Portugal’s Alentejo region has experienced an increase in tourists this summer compared to 2008. The Tourist Development Unit recently told the Lusa news agency that the number of tourists to the region has risen two to three percent for the summer, which is in contrast to the neighboring Algarve and other popular tourist spots in Europe. “Regarding tourist numbers, contrary to what has happened...
The first Caspar Theme Park in the Middle East is set for Dubai. The new park based on the popular cartoon character, Caspar the friendly ghost, is to be located in Dubai Festival Centre and is scheduled for opening in 2010. The Caspar theme park is being launched in collaboration with Kuwait-based Future Kid Entertainmant and Al-Futtaim Real Estate. The new park will be 6,340 square meters in size and...
The reopening of the Greek Orthodox Halki Seminary on HeybeliadaIsland off Istanbul is being discussed by local residents and politicians. The seminary operated from 1844 until 1971 on the second largest of the Prince’s Islands in the MarmaraSea. Many residents and business owners on the island favor reopening the seminary as a way to bring increased tourism to Heybeliada. The government is looking at...
On the corner of Broad Street and Washington Boulevard in downtown Stamford, Connecticut is the Trump Parc high-rise residential tower. This is the tallest building in the city and it is nearing completion with plans to open this fall. While the recession has caused sales to be slower than anticipated, the Trump Parc offers a lot for those who want a place to live or stay in downtown. Stamford is a...
A new trend in home selling could be about to take the UK by storm namely 'Extreme House Selling'. International news agency Reuters reports on how UK home sellers are employing extreme methods to help sell properties in a difficult market. In a recent report one luxury home seller is seen not only reducing his house price but also including a boat and luxury car as part of the deal. Industry expert...
Aquapuro DouroValley is the first resort development in the heart of the Douro Region of Portugal. It combines 17 villas for sale overlooking the DouroRiver with a resort hotel and luxury spa. The villas are carved out of 8 hectares of land in the former vineyard and estate Quinta de Bale Abraao. The Douro region is in north central Portugal and is most well known for its wines, which have been produced...
UK airline EasyJet recently announced that it was introducing service from Luton to Tel Aviv, Israel and also adding service between Gatwick and Agadir, Morocco. The airline will be the first low-cost airline to fly between the London area and Tel Aviv, and plans to start service in November. Flights from Luton to Tel Aviv will operate six times a week, every day except Friday. Tickets for the flight...
Property investors who are hoping for high returns in Bangkok should look at property near the expanding mass-transit system. Local real estate advisor Khun Pumipat Sinacharoen, CEO of property firm Bangkok City Smart, noted in a recent interview that property close to Skytrain and subway lines has increased in value faster than others. With the right location, investment returns can be significantly...
The Moroccan government recently set aside US$37.3 million to invest in the tourism sector. The government and the National Tourism Federation signed an agreement to promote the North African country as a tourist destination. The plans are to spend the money to increase the number of travelers to Morocco as well as to invest in new resorts and transportation links. In 2008 Morocco saw some 8 million...
The number of new homes under construction in the United States rose in June to the highest level in seven months, according to the US Commerce Department. Builders are looking to take advantage of parts of the stimulus package that provide tax breaks for first-time home buyers and the houses must be completed by November. The latest report from the Commerce Department indicates that construction of new...