GCTG FINALS

North America

Bermuda

Canada

Greenland

Saint Pierre and Miquelon

United States of America.

Central America

Belize

Costa Rica

El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

Mexico,

Nicaragua

Panama

Caribbean

Anguilla

Antigua and Barbuda

Aruba

Bahamas

Barbados

Bonaire

Sint Eustatius and Saba

British Virgin Islands

Cayman Island

Cuba

Curaçao

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Grenada

Guadeloupe

Haiti

Jamaica

Martinique

Montserrat,

Puerto Rico

Saint Barthélemy

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Martin

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sint Maarten

Trinidad and Tobago

Turks and Caicos Islands

United States Virgin Islands

north america

• a land of striking contrasts, presents a wealth of travel opportunities.

• Though the third-largest continent, it houses less than 10% of the global population, showcasing a remarkable diversity of landscapes.

Hollywood Cinema

• has profoundly shaped worldwide entertainment and cultural perceptions. From classic films to modern blockbusters, Hollywood productions have influenced fashion, language, and social trends across the globe.

• "Hollywood sign" itself is a global symbol attracting people from all over the world.

Latin Pop Music & Telenovelas

• have resonated across Latin America and beyond, creating a powerful cultural bridge.

• have captivated audiences with their dramatic storylines and compelling characters.

• has also created a fascination with Mexican culture and lifestyle, encouraging travel to experience the country firsthand.

Raggae music

• originating in Jamaica

• a global phenomenon spreading messages of peace, love, and social justice.

• Bob Marley became an icon of global music and social activism.

• influence extends beyond music, impacting fashion, art, and social movements worldwide.

• The music has become an integral part of Jamaica's branding as a tourist destination.

CULTURAL TIPS FOR TRAVELERS North and Central American

• When greeting someone in the USA, extend the courtesy of greeting with a simple hi or hello. But strengthen the bond by using a firm handshake grip.

• Do give a tip for good service, this is not a bribe but an assurance that you will receive a better service next time around.

• Contrary to popular movies, Americans are mindful of their language. Be as formal or as informal you want in communicating with them but do not pepper your remarks with derogatory or cuss words which might offend the sensibilities of the person to whom you are talking with.

• Do not travel without your papers. Have your identification papers and travel documents ready just in case a state trooper or an immigration agent asks for them. You will save yourself from the hassle of detention time and paper works.

• Do not stick out your tongue. It is considered vulgar and offensive for some since it implies a too physical familiarity.

• The custom of mañana in Mexico (putting off a task until tomorrow) persists. Do not confuse this with laziness. Time is perceived differently here; the pace is slower, more relaxed.

• Almost anything is negotiable in Mexico, especially souvenir purchases. Don’t be intimidated; what may seem like impatience, anger, or obstinacy in the seller is simply part of the “game.” Counter with a price that’s 50% of the original quote and work from there.

• Though informality marks most of the Caribbean, some of the islands have a reputation for showing a gentle, conservative side as well. For example, visitors shouldn’t wear clothes that are too casual wherever they go; a few restaurants and nightspots may even require a jacket and tie for men and dresses or skirts for women.

• A number of colorful festivals occur throughout the year in the Caribbean. The three most famous are: the Bahamian Junkanoo (a Mardi Gras-like celebration), Trinidad’s Carnival, and Jamaica’s Reggae Sun splash.

Statue of Liberty, New York, USA

• formally Liberty Enlightening the World

• colossal statue on Liberty Island in the Upper

• New York Bay, U.S., commemorating the friendship of the peoples of the United States and France.

Times Square, New York, USA

• square in Midtown Manhattan, New York City formed by the intersection of Seventh Avenue, 42nd Street, and Broadway.

• is also the centre of the Theatre District, which is bounded roughly by Sixth and Eighth avenues to the east and west, respectively, and by 40th and 53rd streets to the south and north, respectively.

• It earned the nickname “Crossroads of the World.”

• Broadway became synonymous with American theatre, especially musical theatre.

Golden Gate Bridge, California, USA

• suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate in California to link San Francisco with Marin County to the north.

• Upon its completion in 1937, it was the tallest and longest suspension bridge in the world.

• came to be recognized as a symbol of the power and progress of the United States, and it set a precedent for suspension-bridge design around the world.

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

immense canyon cut by the Colorado River in the high plateau region of northwestern Arizona, U.S., noted for its fantastic shapes and coloration.

Disneyworld, Florida, USA

• resort complex near Orlando, Florida

• envisioned by Walt Disney and featuring attractions based on stories and characters created by the Disney Company.\

• By the early 21st century it had grown to encompass 47 square miles (122 square km) and included four theme parks—the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—as well as two water parks and numerous hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers.

Mardi Gras, Louisina, USA

• means Fat Tuesday, from the custom of using all the fats in the home before Lent in preparation for fasting and abstinence.

• The principal Carnival celebration is in New Orleans, Louisiana.

• The Carnival season there opens on Twelfth Night (Epiphany, January 6) and climaxes with the Mardi Gras festivities commencing 10 days before Shrove Tuesday.

• This period is filled with elaborate revelrous parades, both day and night, building up to Mardi Gras and the Rex parade. Beads of yellow, gold, green, and purple are commonly distributed, and the eating of king cake is an iconic part of the celebration.

CN Tower, Ontario, Canada

• also called Canadian National Tower, broadcast and telecommunications tower in Toronto.

• it was the world’s tallest freestanding structure until 2007, when it was surpassed by the Burj Dubai building in Dubayy (Dubai), U.A.E.

• It is by far Toronto’s most distinctive landmark.

• It is also a centre for telecommunications in Toronto.

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

• waterfall on the Niagara River in northeastern North America.

• one of the continent’s most famous spectacles.

• The falls lie on the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York state, U.S.

• the falls were an attraction for honeymooners and for such stunts as walking over the falls on a tightrope or going over them in a barrel.

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

• is a scenic natural and wilderness area in southwestern Alberta, Canada.

• Established as a national park in 1887,the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains and abuts the border with British Columbia.

• was designated part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.

Teotihuacan, Mexico

• “The City of the Gods” the most important and largest city of pre- Aztec central Mexico

• one of the largest cities in the world.

• It was the region’s major economic as well as religious centre. was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

• ruined ancient Maya city occupying an area of 4 square miles (10 square km) in south-central Yucatán state, Mexico.

• It is thought to have been a religious, military, political, and commercial centre that at its peak would have been home to 35,000 people.

• The site first saw settlers in 550, probably drawn there because of the easy access to water in the region via caves and sinkholes in limestone formations, known as cenotes.

Dia Delos Muertos, Mexico

• Day of the Dead

• a holiday in Mexico honouring dead loved ones and making peace with the eventuality of death by treating it familiarly, without fear and dread.

• Led by the goddess Mictecacihuatl, known as “Lady of the Dead,” the celebration lasted a month.

Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica

Falls is a famous waterfall near Ocho Rios, Jamaica and a major Caribbean tourist attraction that receives thousands of visitors each year.

South America

• is connected to North America by the narrow Isthmus of Panama.

• is the fourth-largest continent and extends from the sunny beaches of the Caribbean Sea to the frigid waters near the Antarctic Circle.

• is home to the richest abundance of plants and animals in the world.

Andes

• Earth’s longest terrestrial mountain range, stretch the entire length of South America.

• These volcanic areas are fueled by heat generated as a large oceanic plate, called the Nazca Plate, grinds beneath the plate carrying South America.

central-southern area of South America

• has pampas, or plains.

• The growing of wheat is a major industry in the pampas. Grazing animals, such as cattle and sheep, are also raised in the pampas region.

UN geoscheme South America

Argentina

Bolivia

Brazil

Chile

Colombia

Ecuador

Falkland

Islands (Malvinas)

French Guiana

Guyana

Paraguay

Peru

South Georgia

South Sandwich Islands

Suriname

Uruguay

Venezuela

Latin Rhythms and Global Sensations

• is a hotbed of musical innovation, producing rhythms that have swept the globe.

• the sensual tango of Argentina to the infectious rhythms of Brazilian samba and the diverse sounds of Colombian cumbia and reggaeton, South American music has captivated audiences worldwide.

• This musical influence significantly boosts tourism.

• Music festivals, such as Rio's Carnival, attract millions of visitors.

• The global popularity of Latin music has created a desire to experience the cultures that produced it.

Magical Realism and Literary Giants

has produced some of the world's most influential literary figures.Their works have been translated into countless languages and have inspired generations of writers.

• Gabriel García Márquez with his magical realism

• Jorge Luis Borges with his philosophical explorations, have left an indelible mark on global literature.

For example, people travel to Colombia to experience the landscapes that influenced García Márquez. Furthermore, literary festivals in South America draw international attendees.

Tango and Samba's Global Reach

• are more than just dances; they are cultural expressions that have captured the world's imagination.

• The passionate tango of Argentina and the exuberant samba of Brazil are iconic symbols of South American culture.These dances have influenced dance styles worldwide and are a major attraction for tourists.

• Tango shows in Buenos Aires are a must-see for many visitors. Rio's Carnival, with its elaborate samba parades, is one of the world's largest and most famous festivals. Dance schools throughout South America attract visitors who want to learn these iconic dances.

Culinary Traditions: A Fusion of Flavors

South American cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, reflecting the continent's diverse cultures and landscapes. From the ceviche of Peru to the asado of Argentina and the feijoada of Brazil, South American food has gained global recognition.

Culinary tourism is a rapidly growing trend. Food tours, cooking classes, and visits to local markets are becoming increasingly popular. The rise of South American restaurants worldwide has also increased interest in the continent's culinary traditions.

CULTURAL TIPS FOR TRAVELERS SOUTH AMERICA

• Brazilians are physically and emotionally open. Shaking hands, embracing, and so on, are the rule.

• To be invited to a Brazilian’s home is an honor. Guests shouldn’t plan to drop by for a brief visit; rather, they should be prepared to stay for many hours. It’s also customary to arrive a little late. In addition, some small gift should be brought along. Brazilians are very conscious of keeping their hands on the table when dining.

• Some countries in South America have good tap water, however don’t drink the tap water without confirming that it is safe to drink. Generally, in countries where water isn’t safe for foreigners to drink, there will be bottled or filtered water available at the hotel.

• South America is full of adventure – whether culinary or of the outdoor variety. Cuts, bruises, and tummy issues are a common part of travel in South America. Having a small first aid kit just makes things easier, so that nobody has to rush out to find band-aids in a strange city.

• Rice and beans are a staple in South American cuisine, so you can expect to see them accompanying many meals. Rice and beans is common at breakfast, lunch and dinner, so be prepared to enjoy it.

• In some of the major cities and tourist destinations of South America, it’s possible to find English speakers. But off the beaten tourist path, it’s important to know a little bit of Spanish or Portuguese. Even just a few words like “thank you” or “please” will help travelers get around South America. There are several translation apps to help learn key travel phrases of a new language. The people in South America are so warm and welcoming, just a little bit of effort to speak their language goes a long way.

Amazon River and Rainforest, Brazil

• is the greatest river of South America and the largest drainage system in the world in terms of the volume of its flow and the area of its basin.

• represents over half of the planet's remaining rainforests, and comprises the largest and most biodiverse tract of tropical rainforest in the world, with an estimated 390 billion individual trees divided into 16,000 species

Rio Carnival, Brazil

• is a festival held every year before Lent and considered the biggest carnival in the world with two million people per day on the streets.

• The first Carnival festival in Rio occurred in 1723.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

• a colossal statue of Jesus Christ at the summit of Mount Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Celebrated in traditional and popular songs, Corcovado towers over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s principal port city.

• The statue has become emblematic of both the city of Rio de Janeiro and the whole nation of Brazil.

• name of the famous statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro

Iguazu Falls, Brazil-Argentina

• massive waterfalls straddle the border of Brazil and Argentina

• is a series of cataracts on the Iguaçu River, 14 miles (23 km) above its confluence with the Alto (Upper) Paraná River, at the Argentina-Brazil border.

• nearly three times wider than Niagara Falls in North America and significantly greater than the width of Victoria Falls in Africa.

Angel Falls, Venezuela

• The highest waterfall in the world

• It leaps from a flat-topped plateau, Auyán-Tepuí (“Devils Mountain”)

• The falls are located in Canaima National Park, and, because of the dense jungle surrounding the falls, they are best seen from the air.

Tepuis, Venezuela

Along the southern border with Brazil are groups of massive plateaus and steep- sided mesas, known as tepuis (tepuyes) capped with erosion-resistant sandstone and covered with intermingled savanna and semideciduous forest.

Salt Cathedral, Colombia

is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 metres (220 yd) underground in a halite mountain near the city of Zipaquirá, design by Mexican architect Carlos Mijares. It is a tourist destination and place of pilgrimage in the country.

Kaieteur Falls, Guyana

• cataract on the Potaro River

• After a sheer drop of 741 feet (226 m) over the edge of a sandstone plateau.

• It is the world’s highest single-drop waterfall.

Machu Picchu, Peru

• famous lost city of the Inca

• also spelled Machupijchu, site of ancient Inca ruins located about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Cuzco, Peru.

• One of the few major pre-Columbian ruins found nearly intact, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

Nazca Lines, Peru

• also spelled Nasca

• groups of geoglyphs, large line drawings that appear, from a distance, to be etched into the Earth’s surface on the arid Pampa Colorada (“Coloured Plain” or “Red Plain”),

Mt. Aconcagua, Argentina

• mountain in western Mendoza province, west-central Argentina, on the Chilean border.

• It is the highest point in the Western Hemisphere as well as in South America.

Lake Ticaca, Bolivia-Peru

• The world’s highest lake navigable to large vessels

• is the second largest lake of South America (after Maracaibo).

Atacama Desert, Chile

• A desert plateau in South America covering a 1,600 km (990 mi) strip of land on the Pacific coast, west of the Andes Mountains.

• It is the world’s driest non-polar desert.

Galapagos island, Ecuador

• An island group of the eastern Pacific Ocean

• In 1978 the islands were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 1986 the Galapagos Marine Resources Reserve was created to protect the surrounding waters.

• The Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz (Indefatigable) Island promotes scientific studies and protects the indigenous vegetation and animal life of the Galapagos.

Easter island, Chile

• Also called Rapa Nui, Chilean dependency in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

• It is the easternmost outpost of the Polynesian island world.

• It is famous for its giant stone statues which are called moais.

• famous site in Chile is known for its giant stone statues

Patagonia, Argentina

• Argentina and chile is a region shared between

• a semiarid scrub plateau that covers nearly all of the southern portion of mainland Argentina.

• It constitutes a vast area of steppe and desert that extends from the Atlantic Sea, Strait of Magellan, up to the Andes Mountain Range.

Africa

the second-largest continent, covers an area more than three times that of the United States.

is a vast continent with many different ecosystems ranging from massive deserts to sweeping savannahs and dense tropical rain forests.

North Africa

Algeria

Egypt

Libya

Morocco

Sudan

Tunisia

Western Sahara

Sub-Saharan

British Indian Ocean Territory

Burundi

Comoros

Djibouti

Eritrea

Ethiopia

French Southern Territories

Kenya

Madagascar

Malawi

Mauritius

Mayotte

Mozambique

Réunion

Rwanda

Seychelles

Somalia

South Sudan

Uganda

United Republic of Tanzania

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Middle Africa

Angola

Cameroon

Central

African Republic

Chad

Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Equatorial Guinea

Gabon

Sao Tome and Principe

Southern Africa

Botswana

Eswatini

Lesotho

Namibia

South Africa

Benin

Burkina Faso

Cabo Verde

Côte d'Ivoire

Gambia

Ghana

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Liberia

Mali

Mauritania

Niger

Nigeria

Saint Helena,

Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Senegal

Sierra Leone

Togo

The Rise of Afrobeats and Amapiano

• African music, particularly Afrobeats from Nigeria and Amapiano from South Africa, has exploded onto the global music scene.

• This musical phenomenon is drawing music enthusiasts from around the world to Africa, with festivals and concerts becoming major tourist attractions.

Nollywood and African Cinema

• the Nigerian film industry, is one of the world's largest, producing a massive volume of films that resonate with audiences across Africa and the diaspora.

• The increasing availability of African films on streaming platforms has also broadened their global reach.

African Fashion and Design

• is making a bold statement on the global stage, with designers showcasing their creativity and innovation.

• African prints, textiles, and designs are being incorporated into mainstream fashion, and African designers are gaining recognition at international fashion weeks.

• This is also leading to an increase in people wanting to visit the places where those textiles are produced.

CULTURAL TIPS FOR TRAVELERS AFRICA

• Parties, dinners, and other gatherings in Egypt often don’t start until 10 PM. When staging a social gathering, have non-alcoholic beverages available for Muslim attendees.

• Building trust is important to Egyptians. As a result, visitors should be prepared to engage in extended conversation and coffee before starting a meeting. Even shopkeepers will offer customers free coffee or cola.

• Many businesses close on Friday, the Muslim day of rest. Workweeks begin on Saturday and run through Thursday. Some places close completely (or early) on Sunday.

• In Kenya, pointing with an index finger is very insulting; use the whole hand. Don’t use the left hand alone when passing or receiving an item.

• Be prepared to give hearty handshakes on greeting a Kenyan. A “soft” handshake is considered effeminate. So, too, is the use of cologne by men, especially to those Kenyans who live outside urban centers.

• Some people feel that Tanzania now offers a better experience than does Kenya. Their belief: Tourism in Tanzania has been going on for less time than in Kenya. As a result, travel personnel are more eager to please and less jaded than those in Kenya.

Great Pyraminds of Giza, Egypt

• pyramids erected on a rocky plateau on the west bank of the Nile River in northern Egypt.

• In ancient times they were included among the Seven Wonders of the World.

• It was collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.

Abu Simbel, Egypt

• site of two temples built by the Egyptian king Ramses II now located in southern Egypt.

• The four colossal statues of Ramses in front of the main temple are spectacular examples of ancient Egyptian art.

• the temples were salvaged from the rising waters of the Nile River caused by erection of the Aswan High Dam.

Nile River, Egypt

• The longest river in the world

• called the father of African rivers

• Its most distant source is the Kagera River in Burundi.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

• national park and wildlife refuge on the Serengeti Plain in north-central Tanzania.

• It is partly adjacent to the Kenya border and is northwest of the adjoining Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

• It is best known for its huge herds of plains animals

• it is the only place in Africa where vast land-animal migrations still take place. The park, an international tourist attraction, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981.

Victoria Falls, Zambia

• spectacular waterfall located about midway along the course of the Zambezi River, at the border between Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the south.

• the waterfall spans the entire breadth of the Zambezi River at one of its widest points

• It is locally known as Mosi-Oa-Tunya or the “Smoke that thunders.”