The Turkey Vulture Is So Clever, and Stinky

Photo The turkey vulture, migrating north now, can be spotted in parts of New York City; try Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. Credit Johann Schumacher

On a day far more like February than March, I watched a turkey vulture struggle against a raging headwind along a southern Brooklyn street. I could see its destination: an unfortunate rabbit, flattened in the middle of the road. With a frothy Jamaica Bay for a background, the vulture extended its feet with the peculiar, almost respectful grace of a carrion eater, and had committed to landing when a speeding patrol car changed its plans.

Perhaps this was a young bird, or it misunderstood the effects of its own broad wings in gale-force winds. The vulture raised its forewing only slightly, and in an instant the wind ripped through the bird's long primary feathers and whisked it, teetering, into the maelstrom. It looked more like a ragged garbage bag than a bird.

Such is the life of an urban vulture.

The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) is abundant throughout the Northeast, but this was not the case even a century ago, when the birds began to appear with more regularity throughout New England. Though some turkey vultures migrate into Central and South America, many are not truly migratory, moving only far enough south to avoid winter's worst weather. I have learned to look for these large birds as they return through New York City as early as late February.

With a wingspan measuring over five feet and a proportionately low body weight, turkey vultures have what is commonly described as a buoyant flight pattern. In flight, the birds also hold their wings in a very recognizable V shape known as a dihedral, rarely nee ding more than a flap or two every few minutes to attain impressive heights as they ride thermal updrafts. Though turkey vultures appear uniformly dark at a distance, their wings are two-toned: a dark front half, followed by the silvery gray undersides of their secondary feathers.

This is one of the few birds with an excellent sense of smell, a useful adaptation when you don't know where your next meal will be lying. They employ this keen sense and superb eyesight to spot food while flying low over the landscape.

Though we should all be truly grateful for the free sanitation services offered by turkey vultures and their ilk, the birds possess one or two truly unappealing behaviors that transcend their simple bald heads. For one, the species has evolved a particularly distasteful, and I suspect extremely effective, defense mechanism. When disturbed, they projectile vomit, deliberately and accurately delivering an acidified stream of half-digested, rancid-smelling animal parts directed at their attacker.

If this were not enough, there is also "urohidrosis" to consider. Lacking sweat glands, these birds have a unique manner of dealing with the heat of the sun on their dark feathers. By excreting over their own legs, the birds allow evaporation to cool them down.

Should these revolting habits not dissuade you, you might try glimpsing a turkey vulture at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. Try for a sunny spring day as the thermals develop near the overlook. Keep a look out if you are near the southern West Shore Expressway, as turkey vultures can often be seen high over the now-closed landfills. You might want to keep your distance.

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Source: The Turkey Vulture Is So Clever, and Stinky

Customers avoiding Turkey and north Africa as they switch to Greece, Canaries and long-haul destinations, according to Thomson owner Tui

By City & Finance Reporter for the Daily Mail

Published: 16:56 EDT, 29 March 2017 | Updated: 18:09 EDT, 29 March 2017

Thomson holidays owner Tui said customers are avoiding Turkey and north Africa as they switched to Greece, the Canaries and long-haul destinations.

The travel giant, which is also behind First Choice, reported a further shift away from Turkey due to terror attacks and political unrest. 

On the move: Tui reported a further shift away from Turkey due to terror attacks and political unrest

But, the northern region – which includes the UK – reported an 11 per cent jump in winter revenues.

Revenues for this summer in the same region are up 10 per cent, with stron per cent, or 12p, to 1123p.

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Source: Customers avoiding Turkey and north Africa as they switch to Greece, Canaries and long-haul destinations, according to Thomson owner Tui

Saudis continue to comprise main part of tourists to Turkey

DUBAI – Saudi nationals traveling to Turkey in 2016 reached 530,410 tourists, according to new figures released by the Turkish Consulate General Cultural and Information Office in Dubai. The figures show a 27% increase in tourists traveling to Turkey from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries over the 2014-2016 time period.

"This growth shows the Turkey is culturally and economically interesting for GCC travelers," said Salih Ozer, Attaché of Culture and Information, Turkey to the UAE. "Over the past year, we have conducted many workshops and seminars for our GCC travel agents to get them better acquainted with what Turkey has to offer the GCC traveler."

Turkey has strengthened its position as a top holiday destination for GCC nationals and residents. From January to December 2016 a total of 822,849 holiday makers from the GCC visited Turkey's many destinations.

"We attach a great level of importance to these deepening relations between Turkey and the Gulf countries," Ozer added. "The Saudi, in particular, continues to contribute heavily to Turkey's tourist numbers, and we have taken many steps to simplify GCC tourist access to Turkey by facilitating visas for them in a quicker fashion."

Turkey is one of the top tourism destinations in the world based on the number of tourists and revenues. Whether its nature and the outdoors, history and archeology or beaches and relaxation, travelers from everywhere in the GCC can find their unique experience in Turkey. From Istanbul to Pamukkale, Cappadocia and Bursa in the west, Trabzon and Ayder on the shores of the Black Sea, to Antalya, Bodrum and Maramis to the south the country, Turkey's unique offerings are unparalleled in the region.

The Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in Dubai, through its participation at the upcoming edition of the Arabian Travel Market, will highlight the nation's tourism industry and will discuss in depth Turkey's response to the changing tourism and travel trends. — SG

Source: Saudis continue to comprise main part of tourists to Turkey

Egypt is Middle East's newest ski destination as slope opens at massive mall

Take a minute and think about famous ski destinations around the world.

Maybe your mind turns to Aspen in Colorado or Whistler in British Columbia. Possibly France's famed Chamonix Valley came to mind or perhaps you imagined Switzerland's Zermatt, which sits under the shadow of the Matterhorn.

How about Egypt?

That's right, the land of the pharaohs – more famed for its pyramids, low-lying Nile River Delta and Arab Spring revolution – is hoping to attract powder hounds from around the world to its newest ski hill. But unlike Aspen – or for that matter the small resorts in the nearby Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco – it is possible to ski in Egypt all year long.

Housed inside the newly opened $700 million, 1.8 million-square-foot Mall of Egypt on the outskirts of Cairo is Ski Egypt -- Africa's first man-made indoor ski slope.

Working off the success of their ski slope inside the Mall of Emirates in Dubai, developer Majid Al Futaim Group is hoping that the Egyptian ski slope will be one of the anchors that draw customers from all over the Arab world's most populous nation to the new shopping and entertainment center.

"With a variety of activities from extreme sports to beginner lessons to simply relaxing in a snow-filled environment with friends, this is the ultimate venue in Egypt," the Mall of Egypt said in a statement. "Complete with real snow, chairlifts, sleds and snowmen, Ski Egypt provides an amazing backdrop to enhance the joy of skiing, snowboarding, as well as a range of other refreshing winter sports and activities."

Along with the ski slopes, 350 local and international retailers will call the mall home, as will a movie theater featuring 21 different screens and two family entertainment centers: Magic Planet and Little Explorer.

Many companies have for years been hesitant to invest any capital into Egypt given the country's shaky political situation following the Arab Spring revolution and fluctuations in the country's pound. But that appears to be changing.

"I'm not worried about falling disposable income because for a number of years Egypt has had an official economy that was sustained by a gray one," the Dubai-based developer's chief executive, Alain Bejjani, said in an interview with Bloomberg. "The current situation is beginning to look positive compared to where things were."

Bejjani added that his company will invest another $600 million to build another mega-mall in Cairo and make another shopping center five times bigger.

Majid Al Futaim's faith in Egypt -- and the group's belief that tourism will once again become a major part of Egypt's economy -- seems to be contagious.

Nestle SA, Mars and Turkey's BIM have all upped their investments in the North African nation. Saudi developer Fawaz Alhokair Group, whose Mall of Arabia stands just a few miles away from Egypt's ski slope, is looking to invest $441 million to put together three shopping centers over the next three years.

While there are still concerns about the health of Egypt's economy – only a few months after the country received a $12 billion IMF loan, inflation is at the highest it has been in three decades and 27 percent of the country lives below the poverty line – investors are still thinking positively about the country.

"As far as I can see, Egypt will continue to be considered a high growth engine for multinationals and local companies," said Yasser Abdul Malak, CEO of Nestle's Northeast Africa unit. 

But with a trip to Ski Egypt costing a family of four around 1,000 Egyptian pounds (about $55) and the monthly wage of most government and public sector workers coming in at 1,200 pounds (around $66), it is still to be seen whether the country's ski slopes will deliver the goods or become an economic avalanche.

Source: Egypt is Middle East's newest ski destination as slope opens at massive mall

Air Arabia adds Trabzon to Turkey flight network

Low-cost carrier Air Arabia has announced Trabzon as its latest Turkish destination to enter its route network, which will start on June 23.

The new seasonal non-stop service provides passengers the chance to discover Turkey's historic port city, in addition to its already existing services to Istanbul.

The flight will operate three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, departing Sharjah International Airport at 9:30pm and arriving at Trabzon International Airport at 12:05am the next day. The return service will depart Trabzon at 12:45am and land in Sharjah at 5:00am. All times are local.

"Trabzon provides travellers with a unique opportunity to experience Turkey's coastal region and witness the history behind one of the oldest trading ports in the country. The new route is a testament to Air Arabia's commitment to providing affordable holiday destinations to passengers travelling from the UAE," said Adel Al Ali, group chief executive officer of Air Arabia.

"We are confident that the new destination will provide our visitor with a unique holiday getaway, and further cement trade and bilateral ties between the two nations," the CEO added.

Resting on the bank of the Black Sea, Trabzon is a city filled with religious and historical significance. The picturesque city is known best for its mystical architecture and bazaars. Situated on the upper east side of the country, Trabzon is a calm metropolis distant from the hustle of Istanbul and Ankara.

Air Arabia currently operates flights to 125 routes across the globe from five hubs located in the Middle East and North Africa.

- business@khaleejtimes.com

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Source: Air Arabia adds Trabzon to Turkey flight network

Foolers' paradise: How to take advantage of high turkey numbers this spring

A dramatic spring is in store for wild turkey hunters. In mid-March, my family and I witnessed a Kerr County drama during our annual spring break. We were sitting in a blind one afternoon, waiting for a hog to come to a corn feeder.

A mature gobbler came instead. He hoped to find a hen at the feeder, a previously successful pickup point. He gobbled a couple of times and pecked at a few kernels of corn. In the distance, another gobbler sounded off. The big turkey at the feeder looked nervous and eventually retreated down a fence line beyond our sight.

Three jakes, young-of-the-year gobblers, then showed up at the feeder. They didn't pay much attention to the corn either. In the distance, we all heard the mature turkey gobble again. The jakes took off running down the fence line, obviously chasing the lone bird.

Thanks to consecutive years of abundant rainfall and mild summers, Rio Grande turkey numbers are very high this spring. There are plenty of jakes and t hey can act like teenage gangs, eager to harass their elders. That's good news for spring turkey hunters, particularly novice hunters trying to call their first gobbler into shotgun range. Jakes are easier to fool than mature toms.

A turkey's ringing gobble ranks among the great wild sounds, right up there with an elk bugle, the yelp of passing geese, the yodel of sandhill cranes or the yip of coyotes. Wild gobblers are the kings of spring, strutting with self-importance through wildflower-covered hills.

Here are three wild turkey facts and some basic strategies and rules you may have forgotten since last spring:

Turkey hunting tips

Find a good spot where you expect a gobbler to pass close enough to hear your calls and remain patient and still. Call quietly every 15 minutes or so and be on the lookout for a gobbler that comes in silent.

Protect yourself against biting insects. A turkey hunter often sits down and leans against a tree, then wanders through high grass and brush chasing after vocal gobblers. That's an engraved dinner invitation to biting insects that spread a variety of nasty and serious diseases. Use DEET-based repellents against mosquitoes and spray all clothing with permethrin (follow the instructions carefully) to render yourself a tick-free zone. Thermacell has a new model MR450 that attaches to a belt and is touted as more effective at creating a chemical barrier between hunters and mosquitoes or gnats. It costs about $40.

Study the lay of the land where you hunt. It's hard to call a turkey across a running creek or a goat-wire fence. If turkeys fly down from the roost and move away from your location, wait until they've beyond sight and then study where they went and why they went there.

Check the choke tube or tubes in your shotgun. A full choke is best because it delivers a dense pattern at 30 yards, which is optimum range for shooting a turkey with a shotgun. Twenty yards is better. Aim for the turkey's throat. Shotgun triggers are famously stiff, and shooting a shotgun as if it were a rifle often results in the shot going high. Turkeys are large birds (20 to 30 pounds) and tough to bring down. Just about every turkey will flop wildly when struck by a lethal load of pellets. Keep shooting as long as the turkey has his legs under him.

For best results, pattern your shotgun with the shells you plan to use. This requires shooting at a paper target placed at 20, 30 and 40 yards. You may have to test various brands and shot sizes to determine which works best in your shotgun. No. 6 shot is a proven winner, but some hunters prefer a heavier shot. Use shotshells designed for turkey hunting.

Wear full camouflage, including a face net or face paint. Like most birds, turkeys have excellent eyesight and will detect any movement. Turkeys also have a remarkable ability to pinpoint the location of hen calls.

Stay legal by studying the regulations in the Texas Parks and Wildlif e Outdoor Annual, available where licenses are sold and also at the state agency's website (tpwd.texas.gov). Make sure you know the county in which you're hunting and look closely at the turkey tags on your hunting license. A turkey must be tagged with an appropriate tag as soon as it is harvested.

Don't give up just because the turkeys stop gobbling soon after flying down from the roost. Rio Grande gobblers usually roost with hens. The hens may already be bred, but the gobblers show off and follow the hens, just in case. A turkey that gobbles at midmorning is looking for hens and can be tricked.

Learn the roost sites of Rio Grande turkeys where you hunt. They use traditional roost trees on a regular basis. Eastern turkeys roost wherever nightfall finds them. Rio Grande turkeys usually roost in big trees along creek bottoms. Look for their droppings and tracks under likely trees.

It doesn't take an expert caller to lure a turkey. Just learn to make a simple yelp on a box call, one of the original friction calling devices and the easiest for most rookie hunters to master. The sounds you make need not be perfect.

Use a hen turkey decoy to reassure a gobbler and give him something to look at other than you. Place the decoy within easy shooting range of your location. If possible, sit down with a cushion on the ground and your back against a tree. This breaks up your outline and also makes it more comfortable for you to sit still for a long time. It helps to have brush or other cover to hide behind. Some hunters use a jake gobbler decoy along with the hen, and that's effective for luring aggressive birds. Multiple decoys are difficult to transport.

Be careful with a gobbler decoy where other hunters are using rifles. It is legal in Texas to hunt Rio Grande birds with a rifle, in either spring or fall. Many of the new decoys are very realistic. A lot of turkey hunters just ride around in a truck and shoot a gobbler with a rifle. It's i mportant for turkey hunters sharing the same property to know where others intend to hunt.

A water hole is a good hunting spot on a hot day. Set up with a good vantage point and call sparingly. Look for turkey tracks in the mud to determine if birds are using a particular tank or creek. A gobbler's tracks show a longer middle toe. Turkeys often come to water in the middle of a warm afternoon.

Locate birds with a locator call like a barred owl or a raucous crow. A turkey will often gobble to these sounds, revealing his approximate location. At dusk, when birds fly up to roost, they will gobble to any loud noise, including a truck horn. Knowing where birds are roosted gives you a starting place for the morning hunt.

Study the habits of wild turkeys. A jake is identifiable by his stubby, sometimes nonexistent, beard. A jake's fan has longer feathers in the middle. Unless the bird has lost feathers in a fight, the fan feathers of a mature gobbler are even. A jake's gob ble is not as deep as a mature turkey's call. Gobblers are considered fully mature at age 2. At that age, most will have a beard that measures about 9 inches.

If you enjoy hunting, do not sit out the spring turkey season. Get into the woods, enjoy nature and take up the challenge of calling a wary bird to within shotgun or camera range. When it works, calling a spring gobbler is a real thrill, whether you shoot or not.

Things to know

For any number of reasons, calling spring turkeys doesn't always work. Gobblers make the gobbling sound to attract breeding hens and as a warning to subordinated males. What usually happens is the hens cluck and yelp, a distant gobbler calls and they kind of drift together. By remaining stationary, hunters are asking the gobbler to do something he doesn't ordinarily do. Don't worry if you're not an expert turkey caller. When conditions are optimal, a gobbler will respond to anything that sounds remotely like a hen. When conditions are wrong, even the pros can't call them, a fact the pros don't often reveal.

If a bird is coming your way, sit tight and wait him out. Bear in mind that a strutting gobbler is showing off for hens and often turns in a circle. A call made while the bird is facing away is quieter than when the turkey is facing in your direction. The same is true of turkeys gobbling while they're in the roost tree. If a turkey in a roost sounds loud, and then his calls become much quieter, he may have simply pitched off the roost and landed on the ground. Rio Grande turkeys like to roost in big trees along a creek or river drainage and repeatedly roost in the same general areas. Eastern turkey roost sites are much more random.

Locate turkey hotspots by scouting for signs around waterholes, in fields or food plots and near likely roost trees. Look for fresh tracks in the mud. Tracks left by a gobbler are much larger than a hen's tracks, and the gobbler's middle toe is noticeable longer. Identify activ e roosts from the amount and freshness of droppings left underneath them. Another sure sign is drag marks in a dirt road or open field, both natural strutting areas. The drags are made when the turkey is in full strut with its wingtips on the ground.

Stay safe and stay legal. Most turkey hunting is done on private property where it's easy to coordinate who is hunting where. Hunters circling to get ahead of a moving gobbler may cover a lot of distance, however, and show up a long way from where they started. Mixing rifle hunters and shotgun hunters in the same area is dangerous, particularly if the shotgun hunter uses turkey decoys. When hunting eastern turkeys on public lands, be aware that anyone could be out there. Finally, study the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual to stay legal. There are four turkey tags on a hunting license. Only one may be used on an eastern bird. All four may be used on Rio Grande turkeys, but the limit varies between counties. Hens are not lega l game during the spring. It's relatively easy to tell a hen from a gobbler. Gobblers are much bigger with more color in their feathers and also their heads. A gobbler's head is red and sometimes blue when the bird is gobbling and excited. A gobbler has specialized feathers that form a "beard" sprouting from its upper chest. Even young-of-the-year gobblers, called jakes, have stubby beards. Hens are smaller and drab compared with a gobbler. If in doubt, use binoculars. Hens do not gobble. Their calls are described as yelps, clucks, purrs and cackles. Study regulations that dictate what "proof of sex" must be left attached to the carcass until it reaches the final destination.

2017 seasons

*Check county listings in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual or at tpwd.texas.gov.

South Zone, Through April 30.

North Zone, April 1, May 14.

Eastern Turkeys, April 15-May 14.

Facts

A hen turkey breeds only once a season. She builds a nest and lays one egg per d ay over two weeks, taking off for two or three days during the laying period. Once all the eggs are laid, she stays on the nest for 28 days to incubate them.

Though hunters covet birds with long beards and long spurs, biologists say neither characteristic is a good indicator of a gobbler's age.

Turkeys in general have a 66 percent annual survival rate. Males live longer because they do not nest. A gobbler in an un-hunted area may live a very long time.

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Source: Foolers' paradise: How to take advantage of high turkey numbers this spring

Turkish Airlines finds a way to work around electronics ban

Turkish Airlines has announced how it is going to accommodate its passengers under the ban on electronic devices.

From 25 March, electronic devices such as laptops and tablets, must be placed in checked-in baggage on flights to the US or UK.

Mobile phones and medical devices, however, will be allowed in the cabin.

The US ban affects nine airlines from eight countries: Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The British ban, meanwhile, targets flights out of Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Lebanon.

:: Fears over jet bombs hidden in electronic devices

This has pushed Turkish Airlines to find a solution for its passengers travelling through and from Turkey to American and British cities.

People who are not comfortable seeing their electronic devices checked in their luggage will be able to use them in the lounge and then hand their devices to Turkish Airlines officials at the boarding gate.

The officials will tag the devices and put them in a special secure cargo area.

The special cargo containing the devices will be handled at the arrival destination by authorised airline personnel and distributed at the luggage reclaim area to owners providing their tags.

Passengers flying with Turkish Airlines will also be given internet access onboard its flights to destinations implementing the ban.

There has been criticism of the electronics ban, with some people pointing out that many insurance companies will not insure expensive items such as laptops if they are not kept with the passenger.

By providing its new service from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Turkish Airlines offers a "safe and secure method of carrying electronic devices in a special area in the cargo hold of the aircraft", the airline said.

The airline offers the service to transit passengers too.

Meanwhile, Tunisia has summoned the British ambassador to the country to protest the "unjustified" ban on electronic devices on flights to the UK.

The foreign ministry's head of European affairs, Mohamed Mezghani, told ambassador Louise de Sousa that Tunisia was "surprised" it had not been told about the ban before it was announced.

Mr Mezghani said the ban was "unjustified and does not reflect the security situation in Tunisia".

He also said that a 2016 report by the International Civil Aviation Organization had described airports in Tunisia as among the "safest" in the world.

Source: Turkish Airlines finds a way to work around electronics ban

EBRD and ICBC Turkey in new financing for country’s largest NPL firm

The FINANCIAL -- In a move to support innovation in Turkey's financial sector, the EBRD is providing a syndicated loan of 120 million Turkish lira (€36 million equivalent) to Hayat Varlık, the largest non-performing loans (NPL) and asset management company in the country.

Hayat Varlık has recently merged with Turkasset Varlik Yonetim A.S., previously the biggest player in the market and a long-standing partner of the EBRD.

The funds will partly re-finance the company's maturing debt and enable new NPL acquisitions from financial institutions in the coming years.

The investment will facilitate new lending within the economy and help financially challenged companies to become economically active. This will help boost the resilience of Turkish corporates, small and medium-sized enterprises, the financial sector and the economy as a whole, according to EBRD.

Resilience is among the six transition qualities the EBRD has identified as the characteristics of a successful economy, along with competitiveness, green, inclusion, good governance and integration.

Half of the EBRD's loan is syndicated to the Turkish subsidiary of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC Turkey). As the first syndication of a loan to an NPL asset management company in the country, it will diversify Hayat Varlık's investor base and lengthen the maturity profile of its funding base.

Hilmi Güvenal, the CEO of the newly consolidated Hayat Varlık, said: "Since 2009 we have grown to 800,000 customers, a portfolio of 8.5 billion TRY and 600 employees under the Turkasset brand. The powerful combination of a robust shareholding structure, solid lenders, advanced technology and a people-focused business approach has also made us the subject of a Harvard Business School case study.  Building on these achievements, we will continue our journey as a strong new company under the name of Hayat Varlık. The syndicated loan provided by the EBRD and ICBC is an important sign of international investors' confidence in both our company and the Turkish economy."

Jean-Patrick Marquet, EBRD Managing Director for Turkey, commented: "With this transaction we are broadening Hayat Varlık's access to long-term local-currency funding. We are particularly delighted to have brought along such a major lender as ICBC to what is a new asset class for them. This a pioneering syndicated loan structure in the Turkish NPL market and we hope to attract more interest to the sector."

Xu Keen, ICBC Turkey Chairman added: "This landmark transaction is our third joint project with the EBRD in Turkey. As the first Chinese bank active in the country, we are seeking further investment opportunities alongside leading financial institutions and large corporates to continue supporting the Turkish economy. Our goal is to become one of the major financial institutions providing long-term financing to Turkish and international investors."

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the world's largest bank, entered the Turkish financial market by acquiring Tekstilbank, a local lender, in May 2015. 

The EBRD started investing in Turkey in 2009 and currently operates from offices in Istanbul, Ankara and Gaziantep. The country is a top destination for the Bank's finance, with €1.9 billion invested in 2016 alone. To date, the Bank has invested over €9 billion in Turkey through more than 220 projects across sectors and has mobilised nearly €20 billion for these ventures from other sources of financing. Some 98 per cent of the Bank's investments in Turkey are in the private sector.

The EBRD invested in a 12.3 per cent stake of Turkasset in 2011 and retains its stake in the newly merged company. It has previously provided a €27 million loan to Turkasset and has invested a total of TL 61 million (€19.5 million) in four issuances of its bonds.

Established in 2008, Turkasset has a 31 per cent market share in the sector where it operates. It holds assets of €253 million and total equity of €90 million as of end-2016.

Source: EBRD and ICBC Turkey in new financing for country's largest NPL firm

Shares in Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, TAV fall on US, British restrictions

Shares in Pegasus fell on Wednesday after the US and Britain imposed restrictions on carry-on electronic devices on flights from destinations including Turkey.

Shares in Turkish Airlines, budget airline Pegasus and airports operator TAV fell on Wednesday after the United States and Britain imposed restrictions on carry-on electronic devices on flights from destinations including Turkey.

Turkish Airlines was down 2.26 percent at 0714 GMT, while Pegasus fell 1.02 percent and TAV dropped 1.43 percent.

The US Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday passengers travelling from specific airports including Istanbul could not bring into the main cabin devices larger than a mobile phone such as tablets, laptops and cameras.

Source: Shares in Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, TAV fall on US, British restrictions

Britain follows US to ban big electronics on some flights

Britain has followed the United States to introduce restrictions on carry-on electronic goods on direct inbound flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

Yesterday it was revealed the United States would impose similar restrictions on planes coming from 10 airports in Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East and North Africa in response to unspecified security threats.

"Direct flights to the UK from these destinations continue to operate to the UK subject to these new measures being in place," a spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Theresa May said today.

"We think these steps are necessary and proportionate to allow passengers to travel safely."

Passengers will not be allowed to bring phones, laptops, or tablets over 16 cm in length, 9.3 cm in width and with a depth of over 1.5 cm into the cabin.

These items will have to be in checked-in hold luggage. The foreign office said the measures would be implemented by March 25.

The move has come despite concerns by civil liberties groups that US President Donald Trump was seeking another limit on movement after a travel ban from Muslim-majority countries was challenged in the courts.

The US government said the decision was prompted by reports that militant groups want to smuggle explosive devices inside electronic gadgets.

The ban would be in place for the "foreseeable future," a US government official said, adding that it was possible it could be extended to other airports and other countries.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer declined to talk about the intelligence that prompted the new steps or explain why some countries were left off the list.

Senator Bill Nelson, a Florida Democrat, sclaimed he "spoke to the intelligence community over the weekend, and this is a real threat."

US officials say militant groups are known for innovative bomb designs, including embedding them inside computers. Yemen-based Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) also has boasted of one of the world's most feared bomb makers, Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri.

French and Canadian officials said they were examining their arrangements but neither government was taking additional security measures at this stage.

The Australian government has said it will not implement a similar ban.

The airports covered by the US restrictions are in Cairo; Istanbul; Kuwait City; Doha, Qatar; Casablanca, Morocco; Amman, Jordan; Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates.

The affected airports are served by nine airlines that fly directly from those cities to the United States about 50 times a day, senior government officials said.

The carriers - Royal Jordanian Airlines, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways - have until Friday to adopt the new policy, which took effect yesterday.

No US airlines are on the list because there are no direct flights on them between the United States and the cited airports, officials said.

Britain said its restrictions would apply to direct flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

The British regulations affect British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Monarch, Thomas Cook, Thomson, Atlas-Global, Pegasus, EgyptAir, Royal Jordanian, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, Turkish Airlines and Tunisair.

Recent intelligence

A US government source said that while the restrictions arose from multiple reports of security threats, some recent intelligence had arrived that prompted the current alert.

US authorities believe there is a threat from plots similar to an incident last year in Somalia, where a bomb hidden in a laptop blew a hole in the side of a plane but failed to down it, another source said.

However, some experts questioned whether the limited ban could improve security and said it is complicated by aviation safety concerns about lithium-powered batteries used in many electronic items catching fire in the hold.

US officials said the decision had nothing to do with Trump's efforts to impose a travel ban on citizens of six majority-Muslim nations.

On March 6, Trump signed a revised executive order barring citizens from Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from traveling to the United States for 90 days. Two federal judges have halted parts of the ban although Trump has vowed to appeal.

Source: Britain follows US to ban big electronics on some flights

Greece @ ITB 2017 – Photo Report by GTP

Home > Industry sectors > Travel Exhibitions Specials > ITB Berlin 2017 Special > Greece @ ITB 2017 – Photo Report by GTP

Greece experienced one of the busiest ever ITB Berlin exhibitions

By Nikos Krinis

Following its participation in this year's ITB Berlin exhibition, Greece is expecting its 2017 tourism numbers to see a rise from the German market.

The good news began from the first day of the trade show, with the president of the German Travel Association (DRV), Norbert Fiebig, stating that bookings for travel packages to Greece from Germany were recording an increase of some 70 percent this year compared to 2016.

Visiting Berlin on the occasion of ITB, Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura held meetings with representatives of leading tour operators, including TUI and Thomas Cook, and was informed that demand for travel to Greece in 2017 has increased by 30 to 70 percent.

"Greece is one of the star destinations of the German tourism market this year", the Greek Tourism Ministry said in a statement following the trade show.

The Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE), also brought good news on the first day of ITB as it officially stated that it expects the 2017 season to see a significant rise in tourism revenue and tourist arrivals.

According to SETE's forecast for 2017, international arrivals could amount to some 26 million from 24.8 million in 2016 and revenue could reach 14.2 to 14.5 billion euros, considering that the average tourist spending recovers to the levels of 2015.

Following are statements of Greek tourism figures and travel professionals made to the Greek Travel Pages (GTP) during ITB 2017, concerning this year's season.

Key Greek tourism figures @ ITB 2017 – Statements

Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura: "Greek tourism this year began on a high note and we are hoping that this will continue… Greece has earned the respect of all due to its reliability. Tour operators saw and felt the changes and witnessed the development of our tourism product… Greece's growth in tourism is not accidental… Greece has its own identity and through its policies has achieved in attracting tourists and – most importantly – making them loyal tourists, repeat visitors."

GNTO Secretary General Dimitrios Tryfonopoulos: "Germany remains the first main tourism market for Greece… Last year 2.2 million German tourists came to our country and we are hoping to attract more this year, with a focus on high-end visitors. The German market is one that loves to travel, 12 months a year, and this is the message that we want to spread: that Greece is open all year round, during all four seasons of the year."

SETE President Andreas Andreadis: "The messages from Germany are optimistic, bookings are proceeding at a very positive rate at the moment, assisted by a series of circumstances, mainly that traffic to Turkey is very low while the market of Egypt has yet to recover. The euro is cheap compared to the dollar and the refugee situation is calm so it does not affect travel decisions as it did in 2016 at this time of the year. This has resulted to a high number of early bookings, a high two-digit figure in most cases."

Hellenic Hoteliers Federation President Yiannis Retsos: "The messages from the German market are very positive for Greece. I hope that no external factors will occur and halt what appears at the moment and thus overturn the optimism that exists.

Exhibitors/Destinations @ ITB 2017– Impressions

Halkidiki Tourism Organization/Halkidiki Hotel Association President Grigoris Tasios: "Greece is smiling this year. The season is already shaping up and it is only March… The increase in Halkidiki is significant compared with last year: currently we are experiencing a growth of 20 percent in average from Germany alone compared to last year and we are also seeing very good signs from other western markets. We are hoping that this will bring good results and deals for the 2018 season."

Santorini Hoteliers Association President Manolis Karamolegos: "Santorini's 'relationship' with the German market goes back many years… Visitors to our island this year will find the tourist product upgraded  based on new ideas, actions and services. Once again those that select our island for their vacation will be satisfied… For Greece in general we must all promote unique experiences for tourists. We must promote Greece's "myth" and attract more visitors."

Ilias Gartzonikas, Region of Epirus, Department of Tourism: "Once again the ITB fair is the center of world tourism… The German market always remains the number one goal for Epirus. The tourism products we offer to German travellers are upgraded continuously and we are particularly promoting our alternative tourism forms which are highly popular in this market.

Mouzenidis Group President Boris Mouzenidis: "I think that 2017 will develop into one of the best years for Greek tourism. Greece has been ascending in recent years in regards to quality, safety and hotel infrastructure."

Argo Travel Group Director of Sales and Marketing Stratis Voursoukis (pictured with Apostolos Fanoudis, ‎Business Development Manager): "I believe that 2017 will be a magical year for Greece, considering that we all do our part… Following meetings with professionals I see all destinations – popular and lesser known – attracting visitors. Major private initiatives took place over the last two years and we see that it is bearing fruit: innovative products, alternative tourism and luxury tourism. The season has also been extended to at least seven months – as opposed to 2-3 months – and we are aiming to continue business with winter tourism."

Santikos Collection COO Konstantinos Santikos: "The messages are positive for this year's season. In general Greece has benefited from the situation in Turkey and Egypt, as these destinations have yet to recover. So bookings, as expected, are on the up. Especially for Skiathos we are seeing a growth in bookings and an increase in the flights to the island."

Santikos Collection Business Development Director Katerina Santikou: "Every year the Greek tourism product is upgraded. This is not based on a decision of all hoteliers but you can not do otherwise. If you stay back from development, you get left behind in the market… I see a very good year forming for the country and I see hotels filling up very quickly, so the last minute tourists may be up against some issues such as not finding available beds. In general it will be a very good year."

Meli Tours Owner and Managing Director Dimitrios Melikokis: "The ITB Berlin trade show gave us a very productive three days in the German market and I do believe that Greece has become a trend. The country made its comeback in the recent years and I think that 2017 will be its highlight."

Neptune Hotels Room Division Manager Dimitris Bisas (pictured with Reservations Manager Doris Dallhammer and Entertainment Manager Erika You): "The visitation to the Greek stand this year was amazing and surpasses what we have seen in previous years. This fills us with optimism and hope for the season… Compared to last year, Kos is seeing a huge increase in tourists. Our hotel right now is seeing a 60 percent increase in early bookings from various markets. But the German market makes the difference as 85% of our clientele is from Germany."

Visit Meteora Managing Director George Kourelis: "According to the messages we are receiving from the early booking numbers, 2017 is expected to be a great year. On our part, we will continue to do all we can to showcase Meteora as a unique destination in Europe, not only for Greece, as it is one of Europe's highlights. It is a destination that combines culture, alternative activities, adventure tourism, religious tourism, tradition and history… We are very proud to be ambassadors of this important destination."

Spyrou Philoxenia Project Manager Dimitris Schistohilis (pictured with Deputy Sales & Marketing Manager John Grigoras): "Our impression from the ITB trade fair is very positive and the German market has shown strong interest in Greece. But that's not all… Many markets, such as the Czech Republic, Poland and Israel, are expressing an interest for destinations we are promoting such as Pelion, which is a 12-month destination that can also offer summer options. We also noticed quite an interest from the French and the Belgian market."

Moments @ ITB Berlin 2017 Minister Kountoura tours Greek stand @ ITB Berlin 2017

During the ITB expo, Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura visited the stands of Greek co-exhibitors in the Greek stand and attended events held by regions and destinations.

The next ITB Berlin will take place March 7-11, 2018.

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Source: Greece @ ITB 2017 – Photo Report by GTP

GERMANY – THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATION AMONG ITS CITIZENS

The Federal Republic remains in demand of domestic tourists. Terrorist attacks seem to have no negative impact on visitor numbers. However, German cities have to deal with various issues.

There is a feeling that the world seems to be falling apart and last year was a confirmation. Terrorist attacks in Brussels or Nice, Brexit, Trump and a coup attempt in Turkey. In times of chaos, German seems to be a safe haven – especially when it comes to holidays.

The numbers speak clearly. A new record has been set for the seventh time in a row. The Federal Statistical Office counted around 447 million overnight stays of domestic and foreign gusts in Germany in 2016. This is an increase of 3% compared to 2015 and the country remains a highly popular tourist destination.

However, the German Tourism Association does not want to consider a connection between global uncertainties and German tourism. According to President Reinhard Meyer, Germany is not an emergency holiday spot.

The trend of the past few years is, above all, short and spontaneous. Meyer especially emphasizes the urban areas. Germany has much to offer. Not only the big cities such as Hamburg, Berlin or Munich scored points. Even medium-sized cities such as Lübeck, Trier or Regensburg had much to offer – especially their specific architecture.

Torsten Kirstges, tourism expert and professor at Jade University in Wilhelmshaven, said: "Germany is still the most important tourist destination for holidaymakers." He also does not think that Germany is benefiting from terror attacks in other countries.

"If certain foreign destinations are now declining, they are not necessarily substituted by Germany." Countries in the south like Egypt or Turkey with beaches etc., could not be replaced by Germany.

Germany itself experienced terrorism in December last year, when a man drove a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin and killed twelve people.

Is it affecting tourism in the capital? "We currently have no evidence that the incidents have had a big effect on tourism," Burkhard Kieker, Managing Director of Visit Berlin, said. It is true that we still wait for the numbers, but a hotelier report, for example, reveals that it does not seem that there is a fall in holidaymaker numbers.

Kieker assumes that the way how Berlin dealt with the assassination plays an important role. "The city was defiant and did not want to be taken out of balance. Typical Berlin." What Kieker has been also observing for some time is the growth among visitors from Asia.

This was confirmed by the German National Tourist Board (DZT). In 2016, Europe recorded a one-digit decline in Asian travel to Europe. However, Germany is still well positioned with a 3% increase.

When it comes to security issues, Europe needs to be seen in the context, says DZT CEO Petra Hedorfer. Terror in Brussels, Paris and Nice – from a distance Europe is perceived as a destination. Travelers do not necessarily differentiate between individual countries.

And even before the terror attack in Berlin, Germany was in the headlines. In July 2016, a 17-year-old Afghan refugee with an axe and knife severely injured several people. The police shot the man, who was exposed as a "soldier of the IS". Not long after, a 27-year-old Syrian fired a rucksack bomb at the music festival in Ansbach.

However, tourism expert Kirstges does not believe in general uncertainty about Germany and does not assume that the urban dwellers of German tourists are affected by these developments. "Visiting cities, watching musicals – I do not thank people are doing less of that," he says.

"Security concerns have played a role for Germany for the first time," says Bettina Bunge. Though Dresden has to deal with quite different problems, at home and abroad. The bad image through Pegida. "Our good reputation has suffered," she admits. Dresden recorded more than four million overnight stays in 2016, but it was slightly less than in 2014 and 2015.

Last year, the city made headlines once again. German Unity Day celebrations have to be remembered, but on the way to the Frauenkirche politicians were badly insulted.

Bunge emphasizes that amid such scenes, it is difficult to penetrate exciting cultural themes of the tourist destination. It was thus important to recognize the crisis on the one hand and not to hide the problems on the other. Bunge relies on an offensive approach to the issue, and also stresses that the developments will lead to more dialogue between citizens and politicians. 

Source: GERMANY – THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATION AMONG ITS CITIZENS

Turkey threatens to send Europe ‘15000 refugees a month’

Turkey and the Netherlands are involved in a diplomatic standoff over Dutch authorities' refusal to let Turkish ministers address Turkish citizens in rallies.

Since then, Erdogan and other Turkish officials have begun calling Dutch government officials "fascists" and "Nazis".

He accused Europe of failing to help Turkey enter the bloc and of not helping with its fight against terror. The spokesperson further added, "The chancellor has no intention of taking part in a game of provocation".

The success of the openly pro-Turkey party in the Netherlands may serve as an inspiration to other such movements across Europe.

And on Thursday, the Turkish president accused the EU s top court of starting a "crusade struggle" against Islam after a ruling allowing European firms to ban employees from wearing political or religious symbols – including the Islamic headscarf. He said he couldn't remember that ever happening in Germany. "An entry ban would be the last resort". Instead of trying to send back to Turkey asylum seekers and refugees, the European Union should cooperate with Greek authorities to urgently transfer asylum seekers inland and examine their cases. In January, Germany was the No. 1 export destination for Turkey, accounting for 10% of all Turkish exports.

The authoritarian Ankara chief is trying to drum up support amongst expat voters ahead of a referendum on constitutional change which would grant him sweeping new powers. In January, Erdogan said the US founded ISIS and a lawmaker who is part of the president's party said the Central Intelligence Agency was behind a terrorist attack at an Istanbul nightclub.

Once the current spate of votes in Turkey and Europe is over, the dispute will leave both sides at a historic crossroads to decide on the nature of their future alliance.

It was not clear whether Wednesday's attack was related to the row with Turkey, which also led to the temporary defacement of numerous small websites in the Netherlands.

According to a survey by German broadcaster ZDF %83 of Germans were against Turkish campaign rallies while only %15 voted in favor of such conventions.

"The problem is: do you want to be a Turkish immigrant, or do you want to be a naturalized Dutch person?" he said.

Cavusoglu's remarks came at a time when Turkey-EU tensions are running high after several European countries prevented Turkish politicians, including the foreign minister, from holding rallies meant to drum up support for plans to reform Turkey's democracy from a parliamentary system to an executive presidency similar to the United States.

In a feisty campaign speech in northwest Turkey, Erdogan said the European Union could "forget about" the deal, in which Ankara agreed to readmit migrants that had reached Greece illegally via Turkey – a key transit country for tens of thousands trying to flee fighting and poverty and enter Europe. "What readmission? Forget about it", he said, referring to the migrant deal. That means it's a political decision.

Ankara and Brussels nearly a year ago on 18 March signed a landmark deal that has substantially lessened the flow of migrants from Turkey to Europe.

Source: Turkey threatens to send Europe '15000 refugees a month'

Ciekot: Hunters, come to important Blackwater meeting

DAVE CIEKOT, DELMARVANOW CORRESPONDENT 3:19 p.m. ET March 17, 2017

Dave Ciekot(Photo: Daily Times Image )

As promised a few weeks ago, we now have a date and time for the public meeting about the deer hunts at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County.

The meeting is scheduled for April 5, 6-9 p.m., at the Refuge Visitor Center on Key Wallace Drive south of Cambridge. It's set up as an open house type meeting so you don't have to commit three full hours, just show up, review the info, ask your questions and make your comments.  There should be info about the turkey hunts, too, and you can surely ask about the limited waterfowl hunt opportunities while you're there as well.

If you hunt at Blackwater NWR, hope to in the future or care about sika deer hunting in particular, this is one you need to come out for.

One big topic for the meeting is boat access for deer hunting.  That was something that just began last season, stemming partly from the last public hearing on deer hunting held by the Refuge.  Until last year Blackwater had been different from the rest of the state by not allowing access by water to the open hunt units, even when the bordering waterways were public waters open for all other uses.

LAST TIME:  Ciekot: Stay informed with outdoors public meetings

RELATED:  Delmarva counties stand to lose funding with Trump interior cuts

If you're a sika hunter you already know how important access by boat can be, as it opens up areas that can take hours to walk to or are nearly impossible to walk to.  It's also a great way to slip in undetected on your quarry, as a kayak or canoe can help you reach distant spots without disturbing deer.  Which do you think is better, a quiet paddle followed by a short hop across open marsh or a two mile hike in the dark through phragmites and myrtle bushes, headlights bobbing and brush cracking the whole way?

At a recent meeting on other topics we learned that the boat access for this coming season was slated to be put on hold for review, as the only feedback from last season had been complaints.  That, however, was at least partly because nobody knew we needed to be providing positive comments to keep the boat access.  Following up on the issue with Refuge staff it looks like we will be able to keep it for this year, and coming years, as long as hunters show up and support it at this public meeting.  So please, if you are in favor definitely come out to the public meeting and voice your support!

Yet the bulk of this public hunt meeting is slated to be about the coming years, beginning with changes to the 2018 hunting season.  I haven't seen any proposed changes yet, but I can say that after talking with the new Blackwater NWR Manager, Marcia Pradines, I'm optimistic about what we'll see.  She was quick to say that she's a hunter and wants to make Blackwater a premier deer hunting destination, and also that she's open to any ideas to make the hunting experience there better.  I, for one, can't wait to see what's coming.  It's still public hunting but the potential at Blackwater, especially for sika deer, is nearly limitless.

Read or Share this story: http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/life/outdoors/2017/03/17/ciekot-blackwater-refuge-hunting/99306892/

Source: Ciekot: Hunters, come to important Blackwater meeting

Turkey’s troubles: A longtime ally needs a show of U.S. concern

Turkey's troubles: A longtime ally needs a show of U.S. concern March 16, 2017 10:51 AM
Source: Turkey's troubles: A longtime ally needs a show of U.S. concern

Record 1.9million of us now take a cruise with the Mediterranean the most popular destination

Nearly 2million British and Irish travellers took an ocean cruise during last year

Floating hotels benefit from safety fears surrounding Tunisia, Turkey and Egypt

Comes as new liner, The Celebrity Edge, is described as most extravagant ever

Among details are a rooftop garden, penthouse suites and cashmere mattresses

By Sean Poulter, Consumer Affairs Editor For The Daily Mail

Published: 20:58 EDT, 15 March 2017 | Updated: 21:14 EDT, 15 March 2017

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A record 1.9million British and Irish travellers took an ocean cruise last year.

The floating hotels appear to have benefited from the fact people turned away from hotspots such as Tunisia, Turkey and Egypt because of safety fears.

The figures come from the industry trade body, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which expects a further demand for holidays on the ocean wave.

Just this week details emerged of the new luxury liner, The Celebrity Edge, which has been described as the most extravagant ever.

Mediterranean fly-cruises remain the number one choice with 458,000 passengers in 2016

Not only will it feature a rooftop garden, penthouse suites and even cashmere mattresses, it will also have a ship climbing magic carpet platform.

The platform, the size of a tennis court, will hang off the side of the ship and scale up and down the 16 decks through the day and evening.

Designer on the project include Kelly Hoppen, formerly of Dragons' Den, and the British architect Tom Wright, who helped design the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai.

The ship is a sign of things to come and will make her first voyage in December 2018 when she sets sail from Fort Lauderdale in Florida for the Caribbean.

The CLIA said: 'This growth comes at a time of sustained investment by the cruise industry.

'With global cruise fleet capacity set to increase by at least a third over the next ten years, major source markets such as the UK and Ireland will be spoilt for choice.

'As our love affair with the traditional Mediterranean holiday continues to go from strength to strength, the cruise sector is reaping the benefits as holidaymakers make the most of being able to visit multiple European hot spots in one cruise holiday.'

The floating hotels appear to have benefited from the fact people turned away from hotspots such as Tunisia, Turkey and Egypt because of safety fears (stock image)

Mediterranean fly-cruises remain the number one choice with 458,000 passengers in 2016. Western Europe itineraries from UK ports were taken by so me 272,000 people.

The CLIA said: '2016 was also a great year when it came to ultra-luxury cruises, with both a host of new ships being launched in the sector, and a record number of passengers opting to sail with one of the ultra-luxury brands.

'A near nine per cent rise in sales ensured that the total surpassed the 2012 peak of 28,450 and fell just short of 29,000. A sure sign that the incredible five and six star experiences offered by these cruise lines continue to exceed expectations.'

UK cruise departures now accounting for 48per cent of the market. Boarding a ship has the advantage of avoiding the queues and delays of getting through an airport. 

Source: Record 1.9million of us now take a cruise with the Mediterranean the most popular destination

Cheapest Holiday Destinations: What £1,000 Will Buy You in Cities From New York to Istanbul

by Simon Calder, The Independent, March 14, 2017

For the biggest holiday bang for your puny pounds, head for Turkey, Portugal or Spain — that is the conclusion after a new holiday cost survey and additional research by The Independent.

As the Brexit debate rages, the pound remains stubbornly weak — pushing up holiday costs for anyone spending sterling. A report from TripAdvisor out today says this spring £1,000 will buy return flights plus 18 nights in Albufeira on Portugal's Algarve, 17 nights in Benidorm or 13 nights in Prague, versus just three nights in New York.

The travel review site looked at 10 key destinations, and researched room rates and air fares between March and May.

Joint fourth place is occupied by Marrakech and Paris, where £1,000 buys nine nights. Bangkok (eight nights) and Reykjavik (six nights) are sixth and seventh respectively.

Sharing eighth place, with £1,000 buying four nights, are Dubai and Hong Kong.

New York is last and most expensive as a result of a very high nightly rate: £293 for a double room, says TripAdvisor, compared with £90 for Albufeira.

But some key high-value locations were missing from the TripAdvisor research. In addition, the report cannot compare like with like because of a difference of hotels used.

So The Independent introduced Cairo and Istanbul, in place of Marrakech and Reykjavik, and looked only at room rates on the same night — 25 March — staying at Holiday Inns, which offer comparable standards worldwide. Alicante replaced Benidorm, which does not have a Holiday Inn.

Comparing like for like, some of the results were dramatically different. Istanbul, with a nightly rate of just £36 for a double room and return flights easily available for £100, will welcome the traveller for 25 nights for £1,000.

Portugal, Spain and the Czech Republic took the next three places, but Cairo moved ahead of Paris. Dubai displaced Bangkok, while New York City nudged ahead of Hong Kong — where the Holiday Inn guest will be able to spend only two nights.

The Independent Holiday Inn-dex

Rates for night of 25 March

Istanbul £36

Albufeira £50

Alicante £52

Prague £59

Cairo £84

Dubai £88

Paris £107

Bangkok £109

New York City £169

Hong Kong - £179

Additional research by Becca Meier

This article was written by Simon Calder from The Independent and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.

Source: Cheapest Holiday Destinations: What £1,000 Will Buy You in Cities From New York to Istanbul

The Latest: Dutch minister blasé about Turkey going to court

Posted: Mar. 13, 2017 7:00 am Updated: Mar. 13, 2017 3:38 pm

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — The Latest on tension between Turkey and Western Europe (all times local):

10:30 p.m.

Turkey says it is halting all high-level political discussions with the Netherlands in the wake of the Dutch government's decision to bar two cabinet ministers from campaigning in the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said during a news conference following a weekly cabinet meeting that Ankara also is closing its air space to Dutch diplomats until the Netherlands meets Turkish requests.

Kurtulmus also says the Dutch ambassador to Turkey, who was traveling when the diplomatic row started, won't be allowed to return.

He says Turkey's government plans to advise parliament to withdraw from a Dutch-Turkish friendship group.

Kurtulmus says the political sanctions will apply until the Netherlands takes steps to "redress" its actions.

He said: "There is a crisis and a very deep one. We didn't create this crisis or bring to this stage."

___

10:00 p.m.

The Dutch foreign affairs minister has reacted laconically to the Turkish president's announcement that two of his cabinet ministers will apply to the European human rights court over their treatment in the Netherlands.

The Dutch government barred Turkey's foreign minister from landing in the Netherlands on Saturday and then removed the family affairs minister from the country when she drove to the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam.

The ministers wanted to speak to rallies of Turkish voters about next month's referendum on constitutional changes to give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more powers.

Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders said Monday he had confidence in the Dutch position should the court accept Turkey's case.

He added that Turkey "is more or less at the top of the list when it comes to convictions" by the rights court.

___

8:25 p.m.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says two of his cabinet ministers will apply to the European human rights court over their treatment in the Netherlands.

In an interview with A Haber television on Monday, Erdogan said the appeals would be made even though he didn't think the court would rule in favor of Turkey.

He also advised Turks living elsewhere in Europe not to vote for anti-Turkish parties. The Netherlands has a national election on Wednesday.

Erdogan also slammed German Chancellor Angela Merkel for siding with the Netherlands in the dispute over Turkish ministers' campaign rallies in Europe.

Merkel said Monday that the Netherlands has her "full support and solidarity" after Turkey's president used Nazi comparisons to criticize Dutch treatment of Turkish ministers.

Erdogan repeated those terms again in the interview, accusing the Netherlands of "Nazism" and "Neo-Nazism."

___

5:20 p.m.

Turkey's minister in charge of European Union affairs says his country should consider reviewing its migration deal with the EU and relax controls on people reaching Europe over land.

Omer Celik's comments, reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency, came amid tensions with the Netherlands and other European countries over Turkish ministers traveling abroad to court Turkish citizens' votes in an upcoming referendum.

Turkey agreed last year to work to keep migrants from crossing into the EU in return for funds to help it deal with some 3 million refugees.

Anadolu quoted Celik as saying the EU had not kept its side of the bargain.

He added: "In my opinion, the issue of the land passages should be reviewed."

However, Celik said Turkey should maintain controls to prevent sea crossings that claimed hundreds of lives.

___

4:40 p.m.

The European Union has warned that it will specifically review the outcome of Turkey's April 16 referendum in the light of criticism from Europe's biggest human right organization.

EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini says that the referendum result will be "assessed in light of Turkey's obligations as an EU candidate country." Negotiations on EU membership have been in a freeze for years with little hope of making any progress in the near future.

Last Friday, a committee from the Council of Europe human rights organizations raised serious concerns about the changes the referendum wants to push through, centering more powers in the hand of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

___

4:35 p.m.

The surge in tensions from the diplomatic dispute between the Netherlands and Turkey appears to have spread online, with a handful of Dutch websites vandalized with pro-Turkish imagery and slogans.

Few if any of the sites appeared to be high-profile. One, for example, belonged to an Argentine grill in Voorschoten, a suburb of the Dutch city of Leiden. A person who answered the phone at the restaurant hung up the phone when asked about the incident.

The group which claimed responsibility didn't immediately return an email seeking comment.

___

4:10 p.m.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has welcomed support from Germany's leader in his country's diplomatic row with Turkey that boiled over this weekend.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday that the Netherlands has her "full support and solidarity" after Turkey's president used Nazi comparisons to criticize Dutch treatment of Turkish ministers.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the Dutch "Nazi remnants" after a Turkish minister was escorted out of the country less than a day after Turkey's foreign minister was denied entry. He already had accused Germany of "Nazi practices," drawing a rebuke last week from Merkel.

She said that the Nazi comparisons are "completely unacceptable."

Speaking to reporters on Monday in Rotterdam, Rutte said, "I was very happy with the comments Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, made today about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Netherlands on this and also renouncing what President Erdogan said about the Second World War."

___

2:15 p.m.

The European Union has called on Turkey to cease "excessive statements" after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made several Nazi comparisons with EU member states Germany and the Netherlands in recent days.

EU spokesman Margaritis Schinas said: "The EU calls on Turkey to refrain from excessive statements and actions that risk further acerbate the situation."

Schinas said that "matters of concern can only be resolved through open and direct communication channels."

He added that it is "essential to avoid further escalation and find ways to calm down the situation."

___

2:10 p.m.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged all members of the alliance "to show mutual respect, to be calm and have a measured approach" as tensions mount between Turkey and the Netherlands.

He said Monday that "it is important that we now focus on everything that unites us" such as common threats and challenges like the so-called Islamic State group.

___

2:00 p.m.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the Netherlands has her "full support and solidarity" after Turkey's president used Nazi comparisons to criticize Dutch treatment of Turkish ministers.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the Dutch "Nazi remnants" after a Turkish minister escorted out of the country less than a day after Turkey's foreign minister was denied entry. He already had accused Germany of "Nazi practices," drawing a rebuke last week from Merkel.

Merkel said Monday her demand that Turkey stop using such parallels also applies to the Netherlands and other countries.

She said that the Nazi comparisons are "completely unacceptable." Merkel added at a news conference in Munich: "The Netherlands has my full support and solidarity."

___

1:40 p.m.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus says the Netherlands will be forced to apologize to Turkey for preventing two ministers from holding campaign rallies.

Kurtulmus said Monday Turkey would give the "necessary response" after the Netherlands escorted the family affairs minister out of the country and denied the foreign minister permission to land. He did not elaborate on the measures Turkey planned.

Kurtulmus told a business meeting in Istanbul that "you will see that in the end they will come to the point where they will apologize."

The deputy prime minister described the ministers' treatment as "footsteps of the far-right, of the neo-fascism and neo-Nazism that has been on the rise in Europe in the past five or six years."

___

1:05 p.m.

The German government is calling on Turkey to stop using Nazi comparisons in criticizing the behavior of the Netherlands.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the Dutch "Nazi remnants" after a Turkish minister escorted out of the country less than a day after Turkey's foreign minister was denied entry. Erdogan already had accused Germany of "Nazi practices," drawing a rebuke last week from Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said Monday that the chancellor "means not only that they should stop talking that way about Germany, but of course also about other European countries."

He added that "the Dutch suffered badly under the Nazi regime, and it is outrageous to want to accuse them of being close to such ideology."

___

11:45 a.m.

The Dutch government had no immediate reaction to news that Turkey had summoned its top diplomat to protest the treatment of the two ministers and of Dutch-Turkish protesters outside the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam in the early hours of Sunday morning.

On Sunday night, Dutch riot police were called in to end a protest by Turks in Amsterdam and arrested 13 people, said spokeswoman Marjolein Koek.

Media showed police with dogs and a water cannon being used to disperse protesters in western Amsterdam.

The Dutch government also has updated its travel advisory for Turkey, a popular vacation destination, warning travelers about the heightened diplomatic tensions. "Be alert and avoid gatherings and busy places throughout Turkey," the advisory warns.

___

11:25 a.m.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry on Monday summoned the Netherlands' top diplomat to formally protest its treatment of a Turkish minister in that country over the weekend as well as what it said was "disproportionate" use of force against demonstrators in a protest that ensued.

The Ministry said the Dutch Embassy's charge d'affaires, Daan Feddo Huisinga, was called to the ministry where a senior official handed him two formal protest notes.

The first protested what it said practices that were contrary to international conventions, diplomatic courtesy, and diplomatic immunities and requested a written apology from the Dutch authorities, a ministry statement said. Turkey also reserved its right to seek compensation, the Dutch diplomat was told.

The second note protested the treatment of Turkish citizens who had gathered outside the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam, saying "disproportionate force" had been used against "people using their right to peaceful gatherings. It added that Turkish nationals had been subjected to "inhumane and derogatory" treatment and called for those responsible to be identified and punished.

It was the third time that the Dutch diplomat has been summoned since tensions broke out between the two countries after two ministers were prevented from campaigning in the Netherlands.

 

Source: The Latest: Dutch minister blasé about Turkey going to court