UNWTO Newsletter about Africa:

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in 2006, Africa will be for the second consecutive year the fastest-growing region in international tourist arrivals. (e.g. Capetown) The UNWTO has supported the development of African tourism destinations as a means to contribute to economic and social development.

Francesco Frangialli, the UNWTO Secretary-General said that Africa as a whole is at the heart of the UNWTO's concerns, during the opening of the 79th UNWTO Executive Council in Algiers.

In my opinion, there are several African countries that haven't yet reached its full growth!

Nonetheless, there are some countries working with emerging marketing tools like Nigeria, Botswana, Ethiopia, Algeria, Mali and Senegal.

Undoubtedly, the 2010 World Soccer Cup in South Africa will enhance the image of Africa as a whole.

Source: UNWTO Newsroom, including a personal perspective.

Travel checklists...for forgetful travellers

Have you ever found yourself flying at 35 000 ft, wondering if you left the light on in the kitchen? Here are some checklists of commonly forgotten items:

• 1.- Passports/Visas.
• 2.- Airline tickets.
• 3.- Train or bus tickets.
• 4.- Currency/credit card/traveler's ckecks/ATM card.
• 5.- Cash for airport taxes and for when you arrive to your destination.
• 6.- Insurance cards.
• 7.- Frequent flyer card.
• 8.- Emergency telephone numbers.
• 9.- Luggage ID tags (inside and out).
• 10.- Contact lens preparation.
• 11.- Medication
• 12.- Spare underwear in hand luggage.
• 13.- Travel plugs/Adaptors.
• 14.- House keys.

Pleasure trip:

• 1.- Swimsuit/Beach towel.
• 2.- Hat or cap.
• 3.- Sunglasses.
• 4.- Suntan lotion/ moisturizing cream.
• 5.-Chapstick.
• 6.- Walking shoes.
• 7.- Insect repellent.
• 8.- Hair accesories (clips, etc).
• 9.- Makeup kit.
• 10.- Camera/film.

At home:

• 1.- Stop deliveries,
• 2.- Leave a house key and itinerary with somebody you trust.
• 3.- If your car has an alarm, leave keys with a neighbor.
• 4.- If possible, leave lights in house on a timer system.

Therefore, keep in mind these indications when traveling to have such a pleasurable journey...

Throughout Mexico: going from party to party!

Octavio Paz said that there are few places in the world where you can witness anything similar to Mexico's great religious fiestas, with their violent, sour, pure colors; their dances, ceremonies and fireworks; their unusual costumes and the inexhaustible display of surprising fruits, sweets and objects that during these days are sold in squares and markets.

As a matter of fact, our country is full of religious rites... For this reason, let's talk about this, just as part of our culture, without displaying all religious stuff I dislike.

Every town in our huge territory has its patron saint, and that is why it is said that Mexicans go from party to party... trying to find joy and acceptance in the fleeting company they provide. In our great nationwide celebrations, we shout, laugh, drink... searching for our identity as though our life depended on it.

Fiestas can be expensive, but we don't care, because what is important is that they allow us to remove the masks and to be just ourselves. Sometimes, even if it's only for few hours, our so-Mexican shyness manages to disappear in the crowd, cause we know that among the pack we can enjoy the absolute freedom of being who we are!!!

As Mexicans, we give everything we have, be it little or a lot, to have an unforgettable party. Perhaps, that is why we impatienly await for December to come.

Nevertheless, December is the month of posadas, piñatas, fruit punch, Christmas Eve supper and Chritsmas presents, ending with Holly Innocents on December 28th and the New Year (on December 31st) celebrations.

Accordingly, every December 28th, it is customary among friends and family to ask the victim of our joke to lend us money or one of his/her most prized possessions and, when we receive the loan, to sarcastically sing the traditional verse:

Innocent little dove

You let yourself be fooled

Knowing that on this day

Nothing should be lent.

So, let's practice this Mexican tradition in order to keep it among our customs' repertoire! Would you try?