Arch and Tourism

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:12:00 +0000

An architecture for a self-adapting information

system for tourists

VASILIOS ZARIKAS1 , GEORGIOS PAPATZANIS1, CONSTANTINE STEPHANIDIS1,2

1 Institute of Computer Science

Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas

Science and Technology Park of Crete

Heraklion, Crete GR-71110 Greece

e-mail: {vzarikas, gpap, cs}@ics.forth.gr

2 Department of Computer Science, University of Crete

Abstract: The paper briefly describes the design of the architecture of the PALIO system (Personalised

Access to Local Information and services for tOurists), focusing on the support for extensive adaptation. The framework provides a location-aware information system for tourists, capable of delivering fully adaptive information to a wide range of devices, including mobile ones. Its open and expandable architecture can integrate a variety of pre-existing or forthcoming services and retrieve information from a collection of different databases. It supports adaptability and dynamic adaptivity, according to user and context characteristics, both in the content and the presentation of information.

Introduction

The notion of universal access in the Information Society (Stephanidis et al., 1998; Stephanidis & Emiliani, 1999) is rooted on the concept of universal design, as it has evolved over the past decade. Universal design refers to the conscious effort to consider and take into account the widest possible range of end-user requirements throughout the development life-cycle of a product or service (Story, 1998). In recent years, universal design has been applied in interior and workplace design (Mueller, 1998), housing (Mace, 1998) and landscapes (Story, 1998). In the context of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), design for all implies a proactive approach towards products and environments that can be accessible and usable by the broadest possible end-user population, without the need for additional adaptations or specialized (re-)design (Stephanidis & Emiliani, 1999). Building upon the results of earlier projects, such as ACCESS1 and AVANTI2 (Stephanidis et al., 2001), the PALIO project sets out to address the issue of anyone and anywhere access to community-wide services. This is an extension of previous efforts, as it accommodates a broader perspective on adaptation beyond desktop access. In what follows, we will briefly overview how this project addresses the issue of universal access and how it advances the current state of affairs by considering novel types of adaptation based on context and situation awareness.

The main challenge of the PALIO project is the creation of an open system for accessing and retrieving information without constraints and limitations (imposed by space, time, access technology, etc). Therefore, the system should be modular and capable of interoperating with other existing information systems. In this scenario, mobile communication systems play an essential role, because they enable access to services from anywhere and at anytime.

One important aspect of the PALIO system is the support of a wide range of communication technologies (mobile or wired) to access services. In particular, it will be possible for a user, who is equipped either with a common cellular phone or an advanced WAP phone, to access services from any place. This paper describes the types of adaptation that the PALIO system exhibits, as well as the architecture that supports the adaptation features specified below.

Adaptation and PALIO

The PALIO project proposes a new framework, which supports the provision of tourist services in an integrated open structure. The framework under consideration is capable of providing information from local databases in a user friendly and personalised way. The design of the architecture supports the following concepts:

1 TIDE-ACCESS TP1001 project (Development Platform for Unified Access to Enabling Environments), funded by the European Commission (DG XIII). The partnets in the ACCESS consortium are: CNR-IROE (Italy) - Prime contractor; ICS-FORTH (Greece); University of Hertforshire (United Kingdom); University of Athens (Greece); NAWH (Finland); VTT (Finland); Hereward College (United Kingdom); RNIB (United Kingdom); Seleco (Italy); MA Systems & Control (United Kingdom); PIKOMED (Finland).

2 ACTS-AVANTI AC042 project (Adaptable and Adaptive Interaction in Multimedia Telecommunications

Applications), funded by the European Commission (DG XIII). The partnets in the AVANTI consortium are: ALCATEL Siette (Italy) - Prime contractor; CNR-IROE (Italy); ICS-FORTH (Greece); GMD (Germany);

University of Sienna (Italy); MA Systems (UK); MATH-EMA (Italy); VTT (Finland); ECG (Italy); University of

Linz (Austria); TELECOM ITALIA (Italy); EUROGICIEL (France).

o Integration of wireless and wired technologies.

o Location awareness.

o Adaptation of the information content to meet user and context requirements.

o Adaptation of the user interface to meet user and context requirements.

o Context adaptation.

o Scalability of the information, and interoperability between the different services provided.

Adaptation at the context level refers to:

o Awareness of the environment where the user interacts (location, time, weather condition, noise, companions, description of the surrounding area).

o Awareness by the system of the particular device in use and proper response / communication with the client application / platform that the tourist uses for the communication.

o Awareness and reconciliation of bandwidths, of the status of wireless communication (Cheverest et al., 1998), of switching between different network providers (Ebling & Satyanarayanan, 1998), etc.

In PALIO, our aim is to construct a state of the art system that addresses the real requirements of tourists for assisted guidance. While, the HCI research community has successfully developed solutions for supporting the design of user interfaces for "static" contexts of use, this is not yet the case for mobile computing and for nomadic interaction (Johnson, 1998). PALIO attempts to provide solutions in this direction building upon the Unified User Interface Architecture (Stephanidis, 2001). The latter provides the required ground for the development of systems that are adaptable and adaptive to the individual end-user requirements in different contexts of use.

Since the interaction situations are dynamically changing, there is an explicit need for both "horizontal divergence" and vertical "specialisation" in the resulting response of the system, so that it will be able to capture the range of user and usage-context requirements). Therefore, different design alternatives will support the output, either within or across interaction sessions (Stephanidis, 2001).

Applications for mobile computing must be designed to cope with the level of uncertainty that is inevitably introduced (Rodden, 1998). This is true due to less connection stability, less predictable availability, and more latency. This is one of our motivations for employing adaptation via decision-making theory under uncertainty in the PALIO project.

For agents that require simple decision making logic, common "if-else" structures implemented with common programming, may suffice. However, the advanced adaptation features that PALIO needs to develop require a more sophisticated approach using knowledge representation frameworks, decision -making models based on statistical reasoning and probabilistic based decision models. These models should encompass learning, which results to intelligent decisions with better performance. In addition, sometimes inferences should be made based only on incomplete knowledge of all the relevant parameters.

There are, at a conceptual level, at least two types of adaptation that are realised in PALIO: "global" adaptation rules that can be applied across services (e.g., adaptation related to the output medium / modality); and "service specific" adaptations that are only applicable in the context of a particular domain / service.

Location-aware mobile multimedia guides have been developed so far (Long et al., 1996), (Davies et al., 1998), which provide information and interaction options according to the location point. The PALIO project fully supports adaptivity and adaptability according to the location point. The architecture of PALIO implements adaptivity proactively. This feature not only leads to meaningful adaptivity, but also

accommodates user-centred design. Furthermore, it allows the enhancement of the adaptive system with new user groups, new services and new interaction styles, after the implementation.

There are a number of important differences between the PALIO system and other contemporary tourist information systems. In the PALIO framework, the user client module does not keep any databases for information retrieval and there is no special pre-installed tourist client application in the devices. As a result, there are less resource demands from the user client.

The components

The system consists of five main building units:

(i) The Service Control Centre ( SCC) is the central block of the PALIO system. It serves as the access point, getting the request from the user. It also provides the runtime platform for the system information services.

(ii) The Generic Information Server (GIS) integrates existing or forthcoming local databases and manages existing information and services, which will be distributed over the network.

(iii) The Communication Layer . This module provides transparent communication between the user and the PALIO system. It unifies over the different communication protocols (WAP, http) and different terminal devices (cellular phones, internet PC's, kiosks, etc.)

(iv) The Adaptation Module is responsible for content and interface adaptation in the PALIO System.

o The Adapter provides the decision-making component of the system. It integrates information concerning the user, the context of use, the access environment and the interaction history, and makes decisions in order to adapt the information content and presentation accordingly.

o The User Model Server (UMS) integrates and manages information concerning user characteristics (e.g., interests, interaction styles), in the forms of both individual user profiles constructed during interactive sessions, and user stereotypes for groups of users that share a number of characteristics.

o The Context Model Server (CMS) assembles the context profiles, using information retrieved from the Usage Context Repository, and informs the adapter about the current context. It processes the information on the customer positioning that comes from GPS device or the mobile telecommunication network.

Information and control flow

The steps numbered and described below are related to the flow of both control commands and information contents in the system and analyse the various functionalities supported in the proposed architecture.

1. The request from the client reaches the SCC by means of the HTTP protocol through the communication layer. The communication layer transforms the request in an XML file and passes it to the SCC.

2. The SCC acquires from this request all the necessary information to satisfy the client (i.e., User Identification, User Agent, Location - for GPS devices- and type of request). If necessary, SCC acquires the client position from the mobile telecommunication network

3. The Adapter gets the information regarding the request, the user, the client device, the client agent and the location and passes it to the user and the context model servers. The adapter passes pieces of information describing parts of the request to the decision making engine.

4. The user model and context model servers update the user profiles and the context situations respectively, using the information coming from step 3.

5. The decision making engine, which holds adaptation rules (general and service specific) and a decision making model, requests and gets from the user-context model servers the appropriate user and context based information regarding interests and attributes.

6. A decision made by the decision making engine is mapped to proper adaptation actions regarding the construction of an adaptive request to the local databases.

7. The adaptation action is passed to the service control centre.

8. The request is adapted on the basis of the instructions coming from step 7 and an XML query is formulated.

9. The request is analysed by the generic information server in order to formulate the necessary query to interrogate the DB that contains the requested information.

10. The queries are forwarded to the Data sources

11. The information that the GIS provides in XML format is now collected from the SCC.

12. The response is assembled with the help of the instructions (adaptation actions regarding presentation) passed into the SCC from the decision making engine. This time, decisions have been made according to service specific and general rules concerning the presentation of the content.

13. The XML response (XML file plus stylesheets) is generated and passed to the communication layer in order to be transformed in the appropriate format (HTML, WML, SMS).

Concluding remarks

We have briefly described how the design of the adaptation infrastructure of PALIO seeks to advance a novel information system in tourist-oriented services. PALIO constitutes a substantial extension over previous efforts on universal access, since it introduces and explicitly accounts for novel types of adaptation and new interactive encounters beyond the desktop. Accordingly, it pursues an architectural model of interaction which is expected to be of wider applicability in service communities other than tourism.

Acknowledgments

The PALIO project (IST-1999-20656) is partly funded by the Information Society Technologies Programme of the European Commission – DG Information Society. The partners in the PALIO consortium are: ASSIOMA S.p.A. (Italy) - Prime Contractor; CNR-IROE (Italy); Comune di Firenze (Italy); FORTH-ICS (Greece); GMD (Germany); Telecom Italia Mobile S.p.A. (Italy); University of Sienna (Italy);

Comune di Siena (Italy); MA Systems and Control Ltd (UK); FORTHnet (Greece).

References

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Johnson (Ed.), Proceedings of the First Workshop on Human Computer Interaction with Mobile Devices,

Glasgow. On-line at: http://www.dcs.gla.ac.uk/~johnson/papers/mobile/HCIMD1.html#_Toc420818990

Davies, N., Mitchell, K., Cheverst, K., & Blair, G.S. (1998, March). Developing a Context Sensitive Tourist Guide.

Technical Report Computing Department, Lancaster University.

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Applications: The Cyberguide Case Study. In Proceedings of the 2nd ACM International Conference on

Mobile Computing (MOBICOM '96), Rye. New York: ACM Press.

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Johnson (Ed.), Proceedings of the "First Workshop on Human Computer Interaction with Mobile Devices",

Glasgow. On-line:

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Development: The AVANTI Web Browser. In C. Stephanidis, (Ed.), User Interfaces for All - Concepts,

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Karagiannidis, C. (1998). Adaptable and Adaptive User Interfaces for Disabled Users in the AVANTI Project.

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Wisata di Sumatera Selatan

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:09:00 +0000

Jembatan Ampera

Jembatan Ampera adalah sebuah jembatan di Kota Palembang, Provinsi Sumatera Selatan, Indonesia yang dibangun pada tahun 1960 sebagai bayaran Jepang kepada Indonesia atas penjajahannya dulu. Jembatan Ampera, yang telah menjadi semacam lambang kota, terletak di tengah-tengah kota Palembang, menghubungkan daerah Seberang Ulu dan Seberang Ilir yang dipisahkan oleh Sungai Musi. Jembatan ini dibuat oleh Jepang. Dahulunya bagian tengah dari jembatan ini bisa dinaikkan dan diturunkan bila ada kapal yang akan lewat.
Lokasi :Palembang

Air Terjun Bedegung

Air Terjun Bedegung atau Air

Terjun Curup Tenang merupakan air terjun tertinggi (99 m) di Sumatera Selatan yang terletak dekat Desa Bedegung, Kecamatan Tanjung Agung, sekitar 56 km di selatan Muara Enim.

Air terjun ini bersumber dari mata air yang tak pernah kering di celah Bukit Barisan dan ke bawah membentuk sebuah sungai kecil yang deras. Curup Bedegung merupakan objek wisata alam handalan daerah ini.

Untuk memudahkan para pengunjung mendekati air terjun, tersedia jalan setapak sepanjang 600 meter yang dibangun di tepi sungai dan sebuah jembatan yang melintasi sungai kecil yang deras itu. Sedangkan di atas sungai tersedia lapangan parkir, warung-warung yang menyediakan makan dan minuman. Dan agak ke hilir, terdapat sebuah tempat pemandian alam dan tempat memancing, lengkap dengan fasilitasnya.

Air terjun alami ini merupakan tempat rekreasi yang memberikan kesejukan bagi pengunjung karena hembusan angin yang membawa butiran-butiran air. Suasana alam pegunungan di sekitarnya benar-benar mengesankan.

Untuk memudahkan para pengunjung yang datang dari luar kabupaten, pemerintah daerah sudah membangun jalan baru dari Prabumulih ke Simpang Meo sepanjang 87 km melalui areal hutan tanaman industri dan perkebunan kelapa sawit. Dengan demikian jarak tempuh dari Palembang menuju Curup Tenang hanya sekitar 2 jam saja atau sekitar 177 km. Jarak ini lebih singkat dibandingkan melalui Muara Enim yang berarti harus menempuh 239 km.

Air Terjun Lematang dan Ndikat

Di antara Lahat dan Pagar Alam terdapat dua air terjun yang masing-masing setin

ggi 40 meter lebih. Lebih dekat ke arah Lahat disebut Air Terjun Ndikat, sedangkan ke arah Pagar Alam disebut Air Terjun Lematang. Keduanya menampilkan panorama alam yang sama indahnya.

Pada hari-hari libur atau Minggu, kedua air terjun ini ramai dikunjungi wisatawan untuk rekreasi atau piknik.

Kedua tempat wisata ini dapat dijangkau dengan kendaraan bermotor, baik dari Lahat maupun Pagar Alam. Namun untuk lebih mendekat ke air terjun harus turun berjalan kaki.

Yang tidak kurang asyiknya adalah selama perjalanan melalui tikungan tajam sehingga cukup menegangkan.

Benteng Kuto Besar

Benteng Kuto Besak adalah bangunan keraton yang pada abad XVIII menjadi pusat Kesultanan Palembang. Gagasan mendirikan Benteng Kuto Besar diprakarsai oleh Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I yang memerintah pada tahun 1724-1758 dan pelaksanaan pembangunannya diselesaikan oleh penerusnya yaitu Sultan Mahmud Bahauddin yang memerintah pada tahun 1776-1803.

Sultan Mahmud Bahauddin ini adalah seorang tokoh kesultanan Palembang Darussalam yang realistis dan praktis dalam perdagangan Internasional serta seorang agamawan yang menjadikan Palembang sebagai pusat sastra agama di Nusantara. Menandai perannya sebagai sultan ia pindah dari Keraton Kuto Lamo ke Kuto Besak. Belanda menyebut Kuto Besak sebagai nieuwe keraton alias keraton baru.

Benteng ini mulai dibangun pada tahun 1780 dengan arsitek yang tidak diketahui dengan pasti dan pelaksanaan pengawasan pekerjaan dipercayakan pada seorang Tionghoa. Semen perekat bata dipergunakan batu kapur yang ada di daerah pedalaman Sungai Ogan ditambah dengan putih telur. Waktu yang dipergunakan untuk membangun Kuto Besak ini kurang lebih 17 tahun. Ditempati secara resmi pada hari Senin pada tanggal 21 Feburari 1797.

Berbeda dengan letak keraton lama yang berlokasi di daerah pedalaman, keraton baru berdiri di posisi yang sangat terbuka, strategis, dan sekaligus sangat indah. Posisinya menghadap ke Sungai Musi.

Pada masa itu, Kota Palembang masih dikelilingi oleh anak-anak sungai yang membelah wilayah kota menjadi pulau-pulau. Kuto Besak pun seolah berdiri di atas pulau karena dibatasi oleh Sungai Sekanak di bagian barat, Sungai Tengkuruk di bagian timur, dan Sungai Kapuran di bagian utara.

Benteng Kuto Besak saat ini ditempati oleh Komando Daerah Militer (Kodam).

Pembangunan dan penataan kawasan di sekitar Plaza Benteng Kuto Besak diproyeksikan akan menjadi tempat hiburan terbuka yang menjual pesona Musi dan bangunan- bangunan bersejarah. Jika dilihat dari daerah Seberang Ulu atau Jembatan Ampera, pemandangan yang tampak adalah pelataran luas dengan latar belakang deretan pohon palem di halaman Benteng Kuto Besak, dan menara air di Kantor Wali Kota Palembang.

Di kala malam hari, suasana akan terasa lebih dramatis. Cahaya dari deretan lampu- lampu taman menciptakan refleksi warna kuning pada permukaan sungai. Pemerintah Kota Palembang memiliki sejumlah rencana pengembangan untuk mendukung Plaza Benteng Kuto Besak sebagai obyek wisata.

Lokasi : Di tepi Sungai Musi (Dekat Museum SMB II)

Mesjid Agung

Mesjid Agung Palembang yang terletak di pusat kota juga merupakan salah satu

peninggalan Kesultanan Palembang. Mesjid ini didirikan oleh Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I atau Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Jaya Wikramo mulai tahun 1738 sampai 1748.

Ukuran bangunan mesjid waktu pertama dibangun semula seluas 1.080 meter persegi dengan daya tampung 1.200 jemaah. Perluasan pertama dilakukan dengan wakaf Sayid Umar bin Muhammad Assegaf Altoha dan Sayid Achmad bin Syech Sahab yang dilaksanakan pada tahun 1897 di bawah pimpinan Pangeran Nataagama Karta Manggala Mustafa Ibnu Raden Kamaluddin.

Perluasan kedua kali pada tahun 1930. Tahun 1952 dilakukan lagi perluasan oleh Yayasan Mesjid Agung yang pada tahun 1966-1969 membangun tambahan lantai kedua sehingga luas mesjid sampai sekarang 5.520 meter persegi dengan daya tampung 7.750 jemaah.

Pembangunan pertama tahun 1758 dengan bentu menara segi enam setinggi 30 meter dengan garis tengah 3 meter. Tahun 1874 menara diperbaiki dan tahun 1916 disempurnakan lagi dengan biaya wakaf kaum muslimin di bawah syarikat Islam.

Menara kedua dibangun tahun 1970 atas sumbangan Pertamina yang diresmikan 1 Februari 1971. Tinggi menara sekarang 45 meter dengan bentuk persegi 12 yang didesain M. Atsjad Joenoes.

Bukit Serelo

Bukit Serelo terletak sekitar 20 km dari kota Lahat. Penduduk setempat menyebutn

ya Bukit Tunjuk, karena bentuk puncaknya yang mirip telunjuk yang mencuat ke langit.

Jika anda bepergian dari Muara Enim, menjelang 20 km memasuki kota Lahat, bukit itu terlihat jelas di sebelah kiri. Di bawahnya terdapat sebuah kompleks untuk menjinakkan, melatih dan mendidik gajah. Sekitar 40 ekor sudah dijinakkan di tempat ini, namun baru sebagian yang dapat diandalkan untuk para pengunjung.

Di bawah bukit terdapat beberapa tempat untuk berkemah atau rekreasi. Para pramuka dan anak-anak muda acapkali mengunjungi tempat-tempat itu. Sebuah sungai kecil dengan air yang jernih dan belum tercemar, dapat menyegarkan anda.

Lokasi :

sumber : Visit Musi 2008-Musi Tourism Board

Miss Universe visits Borobudur

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:52:00 +0000

Magelang, C Java (ANTARA News)
Miss Universe Dayana Mendonza (22) in her current tour of Indonesia paid a visit to the well known Buddhist temple of Borobudur in Magelang district, Central Java, on Monday.

Accompanied by Miss Indonesia 2008, Zivanna Lestisha Siregar, Mendonza arrived at the temple at around 8.30 am.

Director for Operation and Development of Borobudur and Prambanan Temples, Guntur Puronomo Adi received the Miss Universe in the Borobudur temple yard. Purnomo Adi when receiving the Miss Universe was accompanied by Retno Hardiasiwi, head of the Borobudur Tourism Park unit.

Guntur handed over a gift in the form of a book titled "Borobudur Prayer in Stone" to Mendonza. Besides, the book, the Miss Universe also received a traditional `batik` cloth with a motive of the Borobudur temple.

Mendonza had an observation tour of the temple, and walked around the stupa in the temple peak. She happened to try to reach one of the Buddhist statue named "Kunto Bimo" by Javanese people.

Javanese believed that whoever was able to touch the legs of the statue would be awarded with welfare and have his or her prayers answered.

Mendonze left the temple at 9.10 am after taking a picture in the temple`s yard.(*)

Source: ANTARA News.

DESTINATION PLACE PLANNING AND DESIGN

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:40:00 +0000

Annals of Tourism Research, Vol. 26, No. 4, pp. 772±791, 1999 # 1999

0160-7383/99/$20.00+0.00

Pergamon

PII: S0160-7383(99)00007-9

www.elsevier.com/locate/atoures

DESTINATION PLACE PLANNING

AND DESIGN

Dianne Dredge

University of Newcastle, Australia

Abstract: Destination place management requires that land use and development issues beaddressed. Despite considerable advancement in the methodological processes, there is still no clear conceptual destination model to address these issues. Existing models have largely been developed through a fragmented case-study approach and have not yet achieved a suf®ciently integrated conceptual basis for a comprehensive understanding of the spatial characteristics of destination regions. This paper attempts to sharpen the conceptualization of the core elements of destination regions by building upon existing models and concepts. The model presented here is a systemic construct and provides for a common platform from which investigations can proceed into the normative and functional aspects of spatial destination design. Keywords: planning, destination regions, models. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Re Âsume Â: Plani®cation et conception du lieu de destination. La gestion du lieu de destination exige une conside Âration des questions de politique agraire et de de Âveloppement. Malgre Â des avances conside Ârables dans les processus me Âthodologiques, il n'existe pas encore de mode Ále conceptuel clair pour ces questions de destination. les mode Áles existants ont e Âte Â de Âveloppe Âs surtout par des approches fragmentaires d'e Âtudes de cas et n'ont pas de base conceptuelle suf®samment inte Âgre Âe pour bein comprendre les caracte Âristiques spatiales des re Âgions de destinations. Cet article essaie d'af®ner la conceptualisation des e Âle Âments fondementaux des re Âgions de destinations en ba Ãtissant sur des mode Áles et concepts existants. Le mode Ále pre Âsente Â ici est une construction syste Âmatique pour une plateforme commune des investigations sur les aspects normatifs et fonctionnels de la conception spatiale de destina-tion. Mots-cle Âs: plani®cation, re Âgions de destination, mode Áles. # 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important challenges arising from the goal of sustainable tourism development is destination planning. The traditional boosterism approach to development has been oriented toward reducing barriers and in stimulating market interest (Getz 1987). This emphasis has resulted from importance being placed on the economic bene®ts of the industry, such as income generation, employment creation and regional development. However, researchers into the impacts of tourism are increasingly noting that the tra ditional market-driven approach does not always provide the most appropriate or sustainable solution (Inskeep 1987, 1988). Some form of intervention is necessary to protect the environmental assets on which tourism is based, to mitigate social and cultural impacts, and to maximize economic bene®ts and minimize negative impacts (Inskeep 1991).

While the most desirable framework for this intervention depends upon the nature of tourism itself as well as political and administrative frameworks, it is increasingly being recognized that development issues should be addressed as part of a comprehensive planning process (Getz 1986, 1988; Inskeep 1991). In addition to market planning, the spatial implications of tourism also need to be addressed (Fagence 1991, 1995; Gunn 1993). In addressing the pragmatic concerns associated with destination management, Ashworth and Dietvorst (1995) argue that it is essential to integrate tourism into local place management policy. That is, tourism is reliant upon a community's stock of natural and human resources; however, these resources are frequently planned and managed under other statutory and non-statutory planning regimes, such as land use planning, natural resource management and community economic development schemes. Most of these regimes are primarily concerned with other issues and are conducted independently of tourism planning initiatives. Accordingly, if destination place

management is to be effective, it should be integrated into existing planning frameworks.

This paper is concerned with the integration of tourism into the physical or land use planning framework. In simple terms, land use planning is a statutory process which aims to identify a vision for the spatial development of an area and to pursue this by designating a preferred pattern of land use. It is a process which is carried out at the local or regional level as opposed to market-oriented tourism planning which is most commonly carried out at the regional level or above. The aim of land use planning requires that developmental issues be spatially interpreted. Frequently however, there is little or no guidance in the form of spatial strategies at higher levels of government (Fagence 1991). In some countries, this hiatus has resulted in a situation where development processes become complicated and protracted as planners attempt to assess projects on an ad hoc basis using planning documents which have been elaborated without full consideration of tourism development issues (Dredge and Moore 1991; Long 1994). It is argued that despite considerable advancements in the development of methodo-

logical processes of tourism planning (Getz 1988; Inskeep 1988, 1991; Lawson and Boyd-Bovy 1977) there is a lack of spatial concepts, models and theories from which the land use planner can draw. This in turn can exacerbate the dif®culty in integrating destination place management into the land-use planning framework.

An analysis of spatial models of tourism corroborates this perspective. Pearce (1995) detects considerable fragmentation of spatial tourism models, noting that many have been developed inde pendently of one another, with little or no recognition of or attempt to build on previous efforts. Furthermore, few have been subject to critical appraisal or empirical testing. Fagence (1995) acknowledges that the main contributions of these models lie in establishing the relevance of certain geographical concepts such as spatial interaction between components, distance decay from origins to destinations, nodal hierarchies, tour circuits, and specialization between destinations and nodal interdependency. While these may be important in understanding the geographical nature of tourism, their use for the purposes of identifying a preferred pattern of land use is limited due to their predominantly descriptive or explanatory nature. Mitchell and Murphy (1991:65) argue that ``despite

attempts to cast spatial and environmental relationships into a broader theoretical framework, there is still a need to integrate such models into more comprehensive paradigms of land-use and tourist behavior'' (1991:65). Jansen-Verbeke (1992) observes that despite the plethora of models and concepts to aid in the planning of housing, traf®c, industrial, and commercial activities, there are few such models in relation to tourism and recreation planning. The aim of this paper is to sharpen the conceptualization of the core elements which comprise destination regions in order to assist the land-use planning process. In doing so, the paper draws from a number of existing models, concepts, and theories in order to build a framework for improved destination place design in as much as physical planning, land use, and development issues are involved.

DESTINATION PLACE PLANNING AND DESIGN

Planning is the process of establishing a strategic vision for an area which re¯ects a community's goals and aspirations and implementing this through the identi®cation of preferred patterns of land use and appropriate styles of development. Traditionally, the range of concern for planners has been narrowly focused on residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. Tourism, because it involves a wide range of interrelated land uses, has usually not been considered in its entirety, but has been compartmentalized for the sake of expediency. However, the stimulus for local planners to become more involved in destination planning and management stems from changes that have been occurring in the profession over the last two decades. Issues such as sustainable development and community consultation have had an enormous impact on the planners' self perception and the way they de®ne their role (Forrester 1989). They are increasingly moving away from an insular bureaucratic role to encompass a wide range of other considerations, including environmental protection, commercial and corporate interests and public opinion, that have previously been considered outside their domain.

In an era of growing specialization and differentiation of community interests, increasing public participation and access to the decision-making process, the task of balancing this growing range of issues is dif®cult. The planners' role is neither rational nor compreDESTINATION PLACE PLANNING AND DESIGN 774 hensive (since it is impossible for all factors to be investigated and considered equally) but is bounded by a number of personal, pro fessional, and political factors (Forrester 1989). These may include the education and training of the individual, personal attitudes and beliefs, understanding of the issues at hand, ability of the planner to present and justify recommendations, and the in¯uence of lobby

groups and the professional tools which the planner employs. It is the last factor, professional tools, which is the concern of this paper. Since tourism issues must compete against all other community interests in the development of place management policy, the planner must have available a range of tools in the form of methodologies, concepts, models, and theories to answer critical questions about the most desirable spatial structure of tourism in order to facilitate destination region design and development.

In short, models and concepts are needed which can provide answers to several critical questions. For example, what is the most desirable spatial con®guration to facilitate the ¯ow of tourists, goods, and services to and within a destination region? How can a destination's spatial structure be manipulated to enhance its ``sense of place'', to promote a sense of security, and to heighten environmental ``legibility'' for tourists who ®nd themselves in an unfamiliar environment? How can a destination maximize its integration with the wider regional, provincial, or national tourism product? Can the spatial structure be manipulated in order to facilitate the protection of natural, social, and built attributes which make a destination appealing? What is the most appropriate and cost-effective spatial sequencing for tourism? Planning tools come in a variety of forms. A brief examination of their types provides a useful basis from

which to organize existing models and concepts of tourism, to determine their contribution, and to identify open problems for future investigation.

Planning Tools

Three broad groups of planning tools exist. The ®rst, process tools, are concerned with the nature of the planning process and are closely aligned with the ®elds of decision-theory and policy analysis. In planning literature the rational comprehensive, blueprint, mixed scanning, and bounded rational models are well known examples (Campbell and Fainstein 1996). In tourism literature, several planning models exist, including Getz (1986), Inskeep (1987, 1988, 1991) and Lawson and Boyd-Bovy (1977). Most of these attempt to forms. In tourism literature, examples of functional tools include center-periphery models (Britton 1980), morphogenic studies of destination regions or their parts (Smith 1992; Stans®eld and Rickert 1970), and analysis of travel behavior patterns (Lundgren 1982). follow the rational comprehensive paradigm. The second group, functional tools, encompass a broad range of theories, models, and concepts which explain the way settlement patterns emerge and function. Derived principally from systems theory, they may be descriptive, explanatory or predictive in nature and may be holistic or focus on one component of a larger system (McLoughlin 1969). More ambitious functional theories attempt to explain the dynamic relationship between human behavior and structure of settlement.

Normative tools, as the third group, deal with the generalizable connections between human values and settlement form. Less well developed and in many ways more nebulous than the preceding groups, normative tools deal with the connection among architectture, urban design, and landscape architecture, a number of normative tools have emerged in planning literature, including Alexander et al's A Pattern Language (Alexander et al 1975) and Lynch's Theory of Good City Form (Lynch 1981). However, examples of normative tools in tourism are scarce. Gunn's regional planning concept (1972) and model of attractions (1965, 1993) are notable examples. These three groups of tools are not independent but are closely and inextricably related. No single tool can address all planning problems in a region. Planners employ a variety of these tools at different stages to de®ne the planning process, to describe and explain the problem under investigation, to generate alternative solutions, and to identify the preferred option. This paper focuses on functional and normative tools of a spatial nature that can assist in strategic land use planning of the destination region.

Spatial Models of Destination Regions

Over the last 30 years a number of models have emerged that can assist in destination region planning and design. They deal with such aspects as spatial structure, hierarchy evolution, travel patterns, and linkages (Table 1). The different disciplinary perspectives from which these models have evolved provide invaluable understanding for planners who are by nature multidisciplinary professionals. Although many of these models contain ideas fundamental to the planning model, only their relevant aspects are discussed in this paper. Detailed descriptions and discussions of the models appear in the original works or in Pearce (1995) and Fagence (1995) who provide extensive overviews.

In relation to the utility of these models for the purposes of planning, ®ve important points are noted. First, models which deal with travel patterns and linkages have been developed primarily based on North American destination regions where the automobile travel dominates; thus these models have limited applicability to other types of destination regions. Furthermore, while the travel patterns generated in a particular region are inextricably related to its physical characteristics (for example, the availability, cost, distance, and condition of routes among points of interest), these models do not tend to recognize these factors and as such are of limited utility to planners.

Second, most of the structural models have been developed out of empirical studies where the existing physical structure of a destination has been generalized in order to understand or explain some

particular phenomena. That is, an inductive logic process has been used to examine and explain a historical process or phenomenon. As a result, existing models of destination regions have tended to re¯ect what is there (i.e., functional models) and not what should be (i.e., normative models). For example, Smith (1992) maps changes in the physical structure of several coastal destinations in order to explain the spatio-evolutionary process of coastal resorts. Miossec (1976, 1977) describes a destination's evolution based on spatial characteristics, transport, tourist behavior and attitudes of decision-makers, and the community. While these models provide the planner with an understanding of the processes by which the phenomenon came to be, they do not assist with the identi®cation of a preferred spatial structure, nor do they assist in answering aforementioned critical questions.

Third, the evolutionary models in Table 1 are a diverse group which address various aspects of destination region development. Plog's allocentric-psychocentric model (1973) and Butler's destination lifecycle model (1980) are examples which are widely cited but for which important criticisms are emerging (Getz 1992; Haywood 1986; Leiper 1995). These models attempt to describe some evolutionary process but are neither explanatory nor predictive and hence of limited use in planning destination regions. Fourth, since most of the models are empirically derived, many lack wide ranging applicability across different types of destinations such as island and land-based destinations or those of different scales (e.g., regions or nations). They also lack wide ranging applicability to a number of different markets such as drive, cruise, or ¯y segments. Fifth, while there is some consensus over the components of the destination region (i.e., nodes, paths, and networks), investigations into the nature of and relationships among these components have been scant.

Despite these criticisms, there are a number of important ideas that emerge from the analysis of existing models and which provide the basis for the development of a spatial model for destination region planning and design. One, Gunn (1972, 1988, 1993) has made considerable progress in describing the physical structure of destination regions. While his work is widely cited, he remains one of only a handful of researchers who have devoted attention to describing and developing models of desirable destination structures. In his regional planning concept, Gunn (1993) identi®es ®ve key elements, emphasizing that the linkages among them should be given special attention to destination planning. These elements are a de®nable regional boundary, access from markets and internal circulation corridor, community attraction complexes, a non-attraction hinterland, and entrances or gateways to the region. Mill and Morrison re¯ect this view suggesting that not only are destinations a fundamental part of the total tourism system, but the destination itself is a system which consists of a mix of attractions and services where ``each part is dependent upon other parts for success in attracting, servicing, and satisfying the tourist'' (1985:xix).

Within the destination region, as the second perspective, a number of nodes or points exist. These have been called destinations or community attraction complexes (Gunn 1993) and contain attractions (also called ``nuclei'') and services. In order to get away from confusing and ambiguous situations where there are destinations within destination regions, or attractions within attraction complexes, here the term ``nodes'' is used to refer to clusters of attractions and services which together form a local subdestination. Gunn (1993) observes that these nodes comprise attractions, services, and facilities and are organized into clusters which are surrounded by a non-attraction hinterland. This is the fabric of the destination community and contains residential areas and business and industrial land uses servicing both the permanent and temporary population. Gunn (1993:270) suggests a spatial structure for these nodes in the form of three concentric rings. The nucleus is the center: it is an attraction, a sight, or an object of signi®cance to a tourist. This is then surrounded by an inviolate belt. The latter provides the immediate physical and psychological setting for a tourist experience.

The inviolate belt is then surrounded by a zone of closure which is the ``outer area of in¯uence'' and which contains any services and facilities which support tourism. Apart from this model, there has been little work focusing on the composition of and relationship among nodes.

Paths, or circulation corridors link tourist generating markets to destination regions and link nodes within destination regions; and this forms the third position emerging from the analysis of existing development models. Early research by Mariot (1969, in Pearce 1995) suggests that there are three types of routes: access, return, and recreational routes. In this case the concept of touring emerges based on tourists' desire to visit multiple destinations in order to ful®ll multiple motivations. In research which appears independent from Mariot's earlier work, Lue, Crompton and Fesenmaier (1993) observe that pleasure tourism comprises a relatively complex pattern of interdependent activities even in groups as small as two persons and that this heterogeneity encourages visitation to multiple destination regions or single ones with multiple nodes (subdestinations). Their work centers on the description of recreational pursuits including, but not limited to, tourism.

Lue et al (1993) identify ®ve patterns of multi-destination pleasure trips which are relevant to tourist travel. (a) There is the single destination pattern where a single node provides the sole reason for the pleasure trip. (b) There is the en-route pattern where a single attraction provides the focus of the trip; however, other ``places of interest'' may be visited along the way. These enroute attractions are established between the origin and the primary destination so that tourists are drawn off their most direct route. (c) The base-camp pattern represents a direct journey from origin to primary destination which is subsequently used as a ``base camp'' to visit other places of interest in the region. (d) The regional tour pattern depicts the scenario where a tourist goes to a destination region and visits many places of interest before returning to their origin. (e) The trip chaining pattern represents a tourism vacation that includes a number of foci. Tourists' itineraries involve visiting multiple destinations and going from one to another, rather than having a single focal destination. It is assumed that in these models the points visited are not simply attractions, sights, or objects at which a given motivation is being ful®lled, but are nodes which contain tourism services and facilities. In this case, these models provide a good starting point for the exploration of the nodal structure of destination regions and ultimately, the conceptualization of a spatial model for destination region planning and design.

Role of Nodes in the Destination Region

Despite the importance of attractions in the destination region, there are few researchers who have addressed their structure in detail. Most have preferred to focus upon developing frameworks for typologies, classi®cations, and inventories (Lew 1987). Leiper (1990, 1995) argues that it is more useful to develop an understanding of the function of attractions than to develop methods to categorize them. He observes that the treatment given to attractions in past research has often lacked scienti®c quality and suggests that a systemic approach provides the necessary framework. Drawing from earlier work by Gunn (1972) and MacCannell (1976), Leiper identi®es three components of an attraction system: a nucleus, a tourist, and a marker. A nucleus is ``the central element in all tourist attractions, [and] might be any feature or characteristic of a place that a person visits or contemplates visiting for tourism''. Different degrees of signi®cance may be acknowledged by classifying nuclei into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

As to his second component, he states that tourists are a subset of travelers and are de®ned as ``persons contemplating or making overnight trips to the extent that their behavior involves leisure ex-

periences which include personal contact with features or characteristics of places visited''. A marker, the third component, ``is an item of information or image, received by a tourist, about anything which

could be the nucleus of an attraction'' (1995:144, 151). While this framework is yet to be widely tested, it contains a number of appealing elements particularly in developing an understanding of destination region spatial structure. In particular, this could be used to study the way destinations attract tourists, to understand the nature and patterns of visitation to nodes within the destination, and to provide a window to the structure and function of attraction complexes as fundamental components of destination regions.

A Model for Destination Region Design

On the basis of this literature review and discussion, a spatial model for destination region planning and design is proposed. The model is expressed in an abstract fashion with the intention that it can be applied to different types of destinations and across different scales. It is intended to represent a destination region dominated by pleasure tourism, rather than travel motivated by other reasons, such as business trips or visiting friends and relatives. A systemic approach is taken which allows the destination region to be conceptually integrated within other holistic tourism models. This is consistent with the basic tenet of systems theory: a set of interrelated parts with each system in itself and the whole possibly part of a larger system (McLoughlin 1969). Three fundamental assumptions provide the basis for the model: that tourist generating markets and destination regions are separate geographical entities; that the complex and multiscale nature of destinations requires a ¯exible hierarchical structure adapted to suit different locations, scales, and market characteristics; and that the planning and design model comprises a destination region, tourist generating markets, nodes, districts, circulation routes, and gateways.

Destination Regions. In essence, a destination region is a location that a person chooses to visit for at least one night in order to experience some feature or characteristic perceived as satisfying a leisure time experience (Leiper 1990, 1995). A tourist may go to various points within the region; however, where the visit involves an overnight stay in a different location, a new destination region is invoked. Accordingly, two important points emerge with regard to the physical limits of destination regions. Boundaries of destination regions are tied to travel patterns and characteristics. Depending upon characteristics of the visit (e.g., mode or distance traveled), destination regions may be large or small and may or may not overlap. Planners must be aware that these regions exist at different scales in one location and that the use of administrative boundaries commonly adopted in land-use planning may limit proper conceptualization and planning of the destination region.

Tourist Generating Markets. The term tourist generating regions or markets is used to collectively refer to the usual place of residence of potential tourists. Accordingly, any given destination can be as diverse or as limited as the market itself. While tourists go to a destination in order to experience its features or characteristics perceived to be of interest, speci®c demands and expectations are derived from motivations and preferences of tourists and are in¯uenced by conditions within their diverse generating markets. The inclusion of tourist markets is intended to ground the destination region planning and design model within those of whole tourism systems (Leiper 1979; Mill and Morrison 1985) and to serve as a reminder to planners (who are sometimes accused of narrowly focusing upon inappropriate geographical boundaries) that markets and destinations are interdependent and must be considered as part of any destination planning exercise.

Nodes. Nodes comprise two primary components which are quite often interdependent: attraction complexes and service components. Attraction complex comprise any facility that tourists visit or con-

template visiting. The term refers to one or more individual attractions, sights or objects which creates a place of interest. The term uses as a foundation Leiper's (1990, 1995) mode of an attraction system which is comprised of three interrelated components: nuclei, tourists, and markers. Attraction complexes may be located in one geographical location or in spatially distinct clusters within the destination region. The complementary nature of attractions usually increases the overall appeal of the individual nuclei contained within the complex. The complexes usually have a synergetic relationship with each other, thus increasing the overall touristic interest to a level greater than the sum of its individual parts. Leiper also observes that the nuclei (and thus entire complexes) can be organized into a hierarchical structure according to the signi®cance of the attraction.

Travel to and within the destination region is manipulated by the use of markers. The term marker is drawn from MacCannell's (1976) work relating to attractions. A marker is any item of information about a potential attraction and may be promotional or informational in nature. Leiper (1990) de®nes two types of markers: detached markers and contiguous markers. The detached ones are made up of generating and transit markers, with the former located in the market and the latter along the travel route. Contiguous markers refer to information about the attraction that is found at the site. Markers may perform a number of functions, including trip motivation, destination selection, itinerary planning, activity selection, nucleus identi®cation, name connotation, and souvenirs. In relation to destination planning and design, detached markers in¯uence tourism patterns within the destination and thus may

have a signi®cant in¯uence in determining which nodes to be visited, in what sequence, and for what length of time. In this model, generating and transit markers play an important role in providing information about attractions possibly unknown before the trip. Hence, further travel within the destination region may be stimulated and this may potentially increase the length of stay.

At the destination regions the service component comprises a diverse range of facilities such as accommodation, restaurants, retail outlets, and any other services necessary to support visitors. While these are important elements of the destination and have signi®cant economic values in the region, their complementary natures suggest that usually they are not elements which determine a destination region's attraction. However, this is beginning to change. The division between services and attractions is becoming increasingly blurred such as in the case of theater restaurants, casinos, or specialized accommodation establishments and resort complexes, including ecotourist lodges and other themed properties. The service component can have a signi®cant in¯uence over the spatial structure and evolution of the destination. For example, accommodation establishments are likely to locate as close as possible to the attractions of the destination region. The elongated accom modation development characteristic of coastal destinations is an example of this trend (Smith 1992). Furthermore, different styles and classes of accommodation are likely to establish in different nodal levels. For instance, in general, smaller options (such as guesthouses and farm stays) would be found in a tertiary node while ®ve star hotel accommodation is more likely to be located in a primary node. Resort developments in isolated locationsÐsuch as the Mirage Resort in Port Douglas, AustraliaÐhave demonstrated that accommodation developments can create a synergy of their own and can become themselves an attraction. The con®guration of nodes is determined according to the level of attraction of the nuclei. Primary nodes contain nuclei known to the potential tourist while still at their place of origin and which provide the prime motivating force for choosing a destination. Secondary nodes contain those nuclei (also known to the tourist before the trip) which are not the primary motivating force for visiting that

destination. However, the secondary nuclei can contribute to the overall attraction of the destination region when similar destinations are being considered. Tertiary nodes are those which contain nuclei not known to tourists before visiting the region but they become aware of once there. As such, tertiary attractions do not in¯uence the decision to visit a destination, but can in¯uence the length of stay, particularly for independent tourists.

Districts. The concept of districts recognizes that within any single destination region there are precincts or nodes characterized by different tourism emphasis, such as areas in which one particular style or focus of tourism dominates. The atmosphere of a destination is derived in part from the cohesiveness of and consistency within these districts. The Niagara Region (of the United States and Canada together) is an example where within a short distance of each other themed amusement areas, shopping precincts, scenic parklands, and the historic-cultural precinct of Niagara-on-the-Lake exist. Moreover, districts can encompass one or many nodes which possess similar styles of tourism. The existence of such districts supports the notion that any one destination region is likely to be able to ful®ll a variety of tourist needs and expectations. Furthermore, if well planned, these areas can co-exist and even create a synergy where the attraction of the region is more than the sum of its constituent areas.

Circulation Routes. Circulation routes allow the movement of tourists among attraction complexes and services. Lue et al (1993) point out that these routes are chosen based on the motivations of and bene®ts sought by tourists in the destination. While this is not disputed, there are also other factors which in¯uence travel within the destination. The availability of direct linkages, the scenic quality of potential routes, mode of transport used, and positioning of markers also in¯uence the choice of route. The model assumes that not all nodes are linked and that travel along these paths may or may not be bi-directional. In other words, not all visitors will choose to travel the same route when returning to their accommodation (Mariot 1969, in Pearce 1995).

Gateways. Gateways are entrances or arrival zones to the destination region and are located along inter-regional circulation routes. They may be sharply focused at a particular point along a route or involve a gradual transition from one destination to another. Although often unmarked, these gateways perform an important physical and psychological function, for example, to signify arrival in a destination region, to indicate a journey's end, to give a panoramic view of the destination, or to assist in the orientation of

tourists. Gateways are statements about a destination region and accordingly should be given careful consideration in destination planning and design.

The model recognizes that there may be multiple gateways to the region and the one used to enter may not necessarily be the same one used to exit it. Moreover, the gateway used will often depend upon a range of factors including choice of transportation modes, the origin of the tourist, and seasonal conditions such as snow or rain. Entry statements at gateways may be interpreted differently by different market segments. As a result, consideration needs to be given to the most appropriate and desirable entry statements made at each gateway by taking into account the characteristics of tourists most likely to use a particular gate for arrival or departure.

CONCLUSION

The many different typologies of travel patterns identi®ed in earlier models by Campbell (1967), Gunn (1993) and Lue et al (1993) provide the starting point from which the destination region planning and design model is developed. An important feature of this process is that the many different patterns identi®ed by these and other authors can be represented within the model's structure. The hierarchical arrangement of the destination region planning and design model is shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

The single node destination region (Figure 1) describes the situation where tourists go from their places of origin to a single node within the destination region. This node contains either a single nucleus or one attraction complex comprising multiple clustered nuclei. In this situation tourists arrive at the destination and stay in a location that is spatially con®ned in comparison to more complex destination regions. Here all the necessary support services and facilities required during the visit are provided, and no use is made of intra-regional circulation routes. Generating markers in tourist markets provide the stimulus for the trip; and on arrival to the destination tourists may ®nd contiguous markers. A stay at an integrated resort development such as Club Med, where all servicesrequired and desired within the one complex are supplied and thustourists may choose not to venture outside, is an example of this type of destination.

The multiple node destination region (Figure 2) describes the situation where a destination comprises more than one node (attraction complex and service components). It incorporates many of the ideas generated by Lue et al in their base-camp pattern. As already discussed, in this model three levels of nodes are identi®ed: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Examples of multiple node destination regions include the Island of Oahu (Hawaii) or Orlando (Florida), in the United States. It is not necessary for a destination to possess a primary node. The synergy created between secondary nodes may in itself be suf®cient to draw people to the region.

DESTINATION PLACE PLANNING AND DESIGN

The chained destination region (Figure 3) is constructed by connecting either single node and/or multiple node destinations. For example, if a tourist was involved in either en route or regional tour travel patterns described by Lue et al, the models shown in Figures 1 and 2 could be considered part of a larger system of linked destinations. Figure 3 shows this chained destination pattern which depicts the situation where a tourist trip comprises a sequence of two or more distinct destination regions at which at least one night is spent in each. Spatially, these types of destinations are typically larger. For example, drive tours of New Zealand or tourism based on the castles of the Loire River in France are chained destination regions. In the travel among destinations various en route nodes of primary, secondary or tertiary signi®cance are visited. The decision to visit these nodes may or may not be planned. Transit markers within the destination region are thus important in stimulating interest in attractions within the region and may be used to increase the number of nights that a tourist stays in that region before moving on. Each of these overnight stops results in a new destination and hence the planning and management of a chained destination should ideally involve integrated regional planning. In practice, these three types of destination regions may be present within a single travel pattern.

In summary, this integrated model draws together and attempts to set within a spatial planning framework various existing models and concepts such as travel patterns (Campbell 1967; Lue et al 1993), attraction systems (Leiper 1990), and nodal structure (Gunn 1993; Leiper 1990; Miossec 1976). The contribution of this expanded model is in integrating this knowledge to depict destination regions

and how they may be linked and in stimulating inquiry into spatial design parameters for destination land-use planners.

While the model needs to be tested in a wide variety of destination types, potential research could be grouped into two main lines of inquiry. First, the model can be used to develop functional planning tools which describe and predict the way that destination regions emerge and function. Research could focus on single destination regions or investigate how multiple destination regions ®t and function together. This type of research reveals important characteristics about patterns of visitation and structure of trips

which would help tourism planning at both micro and macro levels. Second, considerable potential exists to explore the normative aspects of the model in order to develop planning criteria which describe the characteristics of a ``good destination''. Normative criteria could be identi®ed in terms of both tourists' and residents' perceptions and values. For example, investigations could focus on determining the preferred nodal structure and location in order to minimize tension between the host and guest populations or to maximize legibility of the destination environment for both.

In addition to these lines of academic inquiry, empirical application of the model raises important questions that need to be answered by destination place managers. For example, what type of destination structure is most applicable to the region under study? How does the destination ®t into the broader structure of tourism activity in the region, the state/province, or the country? Answers may be derived from an examination of the location and nature of the gateways and the markets beyond. Can this role of the region be facilitated in any way? What are the characteristics of the existing nodal structure? How does this pattern relate to the existing and future pattern of infrastructure servicing? How does this relate to other nodal structures associated with commercial, industrial, and community activities? Should the existing nodal structure be modi®ed in light of these other considerations? If distinct districts of tourism activity can be identi®ed, are they important to protect and enhance? Can the manipulation of the circulation/access routes assist in enhancing specialized tourism districts and the preferred nodal structure or in¯uence the need for infrastructure servicing in certain areas?

The model developed and presented in this paper attempts to draw together much of the knowledge about destination regions and their various parts. While considerable research is needed to test the model, wide acceptance of a systemic model such as this one would help to overcome the fragmentation of previous modeling and in establishing a common framework from which researchers

could ground both functional and normative investigations into destination place planning.

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An architecture for a self-adapting information system for tourists

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:20:00 +0000

VASILIOS ZARIKAS1 , GEORGIOS PAPATZANIS1, CONSTANTINE STEPHANIDIS1,2

1 Institute of Computer Science
Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas
Science and Technology Park of Crete
Heraklion, Crete GR-71110 Greece
e-mail: {vzarikas, gpap, cs}@ics.forth.gr

2 Department of Computer Science, University of Crete
Abstract: The paper briefly describes the design of the architecture of the PALIO system (Personalised
Access to Local Information and services for tOurists), focusing on the support for extensive adaptation. The framework provides a location-aware information system for tourists, capable of delivering fully adaptive information to a wide range of devices, including mobile ones. Its open and expandable architecture can integrate a variety of pre-existing or forthcoming services and retrieve information from a collection of different databases. It supports adaptability and dynamic adaptivity, according to user and context characteristics, both in the content and the presentation of information.

Introduction
The notion of universal access in the Information Society (Stephanidis et al., 1998; Stephanidis & Emiliani, 1999) is rooted on the concept of universal design, as it has evolved over the past decade. Universal design refers to the conscious effort to consider and take into account the widest possible range of end-user requirements throughout the development life-cycle of a product or service (Story, 1998). In recent years, universal design has been applied in interior and workplace design (Mueller, 1998), housing (Mace, 1998) and landscapes (Story, 1998). In the context of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), design for all implies a proactive approach towards products and environments that can be accessible and usable by the broadest possible end-user population, without the need for additional adaptations or specialized (re-)design (Stephanidis & Emiliani, 1999). Building upon the results of earlier projects, such as ACCESS1 and AVANTI2 (Stephanidis et al., 2001), the PALIO project sets out to address the issue of anyone and anywhere access to community-wide services. This is an extension of previous efforts, as it accommodates a broader perspective on adaptation beyond desktop access. In what follows, we will briefly overview how this project addresses the issue of universal access and how it advances the current state of affairs by considering novel types of adaptation based on context and situation awareness.
The main challenge of the PALIO project is the creation of an open system for accessing and retrieving information without constraints and limitations (imposed by space, time, access technology, etc). Therefore, the system should be modular and capable of interoperating with other existing information systems. In this scenario, mobile communication systems play an essential role, because they enable access to services from anywhere and at anytime.

One important aspect of the PALIO system is the support of a wide range of communication technologies (mobile or wired) to access services. In particular, it will be possible for a user, who is equipped either with a common cellular phone or an advanced WAP phone, to access services from any place. This paper describes the types of adaptation that the PALIO system exhibits, as well as the architecture that supports the adaptation features specified below.

Adaptation and PALIO

The PALIO project proposes a new framework, which supports the provision of tourist services in an integrated open structure. The framework under consideration is capable of providing information from local databases in a user friendly and personalised way. The design of the architecture supports the following concepts:

1 TIDE-ACCESS TP1001 project (Development Platform for Unified Access to Enabling Environments), funded by the European Commission (DG XIII). The partnets in the ACCESS consortium are: CNR-IROE (Italy) - Prime contractor; ICS-FORTH (Greece); University of Hertforshire (United Kingdom); University of Athens (Greece); NAWH (Finland); VTT (Finland); Hereward College (United Kingdom); RNIB (United Kingdom); Seleco (Italy); MA Systems & Control (United Kingdom); PIKOMED (Finland).
2 ACTS-AVANTI AC042 project (Adaptable and Adaptive Interaction in Multimedia Telecommunications
Applications), funded by the European Commission (DG XIII). The partnets in the AVANTI consortium are: ALCATEL Siette (Italy) - Prime contractor; CNR-IROE (Italy); ICS-FORTH (Greece); GMD (Germany);
University of Sienna (Italy); MA Systems (UK); MATH-EMA (Italy); VTT (Finland); ECG (Italy); University of
Linz (Austria); TELECOM ITALIA (Italy); EUROGICIEL (France).

o Integration of wireless and wired technologies.
o Location awareness.
o Adaptation of the information content to meet user and context requirements.
o Adaptation of the user interface to meet user and context requirements.
o Context adaptation.
o Scalability of the information, and interoperability between the different services provided.

Adaptation at the context level refers to:
o Awareness of the environment where the user interacts (location, time, weather condition, noise, companions, description of the surrounding area).
o Awareness by the system of the particular device in use and proper response / communication with the client application / platform that the tourist uses for the communication.
o Awareness and reconciliation of bandwidths, of the status of wireless communication (Cheverest et al., 1998), of switching between different network providers (Ebling & Satyanarayanan, 1998), etc.

In PALIO, our aim is to construct a state of the art system that addresses the real requirements of tourists for assisted guidance. While, the HCI research community has successfully developed solutions for supporting the design of user interfaces for “static” contexts of use, this is not yet the case for mobile computing and for nomadic interaction (Johnson, 1998). PALIO attempts to provide solutions in this direction building upon the Unified User Interface Architecture (Stephanidis, 2001). The latter provides the required ground for the development of systems that are adaptable and adaptive to the individual end-user requirements in different contexts of use.
Since the interaction situations are dynamically changing, there is an explicit need for both “horizontal divergence” and vertical “specialisation” in the resulting response of the system, so that it will be able to capture the range of user and usage-context requirements). Therefore, different design alternatives will support the output, either within or across interaction sessions (Stephanidis, 2001).
Applications for mobile computing must be designed to cope with the level of uncertainty that is inevitably introduced (Rodden, 1998). This is true due to less connection stability, less predictable availability, and more latency. This is one of our motivations for employing adaptation via decision-making theory under uncertainty in the PALIO project.
For agents that require simple decision making logic, common "if-else" structures implemented with common programming, may suffice. However, the advanced adaptation features that PALIO needs to develop require a more sophisticated approach using knowledge representation frameworks, decision -making models based on statistical reasoning and probabilistic based decision models. These models should encompass learning, which results to intelligent decisions with better performance. In addition, sometimes inferences should be made based only on incomplete knowledge of all the relevant parameters.
There are, at a conceptual level, at least two types of adaptation that are realised in PALIO: "global" adaptation rules that can be applied across services (e.g., adaptation related to the output medium / modality); and "service specific" adaptations that are only applicable in the context of a particular domain / service.
Location-aware mobile multimedia guides have been developed so far (Long et al., 1996), (Davies et al., 1998), which provide information and interaction options according to the location point. The PALIO project fully supports adaptivity and adaptability according to the location point. The architecture of PALIO implements adaptivity proactively. This feature not only leads to meaningful adaptivity, but also
accommodates user-centred design. Furthermore, it allows the enhancement of the adaptive system with new user groups, new services and new interaction styles, after the implementation.
There are a number of important differences between the PALIO system and other contemporary tourist information systems. In the PALIO framework, the user client module does not keep any databases for information retrieval and there is no special pre-installed tourist client application in the devices. As a result, there are less resource demands from the user client.

The components
The system consists of five main building units:
(i) The Service Control Centre ( SCC) is the central block of the PALIO system. It serves as the access point, getting the request from the user. It also provides the runtime platform for the system information services.
(ii) The Generic Information Server (GIS) integrates existing or forthcoming local databases and manages existing information and services, which will be distributed over the network.
(iii) The Communication Layer . This module provides transparent communication between the user and the PALIO system. It unifies over the different communication protocols (WAP, http) and different terminal devices (cellular phones, internet PC’s, kiosks, etc.)
(iv) The Adaptation Module is responsible for content and interface adaptation in the PALIO System.
o The Adapter provides the decision-making component of the system. It integrates information concerning the user, the context of use, the access environment and the interaction history, and makes decisions in order to adapt the information content and presentation accordingly.
o The User Model Server (UMS) integrates and manages information concerning user characteristics (e.g., interests, interaction styles), in the forms of both individual user profiles constructed during interactive sessions, and user stereotypes for groups of users that share a number of characteristics.
o The Context Model Server (CMS) assembles the context profiles, using information retrieved from the Usage Context Repository, and informs the adapter about the current context. It processes the information on the customer positioning that comes from GPS device or the mobile telecommunication network.

Information and control flow
The steps numbered and described below are related to the flow of both control commands and information contents in the system and analyse the various functionalities supported in the proposed architecture.
1. The request from the client reaches the SCC by means of the HTTP protocol through the communication layer. The communication layer transforms the request in an XML file and passes it to the SCC.
2. The SCC acquires from this request all the necessary information to satisfy the client (i.e., User Identification, User Agent, Location - for GPS devices- and type of request). If necessary, SCC acquires the client position from the mobile telecommunication network
3. The Adapter gets the information regarding the request, the user, the client device, the client agent and the location and passes it to the user and the context model servers. The adapter passes pieces of information describing parts of the request to the decision making engine.
4. The user model and context model servers update the user profiles and the context situations respectively, using the information coming from step 3.
5. The decision making engine, which holds adaptation rules (general and service specific) and a decision making model, requests and gets from the user-context model servers the appropriate user and context based information regarding interests and attributes.
6. A decision made by the decision making engine is mapped to proper adaptation actions regarding the construction of an adaptive request to the local databases.
7. The adaptation action is passed to the service control centre.
8. The request is adapted on the basis of the instructions coming from step 7 and an XML query is formulated.
9. The request is analysed by the generic information server in order to formulate the necessary query to interrogate the DB that contains the requested information.
10. The queries are forwarded to the Data sources
11. The information that the GIS provides in XML format is now collected from the SCC.
12. The response is assembled with the help of the instructions (adaptation actions regarding presentation) passed into the SCC from the decision making engine. This time, decisions have been made according to service specific and general rules concerning the presentation of the content.
13. The XML response (XML file plus stylesheets) is generated and passed to the communication layer in order to be transformed in the appropriate format (HTML, WML, SMS).
Concluding remarks
We have briefly described how the design of the adaptation infrastructure of PALIO seeks to advance a novel information system in tourist-oriented services. PALIO constitutes a substantial extension over previous efforts on universal access, since it introduces and explicitly accounts for novel types of adaptation and new interactive encounters beyond the desktop. Accordingly, it pursues an architectural model of interaction which is expected to be of wider applicability in service communities other than tourism.

Acknowledgments
The PALIO project (IST-1999-20656) is partly funded by the Information Society Technologies Programme of the European Commission – DG Information Society. The partners in the PALIO consortium are: ASSIOMA S.p.A. (Italy) - Prime Contractor; CNR-IROE (Italy); Comune di Firenze (Italy); FORTH-ICS (Greece); GMD (Germany); Telecom Italia Mobile S.p.A. (Italy); University of Sienna (Italy);
Comune di Siena (Italy); MA Systems and Control Ltd (UK); FORTHnet (Greece).

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Visit Indonesia 2008 Teaser

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:00:00 +0000

TRADITIONAL CRUISE AND/ OR RIVER CRUISE: A PROPOSAL BASED ON HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:22:00 +0000

Presented by Harry Waluyo
ASEAN Cruise Working Group in Lao PDR, 23 April 2008

Background

Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia are rooted from Austronesia language groups; Viet Nam, Thai, Khmer, Myanmar, Lao are part of Mon-Khmer language groups. Those language groups are rooted from Proto-Austronesia since 5 thousand years ago.

Mon-Khmer group which is still be used in Pegu and Combodia . Vietnam and group of Thai (Thai, Shan and Lao) have ever made linguistics expert to categorize this languages as Sino Tibetan.

Sea Transportation

Relief on Borobudur walls shown that design and technology how to build boats had been found since 8 A.D (anno domini).

Spice Trade

Since the middle of the first millennium A.D. (anno domini), South-east Asian water has been crowded by cross-islands and cross-kingdoms cruise.
The peak season of cruising occurred in the era of spice trade à around 15th century.

Cruise Network

Traditional cruise network, which has been established since the era of spice trade, is still maintained in connecting one port to another in Indonesia as well as in South-east Asian land

Definition

"Traditional Cruise is a tour by using traditional motor boat which is steered by traditional sailors, cruising through traditional sea and/ or river-transportation and visiting old ports in Indonesia (archipelago) as well as other South-east Asian countries."

Map of Cruise Network

Traditional Cruise and/ or River Cruise always visited old port located in hinterland, such as Palembang with Musi River, Jambi with Batanghari River, Bangkok and Vientiane with Mekong River, and Kuching with Sarawak River.

To support program Traditional Cruise and River Cruise, it is related to historical and cultural background in South-east Asian member countries. Best example is told in the Chronicle of Malay about the journey of Parameswara from Palembang to Malay Peninsula. In the book is told that Parameswara had been gone from Palembang in South Sumatera towards Tanjungpura in West Borneo (Kalimantan) to Tumasek Island (Singapore) at the tip of Malay Peninsula then she builds Melaka.

Based on historical and cultural background in Asean member countries, Traditional Cruise and River Cruise can be traced by historical journey or napak tilas (in Bahasa) of Parameswara by three states of ASEAN member countries started from Palembang (Sumatera) - Tanjungpura (West Borneo) - Tumasek (Singapore) - Melaka (Malaysia).

Historical journey had been done by Governor of Melaka in the year 1989 when visiting Palembang by using motor sailing boat. They lift anchor at Melaka went through – Melaka Strait – Berhala Strait – Bangka Strait - Musi River in Palembang. At last they visited Bukit Siguntang which is believed as the graves of ancestors of Malay kings.

In 19 century, before the eruption of Tambora in 1815, Bima (Sumbawa, Indonesia) and Melaka has commercial relationship. At that time, Bima (Sumbawa Island) is the biggest rice exporter in Asia which is marketing port in Melaka. Therefore, historical journey can be traced started from Bima - Sumbawa - Banjarmasin - Pontianak - Singapore - Melaka.

Traditional Cruise and River Cruise could be done also between Sultanates Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia. According to History of Brunei and Descendent of Sambas kings from 17th century, Brunei - Sarawak - Sukadana – Sambas have made relationship. The authority of Sukadana and Sambas is grandchild from Sultan Muhammad Hassan which in command in Brunei in 1582-1598. During the period, inter-government relationship is connected by sea. The relationship of inter-city through sea transportation had been taken place until the entry of the colonialism to the West Borneo and Brunei. Since then the relationship decreased until finally vanish.

Now, the relation of sea transportation lines can be traced through Traditional Cruise and River Cruise between Brunei Darussalam - Kuching (Sarawak, Malaysia) - Sukadana (West Borneo, Indonesia) - Sambas (West Borneo, Indonesia). To reach the port in the towns, a ship navigates river because the ports are not along the beach of South Tiongkok and Karimata Strait.

Traditional Cruise in ASEAN countries could be done because it had been done in 1450 – 1680. There were sea transportation lines connecting Champa (Viet Nam) - Siam (Thai) - Malay Peninsula - Archipelago (Indonesia). Historical background told us some ports are meeting-point of the merchants from various empires in South-east Asia. Even not only trading, but also for social and politics like the Bugis people from South Sulawesi/ Celebes had been travelled to Malay Peninsula by sea transportation, at the end they build emporium in Sultanate Johor and Sultanate Pahang.

Based on the historical and cultural background, Indonesia would like to propose a new project to implement traditional cruise and river cruise intra-Asean member countries in the future and added information on traditional cruise and river cruise could be informed through www.cruiseasean.com.

Traditional cruise has been carried out in Eastern Indonesia by sailing boat “Phinisi” for tourist transportation. Website for Traditional Cruise has been developed by cruise operator namely Sea Safari Cruise, Anasia Cruise, Songline Cruises, and Blue Water Cruises.

Sailing Boats “Phinisi” have been designed as according to international standard for tourist journey, like cabin which full Air Condition and deck for passengers, and equipments of adequate navigation and safety, including diving equipments.

Traditional cruise always visited scenic nature and local culture in Bali and Eastern Indonesia, traditional ceremony in building Phinisi in South Sulawesi, tradition in hunting whale in Lamalera (Lembata Island, Flores), archaeological remains of Portuguese and Dutch (Banda Naira, Ambon, Ternate and Tidore), and natural beauty and diving in Raja Ampat Islands.

Source: article which is made by Bambang Budi Utomo

A Safari Tour Through the Big Five Region

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:21:00 +0000

Safaris, game drives and tours are a much sought after experience, especially when the Kruger National Park and the "Big Five" are involved.
For centuries, the big game in Africa has intrigued visitors and locals alike. The term safari was used originally to describe an overland trip involving a hunt for game.

Today the term refers to an overland trip to observe and learn about the game and their habitats.
When hunting of animals such as lions and buffalo was still legal, the term "Big 5" was created to describe the five most difficult animals to hunt on foot: the lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard and African buffalo. These five animals form one of the greatest tourist attractions in Africa today.
Game drives are carried out with experienced rangers who are trained in how to track the animals in order to view them in their natural habitat. Some Game drives include a picnic or stop for drinks and snacks to cool off from the hot African sun.
Taking a game drive at night is also a favorite amongst visitors as the nocturnal activities of the animals can be seen, as well as the animals which shy away from the day time sun.

Perhaps it is the extreme vulnerability which humans face when alone with big game, or perhaps it is the rarity and unfamiliarity of experiencing such impressive creatures up close which attracts visitors from all over the Globe. Whatever the reason, taking an African Safari in one of South Africa's many game parks is an unforgettable experience. A road trip through the area is the perfect way to explore these wonderful creatures and their habitats.
Fun In The Sun
To begin with, the tour starts with three days in Sun City, a two hour drive from Johannesburg. Sun City is an enormous resort filled with action and intrigue and is situated adjacent to the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Game Park, which is home to South Africa's Big 5.
Apart from taking a short drive to the park to enjoy a game drive, you can swim at Sun City's beach replica, gamble in the top class casino, play golf on the exquisite golf courses or dance the night away in one of the nightclubs.
The accommodation in Sun City ranges from camping to five star hotels, so there is an option for any budget. There are also many lodges at the Pilanesberg National park ranging from luxury to basic comfort. After having explored Sun City and the adjacent National Park, you could move on to the next destination to spend a night in Parys.

The town of Parys is well regarded for its extreme sports such as rock climbing, 4x4ing, quad biking and river rafting. Despite these modern sports, the town began its history many years ago. Parys is situated along the outer areas of a dome which is the remnants of a crater from a meteorite which struck 2000 million years ago.
The dome is called the Vredefort Dome, and is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site on earth, measuring about 200km in diameter.
The accommodation available in Parys ranges from bed and breakfasts, guest lodges and even a game lodge situated in the Vredefort Dome. The town has museums and is well known for its antique shops and eateries where one can experience true South African delicacies.

After spending the night in Parys, it is suggested to move on to Dullstroom, a quiet village en route to the Kruger National park, famed for its peaceful atmosphere and fresh air. The town has accommodation ranging from basic to luxury and has guest houses, bed and breakfasts and even a luxury hotel. The main activities Dullstroom has to offer are fly-fishing and clay pigeon shooting. The village also has horse riding, art galleries, fine restaurants and a variety of interesting drives. There are also hiking and 4x4 trails to be explored.
The Kruger National Park
After spending the night in Dullstroom, you can leave for Skukuza, a rest camp in the Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park serves as the largest and most impressive park in South Africa and is world famous.
The park has the Big 5, yet is of such a size that the element of being in "deepest Africa" is not lost. Skukuza is the largest camp in the park and is situated on the banks of the Sabie River.
Game drives, game viewing, bird walks and wildlife films screened every evening are the main activities of the camp. A bush breakfast and braai (South African barbeque) is also available and there is a golf course for those missing a bit of city life.
The accommodation ranges from safari tents, camp sites and bungalows to luxury bungalows and guest houses. You should allow three days to discover this part of the Kruger National Park, after which it is is suggested to move on to Hazyview for the a few more days.

Hazyview is situated near the Paul Kruger Gate of the Kruger National Park and is in close proximity to the Blyde River Canyon and the Sabi Sand nature reserve. Hazyview offers a lot of accommodation and is favoured by those who prefer to stay outside of the Kruger Park.
The accommodation offered is a range from basic to the most luxurious and the Sabi Sand nature reserve offers luxury accommodation too. The Sabi Nature reserve has an excellent record of big five sightings as the reserve is adjacent to the Kruger Park yet there is no fence separating them.
Apart from the obvious game drives, walks and safari activities, the town offers health spas, restaurants and even ballooning to spot game from above.

At the end of this adventure, you should have a great safari tale to tell for the rest of your live!

Architecture River Cruise

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:20:00 +0000

Even those who couldn't build their way out of a box of Lincoln Logs will follow the easily-digestible architectural info.
Monday Jul 31, 2006. By Julia Steinberger

If the thoughts normally associated with touring—noisy groups, guides walking backward, straying kids, aching legs—have you rationalizing an afternoon at the hotel pool, this cushy setup is the perfect solution. Hop on a boat and cruise down the Chicago River, taking in the most famous sights the Loop offers while enjoying a crash-course in modern architecture and city history.

The architectural river cruise is a staple of Parents' Weekends and business conventions, so the average age is 40-plus and the vibe is relaxed and respectful. Sightseers board the double-decker boat from the Navy Pier riverbank in groups that average 50-100. With plenty of seating for everyone on the open-air top deck, you don't have to camp in line or scramble for a seat, but you can head downstairs if you'd prefer to stay out of the elements.

Even those who couldn't build their way out of a box of Lincoln Logs will likely follow the tour's easily-digestible architectural info, liberally sprinkled with juicy tidbits about Chicago's business, government and social history. A good (and affordable) choice for locals and tourists alike, the river cruise will open your eyes to a new level of appreciation for the city, and plop you back on shore inspired to head downtown and check out the sites up close.
Sign me up: The 60-minute tour costs $24 for adults ($22 on weekdays), $21 for seniors and $12 for kids under 12. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more, and the tour is dog-friendly. Tours runs daily mid-April thru mid-October, and weekends only October 16-November 30, weather permitting. During the busiest season, boats leave every 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Sites you'll see: More than 40 landmarks of modern American architecture, including the first Skeleton building, the tallest skyscrapers and the world's largest building in square feet (that's Merchandise Mart, which has its own zip code). You'll even pass by some empty lots with sky-high aspirations...and get the skinny on what's in the works for landmarks of the future. Bring your camera: unless you live in Oprah's penthouse, you're unlikely to get skyline views this clear anywhere else.

Golden nugget: You'll learn how Al Capone and his cronies lifted contraband-filled cars up to their hangout in the Stratosphere Club, located in the cupola of 35 E. Wacker Drive.
Who's da guide: The tour company employs a fleet of guides during summer, and the website assures that each one is "a knowledgeable professional in the architecture field." Although our twentysomething guide was certainly well-prepared, she looked suspiciously like a grad student. Not that it was a bad thing—she was personable and upbeat, and had her spiel down pat. I liked that the central management lets guides spike the script with their own personality; our sightseeing was punctuated with sassy critiques of Chicago's sketchball government.

Fuel your tank: Each cruise boat stocks a bar with sodas, bottled water and snacks, though there's nothing to really make a meal of. The Pier offers plenty of family-friendly restaurants and carnival fare, but for something truly delish walk a few blocks west on Illinois to the cafe at gourmet grocer Fox & Obel, where you can order yourself one of the city's best omelets, stuffed with top-notch cheese and flanked with golden spuds.

Snooze-fest or eye-opener: This tour is a winner with everyone. It's relaxing, not too long and packed with interesting factoids you can use to make excellent cocktail conversation for years. And it offers an escape option not common to most tours: If you do get bored with the subject matter, simply sit back and enjoy the skyline views as you float down the river.
Even locals will learn: The origin of the name Chicago was "Chicagou," a Native American word meaning "smelly onion patch."

Buy tickets online at www.shorelinesightseeing.com or over the phone at (312) 222-9328.

Castle Amerongen

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:18:00 +0000

In this late 17th century castle the rooms breathe the atmosphere of three centuries of habitation with an exceptionally rich collection of furniture, paintings, wall tapestries, books, porcelain and glasswork from the 17th through to the 20th century. In the kitchen, hall, library, grand hall, dining room and bedroom the layout has remained intact since the departure of the last inhabitants. The 12 meter high gallery with many family portraits is spectacular. The park and gardens are open to the public, so that a visit to the castle can be easily combined with a walk along the borders, the rosarium, a children’s house and beautiful trees, including a 300 year old oak.

De Haar Castle

There are few castles in Holland that come so close to fulfilling the ideal image that people have of a medieval fort as does Castle De Haar. Like a true fairy tale castle, it rises above a heavily wooded park, surrounded by old gardens and ponds. The medieval house was built during the 14th century on higher ground along a dead arm of the Rhine. What makes De Haar unique is the fact that under supervision of the Dutch architect Cuypers, the castle was reconstructed over one hundred years ago in the restoration style of that period. The architecture, the interior, the gardens and even the church and the village took on a new shine as a result.

Duivenvoorde Castle

Duivenvoorde castle is situated near The Hague, between Voorschoten and Leidschendam. A tree lined drive brings you from the road to the manor. Duivenvoorde originates from a 13th century moated tower. Its present style dates from major restoration works in 1631 and 1717. The manor always remained in the same family and was never sold.
Since 1960 it has been in the care of a trust and open to the public as a museum. A guided tour shows the magnificent rooms, furnished as if they were still lived in. Duivenvoorde also boasts a unique collection of family portraits, silverware, Delft earthenware and Chinese and European porcelain. The great hall can be seen in its original splendor.

Groeneveld Castle

Temporary and permanent exhibits on forests, nature and landscapes are held in the castle, which was built around 1703. The exhibits focus on the Dutch landscape and the changes occurring in it; on water and everything related to it; on former residents; on the Dutch forests. There are art exhibits in the castle and in the garden. Castle concerts are held on a regular basis.

Huis Doorn Castle

Huis Doorn Castle, which was completely rebuilt at the end of the 18th century, is situated in a lovely wooded park. It owes its fame to the last resident, ex-kaiser of Germany, Wilhelm II, who lived there from 1920 until his death in 1941. This fine palace is now open to the public.

Visitors are guided through the beautiful Victorian interiors and get an impression of the grand living culture from around the turn of the century. Beautiful commodes, rare tapestries, works of art of German court painters and French rococo masters, valuable porcelain and silver are silent witnesses of the glorious past of the Hohenzollern's.

Castle Loevestein

Castle Loevestein in the little town of Poederoyen in Gelderland is located at the junction of the Meuse and Waal rivers. Loevestein is a water fortress. It was built in the period 1357-1368. The six-hundred-year-old castle was originally built as a penitentiary. If you visit Loevestein, be sure to take a look at the room where Hugo de Groot was incarcerated for two years. Virtually every Dutchman knows him. This Rotterdam scholar and Pensionary managed to make a spectacular escape from Castle Loevestein in 1621 by having himself smuggled out hidden in a bookcase. De Groot had been sentenced to life in prison.

After a thorough restoration from 1925 to 1967, Castle Loevestein is now open to the public daily from April through October. The towering castle lies in a unique nature reserve. A visit to Loevestein combines well with a walk through this lovely area with its various plants and birds.

To complete the top read the next article!

By Claudia Miclaus
Published: 8/31/2008

Central Java

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:18:00 +0000

Kasongan: World Class Ceramics in The Jogja Countryside
By Dini Wiradinata, Photos Jan Dekker
If you've spent any time at all in Indonesia, you've probably seen earthy, well built pots and ceramics in high-class furniture stores, or at large exhibitions. There may even be one in the corner of an up-market restaurant, or in your room in a five-star hotel. Earthy and attractive they certainly are, but where do they come from?
More likely than not, they come from Kasongan, a small village in the Bantul district, around 10 km from Jogjakarta. This village is the largest ceramics production center in Jogjakarta, if not Indonesia, and it's a shopper's paradise for those looking for high-quality crafts at almost ridiculously low prices. Here, the slogan "mall goods, sidewalk prices" rules.
Kasongan is easy to find: just ask almost anyone in Jogja for "Kasongan Road," and they'll point the way. However, taking public transport out there can be a major hassle. It's easier and more comfortable to go by private car or taxi, particularly if you are planning on bringing your purchases back with you. Or, you can rent a bicycle and ride through the rustic Jogja countryside, enjoying the gentle breezes and the Javanese countryside at its best.
When you arrive in Kasongan, you'll find a street filled with shops of all sizes, offering ceramics of all shapes, colors, and designs. Using traditional methods to produce, Kasongan's handicrafts are eagerly sought the world over. Pak Mujiran, owner of one simple workshop, boasts of the large number of his foreign clients. "We get lots of orders from abroad – Holland, Australia, Taiwan and even Africa," says Pak Mujiran.
Large orders come from within the country as well. Pak Tukiman, a Kasongan ceramics craftsman, says: "The big domestic orders usually come from Bali." However, the quality of the products here is a well kept secret - you will never find a "Kasongan" label on these high-quality products. Craftsmen never put their own "trademarks" on their products, and whether the retailer is honest about the origins of his goods depends largely on his own integrity.
In up-market shopping centers and high-class furniture boutiques, Kasongan ceramics are sold at prices that make you wince. In Kasongan, by contrast, prices are almost ridiculously cheap. You can take home a vase as tall as a small child for only Rp 50,000, or an attractive mirror for only Rp 45,000. Small ceramic items can also be found in all kinds of unique and interesting shapes representing horses, elephants, even Javanese women, for around Rp 10,000. Kasongan has other sorts of handicrafts on offer as well, such as sandals of woven pandan leaves for Rp 12,500, wooden ballpoint pens with Javanese dolls on the end for only Rp 1,000, and carved-wood imitation flowers, also for only Rp 1,000.
If you buy large quantities, shop owners will be happy to give you very attractive discounts. Most stalls have pretty much the same prices, but there's nothing wrong with checking out the prices of the goods in various shops. And feel free to ask for a reduction; who knows, depending on your bargaining skills, you might get a cheaper price.
Although the goods on offer tend to be much the same from stall to stall, some stalls specialize, and if you look around you can find unique items not found in the other shops. You can also have ceramics made to your own specifications.
And if you can't fit everything into your shopping bag, don't worry – the merchants of Kasongan can ship your purchases straight to your door. There is, of course, a fee for this, but even the shipping costs are low.
Apart from being a great place to shop, Kasongan is an interesting place to visit in its own right, providing deep insights into the way crafts are produced in rural Java. Behind every shop, you will find a traditional ceramics workshop, where the craftspeople will greet you with traditional Javanese hospitality. Here you can watch how the ceramics are made. The process starts with rolling out clay and mixing it with soft river sand. The clay is then shaped into the desired form. This shaping can be done either by using a potting wheel or with molds. (Molds are generally used only for large orders, when uniform size and shape is required.) Once the pots are shaped, they are dried in the sun. This is the longest stage in the process; if the weather is fair, the ceramics need to be sun-dried for around a day. When dry, the ceramics are ready to be fired. After the firing process, most Kasongan ceramics are left in their original color, although some are painted

Concepts and Definitions

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:17:00 +0000

VISITORS
The definition used for visitor corresponds to the International Union of Office Travel Organization (IUOTO) and World Tourism Organization (WTO) recommendations which covers any person who travels to a country other than that in which she/he has his/her usual residence but outside his/her usual environment for a period not exceeding 12 months and whose main purpose of visit is other than the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the country visited. In this definition includes cruise passengers who arrive in a country on a cruise ship and return to the ship each night to sleep on board even though the ship remains in the port for several days.

HOTEL
Hotel is an establishment using a building or a part of building especially provided/ reserved, that any person can stay, obtain food, service and use other facilities against payment. Restaurant that managed by hotel is the special characteristic of hotel. Hotel classificatuion is determined by the Regional Tourism Agency.
Room Occupancy Rate is the number of room nights occupied, divided by the number of room nights available, multiplied by 100 %.

Average Length of Stay (ALS) is the number of bed night used (guest nights), divided by the number of guest coming to stay at the accommodation. This average length of stay is distinguished between foreign and domestic guest.

Accommodation is an establishment using a building or a part of building especially provided/reserved, that any person can stay, obtain food and service and use other facilities against payment.

Classified Hotel is an establishment using a building or a part of building especially provided/ reserved, that any person can stay, obtain food, service and use other facilities against payment, that has fulfilled the requirements as classified hotel which are determined by the Department of Culture and Tourism.

Those requirements are :
a. Physical requirements, such as location and condition of hotel.
b. Service provided.
c. Manpower qualifications, such as education and employee's welfare.
d. Sport facilities and other available recreations, such as tennis courts,
swimming pools and discotheques.
e. The number of room avaiable.

Non Classified Hotel is an establisment using a building or a part of building especially provided/reserved, that any persons can stay, obtain foods and services, and use other facilities against payment. Non Classified hotels included melati hotel, youth hostel, home stay, and other accommodation establishments.

Jasmine Hotel is a kind of accommodation which managed commercially by using a building or a part of building where any person can stay against payment.

Youth Hostel is a kind of accommodation provided for teenager who doing tourism activities for recreation, spread acknowledgement/experience of trip.

Home Stay is a kind of accommodation using a part of building/house provided/reserved, where any person can stay against payment.

Other accommodation is a kind of accommodation, other than melati hotel, youth hostel, and home stay like wisma.

Methodologies
SOURCE OF DATA
Visitor

E/D Card from Directorate General of Immigration.
Passenger Exit Survey, Research and Development Center, Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Hotel and Accommodation

Primary data based on survey held by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) using VHT-S quetionnaire on monthly basis and VHT-L quetionnaire on yearly basis.

COVERAGE
Visitor
Data on foreign visitors cover all foreign visitors directly arrived in Indonesia through the airports, seaports and land. There are altogether 73 ports of entry into Indonesia covering the whole area of a country, of which 47 are seaports, 19 are airports and 3 are through land. The four main ports are namely Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Ngurah Rai (Bali), Polonia (Medan) and Sekupang (Batam).

Hotel and Accommodation
The data collected on the room occupancy rates covering all the existing classified hotels throughout Indonesia, based on hotel classification results, conducted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. All non classified hotel throughout Indonesia, which are observed on selected sample.

Room Occupancy Rate is the number of room-nights occupaied, divided by the number of room nights available, multiplied by 100%.

Bed-Occupancy Rate is the number of bed-nights used divided by the number bed-night available, multiplied by 100%.

Average Lenghth of Stay (ALS) is the number of bed-night used (guest-nights), divided by the number of guests coming to stay at the accomodation. This average length of stay is distinguished between the foreign and Indonesian guests.

ALS of foreign guest is the number of bed-nights used by foreign guests, divided by the total number of foreign guest visiting the hotels.

ALS of Indonesian guest is the number of bed night used by Indonesian guest, divided by the total number of domestic guest visiting the hotels.

Foreign and Indonesian Guest Ratio is the ratio between the percentage of foreign guests from the total number of guests and the percentage of Indnesian guests from the total number of guests.

Guest per Room (GPR) is the ratio of guest-nights or bed-nights to room nights occupied. In other words the GPR shows the average number of guests occupying one room sold.
Example:
GPR = 1.43 means that the average sold room is occupied by 1.43 persons.
Notes :
1 room-night = 1 room x 1 night
1 bed-night = 1 bed x 1 night
1 guest-night = 1 guest x 1 night
Source: Statistics Indonesia

Expanding Your Company In Europe

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:17:00 +0000

If you are thinking of taking your business into Europe whether it is new or existing, it can be a costly experience, in both monetary terms and in time. That is why you need someone who is experienced, dedicated and qualified to help you take your business into Europe.

HBOS FS can help you in many ways that will make your business a success. We will take the pressure off you and your business, giving you more time to do the things you do best with your business. We will take care of the rest for you.

If you and your business need any financial information, tax information or anything related to the running of your business in Europe, we are here to help make you and your business a huge success. If you need help setting up a new business to trade in Europe we will gladly be able to help you become that successful entrepreneur you have always dream of becoming. We have already made so many businesses successful and brand worthy that we are confident that we can make yours the same.

It can be confusing starting a business within Europe, especially if you are not from that specific country. The laws are different and the rules and tax information is different. You have to be able to know the difference in other countries to fully make your business a success when in Europe. At HBOS FS, we can give you all the legal advice you need for specific countries in Europe. This will help you become more of a success later on. Letting us take on the legal side of the business in Europe frees you up to get on with the day to day running of the business.

By allowing HBOS FS to guide you through setting up a business in Europe, you are allowing your business and your ideas to grow substantially. If you want to update yourself on practices in Europe that relate to your business, the brilliant training program through HBOS FS will show you everything you need to know.

We also help you to network your products or your services to potentially interested parties. Networking and marketing is such an important tool in Europe and with any business. That is why at HBOS we have made this available to all customers who need a little extra help.

If you are worried about the financial dealings when working in Europe, HBOS can help there as well. Self assessment courses and information is widely available from HBOS and it is these courses that allow you to realize the financial services required.

With nothing but dedicated professionals and friendly members of staff to help you, your business can only go from strength to strength. If you need to enquire about any service that could be beneficial to you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with HBOS. They will help you and also guide you on every aspect of your business.

By remy na
Published: 5/23/2008

Los Angeles Times article

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:14:00 +0000

Articles on Tourism

Los Angels Times article

Excerpts from Article on tourism to the Baltic countries by Beverly Beyette, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer, April 9, 2006

THE turrets, the ancient city gates and the cobblestoned streets ‹ these are the fairy tale images of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, known collectively as the Baltic States.

Since gaining independence in 1991, these northeastern European neighbors, occupied by the Germans during World War II and later forcibly annexed to the Soviet Union, have been bidding to become big-time visitor destinations.

The capitals ‹ Tallinn (Estonia), Riga (Latvia) and Vilnius (Lithuania) ‹ have well-preserved old towns. Charming boutique hotels have opened; so have good restaurants that shy away from such regional specialties as jellied pork, blood sausage and groats with fried fatty meat and cater increasingly to international tastes.

But like most fairy tales, this one has a dark side. Those picture-postcard images of the Baltics sometimes are crowded out of my memory by reminders of decades of oppression: a dank torture cell in the Museum of Genocide Victims in a former KGB prison in Vilnius. The Museum of Occupations in Tallinn. And the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia in a windowless black slash of a building adjacent to Riga's Town Hall Square.

As they move forward, the Baltics don't want the suffering and losses of the dark days to be forgotten. My visit in late September tells me they shouldn't ‹ and they won't.

Riga

IN Tallinn, I boarded a nice bus for the 2 1/2 -hour trip to Riga, where I checked into the lovely little boutique hotel Ainavas in the old town.

With a population of 800,000, Riga is the largest of the Baltic capitals. In many ways, it is also the prettiest. A river ‹ the Daugava ‹ runs through it, and it is rich in parks, which are bisected by a canal (once a defensive moat) crossed by 16 bridges. Aside from the pedestrian-friendly old city, with its intriguing narrow lanes and medieval squares, you'll see fabulous Art Nouveau façades, many of them along Alberta, Vilandes, Strelnieku, Antonjias and Elizabetes streets in the new city.

Art Nouveau, or Jugendstil, arrived in Riga at the turn of the 20th century and today the façades of many of the buildings, with their human figures, masks, animals and garlands of fruit and flowers, have been nicely cleaned up. There's another cache of Art Nouveau in the old town, notably along Kaleju, Kalku and Smilsu streets. (The tourism office has a free guide.)

At Riga's Central Market, hundreds of merchants hawk their wares inside five huge former German zeppelin hangars. The market's not all about food, pig snouts aside. You can also pick up a CD or a pair of sunglasses.

Riga's Old Town Square is marred by modern buildings. The square's architectural treasure ‹ a 20th century re-creation of a 14th century building ‹ is the House of Blackheads. The original was home to the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a fraternity of bachelor merchants. (The odd name derives from their patron saint, Mauritius, whose symbol was the head of a dark-skinned Moor.) The house is a Gothic gem, its fanciful red façade adorned with an astronomical clock.

Today, the hub of local life in the old town is Dome Square, dominated by the Dome Cathedral, which has lovely stained glass windows and a 6,768-pipe organ. Outdoor cafes ring the square.

The day I went to the tourist office on Old Town Square to join a walking tour, I was the only tour-taker, so I had guide Alexander Ivanovsky, a history student at Latvia University, to myself. He pointed out quirky sights such as the 1909 Cats' House at 10 Meistara, atop which sit two sculptures of black cats with tails raised. Of the several legends about this house, I like the one that says that the builder, denied membership in the great guild across the street, retaliated by having the cats placed with their backsides to the guild hall. Litigation ensued, the felines were repositioned, and he joined the guild.

In the central city, we stopped near Freedom Monument, on the site once occupied by an equestrian statue of Peter the Great. The 138-foot-high landmark, topped by lady liberty, was erected in 1935 during a brief period of Latvian independence between wars. .

Today Latvia again basks in its independence.

I asked what democracy meant to Ivanovsky and he said, "It is to go in the library and take out the book you want."

On my last evening in Riga, I went to a free concert at St. Peter's Church, presented by a women's a cappella choir from a local music college. Women took turns conducting, to enthusiastic applause. When one had taken her bow, a young man bolted up from the audience and kissed her. More applause.

RIGA, LATVIA

Where to stay: Ainavas, 23 Peldu; 371-781-4316, http://www.ainavas.lv . Charming new boutique hotel in the old city. Inviting lobby with fireplace and deep leather armchairs. Lovely nature-themed rooms, great staff. Doubles $145-$210 (seasonal), including full breakfast. Also: Gutenbergs, 1 Dome Square; 371-781-4090, http://www.gutenbergs.lv . Traditional hotel in former publishing house is lovely, but staff needs attitude adjustment. Pretty rooftop terrace. Nice touch: Room keys are little brass Bibles. Doubles, $138, including full breakfast. Also: Grand Palace, 12 Pils; 371-704-4000, http://www.schlossle-hotels.com . Grand, from the hunt-themed Pils bar to the beautifully appointed pastel guest rooms. And the old town location is excellent. Doubles $290-$320.

Where to eat: Lido, 6 Tirgonu in old town; 371-722-2431, http://www.lido.lv . This chain of upscale cafeterias serves up local food and color with a bit of kitsch (waitresses in folk costume). Two bars. The food is cheap, the wood tables bare, the scene busy. Also: Melnie Muki (Black Monks), 1 Jana; 371-721-5006. Warm, inviting former cloister in old city; dizzyingly huge menu as diverse as Wiener schnitzel to fajitas. As I walked in, musicians were playing "Mack the Knife." Main courses $10-$24. Vincents, 19 Elizabetes; 371-733-2830, http://www.vincents.lv . George Bush ate here, and so did I. Expensive and worth it (but be sure to book in the nonsmoking section). Minimalist décor, great presentation, imaginative menu. Main courses $20-$40

Miss Universe 2008 doing her first overseas duties in RI

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:13:00 +0000

Jakarta (ANTARA News) -
Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza is in Indonesia as the first foreign country where she will perform her duties, she told a press conference here Friday.
During a 10-day stay in Indonesia, she will among other things visit a number of other cities outside Jakarta, including Surabaya in East Java and Palembang in South Sumatra.
"I am so happy to be in Indonesia. This is the first country I am visiting since becoming Miss Universe," Mendoza said.
Mendoza arrived in Jakarta on Thursday to carry out a tightly packed schedule.
She is scheduled to meet several state officials including Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo, Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Watjik and Women`s Empowerment Minister Meutia Hatta. In Yogyakarta Mendoza will visit Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X in his palace.
"To me, Indonesia is a very beautiful country of great ethnic, religions and cultural diversity. I can learn a lot from this condition in preparation for my further tasks as Miss Universe in other countries around the world," the Venezuelan woman said.
During her visit in Jakarta, Mendoza will wear clothes with traditional designs created by Indonesian designers including Anne Avantie, Gregorius Vici and Djoko Sasongko and also from Indonesia`s famous houses of couture, Allure Batik and Zaenal Songket.
Mendoza`s attire at the press conference consisted of a pink fuschia and grey colored evening gown with a batik motif called Parang Barong Klowongan from Allure Butik.
Another unique gown was made of peacock feathers which was designed by Anne Avantie. The gown was one of her master pieces with high level difficulty of attaching the feathers, Avantie said.
Mendoza will wear the Avantie`s design on the crowning night of Puteri Indonesia 2008 (one of Indonesia beauty pageant) in Jakarta Convention Center, Friday night.
"I am happy to be Miss Universe and I hope I can do my best," Mendoza said. (*)

Source: ANTARA News

Miss Universe 2008 will visit Indonesia meet President

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:13:00 +0000

New York, (ANTARA News)
Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza (22) of Venezuela is scheduled to visit Indonesia, among other things, to meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, according to information of the Miss Universe Organization here on Monday.

"She is scheduled to meet the President and several ministers, too," Talent Development Director of Miss Universe Organization Roston Ogata told ANTARA.

Mendoza and Ogata planned to leave for Jakarta on Tuesday evening (Aug. 21) for a 10-day visit which will take them among other things to Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali and Bengkulu (Sumatra).

The Miss Universe will attend the Grand Final of Miss Indonesia Contest to be organized by Miss Indonesia Foundation (YPI) in Jakarta on August 15, 2008.

Indonesia will be the first country that she will visit since she was elected as Miss Universe 2008 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, recently.

Mendoza visited the Indonesian Consulate General office in New York on Monday before her departure to Indonesia. She was received by among others Indonesian Consul General Trie Edi Mulyani, Mrs. Sranya Marty Natalegawa, wife of the Indonesian ambassador to the United Nations, and Mrs. Non Kleib, wife of the Indonesian permanent representative in the UN.

According to Ogata, Mendoza will also plan to visit Indonesia again in October 2008 for a production of advertisement on Indonesian product.

Mendoza said Indonesia and Venezuela, as developing countries, have some similarities, including the characters of their peoples, who have smiley faces thanks to their countries` beautiful nature.

The Miss Venezuela was crowned Miss Universe 2008 on July 14, 2008. Mendoza, is a 5-foot, 10-inch, green-eyed beauty who enjoys learning languages and photography. She speaks Spanish, Italian and English fluently.(*)

Source: ANTARA News

Miss Universe visits Borobudur

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:12:00 +0000

Magelang, C Java (ANTARA News) - Miss Universe Dayana Mendonza (22) in her current tour of Indonesia paid a visit to the well known Buddhist temple of Borobudur in Magelang district, Central Java, on Monday.

Accompanied by Miss Indonesia 2008, Zivanna Lestisha Siregar, Mendonza arrived at the temple at around 8.30 am.

Director for Operation and Development of Borobudur and Prambanan Temples, Guntur Puronomo Adi received the Miss Universe in the Borobudur temple yard. Purnomo Adi when receiving the Miss Universe was accompanied by Retno Hardiasiwi, head of the Borobudur Tourism Park unit.

Guntur handed over a gift in the form of a book titled "Borobudur Prayer in Stone" to Mendonza. Besides, the book, the Miss Universe also received a traditional `batik` cloth with a motive of the Borobudur temple.

Mendonza had an observation tour of the temple, and walked around the stupa in the temple peak. She happened to try to reach one of the Buddhist statue named "Kunto Bimo" by Javanese people.

Javanese believed that whoever was able to touch the legs of the statue would be awarded with welfare and have his or her prayers answered.

Mendonze left the temple at 9.10 am after taking a picture in the temple`s yard.(*)

Source: ANTARA News.

Package Policy to Improve Investment Climate, Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:09:00 +0000

by Tuti Sunario

Finally, the long awaited Investment Policy package, that was promised to boost investments was announced on 2 March. Presidential Instruction No. 3 of the year 2006 aims to strengthen services provided by investment institutions; synchronize laws and bylaws between the national government and local governments; improve rules and regulations pertaining to tax, customs, manpower, and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives; as well as ascertain rules and regulations on the environment . The package specifies target dates and clear measures to be taken by the government to improve Indonesia's investment climate.

Among these is the simplification in processes to establish a new company and obtain an operating license. This targets a gradual cut in the entire red tape, to be considerably shortened from a lengthy 150 days to a mere 30 days. And, in order to achieve this target, the government decided to delegate authority to approve company license to the Provincial office of the Department of Law and Human Rights.
Furthermore, Minister for Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati explained that through simplifying customs regulations it is hoped to fast track the creation of a single window service, through modernization efforts. Which will include increasing the number of companies to be given the green line priority, that will greatly reduce inspection of goods. Other measures include (b) strengthening the role of bonded areas, (c) continue the fight against smuggling; and (c) further reduce bureaucratic intervention in customs.

In the area of Taxation, measures include (a) tax incentives for investments; (b) implementation of the self-assessment system to be executed more consistently; (c) revise value-added tax to promote exports; (d) protect the rights of companies and persons being taxed, and (e) promote transparency and disclosure.
In the area of Manpower, measures include (a) create an improved industrial climate to support expansion for increased labour opportunities; (b) protect and increase placements of workers overseas; (c) Solve industrial conflicts fast, cheaply and fairly; (d) accelerate the process in the issue of permits for labour; (f) create breakthroughs in the development of transmigration projects, aimed to increase and expand opportunities for labour.

In the area of Small, Medium Enterprises ad Cooperatives, the government will further empower and increase the units of small, medium enterprises and cooperatives.

Cabinet Ministers are responsible for successful implementation
In all these areas, clear instructions are issued to particular Ministers to be in charge. For example, to finalize the Bill on Investments, this is the responsibility of the Minister for Trade, while to identify and separate responsibilities between the national government and the Regions in the framework of investments, this is the purview of the Minister for Home Affairs, whereas, improving institutions, is entrusted to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy.
While, simplifying customs procedures is entrusted to the Minister of Finance, as are procedures and incentives involving taxation. And, reduction of taxes levied by local governments is to be implemented under the auspices of the Minister of Home Affairs.

Indeed, Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Boediono, commented that Ministers identified in this Presidential Instruction are held responsible for the completion of each area, and thereby, stake their personal reputation and credibility. Thus, in Cabinet Meeting, President Yudhoyono specifically instructed Ministers to heed schedules specified in Presidential Instruction No. 3 of 2006. The President further instructed Coordinating Minister Boediono to closely monitor its implementation, since, the President underlined, it is the implementation of the intentions that will determine its success.
Minister Boediono further added that the Bill on Investment will be submitted to Parliament this March. The Bill aims to further strengthen government policies as described in the Package for Investment as well as in the 2006 Infrastructure Policy Package.

Businessmen welcome package but await Implementation
Meanwhile, after a meeting with 30 business leaders from 14 Asian countries in Jakarta, Trade Minister, Elka Pangestu, informed the press that the international business world responded positively to the package, since through the Investment Package, Indonesia has given "positive" signals. Nonetheless, businessmen urge that for Indonesia to attract more foreign investment, her policies must be even more aggressive when compared to Malaysia and Vietnam. Today, business awaits its implementation, which includes improvements in the labour system, improved tax and customs processes, and in particular the implementation of a one stop customs service.

Chairman of the Investment Board, Muhammad Luthfi, meanwhile, foresees that investments in 2006 will improve by 15.2%, compared to 2005, that registered total investments of
Rp. 613.5 trillion, led by the Industrial Sector. In the meantime, a survey of Overseas Business Operations by Japanese Manufacturing Companies in 2005 found that industries considered to be best investments in Indonesia are in chemicals and automotive, where Indonesia is expected to offer potentials as production basis for these two industries.

In the latest development, Economic Observer, Aviliani, in an article in Media Indonesia of 13 March, deems that Presidential Instruction no. 3 of 2006 is aimed to increase aggregate demand through fiscal stimuli, expecting that through this measure economic growth will be maintained, since the government is resolved to keep a tight money policy into the second semester of this year.
To accelerate the investment process, the Instruction stresses the need to delegate authority to the regional governments, whilst measures in customs and taxation are to achieve the government's improved and friendlier stance vis-à-vis the business community. Aviliani feels that sectoral departments, such as industry, and trade, must bear part of the blame for negative sentiments, since none have come up with a clear blue print on how to develop the range of industry from upstream to downstream, and have, therefore, been unable to propose tax incentive schemes for the different categories. Along the same line, local taxes levied by regional governments have contributed significantly to Indonesia's high cost economy.
While, concerning labour policies, Aviliani expects that there will be widespread resistance to the new policies from the side of labour, since any changes in policies are seen as lowering their present bargaining position.
Aviliani, therefore, suggests that a number of steps must be taken ascertain that the positive measures as contained in the Instruction will be more effective, as follows:

Firstly, there is an urgent need to establish a long term plan, such as the former plan which was known as the National Development Guidelines (GBHN), but which has now been replaced by a five-year development plan only. Whereas, investments are necessarily long term by nature.

Secondly, the Bill on Foreign Investments has yet to be submitted to Parliament. This fact reduces certainty to investors. Thus, the Investment Bill should not only be general in nature, but should already mention chief priorities to be included, among which are resources based industries, such as agriculture, fishery, plantations, and others.

Thirdly, she said, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and related ministers must make it their first duty to identify priority sectors that urgently require investors.

And lastly, there must be provided better assurances to investors for doing business in Indonesia. These assurances must cover both the physical safety and security of investors and their investments, as well as provide legal certainties. Such measures are bound to attract more investors.

However, first and foremost, and above all, Aviliani opines that, in order to create positive breakthrough, the President must dare to push his ministers to be more aggressive in creating the needed change.

(Data sources: Kompas, Bisnis Indonesia, Media Indonesia)
This article originally published in Indonesia Digest, no: 08.06, dated 13 March 2006.

Preparations for TIME Makassar on Track

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:09:00 +0000

TIME (Pasar Wisata) organizer, Meity Robot informed Indonesia Digest that preparations for this prestigious annual event are on track, having recently made an inspection visit to the capital of South Sulawesi. TIME, to be held from 14th to 17th October, - after the fasting month and Ied celebrations,- is expected to draw more than 100 buyers from around the world. Garuda Indonesia has confirmed its support to bring in buyers from China and Australia.
The completion of a number of infrastructural projects have eased access into Makassar. Makassar has recently operated its brand new Sultan Hasanuddin airport, which is much larger than the former airport; the Convention Hall is completed and the highway from the airport into town is near completion, said Meity Robot.
Meanwhile, Merpati Airline also shifted its headquarters to Makassar, Air Asia has started direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Makassar, and many more airlines are making Makassar their hub and gateway into the eastern part of Indonesia.
TTG Asia reports that passenger traffic between Jakarta and Makassar in the first half of the year grew by 14.2 per cent compared to the same period last year to 317,000, according to Angkasa Pura I airport authority.
In the meantime, Garuda Indonesia reported its passengers on the route grew by 8.4 per cent at the same period. Garuda general manager Mr Azhar, said: "Our load factor is always above 90 per cent even after we have added frequency from four to five daily last July. "The route can actually take up to 10 frequencies daily, but we have limited aircraft to grow so much."
The airline operates four Boeing 737-400 with 124 seats and one Airbus with 293 seats.
Being a hub to eastern Indonesia, Makassar is also served by other domestic airlines with onward flights to other destinations in Sulawesi, Maluku and West Papua, reports TTG.
This TIME will showcase a number of island- and dive destinations for which east Indonesia is famed, where Makassar is the gateway, including to the islands of Bunaken, Wakatobi, Raja Ampat and Salayar, offering unparalleled beauty and biodiversity.
Makassar, capital of the Province of South Sulawesi, is better known to visitors as the main gateway to the mysterious Toraja highlands. However, this province hides many unexplored attractions worthy of a visit. South Sulawesi is the abode of the seafaring and trading Bugis and Makassar people, famed for their strong traditional phinisi sailing boats that have plied the archipelago for centuries, and can still be seen in many harbours today. Until today, royalties in Selangor and Johor in Malaysia and the Indonesian Riau islands still count themselves among royal Bugis descent. Boat building, all crafted by hand can still be seen in the district of Bulukumba at Bira and Tana Beru.
Nearer to the airport, are found caves with ancient drawings, while for nature lovers, trekking up the Bantimurung waterfall and along the rapids, one finds a paradise for many-coloured butterflies. Facing the city are a number of islands, popular with local tourists. For shoppers, South Sulawesi is famed for its silk weaving and gold ornaments. Makassar is also the central trading port for pearls. While for food lovers enjoy the succulent grilled or fried freshly caught seafood with their special sauces.
Source: Tuti Sunario for Indonesia Digest

President leaves for working visit in Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:08:00 +0000

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono left for the island resort of Bali on Tuesday morning for a working visit until Wednesday.

Aboard presidential aircraft Being 737-500, the head of state and his entourage left Halim Perdanakusuma airport in East Jakarta at 11:50 on Tuesday morning and arrived at Ngurah Rai International airport in Bali at 2:30 local time in the afternoon.

Accompanied by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, the president is scheduled to host a meeting with participants of the Asian Science Camp 2008 at Tampak Siring Palace at 7:30 on Tuesday evening.

Some 300 students from Indonesia and 60 others from Japan, China, India, and other Asian countries attended the ongoing Asian Science Camp 2008 since August 3 until 7 at Inna Beach Hotel.

According to the Jakarta Post, five Nobel laureates and world-renowned scientists would spend some personal time with 360 high school students from across Asia at the Science Camp.

The five Noble winners attending the camp are Prof David Gross of the United States (2004 Nobel prize in physics), Prof Masatoshi Koshiba of Japan (2002 Nobel prize in physics), Prof Douglas Osheroff of the United States (1996 Nobel prize in physics), Prof Richard Robert Ernst of Switzerland (1991 Nobel prize in chemistry), and Prof Yuan Tseh Lee of Taiwan (1986 Nobel prize in chemistry).

The participating students in the camp would have a chance to hear the Noble winners` experiences and aspirations during lectures and discussions.

On Wednesday, President Yudhoyono would attend cremation procession at Pekraman Batur village in Kintamani, Bangli district.

The cremation of some 137 bodies en masse would be proceed with a Balinese traditional ceremony for about five hours.

Source: ANTARA News

Strengthening Asia Pacific Cooperation through MICE Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:06:00 +0000

Ministry of Culture and Tourism in cooperation with AFECA Asian, INCCA, IHRA, ASITA and Garuda Indonesia are hosting the 3rd AFECA AGM & Forum 2008 on September 9-12, 2008 at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC).

Minister Jero Wacik would like to express his gratitude for having this honour to be chosen as the host of an exceptionally significant meeting for the main players of MICE Asia in the 3rd AFCA AGM & Forum 2008. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Wacik would like to welcome you all, ladies and gentlemen, to jakarta, and would like to ensure that all you are in the good hand and in the best service from this large and multi-coloured destination, where MICE is not only a commiment but has become a tradition of our nation.

Unquestionably, MICE is the main sector in tourism that has drawn the attention of the whole world. MICE has played a main role in the world's economy, social culture and diplomacy. MICE has also revealed new awareness on the importance of teamwork, unity, consistency, perseverence and creativity. How to bring the international MICE events into Asia is not a simple question to answer, but together we are required to respond it. At this point, te forum plays an important role as a forum to give the solution to problems being faced by each of the countries. To he best of my knowledge, nothing is impossible and that Asia would become the leader in this industry in the years to come. We simply need new version, new commitment and hard work.

Nowadays, Indonesia is at the most favourable season for the growth of MICE industry. Teh government of Indonesia has the highest commiment in this matter. Along this year, we have 100 tourism events in a variety of destination in Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke. Moreover, we have become the host of various significant international meetings, while next year will be the vital peak of MICE Indonesia in connection with upcoming General election.

Once again, on behalf the Government of Indonesia, I warmly, invite yo all to come to and visit Indonesia, and together with other delegations to witness and get pleasure from the richness and luxury ofered by MICE Indoneia. I wish we could meet up and discuss many things with you all, ladies and gentlemen, in the Indonesian warmth state of affairs. Thank You. (TCDMNS).

The three Europes

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:05:00 +0000

Three - very different one from another - types of Europe stand before us; and it is up to us to choose as early as possible!

Enlarge Image
Within a few days, European Union’s 27 member states’ leaders will meet in Berlin to feast in commemoration of the signature of the Treaty of Rome, on 25 March 1957. The German presidency wants to push ahead with two projects, a ringing declaration about the European values and a resuscitation of the quasi-defunct European Constitution project. What is true and what is possible for the European Union in the years ahead?

European Union: a great achievement

The progress of the European Economic Community was sterling indeed; the early 6 members (France, Germany, Italy and the Benelux) became gradually 9 (Denmark, Ireland and the UK) in 1973, 10 (Greece) in 1981, 12 (Spain and Portugal) in 1986, 15 (Finland, Sweden and Austria) in 1995, 25 (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Malta and Cyprus) in 2004, and 27 (Bulgaria and Romania) in 2007.

The expansion was not horizontal but vertical as well. The early Customs Union turned out to become an Economic Union, as the single market is still a work in progress. It became - partly - a monetary union, with the introduction of the Euro (currency in use in 13 of the member states so far, in Andorra, in European micro-states such as Monaco, San Marino, Vatican, as well as in Montenegro and Kosovo). It formed a political union evolving around the European Parliament that is the Ovidian metamorphosis of the ‘Common Assembly’ of the European Coal and Steel Community (first established in 1952), with members elected since 1981. The European legislators expanded beyond the economy, on social affairs, environment, and welfare, gradually unifying the member states’ legal systems. Common policy is in the making, and has so far covered home affairs, security and justice; common foreign and defense policy seems to be a most problematic field but steps have been made so far in this direction too. European policy making left already an impact on global issues as diverse as Lebanon, Congo and Indonesia.

European Union: a biased project

1. A wrong economic and political model
Can we truly consider as success the materialization of the aforementioned? It depends. Most of Europeans however do not! The European economy has been the victim of highly ideologized French dirigisme, and the political prospect of a European federal state is fully rejected by numerous states across the continent. The French and Dutch referenda gave a lethal hit to the incredible and extraordinary manipulation of European History as stipulated in the disreputable Preamble of Giscard d’ Estaing’s ‘constitution’.

2. European peoples: misinformed and disoriented
European peoples have long been fed with panaceas and welfare state myths; not only will these myths lead to an unpleasant awakening but they are deeply immoral and racist of nature. The German – French economic model collapsed in front of the booming American consumerism, and the rise of great markets in China, India and soon in Brazil. The European myth composers had not taken the rise of the Global economy into consideration, and their answer has been to raise barriers, forming the legendary European fortress.

3. European Union: immoral to themselves and to others
The disastrous situation of the African continent is precisely due to this European attitude of protectionism. Furthermore, Europe has been formed through immoral negotiations, whereby the economically weak had to accept the directives of the economically and politically powerful tandem "France / Germany", ignoring the consequences for them and for the entire continent; they only needed European funds!

4. Any nation building project imposes debates on the National Identity.
For 50 consequent years, there has never been a serious debate about the European Identity. This only would be enough to let many realize that the project was biased. In the beginning, Europe ‘meant’ Continental Europe; we have not yet forgotten Charles de Gaulle’s comical reactions to Britain’s candidacy! After France rebelled in May 68 against that paranoid, ‘democratic’ dictator, Europe got rid of the French anti-British exclusivity; under Pompidou, Britain joined the 6.

However, few analyzed how for a significant part of the French establishment, Germany was a natural partner of France and the European project, and Britain was not! It was left to be believed as a curiosity of an old statesman. Quite unfortunately, it was not!

Later on, Europe ‘signified’ Capitalist Europe, as the Iron Curtain still divided the continent. The project consisted in sheer rejection of a part of the continent only because of undemocratic practices. It sounds correct and moral, but it was not! Why? Simply because the antidemocratic practices of the Socialist bloc were not viewed as such by sizable populations of the Western European countries, namely the followers of the Communist parties, more particularly in Italy, France, Greece, and elsewhere. Let’s go back to 1973. Why should one consider Franco’s Spain as ‘European’ and Soviet Union as ‘non European’?

Spain was not accepted in the European Union until the country became a fully fledged democracy, but this is not the main point; no matter what sort of political establishment, monarchical or democratic, Japan would never be considered as a European country. This says it all; what mattered in the 60s, the 70s, the 80s, and what matters now is still the same.

Irrespective of regime, what country can/must/is to be considered European and what country cannot/must not/is not?

This clear cut question was never a matter of preoccupation among European statesmen, politicians, legislators, intellectuals and academia. Why Europeans avoid the basic question for their identity and future may take volumes to analyze, but within the limits of the present article we will try to eschew the past and foresee the future.

The First Europe – A Berlin / London axis for a Universal Europe

A European re-launching that goes beyond past dramas. A Berlin – London axis replaces the God damned Paris – Berlin ineptia. European administrations and legislators understand that the angular stone of all democratic ideas and concepts is the Right of Peoples to Self Determination. The unconditional recognition of Kosovo as an independent state triggers the welcoming of Transnistria and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to Europe and therefore to the International Community.

Ukraine, Turkey and Russia as accepted as indispensable member states of the European Union, and a Great Chart is prepared to identify Europe as the continent of coexistence of numerous religions, Judaism, Christianity in all its denominations, Islam, and various pre-Christian religious systems, along with the faiths of the 20th century immigrants, Singh, Hindus, Buddhists and Africans. Europe is defined as equally East and West, and a European integration plan is made to provide all the states of the European continent the means to achieve economic and political unification with the European Union.

All the minorities on European soil are officially recognized a such, and offered the necessary tools for linguistic, educational, cultural, and religious survival. The existing ‘unique’ national languages are therefore abolished in countries with minorities, whereby the languages of minorities are promoted to the level of national language.

Vicar of the economic liberalism, European Union abolishes all sorts of barriers, and acknowledges the European responsibility for crimes perpetrated by the colonial practices of several European countries on African, Asiatic and American soil. Reunified, and with its various populations well integrated, Europe cancels permanently any chance of disputes, wars and conflicts either on European soil or elsewhere. With the Euro in use from Vladivostok to Lisbon, the European stock exchanges unified, and the liberalization process completed, Europe can enter into discussions with North America in view of an advanced global integration.

This Universal Europe has slim chances to become a reality.

The Second Europe – A pale and immoral power center at Brussels

With Chirac and Blair bidding farewell, with the German governmental coalition ailing, with Romano Prodi unable to bring forth imperative changes, and with Zapatero having lost his momentum, the European statesmen prove for one more time that they are political dwarfs and intellectually miserable. Without any vision, they try to find a way to sign a minimal constitution that defines nothing, let alone the European Identity, they do their best to perpetuate the problems of Kosovo, Macedonia, Voivodina, Sandjaq, Thrace, Transnistria and Cyprus. Georgia remains explosive in its opposition to Russia, Armenia is supported against Turkey, and Belarus is kept in the quarantine; Ukraine is declared as non European country, and the negotiations with Turkey end in a definite divorce. It becomes known that the Western Balkans were never European, and so they are offered special status.

Fortress Europe rejoices with the African genocides and starvation, with the American failure in Iraq, and with the Chinese socio-economic collapse; an over heated economy would end like this, sooner or later. With Iran as nuclear power, Afghanistan and Somalia out of control, and the rise of Islamists in parts of Africa, the traditional colonial diplomacies shape the European Union’s policy turning Palestinians against Israelis, Moroccans against Algerians, and Muslims against Christians in Lebanon, Syria, Nigeria, Abyssinia and Iraq.

Europe itself is devastated by the social unrest, political clashes between religious and secularists, and regional wars, Albania against Montenegro, Turkey against Cyprus and Greece, Kosovo against Macedonia, Moldova against Transnistria, etc. To keep Islamic extremists happy, Dante is banned. The treaty of Rome is still valid, and Brussels bureaucrats are happy with American isolationism. Euro was never accepted by more than 17 countries, and the anti-Euro parties in Italy represent the majority. Last but not least, Europe pays a very high political price for its dependence of Russian energy, and in this way Moscow lives in the days of a state capitalist tyrant who proved to be worse than Stalin. In a world of conflicts, Europe or a part of it still survives.

The Third Europe – The religious – political axis Berlin / Moscow

The political dwarfism of the European legislators was definitely unbearable. Several parties across Europe realized that speaking of Islam on European soil meant European disfiguration. They went on specifying that Europe or Germany could not be victimized forever because of the mistaken policy of a ruler who governed Germany only for 12 years (1933 - 45). They identified the European values as those of the Catholic Christianity and they made a pact with representatives of Orthodox Eastern Europe. They rejected secularism, gay marriages and parental adoption, abortion and nudism. Specifying that the Family is a Value, they demanded the end of civil marriages. They rejected that England could ever be European, and they demanded apologies for the Irish Genocide as they demanded the same from Turkey for the Armenian Genocide.

In the beginning, they formed a 20% minority party in most of the European countries, but when the clashes with the Islamic extremists started, they got moment and rose to power. A great leader made a pledge for a new Europe, and brought together the Roman Pope and the Patriarchs of Constantinople and Moscow. Europe was reunified first at the religious level, and then at the political. The entire continent with the exception of England and Scandinavia turned around the German – Russian axis and a war was undertaken in the Middle East to kick the Turks and the Muslims out, and to bring Constantinople and Jerusalem under Christian control again. The clash with America was therefore unavoidable. The old lesson of the Horatii and Curiatii was never learnt!

The three Europes stand before us; and it is up to us to choose as early as possible!

(earlier published in: http://www.tiraspoltimes.com/node/671)
By Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
Published: 3/18/2007

World Ocean Conference 2009 promotes Indonesias Ultimate Dive-sites

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:03:00 +0000

Apart from Yachting in the seas of Eastern Indonesia, the islands from Sulawesi to Papua, Bali, and the Nusatenggara are developing near-pristine dive sites into major tourist attractions. Most prominent are Wakatobi and Salayar in Central and South Sulawesi, Raja Ampat in West Papua, Bunaken in North Sulawesi and the more familiar dive sites of Bali, Lombok and Flores.

However, Indonesia not only wishes to optimize her sea gardens into marine attractions, the country also wishes to include Indonesias wide open seas as major conservation areas for the preservation of their hundreds of species of rare sea life, at the same time contribute significantly to the reduction of global warming.

From 11-15 May 2009, Manado in North Sulawesi will be host of the first World Ocean Conference (WOC) as part of efforts to deal with global warming. This event has the full support of UNESCO, reported Antara agency.

"Several member states of UNESCO have expressed their readiness to participate in WOC in Manado, as their response to the threat of environmental and marine degradation," North Sulawesi Governor Sinyo Sarundajang told a press conference, continued Antara.

Governor Sarundajang had attended the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Forum, the 41st Session of the UNESCO Executive Council, in Paris from June 24 to 1 July, 2008.

Some 50 countries attending the UNESCO forum expressed their support for the Indonesian government initiative to organize WOC because marine environmental preservation is crucial for the whole world, he said.

The governor and Indonesian Ambassador to UNESCO Aman Wirakartakusumah was asked to present the plans for WOC at the UNESCO meeting.

They also held a meeting with UNESCO World Heritage Center deputy director Kishore Rao to report on what North Sulawesi had done to prepare its Bunaken Marine Park as a world marine biodiversity site.

Source: Tuti Sunario for Indonesia Digest

Tourist flow to Mt Rinjani in NTB increasing

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:01:00 +0000

Tourist flow to Mt Rinjani in NTB increasing

Mataram, W Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA News) - The number of tourists coming to Mount Rinjani (3,726 m above sea level), one of West Nusatenggara (NTB)`s main tourist attractions, is rising every year, a local official said.

In the April-July period of 2008, a total of 5,023 tourists (3,238 foreign and 1,808 local) visited the monntain on Lombok Island compared to 4,477 in a corresponding period in 2007, M Arief Toengkagie, head of the Mount Rinjani National Park (TNGR), said here Friday.

Meanwhile, during the January-December period in 2007, Mount Rinjani attracted a total of 9,517 tourists (5,065 foreign and 4,452 local).

"As the number has continued to rise in the past few months, we estimate that by the end of 2008 more than 10,000 tourists will have come to Mt Rinjani," Toengkagie said.

The mountain`s base covers parts of three districts -- West Lombok, Central Lombok, and East Lombok -- and its top can be reached via two alternative routes.

Via the Sembalun route, the climb can be made first by a five-hour trip by public transport followed by seven-hour trek on foot from Sembalun Lawang to the mountain peak. A trip on foot from Sembalun Lawang to Segara Anak Lake takes 8 to 10 hours.

The mountain`s highest point can also be reached via the Senaru route which begins in Bayan district. On this route, a tourist first makes a public transport trip of three or four hours. Followed by a walk of seven to 10 hours ending at Segara Anak Lake.

Visitors to Mount Rinjani can enjoy several interesting tourist objects including those in Senaru which is the gateway for hikers. Tourists can also visit a traditional Senaru village which lies near a two-tier 25-m high waterfall, the first tier named Sedang Gila and the second Tiu Kelep.

In Kembang Kuning village, visitors can find the Jeruk Manis waterfall (30 meters high). The village also has several species of fauna such as Lutung (Tracyphitecusauratus cristatus) and Eagle.

Arriving at the peak of Mount Rinjani, visitors can enjoy beautiful views, go angling in Lake Segara Anak (2,010 m above sea level) or immerse themselves in a hot-water spring at Aik Kalak.

Toengkagie said the tourist facilities and attractions on Mount Rinjani were managed in much better ways than in the past in cooperation with local residents.

The Mount Rinjani National Park itself has been nominated as the first Geopark in Indonesia and the second in Asia after Langkawi Island, Malaysia, he said.(*)

Source: ANTARA News

Proposed Land Use Regulations Lynnwood City Center

noreply@blogger.com (Arch and Tourism) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:28:00 +0000

Based on Preliminary Draft #3 (7/16/03) For Discussion Only

April 8, 2004

Proposed Land Use Regulations

Lynnwood City Center

Chapter 21.60

City Center Districts and Regulations

21.60.050 Overall Purpose ....................................................................................................... 1

21.60.075 Relationship to Rest of Title.................................................................................... 1

21.60.100 Definitions ............................................................................................................... 2

21.60.200 Districts Established and Described ........................................................................ 3

21.60.300 Use Limitations ....................................................................................................... 4

21.60.400 Basic Development Standards ................................................................................. 4

21.60.500 Street Types ............................................................................................................. 8

21.60.600 Design Review......................................................................................................... 9

21.60.700 Non-conforming Structures, Sites and Uses............................................................ 9

21.60.050 Overall Purpose

• To create a distinct, strong identity for the City Center, producing a heart for Lynnwood

that is surrounded by solid neighborhoods.

• To provide opportunities to increase the City’s tax base, thereby helping to fund public

improvements and public services.

• To encourage private and public investment, attract shoppers and visitors, and appeal to

existing and new residents.

• To produce a concentration and a mixture of commercial, office, retail, residential, and

civic uses within the City Center.

• To develop a City Center that supports pedestrian movement and use of public transit.

• To implement both the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the City Center Sub-Area Plan.

• To promote attractive streetscapes and urban green spaces.

21.60.075 Relationship to Rest of Title

The regulations in this chapter, together with the applicable regulations in the rest of Title 21 and

other Titles of the Lynnwood Municipal Code, shall govern development and use of property in

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Based on Preliminary Draft #3 (7/16/03) For Discussion Only

April 8, 2004

the City Center districts. Where the regulations of this chapter conflict with regulations in other

chapters or titles, the regulations in this chapter shall control.

A. Exceptions

The following chapters of this Code shall not apply in the City Center:

1. LMC 21.12

2. LMC 21.14

21.60.100 Definitions

A. Canopy

A cover over a sidewalk providing protection from the rain, that is constructed of permanent

materials. The height shall range between 8 feet and 12 feet, it and shall be a minimum of 6 feet

in width.

B. Day Care

A use providing for the care of children, generally during the hours of 6am and 7pm. Such use

shall comply with all applicable State standards. See also LMC 21.02.

C. Green Roof

A roof designed with principles of environmental sustainability, involving the use of vegetation

and storm water collection and cleaning. It may or may not be accessible.

D. Floor Area Ratio

Floor Area Ratio is the amount of floor area within a building as a multiple of the lot area.

E. Health Club

A use that offers exercise and recreational activities for tenants and/or the general public, either

with or without a fee.

F. Parking, Below Grade

Any portion of structure containing parking that is located below the average finished grade

around a building.

G. Parking, Structured

Parking contained within an enclosed building, designed to appear like it is part of the larger

building complex.

H. Public Art

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April 8, 2004

Any form of painting, mural, mosaic, sculpture, or other work of art, so long as it can be appraised as a work of art and its value as such documented. It must be displayed on the exterior of a building, at or near the pedestrian entrance or on a public plaza.

I. Public Meeting Rooms

A space that can be used by the general public and having a capacity of at least 50 people. It may operate under a reservation or nominal fee system, but must be easily accessible from a lobby or plaza.

J. Public Plaza

An open space that is accessible to the public at all times, predominantly open to the sky, and for

use principally by people, as opposed to merely a setting for the building. It must abut and be

within 3 feet in elevation of a sidewalk, at least 10% of the area shall be planted with trees and

other vegetation. There must be seating, lighting and penetration of sunlight.

K. Street Level Retail

Uses providing goods and services, including food and drink, adjacent to, visible from, and

accessible from the sidewalk.

K. Water Feature

A fountain, cascade, stream, fall, pond of water, or combination thereof, that serves as a focal

point. It must be located outside of a building and be publicly visible and accessible. It must be

active during daylight hours.

21.60.200 Districts Established and Described

Map 21.60.01: City Center Districts

A. CC- C City Center Core

This district is envisioned to have the highest intensity uses, especially office buildings, residences, and hotels contained within high-rise buildings. Shops and restaurants would be located along key streets, particularly a principal pedestrian corridor. A major public open space would anchor the district. Over time, parking would be increasingly located within structures.

The convention center is planned for the north east corner of this district.

B. CC- W City Center West

This district is envisioned to have a mixture of higher density housing, retail and restaurants, and

some office buildings contained within mid-rise buildings. A public open space would anchor the

district. Over time, parking would be increasingly found within structures.

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April 8, 2004

C. CC- N City Center North

This district is envisioned to have a mixture of mid-rise office buildings and retail, with a

relatively small amount of housing. Parking would largely be on the surface, but over time, some

parking may be within structures.

21.60.300 Use Limitations

All uses shall be allowed in the City Center Districts, unless specifically prohibited below.

A. Prohibited in All City Center Districts:

1. Adult Establishments

2. Billboards

3. Industrial Uses

4. Outdoor Storage of materials and equipment (except during construction)

5. Repair of Vehicles, unless entirely within a building

6. Sewage Treatment Plants

7. Work Release Facilities

8. Wrecking Yards

9. Any other use determined by the Planning Director to be inconsistent with the

intent of City Center districts.

B. Additionally Prohibited in the CC-C City Center Core District (allowed in other districts):

1. Vehicle Washing, unless located within a building or parking structure

2. Drive-Through Businesses, unless located within building or parking structure.

3. Gasoline Service Stations

4. Mini-Storage on the street level.

5. Outdoor Sales of Boats, Vehicles, or Equipment

21.60.400 Basic Development Standards

A. Floor Area Ratio

1. Basic Allowable Floor Area Ratio

The basic floor-area ratio (FAR) of buildings in the City Center shall be limited as shown in

Table 21.60.1. The bonuses are described in Paragraph 2 of this Subsection. See also

Subsection C.

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21.60.500 Street Types

Notwithstanding LMC Title 19 and other adopted street standards, development and redevelopment of streets in the City Center shall comply with the following paragraphs:

A. Boulevards

These are the principal arterial streets serving the City Center and connecting it to other parts of the community. They are connected to the regional highway system. While they can be visually pleasing and allow for safe and convenient pedestrian movement, their primary purpose is to move vehicular traffic. Developments along Boulevards exhibit an emphasis on planting more so than retail storefronts.

Standards:

Street: 5-7 travel lanes with left turn restrictions, except at intersections

Sidewalks: 12 feet wide, including 5 foot wide planting zone along curb

Street trees: 30-35 feet on center, minimum of 2” cal

Building line: 5-15 feet from back of sidewalk

B. Pedestrian Streets

These streets accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians, but provide greater accommodations for people. Vehicles move at a relatively slow speed. Sidewalks are very wide, on-street parking is present, and vegetation is emphasized. Pedestrian-oriented street furnishings are also present.

Standards:

Street: 2-3 travel lanes, with left turn restrictions, except at intersections

Sidewalks: 14-16 feet wide, including a 5 foot wide planting zone along curb

Street trees: 25 feet on center, minimum of 3” cal

Building line: locate buildings at back of sidewalk, except for public spaces Curb cut limitations: 200-foot minimum separation or from intersection

Street furnishings: pedestrian-scaled lighting, seating, waste cans, art

C. Other Streets

These streets serve to break up the super-blocks into smaller increments and to provide for vehicular access to development. They are visually pleasing and speeds and volumes are relatively low.

Standards:

Street: 2-3 travel lanes, on-street parking is present

Sidewalks: 12 feet wide, including a 5 foot wide planning zone along the curb

Street trees: 25-30 feet on center, minimum of 2-inch cal

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21.60.600 Design Review

A. Design Guidelines for Nonresidential Uses.

The following structures and parking facilities permitted in the City Center districts shall comply with Lynnwood City Center Design Guidelines (which are adopted by this reference as if fully set forth herein) and receive approval pursuant to Chapter 21.25 LMC, unless otherwise specified in this chapter: For proposals in these districts, the Citywide Design Guidelines shall be replaced with the City Center Design Guidelines.

1. Construction of any nonresidential structure or building with a gross floor area of more than 1,000 square feet.

2. Construction of any parking lot and/or parking structure with 20 or more stalls or paved parking area of 5,400 square feet or more.

3. Construction of any multiple family residential structure.

B. Supersede.

Applicable Lynnwood City Center Design Guidelines shall supersede any development standards and requirements of this title and other titles of this Code that may conflict, unless otherwise specified in this chapter.

C. Gateways and Prominent Intersections.

See City of Lynnwood zoning map to identify development project sites within a gateway or prominent intersection location. Such sites shall be subject to applicable gateway and/or prominent intersection design guidelines in the Lynnwood City Center Design Guidelines. If any portion of a project site lies within a gateway or prominent intersection location, then the entire project shall comply with the applicable design guidelines.

21.60.700 Non-conforming Structures, Sites and Uses

It is expected that much development within the City Center will be as a result of renovations and expansions as much as entirely new development, especially in the years before 2015 or 2020. It is not the intent of the City to discourage such development, as new investment should enhance the image and appeal of the City Center. However, it is also necessary to ensure that all forms of development contribute positively to the character and quality of the area. The general principle to be applied is that changes to non-conforming conditions should not increase the degree of the non-conformity, but rather move the site and its uses and buildings towards greater conformity.

Given the location and configuration of current buildings, application of all design standards may not be possible or practical, however, every effort should be made to comply with such standards for the portions of sites and buildings in proximity to the alterations being made. This section supercedes LMC 21.12.

A. Non-Conforming Uses

A relatively small number of land uses have been identified that are determined to not comport

with the long term vision for the City Center. Therefore, they are not permitted.

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Any such uses legally existing at the time of adoption of this chapter shall be considered “legal non-conforming uses.” Such uses are not permitted to expand. Exterior landscaping, façade improvements, or interior upgrades are permitted.

B. Non-Conforming Sites

Throughout the City Center, there are many properties where site development existing at the adoption of this chapter does not comply with the site design standards and guidelines in this chapter. Certain types of minor changes to existing site development would not trigger compliance with the development standards and design guidelines in this chapter, such as re-striping of stalls, and new or altered signage or lighting or renovation of landscaping. Any other exterior renovation or expansion of building footprints, however, shall incorporate site design features that bring the site more into compliance with the standards.

C. Non-Conforming Buildings

Throughout the City Center, there are many buildings and other structures exsiting at the adoption of this chapter that do not comply with the building standards and guidelines in this chapter. Expansion or major renovation of such structures shall trigger compliance with both site design and building design standards. Compliance with standards should be localized to the area of the building being altered. Particular emphasis should be given to the provision of pedestrian amenities oriented towards the streets. For example, if a building is expanded towards the street, elements such as parking lot landscaping and pedestrian connections to the sidewalk are expected to be accomplished.

D. Alternative process for compliance

The Community Development Director may approve a plan and design for alteration of a non-conforming site or building that does not fully compy with the requirements of Subsections B and C, above, if the Director finds that the alternative plan and design provides overall a greater degree of compliance with the principle of this section (as stated above).

Amend LMC 21.40.100 to establish zones in a new group “F. City Center Zones”

Amend LMC 21.40.900 (Order of restrictiveness) to list the City Center zones after the Mixed

Use/Business zone and before the General Commercial zone.

Repeal LMC 21.72.900 (Expiration of Interim Use ordinance).

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