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Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Beautiful' Med country looks just like Greece but FCDO warns against visiting
A stunning Mediterranean country featuring golden sand, beach clubs, and ubiquitous history is 'redesigning' the way it approaches tourism following an explosive conflict Boasting 139 miles of pristine Mediterranean coastline, luxury holiday resorts, and 32C temperatures - this 'beautiful' country could easily be mistaken for Greece. Last year, a staggering 1.31 million tourists flocked to Lebanon, lured in by the country's ancient ruins, golden sandy beaches, and stunning architecture. The influx marks a 32.1 per cent decrease in visitor numbers compared to 2023, which can largely be attributed to the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah. However, after a ceasefire came into force on November 27, 2024, Lebanon has been grappling to restore its image as a holiday destination. Laura Lahoud, the country's Minister of Tourism, says Lebanon is entering a 'new chapter' - adding: "We are redesigning the tourism journey to meet modern expectations. This includes higher hospitality standards and consistent, transparent pricing. For Gulf visitors in particular, we are encouraging medical, wellness, and cultural offerings that reflect their current expectations, grounded in authenticity, not nostalgia." On March 27, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) updated its advice for Lebanon - removing the strict warning to avoid travelling to the entire country. Now, the body advises against all travel to areas in Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate - including the following neighbourhoods: Tariq el Jdideh Bir Hassan (excluding the Rafiq Hariri Hospital and the Ministry of Public Health) Ghobeiry Chiayah (south of the Rizkallah Semaan Road and west of (but not including) the Old Saida Road) Haret Hraik Burj Al Barajneh Mraije Laylake The FCDO's map also shows long stretchers of the country that have an 'advise against all but essential travel' includes spots such as Jezzine, Zgharta, Bcharre, Sidon, and Kfaroue. However, much of the coastline has now turned green - which means tourists can visit but should check the FCDO's advice before travelling. Under its 'Safety and Security' page, the FCDO highlights multiple risks tourists should consider if visiting the country, including potential terrorist attacks, crime, drug smuggling, and sexual assault. "The Lebanese Criminal Code includes a general provision concerning 'every sexual act against nature'," the FCDO adds. "Lebanese courts might consider that this includes same-sex sexual activity. A criminal offence under this provision is punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year." Despite the barrage of warnings, travel enthusiasts are still flocking to the country - desperate to show its more luxurious side. Last year, TikTok account Wanderlust Family shared a video of their trip to Lebanon, comparing it to the insatiably popular country of Greece. "Be honest, how many of you thought Lebanon was so beautiful?" the account wrote. "The news gives you a whole wrong picture of this beautiful country! The Lebanese love to party and if you're travelling to Lebanon, you absolutely have to visit a beach club." Hundreds of viewers flocked to the comments section to hail Lebanon's beauty, with one user writing: "Even as a Greek, I can easily say Lebanon has the most beautiful people and the best food. I can't wait to go back." Another said: "I literally want to go so bad," while a third added: "Wow, so beautiful."
Glasgow Times
12 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Fundraiser launched for family of missing Glasgow man
Greg Monks was last seen leaving the main strip in Albufeira in the Algarve region after a night out between the evening of May 27 and the early hours of May 28. The 38-year-old had arrived in the resort town on Tuesday, May 27, for a stag do. He has not been seen now for three days, and his family say it is 'not like him to do this'. Members of Greg's family have since flown out to Portugal to help search for him. Following this, a family friend has set up a GoFundMe page to support them. It has so far raised more than £5000. READ NEXT: Search for Glasgow man who disappeared in Portugal A statement published on the page reads: 'I have been asked by the family to set this up. Our son Greg Monks, 38, went to Portugal for a stag do on Tuesday, May 27. 'On their first night out, our son Greg never returned to his hotel and has now been reported missing for three days. 'We are desperately seeking Greg's safe return and need your help. There are professional search teams out looking for Greg, and the family have all flown out to try and help find him, but they don't know how long their stay will be. 'They are doing everything they can. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference in our efforts to bring Greg home. 'Thank you for your support and prayers.' We previously reported that Greg's disappearance had been reported to police, the hotel where he was staying, and the British Embassy in Portugal by his family. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man reported missing in Portugal and are in contact with the local authorities'. The GoFundMe page can be viewed HERE.
STV News
14 hours ago
- STV News
Family fly out to join search for Scot who disappeared on stag do in Portugal
The family of a Scottish man who disappeared after a night out in Portugal have flown out to join the search to find him. Greg Monks was last seen leaving the main strip in the resort town of Albufeira in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The 38-year-old from Glasgow had arrived on Tuesday night as part of a stag do and was on a night out with friends. Greg told the group he was leaving around 2am to return to his accommodation. Facebook Greg Monks was last seen in the popular resort of Albufeira on Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning leaving the strip. Facebook He has not been seen since and his family say his disappearance is 'not like him'. Members of his family have now flown out to aid the search, with a GoFundMe page set up to help with costs. His sister, Jillian Monks, said his disappearance had been reported to local police. She said on Facebook this week: 'My brother is missing in Albufeira and has not been seen since Tuesday night/Wednesday morning anyone who is there or has any information please message. 'Feel free to share on platforms. Reported to police and hotel and embassy. 'Please any information we are desperate – not like him to do this.' A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man reported missing in Portugal and are in contact with the local authorities'. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
Canara Bank to Hero MotoCorp: Eight stocks to buy for up to 15% gains on robust monsoon, strong Indian economy
The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, extended rally for the third consecutive month in May. Nifty 50 has gained 1.7% this month, underpinned by easing tariff concerns, positive developments in India–US trade negotiations, and a rebound in Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) inflows The next key trigger for the Indian stock market would be the monsoon season. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) India is likely to experience above average monsoon rains in 2025. This projection signals a potentially fruitful agriculture season which is crucial for rural demand and benefit sectors like agrochemicals, fertilizers, tractors, two-wheelers and FMCG. Green shoots of recovery in rural markets, sustained momentum in manufacturing and services sectors augur well for consumption demand in the near term, analysts said. 'Steadily improving macros like resilient GDP growth, down trending inflation and interest rates and declining fiscal and current account deficits lay the foundation for a strong economy and earnings recovery in the medium term. Investors should remain invested and buy quality stocks on dips,' said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments. Meanwhile, brokerage firm Way2Wealth has released the list of Monsoon stock picks. The stocks are believed to gain from improving rural liquidity and demand on the back of better monsoon. It believes these quality stocks have strong fundamentals and a positive correlation to monsoon trends and other key macroeconomic indicators. The brokerage firm suggests these stocks to buy for a time horizon of 6-8 months. These stocks to buy include Bayer CropScience, Canara Bank, Coromandel International, Emami, Godrej Agrovet, Hero MotoCorp, Supreme Industries and Swaraj Engines. Here are the Monsoon stock picks by Way2Wealth: Bayer CropScience is expected to maintain a revenue, EBITDA and PAT CAGR of 10%, 30% and 28% over FY25–27E, respectively. At the CMP, Bayer CropScience share price is trading at a P/E of 28x and an EV/EBITDA of 21x based on FY27E estimates, Way2Wealth said. The brokerage firm assigns a 'Buy' rating to Way2Wealth shares with a target price of ₹ 6,450 apiece. Canara Bank's balance sheet stands strong with CRAR at 16.3%. It will be further strengthened with IPO proceeds of Canara Robeco which will provide growth capital to the bank, said the brokerage firm. It has a 'Buy' call on Canara Bank shares with a target price of ₹ 125. Coromandel International is progressing with key projects, targeting commissioning by FY26–27. It is focusing on capex realignment, backward integration, and new product growth such as Nano DAP, while maintaining a revenue, EBITDA and PAT CAGR of 9%, 22% and 17% over FY25-27E, respectively. At the CMP, Coromandel International shares are trading at a P/E of 25x and an EV/EBITDA of 17x based on FY27E estimates. Way2Wealth assigns a 'Buy' rating to Coromandel International shares, with a target price of ₹ 2,700 apiece. Emami remains committed to grow through various initiatives like newer launches, expanded reach and increased digital presence through e-commerce channels despite high inflationary environment and urban slowdown. Further, it has a strong presence in the niche personal care categories, with low penetration. At CMP, Emami stock is trading at 27x its FY26 P/E . The brokerage firm recommends a 'Buy' call on Emami shares based on its strong fundamentals. It has Emami share price target of ₹ 660 apiece. Godrej Agrovet's diversified products across less regulated agricultural inputs and outputs, leading market positions across all of them and high-quality management and parentage, makes it a proxy to ride the theme of Indian agriculture, said the brokerage firm. The company has a strong Balance Sheet and generates healthy cash flows and return ratios. At CMP, Godrej Agrovet stock price is trading at 28x its FY26 P/E. The brokerage has a 'Buy' call on the stock with a target of ₹ 840 level. Way2Wealth remains optimistic about growth of the company in the near term. The company currently trades at a P/E 15.9x on FY27E below its 5-year average P/E of 21.6x. It has a 'Buy' rating and Hero MotoCorp share price target of ₹ 5,000 A recovery in plumbing demand is anticipated as channel inventories stabilize and government spending picks up, the brokerage firm said as it remains optimistic about growth of the company in near term. Supreme Industries shares currently trade at a P/E 39.7x on FY27E below its 5-year Average PE of 42.2x. The brokerage recommends buying Supreme Industries shares for a target price of ₹ 4,750 apiece. The company's engine business is likely to move in tandem with industry. Further, return ratios (RoCE: ~53+%, RoE: ~40%) along with positive FCF generation will also be among the key triggers, said the broking house. At CMP, Swaraj Engines share price is trading at 26x its FY26 P/E. It recommends buying Swaraj Engines shares for a target price of ₹ 4,600 apiece. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Deccan Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Deccan Herald
Stock markets decline in early trade on selling in IT shares, sluggish Asian peers
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 884.03 crore on Thursday, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought equities worth Rs 4,286.50 crore, according to exchange data.
