Latest news with #ATTA
Qatar Tribune
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Sheikh Joaan conducts field visit to World Table Tennis Championships venue
DOHA: President of Qatar Olympic Committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani has conducted a field visit to Lusail Arena, one of the venues for the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025, which Qatar is hosting for the second time following the successful 2004 edition. The world-class championship will feature 640 top-ranked male and female players competing in 443 thrilling matches from May 17 to 25 at Lusail Arena and Qatar University. The Qatar Table Tennis Association (ATTA) has provided full support for the athletes to ensure they represent Qatar with pride in this global event.
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Olivia Attwood reveals why she's GLAD about husband's womanising past despite always meeting someone he's slept with
Plus, scroll down to find out more on the exact moment Olivia found out Brad was a cheat ATTA GIRL Olivia Attwood reveals why she's GLAD about husband's womanising past despite always meeting someone he's slept with Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OLIVIA Attwood has candidly opened up on her husband's womanising past. The reality TV star, who recently celebrated her 34th birthday with a star-studded bash at a posh London restaurant, claimed she 'couldn't roll a football' without hitting someone her man, Bradley Dack, 31, has slept with. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Olivia Attwood has claimed to "take comfort" in Bradley Dack's womanising past Credit: Youtube/Whats My Age Again Podcast 6 The reality TV star revealed all to Katherine Ryan on a recent podcast episode Credit: Youtube/Whats My Age Again Podcast 6 She confessed she "couldn't roll a football in South London without hitting someone he's slept with" Credit: Splash 6 But Olivia explained why she is glad he has bedded so many women Credit: Splash The podcast host, who tied the knot with Bradley in a £30,000 wedding dress in June 2023, also claimed that being married to a footballer is not for the weak. On a recent podcast episode of Katherine Ryan's What's My Age Again?, Olivia Attwood spilled the tea on what it's really like to have an athlete as a husband. The Loose Women presenter even compared being married to a footballer as an 'extreme sport'. The star explained: 'I wouldn't recommend anyone, genuinely, to date an athlete of any description. 'I think there's a lot that comes with that that would age you quite severely.' Despite this, she voiced that her Gillingham midfielder, who she began dating in 2017 before she starred on Love Island, is 'very relaxed' and 'very low maintenance'. She beamed: 'He's brought a lot of calmness to my life. 'He has mellowed me out, in a good way.' Not only this, but the blonde beauty also recognised: 'He doesn't want attention, which is great, because I need it.' But while Brad may have calmed Olivia, who has been diagnosed with ADHD, down, she didn't hold back on discussing his 'womaniser' past. 'I'd call the police' Olivia Attwood reveals her biggest kissing ick and the one habit she hates from men when it comes to intimacy The Labubu lover who previously opened up on sharing towels and a toothbrush with Brad, confessed: 'I couldn't roll a football in South London without hitting someone he's slept with.' But despite this, Olivia shared her appreciation of Brad's sexual history, as she admitted: 'I take comfort in that because I feel like he exhausted himself. I wouldn't recommend anyone, genuinely, to date an athlete of any description Olivia Attwood 'He's good. We're still quite young but he's lived.' Additionally, Olivia then acknowledged: 'I fear for women who are like 'I'm my husband's second sexual partner'. 'At some point he's gonna crack.' Who is Olivia Attwood? Olivia shot to fame as a contestant on the reality ITV2 dating show, Love Island. Like most contestants who have featured on the show, she's no stranger to modelling. Before Love Island she competed in pageants, including a "Tropic Beauty" contest, representing London, and was also once a Motorsport Grid Girl for energy drinks brand, Monster. Olivia is originally from Surrey and has since starred in multiple TV shows after finding fame. She fronted her own reality show Olivia Meets Her Match, which documented her engagement and marriage to her footballer husband, Bradley Dack. She also competed in ITV's The Games in 2022, and presented the show Getting Filthy Rich. Her most recent gig is presenting ITV's Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection. No stranger to surgery and cosmetic treatments herself, Olivia delves into the world of facial cosmetic procedures to find out who makes big bucks from them. But this isn't the first time the reality star, who first met Bradley at a nightclub in 2015, has been candid on her and Bradley's turbulent relationship. Speaking on the Newlyweds podcast with Sophie and Jamie Laing, Olivia revealed how she really found out her hubby was a cheat. Two days after being offered a spot on Love Island, Olivia was in Germany while Bradley was on a golfing holiday when she received an anonymous phone call. I actually think if I had stayed, we wouldn't be together now Olivia Attwood Olivia recalled: "I never used to answer private numbers, but sometimes you get this feeling that the universe is like 'pick it up'. "I picked it up and it was a girl and she's like 'hello' and I was like 'hello who is this' and she was like 'well I'm Brad's girlfriend' and I was like 'that's so weird because I'm Brad's girlfriend.'" Olivia explained that she tried to call Bradley, who was on holiday with the boys, but couldn't get through as his phone had died. Olivia Attwood's Career History From Monster grid girl and Love Island star to daytime telly panellist and respected documentary maker, Olivia Attwood has made a huge career pivot in recent years... Olivia first started as a Monster grid girl at motorsport events in 2012 when she was 19-years-old, and did it right up until she went into Love Island in 2017. After placing third in the reality show with then-boyfriend Chris Hughes, she starred in their own spin-off series, Chris & Olivia: Crackin' On, in 2018. Later that year, she appeared on Celebs Go Dating and then joined the cast of The Only Way Is Essex in 2019, where she had a number of fiery on-screen rows. In 2020, the reality TV veteran began starring in her own reality series on ITVBe titled Olivia Meets Her Match, which followed her wedding preparations with footballer Bradley Dack. In 2021, the tide started to turn. Olivia made appearances on household shows Lorraine, Tipping Point: Lucky Stars and Loose Women. Then, in 2022, ITV commissioned her for her first ever documentary series. She presented Olivia Attwood: Getting Filthy Rich, which explored women selling sexual content online. In June 2023, ITV commissioned Olivia Marries Her Match and made her a regular guest panellist on Loose Women. Her most recent docu-series, Olivia Attwood: The Price of Perfection, aired in January this year where she sensitively explored the cosmetic industry. However, she stressed it was the best thing that could have happened, as the next day, she decided to call back the producers of Love Island and said she could be on the show. She reflected: "As much as I liked him I was like 'this is done' because there is no way I can trust him again or come back from this." "I didn't actually want to go and I didn't want to end it but my intelligent brain was like you have to because what are you staying for? "I actually think if I had stayed, we wouldn't be together now." Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 6 But Olivia believes Bradley has "lived" and got his womanising ways out of his system Credit: Instagram
Mail & Guardian
16-05-2025
- Mail & Guardian
Solo Female Travellers Set Their Sights on Africa
There's no doubt about it; solo female travel is on the rise. Global travel brand, Virtuoso, reports that women now make up 71% of solo travellers. In the US, Google searches for 'solo female travel' went up 131% last year alone (compared to 2023), and even the briefest look at social media reveals a wealth of Instagram accounts, Facebook groups, and Reddit communities all centred around women's solo adventures. While Europe (Italy, Spain and Portugal) remains the top choice for solo travellers, Latin America (Peru, Costa Rica and Ecuador) and Asia (India, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam) are also in demand. Meanwhile, Africa might just be emerging as the next frontier for solo female adventurers, with women-led safaris transforming the traditional Big 5 experience into something more authentic, immersive and sustainable. As Antoinette Turner, General Manager of Flight Centre South Africa, explains, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana and 'Africa is becoming more sought after amongst solo women travellers because it offers wide open spaces and authentic experiences untouched by mass tourism,' says Turner. 'Unlike overcrowded tourist hotspots, the continent provides room to breathe, reflect, learn and, ultimately, have fun – without the unrelenting pressure of work or home life.' Kgomotso Ramothea, CEO of ATTA® (The African Travel & Tourism Association) agrees: 'ATTA® has just published a whitepaper on Africa's untapped tourism niches, and women-only safaris features prominently.' 'Importantly, it's not about avoiding men, feeling 'safer' in women-only groups, wanting to feel 'empowered' or even setting off on a journey of self-discovery,' says Ramothea. 'Instead, it's quite simple. Women are increasingly looking for flexibility – and the opportunity to experience Africa on their own terms, and at their own pace.' Safari ideas Every woman is different, and operators or accommodation suppliers that can customise diverse experiences will lead the market, says Turner. 'This means blending adventure with cultural immersion, traditional sightseeing and moments of rest and tranquillity, rather than assuming all women want wall-to-wall spa treatments – unless that's genuinely their preference.' Turner believes there's tremendous potential to develop safe, flexible itineraries that go beyond the traditional Big 5 safari. Some possibilities for South African travellers include: Zanzibar for a spice farm, Stone Town and Prison Island tour, night markets, local cooking classes, dhow cruises and plenty of beach time! Botswana for an unforgettable trip that takes in both the elephants of Chobe and the waterways of the Okavango Delta. Think game drives, river safaris and sunset cruises (even quad biking in the Makgadikgadi if you're feeling adventurous!). Zambia for a stay at the iconic Royal Livingstone Hotel, adrenaline-fuelled activities at Victoria Falls (including a dip in Devil's Pool), a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park and the museums, galleries and restaurants of Lusaka. Uganda for gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, swimming, canoeing, bird watching and nature walks at Lake Bunyonyi ('place of many little birds') or seeking out matoke , the national dish of Uganda. Rwanda for a tour of the country's vibrant capital, Kigali (which is widely considered one of Africa's safest cities for solo travellers), a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a women-led coffee farm tour and a private game drive in Akagera National Park. What women want According to Flight Centre's latest Global Travel Survey – conducted in January 2025 – women travellers are more likely to: Place higher priority on safety, peace of mind and stress-free travel planning. Value travel agents for their expertise and convenience. Consider travel extremely important for mental health. Prefer alcohol-free holidays. Identify lost luggage and flight delays as their top travel frustrations. 'It's no different to solo travel,' says Turner. 'Ultimately, safety and preparedness remain paramount, followed by freedom, flexibility and 'time to just be'.' Top tips for solo travel For Turner, research, preparation and finding the right travel partners is key. 'Hop onto the solo travel message boards, research your destination, take note of travel tips and packing advice and ensure you deal with partners with a strong track record in solo travel – after all, you want to get the most out of your trip,' she says. In addition, Turner emphasises the following: Be mindful of single supplements. Have the discussion up front and negotiate where possible. Alternatively, explore travelling in low season or shoulder season for better rates. Plan your first night well (in other words, avoid arriving in a new destination after dark without trusted transport and accommodation in place). Book group activities. It's a great way to meet like-minded women, expand your circle and even make life-long friends. Connect with locals and enjoy authentic experiences. Plan rest days and give yourself plenty of space to be spontaneous. Invest in comprehensive travel insurance. Take care of your valuables (for example, use the hotel safe and consider wearing a money belt when out and about) and protect your personal information. Make both hard copies and digital copies of your important travel documents and store them securely. Check-in with family and friends back home so that people always know where you are and where you're headed. 'Female travel – whether solo or with friends – is booming,' says Turner. 'Studies show travel companies dedicated exclusively to women have surged by a staggering 230% in recent years. It's fantastic to see more women of all ages embracing African adventures – and operators designing itineraries that meet the demand for eco-friendly, sustainable, flexible, interesting and enriching experiences that resonate with female travellers,' she concludes.
Qatar Tribune
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar's magnificent seven ready for home glory at ITTF Doha 2025 Worlds
Tribune News Network Doha As the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025 approaches, seven of Qatar's finest table tennis athletes prepare to represent their nation with pride on the global stage from 17-25 May at the prestigious championship event. When the first ball is struck on Saturday, players from across the international table tennis community will begin their campaigns. For the seven Qatari representatives, the opportunity to compete at a World Championships on home soil represents a significant milestone. Qatar will field competitors across all five championship events, demonstrating the nation's comprehensive participation: Men's Singles: Ahmed Korani, Sultan Al-Kuwari, and Mohammed Abdulwahhab will test their skills against the world's elite. Women's Singles: Maryam Ali and Aia Mohamed carry Qatar's aspirations in the women's competition. Men's Doubles: Two partnerships take to the table with Rawad Alnaser/Sultan Al-Kuwari and Abdullah Abdulwahhab/Mohammed Abdulwahhab. Women's Doubles: Aia Mohamed and Maryam Ali form Qatar's women's partnership. Mixed Doubles: Aia Mohamed/Mohammed Abdulwahhab and Maryam Ali/Ahmed Korani represent Qatar in the combined event. The Qatar players have prepared for the major event by participating in global, continental, and local tournaments, alongside both local and international training camps to reach their peak performance. The team's extensive experience, gained from previous international competitions, positions them well to achieve impressive results. The draw has placed the Qatari players in tough matches in the early rounds. In men's singles, Sultan Khalid Al Kuwari will meet Belgian Martin Allegro, ranked 82nd, while Mohammed Abdulwahhab will meet 108th-ranked New Zealand's Alfred Dela Pena. In women's singles, Aia Magdy plays Cuba's Rosalba Aguiar, ranked 185th, and Maryam Ali faces Chile's Zhiying Zeng, ranked 165th. The men's doubles team of Mohammed Abdulwahhab and Abdullah Abdulwahhab will compete against Cuba's Andy Pereira and Jorge Campos. In women's doubles, Aia Magdy and Maryam Ali will face Germany's Sabine Winter and Yuan Wan. In mixed doubles, Mohammed Abdulwahhab and Aia Magdy will meet Thailand's Thitaphat Preechayan and Kulapassr Vijitviriyagul, while Ahmed Korani and Maryam Ali will face Algeria's Milhane Jellouli and Amina Kessaci. The championships will see the participation of 640 players, with 256 competing in singles, 256 in men's and women's doubles, and 128 in mixed doubles in 443 matches. The Qatar Table Tennis Association (ATTA) has provided full support for the athletes to ensure they represent Qatar with pride in this global event. With the home support creating an exceptional environment, Qatar's athletes aim to deliver performances that will resonate with local supporters while showcasing their capabilities on the World Championships stage. The seven Qatari representatives carry the aspirations of their nation as they prepare to participate in what promises to be a memorable championship tournament. Mohammed Abdulwahhab, a member of the Qatari team, said that the competition would be challenging but expressed his determination to go as far as possible in the tournament. He called on the fans for support and to help make the championship a success. He also expressed confidence that the event would be organized exceptionally well. Aia Magdy shared similar sentiments, noting that while the competition would be tough, playing in Qatar was a great honor and motivation for each player to perform at their best. Member of QTTA Board of Directors and Chairman of the National Teams Committee Thani Al Zarraa said that the players were fully prepared to represent Qatar honorably, stressing that the Association has provided full support to the players at all levels to ensure proper preparation for the Championships. He also expressed confidence in their ability to use their experiences to excel in the competition, noting that the players had achieved significant success in previous championships, even reaching semifinals and defeating top-ranked players. Participating in the World Table Tennis Championships is seen as a golden opportunity for Qatari players to prove themselves among the world's elite, despite the tough competition. The event is highly anticipated, with the expectation of a historic, world-class organization. Qatar is the first Arab and GCC country to host the World Championships for the second time, having previously hosted it in 2004.
Travel Daily News
14-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
New ATTA report reveals how today's global tourism trends originated in Africa
ATTA releases 'Rooted in Africa' at Indaba 2025, reframing wellness, sustainability and slow travel as traditions born on the continent. DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – The African Travel & Tourism Association (ATTA) haslaunched a new report at this year's Africa Travel Indaba that challenges how global tourism trends are understood, and where they started. Titled 'Rooted in Africa', the publication shows how today's most talked-about concepts – wellness travel, sustainability, slow travel and authenticity – are not recent innovations but longstanding practices across African communities. 'What the world now celebrates as innovation is how Africa has always travelled,' says Kgomotso Ramothea, CEO, ATTA Memberships. 'We don't need to reinvent ourselves to stay relevant. We need only recognise the value of what we already have and tell that story with clarity and pride.' The report includes contributions from leading voices across the continent including Singita, Green Safaris, Jacada Travel, Natural Selection, Lemala Camps & Lodges and African Bush Camps. It highlights locally grounded approaches such as: Wholeness-based wellness models rooted in ancestral wisdom Community-led conservation that predates ESG frameworks Slow safari journeys shaped by patience and presence Cultural exchange based on lived experience rather than performance 'When we recognise that Africa hasn't been behind but ahead all along, we change not just how the world sees us, but how we see ourselves,' continues Ramothea. 'That's where true transformation begins.' ATTA (The African Travel and Tourism Association) is the leading pan-African trade association promoting tourism to Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. Known as the 'Voice of African Tourism,' ATTA® serves over 900 member businesses, including accommodation providers, tour operators, and travel specialists. It provides accurate industry news, hosts networking events and trade shows, and delivers valuable member training and resources.
