World Tourism Day

27 December - World Tourism Day

New Stamps on Tourism from San Marino

Europa - China Tourism Year

Date of Issue : 5 June 2018

Here is a beautiful set of 3  stamps issued by San Mariano Post on Tourism. The wonderful set features fusion images of European and Chinese Architecture in a unique way . 

The series of stamps is dedicated to the Europa-China Tourism Year, which was decided in 2016, celebrates the spirit of sharing for better commercial and cultural changes between Europe and China. The impossible buildings created by the architectural fusion of symbolic buildings of European and Chinese culture represent the will of the program to promote greater intercultural understanding, enhancing and facilitating travel experiences through new and better itineraries and promoting a more sustainable tourism.

10th anniversary San Marino in the UNESCO World Heritage List

Date of Issue : 5 June 2018

This new souvenir sheet issued by San Marino Post  on Tourism features picturesque view of Mount Titano.

A beautiful view of Mount Titano with the Three Towers can be seen in the background of the souvenir sheet; the first stamp depicts the Government Building and the Parva Domus in Liberty Square, the second stamp portrays the Captains Regent during the investiture ceremony, while the third stamp shows the symbols of the Captains Regent. This series celebrates the symbolic value of the inscription of San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano in the UNESCO World Heritage list on the 7th July 2008: San Marino is one of the world’s oldest republics and the only surviving city-State.

New Zealand Cycle Trails

Date of Issue : 6 February 2018

The New Zealand Post will issue a set of 6 stamps with a beautiful Miniature Sheet featuring Cycle Trails of New Zealand on 7th February 2018.

The New Zealand Cycle Trail incorporates 22 great rides through some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. From restored heritage trails, epic swing bridges and curious wildlife to luxury accommodation and good food, the cycle trail offers something for everyone. Many of the trails can be broken up and done across multiple days, or even just tackled a section at a time if you’re after a day trip. The difficulty of each trail varies with the location and terrain; some roll with the landscape while others follow pre-forged paths that were once railway lines or horse tracks. Regardless of the style of trail, difficulty level or length of journey, one will experience New Zealand’s landscape in a unique way.

$1.00 Alps 2 Ocean

New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook forms the cornerstone of the country’s longest cycle trail. With the Southern Alps at its back, this 300-kilometre-long trail descends 540 metres to a long pier at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, riders pass through the historic sheep country of the Mackenzie Basin, the hydro-electric power stations of the Waitaki Valley, and the fossilised remains of giant penguins and tiger-like dolphins at Duntroon’s fascinating Vanished World Centre.

$1.00 Mountains to Sea

From the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, a rich history of the central North Island unfolds in this 226-kilometre, multi-day adventure. A cobbled coach road leads to quiet country lanes and into Whanganui National Park, passing long-deserted settlements on its way to the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Opened in 1936 and abandoned shortly afterwards, the bridge now lies surrounded by wilderness. A boat ride follows, down the Whanganui River to Pipiriki and the River Road to Whanganui and the Tasman Sea.

$2.00 Otago Central Rail Trail

In the bitter winter of 1879, construction began on a rail line through the iconic rolling tussock-lands of Central Otago. How could the workers have imagined that, 120 years later, their creation would become New Zealand’s first multi-day rail trail and the flagship of New Zealand Cycle Trails? For visitors, it provides the best way to explore Otago’s iconic rocky landscapes and impressive tunnels and viaducts, and the small communities dotted along the 150-kilometre-long trail, offering exceptional accommodation and cuisine.

$2.20 Old Ghost Road

In the 1860s gold was discovered at the southern end of the Ghost Road, and the bustling settlement of Lyell sprang up. Today, all that remains is a graveyard and an old mining trail that has inspired one of the greatest multi-day mountain-bike trails in the world. The Old Ghost Road is a challenging trail that rewards those who dare to ride it with breathtaking scenery and 85 kilometres of continuous single-trail bike-hopping from mountain hut to mountain hut.

$2.70 Queen Charlotte Track

This 72-kilometre, two- or three-day trail stitches together two sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds, offering a unique combination of adventurous mountain biking through regenerating bush with coastal views and seaside resorts. A boat trip to the outer reaches of Queen Charlotte Sound, Ship Cove, sets the scene. This is where explorer Captain James Cook came ashore five times in the 1770s to restock supplies and undertake ship repairs. It makes for an auspicious start to a rewarding ride.

$3.30 Timber Trail

Opened in 2013, this 85-kilometre-long trail is a favourite with lovers of the outdoors. From the edge of the celebrated Pureora Forest Park, west of Taupō, it meanders through ancient rainforest. Kererū and kākā skim the canopy of giant rimu, tōtara and kahikatea, while kōkako add chimes of gold in the dawn chorus. The trail skirts the ancient volcano of Mount Pureora, then continues westwards across several impressive suspension bridges and along a historic bush tramline to the village of Ongarue.

Source : New Zealand Post

Hong Kong Shopping Street

 Date of Issue : 19 September 2017

Hong Kong Post  issued of a set of special stamps on the theme "Hong Kong Shopping Streets", together with associated philatelic products, on September 19,2017.

     Lauded as a shopping paradise, Hong Kong is home to many distinctively themed shopping streets. This set of six stamps on "Hong Kong Shopping Streets" issued by Hongkong Post is an introduction to some of these shopping spots with their quintessentially local flavours. A visit to these shopping streets is both a treasure hunt and a journey into their unique local history and culture.

     In Mong Kok, shops in the Goldfish Market (denomination of $1.70) are festooned with different kinds of fish contained in plastic bags hanging in rows, while those in the Flower Market (denomination of $3.70) are filled with a wide array of products including fresh local flowers, many of which are from countries around the world, as well as artificial flowers and potted plants. Chinese Medicine Street (denomination of $2.20) in Sheung Wan is over a century old and remains a major Chinese herbal medicine wholesale centre in Hong Kong. In Yau Ma Tei, the Jade Market (denomination of $2.90) houses hundreds of jade stalls offering a rich variety of merchandise in all price ranges, while the wholesalers in Kitchenware Street (denomination of $3.10) sell all manner of kitchen utensils ranging from tableware, cutlery, pots, pans and baking tools to bamboo steamers for dim sum and iron moulds for Hong Kong-style egg waffles. Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market (denomination of $5) is the major wholesale fruit market in Hong Kong and has been accorded Grade 2 Historic Building status.

     To echo the stamp theme, the borders of the stamp sheets are embellished by patterns of products characteristic of these shopping streets.

Club News

Macau 2018

MACAO 2018, 35th Asian International Stamp Exhibition 

Anil Suri has been appointed as National Commissioner for India of the MACAO 2018, 35th Asian International Stamp Exhibition to be held from September 21 to 24, 2018 in Macao, Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

The Asian International Stamp Exhibition is a continental philatelic exhibition established by Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP) aiming to develop the philately industry in Asia and Australia region. The first such exhibition was held in Bangalore, India, in 1977.

It is the first time that the exhibition held in Macao. Philatelists from 32 FIAP member nations will display their collections and join the philatelic contest. The overseas postal administrations and philatelic dealers will participate in this event and hold sales booths. During the exhibition period, there are theme day, philatelists’ seminars, stamp designer autograph sessions and family workshops, etc.

MACAO 2018, being a specialized exhibition, the participation is open only in the following exhibition Classes: FIAP Championship, Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Thematic, Youth, One Frame, Literature and Modern Philately only. However, the one frame exhibits of Aerophilately, Astrophilately, Maximaphily, and Revenues can also participate in One Frame class.

The participation fee for Competitive Classes (except Youth Philately, Literature and One Frame) will be USD80 per frame. The fee for participation in Literature is USD80 per exhibit. The fee for participation in One Frame is USD100 per exhibit. There is no participation fee for Youth Philately Class.

The Exhibit Application forms and the detailed rules of exhibition (IREX) are available for download at http://www.macao2018.org.mo/eng/home.html#

The duly filled Forms along with a copy of the first page of the exhibit should be submitted to Anil Suri, Khushal Villa, E-70, Kalkaji, New Delhi - 110 019 by December 31, 2017.

Anil Suri may be contacted by email anilksuri@email.com and mobile +919811176908 for any further information on MACAO 2018.

Source : Stamps of India

   

Jewish customs and traditions

Date of Issue : 12 September 2017

Here is a beautiful set of stamps issued by Israel Post on 12 September 2017 .The holidays celebrated in the Hebrew month of Tishrei are among the most important of the entire Jewish year. This stamp series presents three of the special customs associated with this festive period, emphasizing customs that are carried out in the dark. 

Selichot Prayers

In Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the Days of Judgment, when people's actions are examined and their fates for the next year are determined. Jews are required to scrutinize themselves as these festivals approach, to mend their ways and ask forgiveness for their sins. Over the years, a set of special prayers called Selichot has been compiled, and are recited during the days leading up to the Days of Judgment. Selichot prayers are recited for the last time on the night before Yom Kippur Eve, but begin at different times based on different ethnic traditions. Sephardim and Yemenite Jews begin reciting Selichot prayers on the first day of the month of Elul, while Ashkenazim begin a week before Rosh Hashanah. Selichot prayers are traditionally recited in the hours of darkness after midnight. In the past, a synagogue official would walk around the town to awaken congregants when it was time to recite the Selichot, knocking on windows and calling out loudly: Get up to recite Selichot!

Building a Sukkah

During the seven days of the Sukkot festival, religious Jews move most of their activities from their homes to a temporary structure called a Sukkah, where they eat all their meals and even sleep at night. This serves as a reminder of the way Jews lived during the exodus from Egypt. There are many rules that define how the Sukkah must be built and how it should be covered with branches so that it remains a temporary structure, as required in order to perform the mitzvah. It is customary for all members of the family to participate in building and decorating the Sukkah. Traditionally, building the Sukkah begins at night after the end of Yom Kippur, as the start of a first mitzvah immediately after atoning for sins of the previous year. 

Second Hakafot

Shemini Atzeret, also known as Simchat Torah, is celebrated at the end of the seven days of Sukkot and marks the last day of the annual cycle of reading the Torah. On the eve and on the morning of this festival it is customary in synagogues to take the Torah scrolls out of the Ark and to carry them around the platform at least seven times. The whole congregation participates in these Hakafot (encirclements), singing and dancing with the Torahs. In the evening at the end of Simchat Torah additional Hakafot take place outside the synagogue, with music and an even larger crowd of participants. These Second Hakafot are mentioned among the customs of Isaac Luria (known as Ha'Ari Hakadosh) in Safed in the 16th century and from there they spread among the communities in Eretz Israel. In 1940 Rabbi Frankel, the Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, turned the Second Hakafot into a popular tradition conducted outside many synagogues. 

World Tourism Day

27 September  - World Tourism Day

2017 - International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

 Theme of 2017 - “Sustainable Tourism – a tool for development”

World Tourism Day is commemorated each year on 27 September. Its purpose is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. 

International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

Recognizing the importance of international tourism in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere, in leading to a greater awareness of the rich heritage of various civilizations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, hereby contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

This year provides a unique opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to sustainability and move forward to ensure the positive impact of well-managed tourism on inclusive and equitable growth, sustainable development and peace.

 10th Anniversary of World Tourism Organisation

Issue Date: 27th September 1985

New Stamps from India

Beautiful India

Date of Issue : 15 August 2017

Two new MS from India Post featuring  Beautiful India and Caves of Meghalaya were issued by India Post on 15th August 2017.

Caves of  Meghalaya

Date of Issue : 15 August 2017

Source : Stamps of India

12 months 12 stamps series from Spain

Date of Issue : 1 August 2017

`Here is a beautiful stamp from the series of 12 Stamps 12 months by Spanish Post. This stamp of the series features  Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

12 months, 12 stamps - Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is added to the series that Correos has started this year, 12 months, 12 stamps. During the month of its issuance, this stamp will be used as the only type of postage for all shipments that are admitted in the offices of said province. The stamp of Santa Cruz de Tenerife follows the line of the previous ones and is represented by the letters TF, that represents the old license plates of vehicles in Spain.

Within the letters, one can see significant elements of this land.

Potatoes with mojo picón: the potato is not missing at a Canaria table. One of its most famous dishes in the world, are wrinkled potatoes with mojo picón. The mojo is a typical sauce whose main ingredient is what is known in the islands as picona pepper, which is a spicy frisca chilli.

Drago millennial: it is the vegetal symbol of the island of Tenerife. Legend has it, which took its Latin name meaning "dragon" because these winged animals became this tree when they disappeared. It has a very special particularity: its sap is red and not white as it is in most plant species.

Dolphin: It is not uncommon to see near the Canary coast these cetaceans. It is considered one of the most intelligent species that inhabit the planet. These animals come to interact with humans and there are many tourists and interested people who come to the islands to see them.

Carnivals: Carnival is celebrated in an intense and very special way in the Canary Islands. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is considered the second most popular carnival in the world, after Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest.

Teide: this natural wonder is the most visited in Spain. It is a volcano of 3,718 meters above sea level, therefore, it is the highest peak in the country. It is part of the Teide National Park and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The blue color of the lower strip alludes to the main color of the province's flag.

Philippine Sunsets...

Date of Issue : 8 May 2017

Here is a beautiful set of stamps with a miniature sheet issued by Philippine Post. In celebration of the National Heritage Month  May, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) featured Philippine sunsets in special stamps.The designs, in iconic places, were contributed by the FUNtastic Philippines.

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Sound of Silence....Beautiful Finland

Finland in different seasons

Date of Issue : 24 February 2017

Here is a beautiful set of stamps featuring scenic natural beauty of Finland. The Calm and tranquil stamps depict Finnish nature in different seasons and are suitable for international postcards and light letters. The sheet designed by Stiina Hovi contains fifteen international no-value indicator stamps.

Hovi is an experienced graphic designer, whose handiwork is also seen in the supplement Kantri of Maaseudun Tulevaisuus. 

– I chose pictures that, in my opinion, beautifully depict an important seasonal element—water—in its different forms. The pictures were taken in different parts of Finland during different seasons, and the photographers have nicely captured the moods of Finnish nature, Hovi says.

The stamps feature :

Sunset on the lake. Photo: Ilse Holm / Lens 
Clouds archipelago. Photo: Jari Hakala / Lens 
Swans on the ice. Photo: Kimmo Lyytikäinen / Lens 

Source : Finnish Post

Tourism in Jerusalem....

Date of Issue - 17 November 2016

Here is a wonderful set from Israel Post featuring "Tourism in Jerusalem ". "Everyone has a city, and its name is Jerusalem" wrote poet Natan Yonatan, reflecting the wide range of emotions that this magical city evokes in the hearts of billions of people around the world. For thousands of years this magical city has been at the center of existence for people of different religions and cultures who consider it to be the place where God chose to be revealed and where He will judge mankind at the end of time.

Pilgrims of all religions choose to come to Jerusalem to follow their religious sentiments, to see the places they admire and to walk in the footsteps of the saints who have molded the essence of their faith. Thus for example, Christian believers can walk the alleyways of the Old City along the traditional Via Dolorosa and touch the stones they believe to be holy.

Throughout history, representatives of many different empires ruled Jerusalem, leaving their mark upon the city by erecting magnificent buildings representing their own culture. The Ramparts Promenade, which runs along the top of the Old City walls and was built in the 16th century by Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, provides tourists with a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the roofs of the Old City interspersed with minarets atop mosques, church towers and domed synagogues.

From atop the walls, visitors can also see the new city of Jerusalem, which began to be built in the mid-19th century. During that tumultuous time, the European powers attempted to emphasize their presence in Jerusalem by erecting magnificent large buildings, which continue to adorn the streets of the city to this day. Tourists can stroll along Jaffa Road, one of the main streets of the city, or ride the light railway that was installed in recent years, gazing at buildings such as the Generali Building, which was constructed by representatives of Italy and features a winged lion, the symbol of the city of Venice.

In 1892 the first railway line in Eretz Israel was completed, running between Jerusalem and the Jaffa port. The First Train Station, built at that time, served the city for decades. A new train station was built in the late 20th century in the southern part of the city, and the old building was renovated. It now serves as a tourist attraction, providing visitors with a delightful combination of culinary art, culture and atmosphere on the old train platforms. Visitors can walk or bike along the old train route, which is now a well kept park.

The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo provides an enjoyable break from visiting historical sites. Here tourists can see animals mentioned in the Bible alongside rare and endangered species. Direct contact with the adorable animals in the petting zoo melts the hearts of the young as well as the young at heart.

The peak of the Mount of Olives provides enchanting views of the city of Jerusalem, including those mentioned above and many more. Its abundance of historical sites makes Jerusalem one of the most fascinating cities in the world. And in the words of poet Natan Yonatan, "Everyone has a place in Jerusalem that he calls love." 

New Stamp on Taj Mahal

Date of Issue - 23 September 2016

Wonders of the World -TAJ MAHAL

Following the series Wonders of the modern world, Correos, as did the previous year Christ the Redeemer, the Great Wall of China or Chichén Itzá, devotes a Premium Pliego this time to another of the world's wonders like the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal, or what is the same, the "Crown Palace" is a complex of buildings in the city of Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India between 1631 and 1648 by the Muslim emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his favorite wife, Arjumand Bano, who died in childbirth of her fourteenth child. His wife's death was a devastating blow to the emperor was imprisoned by his son leaving the Empire in the hands of his successors. From his window, he imagined a grand mausoleum for his beloved, the most impressive mausoleum that the human mind could conceive.

He fulfilled his dream. It took more than 20,000 men and 1,000 elephants to lift. The most important architects of the Empire participated in construction, and, legend has it that, once completed work, ordered cut off the hands of anyone who had participated in the works so that they could never build something.

Today Taj  is one of the most important tourist destinations in India since 1983 and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Its architecture is a perfect blend of styles such as Persian, Islamic and Indian. Depending on the time of day and the light projected onto it, you can acquire different shades.The walls of the mausoleum are truly wonderful. The marble is full of inscriptions Muslim holy books and in those walls are embedded numerous gemstones.

The Premium Pliego includes a seal where the image of this impressive building appears with and orange, white and green of the Indian flag.

(as per Spain Philatelic Bureau)

- Leeza Padhi, Cuttack : email : leezapadhi@gmail.com

New Special Covers

Two Special covers were released during   Ballaripex-2016  recently held from 24 - 26 September 2016 at Ballari .

Ballari Fort: Situated in the historic city of Ballari, the fort was built in two parts, namely, the Upper Fort and the Lower Fort. The upper part was built by Hanumappa Nayaka, a feudatory of Vijayanagara Empire while the lower part was built by Hyder Ali, The Sultan of Mysore. The fort has fine ramparts with several historical and religious monuments. The upper fort has a citadel with several ancient tanks while the lower fort housed the arsenal.

Lotus Mahal , Hampi: This is an exquisite pavilion in the walled area of 'Zenana' (women's quarters). it is believed that the women of the royal family, who lived in the nearby Queen's Palace, disported themselves in the water pavilion within their protected enclosure and met in the Lotus Palace. The palace is a complex and intricate blend of Indo-Islamic architecture and gets its name from the lotus bud carved on its domed and vaulted ceiling. Hampi ruins, the former capital of the Vijaynagara Empire are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

-Suresh R. - Bangalore : email : suresh.hobbies@gmail.com

World Tourism Day

27 September  - World Tourism Day 2016

‘Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility’

Tourism for all: people with disabilities, senior citizens and families travelling with small children, and sooner or later all citizens will appreciate the advantages of universal accessibility. This is why UNWTO has chosen to celebrate World Tourism Day 2016 on the theme of accessible tourism. Thailand is the host venue of the official World Tourism Day, which this year celebrates its 36th year. 

For the last quarter–century World Tourism Day, held annually on 27 September, has aimed to foster awareness of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic impact. This year’s theme is ‘Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility’.

Reaching universal accessibility in tourism is a shared responsibility of all parties involved in the tourism value chain, as well as a business opportunity for companies and destinations.

“Everyone has the right to access leisure and tourism services on an equal basis. Yet 1 billion people around the world living with disability, along with young children, seniors and persons with other access requirements, still face obstacles in accessing fundamentals of travel such as clear and reliable information, efficient transportation and public services, and a physical environment that is easy to navigate.  Even with modern technologies, those with visual, hearing, mobility or cognitive impairments are being left behind in many tourism destinations.” said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in his official message.

“All of the world’s citizens have the right to experience the incredible diversity this planet has to offer. Therefore, it is highly important that all countries and destinations, as well as the industry, promote accessibility for all in the physical environment, in transport systems, in public facilities and services and in information and communications channels”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

“This year's theme, ‘Tourism for All – Promoting Universal Accessibility’, is a challenge for Thailand and the world to recognize the necessity of accessibility in tourism and to accommodate everyone anywhere they may travel to (…) We have to understand the theory of Universal Design (…) As the world of travel and tourism is an expanding industry and the number of travelers increases every year, we have to ensure that travelling the world has to is as safe and seamless as possible,” explained Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand.