Latest news with #Tanzania
Forbes
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Pack Like—Actor And Entrepreneur Neil Patrick Harris
Pack Like is a column in which Forbes Vetted asks some of the most well-traveled personalities about the essential items they reach for when they're on the go. Next time you're headed on an adventure, look no further for ideas and inspiration. When actor and jack of all trades Neil Patrick Harris isn't on the screen or stage, you can often find him at the airport jetting off on his next adventure. In the last year alone, Harris has traveled to London, Fiji, Croatia, Greece, Scotland, and most recently, Tanzania and Kenya, for his first safari, alongside husband, David Burtka, and children Harper and Gideon. 'It was a massive bucket list item that did not disappoint,' says Harris, calling the family trip to Africa life-altering, world-affirming and all-around fantastic. 'I'm a big proponent of immersive experiences and placing yourself in new and unfamiliar environments. It's the best way to learn and grow, plus create searing memories that you'll remember forever.' Growing up, Harris vacationed often with his family, mostly to Disneyland, which, in part, laid the groundwork for his own whimsical spirit and sense of creativity. 'It may sound corporate and inauthentic, but I found Walt Disney's attention to detail amazing. I was fully immersed in his world and I hope to be able to provide that for others in my life.' This summer, Harris will attempt to do just that—albeit on a slightly smaller scale—hosting a Murder Mystery Weekend at Palm Island Resort & Spa in the Florida Keys. The three-day event, which is a cardholder-only Capital One Dining Experience, will start July 22 and combine a Harris-led live action murder mystery performance with world-class dining and accommodations. 'It should be terribly exciting; three days and two nights on a remote island, filled with activities and puzzles to solve,' he says. 'We've created an entire storyline, so the attending guests will have to acquaint themselves with performers, the environment and each other. Will there be murder? Perhaps. Will there be intrigue? Absolutely. It's looking to be very White Lotus .' Though Harris has been planning the getaway for months, packing for the trip will be a breeze. For long weekends away, he relies on a few sleek-yet-steady travel accessories, like an expandable carry-on and multi-purpose backpack that help him move through the world with ease. 'I look for bags with lots of compartments, so you know where everything goes—it makes the locating and the repacking easier too,' he says. While on the plane, he also always brings a few essentials to make himself more comfortable like noise-canceling headphones and a hydrating face oil, plus practical wellness items like Afrin and Neosporin. He adds, 'Two squirts of Afrin opens up your sinuses, which helps with cabin pressure, and rubbing a bit of Neosporin inside each nostril keeps illness and germs from settling in your head.' While Harris, who has four dogs, won't be traveling with any pets this time around, in his spare time he has also been thinking around new ways to make the experience more seamless for furry friends, too. The actor recently took to TikTok Shop to exclusively launch Tayl, a new company that will design thoughtful and stylish pet products to help pups live their best lives. 'We love our dogs unconditionally. We also are treating them as proper members of our family, and as such, feel like they deserve an element of quality when it sometimes doesn't exist,' says Harris. 'Tayl will create elevated pet products that both dogs and owners will be proud to wear or use. There's a lot coming up, so stay tuned.' Below, shop all of Harris' top travel picks, including his favorite portable charger, travel sneakers and more. Neil Patrick Harris' Travel Essentials An Expandable Carry-On For Under $60 'This is my go-to carry-on,' says Harris, who often uses the hardside roller bag for long weekends away. 'It's $54, durable, expandable by 25%, comes in various colors and did I mention it's $54?' Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On Luggage $54 A Multi-Purpose Pack With Tons Of Pockets 'The Nomatic Travel Pack has a brilliant design, allows you to open it from any position and access whatever you need and has more spaces, pockets and pouches that you'd ever know what to do with. It's fantastic.' Nomatic Travel Pack $350 Noise-Canceling Earbuds For The Plane 'The AirPod Pros fit perfectly in my ears, they cancel out any unwanted noise and they've got a low profile. This may not be a hot take, per se, but come on…Apple for the win.' Apple AirPods Pro 2 $19 A Small Speaker That Packs Big Sound 'I was just in Scotland, filming a movie called Sunny Dancer [in theaters next year]. Bella Ramsey is the lead, and they had this amazing speaker on set—it provides a remarkable amount of sound in a truly tiny package. Almost like a magic trick. I have no idea how it accomplishes what it does.' JBL Go 4 Portable Speaker $50 An In-Flight Cocktail To Take The Edge Off 'If it's before noon, I'm partial to a bloody Mary on a plane. It makes me feel like I'm on vacation, taking the edge off and somehow being healthy. I realize I'm not, but the savory and spicy flavors try to convince me otherwise. If it's after lunch, I'm all about a gin and tonic. Clean, crisp and makes bingeing downloaded content that much more enjoyable,' says Harris, who is also releasing a paired cocktails and mocktails book, Both Sides Of The Glass , with Burtka in September. Filthy Bloody Mary Kit $40 AND UP An On-The-Go Escape Room Game 'I love escape rooms, and tabletop versions can be equally exciting. Curious Correspondence provides an escape room experience contained within specially crafted envelopes. They are wildly inventive and satisfying—you won't believe what they can do with paper products!—and I always have at least two in my backpack for an emergency good time.' Curious Correspondence Escape Games $140 Shop At Mysterious Package A Face Oil That Works Wonders 'My great friend and groomer, Amy Komorowski, created this nourishing face oil that can be applied whenever you need a dermal assist. It's remarkable—one dropper full leaves your face refined, plump and hydrated. It's kind of my secret sauce.' Circa 1970 Face Oil $110 A Light, Yet Hydrating Conditioner 'Amy also got me hooked on this leave-in conditioner that is perfect for travel. After a long flight, just add a dollop of this crème and your locks look nourished and soft, without being weighed down.' Hårklinikken Hair Hydrating Crème $56 Cool Sneakers That'll Keep You Comfy 'I always wear a grey henley shirt when I fly (it's kinda dressy, kinda sexy and kinda pajamas), and I tend to pair it with classic grey Sambas. They're crazy comfortable, and easy to slip on and off if a TSA agent barks at me to remove my kicks.' Adidas Men's Samba OG Shoes $100 $100 At Dick's Sporting Goods A Travel Charger That Won't Let You Down 'When you're traveling, you can never be sure which cord will work with which plane. After I found this Anker charger, I needn't worry. It allows for three cables of different persuasions. I also love it at a hotel—plug this into the outlet next to the bed, and you can charge all of your devices at once.' Anker USB-C And USB-A Charger $40 A Face Mask To Fly Under The Radar 'This mask protects me from potential ails, and allows me to go incognito,' says Harris, who calls a disposable mask the number one travel item he can't live without. Keangs KN95 Black Face Masks $30
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Zanzibar's Tourism Minister on its vision for growth, GCC visitors and eco-tourism
Image: Supplied With its pristine beaches, Swahili culture, and rising appeal as a luxury destination, Zanzibar is positioning itself as a leading player in sustainable tourism. In this exclusive interview with Gulf Business , Mudrick Ramadhan Soragha, Minister of Tourism of Zanzibar, outlines the island's vision for high-value, low-impact tourism, discussing everything from strategic partnerships with Gulf nations and rising GCC visitor numbers to eco-resorts, cultural conservation, and a new digitally enabled airport terminal. Zanzibar is gaining attention as a premium beach and cultural destination. How is your tourism strategy balancing luxury development with the need to preserve the island's natural ecosystems and Swahili heritage? Zanzibar's tourism strategy is guided by the principle of 'sustainability with authenticity'. We recognise that while luxury tourism is vital to our economic growth, it must not come at the expense of our fragile marine ecosystems or our centuries-old Swahili heritage. To ensure this balance, we have implemented rigorous environmental impact assessments as a prerequisite for all developments. We actively encourage sustainable design, favoring vernacular, low-impact architecture that integrates seamlessly with the natural and cultural landscape. We are also working closely with UNESCO to safeguard heritage assets and ensure that all tourism development aligns with Zanzibar's unique cultural identity. Finally, community engagement remains central, ensuring that development uplifts local livelihoods and reflects the essence of Zanzibari heritage. Many GCC countries are investing in luxury coastal developments and year-round beach tourism. What lessons or partnerships can Zanzibar explore with Gulf nations to enhance its own beach tourism offerings sustainably ? The visionary transformation of the Gulf into a hub for year-round luxury tourism provides a compelling blueprint for Zanzibar. We are exploring bilateral partnerships with the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain in areas such as hospitality investment, cultural exchange, and green infrastructure. The Gulf region's expertise in integrating climate-adaptive technologies, wellness and heritage experiences, and halal-friendly hospitality aligns well with Zanzibar's ambitions. Already, we are in advanced discussions with entities like Qatar's Retaj Group and other private investors in the region. We want to ensure that future investors prioritise integrating the local community and that developments will directly benefit the local population. Ways to achieve this are to employ island staff for all hotel functions and to source furniture, arts and interior design from local artisans. Our goal is to foster long-term Gulf-Zanzibar tourism investment corridors built on mutual values of innovation, sustainability, and respect for heritage. With increasing tourism from the Middle East to East Africa, how is Zanzibar tailoring its tourism products to attract high-value travellers from the GCC while maintaining authentic experiences? We are curating a suite of tourism experiences that speak directly to the preferences of Gulf travellers, particularly families, discerning couples, and faith-conscious tourists. These include ultra-private beachfront villas, halal culinary offerings, and bespoke cultural journeys that honor Zanzibar's deep Islamic heritage. We are also enhancing air connectivity and simplifying visa procedures for GCC nationals. This is why Zanzibar proactively pursued the opportunity to host the AVIADEV conference, as part of a broader strategy to attract more direct flights to the island. Yet, even as we elevate our service offering to match the expectations of high-net-worth visitors, we remain committed to preserving Zanzibar's soul, be it through traditional dhow sailing excursions, spice plantation tours, or immersive experiences. Read: Over-tourism and climate change are placing strain on coastal destinations globally. What policies or infrastructure investments is your ministry prioritising to make Zanzibar's beach tourism climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable? We are acutely aware that Zanzibar's future depends on ecological resilience. Central to our blue economy policy is our Marine Spatial Planning initiative, an ambitious coastal zoning project, in collaboration with various environmental partners, aimed at ensuring the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. In parallel, we are upgrading waste and water management infrastructure within major tourism zones and investing in the training of local communities on sustainable best practices. We are also establishing marine protected areas and implementing coral reef restoration projects, particularly around Pemba Island—a vital biodiversity hotspot. Our long-term vision emphasises low-density, high-value tourism. By championing eco-conscious resorts over mass tourism models, we aim to protect both our environment and our cultural identity for generations to come. How is Zanzibar leveraging digital tools, eco-certifications and smart tourism strategies to remain competitive in a global market? Zanzibar is undergoing a digital transformation with the roll-out of smart visitor data systems, online licensing, and digital promotion platforms. Through a UK-funded programme we are also piloting the introduction of eco-certifications for hotels and tour operators and promoting sustainable practices via capacity building for small enterprises. By aligning with global sustainability benchmarks and embedding digital innovation, we aim to position Zanzibar as a regional leader in responsible tourism. Give us a breakdown of people visiting Zanzibar from the GCC, highlighting perhaps the UAE as well as Saudi Arabia and other key source markets. The Middle East, particularly the Gulf region, is emerging as a high-potential source market for Zanzibar. In 2024, arrivals from the UAE reached approximately 11,000, while Saudi Arabia accounted for 9,500 visitors. Collectively, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain contributed an additional 6,000 tourists. These numbers place the GCC firmly within our top ten non-African source markets. Our objective is to double this volume by 2027, supported by strategic airline partnerships, destination marketing, and tailored hospitality offerings. Overall, 71.6 per cent of arrivals into Zanzibar were from Europe, with Italy, Germany, France, and Poland leading. African arrivals also grew strongly, with South Africa and Kenya showing double-digit growth. The majority of travellers (86 per cent) are Millennials and Gen Z, with an average stay of eight nights. At 98.3 percent, leisure remains the primary purpose of travel to the island. Tell us about the investment from the government towards tourism. Key investments to support the island's continued tourism growth include the construction of the new international airport terminal at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, which has expanded the airport's capacity to 1.5 million annual passengers and enhanced air connectivity to the destination. With tourism now contributing over 27 per cent to Zanzibar's GDP, accounting for 80 per cent of its foreign exchange earnings, and sector revenues exceeding $1bn in 2024, we are also developing state-of-the-art Tourism Training Institutes to equip the local workforce with the skills needed to meet international hospitality standards. Moreover, substantial public-private investment is being directed toward eco-resorts, wellness centers, and sustainable marinas. Our heritage conservation initiatives are equally robust, and we are restoring architectural treasures in Stone Town and other cultural sites. To protect travellers and reinforce market confidence, we are introducing tourism insurance schemes and launching digital service platforms. All of these are anchored in our national vision of building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism economy, grounded in sustainability and driven by innovation.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What causes obesity? A major new study is upending common wisdom.
Obesity is uncommon among Hadza hunter-gatherers in Tanzania, Tsimane forager-farmers in Bolivia, Tuvan herder-farmers in Siberia, and other people in less-developed nations. But it's widespread among those of us in wealthy, highly industrialized nations. Why? A major study published this week in PNAS brings surprising clarity to that question. Using objective data about metabolic rates and energy expenditure among more than 4,000 men and women living in dozens of nations across a broad spectrum of socioeconomic conditions, the study quantified how many calories people from different cultures burn most days. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. For decades, common wisdom and public health messaging have assumed that people in highly developed nations, like the United States, are relatively sedentary and burn far fewer daily calories than people in less-industrialized countries, greatly increasing the risk for obesity. But the new study says no. Instead, it finds that Americans, Europeans and people living in other developed nations expend about the same number of total calories most days as hunter-gatherers, herders, subsistence farmers, foragers and anyone else living in less-industrialized nations. That unexpected finding almost certainly means inactivity is not the main cause of obesity in the U.S. and elsewhere, said Herman Pontzer, a professor of evolutionary anthropology and global health at Duke University in North Carolina and a senior author of the new study. What is, then? The study offers provocative hints about the role of diet and some of the specific foods we eat, as well as about the limits of exercise, and the best ways, in the long run, to avoid and treat obesity. - - - Is diet or inactivity causing obesity? 'There's still a lively debate in public health about the role of diet and activity' in the development of obesity, Pontzer said, especially in wealthy nations. Some experts believe we're exercising too little, others that we're eating too much, and still more that the two contribute almost equally. Understanding the relative contributions of diet and physical activity is important, Pontzer noted, because we can't effectively help people with obesity unless we first tease out its origins. But few large-scale studies have carefully compared energy expenditure among populations prone to obesity against those more resistant to it, which would be a first step toward figuring out what drives weight gain. So, for the new study, Pontzer and his 80-plus co-authors gathered existing data from labs around the world that use doubly labeled water in metabolism studies. Doubly labeled water contains isotopes that, when excreted in urine or other fluids, allow researchers to precisely determine someone's energy expenditure, metabolic rates and body-fat percentage. It's the gold standard in this kind of research. They wound up with data for 4,213 men and women from 34 countries or cultural groups, running the socioeconomic gamut from tribes in Africa to executives in Norway. They calculated total daily energy expenditures for everyone, along with their basal energy expenditure, which is the number of calories our bodies burn during basic, biological operations, and physical activity energy expenditure, which is how many calories we use while moving around. - - - A new theory of how our metabolisms work After adjusting for body size (since people in wealthy nations tend to have larger bodies, and larger bodies burn more calories), they started comparing different groups. Anyone expecting a wide range of energy expenditures, with hunter-gatherers and farmer-herders at the high end and deskbound American office workers trailing well behind, would be wrong. Across the board, the total daily energy expenditures of the 4,213 people were quite similar, no matter where they lived or how they spent their lives. Although the hunter-gatherers and other similar groups moved around far more throughout the day than a typical American, their overall daily calorie burns were nearly the same. The findings, though counterintuitive, align with a new theory about our metabolisms, first proposed by Pontzer. Known as the constrained total energy expenditure model, it says that our brains and bodies closely monitor our total energy expenditure, keeping it within a narrow range. If we start consistently burning extra calories by, for instance, stalking prey on foot for days or training for a marathon, our brains slow down or shut off some tangential biological operations, often related to growth, and our overall daily calorie burn stays within a consistent band. - - - The role of ultra-processed foods The upshot is that 'there is no effect of economic development on size-adjusted physical activity expenditure,' Pontzer says. In which case, the fundamental problem isn't that we're moving too little, meaning more exercise is unlikely to reduce obesity much. What could, then? 'Our analyses suggest that increased energy intake has been roughly 10 times more important than declining total energy expenditure in driving the modern obesity crisis,' the study authors write. In other words, we're eating too much. We may also be eating the wrong kinds of foods, the study also suggests. In a sub-analysis of the diets of some of the groups from both highly and less-developed nations, the scientists found a strong correlation between the percentage of daily diets that consists of 'ultra-processed foods' - which the study's authors define as 'industrial formulations of five or more ingredients' - and higher body-fat percentages. We are, to be blunt, eating too much and probably eating too much of the wrong foods. 'This study confirms what I've been saying, which is that diet is the key culprit in our current [obesity] epidemic,' said Barry Popkin, a professor at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an obesity expert. 'This is a well-done study,' he added. Other experts agree. 'It's clear from this important new research and other studies that changes to our food, not our activity, are the dominant drivers of obesity,' said Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University in Boston. The findings don't mean, though, that exercise is unimportant, Pontzer emphasized. 'We know that exercise is essential for health. This study doesn't change that,' he said. But the study does suggest that 'to address obesity, public health efforts need to focus on diet,' he said, especially on ultra-processed foods, 'that seem to be really potent causes of obesity.' 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Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Ambassador Chen Mingjian Meets with Tanzania Peoples' Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Salum Othman
AFRICA On July 11, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania H.E. Chen Mingjian met with Lieutenant General Salum Othman, Chief of Staff of Tanzania Peoples' Defence Forces in Dar es Salaam. They discussed bilateral military relations and committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United Republic of Tanzania. Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release. The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages. © ZAWYA 2025
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Associated Press
Tapestry of Africa Introduces Unforgettable African Safari Adventures
07/14/2025, Nairobi, Kenya // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Tapestry of Africa is excited to introduce its newly improved safari tours, designed to create memorable experiences for travelers seeking to explore the beauty and diversity of Africa. As a leading tour operator, Tapestry of Africa makes planning and enjoying a safari effortless. The company offers personalized itineraries that fit the goals of each traveler. With its improved safari tours, Tapestry of Africa guests can enjoy itineraries tailored to their preferences, budget, and desired level of adventure. Whether they are dreaming of a luxury lodge experience in Kenya, a thrilling wildlife safari in Tanzania, or a serene escape into the Maasai Mara, it helps them design their ideal trip from start to finish. What truly sets Tapestry of Africa apart is its ability to turn complex travel logistics into a seamless experience. From airport transfers and accommodations to park permits and game drives, every detail of the safari tours is carefully arranged so travelers can focus on the excitement of their journey. The company's knowledgeable consultants simplify the booking process, removing the stress of trip planning. Tapestry of Africa offers an extensive range of guided safari tours across East Africa's premier wildlife destinations. Its portfolio includes unforgettable adventures through Kenya's Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu reserves, as well as Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Travelers can also add a relaxing beach escape on Zanzibar's pristine shores. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or in a small group, every guest can enjoy the magic of Africa's landscapes and wildlife. Tapestry of Africa is driven by a deep passion for Africa's wildlife and cultures. Its guides and staff bring invaluable local knowledge and enthusiasm, ensuring every tour feels authentic and enriching. The company also prioritizes responsible tourism, supporting conservation efforts and local communities through each tour it operates. Guests traveling with Tapestry of Africa not only create lifelong memories but also contribute to preserving its natural heritage for generations to come. Travelers can explore more about Tapestry of Africa's unique approach by visiting its social media channels, which feature inspiring trip ideas, stunning wildlife photos, and traveler stories. You can follow its Facebook page, YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok. For those ready to plan their adventure, its website offers a comprehensive overview of destinations, packages, and booking options for unforgettable safari tours. Travelers can also request a personalized safari quote directly online. To learn more about Tapestry of Africa and its hassle-free safari tours, visit About Tapestry of Africa Tapestry of Africa is a premier safari and tour operator offering personalized and hassle-free experiences across East Africa. With expert guidance, custom itineraries, and a deep respect for Africa's natural and cultural treasures, it creates unforgettable adventures for travelers from around the world. ### Media Contact Tapestry of Africa Mkoma Road South B South Gate Centre, Nairobi, Kenya (623) 606-2217 newsroom: Source published by Submit Press Release >> Tapestry of Africa Introduces Unforgettable African Safari Adventures
