General Travel News
Syria Tourist Numbers Increase 12 Percent
Government statistics show that the number of tourists visiting Syria last year increased 12 percent compared to 2008. Syria received about six million tourists in 2009, including 1.1 million Syrian expatriates and 3.5 million Arabs. There are a number of important sites of antiquities in Syria, including the ancient city of Palymra.
Industry specialists say Syria’s practice of deeming nearly every foreigner who enters the country a tourist is misleading. The country had been under United States sanctions since 2004 because of its support for militant groups, although relations with the West have improved and Washington is seeking rapprochement. New hotels have been built in Syria over the last few years, mainly in Aleppo and Damascus, but the quality is not as good as in neighboring Jordan and Lebanon.
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Chapultepec Castle
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A building that has seen generations come and go, has endured the ramifications with dignity, and stands strong to this day to tell the tale. It has always been a residence for the rulers of Mexico - Spanish Viceroys and Mexican Emperors. It was also, at different times during its history, a military academy, the presidential palace, an observatory, and, finally, has come to be used as a museum...
Bayt el-Suhaymi
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Though this site rarely makes it to the top places to visit list, it is well worth seeing this Ottoman-era house if you want to be taken off the beaten path. The Bayt el-Suhaymi enables visitors to glimpse into the lives of wealthy merchants from the 16th and 17th centuries. 19 Haret Darb el-Asfar, Islamic Cairo Opening hours: Daily 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m....
Castle of Good Hope
Cape Town, South Africa
Dating back to the Portuguese occupation of this area in the mid 1600s, the castle was built from 1669 to 1679. Construction lasted about 13 years and the product was a massive pentagonal structure, a classic example of Portuguese defense measures. The construction material comprised of slate quarried from Robben Island but some features are distinctly European such as the bell at the entrance whi...
Changdeok-gung Palace
Seoul, South Korea
Also located in Yulgukno, it is another one of Seoul's most spectacular palaces and is second only to the Gyeongbok-gung. First built in 1405, it was the center of power in the dynasty between 1618 and 1896. All the buildings have been restored and repainted. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see place! Admission: 3000 won Opening Hours: Access is limi...