Picasso at home

Pablo Picasso spent a quarter century of his life along the French Riviera. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of his death, tours of his old residence in the potters' village of Vallauris Golfe Juan are now being given for the first time.

The village's tourism officials also recommend a flashlight tour of Picasso's War and Peace mural in the stone chapel. After prior booking, groups of 10 or more people can visit the Picasso masterpiece. Another tribute to the artist is the "Monaco fete Picasso" exhibition, which runs from July to September at the Forum Garibaldi in Monaco. Visit www.Vallauris-Golfe-Juan.com.

Passengers rise, cargo drops: report

International air passenger traffic in the Asia-Pacific region rose by 7 per cent in 2012 but cargo remained weak, says a regional airlines association. The Malaysia-based Association of Asia Pacific Airlines recorded 207 million international air passengers in the region, up from 193 million in 2011. The group attributed the increased passenger traffic to improvements in business markets and sustained leisure travel demand. But it said a 3.4-per-cent drop in air cargo to 59 million freight tons per kilometre was due to weak global trading. - DPA

Skiing in cyberspace

The slopes in the popular Austrian ski resort of Ischgl can now be visited virtually thanks to Google Street View. With just a few mouse clicks a visitor can explore the Silvretta Arena, one of the largest skiing areas in Europe. The pictures were taken using a special snowmobile, the local tourism association says. - DPA

At home on Earth

Sands Cotai Central, the integrated resort at the centre of Cotai Strip Resorts, celebrated the completion of Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central’s Earth recently, whose 2,067 new rooms and suites brings the hotel's total room count to 3,896, making it the largest hotel both in Macao and in the global portfolio of Starwood Hotels & Resorts worldwide. In completing Earth Tower, Sheraton Macao Hotel will also soon be introducing the addition of two more outdoor pools, one offering spectacular views of Cotai.

Luxury on the waves

The Dubai International Boat Show will take place on March 5 to 9 at Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi. The event usually draws more than 26,000 visitors each year and showcases more than 450 of the finest super yachts and leisure craft from across the globe. Family entertainment combined live events offer the complete visitor experience, making sure there's something for everyone. Superyacht Boulevard, Boat Premieres and Try Out Zone are among the highlights. Visit www.BoatShowDubai.com.