November 20, 2020
Having ended a run of 10 consecutive final defeats on Tuesday, Michael Smith made it back-to-back titles as he came from 4-1 down to beat Jose De Sousa 8-7 on Day Two of the Winter Series.A thrilling day of darts saw Smith double up on his first ProTour title in two years on Day One, while Andy Hamilton and Rowby-John Rodriguez both threw nine-darters.De Sousa built himself a 4-1 advantage in the final with legs of 11,13 and 11 before Bully Boy drew level and eventually edged it by taking out double 10 in a decider after the pair had found themselves level at 7-7. PDC Winter Series – Winners – Advertisement – World Darts ChampionshipTBC WednesdayMichael Smith 8-7 Jose De Sousa PDC Calendar – remaining events – Advertisement – Quarter-FinalsMichael Smith 6-1 Gabriel ClemensVincent van der Voort 6-0 Darius LabanauskasJoe Cullen 6-3 Brendan DolanJose De Sousa 6-5 Jeffrey de ZwaanSemi-FinalsMichael Smith 7-3 Vincent van der VoortJose De Sousa 7-2 Joe CullenFinalMichael Smith 8-7 Jose De SousaNon-stop darts as truncated season comes to a closeOver the next four weeks, a relentless schedule will close the PDC and finalise the field for this year’s World Championships which remain scheduled for Alexandra Palace in mid-December.The final five days of Pro Tour action continue on Wednesday with Grand Slam places still up for grabs as well as the last chance for many to secure their Tour card for next season. You can follow the Grand Slam action on Sky Sports with all nine days from Coventry getting underway on Monday, November 16. Players Championship FinalsNovember 27-29 – Advertisement – Listen to the Darts Show podcast on: Spotify | Apple | CastboxFollowing the Grand Slam, the tungsten stays at the Ricoh Arena with three days of Players Championship Finals action and then the final qualifier for the World Championship.Sky Sports Darts will keep you across all the action as the season reaches its climax. As well as all the action, The Darts Show podcast will catch up with all the players, discuss the talking points and get expert opinion from former world no 1 Colin Lloyd.Follow the action from the Grand Slam with all nine days covered on Sky Sports Arena – and if you are out and about updates via our live blogs and @SkySportsDarts for regular updates Friday Saturday After ending a two-year wait for a PDC title by beating Jermaine Wattimena on day one, Michael Smith made it two in a row on day two 
“I’m going to echo what I said yesterday, it’s the confidence and belief in myself and finally winning that title yesterday the pressure was off,” Smith told the PDC after the final. “I didn’t do too much wrong today, I was checking finishes where I needed to.“He (De Sousa) is a classy classy player and he showed that in the match. I was 4-1 down and I turned round and looked at a picture of my kids and thought ‘you know what, I played him yesterday and was 3-1 down and I managed to reel off consecutive legs and go 5-3 up or 6-3 up’ so I just thought, ‘he’s going to give you a chance, just make sure you take it’.“I’m just overjoyed and over the moon at the minute.” PDPA World Championship qualifierNovember 30 Smith began the day with a 6-3 win over Derk Telnekes before averaging 106.1 to see off Matthew Dennant 6-1 followed by 106.8 against Damon Heta.The 30-year-old overcame Dirk van Duijvenbode in the last 16 and then Gabriel Clemens, who had averaged an incredible 109 throughout the day after posting a 112 average on two occasions, before making light work of Vincent Van der Voort with a 7-3 victory.De Sousa’s route to the final saw him beat Jason Lowe, Adam Hunt, Bradle109y Brooks and Danny Noppert in the early rounds, before ousting Jeffrey de Zwaan 6-5 and averaging 110 in a 7-2 win over Joe Cullen to set up a clash with Smith.It was meanwhile a day to remember for Hamilton as he ended a seven-year wait for a perfect leg in PDC darts, the 53-year-old registering his nine-darter against Christian Bunse. One became two in the space of 10 minutes as Austria’s Rodriguez followed suit against Boris Krcmar. Michael Smith clinches second successive Pro Tour title on day two of Winter Series as he comes from behind to beat Jose De Sousa after overcoming the likes of Dirk van Duijvenbode and Gabriel Clemens, the latter of whom had averaged 109 across the day Last Updated: 11/11/20 10:16pm Winter SeriesNovember 10-14 Thursday TuesdayMichael Smith 8-6 Jermaine Wattimena Grand Slam of DartsNovember 16-24 
Tigrayan leaders say they have been unfairly targeted by purges and allegations of corruption, and say Mr Abiy is an illegitimate leader, because his mandate ran out when he postponed national elections due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tigray crisis 
– Advertisement – According to the Associated Press, while Clark and Aziz began as the initial plaintiffs of the federal lawsuit, multiple women joined them, reiterating the same story of forced hijab removal. According to the legal decision, the new policy now requires NYPD officers who question or arrest a person with religious attire to “take [a] photograph of [the] prisoner with religious head covering in place.” Exceptions to the policy are very limited and include only cases in which religious attire covers the face, for example, a burqa—which would have to be removed for full facial features to be captured.“This is a milestone for New Yorkers’ privacy and religious rights. No one should be forced to undress just to be fed into a facial recognition database. New Yorkers are able to get a drivers’ license or passport while wearing the hijab, and there’s absolutely no reason for it to be removed by police,” STOP’s Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn said in a statement. STOP represented both Clark and Aziz in their proceedings. “Now that the NYPD has agreed to end the policy, they still need to go a step further. That’s because this settlement doesn’t address the thousands of New Yorkers who were subjected to this unlawful policy. That’s why we’re still fighting in court to make sure the NYPD pays for the harm its already inflicted.”- Advertisement – Incidents of forced hijab removal have occurred throughout the U.S. for years. Women have not only been forced to remove their hijab but made to receive their headscarves outside of police department buildings, where the public can see them. Additionally, some women have reported being forced to wear short-sleeved clothing when other options were available. In a country where religious freedom is guaranteed, no one should be forced to remove religious covering nor fear wearing it. If other government identifications can be taken without the removal of religious coverings, such as licenses, mug shots and other photos should not result in the practice of discrimination. Photos depicting one’s facial features can be taken without interfering with religious freedom.
xWe may have ended this policy, but we’re still fighting in court to get justice for those victimized by the NYPD in the past. Help us continue the fight to compensate the thousands of New Yorkers already mistreated and harassed by the #NYPD.https://t.co/IUJE623X1Q— S.T.O.P.—Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (@STOPSpyingNY) November 10, 2020The New York City Law Department special federal litigation chief, Patricia Miller, also saw the policy change as “good reform.” She noted that such a change serves as a model for other aspects of the country. “It carefully balances the department’s respect for firmly held religious beliefs with the legitimate law enforcement need to take arrest photos and should set an example for other police departments in the country,” Miller told the AP.For years the department had no official policy and left removing religious attire for mugshots up to the discretion of officers—who sometimes removed them and sometimes did not. This policy change is not the first the NYPD has made as a result of religious discrimination. According to The New York Times, a lawsuit filed in 2016 resulted in the department allowing officers to wear turbans and grow beards for religious reasons.- Advertisement –
Oct 21, 2005 (CIDRAP News) – The 7-year-old son of a Thai farmer who died 2 days ago of H5N1 avian influenza also has the virus, but there is no evidence that the boy caught it from his father, according to news services.Reuters and Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports said the boy tested positive for the virus, but they didn’t say what test was used or where it was done. The boy is hospitalized but is expected to recover.”There is no evidence that the boy contracted the disease from his father,” said Siriraj Hospital Director Prasit Watanapa, as quoted in the AFP report.The father fell ill after slaughtering sick chickens. Prasit said the boy “had close contact with the virus” from being around the chickens, AFP reported.”The H5N1 virus found in the boy and the father was the same strain that has been found for the last two years, with no signs of a mutation,” Prasit added.Reuters reported that the 7-year-old was treated with the anti-flu drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) early in his illness. The boy has recovered his appetite and his fever has resolved, the story said.If the boy in fact has avian flu, his illness is the 19th case in Thailand since the disease began spreading in East Asia in late 2003. The country has had 13 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO), which has not yet confirmed the boy’s case, currently lists a total of 118 human cases, with 61 deaths.In Britain, meanwhile, a parrot that was imported from South America and died in quarantine tested positive for a highly pathogenic H5 avian flu virus, government officials announced today.The parrot had been imported from Suriname, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said in a news release. It was part of a shipment of 148 parrots and “soft bills” that arrived Sep 16.All the birds in the consignment were being destroyed, DEFRA said. Chief Veterinary Officer Debby Reynolds said, “The confirmed case does not affect the UK’s disease free status because the disease has been identified in imported birds during quarantine.”As an additional precaution, the few people who had contact with the birds in the quarantine unit were being given antiviral drugs, the statement said.H5N1 avian flu has not been reported in the UK or in South America. DEFRA said no form of avian flu has been confirmed in Britain since 1992.Officials said another serious avian illness, Newcastle disease, has been detected in imported quarantined birds and successfully contained five times previously.In Indonesia, a 63-year-old man and his 22-year-old son who were suspected of having avian flu have tested negative, according to an AFP report today. The report of their cases yesterday had prompted talk about a possible family cluster.”The pneumonia they are suffering from was not caused by bird flu,” a health ministry official named Hariyadi Wibonoso was quoted as saying. He said further confirmatory tests would be conducted in Hong Kong.The WHO has recognized five cases of avian flu in Indonesia, including three deaths. But government officials have described several more cases as probable on the basis of local tests.Many news items related to avian flu were reported from around the world today. Here is a sampling:Three racing pigeons imported into Australia from Canada were found to have avian flu antibodies, which prompted Australia to consider banning all live bird imports. No virus was found, and it was known not what viral strain the antibodies were related to. A Canadian official said the antibodies are not dangerous to humans, and the pigeons could have been exposed to a virus years ago.Taiwan said it had developed its own version of oseltamivir and would begin producing it if avian flu surfaces there, according to a Deutsche Press Argentur (DPA) report. “We are ready to begin mass production and are waiting for Roche [the manufacturer of oseltamivir] to license us to do so,” a health official was quoted as saying.Canadian officials promised to endorse a Mexican proposal for wealthy countries to share their flu vaccine stockpiles with poorer countries, AFP reported. The idea is to be presented at an international meeting in Canada next week.To protect poultry from avian flu, the Swiss government banned outdoor poultry farming from Oct 25 to Dec 15, when seasonal bird migrations should be over, according to AFP.Officials in one German state eased a ban on outdoor poultry farming by saying farmers could keep geese outside so long as they are under nets or tarpaulins, DPA reported.David Nabarro, the United Nations avian flu coordinator, met with Chinese Health Minister Gao Qiang, who promised full transparency and cooperation in efforts to stop the virus, AFP reported.
Jan 12, 2007 (CIDRAP News) – A flurry of H5N1 avian influenza activity continued today with reports of another confirmed human case and several suspected cases in Indonesia, along with poultry outbreaks of probable H5N1 in Nigeria and Japan.Indonesia’s health ministry confirmed a case in a 22-year-old woman from Banten province who fell ill Jan 3, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced today. Investigators found reports of chicken deaths near the woman’s home in the days before she became ill, the agency said.The woman is Indonesia’s third confirmed case-patient this year. A 14-year-old boy and a 37-year-old woman from Tangerang, west of Jakarta, died of the disease this week. Indonesia has had 77 confirmed cases and 59 deaths, by the WHO’s count. Worldwide, the tally is 265 cases with 159 deaths.A Jakarta television station reported the death of a 27-year-old woman from suspected avian flu in Jakarta’s Persahabatan Hospital, according to an item in the Jakarta Post today. In addition, the newspaper—citing a radio news report—said three teenagers were admitted to the hospital with suspected H5N1 cases today.Yesterday the father and son of the 37-year-old Indonesian woman who died of avian flu were reported to be hospitalized with suspicious symptoms, but no new information about them was available today.In Nigeria, avian flu outbreaks were reported in two states, prompting the culling of 25,000 chickens and pigeons.Veterinary officials culled more than 20,000 chickens on a farm in the northwestern state of Sokoto, which had no previous outbreaks, a Reuters report said. In the northern state of Katsina, 5,000 infected chickens and pigeons on three farms were culled, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).Agriculture Commissioner Ali Hussein Dutsin-Ma said all the evidence in the Katsina outbreak pointed to avian flu, though the disease had not yet been confirmed by lab testing, AFP reported.Japan this week had its first suspected outbreak of H5N1 in 3 years, according to Reuters. About 2,400 chickens died on a farm in the Miyazaki area in southwestern Japan over the past 3 days. Initial tests pointed to H5N1, the story said.The recent reports suggest that this year’s pattern of H5N1 activity may echo the past 3 years, with human cases increasing in the northern hemisphere winter. Human cases in 2004 peaked in January, and in the past 2 years they peaked in March, according to a chart published by Eurosurveillance Weekly in December.Dr. Keiji Fukuda, coordinator of the WHO’s global influenza program, told Reuters, “It really looks like this has a kind of seasonal pattern that increases in winter months in the northern hemisphere.”Fukuda added that health officials’ concern about the threat of a flu pandemic remains high. “It’s not that these new cases increase it; our concerns have been high all along,” he said.He also said there was no evidence of any person-to-person transmission of the H5N1 virus in the recent cases, Reuters reported.See also:Jan 12 WHO statement on Indonesian casehttp://www.who.int/csr/don/2007_01_12/en/index.htmlEurosurveillance Weekly report with chart of human H5N1 cases by monthhttp://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=3098
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends vaccinia immunization at least every 10 years for lab workers who handle cultures or animals infected with nonhighly attenuated orthopoxviruses, the CDC reported. Because some lab workers fear that vaccinia immunization will cause side effects, lab directors should provide information about the risks and potential benefits of vaccination, including preventing severe complications of infection, the agency said. The article says it is not possible to estimate the incidence of lab-related vaccinia infections, because the number of labs that handle the virus is unknown. The CDC receives fewer than five reports of such cases per year. Lab-related exposure to vaccinia virus can result in severe or atypical infections, particularly if the dose of virus is large or the exposure involves the eyes, the report says. In addition, recombinant strains of vaccinia commonly carry genes for foreign proteins, which could increase the viruses’ pathogenicity for humans. One of the workers had received a vaccinia shot 10 years before the incident, and a second had been vaccinated but had no lesion indicating an immune response. The rest had never been vaccinated. For workers who have not been vaccinated, vaccination shortly after exposure may reduce the effects of infection, the report says. The five cases, four of which occurred in academic labs and the other in a government lab, all involved needlestick injuries. Two of the workers were hospitalized briefly, but all recovered. Three patients had a fever along with a lesion at the injury site, while one had only a lesion. CDC. Laboratory-acquired vaccinia exposures and infectionsUnited States, 2005-2007. MMWR 2008 Apr 18;57(5):401-3 [Full text] From 2005 through 2007, the CDC learned of five vaccinia infections in lab workers, three of whom had never received vaccinia immunizations, according to an article in the Apr 18 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). The cases were reported informally, since there is no national system for tracking lab-related vaccinia infections. Vaccinia is a close relative of the smallpox virus and is the active ingredient in smallpox vaccine. Labs use it in research on orthopoxviruses (the group that includes smallpox and vaccinia) and as a tool to induce cells to make foreign proteins, the CDC said. Apr 21, 2008 (CIDRAP News) An ongoing trickle of vaccinia virus infections in laboratory workers who handle the virus points up the need for them to be immunized, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said last week. When the worker who had been vaccinated unsuccessfully had the needlestick accident, he or she bathed the finger immediately in a disinfectant solution. On the same day, he or she also sought and received a vaccinia revaccination, which resulted in a lesion. The worker escaped with no signs of infection from the accident.
Jun 19, 2009World novel H1N1 cases top 44,000The number of global novel influenza cases grew to 44,287 cases, including 180 deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported today. The total is a 4,667 increase from the number it reported in its Jun 17 update. The list includes the first confirmed cases from Laos, Oman, St Maarten, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, and Suriname. Countries reporting large increases include Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Chile, and the United Kingdom.[WHO update 51]US novel flu cases push past 21,000The nation’s number of novel H1N1 cases grew to 21,449, including 87 deaths, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported today. The number reflects an increase of 3,594 cases and 87 fatalities from a week ago. States reporting the most cases include Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas, New York, Massachusetts, and California. New York confirmed the highest number of deaths, 24, followed by Texas with 10, and California, Utah, and Illinois with 8 each.[Current CDC numbers]Aboriginal member is Australia’s first novel flu deathAustralian health officials today reported the country’s first novel flu death, a 26-year-old man from a remote Western Australia community, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. The man, who reportedly had a number of other health conditions, died in an Adelaide hospital where he was flown earlier this week for pneumonia treatment. Tests yesterday revealed he also had novel H1N1 flu. Some experts warn that the pandemic’s effects could be more severe in remote populations.[Jun 19 ABC story]Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh confirm first casesOfficials in Papua New Guinea and Bangladesh reported the nations’ first novel H1N1 cases, according to media reports today. Few details were available about the patient in Papua New Guinea, other than he or she had recently developed flulike symptoms after overseas travel. Meanwhile, a health official in Bangladesh said the country’s first case was in a 17-year-oldNew Zealand raises pandemic response levelNew Zealand’s health ministry announced today that the country was shifting from a “contain” to a “manage” pandemic response level. In a statement, the ministry said the change reflects increased transmission of the virus, particularly in Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland, not the severity of the disease. The ministry said the change will enable community health services to manage large numbers of influenza patients and maintain service levels for other sick people.[Jun 19 New Zealand health ministry statement]
In recent years, the Croatian tourist offer of arrangements and tours is slowly going beyond its traditional framework. An increasing number of smaller organizers are starting to offer tours and activities that make tourists leave on vacation.Wine tours, trekking tours, biking tours, ZIP lines, historical tours, excursions for children, culinary tours, sports and recreational tours, treasure hunting tours, off-road vehicle tours and many other fun activities. A few years ago, such an offer was unknown to domestic tourism, that is, at least it was not directly promoted to domestic and foreign guests. With the appearance of new organizers, the eternal question arises how to find the best sales channels today not only on the Croatian but also on the foreign market.We get the impression that often a good offer is the least of the problem. It is necessary to reach customers and present your story well. And the offer can no longer just be presented via posters in the office window or somewhere on the waterfront. Today, the world of tourism is plagued by online platforms through which various tourist offers are offered. Tourists book months before their vacation, but also during the holidays.And do you know where they will first look at what is on offer?They will type their query into online search engines via their mobile phones, tablets and laptops. You’re not online, you don’t exist. Smaller companies, but also well-established travel agencies that have an off-board offer, have to fight for their place under the sun. But how do you compete with so many bidders reselling the offer around the world?You will hear different answers to this question. Some oppose online booking platforms such as, for example, Expedia, TripAdvisor, Viator and advocate the traditional way of doing business with travel agencies. They emphasize personalized service and personal approach to each client. Online booking is considered “robotic” and prone to errors. They find that people often cannot know what they will actually get after making a reservation online and the like. Once upon a time, agent advice was a major factor influencing the choice of destination we would travel to, as well as the types of excursions, tours, or activities we would book. Today this is no longer the case and there is no crying, it is necessary to accept the new rules, but not focus exclusively on them.Online booking or personal service?Online booking in the travel industry is generally growing rapidly. In the past 5 years, the number of online bookings has grown by 73%. The platforms that make it possible are easy to navigate and contain everything a traveler needs to plan their trip and make the necessary reservations.We wanted to take a look at the reasons behind the growth of the online booking platform. Also, can traditional travel agencies compete with them.When travelers know where and when they want to travel, Booking.com, Viator, TripAdvisor and similar sites are ideal. However, when they are unsure about where to go and would like some advice, or don’t want to bother booking every single part of the trip, traditional travel agents come into play. Travel agents can do things that internet platforms just can’t – but – travelers still need to be able to find an agency to talk to an agent.Travel agents are not just sellers of their tours and activities. They also sell expertise and guidance – from the best time of year to visit a particular destination, to the best accommodations and activities to book. All based on the individual needs of the passengers.Advice? Recognize what you are good at – and shout about it out loud! Whether it’s the niche type of vacation you offer or you put in the extra effort to reduce the hassle during the booking process, you need to convey that message to your customers. Transfer your knowledge and your expertise to online platforms as well, don’t ignore them and find the one that best suits your way of doing business and where your target audience is.How to stand out in the crowd?Shout about your strengths – always and everywhere! Each online platform offers the possibility of a quality description of your offer. Invest your time and use quality and attractive photos, photos of people who are happy and satisfied with your offer. Communicate with users through these online platforms. Both before departure and after departure. Build your reputation and new travelers will come based on the quality work you have transferred from your office to your online office.Once you understand what sets you apart from the competition, convey that message to as many potential customers as possible. Use your websites, social media, newsletters and online platforms to make potential and existing customers aware of the services you provide. Use your own online booking system for tours and activities to inform all your contacts about news or special offers.Let your customers help you! Nowadays, most people will not make a purchase or reservation without checking the opinions of others. Contact your clients and ask them to share a review of the experience you’ve provided for them on their own social media, on Google, and on your agency’s Facebook page.Positive reviews are great for the travel business. It is essentially about word of mouth online marketing (recommendations). You need to include them in your own marketing strategies. If you get a negative review – don’t worry. You will use it very much too! They will point out to you that there are areas that need to be improved, and then let your clients know that you listened to what they had to say. They will notice you as a tour and activity organizer who cares about their opinions and feelings. You will not be left unrewarded.Accept new technologies Keeping up with mobile trends is of great importance! You heard it, you know it. Especially in tourism. It gives added value to small tour and activity organizers. The big ones, on the other hand, can’t afford not to follow the technological trends because the small ones who follow them will catch up with them! Make sure your website is fully functional on mobile devices or your customers could slip against the competition in a click.Use available resourcesMost agencies have neither the time nor the money to invest in market research. Follow the most important travel trends for tour and activity organizers. Make sure you do everything you can to keep up with your customers.What do foreign tour and activity organizers say?In discussing the marketing and sales channels that tour and activity organizers should use today with our foreign users, they also point out digital marketing channels and the involvement of foreign partners (OTA, hotels, large agencies and others). The choice between these two channels, or rather a combination of both channels, will vary from country to country that the tour or activity organizer is targeting. That is why it is crucial to examine the behavior of each market first.In line with the rapid development of digital marketing channels, tour and activity organizers should:Have a website that is also adapted for smaller screens such as tablets and mobile phones – WordPress websites are highly recommended because they are the easiest to maintain, look modern and adapt to all screens, and allow smaller providers to quickly develop and display offers via the webPut an online booking button on your own website, such as Orioles – software for online booking and marketing because you will not pay yourself a fee for online booking.Being active on social media – Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest are the most popular in tourism today, even Snapchat if you want to attract a younger population.Build distribution channels – such as referral programs and special programs for agents that come along with a good booking system for tours and activities.While large agencies (OTAs) help you sell vacation packages, digital marketing channels will help you reach direct travelers. That is why they are an indispensable element of marketing and sales strategy for small players.You will find it difficult to compete with large agencies with large marketing budgets and a large online presence if you try to play the same game as them. But most of the smaller travel agencies, tour operators and activities we are talking about have a niche offer. They are more focused on providing customers with quality, service, knowledge and a personal approach. If you use the research and statistics available to you, keep up with the latest technologies and trends, and continue to provide superior service – we believe you will be successful.And use online partnerships, online sales channels that make it easier for you to sell great and unique offers.Published by: OriolesRelated news:CROATIAN TRAVEL AGENCIES URGENTLY NEED TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESSINTERNET RESERVATIONS ARE INCREASINGLY REPLACING TRADITIONAL WAYS OF TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION RESERVATIONS
From February 2 to 11, the fourth “Tuna, Sushi & Wine Festival” will be held in Zadar, and with plenty of programs, workshops and unique gastronomic experience, this year’s Zadar festival will last a full ten days as a tourist spectacle that combines and exchanges cultural experiences. , historical and natural resources of Croatia and Japan, together with the unique gastronomic experience of Zadar and its surroundings.In the new and refreshed edition, TSWF is focused on presenting the gastronomic and oenological offer of the wider Zadar region through healthy local foods and products such as blue fish, wine, salt, cheese, olive oil and all other benefits of the Adriatic and North Dalmatian climate, and each festival day offers a different and a richer program.Top fish specialties and Zadar winesThere is a long list of hotels and top restaurants where the programs of this year’s Tuna, Sushi & Wine Festival will take place, and in addition to gastro educational and professional workshops, fish specialties will be offered at promotional prices with special promotion at the gala dinner at Arsenal. Here is who all participates: Hertige Hotel Maškovića han, Hotel Pinija Petrčane, Falkensteiner Borik, Hotel Bastion, Hotel Mediteran, then restaurants; Hungry Eyes, Harbor, Hedonist, 4th Canton, Bruschetta, Pjat, Atrium, Stipe (on the Peninsula), Skoblar, Foša, Royal Vineyards, Roko, Sabunjar, Malo misto, Zadar Airport, Arsenal, Žuta Island Festival, Two Fishermen , Zadar Jadera, Art Kalelarga, Proto, Hotel-tourism and catering school Zadar, Ginger Sushi from Zagreb, Turisthotel, Catering Angelus and a group of restaurants Bota Šare from Mali Ston, Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, the island of Banja and Dubrovnik.TSWF is organized by the Zadar Tourist Board in cooperation with the City of Zadar, the Japanese Embassy in the Republic of Croatia, the Ministry of Tourism, the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the Zadar County Tourist Board and the NPO JCEA Japanese-Croatian Exchange Association.You can follow all the information about the festival here: www.sushifest.zadar.travel
Back in November 2017, over a year after many large U.S. hotels launched systematic direct bookings, a Caliber Labs report pointed to the fact that hotels were winning. Online travel agencies are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with increased competition. Collecting data from its database of more than 25.000 hotels in the United States, Caliber Labs found that there had indeed been a change in consumer behavior towards the hotel’s official website versus online travel agencies such as Booking and Expedition. More and more consumers prefer to book accommodation directly than through a third party. Source: Caliber Labs It is too early to declare the real winner of the so-called “battle for booking”, but if we had to single someone out, it would be consumers. With more choices and options, it is clear that in the end they are the real winners. So, if an independent hotelier can find a way for his business to thrive without the help of online travel agencies, that way will always be the most profitable. Attachment: Book Direct Campaigns 2.0: THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF LOYALTY 2018 But there are also third parties that threaten the duopoly of Booking and Expedition, and those are companies like Airbnb and Google. What happens when alternative or private accommodation services join the “fight”? And going beyond the “fight for booking”, the hotel industry must also understand that reservations are only one part of the battle. The industry must not forget the experience of guests, given that it is the main trigger of guest loyalty and motivator for their return. Source: Caliber Labs Not only do direct booking campaigns encourage consumers to book accommodation directly, but the study also showed that these campaigns are much more beneficial to hotel owners than previously thought. Direct booking campaigns generate more revenue for hotel owners, even with discounts, than online travel agencies do. So if hotels, or online travel agencies, really want to win the battle they have to take into account the product they offer, but also the overall experience that travelers have and how it changes their perception of the brand. Even with these large direct booking campaigns, consumers still feel that the best price for a hotel will be obtained at online travel agencies rather than on the hotel’s official website. In the tourism industry, the question often arises as to who wins the so-called “direct booking” wars. Are they hotels or travel agencies? Or Google or consumers? But some of the statistics suggest that trends are changing.
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