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Saturday, December 28, 2024 The Caribbean tourism industry stands at the cusp of a transformative era, with a confluence of factors reshaping the travel sector’s trajectory in 2024 and 2025. From infrastructure improvements to shifts in traveler preferences, the region is leveraging its diverse offerings to captivate a broader audience while addressing emerging challenges. A significant driver of growth is the expansion of airlift across Caribbean destinations. Airlines are increasing routes and frequencies, connecting the region to new and existing markets. This development enhances accessibility and positions the Caribbean as a year-round destination, making it easier for travelers from North America, Europe, and emerging markets like South America and Asia to visit. Improved connectivity also supports multi-destination tourism, allowing visitors to explore the diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences within the region. Governments and tourism boards are working closely with airlines to sustain this momentum, ensuring that economic benefits extend to local communities. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos . Investment in infrastructure is a hallmark of the Caribbean’s 2024-2025 tourism strategy. From luxury resorts and boutique hotels to eco-lodges and community-based accommodations, developers are focusing on providing a mix of experiences for a diverse traveler base. Major destinations are also upgrading existing attractions to meet the demands of modern tourists. This includes enhanced facilities, improved accessibility, and the integration of technology to provide seamless experiences. Whether it’s exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites or indulging in water sports, these upgrades aim to elevate the region’s global competitiveness. Travelers are increasingly seeking unique, personalized experiences, and the Caribbean is answering the call with a shift towards niche and diversified tourism offerings. Nature tourism, community-based initiatives, and wellness travel are gaining traction, particularly among younger audiences. Get all the latest US travel news in English today , as well as the latest travel and tourism industry news from the UK , Europe , Asia , America, Africa , Australia , New Zealand , India and the rest of the world. Subscribe our Travel newsletter in your inbox. Key niche markets include: These niche markets cater to evolving consumer demands and create opportunities for destinations to stand out in a competitive landscape. Modern travelers prioritize authenticity and personalized experiences. They want to connect with local cultures, traditions, and communities. The Caribbean is capitalizing on this trend by offering genuine, immersive opportunities that allow visitors to engage with local craftspeople, artists, and culinary experts. Tailored experiences, such as private guided tours and customizable packages, are becoming standard. Hotels and resorts are also emphasizing localized offerings, from farm-to-table dining to cultural workshops, enhancing the appeal of their services. Environmental sustainability is a central focus for the Caribbean’s tourism strategy in 2024-2025. Governments, businesses, and communities are adopting practices that prioritize conservation, reduce environmental impact, and promote regenerative tourism. Key initiatives include: Regenerative tourism, which aims to leave destinations better than they were found, is emerging as a guiding principle. This approach enhances the long-term viability of the tourism sector while preserving the region’s natural and cultural assets. Improving regional connectivity is critical for sustaining tourism growth. Enhanced ferry services, inter-island flights, and streamlined visa policies are making it easier for travelers to explore multiple destinations. Regional collaborations, such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), are also working to address logistical challenges and promote seamless travel within the region. Technology is playing a pivotal role in shaping the Caribbean tourism experience. From virtual reality previews of destinations to AI-driven concierge services, innovation is enhancing every stage of the traveler journey. Key advancements include: By embracing digital tools, Caribbean destinations are meeting the expectations of tech-savvy travelers while streamlining operations. The Caribbean tourism industry is poised for robust growth, but challenges remain. Climate change, economic volatility, and geopolitical factors require proactive strategies to ensure resilience. Collaboration among stakeholders—from governments and private sector players to local communities—is essential for navigating these complexities. By focusing on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, the Caribbean can solidify its position as a leading global destination. As the industry evolves, the region’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality will continue to captivate travelers worldwide. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos .
Whether for streaming or watching movies on disc with one of the , getting your right is key, and that means having the that your budget can accommodate. One of the main tech questions in TVs right now is QLED vs displays, so let's dig into the differences between the two technologies. Both offer impressive advancements in picture quality, yet they rely on very different methods to deliver that performance. In brief, QLED, which was developed by , builds on traditional LCD displays and uses quantum dots to deliver vibrant colors and high brightness, making it ideal for brighter rooms. OLED, meanwhile, is an entirely different approach that uses organic compounds to emit light directly from each pixel, allowing for unbeatable contrast and "true black" levels that are perfect for well-optimized home theater setups. Neither is completely "better" than the other, but there are pros and cons to each approach. Let's dive in. QLED vs OLED: What are the key differences? We mentioned above that QLED and OLED offer competing methods on how to power a TV display. The first thing to note is that both of these technologies are a big improvement over plain old LCD TVs. QLED, pioneered by and adopted by other major TV brands in the past few years, builds on traditional LCD tech by adding a layer of quantum dots that enhance brightness and expand color accuracy. OLED, which stands for Organic Light Emitting Diode, takes a different approach by using organic materials to produce light at the pixel level. Due to its display technology, QLED is ideal for brightly lit spaces, such as if your living room gets a lot of sun, while OLED screens can give the viewer unrivaled contrast and deep, true blacks, which are ideal for a cinematic experience in dimly lit rooms. QLED vs OLED: Key things to look for Roughly speaking, there are three key areas that separate QLED and OLED: brightness, colour accuracy, and contrast ratios. In terms of brightness, QLED displays generally outperform OLED as QLED’s reliance on LED backlighting – enhanced in some models with mini-LED technology – allows it to reach higher brightness levels. The addition of mini-LED backlighting gives certain QLED TVs a further edge by improving brightness control and reducing blooming, or a visible light halo effect, which enhances detail in bright and dark scenes. Color accuracy and contrast are also crucial to any TV viewing experience. OLED excels at producing deep blacks due to its self-emissive nature, where individual pixels can completely turn off, resulting in what is often called “infinite contrast.” QLED screens, on the other hand, leverage quantum dot technology to achieve a wider color range, making colors look vibrant even in brightly lit conditions. Viewing angles and off-axis uniformity are important factors to consider, especially if you’re watching TV from different positions around the room, and OLED has a clear advantage in this area. As each pixel emits its own light, OLED TVs maintain consistent colors and contrast even when viewed from the side. QLED can struggle with color and brightness shifts when viewed from an angle. However, advancements in panel tech and special filter layers in high-end QLED models have helped minimize this issue. Still, for the best all-around viewing experience across a range of seating positions, OLED remains the more reliable choice of the two. QLED: Regular LED vs. Mini-LED Traditional QLED TVs use regular LED backlighting, where LEDs illuminate the screen from behind or along the edges, which enables QLED displays to reach high brightness levels, but can also lead to “blooming”, or a halo effect where bright areas bleed into dark areas due to less precise control over individual light zones. While regular LED backlighting is good for overall brightness, this blooming effect can reduce contrast, especially in scenes with a mix of light and dark elements, and just doesn't look good on a big TV. Mini-LED technology has brought a significant improvement to QLED’s backlighting as they are much smaller than standard LEDs, allowing for significantly more to be packed in. This increase in individual LEDs enables QLED TVs with mini-LED backlighting to have higher brightness and more dimming zones, resulting in finer control over light and dark areas on the screen. The end result is reduced blooming and improved contrast, as mini-LEDs can adjust lighting in smaller, more precise sections of a screen. While mini-LED backlighting doesn’t completely eliminate blooming like OLED with its self-emissive pixels, it narrows the performance gap, making QLED a more competitive choice for viewers who want deeper contrast in a bright room. QLED vs OLED: Anything else to consider? Good question. There are a few other details to consider when choosing between QLED and OLED for your next TV: response time, durability, and power consumption. OLED’s pixels respond to input almost instantaneously, giving it a fast response time that’s perfect for fast-motion content like sports and gaming, with minimal motion blur. QLED displays, although slower, have made strides in reducing motion blur, particularly in higher-end models, in recent years, and that's been helped along by higher TV refresh rates such as 120Hz and 144Hz. When it comes to durability, QLED has the advantage since it relies on inorganic materials. QLED screens are less prone to long-term image retention or burn-in, which can affect OLED displays if static images remain on the screen for extended periods, such as when you leave a show paused. Some newer OLED models have added features to mitigate burn-in, improving their longevity. In terms of power consumption, OLED is generally more energy-efficient, especially in darker scenes where fewer pixels are active. This efficiency not only reduces energy costs but also aligns with eco-friendly practices, making OLED a solid choice for viewers conscious of environmental impact.Bangladesh needs to maintain 'balance' in ties with India, China, US: foreign adviserCan Sir Keir Stramer stop giving endless speeches after 5 months of failure & plummeting polls...& just get to work?OROVILLE — Butte County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect in Wednesday’s shooting at Feather River Adventist School as Glenn Litton, 56. According to Sheriff Kory Honea, investigators determined Litton’s motivation for the shooting on a typed on a note found on his body, as well as subsequent correspondence to other people. Honea said evidence indicates Litton targeted the school because of its affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist church. Litton held a belief the Seventh-Day Adventists were involved in the genocide and oppression of Palestinians, as well as the U. S. attack on Yemen, according to Honea. Honea said Litton’s most recent activity is described as being homeless, and that he spent time between the Sacramento and Chico area. Litton had a lengthy criminal history and history of mental health issues, and he was first imprisoned in 1991 for theft with and other convictions include theft fraud forgery in 1990s to early 2000s, Honea said. Litton was reported to have severe mental health issues from the age of 16 moving forward. Honea said there was no official diagnosis. Litten was most recently arrested on Nov. 12 for being inside a stolen pickup and for possession of false identification under the name of “Michael Sanders.” He was released from San Mateo County Jail on Nov. 21, took a bus to the Chico area, and stayed in various hotels in the Chico area. On Dec. 4, Litton was was in the vicinity of the Motel 6 in Chico, and around 7:45 a.m. he got onto a bus at Second and Salem streets in Chico, then exited the bus at Montgomery and Myers in Oroville, carrying a large duffel bag. This was when Litton was driven by an Uber driver to the school to attend an appointment he made with school administration and to carry out the shooting, according to Honea. Litton’s story was that his daughter recently moved to Gridley, and he wanted his grandson to go to the Feather River school. “As it turns out, that was all a lie,” Honea said. “It appears to us that story was a ruse to set up an appointment so that he could gain access to the campus.” Honea said the man claimed to be a lieutenant for an organization called The International Alliance. Investigators believe there are no organizations that call themselves The International Alliance and “is active in this regard.” “There’s nothing we’ve found no information to believe that this organization has some kind of military structure,” Honea said. Honea also identified the two boys injured in the shooting as Roman Mendez, 6, and Elias Wolford, 5. Mendez sustained two gunshot wounds resulting in internal injuries, Honea said. Wolford was shot one time in the abdomen that resulted in internal injuries. The boys continue to be in critical but stable condition as they continue treatment at local hospitals, according to a social media update posted at 10 a.m. Thursday by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. “It is likely they will need a number of surgeries going forward,” Honea said. “The fact that they are still with us is a miracle and something we can be hopeful for.” The shooting was reported at 1:08 p.m. Wednesday at the school near Highway 99 and Cox Lane. First responders found two boys injured and one man lying on the ground, dead from an apparent self-inflected gunshot wound. An investigation to learn about the shooting is being coordinated by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the Butte County District Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Sacramento. A vigil for the victims will be held 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Oroville Convention Center, 1200 Myers St. The vigil will have cards at a table to sign that will be delivered to the injured boys, Oroville Mayor David Pittman said. All schools under the jurisdiction of the Northern California Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church closed today in light of the shooting, according to an email by the organization Thursday afternoon. Oroville schools have remained open following the shooting, said Butte County Office of Education communication officer Travis Souders. As a result of Wednesday’s shooting, the Oroville Police Department stated in a news release Thursday that it increased its presence Thursday at all Oroville school campuses, and the department encouraged anyone experiencing anxiety to reach out to school counselors or local resources available in our community. “Our officers, including our school resource officers, are trained for situations like this and are dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for students, educators and families,” the department stated. “Officers will remain on campus to offer visible support and ensure everyone’s safety during this difficult time.” While Feather River Adventist School is a private school unaffiliated with the Butte County Office of Education, Souders said the tragedy was felt throughout the district. “We’re part of the same community,” said Souders. “We’re helping support them as much as we can.” Northern California Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church provided a statement Wednesday that reads: “We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred today. “Our students, faculty, and staff at Feather River (school) have been reunited with their families. Two of our students are being treated for their injuries. Join us as we lift up these children and their families in prayer. Today, the Northern California Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will close its schools to allow everyone to spend time with their families,” the organization stated. “We are grateful for the brave officers of the Butte County Sheriff’s (Office) who acted quickly to protect our students. We will continue to work closely with Sheriff Kory Honea and his team during this investigation.” After the shooting, the senior advisor to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Sophia Sokolowski, called Oroville Mayor David Pittman to offer support. Pittman put the White House in contact with Butte County Chief Administrative Officer Andy Picket, whom they also offered support and asked how they may be of assistance in this time. “I appreciate their contact to reach out to us to help assist with any needs,” Pittman said. The North Valley Community Fund has started a fund on its website to help the victims and their families at . “Like so many in the community, we are stunned by the shooting of two kindergarten students at Feather River Adventist School near Oroville,” stated the foundation. “We’ve opened up a fund to provide financial support for medical bills and other expenses for the victims injured and their families. “ Online, GoFundMe is monitoring its platform to help fundraisers for those affected, said GoFundMe Communications Manager Jasmine Han.
New York, United Nations, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United Nations Global Compact launched the CEO Agenda, a dedicated leadership platform designed to empower CEOs worldwide to embrace bold leadership as the defining growth imperative for sustainable business, today. In an era marked by interconnected crises - spanning economic, social and geopolitical challenges - CEOs can no longer stand on the sidelines of global challenges. This new platform calls on business leaders to drive ambition, advocacy and sustainable growth addressing critical societal challenges while fostering resilience and long-term prosperity. The CEO Agenda equips business leaders with the tools, insights and connections needed to transform their organizations, and lead the charge toward sustainable growth. Key platform features include: As sustainability reshapes corporate priorities, the CEO Agenda emphasizes the evolving role of the C-suite. Leaders in finance, marketing and legal disciplines are stepping up to address risks and opportunities that transcend traditional boundaries, and integrating social, environmental and political dimensions into their strategies. "This platform is a rallying call for business leadership to be bold and inclusive,” said Sanda Ojiambo , CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact. "Business leaders want a seat at the table to work collaboratively with governments to meet common goals. By equipping CEOs with resources, insights, and engagement opportunities, the CEO Agenda amplifies their voices and accelerates both sustainable business and sustainable development.” The UN Global Compact invites CEOs to explore the CEO Agenda and join a growing network of leaders committed to shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for all. Notes to Editors: About the UN Global Compact The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 63 Country Networks covering 80 countries and 13 Country Managers establishing Networks in 18 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative - one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information on the CEO Agenda, visit https://unglobalcompact.org/ceo-agenda CONTACT: United Nations Global Compact (212) 907-1301 [email protected]Lithium-Ion Battery Market to Grow by USD 448.8 Billion (2024-2028) as Consumer Electronics Drive Demand, Report with AI Impact on Market Trends - Technavio
BIRMINGHAM, England, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Aston Villa had to settle for a 0-0 draw against depleted Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday after a last-gasp effort by Morgan Rogers was chalked off for a foul on Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio. Villa thought they had won it at the death to end a six-game winless streak when Di Gregorio failed to catch a free kick, but Diego Carlos fouled the Juventus keeper as Rogers was lashing the ball into the net, and boos poured out from Villa fans after the final whistle. The match was far from a classic, with Juventus seemingly content to keep possession, and both sides squandered chances, with Villa's best coming from Lucas Digne who hammered a free kick off the crossbar seconds before halftime. Midway through the second half, Francisco Conceicao's short-range header from a corner looked destined for the back of Villa's net but Villa's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez dived to get his fingertips to the ball. Television replays showed a mere sliver of the ball failed to cross the goalline. Villa captain John McGinn almost gave the home side the lead when he latched on to a pass from Leon Bailey in the 70th minute, but the Scotland international's shot was blocked by Manuel Locatelli. Unai Emery's Villa, who had kicked off their Champions League campaign with three victories and three clean sheets, are ninth in the table after five games. Their Italian visitors, who had are unbeaten in Serie A this season but had only 14 outfield players available on Wednesday, are 19th in the 36-team table. The top eight qualify automatically for the last 16, with the next 16 sides entering a two-leg playoff to try to join them. Victory would have been a big confidence boost for Emery's team, who have not won since their 2-0 Champions League victory over Bologna on Oct. 22 and have slipped to eighth in the Premier League table with one win in their last five games. Sign up here. Reporting by Lori Ewing, editing by Ed Osmond Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley wanted to be a student in team history before he had a chance to make some with the Eagles. The running back who had just signed with Philadelphia for $26 million guaranteed took a deep dive on some of the franchise’s greats out of the backfield. He learned about Wilbert Montgomery. Brushed up on LeSean McCoy. Barkley then put them in his sights — and this week against Carolina, he could become the top single-season rusher in Eagles history. Get past those two Eagles Hall of Famers and the target narrows: McCoy has a chance to break Eric Dickerson's NFL single-season rushing mark of 2,105 yards, set in 1984. “That's your goal,” Barkley said. “You want to come in here, you want to leave a legacy on a place, on a franchise.” Here's where things stand with Barkley in his pursuit of records: — Barkley has an NFL-best 1,499 yards rushing through 12 games, an average of 124.9 yards per game. At that pace and with one more game to play than Dickerson, he would surpass the NFL mark that's stood for 40 years. — Barkley needs to run for 108 yards against the Panthers to break McCoy's Eagles record of 1,607 yards set in 2013. Montgomery ran for 1,512 yards in 1978. “I'm aware of the things I can accomplish,” Barkley said. “The way I accomplish that is sticking to the script.” The Eagles (10-2) have won eight straight to take control of the NFC East and remain in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the conference. Barkley — with a little help from Jalen Hurts — has largely led the way and moved into MVP consideration. The former New York Giant also ranks third in the league with 11 rushing touchdowns. It's reasonable to expect Barkley to pile on the yards against Carolina (3-9). The Panthers are 32nd in the league against the run and just allowed Tampa Bay's Bucky Irving to run for a career-high 152 yards last week (he had never broken 100). “It’s incredible what he is doing. The record has stood up for a while. I mean 17 games or 14 games, it’s ridiculous,” Panthers defensive lineman Shy Tuttle said. “It’s a record that has been held for a long time and whoever breaks it, Saquon or someone else, it’s an incredible achievement.” Barkley leads the NFL with four rushing touchdowns of 25-plus yards this season and tied Montgomery for the most 100-yards games in an Eagles season with eight. “You get to see the player on Sundays. We get to see the person every other day during the week,” offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said. “He’s special. At the end of the day, he’s a special teammate, special person. The way he connects with everyone, rallies everyone together. He’s one of the best.” Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard is eager to get back on the field and put last week behind him. Carolina’s leading rusher had a costly fumble in overtime last Sunday against Tampa Bay as the Panthers were driving for a potential game-winning field goal, resulting in a 26-23 loss to division rival Tampa Bay. A dejected Hubbard remained on the bench for several minutes after the loss. “You definitely use it as motivation,” Hubbard said. “I have come a long way and I know what it’s like to play great football. That was a big mistake on my end, but I don’t just lose all of the work I have put in because of that one mistake.” Bryce Young is beginning to show he can be a factor with his legs, scoring on a 10-yard run last week against the Buccaneers. However, Young still receives plenty of good-natured ribbing from his teammates when it comes to his sliding ability, which the QB has previously admitted is limited because he wasn’t much of a baseball player. “He definitely has to work on his slide,” Hubbard said. “He has been making people miss so he hasn’t had to slide like that a lot. I mean I’m not trying to hate on my dog’s slide but it’s just a work in progress. He will be all right.” Panthers guard Robert Hunt said it’s always interesting playing in Philadelphia because of the team’s passionate fan base. Last year, while Hunt was playing for the Dolphins, he said an Eagles fan attempted to board the Miami team bus. “They have some characters there — some people who don’t really give a damn,” Hunt said. “He was trying to trash-talk us. But he was confident and that is what makes them them.” Hunt said the fan never made it on the bus. “Aw hell no, we would have stomped that boy,” Hunt said with a laugh. “He tried. He was talking his noise. Good for him. I don’t want to say you want a fan base like that, but you want a fan base that cares about the team.” AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL