Bihar to get its own Angkor Wat

They say imitation is the biggest form of flattery some in Cambodia don't feel that way about Angkor Wat being copied - in a larger size - in the Indian state of Bihar.

Set on the banks of the River Ganges, 40 kilometres from Patna, Bihar's capital city, Virat Angkor Wat Ram will be constructed on a sprawling 40-acre site. The builders say the result will be the world's largest Hindu temple. The opposition Human Rights Party (HRP) has denounced the Cambodian government as "useless and irresponsible" for failing to criticise the plan. - ANN

AirAsia X to halt New Zealand service

AirAsia X is to suspend its flights to Christchurch in New Zealand, as part of the realignment of its network to focus on its core markets. The current four times weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Christchurch will be suspended with the last flight on May 30 (from Kuala Lumpur) and May 31 (from Christchurch). The airline will offer travellers who hold bookings after these dates an option of a full refund.

An 'Eye' for film

The past, present and future of the world of cinema awaits visitors to Amsterdam when the new EYE Film Institute opens on April 5. Some 37,000 films recorded on 62,000 kilometres of celluloid can be viewed, as well as photos, film transparencies, soundtracks and filmmaking equipment, the Amsterdam tourism office says. The collection comprises the entire history of cinema - from silent films of the late 19th century all the way to today’s digital productions.

Brunei plans tourism drive

Culturally rich yet tourist-poor Brunei is plotting a master plan to draw international tourists to the country. More than 69 projects are now being drawn up by the authorities to promote the tourism industry with its natural beauty and Islamic heritage the key players. About 150,000 international tourists were recorded in 2009.

The life and times of Johnny Cash

Previously unpublished documents, letters, costumes and musical instruments belonging to late country and western legend Johnny Cash (1932-2003) will be exhibited this summer in Nashville, Tennessee. The home of America's country music scene is building a museum to house what the tourism authorities say will be the world's largest permanent exhibition on Johnny Cash. Besides the hand-written texts of the last songs that Cash wrote in the final few years before his death, there will also be many items illustrating his life outside of the world of music. 

Reaching for the stars

The Alqueva Lake region near Alentejo, Portugal has become the first site in the world to be given the title "Starlight Tourism Destination". According to the Portuguese Tourism Office points out, the Starlight Foundation is honouring the region’s superb conditions - a combination of a low population and a low level of light pollution - for gazing at the stars. The reservation area stretches more than 3,000 square kilometres.

Source - nationmultimedia