Funding & Investment in Travel
Eight children among 27 dead as tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam | News World
At least 27 people have died after a boat carrying 48 tourists and five crew members capsized off the coast of Vietnam.
The Wonder Sea cruise boat overturned at around 2pm local time (7am in the UK) in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, on Sunday afternoon.
The bodies of eight children and 19 adults have been recovered by search teams.
A frantic search-and-rescue operation is still underway, with at least 11 people rescued so far.
The ship was rocked by stormy weather after a typhoon hit the South China Sea.
The nationalities of the tourists are yet to be confirmed by authorities.
Tens of thousands of tourists flock to the Halong Bay, which lies roughly 125 miles northeast of Hanoi, each year.
Many take overnight boat tours across the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is famous for its natural beauty, limestone islands and caves.
The area has been hit by Storm Wipha, the third typhoon to hit the South China Sea this year.
The typhoon is projected to make landfall along Vietnam’s northern coast early next week.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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Funding & Investment in Travel
‘Blackmail’ trailer out now! GV Prakash promises gritty thriller Hopes for audience support like ‘Eleven’ and ‘Tourist Family’ | Tamil Movie News
Directed by M. Maran, who directed films like ‘Iravukku Aayiram Kangal’ and ‘Kannai Nambathe’, G.V. Prakash Kumar’s new film ‘Blackmail’ is gearing up for release. Actor and a close friend of GV Prakash Kumar, Dhanush, unveiled the trailer of ‘Blackmail’ on his X page, and it has raised expectations for the film to a high level.
A promising trailer
The trailer of the movie ‘Blackmail’ starring G.V. Prakash Kumar and Preethi Ashwini looks very thrilling and on the verge of crime. First, we see scenes of G.V. Prakash Kumar walks around in a casual manner; then mysterious phone calls, night terrors, and sudden twists begin, giving the story a deep suspense. The trailer follows the pattern of a crime thriller, with brutal confrontations, intimate background scenes, and interesting camera shots. GV Prakash Kumar’s performance seems to combine suspense and excitement in his vision. Overall, the trailer captivates the audience and gives a glimpse into how the film can change one’s life forever.
Expectations raise for ‘Blackmail’
GV Prakash Kumar’s 25th film as an actor, ‘Kingston’, was released recently, and it failed to score big. But expectations peak for his current film, ‘Blackmail’, and the film is scheduled to hit big screens on August 1. Alongside GV Prakash Kumar, the film also stars Srikanth, Ramesh Thilak, Teju Ashwini, Bindu Madhavi, Vettai Muthukumar, Redin Kingsley, Hari Priya, and others.
GV Prakash Kumar hopes for audiences’ support
Meanwhile, the audio launch of ‘Blackmail’ happened recently in Chennai, while director Maran and GV Prakash shared their experiences with the film. Speaking at the event, GV Prakash Kumar said that he agreed with Maran after hearing the one-liner and that the film’s screenplay has vividly portrayed how it affects many people. He also expressed his hope that the audience will give full support to the film ‘Blackmail’, similar to the reception received by recent small-budget films like ‘Eleven’ and ‘Tourist Family’.
Funding & Investment in Travel
Sustainable travel spaces for your next eco-friendly vacation
Looking to explore the world without leaving a mark? These seven eco-conscious retreats across India blend luxury with sustainability, offering soulful escapes rooted in nature. From forest farms to island havens, experience indulgence that honours the Earth
Luxury travel has entered a new era—one where conscience and comfort coexist. Across India, a refined set of eco-friendly, sustainable vacations is reshaping what it means to travel well. These destinations offer not only elegance and exclusivity but also a deep reverence for the planet, the people, and the places they inhabit.
Whether nestled in forested hills, perched by pristine beaches, or hidden deep within the wilderness, these eight retreats embody the rare harmony of sustainability and sophistication. From forest sanctuaries to island escapes, here are seven eco-forward hideaways offering indulgence without impact—places where the planet thrives alongside you.
Beforest, Coorg, Karnataka – Living the earth-first lifestyle
Beforest isn’t simply a place to stay, it’s a regenerative ecosystem. Nestled in the verdant hills of Coorg, this regenerative community invites guests into an immersive, off-the-grid lifestyle. Think: permaculture gardens, solar energy, and mornings spent harvesting your organic produce. Each experience from forest bathing to barefoot farming is designed to root you deeper into the rhythms of the earth.
Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary, Pune – Where modern wellness meets ancient wisdom
Tucked into the serene hills just outside Pune, Swastik Wellbeing Sanctuary offers a refined escape for the soul. This thoughtfully designed retreat combines sustainable architecture with the timeless principles of Vedic healing. Every element from the eco-friendly construction and solar-powered systems to the Ayurvedic treatments, guided breathwork, and nourishing sattvic food creates a space where silence is sacred and every detail is intentional. Swastik doesn’t just restore, it reawakens.
Evolve Back, Kabini, Karnataka – Rustic refinement on the riverbank
On the edge of the wild Nagarhole forest, Evolve Back Kabini redefines resort living through a tribal-inspired design that honors the land and its people. Solar-powered and sustainably built, the property offers immersive wildlife experiences, riverside relaxation, and unfiltered serenity.
Spice Village, Thekkady, Kerala – A tribute to tribal traditions
Spice Village is a celebration of indigenous wisdom and ecological integrity. Inspired by the native dwellings of the Western Ghats, this solar-powered, plastic-free retreat offers an authentic immersion into Kerala’s heritage, where every thatched cottage and spice-laden meal is a nod to tradition done consciously.
Barefoot at Havelock, Andaman – Island luxury, reimagined
Barefoot is what island luxury looks like when sustainability takes center stage. Nestled beside the famed Radhanagar Beach, the resort was built without felling a single tree. With coral restoration programs, zero-waste practices, and immersive jungle treks, it offers a refined yet respectful way to experience the Andamans.
Wildernest, Chorla Ghats – The art of off-grid opulence
Perched where three states meet, Wildernest is wild beauty distilled into a sophisticated escape. With no Wi-Fi, no artificial lights, and only nature as your soundtrack, the resort offers secluded cabins, guided eco-treks, and sweeping views that reconnect you with the rhythms of the land.
Diphlu River Lodge, Assam – Conservation in the heart of the jungle
Bordering the famed Kaziranga National Park, Diphlu River Lodge is a handcrafted ode to Assam’s wild heart. Bamboo cottages, solar lighting, and a strong conservation ethic define this luxe eco-lodge. Here, rhinos roam nearby, and luxury lies in reverent simplicity.
Funding & Investment in Travel
Sri Lanka eyes global spotlight through film tourism and creative industry partnerships
July 20, Colombo (LNW): In a bid to position Sri Lanka as a vibrant destination for international filmmaking and cultural exchange, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, held a high-profile meeting with Indian actor and producer Ravi Mohan, alongside singer and performer Keneesha Francis, at the National Film Corporation headquarters yesterday.
The discussions explored opportunities to expand Sri Lanka’s film tourism footprint by encouraging global film producers to consider the island nation as a cinematic backdrop. Minister Herath expressed the government’s renewed commitment to supporting the creative economy through targeted policy reform and strategic international partnerships.
Chairman of the National Film Corporation, Sudath Mahadivulwewa, who also took part in the dialogue, emphasised the need for practical incentives and institutional support to attract major productions. He noted that collaboration with global industry figures like Mohan and Francis could open up new avenues for local talent, training, and investment.
The meeting also touched on how music, performance, and storytelling can serve as bridges between communities, deepening people-to-people ties while creating tangible tourism benefits. Stakeholders discussed establishing film-friendly zones, simplifying permitting processes, and launching co-production agreements as part of the effort to revitalise the local entertainment sector.
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