Culture

First since 2019, Tunisia hosts 700-passengers cruise ship, 40 more expected

Published

2 years ago

March 24, 2022

Tunisia has received a cruise ship at its port for the first time since 2019 on Wednesday. The ship was carrying over 700 passengers and rare good news for tourism operators battered by the Covid pandemic.

The cruise ship, named ‘Spirit of Discovery’, is run by United Kingdom operator Saga, landed at La Goulette port on the edge of Tunis where it was welcomed by camels and a band playing traditional Tunisian music.

Cruise ships are large passenger ships used mainly for vacationing. Unlike ocean liners, which are used for transport, they typically embark on round-trip voyages to various ports of call, where passengers may go on tours known as “shore excursions”. On “cruises to nowhere” or “nowhere voyages”, cruise ships make two- to three-night round trips without visiting any ports of call

“We were not trading for about 18 months… but we’ve been back in business since last July and this is our first call here to northern Africa,” said Captain Kim Tanner.

British tourist John Hilton, 75, said he was “absolutely delighted” to be in Tunisia.

“We’re certainly pleased to get out and see some of the worlds and get to some of the places that we haven’t seen,” he said.

Cruises make up part of the global travel industry, and operate in various regions across the globe, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. In recent years, the global cruise industry revenue grew to over 27 billion U.S. dollars, though travel restrictions brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit this sector hard in 2020.

According to Tunisia’s Tourism Minister Moez Belhassen, the cruise liner was the first of at least 40 expected to dock in Tunis this year.

“This is very important for many sectors… especially given the spending power of tourists,” he said.

Related Topics:cruise ship Featured Tunisia

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Culture

Egypt unveils stamp to mark 100th anniversary of relationship with Brazil

Published

20 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The Egyptian Post Board has unveiled a stamp to mark its 100th anniversary of relations with Brazil.

The commemorative stamp which was unveiled on Thursday, is designed with an artistic image that contains some of the famous tourist attractions in both countries.

With a size of 4 cm by 6 cm,
the stamp is insured against counterfeiting, multi-colored, and is value 10 Egyptian pounds.

According to Dr. Sherif Farouk, Chairman of the Egyptian Post Board of Directors, the stamp is equipped with QR Code technology, with the aim of creating a “rich interactive experience for those who possess them, enabling them to acquire the necessary knowledge about this occasion in an innovative and attractive way.”

“Egyptian-Brazilian relations are characterized by mutual trust, and close and constructive cooperative relations,” Dr. Farouk said.

He further explained that during the past years, Egypt and Brazil were able to develop means of cooperation to include many fields, which informed the idea by Egyptian Post to take the initiative of issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Egyptian-Brazilian relations

“The anniversary stamp has the aim of strengthening the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries,” he stated.

Dr. Farouk added that commemorative stamp is an important means of cultural communication between different countries of the world, and document the history of nations throughout the ages.

“Therefore, the Egyptian Post is always keen to issue commemorative stamps on important events and occasions to document and commemorate those events,” he noted.

Culture

Ghanaians celebrate return of Asante Gold artefacts looted by British

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Ghanaians, especially those from the ancient Asante region, have been in joyous mood as they flocked to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the region, to welcome the 32 golden artefacts which were returned to the Kingdom in a loan deal by the United Kingdom after they were looted about 150 years ago.

The agreement to loan back the artefacts to their original owners for an initial period of three years was reached between two British museums, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and British Museum, and the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with a possible of further extending the loan period.

The returned precious items have been on display at palace museum since they were returned and have been a source of joy for the people as they troop in daily to see and have a feel of their ancient history.

The return of the artefacts also coincides with the silver jubilee celebration of the Asantehene.

Some of the items, described by as “Ghana’s crown jewels” were looted during the Anglo-Ashanti wars of the 19th Century, including the famous Sargrenti War of 1874.

Among the returned artefacts are the sword of state, gold peace pipe and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.

Other items like the gold harp (Sankuo) which were given to a British diplomat in 1817.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who spoke on the significance of the returned items, said the dignity of the Kingdom has been restored.

“This is a day for Asante. A day for the Black African continent. The spirit we share is back.

“We acknowledge the very painful history surrounding the acquisition of these objects.

“These treasures have borne witness to triumph and trials of the great kingdom and their return to Kumasi is testament to the power of cultural exchange and reconciliation,” the King added.