Posts tagged EU
Number for emergency assistance in Europe: 112
May 12th
When on holiday tourists don‚t necessarily know of the number to call when an emergency occurs, to get immediate emergency assistance in Europe.
112 is the UK 999 for tourists in need of immediate help from emergency services, whether it‚s the fire service, ambulance or police.
With the second bank holiday weekend in May coming up, holidaymakers are more likely to take a 3 day city break, and as its also half term week, many families may be going on a sun holidays to Europe.
The North East MEP Fiona Hall has highlighted the lack of knowledge of tourists of this information. Ms Hall said, “112 is only effective if people are aware of the number’s existence and its benefits. EU rules have required Member States to ensure that all fixed and mobile phone users can call 112 free of charge for over ten years now, but much more needs to be done to make sure travellers realise that 112 equals 999.
“Raising awareness of the single European emergency number could help save not only the lives of tourists abroad but also European citizens visiting the UK – 112 must no longer be Europe’s best kept secret.”
Source: Barcelona Reporter
Portuguese island of Madeira is made for relaxation
Apr 22nd
Relaxed culture, mild climate and friendly people‚¦ what more could you ask for on the Portuguese island of Madeira?
The Portuguese isle is an all year round resort and is commonly known for its wine, flowers, artisan‚s embroidery and New Years Eve celebrations. The harbour and capital, Funchal is of high importance to the country due to commercial and passenger traffic which pass through the port, and is a major stop-over for cruises en route to the Caribbean and Mediterranean destinations.
The islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are off the coast of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean, and are famed for their natural beauty, landscapes and mild climate. In 2006 the international marketing strategy changed from ‚Madeira‚ to ‚Madeira Islands‚ thus representing both Madeira and Porto Santo.
The Porto Santo isle is completely dedicated to tourism, with a 9km beach and like Madeira the weather is fairly mild all year round. Madeira is the largest of the islands, measuring 741km‚²; the north is mainly valleys of trees, which once covered the whole island.
Madeira is also known as the ‚floating garden‚, with fruit, herbs and beautiful plants and flowers naturally growing in the valleys and mountain slopes, it is no wonder why it got its nickname!
The Madeira Islands are very popular with holidaymakers who wish to relax and enjoy the natural landscapes; Madeira attracts tourists mainly from the EU.
“Be sun-smart this summer‚ says the EU to holidaymakers
Jul 25th
The European Union is urging holidaymakers to be careful in the sun this summer, in order to stop the increasing level of skin cancers, especially in children.
“Our message to consumers this summer is very clear: be sun-smart this summer and seek protection,‚ EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou said in a statement.
Skin cancer cases have more than doubled in the UK since early 1980s, killing more than 2,000 people every year.
Parents especially have been advised not expose babies to direct sunlight.
“Most importantly, holidaymakers should be fully aware that sunscreen is only one of a number of measures that are necessary for effective protection against the sun,” EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva said.
“There is no such thing as 100 percent protection from the sun or a safe tan.”