourists from around the world

By Her Excellency Ms. Lerato Mashile, Consul General for Republic of South Africa, Mumbai

South Africa is the most industrialized and diversified economy in the continent of Africa, and is also one of the four upper-middle class countries in the continent. Being a highly developed economy with an advanced economic infrastructure, it is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of gold, platinum and other natural resources. Having highly developed sectors of finance, law, communications, energy and transport, it also has the continent’s largest stock exchange.

Tourism Opportunities

Having developed stunning adventure activities including white water rafting, abseiling and shark cage-diving, South Africa is considered the adventure capital of the world. Some of its main tourism destinations include the following:

Kruger National Park: It is not only one of the world’s most famous safari parks, but is also one of the oldest game reserves in South Africa. It is famous for its Big Five wildlife: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, and is home to an impressive diversity of other wildlife. Visitors may also find other attractions such as bushman rock paintings and archaeological sites here, and may opt to explore a walking safari, or the vast grasslands, gallery forests, and river systems in a hot air balloon.

Cape Town: Tourists find it one of the Earth’s most breathtaking cities, surrounded by beautiful and calming nature, lying between a rugged range of mountains and the sea. Those seeking adventure and a great view of the city, go for a hike to the peak of flat-topped Table Mountain, or glide up on the cableway. Another option is to go for an hour-long hike up Lion’s Head, which would also offer the tourists a panoramic view of the city. Further, on the eastern slopes of the Table Mountain, the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – can be found.

Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park: It is called a transfrontier park, as it a merger of South Africa’s Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana’s Gemsbok National Park. Being one of the largest wilderness areas in the world, it is famous for rough camel thorn trees, red sands, golden grasslands, and deep blue skies, all of which are loved by photographobsessed tourists. What makes this park more exciting is the presence of a huge diversity of wildlife, including the famous black-maned Kalahari lion, stately gemsbok with their V-shaped horns, the sprawling nests of sociable weavers, meerkats, and many birds of prey.

Table Mountain: It is called so because of its distinctive flat top. It is one of the world’s most recognisable natural icons and is one of the major tourist attractions in South Africa. Tourists may reach it either through the five-minute cable car ride or a day’s hike up to the top. Both are exciting for their own reasons. The cable cars have rotating floors and enormous windows, which offer spectacular views all around and from a magnificent height.

Robben Island: Many tourists consider it an emotional pilgrimage as Nelson Mandela was imprisoned here. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors may listen to formerinmates-turned-guides who offer their first-hand accounts of prison life here. Visitors may take a ferry trip to the Nelson Mandela Gateway.

Franschhoek Motor Museum: This is an exciting place for those who love vintage and modern cars, as it owns not only an impressive collection of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and fascinating memorabilia, ranging from an 1898 Beeston motor tricycle to a high performance 2003 Enzo Ferrari supercar, but also a range of antique, veteran, vintage, post-vintage, post-45 and post-60 automobiles, all of which are organized in a chronological order, portraying the evolution of the motor car.

Stellenbosch, Western Cape: One of the most picturesque towns of South Africa, having preserved its legacy from a period of the Dutch East India Company, it offers to tourists a mosaic of farms, old oak trees and white-washed Cape Dutch dwellings

Philippines

Land of Legendary People

The third-largest English-speaking country in the world, the Philippines has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences, with a Walled City comprising European buildings and churches. Filipinos are freedom-loving and fun-loving people, who celebrate every day. Their vibrant democracy is marked by several English national newspapers, national television stations, hundreds of cable TV stations, and thousands of radio stations By His Excellency Paul Raymund P. Cortes, Consul General in Dubai, Republic of the Philippines

Filipinos always had a rich culture and traditionally traded with the Chinese and the Japanese. The Spanish colonization in 1521 brought about the construction of Intramuros in 1571, a Walled City. In 1898, they won their independence through the efforts of leaders such as Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo after 350 years and 300 rebellions. In 1898, the Philippines became the first and only colony of the United States, following the Philippine– American War, and United States brought widespread education to the islands. The Philippines had fought with Americans during World War II, at the famous battle of Bataan and Corregidor, and also waged a guerilla war against the Japanese from 1941 to 1945, finally regaining their independence in 1946. Their long history of Western colonial rule and rich trading links brought to them diverse cultures and they have evolved into a people of a unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture. Warm hospitality is one trait displayed by every Filipino, and this has made them legendary people in Southeast Asia. Filipinos are emotional and passionate about life. There are two official languages – Filipino and English, and Filipino is the national language. There are eight major dialects spoken by the majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense. There are about 76 to 78 major language groups, with more than 500 dialects. Carrying of any lighted tobacco product in public vehicles, schools, health centers, elevators, cinemas, malls and in places where fire hazards are present is prohibited in the Philippines. Smoking is also banned in recreational facilities for minors.

Tourism Policy

According to the Tourism National Strategy, an integrated sustainable tourism management plan for Central Philippines is to be formulated, identifying viable critical environmental, infrastructure and community-based projects to link and integrate the tourism development of the area. Thus, the Tourism Management Plan provides a comprehensive planning framework for the development of tourism so that it can play a key role in the development.

of the regional economy, elaborate a vision of the future direction and content of tourism development, which can help to focus and guide the actions of the various stakeholders towards a shared goal, identify areas for tourism development, related tourism facilities and supporting infrastructure, and specify the major programs, roles and responsibilities of key players, institutional arrangements and resource requirements for achieving the vision. The Central Philippines possesses a wealth of ecological and cultural attractions including pristine white sandy beaches, diverse marine life, volcanoes, forests and wetlands and heritage sites. These natural resources support a range of tourism products and facilities to include national parks, ecotourism sites, beach resorts, scuba diving, golf courses, trekking and festivals. Nature and ecotourism sites form a significant component of tourism in most of the destinations within the Central Philippines. There is a wide range of nature products which include dolphin watching, bird watching and mangrove tours. In the development of nature products, ecotourism principles are being consciously applied. The National Ecotourism Strategy formulated by the DOT and DENR has given impetus to the development of various community-based ecotourism products. Nature and ecotourism sites assisted by LGUs, NGOs and the DOT/DENR include the Olango Bird watching tour in Cebu, the Cambuhat River Cruise and the Pamilakan Island Dolphin Watching (Marine Life) tour in Bohol.

Tourism Opportunities Some of the Philippines’ main tourism activities and destinations include the following:

Scuba Diving: It attracts a lot of visitors, and is a major market driver for many coastal and marine destinations

Festivals and Events: Major festivals such as the Ati-atihan, Dinagyang and Sinulog festivals in Akian, Iloilo and Cebu are one- or two-day events which appeal both local people and international visitors.

Golfing: The Philippines is growing consistently as a tourism attraction for international golfers. Yachting & Marinas: The waters of the Central Philippines are ideal for yachting, and it is also growing consistently.

Cruising: It is well established in South East Asia, and it is steadily growing in the Central Philippines. Hiking/Trekking: The Central Philippines has the natural resource base to offer a unique experience of hiking/trekking through designated trails, informed guides and supporting tourism facilities of hotels and inns. Banaue Rice Terraces:

Banaue is often described as a place where land merges with the clouds to meet the heavens, because of its high altitude, and the rice terraces are considered the stairway to the sky. Visitors always find Banaue as adventurous and fit for cultural immersion. During the day time, visitors and locals indulge in activities such as strolling, biking, and trekking, and during the evenings, they hold campfire chats at a village or warm indoor cosseting at the lodges and inns. Banaue rice terraces are a leading tourism destination in Asia. Starting from the base of the Cordilleras, they reach up to several thousand feet high, and if its length. were to be stretched from end to end, it could encircle half of the globe. One would definitely love to relax in the spring-fed stream of Guihob and the magnificent Tappiya Waterfalls after trekking through the terraces, and shopping and buying souvenir items from the curio stores. One may also decide to go on a village visit, watch a family demonstrate their native craft and then haggle for a better price on their product.

Chocolate Hills: There is a series of 1,268 perfectly symmetrical, haycock-shaped hills, known as the Chocolate Hills, which rise some 30 meters above the ground. These are unique rock formations formed after millions of years of evolution and are the Philippines’ National Geologic Monument. These are called Chocolate Hills because of their resemblance to chocolate bonbons when their grass cover turns to brown at the onset of summer. Other hills worth visiting include Banat-I and Elly in the capital city of Tagbilaran, Himontagon in the town of Loay, Sampoangan in Calape and Ilihan in Jagna.

Boracay: It is a fascinating white beach where visitors love to walk barefoot, swing to the discos, and go for soothing massages under the shade of coconut trees. It’s a great big party place.

Cebu: It is a perfect fantasy place that offers balmy weather, pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and luxurious resorts, with a sea valley and mountains. It is also the political, economic, educational and cultural center of the Visayas, with hotels, shopping malls, entertainment halls, casinos and golf fairways.

Davao: It is the world’s largest city in terms of land area, as it covers 244,000 hectares, and is famous for agriculture-based industries, as it is a major exporter of bananas, citrus, mangosteen and other tropical fruits, is also the biggest producer of cultured flowers in the country, and is a rich source for commercial fishing.

Manila: It is the capital, and obviously the heart and soul, of the Philippines, setting the rhythm of life and blending the Oriental with the Occidental, the quaint with the modern, and the mundane with the extraordinary. It is also famous as a center for the performing arts in Asia.

Palawan: It has bountiful resources, an abundant wildlife and extraordinary natural beauty, and was once a United Nations Vietnamese Refugee Center. It boasts of skyscraping dark cliffs, a thick green forest, a white-sand beach, sparkling water and magnificently sculpted jade islands.

Vigan: It holds centuries-old edifices of a once royal city, founded in 1572 by Juan de Salcedo who patterned its design to that of Intramuros (Old Manila). It also became the seat of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia and was called Ciudad Fernandina in honor of King Ferdinand. Vigan’s 18th century Castillan architecture is evident in some 150 stone houses in the town’s Mestizo District, and some of these ancestral homes have been turned into cozy inns, museums, and souvenir shops. The majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral built by the Augustinian friars features Neo-Gothic and pseudo Romanesque motifs, and west of the cathedral is Plaza Salcedo, the oldest monument in Northern Luzon. The Archbishop’s Palace is a rich repository of religious artifacts from the Ilocos region. Visitors would also love horse-drawn calesa (rig) in the streets.

Malaysia

Land of Enrichment & Enlightenment

A country beautiful in terms of nature; exotic in terms of art, craft and wildlife; and positive & insightful in terms of experiences, Malaysia offers legendary tourism destinations. Delightful caves & huge caverns; gorgeous craft & artefacts; magnificent & gratifying island escapes; immensely insightful museums full of captivating objects; charming scenic vistas; and highly decorated temples & mosques; Malaysia has everything that may interest a tourist

By His Excellency Mr. Zainal Azlan Nadzir, Consul General for Malaysia, Mumbai

According to the World Bank, ‘In the past 30 years, Malaysia has successfully curtailed high poverty rates and has reduced income inequalities. Its goal is to attain high income status while ensuring that growth is sustainable.’ After attaining independence in 1957, Malaysia has transformed itself entirely from being agriculture- and commodity-based, to a powerful player in the manufacturing and services sectors. Today, it is a leading exporter of electrical appliances, electronic parts and components. One of the most open economies in the world for trade and investment, it has consistently grown and has created employment, with about 40 percent of jobs in Malaysia linked to export activities. Improving in all sectors simultaneously, it has been growing at 5.4 percent since 2010, and is expected to achieve its transition from an upper middle-income economy to a high-income economy by 2024. The government has taken targeted measures to support the poor and vulnerable, while concentrating on export-led growth, and is working on key structural constraints to maximise Malaysia’s development path.

Tourism Opportunities A thriving, multi-cultural and dynamic country, Malaysia invariably focuses on a slew of activities for tourists, and through an event-packed year of special tourism activities titled ‘Visit Malaysia 2020’ has offered to the world the best. Some of its main tourism destinations include the following:

Gunung Gading National Park: It is loved by wannabe botanists as they come to watch the world’s largest flower – Rafflesia – blooming to up to three feet in diameter. Though it has a nasty smell, they bloom all the times of a year, though the best time is November through January. The other attractions of this Park include the Sarawak Park with nice beaches, rugged mountains and hiking-fit jungles.

Manukan Island: Malaysia’s first marine national park is located here, and it is also famous for great beaches! Tourists also like to scuba dive and snorkel for its coral reefs. Having developed modern tourist facilities at the island, it is also accessible by ferry from Kota Kinabalu

Kek Lok Si Temple: Dating back to 1891, it is a relatively new temple but its youthfulness makes it very impressive. Having been carved with countless images of Buddha, it is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and is visited by tourists from all parts of the world. The Temple of Rama IV with its 10,000 Buddha carvings is a splendid architecture that leaves all tourists fascinated. Batu Caves: These are situated near Kuala Lumpur and are full of pretty awesome Hindu art. Its three main caves are the most popular Hindu shrine outside of India, and are thronged by thousands of worshippers at Thaipusam, which is an annual Hindu festival. There is a giant statue of a Hindu god, in the Cathedral Cave, which has 272 steps. Sipadan: Located in the Celebes Sea, it is loved by divers because of its abundant marine life. It is Malaysia’s only oceanic island, and was formed by living coral atop an extinct volcano cone. It is considered a paradise for nature lovers because of its 3,000+ species of fish and several hundred different corals, including hawksbill, green turtles, manta rays, schools of barracudas and whale sharks. I must also mention that it has gorgeous sandy beaches

Redang: Tourists love this island for its white sand beaches and crystal clear ocean water in addition to snorkeling. Scuba divers also find this place attractive. In spite of its large area, visitors may explore it on foot, travelling on roads or trekking through the jungle. One of nine islands in a marine nature reserve, Redang island offers resort-style accommodation for tourists

Kinabatangan River: It is the second-longest river of Malaysia at a length of about 550 km from the mountains to Sulu Sea. It is famous for its diverse wildlife and vegetation, where Asian elephants, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys and Bornean orangutans may be seen. Actually, it is one of only two places in the world where 10 species of primates, as well as 200 bird species can be found. Other attractions here include rain forests, limestone forests, and salt & freshwater swamps.

Semenggoh Nature Reserve: Famous for its orangutan orientation program, it makes for an attractive and interesting destination for tourists. In addition, it has a thriving population of colorful exotic Malaysian birds: Bornean black magpie, yellow rumpled flowerpecker, Malaysian honeyguide and brown hawk owl

Kenya

Land of Adventure & Romance

Delightful diversity, bountiful wildlife including the stupendous wildebeest, breathtaking lakes surrounded by magnificent flamingoes, large expanse of beautiful greenery, coastal treasures, captivating traditional customs, Kenya never fails to satisfy with abundance of anything and everything that may thrill a tourist. If the list has been short by any chance, tourists would also be enchanted by fish-rich coral reefs, pearly beaches, tropical islands and majestic mountains

By His Excellency Mr. Ramavtar Goenka, Consul General for Kenya, Mumbai

Building a strong future on a sturdy base of political, structural and economic reforms, which have led to a long period of sustained economic growth and social development, Kenya has been scripting its inspiring story to become one of the best economies of Africa. The relentless focus and robust support to a growing youthful population, a dynamic private sector, highly skilled workforce and improved infrastructure have helped it immensely to overcome challenges of poverty, inequality, governance and skill gaps

Tourism Opportunities Hosting numerous pre-historic sites so old that it is presumed that humankind evolved from here, and a rich profusion of diverse wildlife including the Big 5 – Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinos and Leopards – in addition to Oryx, Antelopes, Giraffes, Impalas, Hippos, White Rhinos, and many more, Kenya is full of learning and adventure. Some of its main tourism destinations include the following:

Nairobi: Tourists love it for the variety and diversity of options it offers. One may choose to visit the National Museum, Railway Museum, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen, Karura Forest, David Sheldrick Trust Elephant Orphan Centre, Ngong Hills, Blue Sky Tours in Diamond Plaza, Nairobi Arboretum, Panari Sky Centre, Bomas of Kenya, Uhuru Garden, GP Karting, Village Market, Mamba Village, Paintball Fury Limited, Maasai Ostrich Farm, Paradise Lost, August Memorial Park, Kenya National Archives, KICC, Art Centres or the Nairobi National Park. It is the capital of Kenya and has seen a transformation from being simply a camp for the railway employees to becoming the capital of the country.

Eldoret: Considered one of several paradises in Africa, it is full of natural beauty completely untouched by the modern changes elsewhere. Located south of the Cherangani Hills, it is popular among tourists for its sundry attractions such as Champions Monument, Eldoret Daima Plaza, Sirikwa Holes, Wagon Hotel, Koromosho Falls and Poa Place.

Tsavo: Situated over the River Tsavo and close to the River Athi, it is popular for the Tsavo National Park containing two smaller National Parks – Tsavo West and Tsavo East. Locals call it Tsavo, which means killing, as after the elimination of slave trade in Kenya it was repeatedly crossed by the Arab slavers along with their captives

Mombasa: Holding in its heart the best tourist destinations of Kenya, it oozes a friendly atmosphere and a captivating marine life. Located on the eastern coastline, it borders the vast Indian Ocean and has thus developed several stunning beaches. Because of its tropical climate, tourists – both young and old – are able to enjoy a lot of interesting and adventurous activities.

Maasai Mara National Reserve: Counted among the world’s most spectacular game reserves, as it forms a wildlife corridor between Tanzania and Kenya, it gets its name from the graceful red-cloaked Maasai people have been living in the area for centuries grazing their animals. In local language, Mara means ‘mottled’, and the name may have its derivation from the rampant play of light and shadow from the acacia trees and cloudy skies on expanses of vast lands. Tourists would find various attractions here including the Great Migration – the time every year when thousands of wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle travel to and from the Serengeti. The river flowing through the Reserve, called the Mara River has abundance of hippos and crocodiles, as the entire Park offers majestic predator sightings, including those of lions, cheetahs and leopards.

Amboseli National Reserve: Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, is located here, and is another highly popular tourist Park where sighting would include large herds of elephants from a close distance, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, impalas, elands, waterbucks, gazelles, and more than 600 species of birds. Other attractions in the Park for nature lovers include different habitats such as the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with sulfur springs, savannah and woodlands.

Lake Nakuru National Park: It makes a heavenly sight with thousands of pink flamingos flocking here regularly. The Lake makes for a third of the Park’s area and is one of the Rift Valley soda lakes, as it also houses more than 450 other species of birds and a rich diversity of wildlife, including lions, leopards, warthogs, waterbucks, pythons and white rhinos. Stunning landscapes make it more attractive, as tourists may check out sweeping grasslands, rocky cliffs and woodlands. The Park has protected since time immemorial the largest euphorbia candelabrum forest in Africa, which offers through its tall, branching succulents native to this region, offering a contrasting element to the arid landscapes

Lamu Island: It is a small island northeast of Mombasa, and has been inhabited by humans continuously since the 12th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has a rich trading history evident in its old buildings, which reflect an mixed architectural styles of the Arab world, Europe, India and the local Swahili technique. Thus, tourists may observe intricately carved wooden doors, coral stone buildings, hidden courtyards, verandas, and rooftop patios reminding of an old style of living. Offering reflections of an old lifestyle, donkeys are still used for various tasks, as they have been used since several centuries.

Ghana

A country located in western Africa and situated on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, Ghana is one of the leading countries of Africa. Its prosperity is due to two reasons: it has considerable natural wealth and it was the first black African country south of the Sahara to achieve independence from the colonial rule.

It is famous for its lush forests, diverse animal life, and miles of sandy beaches along a picturesque coast. Its rich history dates back to 10,000 BCE. It had developed a great medieval trading empire located northwest of the modern-day Ghana, until its demise in the 13th century. Direct sea trade with Europe, established in the 15th century, helped it develop further. It had active trade links with the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and other Europeans. Trading mainly consisted of gold, and later cacao, the source of cocoa beans. Introduced there in the late 19th century, cacao continues to provide an important export for Ghana.

Modern-day Ghana gained its independence in 1957, and the colony’s drive for independence was led by nationalist and Pan-African leader Kwame Nkrumah, who believed that “Our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent.” Inspired by Ghana, more than 30 other African countries declared their independence within the next decade.

Ghana has progressed well, especially since the 1990s, and is today considered exemplary to successful economic recovery and political reforms in Africa.

Social Progress for Women

Being a woman, I’ll highlight women-related issues here in the hope that they are addressed and solved. Social issues in Ghana range from health, sanitation, education, food security, shelter to transportation. It is the responsibility of governments to create the necessary and conducive environment for all issues mentioned above to be solved, goals achieved and progress enjoyed by the people. However, there are inequalities and unfairness, and they hold people to enjoy the benefits of some of the facilities.

The voiceless, particularly women and children, do not get fair opportunities. As a result, men always take advantage. For example, the girl-child is vulnerable and should be counseled and guided well enough to have secular education. Unfortunately, for some of them poverty leads them into falling prey to teenage pregnancy or early marriages. Some migrate to the cities to seek greener pastures, popularly called ‘Kaya aye’, meaning head porters.

Education and sensitization are required to guide the girl-child in all aspects of her life so she grows up to become a good citizen for the nation. There is this saying that if you educate a man, you educate an individual. But if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.

His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana has prioritized education, and therefore has made SHS education free for all Ghanaian Children. Though in Ghana the population of women is about 52 per cent, men dominate in the decision making process. Women are very few at higher positions. Women need to be more proactive in all sectors of the economy so there is a holistic development of the nation.

Conflicts should be avoided so we have a peaceful coexistence in this world. Conflicts and wars mostly affect women and children. There should be respect for one another for us to have a just and fair society. Women need to sit up in society, work hard, gain confidence and contribute to nation’s development.

Some traditional and cultural practices also affect the development of the girl-child, for example early marriages and fostering to extended family members. Opinion leaders and chiefs can help sensitize people to entreat the girl-child to have secular education in order to build her capacity and contribute meaningfully to society in future. Civil society and NGOs have contributed to the education of the girl child in order to complement government’s efforts. Given fair and equal opportunities, the girl-child can contribute to the development of the nation.

The few women who have been holding high positions include the Chief of Staff, Her Ladyship, the Chief Justice, Chairman of the Election Commission, and Ministers & women Members of Parliament. We commend them and acknowledge their hard work. However, women need to work harder to bridge the gap.

Progress in Economy

Ghana’s economy is a mixture of private and public enterprises. National income is derived primarily from agricultural and mineral output and only to a limited extent from manufacturing and services. Most of the cash crops and mineral products are for export.

After independence of the country, the government established a large number of state-owned enterprises in agriculture and industry. In order to make up for the local shortage of capital and entrepreneurial skills, measures were adopted to attract foreign investors to operate independently or in partnership with the government.

Under the restructuring program sponsored by the World Bank in the late 1980s, foreign companies and private entrepreneurs were encouraged to invest in private or joint private and public ventures and to assist in the rehabilitation of the economy; in general, the trend was toward increased privatization of the economy.

Beginning in the late 1990s, the government concentrated on improving economic stability and transparency, and it continued with privatization efforts. In the 21st century, Ghana is considered a model of African economic recovery and political reforms, and has qualified for substantial debt relief measures, including relief from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

Tourism Opportunities

Gorgeous beaches, interesting historical heritage, rich culture demonstrated in multiple ways, and amusing wildlife make Ghana an exciting tourism destination. Some of its main tourism destinations include the following:

Kakum National Park: The park is an undisturbed rain forest, extending over an area of 357 square km with some of the trees as high as 65 meters. The park’s fauna includes more than 550 butterfly species, 200-plus bird species (such as the Frazer-eagle owl, African grey, parrot, bee-eaters, hornbills, and knight-fishers), more than 40 mammal species (including different monkey species, red river hog and the threatened bongo and forest elephant species) and about 7 primates.

Visitors may take a walking tour or a canopy walkway through the forest or a self-guided hiking, all of which offer an opportunity to see the indigenous plant life of Ghana and the various fauna.

Wli Water Falls: Located 20 km from Hohoe in the Wli Natural Reserve, it flows throughout the year, and the water descends from a height of about 1,600 feet. It is located at the edge of the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, which has hundreds of fruit bats and a few monkeys and antelopes.

Aburi Botanical Gardens: It is more than a hundred years old and offers a rich collection of tropical flora that attracts different birds and butterflies species.

Ankasa Conservation Area: It is a twin Wildlife Protected Area comprising Nini-Suhien National Park and the Ankasa Resource Reserve. Being the area with the highest rainfall in Ghana, Ankasa is the richest forest in terms of botanical diversity in the country.

The Bamboo Cathedral: The spectacular Bamboo Cathedral is not a church building and has no human Bishop, a priest or a creed. The site showcases nature’s perfect architectural design, as the bamboo plants, forming a canopy, give the semblance of a cathedral over which the breeze offers a perfect opportunity for relaxation.

Bia National Park: It is bordered to the south with a 563 square kilometer Resource Reserve and is an International Biosphere Reserve Park. The reserves are situated in the transition between the moist evergreen and semi-deciduous tropical forest and cover much of the drainage for the Bia river.

Coastal Wetlands Ramsar Sites: The Ramsar sites are the relaxation and feeding grounds for over 70 water bird species. The birds flock in larger numbers and are a delight to watch. The sites also serve as the breeding grounds for about three marine turtle’s species. The ramsar sites include the Densu Delta Ramsar Site, the Sakumono Ramsar Site, and the Songor Ramsar Site.

Densu Delta Ramsar Site: This Ramsar site lies just West of Accra. The Densu River which feeds the wetland is about 116 km long.

Digya National Park: Created in 1971 with an area of 3,478 sq. km, Digya is located on a lowland peninsula west of the central shores of the Volta Lake. The vegetation of the Park is largely savannah woodland and gallery forest along the riverbanks. Mammals include elephant, buffalo, water buck, hartebeest, bush pig, baboons and five other species of monkeys.