Editor's note
Despite economic woes in many parts of the world, the tourism industry is growing fast. In fact, a record 1 billion people are expected to travel this year, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. That's one in seven of the world's population, so there is no better time to launch our new travel magazine, Encounters, across Southeast Asia, where much of that growth is taking place.
Encounters brings personal insights and experiences of countries, cities and places across Asia and beyond, as our travel writers entice you into their awesome moments of discovery - you feel as if you are with them.
There is definitely something for every type of traveller within these pages. For those who like their comforts in luxurious surroundings, we feature some of the world's more stylish hotels designed by the biggest names in fashion: Lacroix, Armani and Lauren.
Shoppers are taken to Paris, while food lovers can feast on some of the best cuisine South Africa has to offer. For a true cultural experience, our Shanghai-based writer reviews Zhang Yimou's Impression West Lake in Hangzhou.
If you are game for a little adventure, we climb Mount Fuji, while families can rent a celebrity house in Palm Springs and discover a whole new world in and around the desert.
I had a fun time speaking with the most-travelled man on the planet, globe-trekker Ian Wright, and discovered his likes, dislikes and what he carries in his bag.
Last but not least, columnist Simon Winchester visits one of the most remote islands on the planet and hopes no one else will ever go there again.
We hope you enjoy our first issue as much as we have enjoyed putting it together for you.
