CHINA to Build Own Space Station

China has just launched an unmanned module containing living quarters for 3 crew as part of its plan to construct its own permanent space station. Named ‘Tianhe’, meaning ‘Harmony of the Heavens’, is one of the 3 main components of China’s 1st self-developed space station, rivalling the only other space station - the International Space Station (ISS) that it plans to complete by the end of 2022.

It will take 11 missions to complete the space station, which will orbit Earth at an altitude of 340km to 450km (211-280 miles). In the coming months China will launch 2 other core modules, 4 manned spacecraft and 4 cargo spacecraft.

Its space station programme began 10 years ago and now China aims to become a significant space power by 2030. By 2045, it hopes to establish a programme operating thousands of space flights a year and carrying cargo and passengers.

ROSEWOOD MIYAKOJIMA TO OPEN IN 2024

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed to manage Rosewood Miyakojima on Mikayo Island in the Okinawan archipelago. It is due to open in 2024.

Rosewood Hotels has been busy opening hotels around the world with new properties in Rome, Sardinia, Amsterdam, Madrid and its 2nd hotel in London.

The Rosewood Miyakojima will be a 55-villa, ultra-luxury resort and be the 1st Rosewood property in Japan. Miyako Island offers long stretches of soft white sand with turquoise-blue seas. Aquatic adventures range from snorkelling at Yabiji, the largest coral reef expanse in Japan, to diving through underwater caverns teeming with marine life and outstanding deepsea fishing.

The entrance via green sugar cane fields will see the Rosewood Miyakojima occupy a secluded peninsula surrounded on 3 sides by white sand beaches, dramatic rock formations and stunning ocean vistas. The resort is just a 20minute drive from Miyako Airport and 30-minute drive from Shimojishima Airport where direct flights from Hong Kong and major cities in Japan arrive.

Tel Aviv, Israel

ISRAEL TO OPEN TO VACCINATED INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS

Israel is preparing a series of international events to be held in person for vaccinated participants. July is the month highlighted as a return to normal tourism activity. A negative PCR and a serological test will be required upon arrival at the Tel Aviv airport, as will those vaccinated traveling in a group, who will be allowed entry from 23 May. Events being planned include the Abraham Cycling Cup, co-hosting with the UAE and an international music festival in Timna Park.