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Jordan partakes in UNWTO 48th meeting on tourism

King visits Umm Qais, joins hikers on Jordan Trail

Jordan recovers 9 artifacts trafficked to US

Petra sees 300pct rise in tourist numbers

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The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan a place that once captivated ancient travelers, continues to attract a new generation with its eclectic mix of modernity and tradition.

From the enchanting ruthlessness of Wadi Rum, to the turbulent urban center of Amman, and the majestic ruins of civilizations that were once forgotten. Jordan is a unique destination that offers stunning views, enchanting accommodations and exquisite cuisine. Jordan is home to countless wonders .

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Ministry of Tourism - India

The Ministry of Tourism in India is the nodal agency for promoting tourism in India. The Ministry of Tourism makes programmes, formulates national policies, and coordinates the activities of various central government agencies, state governments, union territories, and private agencies for the promotion of tourism in India.

Ministry of Tourism, India – Important Facts

• The Ministry of Tourism in India is headed by the Union Minister for Tourism and Ministers of State.
• Currently, the Minister of Tourism is G Kishan Reddy.
• The Ministers of State for Tourism are Ajay Bhatt and Shripad Yesso Naik.
• The Secretary of Tourism is the administrative head of the Ministry of Tourism.
• India Tourism Development Corporation Limited (ITDC) is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Tourism.

Ministry of Tourism, India – Roles and Functions

Some of the roles and functions of the Ministry of Tourism are given below:

Infrastructure Development

More than fifty per cent of the Ministry of Tourism’s expenditure on plan schemes is incurred for the development of quality tourism infrastructure at various tourist destinations and circuits in the States/ UTs. The roles and responsibilities of the Ministry of Tourism, India, under infrastructure development are given below:

• Conventions and conferences
• Hospitality programmes
• Field publicity, marketing, and promotions
• Tourist information and facilitation
• Release of incentives

Coordinating the Activities of Field Offices and Their Supervision, Regulation:

• Approval of tourist transport operators, inbound tour operators, travel agents, etc.
• Approval and classification of restaurants and hotels.

International Co-operation and External Assistance

• Foreign technical collaboration
• External assistance
• Bilateral agreements
• International bodies

All Policy Matters

• Investment facilitation
• Promotion and marketing
• Manpower development
• Development policies

Top 10 Source Countries for Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India in 2020

The below given top 10 countries constitute around 66% of the total foreign tourist arrivals in India.

• United States of America
• United Kingdom

Top 8 International Check Posts for Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India in 2020

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the current tourism minister of india, what are the 4 new types of tourism, who is the father of tourism, which is the no. 1 tourist place in india, which city has the most tourists in india.

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Ministry of Tourism launches the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Traveller campaign

Sustainable and responsible tourism practices will be implemented in various projects and initiatives through swadesh darshan 2.0 : shri arvind singh.

Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with United Environment Program (UNEP) and Responsible Tourism Society of India (RTSOI) organized National Summit on Developing Sustainable & Responsible Tourist Destinations today in New Delhi. On the occasion, the Ministry of Tourism launched the National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Traveller Campaign .

The Strategy document has identified the strategic pillars for development of sustainable tourism like Promoting Environmental Sustainability, Protecting Biodiversity, Promoting Economic Sustainability, Promoting Socio-Cultural Sustainability, Scheme for Certification of Sustainable Tourism, IEC and Capacity Building and Governance.

Speaking on the occasion Secretary Tourism Shri Arvind Singh said that Tourism and Environment share a Special Relationship. Their interaction with each other is a two-way process. On the one hand environmental resources constitute one of the basic ingredients of tourism. The natural and manmade setting form the tourism products which the tourist enjoys, live in, and relax. On the other hand, the close and direct relationship between visitors, host communities and local environment creates a sensitive situation, whereby tourism can be both very damaging but also very positive for sustainable development. The COVID-19 pandemic has further forced the tourism sector to shift its focus to resiliency, sustainability and interconnectedness among diverse stakeholders in the sector.

Shri Arvind Singh further said that we need to make use of cleaner fuels. Prime Minister has also announced that India will increase its capacity of non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW and meet 50 per cent of its energy requirements through renewable energy by 2030. “State tourism policies should recognise sustainability principles and the Sustainable Development Goals in their vision and strategic direction for tourism. With the vision to create a sustainable future for tourism, the Ministry of Tourism has also taken various steps in this direction”, he added.

Shri Arvind said that Ministry of Tourism with the objective to provide experience to the tourists launched Swadesh Darshan Scheme and has till now sanctioned 76 Projects. With the learnings of this scheme, we have now revamped the Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0. “The idea of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is to undertake holistic development with the vision to develop Sustainable and Responsible Tourist Destinations. While formulating the guidelines for SD 2.0 we have kept various elements in mind in order to undertake destination development in a sustainable and responsible manner.Through the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 sustainable and responsible tourism practices will be implemented in various projects and initiatives. The Scheme will encourage adoption of principles of sustainable tourism including environmental, socio-cultural and economic sustainability”, he added.

Apart from Shri Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Mr Shombi Sharp, Head of UN in India and Shri Rakesh Mathur, President, RTSOI, various eminent Speakers working in the field of Sustainable Tourism & Responsible Travel and from State Governments addressed the participants in different sessions during the One Day National Summit. The Summit was attended by senior officers of different Central Ministries, State Governments/UT Administrations and various Tourism & Hospitality Industry Associations.

A Pledge was also administered by Shri Arvind Singh,Secretary, Ministry of Tourism to the participants to become responsible travellers and be advocates of responsible tourism.

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• Budget for tourism: Industry welcomes more allocation but questions surprise cut in overseas promotions

The total budget for the Ministry of Tourism stands at INR 2449.62 crores. However, there have been noticeable shifts in budget allocations for Promotion and Publicity, with a drastic cut in overseas promotion and publicity. Shockingly, in the 2024-2025 budget, this allocation has been significantly reduced to just INR 3.02 crores. This drastic reduction underscores the government's decision to prioritise domestic tourism promotion over international outreach.

• Manas Dwivedi ,
• ETTravelWorld
• Updated On Feb 3, 2024 at 03:14 PM IST

• By Manas Dwivedi ,
• Published On Feb 1, 2024 at 11:44 AM IST

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Welcome to the Department of Tourism

The department of tourism, j&k is the main developmental, promotional and regulatory arm of the j&k government. tourism sector is the prime driver of the economy of jammu & kashmir. as such, the department of tourism has a significant role to prepare and project the ut of j&k as a preferred tourist destination in the country. the department has two provincial directorates one each at jammu and srinagar and tourist offices at all tourist resorts of the ut. in addition, there are 6 promotional offices outside the ut, one each at new delhi, mumbai, ahmadabad, hyderabad, chennai and kolkata.. besides there are 20 area specific tourism development authorities in ut each headed by a chief executive officer, actively involved in harnessing the tourism potential and creation of tourist infrastructure in the areas of their operation..

• Notifications
• Condemnation of Vehicle of Dodhpathri Development Authority
• Constitution of Committee for handing taking over of assets of the project Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine sanctioned under PRASAD
• Familiarization Tour( Fam Tour) in jammu and Kashmir.
• Constitution of Technical Inspection Committee for Ski Drag Lift Gulmarg.
• Construction of tracks leading to Shri Amarnathji Cave-Advance Drawl Authorization/release of funds under Capex Budget 2023-24 thereof
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for adhering to timelines Prescribed for verfication of character and Antecedents-Nominiation of Nodal Officer regarding
• Three (3) day Jammu & Kashmir Development Conference 2024
• Accord of administrative approval to the Installation of vertical lift from Peerkho station of Jammu Ropeway project to Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex at an estimated cost of Rs. 25.07 Crore
• Accord of Administrative Approval for Maintenance of class 9 road from Ranga Morh to Domail and Maintenance and improvement of food tracks from Domail and Chandanwari ti Shri Amarnathji Holy Cave.
• Grant of earned leave in favour of Mr Malik Wasem Ahmad Deputy Director Tourism Recreation DTK, alongwith Station Permission
• Simplification of Registration under Tourist Trade Act 1978/1982/2011- Reconstitution of committee thereof
• Procurement of pick up Van for sanitation by Sonamarg Development Authority advance drawal of funds thereof
• Release of Matching Share of Grants to Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS) Pahalgam (JKUT)
• Station leaving permission in favour of Mr Shamim Kraipak Deputy Manager SKICC
• Initiation of RDA Aganist Shri Muhammad Shafi Kakroo Then Dy Director tourism Kashmir (Registration Registration)
• Permission to avail Earned Leave (under LTC) in favour of Ms Heena Mumtaz Head Assistants Tourism Department
• Grant of Extension in Earned leave in favour of Shri Gh.Jeelani Zargar (JKAS) CEO Lolab Bangus Tourism Drangyari Development Authority
• Constitution of Committee for Solarisation of Government Buildings in the Department of Tourism
• Absorption of 145 Employees of Hotal Corporation of India Limited (HCIL) working at centaur Lake View Hotel Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation Ltd and Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre Srinagar
• Consttitution of UT-Level Committee For various competitions organized by the Ministry of Tourosm Government of India
• Transfer and Posting
• Purchase of 4 x4 Pick-up Van for sanitation at Sonamarg
• Grant of twenty-five (25) days earned leave in favour of Shri Gh. Jeelani Zargar, JKAS CEO Lolab Bangus Tourism Drangyari Development Authority
• Simplification of Registration under Tourist Trade Act 1978 1982 2011 Constitution of Committee thereof
• Nomination Change of nomination of Nodal Officer to function as Chief Data Office for the Administrative Department in the UT 0f J&K
• Permission to avail Earned leave ( Under LTC) in favour of Mr Fayaz Ahmad Sheen Assistant Accounts Officer
• Delegation of Drawing and Disbursing powers in favour Accounts Officer Kashmir golf Course Srinagar
• Engagement of PMU Unit in Tourism Department for Consultancy Services Advance drawal thereof
• Grant of Earned Leave in favour Shri Ghalib Mohi-Ud-Din ShahCEO Aharbal Tourism Development Authority
• Participation of J&K Tourism in OTM Mumbai on 8th February to 10th February 2024
• Nomination of Nodal Officer for the purpose of referral of vacancies to the Recruiting Agencias
• Grant of earned leave in fovour of Mr. Ahsan-ul-Haq Chisti, Deputy Director Tourism, Kashmir alongwith Station Permission.
• Minutes of the Senior Selection Committee (SSC) meeting of SKICC held under the chairmanship of Secretary Tourism on 02.11.2023
• Particpation of J&K Tourism in Bharat Parv-2024
• Committee for selection J&K Tourism s under Challenge based Destinations Developments sub scheme under Swadesh Darshan 2.0
• Assihnment of Additional Charge to Mr Reheel Ahmad Bhat Statistical Assistant Aharbal Tourism Development Authority
• (Corrigendum to Government order No 126-JK(TSM) of 2023) Participation of JK Tourism in 14th Coventions India Conclave CIC from 7th 9th December 2023 at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition centre Gandhinagar Gujarat to Promote J&K as MICE destination
• Exchange of Huts at Pahalgam between Directorate of Tourism Kashmir and JK Tourism Development Corporation
• Committees for Selection J&KTourism s proposals under various schemes and competitions.
• (Corrigendum to Government order No 133-JK(TSM) of 2023) Constitution of project Evealuation committe for hiring project management Unit PMU for providing consultancy services to the Department of Tourism Jammu and Kashmir
• Release of funds as non- Recurring Share of JKUT to Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & winter Sports JIM&WS Pahalgam J&K for the financial year 2022 23 & 2023 24 under Grant-in Aid
• Participation of J&K Tourism in Bharat Parv 2024
• Condemnation of Vehicle of J&K Tourism Development Corporation
• Grant of G P Fund withdrawal Non Refundable in favour of Bilal Khurshid Chief Exective Officer Yousmarg Dev Authority
• Travel for LIFE Case study Competition. Government Order
• Constitution of a Committee for verification of liabilities incurred by JKTDC.
• Accord of Administrative Approval
• Grant of G P Fund withdrawal Non-Refundable in favour of Mr Bakshi Javid Hamayun Director SkICC
• Construction of trachs leading to Shri Amarnathji cave-Advance Drawi Authorization release of funds under capex Budget 2023-24 thereof
• Participation of JK Tourism in 15th Annual Convention at Statue of Unity Gujarat from December 16th to 19th 2023
• Constitution of Committee for Development/updation of JK Tourism Website
• Assigning of additional charge of Legal matters of J&K Cable Car Corporation Ltd
• Participation of JK Tourism in 14th Coventions India Conclave CIC from 7th 9th December 2023 at Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition centre, Gandhinagar,Gujarat to Promote J&K as MICE destination
• Kapil Dev Grant Thornton Invitational 2023
• Participation of Jk tourism in IITM Hyderabad Scheduled to be Held Ist to 3rd December 2023
• Deputation of Shri Javid Hamayun Bakshi, Director SKICC to Puri.
• Participation of JK Tourism in IITM pune is scheduled to be Held W e f 24th to 26 November 2023
• Participation of J&K Tourism in the International Film Festival of India being Held in Goa from 20th 24 Novembar 2023
• Repatriation of Ms Anjani Raina Head Assistant to Directorate of Tourism Jammu
• Grant of Earned leave in favour of Shri Romin Ahmad Sheikh JKAS CEO Verinag TDA
• Deputation of Civil Engineering staff to JK Cable Car Corporation Ltd.
• Assigning of the charge
• Amrit Kalash Yatra
• Nomination of Departmental Vigilance Officer DVO, in SKICC.
• Accord of Administrative Approval.
• Revised Accord of Administrative Approval for Development of Mansar circuit under Comprehensive Mansar Rejuvenation Development plan Phase-1.
• Assigning of DDO Powers.
• Participation of JK Tourism in IITM Mumbai w-e-f 12th - 14th October, 2023.
• Condemnation of Vehicles of JK Tourism Development Corporation.
• Release of funds under Capex Budget for the year 2021-22
• Construction of SkL Lift at Sonamarg-advance withdrawal thereof.
• Installation of Drag Lifts of Gulmarg near Kongdoori.
• 17/12/2021 - OWP No. 555/2017 titled Gh. Hussain Wani Vs State of J&k and Ors - Constitution of Fact Finding Committee
• 13/12/2021 - Adjustment of Civil Engineers
• 10/12/2021 - Sanction of Advance drawal
• 09/12/2021 - Construction of Yatri Niwas of Chanderkote District Ramban by Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board - Authorization / release of funds under CAPEX 2021-22
• 08/12/2021 - Assignment of Additional Charges
• 03/12/2021 - Assignment of Additional Charges to Junior Engineers (Civil)
• 03.01.2024 - Following of procedure laid down in Secretariat Manual Regarding Creation of Files
• 24/03/2022 - Implementation of Business and citizen Reform Action Pan in Jammu and kashmir UT under Mandatyes of Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living
• 15/12/2021 - Fixation of tariffs for various services/facilites provided by the registered Tourist traders to the tourists for the year 2021-2022 & 2022-2023
• Description of News 1 goes here - DD-MM-YYYY

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Minister Ferrada to speak at the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon’s Spring Conference

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Media advisory

The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, will speak with tourism industry leaders at the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon’s Spring Conference to chart a course toward success in the tourism sector.

April 22, 2024 – Whitehorse, Yukon

Date: Thursday, April 25, 2024

Time: 8:30 am (MST)

Location: Whitehorse, Yukon

Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at [email protected] to receive event location details and confirm their attendance.

Marie-Justine Torres Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec 613-327-5918 [email protected]

Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada [email protected]

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Follow Canadian Tourism on social media.

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'Conscience is clear': N.B. tourism minister, deputy expense $22,500 for Euro trip

F REDERICTON — New Brunswick's tourism minister has remained defiant in the face of criticism from opposition members who have questioned the benefits of a weeklong trip to Europe that cost the province more than $22,500.

Tammy Scott-Wallace faced almost two days of questioning this week in the legislature about her time overseas.

"My conscience is clear when it comes to my expenses around these trips," she said during a session of the legislature committee on budget estimates. 

Scott-Wallace and her deputy, Yennah Hurley, along with two other staff members, travelled to the United Kingdom and France from Sept. 8 to 15. They visited Stonehenge, the British Museum, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Versailles, among other sites.

The Progressive Conservative minister billed the government $10,199 for the trip, and her deputy submitted receipts worth $12,328.

Hurley's receipts show $3,230 for her stay at the Trafalgar St. James hotel in London, and $2,286 for her accommodations at Hotel Lumen in Paris. The luxury hotel London charges more than $1,000 per night; Hotel Lumen, boasting a location in the "heart of Paris," costs more than $600 per night. 

She also billed $560 for Eurostar train tickets, $24 for a tour of the British Museum and $92 for a ride on the London Eye — a ferris wheel that overlooks the River Thames.

Scott-Wallace's trips were described on the expense report as "Tourism Mission — Europe."

Isabelle Thériault, the Liberals' tourism critic, called the trip “a vacation with a few meetings here and there to justify it."

"What did it give the taxpayers of New Brunswick, that you went there for eight days?" she asked. 

"It's really not clear what you did, except visit some places. Like, you have to face the music."

Scott-Wallace said the province secured contracts during her time in the United Kingdom and France, but the government didn't immediately respond to questions about the nature and value of those contracts. 

"That's incredibly important," the minister said. "It's a good day's work and it's a good seven days' work for me. I'll tell you that."

The tours of Windsor Castle and the Palace of Versailles, she said, allowed her to learn "best practices" about "built heritage."

New Brunswick, she said, has similar sites to the U.K. and France but on a smaller scale. For instance, while on a tour of the British Museum, she learned the institution offers abbreviated 45-minute tours to cruise ship passengers. The same kind of shortened tours, she said, could be added to the offering at the New Brunswick Museum, which is under renovation.

Scott-Wallace told the legislature that her trip to Europe in September led to a 23 per cent year-over-year increase in 2023 in the number of tourists to the province from the United Kingdom and a 12 per cent increase in tourists from France. She did not give details, however, about why she thought her visits sparked a boost in the popularity of New Brunswick among the English and French.

In an appearance before the budget estimates committee on Wednesday, Premier Blaine Higgs said the government would re-evaluate policies surrounding such overseas visits.

Scott-Wallace and Hurley's Europe trip wasn't approved in advance because the minister said such expenses are "budgeted for."

René Legacy, Liberal critic for the Department of Finance and Treasury, questioned Higgs about the trip and the expenses.

In response, the premier said that just because such expenses were incurred in the past, doesn't mean they should be repeated.

”I’m asking questions too," Higgs said. "I want to understand what our policies are because sometimes policies can be better defined so that we all ensure that taxpayers’ money is used to the most efficient manner. We’re going to ask those questions."

The ministers' travel expenses weren't the only bills that attracted the ire of the opposition.

Hurley billed the province $77,710 last year, including $15,000 for a real estate commission, $3,550.67 for movers and $770.50 in legal fees. She also charged the government 68 cents for travelling on the Fundy Trail, and 83 cents on Ministers Island near the town of St. Andrews.

Green Leader David Coon questioned the Realtor and moving expenses. "The taxpayers of this province should not be paying the Realtor costs of public servants when they sell their homes," he said.

Scott-Wallace defended her deputy's moving expenses, saying government employees who are transferred are allowed to recover moving costs.

"This is a policy that has been accepted and used for years with governments of both colours,” she said about the Tories and Liberals.

Higgs, later in the day, clarified that such expenses are reserved for senior government employees, adding that the practice would be reviewed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 25, 2024.

Hina Alam, The Canadian Press

Tourism minister faces more questions on deputy's spending

Green leader says taxpayers should not pay real estate fees when public servants sell their homes.

Tourism Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace defends deputy minister’s moving expenses

Social sharing.

New Brunswick's minister of tourism faced a second day of questions Wednesday about her deputy minister's expense claims, including more than $19,000 in moving costs.

"We will continue to adhere to the relocation policy that is in effect across all of GNB," Tammy Scott-Wallace said, using an abbreviation for the provincial government. 

Premier Blaine Higgs hired Yennah Hurley, a former travel blogger and tourism business operator, first as an adviser to the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture in 2019 and then as its deputy minister.

Coon said it was "almost unbelievable" that taxpayers were covering moving expenses, such as the $15,000 real estate commission paid on the house Hurley sold when she moved from Quispamsis to Fredericton last year. 

"The taxpayers of this province should not be paying the Realtors' costs of public servants when they sell their homes," Coon said during a legislative committee meeting about the Tourism Department's 2024-25 budget estimates.

"I can't believe that the premier of this province would tolerate a policy — being the fiscal conservative he says he is — that has taxpayers paying real estate agent fees for GNB employees." 

Higgs weighed in later in the day on Hurley's expenses during his own appearance before the same committee, saying the executive council office would be re-evaluating policies on overseas travel.

Part of Hurley's $77,000 expenses last year were for a trip to the United Kingdom and France for meetings promoting tourism in New Brunswick.

The travel claim included the cost of visits to sites including Windsor Castle and the Palace of Versailles. 

• N.B. tourism minister defends pricey trip to United Kingdom, France
• Tourism deputy rings up N.B. government's largest 2023 expense account

Just because similar expenses have happened in the past, "that doesn't mean it's right," Higgs told Liberal MLA Rene Légacy.

"I'm asking questions, too, and I want to understand what our policies are, because sometimes policies can be better defined so we can all ensure taxpayers' money is used in the most efficient manner. So we're going to ask those questions."

Higgs also clarified that the moving expenses policy applies to senior officials in the government, not all employees.

Hurley's expense claim also included $3,550.67 for movers and $770.50 in legal fees.

The relocation policy says moving costs can be covered at the discretion of a deputy minister if an employee is transferred.

But Hurley's job has been based in Fredericton since 2019. 

Her hiring was fiercely criticized by Opposition Liberal MLAs at the time and should the party take power after the provincial election in October, they could fire her or ask her to resign.

Green Leader David Coon alluded to that scenario Wednesday, asking Scott-Wallace if the policy would cover the expenses of Hurley's move back to Quispamsis, "given this is a general election year."

Scott-Wallace did not rule it out, calling it "a hypothetical question."

• Taxpayers foot bill for 2nd residence in Fredericton for deputy tourism minister

The policy does not mention moving expenses for a deputy minister who is fired or pushed out of their position.

But a spokesperson said it would not cover that scenario.

"Once an employee is terminated or resigned, and no longer employed by the province, the directive would not apply," said Mir Hyder.

In 2021, a government spokesperson said Hurley was hired on a "personal service contract," and officials with those kinds of deals negotiate their own terms with the premier's office.

At the time it was revealed she was receiving a $955 monthly living allowance, along with other expenses, while commuting from Quispamsis to the capital.

She also claimed mileage expenses from Fredericton to Saint John for meetings there. 

A spokesperson said earlier this week that Hurley would not have approved her own moving expenses, but did not say who did approve them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visits Alice Springs for first time since youth curfew

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived in Alice Springs two weeks after the end of a youth curfew in the town.

Alice Springs has been in the national spotlight following an extended period of social unrest that culminated in a series of  violent incidents  late last month.

The Northern Territory government invoked emergency powers to redeploy extra police and impose a youth curfew that lasted three weeks.

The curfew banned children aged under 18 from the town centre between 6pm and 6am without a valid reason .

This is the prime minister's first visit to the town since the curfew was imposed.

Joined by Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour, Mr Albanese will visit the Central Australia Aboriginal Congress' new health hub.

The hub is under construction and aims to combine four health services into one centre in Alice Springs using $5 million of federal funding. 

"This health hub run by the Aboriginal Congress will make an enormous difference to the programs that they operate, particularly for the youngest Territorians," Mr Albanese said. 

He said the funding would support programs for young children to receive proper health assessments.

On Monday afternoon Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus released a statement saying the Commonwealth was providing $14.2 million in funding to "deliver policing and other community safety support in Alice Springs".

The statement said the funding was in addition to the federal government's $250 million funding package for Central Australia, announced last year.

Central Australia's $250 million investment

The prime minister's last visit to Alice Springs was in January 2023 at the height of a local crime wave .

Soon after, the federal government committed the $250 million in funding  to Central Australia, to be spent on a wide range of social issues.

The Commonwealth said the four-year plan would focus on six key areas: youth diversion and engagement, job creation, remote service delivery, foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and family support including domestic violence services and on-country learning.

So far, the federal government said it had allocated:

• $50 million for community and regional infrastructure (with nine projects initially funded, including a new playground in Engawala and a half basketball court in Wilora);
• $30 million  for remote training hubs to help First Nations people access on-country vocational education and training;
• $30 million  to support place-based initiatives in regional and remote Central Australia targeted at strengthening family and community safety;
• $40 million for on-country learning (the NT government has received $30 million to date, and the Commonwealth said all schools in Central Australia have access to their learning funds after finishing an action plan);
• $23.5 million for improving First Nations health outcomes ($5 million to help the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress build the health hub and $18.4 million to expand Congress's child and youth assessment and treatment service);
• $10 million for justice reinvestment (grant applications now open);
• $3.9 million for a youth services action plan (plan now in development and expected to be finalised in June or July this year);
• $3.6 million to establish up to five junior ranger sites (consultation currently underway in three locations);
• $7.5 million to help delivery of the plan itself.
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Gov. Kevin Stitt withdraws Shelley Zumwalt's nomination for cabinet secretary post

The nomination of Shelley Zumwalt, the embattled director of the state's tourism department, to be Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt's Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, has been withdrawn from consideration, The Oklahoman has learned.

The withdrawal of the nomination was made by Stitt in a letter to Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-OKC, on Friday.

"I would like to respectfully withdraw the nomination and appointment order filed January 16 for Shelley Zumwalt as a member nominated to the Governor's Cabinet, serving as Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage," Stitt wrote. "Your assistance with this matter is greatly appreciated."

The letter follows a statement by Treat that he wasn't sure the Senate would advise and consent to Zumwalt's nomination. Zumwalt was harshly criticized in an audit released by State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd. "That comes into question," Treat said. "I can't make any firm commitments either way."

Treat said the Senate wanted to make sure that Zumwalt was treated fairly during the confirmation process, but added that "we want to make sure we take the executive nomination process very serious."

On Friday, Stitt hinted to Capitol reporters that Zumwalt might step down from the cabinet after release of the Byrd audit. “She said, ‘Hey governor, you know until this is all sorted out, I will step down from the cabinet and focus on tourism. And so we may do that,” Stitt said.

At present, Zumwalt remains the head of the Department of Tourism. During an hastily-called press conference last week she said she would not resign that post.

The withdrawl of Zumwalt's nomination was praised by Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

"I commend Gov. Stitt for withdrawing the nomination of Ms. Zumwalt, who should not be allowed to serve in any leadership position that oversees the expenditure of our tax dollars," Drummond said in a text statement to The Oklahoman. “I called on Ms. Zumwalt to resign last week after audit findings revealed she directed millions of dollars to her husband’s company, but she has refused. Gov. Stitt should immediately terminate her employment in order to protect further abuse of public funds.”

The controversy began last week after state Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd released an audit of federal pandemic funds from 2022 which was harshly critical of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission and Zumwalt. At that time, Zumwalt was the executive director of OESC.

After Byrd's audit was released Drummond to call for Zumwalt's resignation.

Minister Mmamoloka Kubayi participates at 9th International Forum Atomexpo in Moscow

Minister of energy, ms mmamoloka kubayi participated at the 9th international forum atomexpo from the 19th to the 21st at moscow in russia.

Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi led the South African delegation to the 9 th International Forum ATOMEXPO at Moscow in Russia from the 19 th to the 21 where she participated in commissions as well as held bilateral with her counterparts.

The ATOMEXPO brings together more than 60 countries with the purpose of exchange views over matters of common interest in regard to nuclear energy development. South Africa has been a consistent participant at the ATOMEXPO because of its existing nuclear programme and to gain experiences in preparation for the expansion of the nuclear new build programme in line with government energy mix policy.

The purpose of the ATOMEXPO is for the various participating countries to share their experiences, lobbying, different initiatives regarding their programmes in the nuclear energy sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to make the transition to a low carbon economy.

Having acceded to the Paris Agreement, South Africa is also keen to learn from the best practices that would assist us in meeting our energy objectives, including improving our energy security, creating jobs, localization of nuclear technologies, increasing access to energy, reducing water consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and diversifying the energy mix.

As part of expanding the energy portfolio, Minister Kubayi held bilateral meeting with Minister of Energy for the Russian Federation, Honourable Minister Alexander Novak where they discussed various options in the nuclear and energy space within the context of the Energy Cooperation Agreement.

She further met with the Director General of Rosatom Mr Alexey Likhachev where they agreed that the technical teams will initiate discussion on cooperation,   and will report back progress to the Ministers,

Minister emphasised that the government remains committed to ensuring energy security for the country, through the roll out of the nuclear new build programme as an integral part of the energy mix, .as well as providing of reliable and sustainable electricity supply, as part of reducing the carbon emissions.

Minister further reiterates the department’s openness, transparency as well as, engaging all spheres of Government and public in line with the country’s legislation and policies. However, it is critical to recognise that the nuclear new build programme will enable the country to create jobs, develop skills, create industries, more critically; we encourage the young people and women to participate in the energy sector.

The Minister also met with Honourable William Owuraku Aidoo, the Deputy Minister of Power in the department of Energy, who was leading a delegation from Ghana. At this meeting Minister and Honourable William Owuraku Aidoo agreed on establishing relations and synergies in the Energy sector, sharing of lessons.

Minister also interacted with Dr Anthonie Cilliers, who was representing the North West University at the ATOMEXPO, congratulated the University for being the third University in the World to achieve International Nuclear Management Academy (INMA) peer review endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for their nuclear technology management program.

For further details contact: Nomvula Khalo Cell: 082 468 2834 E-mail : [email protected]

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