Putting aside the huge employment opportunities provided by the outbound operators, the figures for our local tourism industry are massive – even on a global scale. Holidays in the UK contribute £86 billion to the economy including £19 billion of foreign income – and 1.4 million people are employed to service the industry.

We badly need a Minister whose role is to wave tourism’s flag ahead of the 2012 Olympics. We need a Government that increases our promotional spend ahead of the Olympics (rather than reducing it by 20% as has happened). More than that, we need a Minister who will sits alongside those representing other key sectors such as Energy and Agriculture. We need someone who will argue the case for our sector – seeing it as as an opportunity for economic growth rather than simply an opportunity to raise income from taxes. This is a huge opportunity for the next Government.”

We need your help! Please click on the link below and sign the Travel Weekly petition for a Tourism Minister.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/yesminister/

Unlike tropical countries, Nepal experiences seasonal variation with longer days in the summer and shorter in the winter. “With longer days, birds get more time to feed themselves that enhances their healthy breeding,” said senior ornithologist Hem Sagar Baral. “As the birds can enjoy better feeding places, they spend the entire summer in Nepal.”

A total of 34 migratory bird species visit the country every summer for breeding purposes unlike the winter migratory birds that come here in search of favourable temperature from Siberia and Eastern Europe.

Different varieties of Eurasian cuckoo are among the summer migratory birds, which breed during their stay in Nepal. The summer migratory birds are also recorded in northeasten parts of India and Pakistan that mostly migrate from South East Asia, Africa and Australia.

With the onset of summer, the first summer migratory birds have started coming to Chitwan National Park (CNP) with Chestnut-headed Bee-eater to be the first one recorded on Feb. 26. Nearly a dozen of this bird species were found in the CNP, said Baral.

Almost all the summer migratory birds breed in Nepal and some species, including cuckoos are brood parasites. Most cuckoos do not build their nests and parental duty is transferred to a host species that is known as brood parasitism. For example, Indian Cuckoo prefers to make drongos as its nanny, while the Asian Koel prefers crows to raise its young.  The longest journey among Nepal’s summer migrants is carried out by Pied Cuckoo covering over 5000 kilometers.

However, the wetland-dependent birds are facing threats due to disappearance of wetlands, habitat degradation and hunting. “Wetlands are among the most productive breeding environments for many bird species, including kingfishers and water ducks,” said Baral.  Of the total 864 bird species recorded in the country, over 200 species are wetland-dependent. Nepal constitutes over 10 percent of the world’s total bird population.

Pragati Shahi – kantipuronline.com

Some great photos of the launch event can be viewed here;

(http://www.enasha.com/article.php?id=3254)

The Rt Hon Ken Clarke MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, was good enough to give an hour of his time to tell us about his party’s plans after the impending election, he also took questions from the audience.

Oliver contributed the following question to the discussions, “I, like other businesses here, am concerned that the tax rises after the election coupled with more unemployment to come from the public and private sector will make it difficult for businesses to hold on to employees and create jobs, would you agree that policy needs to focus on this and the motivation of pupils and school leavers.” Mr Clarke gave the best answer he could, as a politician.

Other people we had constructive talks with were representatives of Visit Scotland and members of the trade delegation to Delhi’s 2010 Commonwealth Games. It was also nice to meet other local Morningside businesses such as, Houseproud and Toys Galore.

Ken Clarke (left) with David Cameron (right)

A chance for OJM to work with children and young people to celebrate and to facilitate new initiatives.

OJM are helping two organisations come together with the aim of educating children through a cultural exchange; Writing letters, learning about festivals, food, and singing songs. OJM setup and support the relationship between Forbes Nurserys, in Edinburgh and Rainbow Childrens Homes, in Nepal.

On the 14th November 2009 there was a Year of the Child Celebration at Duncan Place Resource Centre, Edinburgh, OJM staff members, Sakila and Josie went to support the event and raise awareness and sponsorship for children in Nepal.

Well done to the children at Forbes Nursery who put in the hard work of learning a traditional Nepali nursery rhyme and singing it so beautifully on stage!

OJM will be in London on the 11th and 12th November to meet with tour operators and travel companies from all over the world.

This is an annual event, we use it to build and maintain good relationships directly with the people and companies who will be looking after our customers, to improve services and value for our customers.

Edinburgh Park Novotel

Come and join OJM Travel at one of our business breakfasts and meet successful, like-minded business people who believe that Givers, Gain.

Every Tuesday, 7am, Novotel.