The economic importance of tourism is undeniable. For many countries in the developing world, tourism is a significant source of revenue generation and therefore a major component of economic development, a relationship that rewards states when positive conditions such as a strong global economy exists. But what happens when negative conditions exist? What happens when things like terrorism exist? The impact of terrorism on the country’s economy may be immense, leading to unemployment, homelessness, deflation, and other economic and social ills.

The consequences extend beyond activities directly associated with tourism, particularly airlines, hotels and catering, to sectors that supply intermediate needs hence it can be said that all sector of economy are greatly affected. More specifically when it comes to international tourism. International tourism is presently playing as a major source of foreign currency. It has been recognized for its direct and indirect impact on government revenue, the country’s employment and summarily the country’s income.

But what happens when terrorism occurs. What effects will it bring? Negative repercussions follow. Terrorism brings multiplier effects, negative effects to be precise. Countries where the tourists came from will issue statement such as “unsafe for tourist travel.” Travel advisories issued by certain embassies warn their nationals against travel to places known to have been attacked by terrorists. Debates like terrorism vs. tourism have been undertaken by many scholars. Furthermore, as terrorism against tourists often involves international citizens, international terrorism is defined as “terrorism involving citizens or the territory of more than one country.”

However, these negative effects of terrorism are also true to domestic tourism. Incidents like kidnapping, unstable peace and order situation caused by domestic terrorists caused indirect effects like increased time, cost and inconvenience involved in travel because of added security arrangements. Regardless of the effects of terrorism, tourism is unlikely to decline overall. People place great importance on their holidays and are not likely to relinquish them easily. The more likely effect of terrorist attacks and other disasters is to the specific destinations or regions suffer a decline in tourism with travel moving to other locations. This is so because tourism and leisure travel are voluntary activities and because there are many alternative destinations to choose from, security concerns can have a greater impact on the choice of the destination.

It is a fact and a public perception that the cost of terrorism on tourism is realistically immeasurable. Take a particular case with what had happened to the trade centers in New York; data showed that it had resulted in 4 million less international arrivals worldwide in 2001 in comparison to the previous year. This is a concrete example of how it had introduced fear and caused unwillingness to fly on transatlantic flights showing that the tourist industry was affected on a global scale not just in America.

With all these situations mentioned, it can be concluded that it is a major concern that terrorists will always manifest an interest in the tourism sector. What is needed is a collective effort to protect this vulnerable yet very important industry and show greater resilience because this industry has been the provider of employment and economic prosperity in many countries. The tourism industry must be able to remain resilient in the face of adversity. It must always be prepared to counter its major opponent, and that is terrorism.

Image Credit Flickr.com

Popularity: 4% [?]

Currently 0 comment - But what do you think?

Andreas Caminada, the chef of Schauenstein is considered one of the best chefs – if not actually the best – in Switzerland. He has been showcasing his culinary talents in Schauenstein Restaurant. This establishment is strategically located in one of the many castles of Domleschg Valley. This is where he has been working for more than 6 years now. Over the last few years, the restaurant has ceased to become the well-kept secret of the area. The culinary artistry of Chef Caminada had brought the attention of the world this small restaurant. It actually takes months before one can secure a table reservation. Needless to say, you should definitely get a reservation now if you want to dine at Schauenstein this year.

It was actually in the year 2005 when Chef Caminada was brought to the attention of the culinary world. Gault Millau awarded him with the “Discovery of the Year” title. He was named the “Rising Star of the Year” in 2007 and was awarded the “Chef of the Year 2008” award. At such a young age, he was able to accumulate all these recognitions and accolades. In fact, he is the youngest chef to have been given the Chef of the Year title by this favorite food lovers’ guide. He got 18 points out of 20 last year for his dishes at his 24-seater restaurant.

As a chef, Caminada is fairly inventive and adventurous, exactly what you would expect from a young chef. However, he can’t be regarded as wild because he knows his culinary boundaries. He knows when to stick to a certain technique or method. He knows how to make sure that his creations will come out delicious and harmonious, with all the ingredients complimenting one another. It is rare to find dissatisfied guests. Often, guests would come of the restaurant marveling at his talents.

Chef Caminada’s climb to the top was fast. In fact, you can say that he zoomed right into the 67^th spot. Indeed, Schauenstein is the perfect place to show his talents. And what incredible talent he has! The restaurant has only been around for six years or so and he has already been able to place it atop the culinary world, appearing in the list along with El Bulli and Fat Duck. That is a huge achievement for this young Swiss chef. But before he and his partner, Sieglinde Zottmaier, discovered this perfect location for Schauenstein, he had already led a rather interesting career. He has worked chef jobs in some of Europe’s finest restaurants including Hotel Walserhof, Bareiss Restaurant and Wiesengrund. Chef Andreas Caminada is still a young chef, and he has more tricks up his sleeves.

Image Credit Graubuenden

Popularity: 2% [?]

Currently 0 comment - But what do you think?

Ah, summer! It’s a great time for swimming and drinking icy beverages. You can either go to the beach or visit a public swimming pool for a refreshing dip. However, it is not necessary to go anywhere if you you want to drink awesome, icy, beverages. All you need is coffee and ice.

According to the National Coffee Association, the percentage of Americans drinking iced coffee beverages started 20 percent in 2003 and increased to 30 percent in 2004. Because of the high popularity of cappuccino and mocha latte, people found out that coffee is just as good and refreshing when served cold.

Iced coffee is just as easy to prepare as iced tea, in fact it can even be easier. There are a lot of options to choose from –  you can use flavoring syrups, chocolate, cold milk and spices. These variations will give you the power to personalize coffee concoctions that are very much as delicious as those served in your favorite coffee shop.

Beverages such as iced vanilla mocha, iced rum coffee and iced latte are easy to make at home.

Allow me to give you some tips on how you can make a refreshing iced coffee drink.

1. Never let your beverage become watered down. make your coffee cool using your favorite coffee beverage with ice cubes made from fresh-brewed coffee instead of water.

Using fresh brewed coffee as ice cubes will help make the flavor of coffee stay the same even if the ice cubes melt.

2. Make use of a machine that produces a high quality coffee or espresso. Choose a machine that will grind coffee beans right before brewing and allows you to control the strength of your coffee. Remember, that the machine is your friend when it comes to coffee making.

3. Be inventive and personalize your iced coffee beverages with a touch of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, nutmeg or cinnamon. Your creativity will help you achieve different tastes and textures for your iced coffee beverage.

Keep in mind this following points when making an iced tea beverage. Be creative to get different tastes and textures for your drink. Do not let your coffee beverage be watered down. Lastly, make use of a high quality coffee making machine to help you brew and control the strength of your coffee.

Image Credit Flickr.com

Popularity: 2% [?]

Currently 1 comment - But what do you think?

Rainier Becker’s Zuma restaurant branch in Hong Kong has made it. It has grabbed the 51^st spot in this year’s list. This restaurant offers a harmonious blending of fine and affordable dining experience. The décor is sharp and smart, but it does not have the stuffy feel to it. The ambiance is top-notch, classy all the way. It is actually a highly inviting venue. It is flooded with light and there is a lot of space to eat and enjoy oneself. The food is undoubtedly spectacular and the dishes are innovatively great. The menu offers Japanese cuisine at its finest!

Let’s Talk about Zuma

Zuma offers an inviting retreat. One can enjoy the Queen’s Road Central while he or she dines on the restaurant’s varied but impressive menu. The décor is fairly low key but classy. Natural tones are used. Wood, stone and glass materials are prominent. The main dining room is spacious and gorgeous. There is an upstairs bar and a terrace where one can enjoy outdoor dining. This is also perfect for diners with penchant for smoking. The whole restaurant is undoubtedly gorgeous, but the real focus should be on the food. The food is simply outstanding. It will have you marveling and burping. When it comes to the food, the credit should be given to its chef Dan Segall.

Let’s Get to Know the Chef!

Chef Dan Segall is one of the highly-regarded chefs in Asia. He has always been regarded as one of the most innovative and dynamic chefs in the region. He is actually a native of Boston. Culinary arts did not come to him at an early age. He actually pursued a career in theatre arts. He even studied directing. Ultimately, however, he discovered his true calling – a career in the culinary arts. He then went on a culinary exile, traveling in Asia and studying different Asian cuisines. He even moved to Bangkok where he studied Asian and American food fusion.

While in Asia, he was able to hone his skills and perfect his techniques. His cooking has been largely influenced by Japanese cuisines, so it is not surprising that he eventually ended up in Zuma. This is where he astounds his customers with his inventive fusion menu. He draws inspiration mainly from what he has learned and experienced during his travel. Zuma is truly an exciting platform for Chef Dan Segall. This is where he can display his culinary talents and skills. This is where he proudly presents his culinary creations.

Chef Dan Segall’s Prosciutto, Brie and Apple Panini with Scallion Butter

Recipe via Food and Wine

SERVINGS: 4

Ingredients

4 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, softened

1 scallion, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

4 soft hero or ciabatta rolls, or 1 long baguette, halved lengthwise

3/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto

1/2 pound Brie, rind removed, cheese cut into 4 pieces

1 large Granny Smith apple–peeled, cored and thinly sliced

Directions

In a bowl, beat 4 tablespoons of the butter until creamy. Stir in the scallion, lemon juice and mustard until smooth.

Preheat a griddle over low heat. Spread the scallion butter on the cut sides of the rolls. Lay the prosciutto on the bottom halves; top with the Brie and the apple slices and close the sandwiches. Lightly spread the remaining 2 teaspoons of butter on the outside of the rolls (it will be a very thin layer).

Put the sandwiches on the griddle. Cover with a heavy skillet and cook over low heat, turning occasionally, until toasted and the Brie is melted, 10 minutes. Cut the panini in half and serve.

Video Results

Luxury Marketing with Dan Segall

Image Credit ITV Asia

Popularity: 2% [?]

Currently 0 comment - But what do you think?