It didn’t take long for Bulgaria to develop into one of the main tourism destinations in Europe after the start of its transition from communism. In fact, the country has always been a major tourist destination but the tourists came almost exclusively from countries in the former East bloc. Things have changed dramatically, with hundreds of thousands of Western tourists pouring into Bulgaria’s beach and ski resorts each year.

About sixty percent of Bulgaria’s territory is covered with mountains ranges separated by long valleys, dotted with hundreds of small towns and village. Many of these towns and villages have made a major push to become attractive tourist destinations and many of them have been successful. In fact, most Bulgarians prefer this type of tourism to the major resorts. This has become known as village tourism, although the destinations are not always in villages. Increasingly, foreign tourists are discovering the appeals of this type of a holiday.A typical village tourism outing is over the weekend but it could also last a week or longer. The destination is usually a small town or a village in an area that has natural attractions. This could be next to a mountain or a lake as is the case with the Central Balkan area. There might be some cultural attractions nearby such as monasteries or a town with a renovated historic center such as Lovetch, Veliko Turnovo or Plovdiv. So, the appeal of village tourism is that it puts one squarely into nature but, by virtue of Bulgaria being a relatively small country with short distances, one is also very close to various attractions. Sometimes, it is the village part that is the main attraction. Many Bulgarian villages presents sights long forgotten in the West such as a old woman walking around with a few goats, donkey carts, and old time village pubs.

Another appeal, and that’s very relevant to many Bulgarians who live on a budget, is that village tourism is relatively inexpensive. The countryside offers thousands of villas for rent and guest houses which are small family-run hotels with 3-4 rooms and a small restaurant – essentially a B&B. Staying in the guest houses or renting a villa cost a fraction of what it cost to book a hotel room or a private apartment in one of the main resort. You can explore the various destinations for rural tourism in Bulgaria at: Village tourism Bulgaria (or Селски туризъм if you want to practice your Cyrillic).

About the Author

Stefan Valev writes regular columns about holiday destinations in Bulgaria.

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Ask any person on the street which industry earns New Zealand the most amount of money and 9 times out of 10 you are bound to hear ‘Dairy’. However a little known fact is that the dairy industry is second to the tourism industry in terms of earning foreign exchange.

In 2007, international tourists spent .8billion(1) on our shores. During the same time we exported .3billion(1) worth of dairy products. So if international tourists are so important to our economy, what does its future hold with the cost of air travel increasing and the need to reduce carbon emissions?

We are an isolated country and a long-haul destination from all of our major tourist markets baring Australia. It has always cost visitors more to get to us than other possible destinations. This limits the volume of people who are able to travel here. On top of this, add to the traveller’s decision process the impact of air travel on their carbon footprint and we have significant obstacles to overcome in our efforts to attract international visitors.

New Zealand has always had a ‘clean green’ image and the major attraction for international visitors is our array of unspoilt natural landscapes. This is the theme of Tourism New Zealand’s (TNZ) 100% Pure NZ marketing campaign. However many of the service providers that tourists use have not been living up to this ‘clean green’ image. In order to minimise the carbon footprint international visitors create during their visit and help mitigate the environmental impact of their air travel to NZ, TNZ has identified the need for our industry to deliver a sustainable experience for our visitors. This has been outlined by TNZ and the Government in the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015 (NZTS 2015). Tourism relies more than any other sector on our countries continuing sustainability as a nation. This is because New Zealand itself is the product we are selling internationally. Sustainability involves delivering the maximum benefit – economic, social, cultural, and environmental – with as few unwanted effects as possible ensuring the future of the industry and our environment(2).

The most significant development our industry has had since the publication of the NZTS 2015 is the development of the world’s first integrated environmental performance and quality assurance system – Qualmark Green. Qualmark is TNZ’s official independent mark of quality and now every Qualmark accredited accommodation provider, visitor activity and transport provider, visitor service and venue is assessed on their environmental performance and required to meet a set of minimum standards. Those that excel receive either a bronze, silver or gold accreditation which they can promote alongside their quality rating.

Furthermore, the small South Island tourist town of Kaikoura (famous for whale watching) has been extremely proactive with regards to sustainability. In 2004 Kaikoura became the first local authority in the world to achieve Green Globe 21 Certification. Green Globe is a global benchmarking and certification process for sustainable travel and tourism. Kaikoura District Council created an environmental and social policy action plan using Green Globe’s guidelines, reduced its solid waste output through a zero waste scheme which has saved the district thousands of dollars, and introduced a carbon offset scheme to ensure that their carbon footprint is dramatically reduced. The certification has become a unique selling point for Kaikoura as a destination which has resulted in increased visitation.

Initiatives such as these show how New Zealand is leading the way with sustainable tourism. It is ensuring that those involved in the industry live the clean green image our international visitors expect. And due to the breadth of the industry throughout NZ, sustainable values are reaching all communities around the country.

1: Tourism Satellite Account – 20072: New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015

About the Author

Kieren Ross is a consultant for Campbell Consulting. specialising in tourism research and tourism marketing. Although relatively new to the industry, Kieren has already amassed significant experience through working with businesses in the New Zealand tourism industry.http://www.campbellconsulting.co.nz/

A MovieMaker video using a range of digital images to show the negative effects of mass tourism. www.geographyalltheway.com
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High costs in healthcare has raised alarm in all parts of the world, may it be Africa or Asia. America or Europe people every where in the world have asked for more affordable packages in healthcare. Increasing costs has resulted in more complications and increasing mortality rates are a direct consequence. There is an ever increasing number of uninsured and under insured people. This issue of increasing healthcare costs can be very well controlled at an acceptable level, by arranging medical tourism trips to low cost healthcare providers in short term.Medical Tourism is getting accepted by all over the world may it be developed to developing traffic trend or developing to developed traffic trend. Medical tourism is more acceptable, more reliable and more dependable now. Medical tourism is no more for mere healthcare checkup or cosmetic procedures as it was the common practice in the past, but now patients ranging form complicated procedures of heart surgery, to chronic and serious illnesses related to neurosurgery and cancer surgery is all practiced in the world at top destinations of medical tourism. Medical Tourism Malaysia provides solutions to medical tourism patients, ranging form orthopedic surgery, plastic or cosmetic surgery, heart and lung surgery to medical health checkup and wellness, rejuvenation packages. Malaysia is blessed with lush green hill tops and crystal blue water for its tourists. Its an English speaking country for its tourists and the hospital staff is well trained locally and internationally from reputed institutions of medical knowledge and learning. The most important aspect of this trip is its cost. Medical tourism Malaysia offers packages at costs which are hard to compare in this region and internationally. Single Hip Replacement surgery costs about 4 to 6 thousand USD. Open heart surgery or cardiac bypass is from 9 to 12K USD. Wellness Visit is providing tailored packages to its tourists from all around the world, including services of accommodation and hotel booking, travel and tour trips, concierge services, hospital care and post procedure after care at hotel or any rejuvenation center. Just visit http://www.wellnessvisit.com and fill the registration form to start your wellness journey now.

About the Author

Proponent of patient centered healthcare and an advocate to practices in Medical Tourism to increase saving and reduce the healthcare costs for consumers in new era of Global Healthcare.

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Panama property is not the sole thing that is being prided here in Panama but as well as their eco-tourism. Normally, people are interested in real estate in Panama; but once they are here, they are fascinated to see more-the Panama eco-tours. So to speak, you may visit this place not only to spot for a Panama property but as well as to spend an eco tourism vacation. Panama Property and Panama Eco-TourismObviously, Panama is not solely offering you a beautiful Panama property to own but as well as a thrilling Panama eco-tourism to explore. When you come here to look for Panama real estate, you can also grab your chance to visit the eco-tourism destinations here. Of course, if there is someone to guide during your search for an ideal Panama property to own, there is also someone to guide you to enjoy the Panama eco-tourism destinations. The Beauty in Buying a Panama PropertyPanama is known by many because of real estate in Panama as well as the beautiful and abundant waters here that richly store fishes. But apart from these beautiful spots, Panama also beholds a magnificent place for the land adventurers. Specifically, you can find here the Wild Planet Adventures that are designed for people who would like to take a nature travel. By going here, you can expect to experience ultimate adventures, which are always loved by wildlife enthusiasts. In fact, this place is now recognized as a spot for wildlife eco-tour. Own a Panama Property and Enjoy Panama Eco-Tourism DestinationsIt is truly lovely if you are planning to buy a Panama property to have a new place to dwell in. As you will see, securing your family a Panama property will also connect them to natural beauties of nature-both in water and in land. This is why real estate in Panama is very popular to many investors and individuals in and out of the country. They just know the magnificence stored in this place that once other people unveil it, they will also rush in to secure themselves with a Panama property. So, right after they spot the competitiveness of real estate in Panama including the beauty of its surrounding like its clear waters and exciting eco-zones, many of them decide to get themselves a Panama property right away. Exploring the Eco-Zones in PanamaOnce you take an eco-tour here in Panama, you are sure to experience the following:* Take a journey at the stunning beaches that lie in the place.* Have an impressive encounter with the Chocoe-Embera Indians* Climb the mountains of Chirqui and observe the long-tailed and elusive Quetzal.There are a lot more you can experience here in Panama as you take an eco-tour because many of the areas here are filled with an abundance of wildlife as well as excellent facilities to secure you a memorable and exhilarating eco-tourism experience. Apparently, it is because of the abundance of beautiful spots in this place why a lot of people want to build a home here.

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You plan to buy some property, and Panama property is a great choice for sure. If you like exotic countries with beautiful beaches and mountains, than you should visit Laurie Cooper’s site http://www.cpanama.com and check Panama real estate offer.

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Advancements in technology cause major breakthroughs in the field of Medicine. These new discoveries offer better alternatives to conventional treatments. Surgery procedures that once posed great risk were now performed with ease resulting to better post-surgery recovery.

Asian Medical Tourism is one of the finest Health and Wellness Consultants which aims to help patients find the best treatment and medical facility in the Philippines. Asian Medical Tourism has all the latest treatments and procedures that are available for the benefit of patients around the globe.

Asian Medical Tourism aims to become the leading medical tourism service provider in Asia. Philippines have the potential to become the medical tourism capital of Asia. Philippines fluent English speaking population and many vacation hot spots that is good for the recuperation of people that underwent through the services of Asian Medical Tourism.

With the huge price differential on same procedures and treatments in the U.S and Europe many people opt to avail of services from the Philippines which include cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, stem cell treatment, hormone therapy, eye laser treatment, breast augmentation, acupuncture and many more.

Philippine Asian Medical Tourism offers services stem cell treatment with speed and convenience where western countries can not give to its people. People from western countries is on the waiting game of up to two years before stem cell treatments are approved by medical officials because of some technicalities, so by contrast it is always advisable for people to undergo with the operation the moment they step out the plane.

The Philippines boast of a number of medical establishments that are recognized to be some of the best in the world. Philippines have doctors and nurses that are sought after around the globe because of their training that is modeled to the U.S rigorous system of apprenticeship. Philippine doctors and nurses are naturally friendly and hospitable and have a caring attitude that most doctors and nurses in the U.S do not have.

So what are you waiting for? Visit http://www.asianmedicaltourism.com today for more information on the company’s services.

About the Author

An IT professional who works on the internet helping increase viewers for AMT through optimization online. For more information on face lift visit us online at http://www.asianmedicaltourism.com.

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Small hotels in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) can soon expect to witness a jump in their customer count and eventually in their revenues thanks to the State Tourism Department of J&K government’s proposed move to focus on promoting adventure tourism in the state.

The State Tourism Department is planning to focus on the Leh-Ladakh region as it feels that the region has a lot of potential for adventure tourism. Owing to its unique topography and culture, it is considered ideal for adventure sports such as skiing,mountain biking, treks and other expeditions. However, it never received the desired attention due to security reasons.

Small hoteliers to receive a boost

The decision to position Ladakh as the preferred destination for adventure tourism will help attract both domestic and international tourists in the region. It will also boost small entrepreneurs engaged in the hospitality industry of Ladakh, who have been suffering huge business losses over the past 1 year.

Almost 95% of the hotels and guest houses in the Leh-Ladakh region belong to the mid-market and budget segments. These hoteliers believe that if the district is positioned as an adventure tourism destination, it would give a major boostto foreign tourist arrivals, which was relatively poor in 2009 and eventually bring about improvement in their earnings this year.

“Although we are keen on welcoming domestic tourists, we generally earn a chunk of our revenue from international tourists who come here for cultural research, expedition and other leisure activities. However, there was a dip in the number of foreign visitors last year. Therefore, by promoting Ladakh as an ideal adventure tourism destination, we can expect a healthy mix of tourists from India and abroad,” said Yashke Angchok, an officer at Lung-se-Jung Hotel, a budget hotel in Leh. He added that the hotel also provides facilities such as trekking and camping to its guests.

According to hospitality consultant K Basu, “J&K has recently received approval from the Government of India (GoI) for opening 104-odd peaks in the state for expeditions this year. This will help tourists, who were so far denied entry to most of the peaks in the region located along the Line of Control (LoC), to explore the same.

By undertaking these measures, GoI is likely to make India a more competitive adventure tourism destination in comparison to its neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and Nepal.

For more detail on Business Directory log on to http://www.bizxchange.in/

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David Parks is a well known author and has written articles on Jewellery Agents and Indian Passport Services, suppliers, Manufactures and many other subjects.

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Medical Tourism in India is on the rise. A number of international patients travel to India for surgery and other forms of healthcare to avail health benefits. Some highly attractive benefits include the opportunity for patients to avoid long waiting lists and specialized services. India boasts of some top level Institute of Neurosciences.India’s healthcare industry is already growing at 30 per cent annually. Today, India has become a “global health destination.” various state tourism boards and the private sector consisting of travel agents, tour operators and hotel companies. All are looking at healthcare and medical tourism in India as an area with tremendous growth potential.As per the estimates India could earn more than billion annually and creates 40 million new jobs by sub-contracting work from the British National Health Service. The deal would have broad appeal. As more and more patients from nations with high Medicare costs look for medical tourism options, India has competition namely from Thailand, Singapore and other Asian countries. They have good hospitals, attractive climates and are established tourist destinations. While these countries with their advanced medical facilities and medical tourism options have been drawing overseas healthcare traffic, India is and looks set to, expand at a faster rate.Hospitals in India offer world-class healthcare facilities and are comparable to hospitals anywhere in the world. In fact, India offers world-class medical facilities that are comparable with the US or UK.Medical tourism in India’s main appeal is low-cost treatment. Most estimates claim treatment costs in India start at around a tenth of the price of comparable treatment in the US or UK and cover a wide spectrum of areas from, cosmetic surgery and major operations, to preventative screening. We can conclude that medical tourism in India is here to stay and looks set for spectacular growth.Medanta – The Medicity is a leading institute of Neurosciences in India that has captured everyone’s attention and has become a huge contributing factor to the rise in popularity as medical tourism India.

About the Author

Jeff is an expert who provides online assistance on heart institute Delhi and heart surgeon India for a long time.

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Yoga, as it has come to be recognized in the Western world, is a form of exercise. And, medical tourism, as has become popularly accepted, is a form of common uninsured or underinsured man’s path to healing – affordably. This article talks about two yoga instructors from the West who chose the East on two occasions – once to better their lifestyle through yoga, and the second time to cure their pain through medical tourism and Healthbase.Yoga, born in India as early as 3300 BC and literally meaning “union”, can be thought of as a union of the mind, body and spirit. But, just like any other thing, it has different meanings for different individuals, and different individuals practice it to achieve different goals. Some see it as a form of exercise, some as a technique for enhancing personal wellbeing, some as a way to attaining enlightenment and others as a path to reach the state of liberation or salvation.But, no matter how well you practice your “asanas” or postures to improve muscle flexibility, tendon strength, stamina, health and internal functioning of the body, several environmental factors together with the process of ageing can have an undesired effect on the proper functioning of your body. That’s when one is forced to resort to medical care as was the case with our two yoga instructors below. Like a typical case of an underinsured patient, both of them had insufficient health coverage for the treatment they sought. Thankfully for them, medical tourism had already been invented so they could improve their quality of life and do so without digging too deep into their pockets.

MEDICAL TOURISM AND YOGA INSTRUCTOR JANE SCHAEFFERJane Schaeffer, a yoga teacher from Vermont, was in her sixties when she started experiencing excruciating pain and trouble walking. After bearing the pain for 4 years, she had it diagnosed to discover she had a bone on bone hip joint requiring a full hip replacement which her insurance was willing to cover. But Jane concluded that with her active lifestyle, the bone preserving hip resurfacing procedure presented a better option, a hip surgery which her insurance refused to pay for. Determined to have her hip resurfaced rather than replaced, she contacted Healthbase and journeyed to India to have her procedure done at a world-class facility by an experienced and world-renowned surgeon at a cost that was less than a quarter of what one pays in the US (travel included). After her surgery, Jane writes,”The operation was a success and now I have a beautiful hip (at least looking at the X-Ray metal socket and femoral cover). In many ways, this journey to India has been the deepest pilgrimage I have ever taken and I took it in complete trust and confidence, with no fear.”

MEDICAL TOURISM AND YOGA INSTRUCTOR JUDY DENNEYOther than the fact that Judy hails from Colorado, the rest of her story is quite similar to Jane’s. Early sixties when diagnosed with osteoarthritis in one hip. No insurance coverage for hip resurfacing surgery, only for total hip replacement (THR). Having practiced and taught yoga for over 30 years, Judy wanted to continue to have an active lifestyle which might not have been possible with a hip replacement procedure. Ultimately, she chose hip resurfacing, Healthbase and India to heal her pain. Following her surgery, Judy writes,”How do I begin to express the gratitude I have to strangers who gave me my life back! All done with compassion, love for their work and a dedication that is just not seen here in the United States.”

Just like yoga, medical tourism or medical travel can be thought of as a “union” too. A successful and cost-effective medical tourism trip is a union of the right patient (right candidate for surgery), the right medical tourism facilitator (like Healthbase, to save you time and money), and the right health care provider (offering high quality of service).

About the Author

The author works for Healthbase (www.healthbase.com), a medical tourism facilitator that connects patients to high quality healthcare in USA and abroad for a fraction of the typical cost of care in US, Canada and UK.

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