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Hidden gems
The recent discovery of a cave packed with Buddha images is being used to help bring sustainable tourism to the Khammouane province of central Laos - a region that's yet to benefit from the tourism boom in other parts of the country.
Tham Pa Pha cave was discovered when a villager scrambled up a limestone cliff face in search of bats to eat. Peering through a gap in the rocks, he found more than 200 bronze Buddha statues, believed to be about 300 years old.
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is advising the provincial tourism office and culture and information department on how to manage the attraction in a way that will minimise environmental damage. SNV has advised about 20 developing countries on ecotourism and poverty alleviation in the past 15 years. Spokesman Jan Burrows says the cave, which has already attracted thousands of Lao tourists, is a useful case study for the government.
'The income the cave is generating, and discussions about where the money is going, help local officials understand how tourism can benefit communities in the province,' Burrows says. 'When the authorities heard about the cave they organised a visit for officials from various departments - and the tourism office was initially excluded. The discovery wasn't even considered a tourism issue.'
Ocean's 11
If you fancy dressing up in lederhosen for some stein-swigging, thigh-slapping action, you have until November 6 to join the carousing at the Oktoberfest at Ocean Terminal, adjoining the Marco Polo Hotel, in Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. While you're there, Star Cruises hopes you'll be filled with the urge to board the Star Pisces for its recently introduced poolside barbecue, held every Friday evening.
Water joy!
Flying free Qantas will resume flights from Shanghai to Sydney/Melbourne on December 2, with departures in both directions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Qantas is offering a special fare of 4,888 yuan to mark the resumption of these services, which were casualties of Sars. It's also throwing in a free domestic return ticket to Brisbane, the Gold Coast or Adelaide.
Northern exposure