Checking In: Deep-sea coral reefs, new eVisas and Earth Day

Today’s newsletter is coming to you on what might be the last day of Ramadan. The UAE’s moon sighting committee — made up of a group of astronomers, court officials and advisers — will gather this evening to look for the crescent moon of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

If it is spotted, Ramadan will be declared as lasting 29 days and Eid will begin on Friday. If not, the holy month will extend to 30 days, with Eid commencing on Saturday. Either way, the Eid Al Fitr holidays are already under way in many Muslim countries and thousands of travellers are expected to head overseas for the occasion.

In the UAE, hotels are welcoming visitors seeking out staycations, while Emirates is expecting more than 110,000 travellers to fly overseas during the holiday period. The Dubai airline has expanded its flight schedule to cope with demand, adding 38 flights to destinations across the GCC and Middle East, including to Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait and Beirut.

Etihad Airways is also anticipating high passenger demand to coincide with the Eid Al Fitr holidays. The Abu Dhabi airline revealed that destinations in the Middle East and North Africa, Europe, India and other holiday hotspots such as the Maldives and Thailand are proving popular with travellers this year.

A sign of hope ahead of Earth Day

Eid isn't the only celebration happening this week. On Saturday, the world will observe #earthday. This annual UNESCO celebration — now in its 53rd year — is a time to mark environmental achievements and raise awareness about the need to protect the planet. And there was a bit of good news ahead of the occasion after scientists in the Galapagos Islands discovered a thriving coral reef about 600 metres below the ocean's surface this week. Demonstrating that healthy reefs can still thrive at a time when coral is in crisis due to the climate emergency, the discovery is a sign of hope, and researchers are optimistic that more undiscovered treasures will be revealed in the Ecuadorian archipelago.

Of course, we shouldn't only be thinking about travelling responsibly on Earth Day. There are plenty of ways we can make sure our future travel plans don't harm the planet — from staying in eco-conscious hotels and offsetting carbon from air travel to packing lighter and choosing alternative modes of transportation. Keep an eye on The National's Responsible Tourism story tag for all the latest stories about sustainable travel.

Why Japan is in the spotlight right now

Talking of future travel plans, tourists from the UAE who are keen to explore Japan can now do so more easily after the Asian destination introduced eVisas for UAE residents.

The online application cuts out the need for embassy visits and screeds of paperwork, and the Japan National Tourism Organization will be happy at the timing, which is perfect for attracting travellers hoping to experience the country's famed cherry blossom season, which is currently in full bloom. The service also available for #Saudi nationals and residents, and comes as Japan drops final lingering Covid-19 regulations for travellers.

Destination Spotlight: Pekoe trail, Sri Lanka

Snaking through tea estates, national parks, forest trails, villages and towns, Sri Lanka's Pekoe Trail is a new 300-kilometre hiking route that allows visitors to experience the raw natural beauty of Sri Lanka's central highlands at ground level. Starting in the hills above Kandy, Selina Denman embarks on an intimate, meditative exploration of the country's inner heart.

Travel stories you might have missed this week:

Scientists discover thriving coral reef 600 metres below Galapagos Islands

10 hotels that come with views of Unesco World Heritage sites

Chedi Hegra to open in AlUla this year

Five of Western Australia's best new hotels

Top Tips: Three new cruises for 2024

• Known for its magical at-sea journeys, Disney Cruise Line has announced exciting new itineraries for next year. Topping the bill is the cruise line's newest Bahamian destination — Eleuthera at Lighthouse Point. This private island retreat offers pristine beaches, nature trails, waterparks and a Bahamian arts and culture pavilion. Disney Fantasy will be the first ship to head to the destination, departing from Florida on June 8, 2024, for a seven-night adventure suitable for the whole family.
• Twenty nine countries in 125 days is what’s on offer aboard Crystal Cruises' recently announced round-the-world voyage. Sailing aboard the newly renovated Crystal Serenity, the cruise line’s longest-ever voyage will explore 69 destinations. Setting off from San Diego on February 3, travellers will cross continents and cultures, with ports of call including Bali, Oman, Bora Bora, Mumbai, Sydney, Singapore, Egypt, the Maldives and the Greek islands.
• US travel operator Tauck’s new 14-day La Belle Vie river cruise is one for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Setting sail on April 26 from Cannes, travellers will journey into Provence before cruising along the Rhone River to Lyon, along the Saone and on to Geneva. On-shore options include lunch on a Provencal farm coupled with a cowboy demonstration, a visit to the swanky resort town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and a walking tour in Geneva. A gala dinner at Duche d'Uzes, the family castle of France's Dukes of Uzes, is also part of the plan.