Johannesburg, 16 April 2026: The wait for Stanley Tucci’s acclaimed culinary journey is almost over. TUCCI IN ITALY returns to National Geographic for Season 2 this May, bringing five new episodes that dive into the heart of Italy’s most debated gastronomic traditions. The series is set to air across the African continent on Wednesdays at 18:50 (CAT) beginning 13 May 2026. Viewers can find it on DStv channel 181 or StarTimes channel 220, with South African audiences also able to stream the entire season on Disney+.

Revealing a deeper, more personal journey, the Academy Award^® nominee, Emmy^®– and Golden Globe^®-winning actor Stanley Tucci returns to his beloved Italy, visiting five new regions – Naples and Campania, Sicily, Le Marche, Sardinia, and Veneto – to trace the link between Italy’s historical landscape and its culinary traditions, where the ritual of the shared meal remains the ultimate expression of its people.

“In Italy, food is never just food. It’s memory, identity and, sometimes, a full-blown argument,” said Tucci. “This season, we explore how the past continues to shape the present, one region and one extraordinary meal at a time. I’m so pleased to share these captivating stories and these wonderful people with you.”

In Season 2, Tucci visits new regions, including Le Marche, a lesser-known destination he’s never featured before. Located in central Italy along the Adriatic coast, the region’s rich culinary delights have largely escaped the attention of international tourists. In Campania and its famed capital, Naples, he celebrates a once-forgotten vine grape, and in Veneto, he deliciously wades into the passionate culinary debate over the origins of tiramisu.

Stanley also explores two very different Islands: Sardinia, where he looks into the relationship between food and longevity, and Sicily, where multicultural history has left a delicious mark on its food.

TUCCI IN ITALY is produced by SALT Productions and BBC Studios. For SALT Productions, Stanley Tucci and Lottie Birmingham are executive producers. For BBC Studios, Amanda Lyon is executive producer, Ben Jessop is co-executive producer, and Alan Holland is head of Specialist Factual Productions. For National Geographic, Yari Lorenzo is executive producer, Bengt Anderson is senior vice president of production, Charlie Parsons is senior vice president of Global Development, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president, National Geographic Content.

The post Stanley Tucci Returns To Explore Italy’s Hidden Food Stories appeared first on Alt News Network.

Johannesburg, 14 August 2025 | Time Out, the iconic global brand dedicated to inspiring and enabling people to experience the best of the city, proudly announces its official launch in Johannesburg. In a franchise partnership with Kagiso Media Radio (KMR), Time Out Johannesburg becomes the second South African city to join the brand’s international media portfolio under the Time Out South Africa banner, following the successful introduction of Time Out Cape Town in January 2025.

This launch brings Time Out’s unique proposition to the heart of South Africa’s economic and cultural hub. With a powerful global brand, a national footprint, and a local voice, Time Out Johannesburg will serve as the trusted guide for both locals and visitors with its authentic, high-quality content about the very best of the city’s food, drinks, events, and cultural experiences – curated and created by a team of local experts and distributed across multiple channels spanning web, mobile, email, social and live events.

Launched in London in 1968, Time Out has built over half a century of unmatched expertise and authority. What began as a local publication has evolved into a global platform, now influencing how millions of people go out in over 350 cities, across over 50 countries and 14 languages – across both digital and physical channels, including eleven Time Out Markets which are food and cultural markets bringing the best of the city together under one roof in one unique space.

At its core, Time Out’s strength lies in its global team of local expert editors and journalists. In a world saturated with information, Time Out Johannesburg’s dedicated team of local experts will provide a tailored and authoritative perspective on what’s truly worth experiencing in the vibrant metropolis. The platform will serve as the go-to resource for discovering everything from hidden gems to the city’s most talked-about events and venues.

“Time Out Johannesburg is officially here! As a franchise partner of Time Out, Kagiso Media Radio is excited to be launching the Johannesburg version of this iconic and trusted brand. We’re looking forward to sharing the beautiful, edgy, and authentic experiences this metropolis has to offer with locals and all its visitors,” says Anthea Carstens, General Manager at Time Out South Africa. “Time Out Johannesburg will be amplifying those special stories that make up the vibrant culture that abounds in this city. We want everyone to know Johannesburg is not just a stopover on their journey, but rather an exciting destination, and we can’t wait for everyone to join us on this journey of discovery.”

“Following the successful launch of Time Out Cape Town, we are excited to be launching Time Out Johannesburg. We are ready to bring both locals and tourists alike the best of what Jozi has to offer,” adds Andrew Hallett, Content Director at Time Out South Africa. “Our content will explore exactly what makes this city so special – from the people to the food and experiences, while ensuring that our audience is equipped with the knowledge of how best to go out and enjoy the vibe the City of Gold has waiting for them.”

Time Out’s mission is to make Time Out South Africa the go-to destination to discover the best cultural, culinary, and travel experiences for both locals and tourists. With a global monthly brand audience reach of 213 million, Time Out connects with an experience-hungry, active audience. This focus on delivering inspirational and authentic content across multiple platforms is a cornerstone of the brand’s success, and the launch of Time Out Johannesburg is a key step in fulfilling that mission within the South African market.

The combination of trusted, authentic content and multiple platforms – plus an experience-hungry, active audience – form a differentiated proposition for advertisers for which Time Out’s team is developing bespoke 360-degree campaigns. These can be local, national or global. The campaigns span across digital platforms, often complemented by experiential elements and always rooted in engaging, immersive story-telling capabilities for clients across a variety of sectors from beverage, travel, and transport to entertainment, retail, food, and more.

Through the partnership with KMR, advertising opportunities will be taken to market by Kagiso Media-owned Mediamark, an award-winning Audio and Digital Solutions company that specialises in connecting advertisers with audiences through innovative solutions.

Nick Grubb, CEO at KMR, says, “Kagiso Media Radio is delighted to see the continued growth of the Time Out brand in South Africa with the launch of the Johannesburg city site. Our ongoing mission as a franchise partner of Time Out is to entertain, uplift, and connect communities, so bringing this iconic brand to Johannesburg adds value to the city and its residents, the tourism industry, and all the people involved in making the city what it is today.”

Whether you’re a Joburg local or visiting for the first time, timeout.com is your new go-to destination to eat, drink, explore, and experience the best of the city, all in one place.

The post Time Out Johannesburg Officially Launches in City of Gold appeared first on Alt News Network.

“JoziMyJoziWalks is a community-led walking festival, designed to showcase the city’s diverse neighbourhoods through immersive, story-rich walking routes led by local champions. This unique event celebrates local culture, heritage, art, and entrepreneurship, creating authentic experiences for both residents and visitors alike,” explains Dawn Robertson, Visitor and Creative Economy Catalyst for Jozi My Jozi.

The initiative reaches out to communities to create a series of walking experiences across the city’s neighbourhoods over one weekend. It is a fire-starter to celebrate neighbourhood pride and small tourism businesses. We are partnering with #jozimyjozi to bring this to life.

Walking tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments in the travel industry, offering sustainable, low-impact, and immersive experiences. They encourage exploration at a human scale and support local economies and small businesses directly, whilst aligning with global trends towards experiential and responsible tourism. We believe that real connections happen on foot, not in cars – and we know that Johannesburg’s best tour guides already live here. So, do you have what it takes to curate and host a walking tour of your favourite Joburg neighbourhood?

“If so, we want to hear from you, as applications for this year’s event are now open,” says Robertson. “We are on the search for 12 neighbourhood champions to lead immersive two-hour walks, free to the public, that celebrate local art, heritage, food, and township creativity while also potentially opening up new permanent tourism routes across Johannesburg.”

The 2025 edition of JoziMyJoziWalks will focus on the following neighbourhoods: Alexandra, Brixton, Chinatown in Cyrildene, Fordsburg, Joburg Inner City, including Newtown and Maboneng, Kensington, Lorentzville, Melville, Orange Grove, Sophiatown, Soweto, Troyeville, and Yeoville.

Each route should highlight unique stories, public art, food, and hidden businesses. The event is capped at 600 local visitors across the 12 walks over the two days to ensure intimate, high-quality experiences, with the spin-off fostering community pride and economic upliftment by directly involving residents and entrepreneurs in the neighbourhoods.

“What makes the 2025 edition of JoziMyJoziWalks so special for the ‘tourists’ is that the guides live in and know all the hidden gems within their neighbourhoods better than anyone else, and each curated route is deeply rooted in the local culture and history. The walks will also support community-led tourism and help to create sustainable jobs while exploring the real Jozi that we all love. The experiences will stay with our visitors long after the walk is over because it is not just what they will see, but what they will feel that leaves its mark,” comments Robertson.

Applications are now open to host a sponsored walk in your ‘hood over the World Tourism Day weekend from 27 to 28 September. An initial briefing meeting for interested hosts will take place from 10:30 to 12:00 on Thursday, 07 August, at the Jozi My Jozi offices, 44 Main Street, Marshalltown. You can also join the briefing session online using the following link: Google Calendar

Proposals for the 2025 edition of Jozi My Jozi Walks must be submitted by Monday, 18 August 2025. Fill out the application form here. A total of 12 successful applicants will be selected, who will be expected to attend a series of workshops and briefing sessions during August and September. Walking tour hosts will also receive a sponsorship amount to assist them in curating and executing their walking experience.

#Johannesburg2025 | #JoziMyJoziWalks | #joziwalks | #neighbourhoodstories | #WeThePeople | #JoinTheMovement

Sign up here to join the #JoziMyJozi movement – be part of the solution.

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By teaming up with CANAL+, a leader in audiovisual creation in France, Air France is continuing to promote French savoir-faire throughout the world. This is a strong commitment on the part of Air France, which devotes 30% of its entertainment offer to French productions with its selection of films and TV series.

Very soon, Air France customers will be able to enjoy episodes of recent or iconic CANAL+ Creation Originale series during their flight, such as The Embers, Of Money and Blood and Versailles. Flagship shows such as En Aparté and comedy shows with Laura Felpin, Roman Frayssinet, and many others will also be available. Captivating documentaries on travel, discovery and sport, as well as children’s content, will round off the variety of shows on offer. From June 2025, the selection will be enhanced with content from CANAL+ Africa, such as the series Niabla and the documentary series Enquête d’Afrique.

In total, around 100 CANAL+ programmes will be available at the time of launch in French, subtitled and adapted for the deaf and hard of hearing. This selection will be renewed with twenty new programmes every month.

“We are proud to be showcasing CANAL+ programmes on board our flights. Renowned throughout the world for their creativity, I’m sure they will appeal to our customers and promote French culture. They also enable us to offer more up-to-date content on board our flights,” said Fabien Pelous, SVP Customer Experience at Air France.

“We are delighted with this unique partnership, which will enable Air France passengers to enjoy an exclusive entertainment experience on board its long-haul flights. We are particularly honoured that Air France has chosen CANAL+ to create its first and only dedicated media space, reinforcing our commitment to promoting French, and soon African, audiovisual creation throughout the world,” added Christophe Pinard-Legry, CEO of CANAL+ France in charge of Business activities.

Over 1,500 hours of in-flight entertainment

In all Air France long-haul cabins, customers have access to a large high-definition screen offering over 1,500 hours of on-demand entertainment. In the most recent cabins, the anti-glare screen offers 4K quality and is equipped with a Bluetooth connection for connecting personal headphones or earphones. In addition, the airline is gradually rolling out a new touch-sensitive graphic interface on its 38,000 screens, available in 12 languages and allowing passengers to choose their programme more easily.

Carefully selected, Air France’s film selection is adapted to everyone’s tastes and cultures and is available in the original version or in several different languages. The airline offers more than 310 films of all genres, from the most classic to the most recent, showcasing French cinema as well as world cinema and the biggest American blockbusters. It also offers series, reports, documentaries, music, podcasts, destination guides and children’s programmes. There’s also a section dedicated to well-being, where young and old alike can try their hand at meditation or seated yoga during their trip. Finally, an interactive map and an on-board camera allow users to follow the flight path and watch the take-off and landing from their seat.

The post Air France is launching CANAL+ on board its Long-haul Flights appeared first on Alt News Network.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam has long been a favourite destination for South African travellers, and it’s easy to see why. Renowned for its iconic canals, historic architecture, and vibrant art scene, this Dutch capital effortlessly bridges the past and present. Visitors can immerse themselves in the quirky De Pijp neighbourhood, explore world-class cultural treasures like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, or reflect on history with a visit to Anne Frank’s House. Food enthusiasts will delight in sampling Dutch treats such as stroopwafels, poffertjes, and herring, while nightlife seekers will revel in the city’s eclectic bar and music scene. With its bike-friendly streets and picturesque neighbourhoods, Amsterdam offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin’s warmth extends beyond its legendary pubs—it’s in the hospitality of its people and the stories they tell. This Irish capital is a treasure trove of culture and history, from the majestic Trinity College Library, home of the famous Book of Kells, to Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol. Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Irish music in the lively Temple Bar district or enjoy scenic day trips to the stunning Cliffs of Moher or the Wicklow Mountains. For South Africans, Dublin offers a unique opportunity to experience Irish charm firsthand while soaking in the city’s literary and musical legacy.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s golden light and soulful atmosphere make it a standout among European cities. Tourists are drawn to its affordable luxury, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine. For those looking to visit, wandering through Alfama’s maze-like streets, listening to the haunting melodies of fado music, and marvelling at the ornate architecture of Jerónimos Monastery is something you won’t want to miss. Lisbon’s tram rides, especially the famous Tram 28, offer a unique way to explore its hills and viewpoints. The city’s proximity to gorgeous beaches and nearby towns like Sintra and Cascais means travellers can enjoy both urban and coastal escapes.

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends old-world charisma with modern vibrancy. As the de facto capital of the European Union, this dynamic city boasts iconic landmarks such as the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Atomium, a striking architectural marvel. Visitors can indulge in Belgium’s world-renowned chocolate and waffles or savour some of the finest beers at a traditional café. Art and history enthusiasts will be enchanted by the city’s rich offerings, including the Magritte Museum, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, and the quirky yet beloved Manneken-Pis statue. Food lovers should also not miss the chance to sample moules-frites, Belgium’s iconic mussels and fries dish. With its unique blend of cultures and its central location in Europe, Brussels is an essential stop for any traveller’s itinerary.

Munich, Germany

Germany continues to be a top destination for South African travellers, and Munich stands out as a city that perfectly captures the beauty of the country’s iconic Bavaria region. With its rich traditions, stunning surroundings, and lively urban atmosphere, Munich offers an unforgettable experience for tourists. Visitors can immerse themselves in history at Marienplatz, the iconic central square, or take a short trip to the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle. The city is famed for its world-class beer halls, such as the legendary Hofbräuhaus, and its globally renowned festivals like Oktoberfest. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Alps provide breathtaking landscapes ideal for skiing, hiking, and exploring charming villages. Munich seamlessly combines history, culture, and adventure, making it a must-visit destination throughout the year.

Thanks to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, these amazing European destinations are just a flight away. With a quick and seamless connection in Amsterdam, South Africans can easily access the best of Europe and beyond, making their 2025 travel dreams a reality.

Get 10% Off Your Next Adventure with Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

To make exploring these trending destinations even more appealing, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are offering an exclusive promotion of 10% off flights from both Cape Town and Johannesburg to Europe and beyond. This special discount is available for bookings made on the Air France or KLM websites between January 7, 2025, and February 4, 2025, with a travel window from January 7, 2025, to April 30, 2025. Simply use the exclusive discount code ‘NEWJOURNEY’. Seats are limited, so don’t wait—secure your journey today. Terms and conditions apply.

The post Trending European Travel Destinations South Africans Are Flocking To in 2025 appeared first on Alt News Network.

By visiting the Air France Kolet or the KLM Kolet page, downloading the Kolet app and entering the code AFKLDATA, purchasing and installing an eSIM* on your smartphone is quick, easy, and cost-effective. Customers can select a prepaid data plan and instantly obtain mobile data**, even before take-off, ensuring a reliable internet connection as soon as they arrive at their destination.

Thanks to eSIM technology, customers can keep their phone numbers while using Kolet eSIM mobile data. They can easily configure the eSIM card in the settings function on their device. Kolet works with the world’s best mobile networks in over 190 countries, guaranteeing competitive prices, a seamless connection throughout your stay and ending the risk of international roaming charges linked to using the internet abroad.

Customers can install a Kolet eSIM on their smartphone and choose the desired data bundle before travelling. Upon arrival, they can directly access the internet from their smartphone while avoiding the high costs of data roaming.

All new customers can benefit from a free trial offer, with up to 1GB of free data valid for two days. Additionally, they receive an immediate 10% discount on all Kolet data bundles. An Air France or KLM flight booking is not a prerequisite.

Extra Benefits for Flying Blue Members

The Air France-KLM group’s loyalty program, Flying Blue, is fully integrated into this preferential offer. An additional benefit for Flying Blue members is that they will earn 10 Miles for every euro spent on every Kolet data bundle. By inviting a friend or family member to try Kolet, they can also earn 250 Miles for the first data bundle purchased by this new customer. Furthermore, Flying Blue members can pay for their data bundle in full or in part with Miles if they are in the Netherlands or France. This option is available thanks to the integration of the new payment service Flying Blue+, in the Kolet app and the dedicated website.

To take advantage of these exclusive benefits now, even without booking an Air France or KLM flight, click here or visit the Kolet app and enter the code ‘AFKLDATA’.

The post Air France-KLM Partners with Kolet for eSIM Connectivity in 190+ Countries with Exclusive Benefits appeared first on Alt News Network.

To launch this new onboard Wi-Fi service, Air France has chosen Starlink, the world leader in connectivity. By leveraging the world’s largest constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, Starlink offers high-speed, low-latency Internet access across the entire globe, including the most isolated areas**. This makes for a stable, fast, and secure user experience.

During the flight, customers will be able to easily stay in touch with friends and family, follow all the world’s news live, play video games online, and of course stream TV, films, and series.

The service will be accessible from smartphones, digital tablets, and laptops, and each customer will be able to connect several devices simultaneously.

Customers will be able to access this service by logging into their Flying Blue* account, the Air France-KLM Group’s loyalty program. Those who do not yet have a Flying Blue account can create one free of charge on board and in just a few clicks.

As of the summer 2025 season, Air France will gradually equip all its aircraft with this cutting-edge technology, including its regional fleet. During this transitional period, the airline will continue to offer a connectivity service on board aircraft that are not yet equipped, including a free “Message Pass” for Flying Blue members and a paid offer*** that covers other needs.

• * La Première customers will continue to connect directly.
• ** Restrictions may apply when flying over certain countries.
• *** Free offer for Flying Blue Ultimate and La Première customers.

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Langhams Executive Conferencing Unveiled as Exclusive Venue for Tech & Tourism Conference 2024: A Revolutionary Setting for Innovation and Collaboration

The post Langhams Executive Conferencing to host Tech & Tourism Conference 2024. appeared first on Alt News Network.

Paris, France
It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations around the world – and for good reason. In 2023, South Africans flocked to the French capital to witness the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time and in 2024, it’s expected to continue being a popular destination for South African travellers. With its charming streets, cosy cafes, exclusive boutiques, world-renowned museums, exquisite cuisine, the beautiful Seine River and landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or the Arc De Triumph, Paris offers something for everyone. This is why Paris continues to captivate the hearts of travellers seeking a blend of sophistication and romance.

Stockholm, Sweden
The Nordics have seen a major rise in popularity in tourists from around the world – and South Africans are certainly taking note. Sweden is set to be bustling this year as it prepares to host the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest and its capital is getting major attention from travellers. Stockholm is a city built on islands and is rich with historic architecture. Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s charming old town, remains a popular destination for tourists. Other must-visit attractions include the Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral, and Stortorget, the oldest square in Stockholm. Djurgården Island is an oasis known for its green spaces, museums, and recreational activities and is home to attractions like the ABBA Museum, Gröna Lund amusement park, Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum and zoo, and the Nordic Museum.

Lisbon, Portugal
The Portuguese capital is fast becoming a popular European destination thanks to its unique blend of history, culture, cuisine, vibrant atmosphere and incredible weather. Its architecture is certainly something to marvel at. The narrow cobblestone streets of the Alfama district and historic landmarks such as São Jorge Castle and the iconic Belém Tower are a treat for anyone visiting. Lisbon has also been called a city of hills, offering numerous panoramic viewpoints. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city, the Tagus River, and the city’s colourful rooftops from spots like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro da Graça. The food in Portugal is world-famous – and for good reason. Travellers are encouraged to indulge in popular traditional dishes like pastéis de nata (custard tarts), bacalhau à brás (salted cod), and feijoada (bean stew).

The post Four Trendy Destinations South African Travellers Should Explore In 2024 appeared first on Alt News Network.

Besides regurgitating the absolute falsehood that carbon emissions are causing climate change and global warming, exhorting the tourism industry to involve itself in climate issues without addressing the issue of travel and transport is a bit like trying to bake a cake without heat.

Given the mania to decarbonise the planet, how does Blessing Manale expect tourists to reach distant continents when air travel requires fossil fuel? Given their grand plan to decarbonise the planet, what provision have they made to substitute all the carbon-based machinery, appliances and accoutrements the tourism industry requires to function?

How do they intend to mine the various elements needed to manufacture the “renewables” upon which they base future energy supplies? Without powerful fossil fuel-driven engines none of that is possible.

The sheer fiction of the narrative that human beings cause climate change deserves as much contempt as the fiction purveyed by the Flat Earth Society.  Compounding that is the sheer waste of money and resources on a presidential commission.

It’s time the news media distinguished between fact and fiction and dispensed with publishing pages of newsprint on a narrative that is devoid of scientific and historical truth.

The post Climate Message On Tourism Ignores Travel Reality appeared first on Alt News Network.