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Which Countries Suffered the Biggest Losses in Tourism Revenue Due to COVID-19?

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The Official Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Official ESTA), the Visa Waiver processing agency, releases a report enumerating the countries that suffered the most massive losses due to the present COVID-19 pandemic.

Jane Forrester, the Official ESTA Director of International Development, asserts, “As travel came to a standstill for many months, countries around the world that rely on tourism for their economy and jobs are now seeing significant drops in revenue and GDP.” She adds that when we take “…into account how travel and tourism contribute $8.9 trillion to the world’s GDP alone, it is devastating to see a total loss of $195 billion worldwide in the first four months of 2020 alone.”

Below are the top nations that took the most massive tourism revenue blows due to the said crisis.

United States

The US currently has the highest number of COVID-19 cases, amounting to 6,135,598 as of writing. The country tops the list with $30,709 million losses for tourism revenue alone during the first four months of the year. On March, 31 US states were placed on lockdown with the State Department issuing a Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ restriction that prohibits international travel while urging residents traveling abroad to return immediately.

Spain

It reported a massive tourism revenue loss of $9,741 million in June due to the said pandemic. Almost as soon as COVID-19 transmission slowed down and foreign travelers were allowed to re-enter the country, the United Kingdom placed a quarantine restriction on British residents originating from Spain. This further deterred British citizens from traveling to Spain in the hopes of enjoying the summer.

France

Another country that suffered significant tourism losses is France. The country reported an $8,767 million tourism loss, making it the second European nation to suffer such great damage.

Thailand

The country was able to halt COVID-19 transmission, reporting no new cases during the last 87 days. Nonetheless, the government announced its intention to perpetuate its closed borders until 2021. During the first four months of 2020, the nation lost $7,822 million tourism earnings due to the crisis.

Germany

Germany closed its borders in March, resulting in a tourism revenue loss of $7,225 million. The country recently reopened its doors to tourists originating from the European Union, Iceland, Britain, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Norway.

Italy

The country became the center of the pandemic back in March. Because of this, fluid movement across the nation was halted during this year’s first four months, which resulted in a tourism income loss of $6,187 million.

United Kingdom

One of the few nations that did not immediately impose a travel ban against travelers coming from abroad, the country’s COVID-19 cases quickly escalated. Thus, numerous countries placed restrictions on people originating from the country and on those planning there. As a result, the UK reported a $5,816 million loss in tourism revenue.

Australia

Due to the massive wildfire that occurred during the start of 2020 and the rise of the on-going pandemic, the country’s tourism industry was heavily affected as well. The Land Down Under reported a loss of $5,674 million.

Destinations

Must See Canadian National Parks

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Canada is a great destination for national parks. However, it should be remembered that not every national park in Canada is the same. Now that Toronto is one of the most searched destinations and a traveler’s paradise, it may be a worthy option to check out the best choices available for the must-see national parks in Toronto and surrounding areas. If you are a small group, simply hire a reliable and affordable Toronto limousine service and stand a chance to enjoy a great experience with nature.

Thousand Islands National Park

Any list that includes the national parks in Toronto or surrounding regions will not be complete without mentioning the Thousand Islands National Park. The amazing national park can perhaps be one of the most unique options in almost every way possible. It may be the smallest national park, but provides you a very unique degree of experience ever. The venue also offers you a set of beautiful stone carvings that you would want to enjoy.

Algonquin Provincial Park

While we found the smallest national park in Toronto, let us move to the largest national park that you would find much more impressive. The park is home to a whole lot of options that can include moose, white followed deer, beavers, wild bears, and wolves. If you are someone who loves biking and birding, this one can perhaps make you enjoy both at the same time here. The mindboggling scenario is home to a few waterfalls as well.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Next on in our list of the best national parks that you must visit while in Toronto is the Bruce Peninsula, National Park. The pathways, roads and cliffs here would provide you with a very dramatic experience by almost every count. The area is surrounded by cedar trees, thick greeneries, and fragile orchid blooms. The clear waters and caverns underneath are a few of the attractions that you would never want to miss out on.

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

This is a region that belongs to protected wildlife. The venue has a few great lakes and the Bottle Lake and Sucker Lake is just a couple of them. Right from wetlands to backwoods to rough crops, you would find the park offering you a wide range of attractions that you would find quite unique in their own right. The best things that you would love at the park would include sandy seashores, wildfires, and serene lakes.

The venues above should provide you an insight into the best that you can enjoy with nature. Of course, there are plenty of other nature-driven destinations in and around Toronto, but the ones outlined in the above discussion should be helpful in helping you enjoy one of the extremely exciting performances and experiences. If you are able to get the right type of transportation, there is no need to be worried or annoyed with any of the traffic hassles and have great peace of mind in enjoying what these national parks have on offer.

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Discover the Four Reasons to Visit Sicily in 2023

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Sicily is a popular destination for tourists looking for a mix of culture, history, and luxury. In 2023, there are four main reasons to visit this beautiful island: food, wine, golden sandy beaches, and accommodations. Sicily is a wonderful vacation destination for couples, families, and groups of all sizes.

Food

Sicily’s cuisine is a major selling point for tourists. The island’s Mediterranean environment has a noteworthy impact on the island’s renowned culinary scene. Fresh seafood is a staple in Sicilian cuisine, and many restaurants offer a wide variety of dishes featuring tuna, swordfish, and other local fish. Visitors can also try traditional dishes such as pasta with sardines or caponata, a sweet and sour eggplant dish.

Wine

Wine is another reason to visit Sicily in 2023. The island’s long tradition of winemaking dates back to antiquity. Reds, whites, and sparkling wines can all be found in modern-day Sicily. Visitors can take a tour of local wineries and vineyards, or sample wines at a local wine bar.

Sandy beaches

Golden sandy beaches are popular among tourists visiting Sicily for vacation. The island’s natural coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, many of which are surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Popular destinations for beach lovers include Scopello, known for its Tonnara, a tuna fishing station that dates back to the 1800s, and the nearby Faraglioni, a series of rocky cliffs that offer fantastic views of the sea. Another popular destination is San Vito lo Capo, a picturesque village located on the northwest coast of the island.

Accommodations

Accommodations, especially villa rentals, are the best option to stay in Sicily in 2023. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of properties, including luxury villas with private pools and fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. Select Sicily is a travel agency with more than 15 years of experience that specializes in providing luxury villa rentals. 

With so many reasons to visit Sicily this year, it’s no wonder that is a popular destination for travellers of all ages and backgrounds. So why not plan your trip today and experience the magic of Sicily for yourself? With the help of Select Sicily, you can easily find the perfect luxury villa rental in the surroundings of Scopello or another local destination. They will assist you to choose a property that suits your needs and make the most of your visit to this beautiful island.

Other reasons to visit Sicily

Travelers to Trapani often stop by the Zingaro Nature Reserve. Numerous species of birds, reptiles, and animals call the reserve home. Visitors can take a hike on the many trails that wind through the reserve or go for a swim in one of the many crystal-clear coves. Another popular destination in the province of Trapani is the ancient castle of Castellammare del Golfo. The castle offers a fantastic night view and visitors can also explore the historic buildings in the village. The Gulf of Castellammare del Golfo is also a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Summer events are another reason to visit Sicily. Visitors can attend a variety of festivals and events throughout the island, including the annual Tuna Festival in Scopello and the San Vito lo Capo Cous Cous Festival. These events offer a great opportunity to sample local food and wine and to experience the rich culture of Sicily.

Conclusion

Sicily is an ideal destination for those looking for a mix of culture, history, and luxury. Whether you’re looking to sample local food and wine, relax on golden sandy beaches, or enjoy the privacy and luxury of a villa rental, Sicily has something to offer everyone. The island’s rich history is reflected in its ancient ruins, historic buildings, and traditional villages, while its natural beauty is evident in the stunning coastline, rugged cliffs, and unspoiled nature reserves.

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Destinations

The Different Types of White Wine Explained

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Have you tried to select a good white wine for a special meal, or as a gift, but get overwhelmed by the endless white wine options at your local winery? 

So many different bottles, with different labels and categories, can be frustrating. While you might not want to become a wine connoisseur, you wish you had a little knowledge of the types of white wine and its flavors.

The guide below will introduce you to the basic types of white wine and how to pair them with food. Knowing your white wine options and how they affect your palate will help you make the perfect selection later.

Chardonnay/Chablis

Chardonnay might be considered the “go-to” white wine for casual gatherings, rather than for a large meal. But, Chardonnay is actually a very full-bodied wine, and best paired with creamy, heavier food. 

There is a distinction between Chardonnay and Chablis. Chablis is a region in France where wine is made from the Chardonnay grape. Chablis is not usually cured in oak barrels, as is a lot of Chardonnay, so it has a much lighter taste and is often paired with light appetizers like raw oysters. 

Pinot Grigio/Gris

Pinot Grigio has really taken Chardonnay’s place as the “go-to” wine these days, due to it’s consistently dry, light, and slightly fruity flavor.

Lighter in color than Chardonnay, a Pinot Grigio can be paired with pasta and heavy salads, as well as most seafood. A Pinot Grigio stands well all by itself as well.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon white wines are on the dry side, with a tart taste. Certain varieties, particularly those from New Zealand, have a more fruity taste. Many describe the taste as having a slight hint of grapefruit or sour apple flavor.

This is a great stand-alone wine, but pairs well with cheese, and fresh seafood.

Moscato

Moscato is a sparkling white wine that is often thought of as a “dessert” wine, due to its sweet flavor. But these days, Moscato is becoming a popular dinner wine, as it pairs well with spicy foods, and even with a refreshing summer salad. And, of course, you can pair it with your favorite dessert.  

Moscato is lower in alcohol content as well, making it a good starter choice for someone new to drinking white wine.

Reisling

Riesling is also a popular dessert wine, as it is quite sweet, though not as sweet as Moscato.

Again, pairing it with spicy Asian or Indian dishes is a great idea, or with fruity desserts.  

Gewurztraminer

From a region in Germany, Gewurztraminer is a great dry/sweet combination wine and is slightly fruity. This white wine is less popular in the United States, usually because the other wines listed here are more familiar. 

If you are unsure whether to go to a dry wine or sweet one, try a bottle of Gewurztraminer and pair it with cinnamon-laden desserts, creamy bisque soups, or curry dishes.

Choosing from the Types of White Wine 

With so many types of white wine, how do you choose? 

First, decide if the wine will be paired with food, and if so, what kind of food, and work from there.

If the wine is a gift for someone else, find out if they prefer a dry or sweet white wine. If the wine is for you, choose one from each of the types of white wine, and have a tasting party!

Do you love to travel, and dream of exploring the world?  Stick with this site for content that will help you expand your horizons.

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