Tambo International gets new terminalJohannesburg - Africa's busiest airport, OR Tambo International, in Johannesburg has opened a new terminal building.
The terminal cost 2.3 billion Rand (300 million dollars) and is two and a half times bigger than the international hall it replaces. All international passengers arriving in South Africa will pass through the building.
According to project manager, Kesavan Naicker, the terminal's completion means Tambo International's refurbishment is now 70 per cent complete in the run up to the 2010 World Cup which South Africa is hosting.
When construction work ends, the airport will be able to receive big planes like the new generation Airbus A380.
Last year 19.3 million travellers passed through Tambo International. By the time the World Cup kicks off that number is expected to rise to 25 million. ---
Yangtze River to get new cruise ship =
Mainz, Germany - A new record breaking ship will be taking to the waters of the Yangtze River in China in 2009.
According to the ship's owners, Victoria Cruises, the vessel named Victoria Jenna will set new standards in comfort for passengers along the Yangtze River.
There will be 209 cabins providing living space for 418 people aboard the 134 metre long and 19 metre wide ship.
The Jenna's dimensions mean it is larger than the previous record holder Victoria Anna that can take 308 guests.
There will be two restaurants aboard the Jenna as well as a night club. The cruise company's programme is offering four to five day trips along the Yangtze including trips to the Three Gorges Dam project.
The Victoria Jenna is the eighth ship in the company's fleet. -----
Torquay to host first international comedy film festival =
Berlin - Torquay on Britain's southern coast is hosting a Comedy Film Festival from September 25 to 28.
The festival's organisers will be screening films from young comedians along with modern classics such A Fish Called Wanda, according to the Visit Britain tourist office in Berlin.
Visitors to the festival's website can vote in advance and decide the final programme.
Torquay has a direct connection to a British TV comedy classic as in the 1970s it was the fictitious location for the sitcom Fawlty Towers.
Internet: www.internationalcomedyfilmfestival.com ----
New Orleans banking on quick return of tourist trade =
Frankfurt - Authorities in New Orleans are hoping for a speedy return of tourists after Hurricane Gustav.
Some minor damage was caused to the historic French Quarter and the city centre but that has "not affected New Orleans' tourist attractions," according to the Louisiana tourist office in Frankfurt.
Events planned for the autumn season are also expected to go ahead without delays.
Hurricane Gustav brought high winds and rain to New Orleans but caused far less damage than expected and there was no serious flooding.
