APT Travelmarvel and ITTN have launched an exciting competition titled “Travelmarvel Moments of the Year,” offering travel agents in Ireland a chance to win a river cruise for two. Participants are invited to capture their travels with a specially designed Travelmarvel mug, showcasing their adventures from iconic landmarks to serene countryside scenes.

How to Participate in the Competition

Agents can enter the contest by taking a photo of their Travelmarvel mug in a memorable location. Whether enjoying coffee on the Cliffs of Moher, watching the sunrise over the Liffey, or riding in a gondola in Italy, creativity is encouraged. Participants should send their photos along with a brief description of the moment to [email protected]. Each submission will also be featured on the ITTN website, and entrants are urged to share their moments on social media using the hashtag #TravelmarvelMoments.

A panel of judges, including Geoff Percival, Katie Doyle, and Shane Cullen of ITTN, along with Michelle Ryan from Travelmarvel, will evaluate the entries. Each month, a winner will be chosen, receiving a ticket to the Irish Travel Trade Awards 2025, where they will be hosted by the Travelmarvel team.

Prizes and Upcoming Announcements

The competition culminates in one overall winner being named, who will enjoy an 8-day river cruise on the new Travelmarvel Rigel, set to launch in 2026. This cruise promises to be a remarkable journey, showcasing the best of river travel.

To obtain a Travelmarvel mug, interested parties can contact [email protected]. In addition to the competition, Michelle Ryan will document her own Travelmarvel Moments as she visits travel agents and attends events, sharing insights and updates about river cruising through her column, “Michelle’s Travelmarvelous Monthly Moments,” which will be published on the last Thursday of each month on ITTN.ie.

To kick off the contest, two winners will be announced this month, increasing the chances for participants to win. The first round of winners is set to be revealed on August 12, 2025. As the competition unfolds, participants are encouraged to capture and share their travel experiences, making this opportunity not only a chance to win but also to celebrate the joy of travel.

Hawaii will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing on August 6, 2025, with a solemn ceremony at the Peace Memorial Park in Honolulu. This event will honor the memory of those who lost their lives during the atomic bombing and reaffirm a commitment to peace and nuclear disarmament.

The ceremony, organized by the Hawaii Hiroshima Peace Memorial Committee, will feature speeches from local leaders and representatives from various organizations advocating for peace. Among those expected to speak is Governor Josh Green, who will emphasize the importance of remembrance in the pursuit of a peaceful future. Attendees will also take part in a moment of silence to reflect on the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare.

The bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 140,000 people by the end of that year. The event not only marked a pivotal moment in World War II but also served as a grim reminder of the catastrophic effects of nuclear weapons. In the years since, various international bodies, including the United Nations, have made efforts to promote disarmament and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

This year’s ceremony will also include a call for action, encouraging participants to engage in discussions about peace initiatives and the need for global cooperation to eliminate nuclear arms. The Hawaii Hiroshima Peace Memorial Committee aims to foster a dialogue that extends beyond the memorial event, urging residents and visitors alike to reflect on their role in promoting peace.

As part of the observance, attendees will have the opportunity to view an exhibition highlighting the history and impact of the Hiroshima bombing. The exhibition will showcase photographs, personal stories, and artifacts that illustrate the human cost of war and the importance of striving for a world without nuclear weapons.

In addition to the ceremony in Honolulu, similar events will occur worldwide, as communities unite to remember the victims and advocate for peace. These commemorations serve not only as a tribute but also as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in supporting nuclear disarmament.

The 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing serves as a crucial moment for reflection and action. As Hawaii prepares for this significant event, the hope is that the memories of the past will inspire future generations to pursue peace and work towards a world free from the threat of nuclear conflict.

A couple has been convicted of murdering their two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives-Griffiths, who died under harrowing circumstances. The child was found at his grandparents’ home in Flintshire, North Wales, on the evening of August 14, 2021. At the time of his collapse, Ethan was dangerously dehydrated, severely underweight, and exhibited 40 visible bruises and marks across his body.

The court heard evidence detailing the neglect and abuse that Ethan endured while in the care of his grandparents. Medical experts testified that the child’s condition suggested he had been subjected to prolonged maltreatment. He suffered a catastrophic head injury which ultimately led to his death, prompting a thorough investigation by local authorities.

During the trial, the prosecution presented a compelling case that highlighted Ethan’s tragic suffering. Witnesses described the couple’s behavior as both “casual” and “brutal,” painting a disturbing picture of the environment in which the child lived. The jury deliberated extensively before reaching a unanimous verdict.

The couple’s defense argued against the charges, claiming that the injuries were not the result of intentional harm. However, the jury found the evidence overwhelming, leading to the convictions for murder. The judge is expected to impose a significant sentence, reflecting the severity of the crime and the loss of an innocent life.

Ethan’s death has sparked outrage and calls for better protections for vulnerable children in similar situations. Local officials have expressed their commitment to reviewing child welfare policies to prevent such tragedies in the future. This case has resonated deeply within the community and beyond, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in safeguarding children.

As this case concludes, it serves as a grim reminder of the responsibilities that adults hold in caring for children. The ramifications of this tragedy will likely influence discussions around child protection and legal measures aimed at ensuring the safety of minors in the care of relatives.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has voiced serious concerns regarding a proposed plan to relocate the civilian population of Gaza to what has been described as a “humanitarian city.” He suggested that this initiative could be seen as a form of ethnic cleansing. The plan, announced by Israel Katz, the Israeli Defence Minister, aims to transfer approximately 600,000 Palestinians to a designated area in Rafah, located in southern Gaza.

Olmert’s comments came as humanitarian conditions in the region continue to deteriorate. On July 14, 2025, reports indicated that civilians in Gaza City were reliant on donated food supplies, highlighting the ongoing crisis. The former Prime Minister’s remarks reflect a growing unease among some Israeli leaders and international observers about the implications of such a population transfer.

The proposed relocation plan has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that moving the civilian population in such a manner could fundamentally alter the demographic landscape of the region. Olmert emphasized that any action perceived as forcibly displacing civilians could have severe repercussions, both ethically and politically.

In the backdrop of these statements, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Aid organizations have reported that the region is facing critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Hospitals are struggling to operate due to a lack of fuel and resources, placing countless lives at risk. The recent surge in violence has further complicated efforts to provide assistance to those in need.

The Israeli government has defended its military actions in Gaza, citing security concerns. However, these operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties, raising alarms among human rights advocates. As of now, the death toll in Gaza has reportedly exceeded 58,000, with children among the most affected.

As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring statements and actions from Israeli officials. The potential for further escalation remains high, and discussions about humanitarian access and civilian protection are more urgent than ever. In light of Olmert’s comments, it is clear that the complexities surrounding Gaza’s future will continue to be a focal point of both national and international discourse.