British Citizens Could Need Visa's to Travel to Europe: Garth Coates Comments

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/22/2016 -- Home Secretary Amber Rudd has recently announced that Britain was engaged in a two-way negotiation with the EU and was unable to guarantee that following Brexit visa-free travel within Europe would be protected. This means that soon people living in Britain could have to apply for and obtain travel visas when looking to holiday in popular European destinations.

A number of reports have suggested that the document which would be needed to travel within Europe would coast around fifty pounds, which is relatively inexpensive in comparison with some other visas, however still quite a lot for those simply looking to go away for a weekend. Nothing though is for definite, and like with many things that have come along with the Brexit decision, we will have to sit back and wait to see.

A spokesperson from leading immigration solicitors Garth Coates was keen to comment on the possibility of these visas saying, "With nothing clear-cut going forward, there is not much that anyone can do at the moment, other than be patience and await the decision. Maybe now is a good time for everyone to go on holiday to Europe though. Here at Garth Coates we have a deep understanding of visas of a wide variety and how they work and are available to talk to over the phone should anyone have any questions."

About Garth CoatesGarth Coates Solicitors are a leading London based solicitors dominating the industry when it comes to anything immigration, citizenship or nationality related. At the forefront of the law firm sector they are wholly dedicated to presenting the highest quality immigration services to all of their clients, at absolutely all times.

PR Contact:Company name: Garth Coates SolicitorsTel: 0207 799 1600Website: www.garthcoates.comContact person: Tamer UlayEmail: tamer@garthcoates.comAddress: 9 Dacre Street London SW1H 0DJ

Source: British Citizens Could Need Visa's to Travel to Europe: Garth Coates Comments

Europe Soups Market to Reach US$5 bn in 2020, Dried Soup Segment to Lead Market

Soups Market - Europe Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020

PR-Inside.com: 2016-09-21 14:36:59

Transparency Market Research has published a report studying the trends incumbent in the Europe soup market. The report provides insights into key growth drivers impelling the market and potential restraints inhibiting its growth. Based on in-depth findings, analysts have suggested that the Europe soups market, which stood at US$3.9 bn in 2014, will reach US$5 bn in 2020, rising at a positive 4.20% CAGR. The report is titled 'Soups Market - Europe Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020' and is available on the company website for sale. Download Free exclusive Sample of this report: www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_ ..

For the purpose of the study, the report segments the Europe soup market into chilled, UHT, frozen, canned, and dried soup. It investigates the consumption pattern with regard to different varieties of soup across the key regional markets within Europe. Exhaustive information on the growth trends exhibited by the Europe soup market is therefore compiled in the report. The segment of dried soup is likely to enjoy substantial growth in the market, with increasing inclination among Europe's population towards quick meals that fit their busy schedule.

The demand for canned soup, however, is anticipated to decline across Europe. A lead TMR analyst said in this regard, "A paradigm shift in consumer preference from metal cans and heavy packaging, which add to the carbon footprint and are difficult to open, to soups with biodegradable packaging is responsible for the declining demand for canned soups". Growing health awareness and knowledge about preservatives in canned and frozen soups also adversely impacts their demand.

Italy, Germany, Russia, the U.K., France, and Spain constitute the key national soup markets in Europe. The growing demand for high quality of meals that can be prepared at short notice has catapulted the soup industry to the forefront of the European commercial goods landscape. The report cites Russia as one of the most lucrative soup markets in Europe, followed by Italy and the U.K.

To study the prevailing competitive landscape in the Europe soup market, the report also profiles some of the key players in the market, including Maggie, Knorr, Liebig, Progresso, and Heinz. Of these, Maggie dominates the soup market in France. Campbell, on the other hand, has stopped operating in Russia, after it was unsuccessful in making significant gains in the national market. The soup market in Spain also faced much trou ble due to the prevalence of unemployment and economic crisis in the country. Price being a crucial variable determining the consumption of soup, the demand for soup from Spain is anticipated to exhibit negligible growth. However, the report projects that if manufacturers could offer products to consumers in Europe at low prices, there are still opportunities for the soup market in the country to exhibit a steady growth pattern.

Browse the full Soups Market - Europe Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020 report at www.transparencymarketresearch.com/europe-soups-market.html

Europe Soup Market, by Type:

Chilled

UHT

Frozen

Canned

Dried

Europe Soup Market, by Country:

U.K.

France

Germany

Italy

Russia

Spain

Source: Europe Soups Market to Reach US$5 bn in 2020, Dried Soup Segment to Lead Market

The 5 Unexpected Foodie Destinations That Are Hot Right Now

Pop Quiz: Are you one of those travelers who takes a photo of every single dish you eat? And when you return home from said trip, your mailbox (or inbox) is chock-full of Food & Wine, Saveur, and Bon Appétit magazines (or e-mails)? Do you know what it means to have an item cooked sous-vide, and you're the first person your friends call for a restaurant recommendation? 

If the answers are all yes, then you, my friend, are a foodie. Whether you embrace or discard this slang word, food plays a major factor of where and how you travel. Sure, there are food destinations you already know about like Barcelona, Tokyo, Singapore, and Mexico City -- and then there are ones that may surprise you. Here are our top picks for the most unexpected foodie destinations; perhaps this list will inspire your next trip!

Smoked pork neck with braised beans, fried duck egg and toast at St Ali in South Melbourne. Photo Credit: Katherine Lim, Flickr

When most people fantasize about a trip to Australia they likely think of Sydney, but Down Under's second biggest city is not to be overlooked. Melbourne has a diverse and multicultural population, and this melting pot of Asian, Indian, and European ethnicities can be found in its impressive food scene featuring some of the worlds' best cuisines. 

Start in the compact city center full of charming cafes, and then explore by tram or foot. There are cheap eats in Melbourne's authentic Chinatown, which dates back to the 1850s, as well as a bohemian scene at St. Kilda (where there's the city's highest concentration of restaurants). Lately, the hipster neighborhood of Fitzroy is garnering attention with buzzy restaurants tucked inside warehouses, while nearby, Johnston Street has a growing Spanish quarter with tapas bars and flamenco restaurants. 

Foodies can also seek out specific dishes like the Wagyu beef tartare at MoVida, Korean fried wings at Kong, chili baked mussels at Cumulua, coconut yogurt at The Kettle Black, and burgers like the Stagger Lee's Fat Bacon Toasty at 8 Bit. Look for the Beat Box Kitchen food trucks from Raph Rashid, boat noodles at Jinda Thai, and jaffles (an Australian classic, basically toasted sandwiches with various fillings) at Boat Frankie. If time is a factor, head straight for the global street food stalls at Queen Victoria Market, which are open late-night in Australia's summer (so wintertime in the U.S.).

Ceviche preparation by Chef Israel Lopez. Photo Credit: Joe Ross

This exotic seaside town on Colombia's Caribbean coast has all the makings for foodie romance. Most people will want to base themselves in the Old Town -- a colonial walled city that dates back to the 16th century,] with leafy squares, cobblestone streets, and brightly-colored balconies adorned with flower boxes. 

Colombia's regional cuisine takes a Caribbean flair, but perhaps the biggest surprise here is the Middle Eastern influence, thanks to the arrival of Arab immigrants during the Ottoman era. Street food carts can be found on every corner peddling tropical fresh fruits, artisanal popsicles, empanadas, and pandebono (Colombian cheese bread). Look for the breakfast specialty called arepa con huevo -- an uncooked egg sealed in cornmeal dough and then fried -- in casual cafes. Midday snacks offer fried fish, plantains, and coconut rice, or you can opt for Lebanese-inspired dishes like kofta (meatballs) and kibbee (bulgar balls, sometimes made with meat). 

For dinner, start with a mojito at one of the many trendy restaurants tucked inside those gorgeous colonial mansions and then make a reservation at one of the top restaurants in town, like the Havana-themed La Vitrola, which might serve octopus carpaccio, baked sea bass, and the Cartagenan favorite: pargo rojo frito -- a crispy-fried whole red snapper steamed in coconut milk. Fresh ceviche is a must at the addictive La Cevicheria (approved by Anthony Bourdain) -- a place that will surprise those who never thought they'd dine at the same place twice while traveling. Day-trippers can boat to the docks of Isla del Rosario, where fishermen bring in (and sell) their daily catch of lobster, calamari, and shrimp. 

The Mexican Burger at Houston's Burger Palace. Photo Credit: brando.n

Yankees and overseas travelers may not believe it, but Houston offers a unique combination of international cultures, refined tastes, and avant-garde cooking techniques. Yes, Texas's city of over two million people is gaining recognition for its food scene, and a good place to start is downtown's Historic District, an area that boasts pretty 19th-century architecture and upscale restaurants in the Market Square, with notable dishes like Chef Robert Del Grande's cinnamon-roasted pheasant.

Houston is quite spread out though, so adventurous types should explore the neighborhoods. It doesn't take long to run into one of the city's 1,000-plus food trucks like Tacos Tierra Caliente, serving fresh tortillas topped with braised pork and pineapple chunks. Snack on burger sliders at Little Bigs in the Museum District, and shop speciality markets like Phoenicia and Revival, which both sell international goodies like European cheeses, charcuterie, and house-made pickles and jams. Urban Harvest is Houston's largest weekly farmer's market in the Upper Kirby District with live music and chef demos.

Then there are the quality Tex-Mex restaurants, spots selling handmade Polish pierogies, and Chinese goodies at the Hong Kong City Mall food court, not to mention a slew of Asian restaurants selling Vietnamese-Cajun crawfish, dim sum, Japanese street food, and Korean-style fried chicken.  

4. Hangzhou, China

Photo Credit: Lim Ashley

How many people can say they know about (or know how to pronounce) this city of two-and-a-half million people? Hangzhou is the capital of the Zhejiang Province, and not too far of a drive from Shanghai for a nice side trip. First-time visitors to Hangzhou may be amazed by the natural scenery -- think traditional pagodas rising up against fields of tea leaves -- and then will soon discover no shortage of restaurants and markets serving local snacks like crab steamed buns, wontons, dim sum, and moon cakes. Hangzhou's bigger dishes place emphasis on fresh seafood and produce, and tend to be lighter and more subtle in spice and seasonings than China's northern cities.  

A good place to start is the city's most famous restaurant called Kui Yuan Guan Lou Wai Lou, founded in 1848 and West Lake fish in sweet sour sauce, fried shrimps with longjing tea leaves (also called dragon well), and the beggar's chicken -- a whole bird cooked in a coating of clay. Other specialties to keep an eye out for include the popular fish-head platter, noodles with fried eel slices, and drunken shrimp dropped live into liquor to drink themselves to death right before human consumption. If traveling here in autumn, keep an eye out for the annual Hangzhou Food Festival in late October and early November. 

5. Tbilisi, Georgia

Photo Credit: maxlethal2010

The last spot on the list goes to a destination that seems the most unexpected of all. If you're anything like this writer, you probably didn't know much about Georgian cuisine until now -- but you should. Georgia is bordered by the Black Sea, Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. That means that the country's diverse cooking styles take stock from its unique positioning next to Europe, Middle East, and Asia, thereby pulling in culinary traditions from all angles. Locals are passionate about growing produce and herbs, and raising meats and poultry in their own gardens. Travelers will likely base themselves in Tbilisi, the capital, which offers a stunning cobblestoned landscape and dramatic fortress backdrop representing a long history under Persian and Russian rule. 

First and foremost there are the fresh breads. Called Puri, Georgia's amazing breads are baked in traditional clay ovens, not dissimilar to India's naan bread. The khachapuri Adjaruli (pictured here) is a ridiculously decadent concoction of bread straight from the oven stuffed with bubbling sulgani cheese, butter, and finally, a cracked runny egg. Then there are Chinese soup dumplings, called khinkali, and chunks of pork roasted over slow-dying embers of fire, called shasliki. Kebabs come with sour plum sauce, jonjoli sprouts are pickled, and fresh tomato and cucumber salads are served with herbs and walnuts. 

Lucky travelers will want to snag an invite from a local to join one of the lengthy and massive feasts called supra, accompanied by copious amounts of food and wine. These are special occasions where a member of the group is designated to make traditional toasts, paying homage to both God and the guests.

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Source: The 5 Unexpected Foodie Destinations That Are Hot Right Now

Less than stellar reviews for Rome's 5-Star neophyte mayor

ROME –  The day the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement triumphed in Rome's mayoral election, its exultant founder, comic Beppe Grillo, immediately turned his supporters' sights on the next destination for what he calls their "mission impossible airplane" — soaring into national power.

But early reviews of the new 5-Star mayor, Virginia Raggi, have been anything but stellar, leading some to wonder if her bumbling administration might end up eclipsing the Movement's dream of having one of its own in the premier's office.

Raggi, a 38-year-old lawyer whose political resume before becoming Rome's first female mayor consisted of a stint as a city councilwoman, swept away Premier Matteo Renzi's Democratic candidate in a mayoral election runoff in June to become the "anti-party" 5-Star's most prominent local office holder yet.

Three months into the job, Raggi is struggling to assemble her team at the city hall atop ancient Capitoline Hill.

Her choice for chief of staff exited after an uproar over an exorbitantly high salary, an embarrassment for the Movement, which rails against the political elite. While Rome sinks in debt, Raggi still is sifting through resumes to pick a budget czar.

The local mass transit agency, ATAC, has taken to cannibalizing buses for spare parts because suppliers have stopped filling orders over unpaid bills. One hot day this summer, 800 buses broke down along their routes.

Meanwhile, children in a rundown, outlying part of town took to amusing themselves on school vacation by counting rats near a trash container. "Fifteen, 16. Sixteen rats, guys," one boy says in a much clicked-on video the children made and posted on the internet.

Rome's patronage-tainted garbage collection agency, AMA, needs fixing, making Raggi's choice for city environment commissioner another critical one. But earlier this month, Raggi told Parliament's watchdog commission on criminal infiltration of environmental activities that she had known for two months that her pick for the job, a woman who had served for years as a consultant to the trash agency, was under investigation. Commission officials said Rome prosecutors told them they are investigating the commissioner for suspected unauthorized management of handling of refuse.

It was a dismaying admission for the Movement, which boasts of transparency and insists that its office-holders step down if they are implicated in criminal probes.

Instead, Raggi has dug in, refusing to fire the commissioner.

"Let's go forward, with courage. We will change Rome and the country," Raggi wrote on her Facebook page Friday.

Her office did not immediately respond to a request for an interview.

For sure, Raggi inherited a monumental mess.

Rome's previous mayor, a Democrat, resigned midway through his term when some in his own party lost faith he could rescue the city from years of moral and physical filth. The mayor before him, a former neo-Fascist street fighter, has been implicated in a scandal involving allegations that local politicians, bureaucrats and criminal gangs schemed to profit off lucrative city contracts.

Grillo's forces are widely expected to be Renzi's chief challenger for the premier's office in parliamentary elections in 2018, or perhaps sooner, if the center-left leader's government stumbles on an ambitious reform agenda that has alienated some in his Democratic Party.

So opinion polls are being closely watched to see if Raggi's inexperience might erode Movement support nationwide. Recent polls indicate her rocky start could have cost the 5-Stars a few percentage points. Grillo himself is ineligible for public office because of a manslaughter conviction resulting from a car accident.

Grillo has promised to closely monitor Raggi's performance, essentially rebuffing some loudly grumbling lawmakers and city councilmembers who worry the mayor could taint the Movement's reputation for change and improvement and are starting to wonder if she should go.

For now, Romans wearily wait for better times.

"These are problems that piled up over the years, so you need to give (Raggi) time," 5-Star supporter Maria Vicentini said while waiting for her bus at a stop across from City Hall. "The broken buses need to be repaired. All the garbage rot must be removed."

Vicentini added that the moral rot exposed in the corruption scandals "also needs time" to be removed.

Waiting at the same bus stop, lifelong Roman Sergio Fiormonte says he is not dissatisfied with Raggi, but allows "that nothing has changed from the last mayor to the one now."

Ticking off the familiar traffic, public transportation, and trash collection problems, Fiormonte, who describes himself as apolitical, ventured: "I think you need a magic wand to resolve them" after decades of what he called "non-administration."

Possibly tarnishing the 5-Star sheen could be a flurry of closed-door huddles over what to do about Raggi, including one led in Rome by Grillo with members of the Movement's "directorate." In the past, the Movement, keeping to a promise to supporters, has streamed important meetings live.

Massimo Franco, a political analyst for the Corriere della Sera newspaper, told The Associated Press that while Raggi is off to a "fragile" start, she will hang in there "because there isn't a true alternative."

The Movement's rank-and-file, who pick candidates online instead of in traditional primaries, also are likely to prove fiercely loyal to their office-holders, according to Erik Jones, a professor of European Studies and International Political Economy at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Bologna.

"They don't judge them on their governing prowess," Jones said. Instead, "they judge them on their authenticity."

___

Frances D'Emilio is on twitter at www.twitter.com/fdemilio

Source: Less than stellar reviews for Rome's 5-Star neophyte mayor

Why Greece is the ideal European destination for Pakistanis

For me travelling offers the ultimate thrill. Just the thought of the getting out of my home town and on to a new destination fills me with excitement and joy. Leaving the routine work and having the prospects of experiencing new sights and sounds adds years to my life and rejuvenates me. From times immemorial, people have been attracted to see the world and experience the thrill of travel. But unfortunately as the means and modes of travel have gotten better and faster in the modern world, the visa regulations have made it far tougher and tedious for people to travel across borders.

There are countries included in European Union and Schengen areas where people can travel easily all across Europe and many other destinations without the need of any visas but for people in Pakistan unfortunately is not as easy although it remains to be a coveted desire.

For years, in Pakistan people have been complaining as to how difficult it is to get a long term Schengen visa and that getting the visas has been the biggest hurdle in planning and going out for vacations in Europe. It is indeed a fact that getting a Schengen visa is not easy or possible for everybody. There are many factors that are considered when granting the Schengen visa and without going into their details, many of the visa applications are rejected. Also it takes a fairly long time to apply and get the required visa and sometimes it does become tedious to apply for it again and again every time you plan to visit Europe or take your family for a vacation. This was perhaps one of the reasons that has deterred many people from going to Europe and they even started opting for other destinations like Dubai or Malaysia where it was perhaps much easier to get tourist visa.

But not to take anything away from the other exotic destinations, I believe that there is a great allure for European destinations for people in Pakistan and perhaps during the long and hot summers  the  mild and beautiful springs and summer season, in Europe is a great attraction.

Although there are countless attractive tourist destinations that Europe offers but I have always believed that one of the most enchanting and truly amazing places that exist in Europe is the Hellenic Republic of Greece. Nothing in the world can match the most gorgeous beeches, the natural beauty of the dozens of islands, the picture perfect colorful houses built on the slopes of the small mountains that look like pastries in a confectionary shop, the amazing food and the truly beautiful people. Greece is the ultimate paradise on Earth and the enthralling islands of Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Crete and of course, the gorgeous Santorini truly hypnotizes you with their beauty.  The amazing city of Athens is a reminder of the glory of the ancient Greeks and the art, music and sculpture that mesmerize the visitor.

It is a fact that Greece has not been the choicest destination of the people in Pakistan but perhaps one of the reasons is that it has not been fully promoted as an excellent travel destination and many people are still not fully aware of all that Greece has to offer.

But tourism is only a part of all that Greece is offering now. The real good news is that now Greece is offering the most amazing permanent residency programme for the people who are interested in investing and it comes with a long list of benefits. This residency programme is the most affordable in all of Europe. The programme has the amazing offer of permanent residency status from day one and the eligibility of citizenship in seven years upon purchase of a single property. The programme offers the residency of not only the person investing but the whole family including spouse, children, parents and the parents of the spouse. This to me is the most realistic and considerate offer as it is sometimes impossible to leave elders of the family behind, no matter how rewarding the offer. However, there is absolutely no restriction on the investor for staying in Greece for any period of time at all. This is a great advantage as it does not impose any requirement or limitations on the i nvestor or the family to stay in Greece if they do not wish to do so, however they would still enjoy all the perks and privileges of the residency programme and travel all over Schengen area without the need of any visa or documentation.

There is no need stay in Greece for even a limited time and it would have no effect on the permanent residency permit however if any family wants to stay there or have their families stay, Greece offers excellent opportunities of education for the children in several languages in both the state and private schools, colleges and universities.

As for the investment, it has a very high rate of return. Property prices are at an all-time low since 1990 and the EU analysts claim a seventy five to a hundred percent growth within five to seven years.

So it seems that the enchanting Greece is calling out to the world and welcoming people with open arms. I for one feel as if this absolutely wonderful opportunity is a dream come true for many people in Pakistan.

For those who wanted Europe to be their second home, a safe haven to retire to, a golden retreat for the whole family to have memorable vacations, a promising and safe property market to invest in and a chance to see the world without the hassle of visas and other regulations, this seems to be the golden opportunity. The details of this offer can also be seen on the official website of the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic of Greece.

It does sounds too good to be true but it is true indeed and the Hellenic Republic of Greece is being very gracious and truly generous to the world. I for one would want nothing else to go to Greece with my seventy-year old mother and my son and see the happiness, glow on their faces when they see the ravishing beauty that Greece has to offer and be part of this amazing place which has given the modern world so much through times immemorial.

Source: Why Greece is the ideal European destination for Pakistanis

Qatar Airways meets demand with A380 to Sydney

Qatar Airways meets demand with A380 to Sydney

Qatar Airways meets demand with A380 to Sydney

Sydney has become Qatar Airways' first destination in Australia to be served by the superjumbo A380 aircraft, just six months after it joined the carrier's global network.

Following the route's inauguration with the Boeing 777-300 on 1 March 2016, Qatar Airways has seen a steady growth in demand for its service on the route. The 517-seater A380 aircraft increases Qatar Airways' current daily capacity by 44 per cent on this route to meet the growing travel and trade demand.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: "From the moment we inaugurated service to Sydney earlier this year, we have been welcomed with open arms. Customers flying to and from Sydney appreciate our global route network and our efficient flight schedules, which saves them hours of time on the average itinerary. We are pleased to respond in kind, with the introduction of the A380 service to Sydney, offering 517 seats per flight.

"Qatar Airways brings travellers from Australia to more destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa than any other airline serving Australia today. Australia is one of the main hubs of the business world in Asia Pacific, with many passengers flying worldwide for business and leisure. What better way to serve travellers from this key destination than to introduce our iconic A380 to the country, starting with the nation's biggest hub, Sydney."

The 517-seat capacity is spread across twin decks in a tri-class configuration of eight seats in First Class, 48 seats in Business Class and 461 in Economy Class, featuring world class amenities and first rate services that set it apart from other aircraft. Passengers travelling from Sydney to London and Paris can enjoy the Qatar Airways A380 experience throughout their journey to these two European destinations.

"We're thrilled that Qatar Airways has upgauged to an A380 within six months of the airline's launch in Sydney, which is testament to their early success and strong loads," Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

"Qatar Airways' Doha-Sydney service already generates an estimated 3,000 jobs and contributes more than $240 million to the economy per year, plus it provides passengers with more choice and connectivity. Sydney Airport estimates that Qatar Airways' A380 will deliver an incremental $78 million in inbound visitor expenditure annually to Australia, supporting the federal government's target of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020. On behalf of Sydney Airport, I'd like to congratulate Qatar Airways on this significant milestone and wish them continued success on the route."

The A380 aircraft will feature a luxurious and exclusive First Class Cabin with ultra-wide seats, which automatically recline into a flat bed, two passenger table extension dining, sleeper suits, flight slippers and amenities from Giorgio Armani. Passengers travelling in Qatar Airways' award-winning Business Class can also enjoy private aisle access with the 1-2-1 seat configuration and a suite of connectivity options including onboard Wi-Fi, keeping them fully connected to while up in the air.

In addition, passengers in First and Business Class can relax and socialise at the on-board lounge located on the upper deck of the superjumbo.

Economy Class passengers also benefit with the added spaciousness of the A380, with higher ceilings on the main deck, a wider seat configuration and design to offer more legroom plus contoured headrests.

When transiting through Qatar Airways' hub, Hamad International Airport in Doha, passengers travelling from Sydney can enjoy a comfortable and efficient transit. The luxurious and modern airport has more than 40,000 square metres of retail space and restaurants including more than 70 retail and 30 food and beverage outlets, as well as a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, hotel and spa.

Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operation, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 190 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents. In recent months, Qatar Airways has announced an unprecedented expansion of its network with 13 new destinations launching in 2016 and 2017 including Pisa, Marrakech, Helsinki, Seychelles and many more.

Daily Flight Schedule: 

DOH-SYD QR908 Departs: 21:40 Arrives: 19:35 (+1)

SYD-DOH QR909 Departs: 22:25 Arrives: 05:05 (+1)

About Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 190 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was awarded World's Best Business Class; Best Business Class Airline Lounge and Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East at the prestigious 2016 World Airline Awards managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax.

Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. The award-winning alliance was named the World's Best Airline Alliance 2015 by Skytrax for the third year running. Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.

Oryx One, Qatar Airways' inflight entertainment system offers passengers up to 3,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 as well as select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline's on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.

Qatar Airways is one of the world's leaders in sponsoring global sporting events, including the strategic team sponsorships of FC Barcelona and Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia FC. Qatar Airways' strategy reflects the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline's own brand message – Going Places Together.

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world's third largest cargo carrier, serves more than 50 exclusive freighter destinations worldwide via its Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally on 190 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet now includes eight Airbus 330Fs, 10 Boeing 777 freighters and two Boeing 747 freighters.

Source: Qatar Airways meets demand with A380 to Sydney

The Safest Destinations in Latin America

A tranquil beach in Costa Rica, considered one of Latin America's safest locales

With fear of terrorism spreading across Europe, and continued unrest in regions of the Middle East and northern Africa, many travelers have begun to see Latin America as an alternative, likely safer, destination. According to the International Air Transit Association, Latin American carriers experienced a 9.3 percent increase in traffic in 2105, as opposed to European carriers at five percent.  

In the 2016 Global Peace Index, Central and South America are listed as first and second most improved areas of the world as far as safety goes. We're talking about an entire continent and then some, though, and -- like anyplace else on Earth -- the degree of safety can vary depending on exactly where you are. El Salvador and Honduras, for example, still have some of the highest homicide rates in the world, according to the World Bank Group. 

On the other hand, many countries in Latin America get high marks for safety, and (bonus) also happen to be beautiful, culturally-rich destinations. Cases in point: these eight we've handpicked as our top choices for a safe bet vacation in Latin America. No matter where you may eventually book, though, the same common-sense precautions for enjoying a trouble-free vacation apply: 

Stay in resort or tourist areas. 

Get information from hotel staff about where to go and how to get there, as well as where not to go.

Don't wear showy, expensive jewelry or designer accessories.

Be street smart, staying aware of your surroundings. Drinking too much and wandering around an unfamiliar area is not advised. 

Check the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Alerts before you book, and again shortly before you depart. 

Why You Should Go: Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, the cluster of Galapagos Islands is one of the safest areas of Central and South America, even attracting many families with young kids. The Ecuadorian government works hard to preserve the environment of this archipelago of volcanic islands. Some visitors even report feeling as though they've stepped back into prehistoric days, perhaps unsurprisingly so, since it has been long believe that Charles Darwin was inspired to write "On the Origin of Species" after visiting the Galapagos. 

Nature lovers and photography buffs come here to see the vast number of endemic species, including (but definitely not limited to) sea lions, iguanas, giant tortoises, the blue-footed booby, and the only surviving species of tropical penguins. The vast majority of the area is designated as a national park. In the sections open to visitors, only one small group is let in at a time, escorted by a guide, to help mitigate the effects of tourism.

Why It's Safe: Although Ecuador as a country, especially its northern region, has seen a rise in crime over the past few years according to OSAC (the Overseas Security Advisory Council), the Galapagos Islands remain nearly crime-free. And even with the country's rise in crime, the Global Peace Index still ranks Ecuador as the fourth safest country in South America when considering domestic and international unrest. This includes factors like terrorism, protests, and civil unrest. There are currently no U.S. State Department travel warnings or alerts for the Galapagos Islands, either.

Where to Stay:

Why You Should Go: Costa Rica is another destination made for nature lovers. It's become much more popular in the last decade or so as U.S. travelers have discovered the scenery, unspoiled beaches, and fact that it's not as far as they thought it was. A flight from New York City takes just under five hours, a little less than a flight from the same airport to California. Touring the rainforests in Costa Rica is a vacation highlight for many as monkeys, jaguars, toucans, and other wildlife can be spotted. The landscape is strikingly varied, from those beaches and rainforests to volcanoes and waterfalls.

Why It's Safe: Costa Rica is currently ranked the number one safest country in Central America by the Global Peace Index. And violent crime is rarely an issue for visitors; according to the 2016 crime and safety report by OSAC, most of the crime against tourists is theft, as in any other touristy location. According to the same report, the homicide rate may have gone up slightly to just above the rate of 10 per 100,000 people (which is considered typical for the region by the World Health Organization), but there are currently no travel warnings or alerts for U.S. travelers visiting Costa Rica.

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3. Chile

Photo Credit: Pablo Meneses

Why You Should Go: Exotic, full of opportunities for outdoor adventure, prosperous, and safe: As far as countries go, Chile has a little bit of everything. And that makes sense, when you consider its span; it's nearly 2,800 miles long, with the Pacific Ocean as its western border, the Andes Mountains to the east, Peru to the north, and Antarctica to the south. Where else can you visit the driest place on earth (the Atacama Desert), while in the same place also be able to photograph glaciers, climb volcanoes, go snowboarding, soak up some sun in a chic beach resort town, and walk some of the world's most interesting hiking trails? 

As if all that wasn't mind-blowing enough, Easter Island, with its mysterious Moai, is part of Chile too. Of course, you can't see everything in one visit, or even two. For first-timers, a good starting point might be Santiago, the capitol and largest city in Chile. Skiing is an hour away; the Pacific is two hours away; and right in Santiago you have museums, concert venues, high-end shopping (as well as opportunities to buy hand-crafted goods), and colonial architecture. Keep in mind when planning your trip that summer down in Chile runs from December to March. 

Why It's Safe: Chile is ranked the number one safest country in South America by the Global Peace Index and there are currently no travel warnings or alerts for Chile from the U.S. State Department. According to OSAC, "The security environment in Chile is moderately safe, with comparatively less violent crime than in other Latin American countries," and the databank at World Bank states that the country has a fairly consistent homicide rate of around three per 100,000 people, which is extremely low by global standards.

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Why You Should Go: Argentina is the second largest country in South America, and eighth largest in the world. Due to its size and location, it boasts many landscapes, including ice and snow at Glaciers National Park and a red rock desert at Talampaya National Park. One of the most beautiful attractions, though, is the Iguazu Waterfalls. 

Buenos Aires, the city known for the tango, is high ranked among visitors to Latin America, especially for its shopping and festivals. (Malevo, the male group that won hearts tap dancing in gaucho boots and whirling boleadoras on "America's Got Talent," hails from Buenos Aires. Just sayin'.) In the southernmost areas, penguins can be seen not in a zoo, but in their natural habitat, alongside the sea lion colonies. Horseback riding in wide open spaces is a thing here as well, but some travelers go home with a favorite memory of a different sort: the superb wine and steaks. 

Why It's Safe: Argentina is ranked the third safest country in South America by the Global Peace Index and there are currently no travel warnings or alerts issued by the State Department for the country. According to the World Bank databank, Argentina has a low seven homicides per 100,000 people. Additionally, OSAC reports that "Crimes reported to the U.S. Embassy by U.S. citizens reveal they are most often victims of theft or non-violent robbery, principally in the tourist neighborhoods."  When referring to terrorism, that same reports notes, "There is no recent or significant operational terrorist activity in Argentina." 

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Why You Should Go: The beauty of its beaches and the colorful, unique handicrafts and fabrics are just the beginning of the list of why you'd visit Peru; the country is an archaeological jackpot for those interested in ancient cultures. Visit the city of Cusco to see ruins from the Inca Empire and the Spanish conquest. Peru also has the mother of all ruins in Machu Picchu, the fortified Inca town that the invading Spaniards never could find, high atop the Andes. Lima is a sprawling, modern city where you can go surfing along the rocky coastline, play golf in the middle of the financial district, tour a pre-Columbian temple in the city's upscale Miraflores neighborhood, and catch a sound-and-light show at a cluster of outdoor fountains. Then you may want to grab Peru's best-known dish, ceviche, and wash it down with a pisco sour at one of the many top-rated cevicherias. 

Why It's Safe: According to the World Bank data bank, Peru had a very low homicide rate (under seven per 100,000 people in 2013) and most OSAC reports state that crimes against foreigners are even fewer, and usually involve theft. The State Department has not issued any travel warnings or alerts for Peru, and Peru is fairly high on the list of safe places from the Global Peace Index.

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Why You Should Go: Less than 9,000 square miles, this small country in Central America is tucked under the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, one of the closest Latin American countries to the U.S. The country's tourism market has grown exponentially, with many high-end, family resorts popping up. The Belize Barrier Reef is second is length only to the Great Barrier Reef. So while amazing for snorkelers and scuba divers, Belize also has a rainforest for the land-lubbing naturalist to explore, as well as Maya ruins. The upscale Ambergris Caye draws the majority of the tourists, from serious deep-sea fishermen to couples looking to kick back poolside with a cocktail. 

Why It's Safe: There are currently no travel warnings or alerts for Belize. However, the U.K. government recommends that tourists avoid certain parts of Belize City, including George Street and Kraal Road, known to attract gang violence at night, which is why the homicide rate in Belize is at a relatively high 45 per 100,000 people. Those homicides rarely include foreigners, however, according to OSAC which reports not only that"major crimes remain low around popular tourist destinations (including the Mayan ruins)," but also that the terrorism threat is low.

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Photo Credit: The Cryoborg

Why You Should Go: The smallest Spanish-speaking country in South America is also one of the safest and least well known. Away from the crowds of neighboring Brazil, Uruguay has beaches, resorts, and adventures to compete with any of its Latin American neighbors. Popular pursuits include hot air ballooning, fishing, and boating. The wine here is outstanding, and marijuana is legal for citizens. (Visitors are banned from purchasing it, for the record.) If you love a tropical beach atmosphere with friendly locals, but hate the usual crowds, this may be the place for you.

Why It's Safe: There are currently no travel warnings or alerts for Uruguay, and it is ranked by the Global Peace Index as the second safest country in South America. According to OSAC, crimes against foreigners are mostly non-violent theft. The homicide rate is a low 7.1 per 100,000.

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8. Paraguay

Photo Credit: petpan81 on Flickr

Why You Should Go: Under-the-radar, landlocked Paraguay has scenic landscapes, waterfalls, natural lakes, and rivers. In the capitol city of Asunción, next to the Paraguay River, you may want to check out the train museum at the oldest train station in South America, Museo Ferroviario. It's a history-packed reminder of the illustrious past of train travel in Latin America, complete with handwritten log books. Nearby is the grand López Palace, Paraguay's version of the White House. 

Panteon Nacional de los Heroes is another impressive building, a mausoleum and memorial to the country's soldiers. Paraguay can be a real bargain, assuming you're traveling with American dollars. And you may well be the only person in your circle who has been there. 

Why It's Safe: There are currently no travel warnings or alerts for Paraguay from the U.S. State Department, and it is ranked as the fifth safest country in South America by the Global Peace Index. Paraguay has a low homicide rate of under nine per 100,000 people (down from a high of 24 in 2002).

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Source: The Safest Destinations in Latin America