AUGUST 2019 . ISSUE 1 INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION (IORA) Travel with IORA: Discovering the countries, cultures and cuisines of the Indian Ocean Region. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: AUSTRALIA — PG. 3 I.R. OF RAN — PG.5 MAURITIUS — PG. 8 SEYCHELLES — PG. 12 SINGAPORE — PG. 16 SOMALIA — PG. 19 Copyright © Indian Ocean Rim Association 1 For more information, please visit www.iora.int or contact us at [email protected] Message from the Secretary-General of IORA Dear Readers, It gives me the greatest pleasure to introduce to you the first edition of the quarterly IORA Tourism News- letter. This is one of the outcomes of the Second IORA Tourism Ministerial Meeting and the launch of the IORA Core Group on Tourism in October 2018. This is hoped that it will prove as a major step for enhancing tourism cooperation in the Association. The Core Group has adopted a comprehensive work plan to guide its activities in strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector amongst Member States, and the publication of an IORA Tourism Newsletter is one of the important tools to com- municate with our Member States and beyond. IORA Member States are blessed with a great di- versity of tourism assets that are the basis for a successful extremely popular among honeymooners, because of its and sustainable tourism industry. This industry is very im- breath-taking islands scattered throughout the Indian portant in meeting some of the relevant sustainable de- ocean. It boasts of white powdery sands, incredible clear velopment goals in the Region. The growth of tourism is water, stunning landscapes with plenty of unique activities. closely associated with the UN’s Sustainable Development According to the UN WTO Report 2018, the world Goals (SDG) 1,2, 5 and 8. SDG Goal 8 is to promote sus- tourism arrivals were 1.4 billion, out of which IORA had a tained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full share of 140 million annually representing approx. 1.2 % of and productive employment and decent work for all. Sus- total world tourists’ arrivals. Therefore, it is pertinent for tainable Development Goal Target 8.9 is to “devise and the Member States of IORA to focus on Tourism as a source implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that of inclusive and sustainable development in the Indian creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. Ocean region. The importance of sustainable tourism, as a driver for jobs creation and the promotion of local culture and products, With reference to the IORA Tourism Newsletter, the is also highlighted in Sustainable Development Goal target Secretariat has received inputs from six countries namely, 12.b. Tourism is also identified as one of the tools to Australia, Iran, Mauritius, Seychelles, Singapore and Soma- “increase (by 2030) the economic benefits to Small Island lia. Subsequent editions will include segments such as re- Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries” gional cuisine, attractions, the discovery of arts & culture in (LDCs), through Sustainable Development Goals Target the region, ‘slice of life’ stories, the beautiful cities where 14.7. IORA meetings are held and many more exciting updates. We would also use the newsletter to keep readers posted Out of the total 1121 UNESCO World Heritage on the work of the Core Group and its activities. Sites listed, 158 Word Heritage Sites are found in the Indi- an Ocean Rim region. This accounts for 14% of the total of I also use this opportunity to thank those Member UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Presently, two marine States who have contributed to this first edition. If you have World Heritage sites are located in the Indian Ocean re- ideas on what you would like to see included in the news- gion namely, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in South Afri- letter, we are open to any suggestions that will enhance this ca, listed in 1999, and Aldabra Atoll in Seychelles, listed in newsletter! 1982. Let’s explore the Indian Ocean region tourism and culture The Indian Ocean prides itself with precious, clear together! beaches, turquoise waters stunning islands and marvel- lous scenery, being frequently considered one of the most Kind Regards, appealing marine destinations on Earth. Thus, making it H.E. Dr N N Nokwe Copyright © Indian Ocean Rim Association 2 OVERVIEW OF AUSTRALIA Snapshot of Australia Country Profile Full Title Australia is a stable, democratic and cultural- Commonwealth of Australia ly diverse nation with a highly skilled work- Population force and one of the strongest performing 25.10 million (September 2018) economies in the world. Capital City With spectacular landscapes and a rich an- Canberra cient culture, Australia is a land like no other. Largest City It is the earth's sixth-largest country in land Sydney, Population of Greater Sydney 5.2 area and is the only nation to govern an en- million (June 2018) tire continent. Surface Area Australia is home to one of the world's oldest 7.69 million sq kms (2.96 million sq miles) living cultures, with Aboriginal communities Main language established nearly 60,000 years before Euro- English + more than 300 others pean settlement. Today, Australia is one of Currency the world's most multicultural countries, rich Australian dollar (AUD) in Indigenous and immigrant cultures. Key Attractions in Australia The Great Barrier Reef: The Great Barrier Reef makes up about 10 per cent of the world's coral reef ecosystems and is one of the best-known and most complex natural systems on Earth. The Reef is a Marine Park and World Heritage Area, supporting a range of commercial activities and attracting millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy its beauty above and below the wa- ter. The Great Barrier Reef is an economic powerhouse, contrib- uting more than $5.6 billion each year to the Australian economy and around 70,000 jobs. The Red Centre: The Red Centre is an extraordinary land- scape of desert plains, weathered mountain ranges, rocky gorges and some of Aboriginal Australia's most sacred sites, including Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Floating in an out- back waterhole, dining under a starry sky while being sere- naded by didgeridoo and watching the world's most fa- mous rock change colours at dawn and dusk are just some of the Red Centre's only-in-Australia experiences. Copyright © Indian Ocean Rim Association 3 OVERVIEW OF AUSTRALIA Great Ocean Road: The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most sce- nic coastal drives, along the south-west coast of Victoria. The Great Ocean Road begins a 90-minute drive from Melbourne's city centre. It spans 400 kilometres (249 miles) from the town of Torquay to Nelson on the South Australian border and is home to the world-class surf at Bells Beach and the craggy limestone spires of the 12 Apostles. Kangaroo Island: Kangaroo Island, 3 kilometres (8 miles) off the coast of South Australia and 30 minutes by plane from Adelaide, is brimming with native animals, some of which aren't found anywhere else. It is also home to an established artisanal food scene, and one of the world's best hotels. More than one third of the island is protected by conservation areas and national parks, while lush farmland and small towns make up much of the rest. The island, known to the locals as "KI", is divided into seven regions, with four major towns: Kingscote (the is- land’s relaxed capital), Penneshaw (where daily ferries disembark), American River, and Parndana. The Blue Mountains: With a blue horizon of eucalyptus trees that appear to stretch on forever, expect to be enchanted by the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Set out on foot to explore some of the 140 kilometres (87 miles) of walking tracks, admire the native bush- land, marvel at the impressive rock formations and explore underground caves on a holiday centred around the outdoors. Listen to Dreaming stories told by local Aboriginal guides and admire the work of resident artists be- fore retiring to a luxury retreat surrounded by wilderness. The Sunshine Coast: Stretching from the coastal city of Caloundra, near Brisbane, to the Great Sandy National Park in the north, the Sun- shine Coast is home to pretty villages, renowned surf spots and spectacu- lar rural hinterland. Surrounded by beach, Noosa is a holiday hotspot near the centre of the Sunshine Coast, with many fashion boutiques and hip cafés dotted along Hastings Street. Surfers and golfers will love the holiday town of Coolum, while lush Eumundi in the Noosa hinterland will satisfy market shoppers and art lovers with its famous Eumundi Mar- kets. Maroochydore is the cultural capital of the region but, is pleasingly far from being a bustling city. From the Sunshine Coast you can catch a car ferry from the village of Tewantin and explore the Noosa North Shore, the Great Sandy National Park and World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Copyright © Indian Ocean Rim Association 4 IRAN-LAND OF FOUR SEASONS Overview Iran as a vast country with 1.648 million sq km total area is located in the south west of Asia and the border countries are: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and from the south bordering the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf. Historical Attractions Religious Attractions The Iranian Plateau is recognised as one of Ancient Persia is the origin of the oldest civilisations during ancient period in "Zoroastrians" as one of the most significant reli- Asia and is well-considered in the archeology. Ac- gions. The Official religion of Iran is Islam with cording to some proofs, Iran has been inhabited 99/56 of the population and majority of them are for many years.