Tripadvisor reveals the most popular world destination for 2022

Jan 19 2022

Tripadvisor has revealed that a 20th century fishing village which became a 21st century global hot spot for high-end travel is the most popular destination for 2022.

Releasing its ‘Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2022: The Best of the Best Destinations’, United Arab Emirates’ Dubai has ranked at the top of the list, followed by London, UK and Cancun, Mexico.

Tripadvisor stated that Dubai has been slowly rising in the ranks of it’s Traveler’s Choice Awards over the past few years, ‘and now in 2022 takes the crown of the number one most popular destination in the world.’

Director of media, destinations and travel at Tripadvisor Justin Reid said that despite the effects of the pandemic, Dubai ‘still attracted visitors from near and far over the past year, and has stood out as their favourite place to go in a year when they really need some excitement.’

Rules for entry can be a bit complicated due to COVID, with UAE having opened its applications for tourist visas to vaccinated travellers from all countries apart from a dozen African nations. A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival must be presented.

The top 10 trending destinations list on the other hand is topped by Spain’s Mallorca, followed by Cairo, Egypt and Rhodes, Greece.

Tripadvisor also has other specific lists – one for food lovers, which Rome tops; for outdoor enthusiasts, won by Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano National Park; and even one for sun seekers, which Cancun tops.

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Protest by nurse union after hospital technicians have yearly bonus denied

Jan 19 2022

After Mater Dei Hospital technicians were denied their annual allowance which was stipulated in their sectorial agreement, the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses (MUMN) protested outside the Health Ministry in Valletta.

Speaking in front of the health ministry, union members said that around 24 workers who fix medical equipment are owed €2,500 annually. The Union’s president Paul pace said that for reasons unknown, the government refused to meet with union representatives to discuss the matter in any capacity.

The union also alleged that the union directives that have been in place since December have been ignored. Pace said instead of finding a resolution, the health minister instead decided to hire an outside contractor to carry out duties affected by directives.

According to an agreement signed in 2017, the workers are responsible for special medical equipment and are entitled to this allowance. The MUMN said that this has not been paid since 2019, whilst colleagues in the same division received it. Pace is urging the government to come forward and open dialogue on the issue.

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World’s oldest man passes away just before his 113th birthday

Jan 19 2022

The world’s Guinness approved oldest man has passed away less than one month before celebrating what would have been his 113th birthday.Saturnino de la Fuente Garcia from Spain achieved the Guinness World Record for being the oldest living male in September 2021, when he was recorded as being exactly 112 years and 211 days old.

Saturnino was born on February 11th, 1909, and was just a matter of weeks away from his next birthday. The World Records company shared the sad news late on Tuesday January 18th, announcing this remarkable man’s passing.He was described as having lived a ‘kind and long’ life without ‘hurting anyone’ – a trait which he had himself claimed to be his secret to long life. He welcomed seven daughters, 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren throughout his life.

Also establishing a flourishing shoemaker business, Saturnino managed to avoid enlistment in the 1936 Spanish Civil War thanks to his short height, going on to create boots for the army. The Spanish football fan saw a great deal in his life, having lived well over a century and a decade. He had emphasised the quiet life and being kind to others as the most important things in life.

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First solar powered roundabout inaugurated in Malta

Jan 19 2022

A new roundabout in Ħal Safi became the first one in Malta to be implanted with photovoltaic technology. All of its electrical and irrigational functions will be generated by photovoltaic cells through renewable energy.

Energy Minister Aaron Farrugia announced this, who said that this is the first of its kind on the island which depends completely on sources of renewable energy.

Farrugia said that this roundabout was removed in the beginning of last year, but has now been reinstalled as part of a renewable project, along with the planting of new greenery.

The project seeks to save up to 10kg of carbon emissions every 24 hours. The minister said that this project is an example of how local councils and other entities can join forces to create sustainable projects.’

‘In this case’, the Minister said, ‘it is a combination of renewable energy along with urban aesthetic improvement so both can give an example, improve our urban landscape, provide benefits to pollinating systems and acquire the benefits of solar energy.’

Seasonal plants were also planted to beautify the project, with all of the vegetation being appropriate for Malta’s climate and not needing excessive watering.

Ħal Safi’s mayor Johan Mula said that the local council wished that this project be 100% environmentally safe from the start. He explained how the solar panels which have been installed are the only source for the function of the project which includes an irrigation system for the watering of several bushes, an LED system and a water pump.

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