LOOK OUT Grand Canyon visitors – watch your step before attempting a selfie from the edge of the vertiginously deep and perilously steep US landmark.

The national park surrounding the enormous canyon – the second-most visited US national park, after the Great Smoky Mountains in the country’s southeast – has experienced a distressing surge in fatal accidents, with at least four visitors dying in as many weeks in March and April.

The Grand Canyon experienced an unusual number of accidental deaths this spring. Despite calls for caution, the risky behaviour persists./AFP

The views that draw millions to the park in the high Arizona desert are stunning, both in their rich earth hues and in the sheer immensity of the gap cleaved over aeons by the unceasing Colorado River as it winds sinuously through the canyon bottom.

But the views can also distract or disorient visitors – some of whom take risks despite park rangers’ constant warnings – and the result can be fatal.

The body of a Japanese tourist was the first one found this spring, located in a wooded area some distance from the rocky cliffs.

Then came three fatal falls, including that of a fifty-something tourist from Hong Kong who toppled over the edge while snapping photos.

The park has placed protective barriers at some popular vista points, but “we don’t want to put barriers everywhere,” park spokeswoman Kris Fister says. “The specialness about parks is not being enclosed.

“You don’t have a barrier between you and this amazing place,” she adds, “but you have to pay attention.”

“We tell people to stay on the designated trails and walkways and to keep a safe distance from the rim” – and of course, to pay attention when taking pictures, says Fister, who is dressed in the grey military-style shirt and khaki pants of a park ranger.

“That’s pretty common sense.”

But at the park’s Mather Point, which offers especially scenic views not far from the visitor centre on the canyon’s South Rim, the message does not always get through.

This natural vista point, the most heavily visited in the park, may be the spot in the US most often captured in visitors’ selfies.

From here to the canyon’s North Rim is a distance of 16 kilometres.

There are protective barriers. But not far away, a young woman ventures to the very edge of the cliff.

The Grand Canyon experienced an unusual number of accidental deaths this spring. Despite calls for caution, the risky behaviour persists./AFP

“We can see well enough from here,” British tourist Kathryn Kelly sniffs dismissively, looking at the risk-taking woman. “I don’t see the point stepping closer to the edge.”

“I heard of a man who died trying to take a selfie, and I’m struggling to feel sorry for him,” Kelly says. “It’s a kind of natural selection.”

Of the dozen people who, on average, die each year in the canyon, relatively few fall to their deaths, according to park service statistics.

Most deaths are linked to the dramatic change in altitude and to dehydration in the crushing summer heat faced by hikers – despite the frequent warning signs that say things like “Don’t become a statistic” and “Down is optional, up is mandatory.”

But for those who make it to the bottom of the canyon, near the turbulent, muddy waters of the Colorado, Phantom Ranch offers a welcome oasis, a place to rest and spend the night after long, draining hours of hiking.

Among the books on a shelf in the ranch’s dining room is one that lists every death registered in the park: “Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon.”

Falls, flash flooding, drowning, storms, snakes, suicides, even murders … there are as many ways to die in the Grand Canyon as there are ways to photograph (and of course Instagram) it.

Jim Stanley, a 71-year-old from Michigan, read the book before taking on this dangerous wonder of nature, where nearly seven million visitors are expected this year for the 100th anniversary of Grand Canyon’s classification as a national park.

“I haven’t been discouraged; I’m now aware of the risks,” he says, his hiking pants proudly held up by a pair of suspenders in the red, white and blue of the American flag.

“Too many people take the Grand Canyon for granted,” he adds. “But it’s not Disneyland.”

There has always been an element of mystery, or mysticism, surrounding the park and its awe-inspiring landscape. The numerous accidental deaths in its vast territory through the years have even given rise to a sort of earthbound Bermuda Triangle vibe.

Two aeroplanes once collided above the canyon, claiming 128 lives in what, at the time, was the worst commercial aviation accident in US history.

That was in 1956, long before the advent of the selfie.

IN RECENT times the imperial city of Fez has been overlooked by tourists in favour of Marrakesh, but now Morocco’s “spiritual” capital is bustling with visitors due to major renovations and low-cost flights.

“It is an open air museum, with the largest pedestrian zone in the world and its 10,000 alleyways,” says Yassir Jawra, vice president of the Fez tourism commission.

Fez “is the spiritual capital of Morocco, famed for its culture and its (age-old) handicraft work,” he adds.

Since 2013, more than one billion dirhams (Bt3.23 billion) of investment have been poured into Fez to restore the ninth-century walled medina and develop tourism.

A Moroccan man walks in the tannery in the medina.

The medina, home to the world’s oldest working library, was listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1981 for its “outstanding universal value”.

Guardian of priceless treatises in Islamic studies, astronomy and medicine, the library is nestled in the maze of narrow and dark alleyways which tourists and donkey-drawn carts can struggle to navigate.

Like many monuments, it has been renovated after the authorities in the late 1980s sounded the alarm in a report saying that more than half of the buildings in the medina were crumbling and 10 per cent were threatened with ruin following years of neglect and a lack of public funds.

Behind the high crenellated walls that surround the medina lie 9,000 historical houses, 11 madrassas, 83 mausoleums, 176 mosques and 1,200 handicraft workshops.

Patrician palaces with their secret gardens and terraces, elegant fountains and ancient caravansary, or inns, are among the jewels lying there to be discovered.

According to Fouad Serrhini, head of the Agency of Development and Restoration tasked with rehabilitating the medina, “thousands” of buildings and monuments have been saved from ruin since 2013.

“They were chosen according to their state of degradation and how urgently the work was needed,” he explains.

In all, 4,000 buildings were saved between 2013 and 2018, while 27 monuments were restored.

In mid-April, King Mohammed VI visited Fez to inaugurate some buildings that had been renovated and launch the second phase of the rehabilitation programme.

Men gather at the Moulay Idriss II mausoleum.

Following his visit, authorities issued a report insisting that the rehabilitation work respect the medina’s “authenticity” and “original architecture”.

“The ancient medina is a live treasure, hidden and secret, which cannot be taken lightly,” says Salim Belghazi, a 33-year-old who has transformed his 14th-century riad, or traditional family home, into a private museum.

Belghazi, who hails from a wealthy background, says he hopes that despite the transformation, Fez will maintain its soul.

Meanwhile, tourists are flocking to Fez, where the regional Fes-Saiss airport has undergone an expansion to accommodate the growing number of visitors and low-cost flights mainly from across Europe.

The number of passengers has jumped from 108,000 in 2004 to more than a million in 2018, according to official figures.

But Marrakesh remains the country’s top tourist destination, with more than two million arrivals in 2017.

Tourism is a major source of revenue for Morocco, which received more than 12 million visitors in 2018, according to official figures, Abderahim Belkhayat, head of a regional body of artisans, says the influx of visitors to Fez “benefits” craftsmen, noting that three quarters of the medina’s residents earn a living directly or indirectly from the sector.

Local authorities have mapped out a “vision” to revamp the sector by giving it a “new look” in order to produce “high quality” crafts, he adds.

A view of the tannery in the ninthcentury walled medina in the ancient Moroccan city of Fez.

A 2005 official report indicated that in the long term, authorities hope to transform the medina into a “showcase” of handicrafts while the workshops themselves would be relocated outside the walls.

So far, 6,000 potters and brass and copper workers have been moved into zones with modern infrastructure and tanners are expected to follow suit in a separate location.

The idea is to rid the medina of the cacophony of noise emanating from brassware and potter workshops as well as the pungent odours that rise from the ancient tanneries – the latter a “must” stop on the tourist circuit.

Tourists, their noses covered with mint leaves to ward off the stench, congregate on terraces overlooking the tanneries to snap pictures of the men working below, using the same methods as their ancestors did.

The tanners stand almost knee-deep in large vats containing quicklime, cow urine, salt and water to clean the hides, which they will later soak in pigeon poop and water before the dying process can begin.

The smell is always nauseating.

But the sight seems to delight the visitors and the end result, such as leather belts and bags sold in the boutiques, proves popular with buyers.

Booking.com keeps updated with the trends by offering a selection of six dazzling destinations full of mystery and enchantment fit for a sultan

Agra, India

Agra, which makes up one corner of the Golden Triangle circuited by travellers alongside Delhi and Jaipur, is home to both the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and is the perfect destination to feel like royalty. Translating as “Crown of the Palaces”, the Taj Mahal and perched on the bank of the Yamuna River, this ivory marble mausoleum was built for the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Its intricate architecture and reflecting pool have become an iconic image, making it a top destination for a sultan selfie. The nearby Agra Fort was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. Visitors can lose themselves in these regal surroundings to truly picture what the life of a sultan would look like.

Where to stay: The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra is a short walk from the Taj Mahal and boasts sumptuous 5-star accommodation. This lavish hotel combines modern interiors with large windows that capitalise on the beauty that surrounds the building. Visitors can feast at four dining options offering a range of international and local specialties. To indulge in royal treatments, guests can visit the Oberoi Spa for a body massage or treat themselves to a swim or exercise session at the gym.

Muscat, Oman

Oman’s capital Muscat is home to a reallife sultan, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, who is the longest serving Arab leader, having held the office since 1970. As part of a visit to Muscat, you can bask in the opulent beauty of a landmark that also shares his name, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. An active place of worship, the mosque is the fifth largest mosque in the world and was designed as part of a competition that Sultan Qaboos hosted. The impressive boasts a 50-metre-high gold dome and white marble flooring. The men’s prayer hall, which can actually be visited by both genders, is especially captivating, with huge Persian carpets and chandeliers dominating the space.

Where to stay: Surrounded by the glimmering waters of the Gulf of Oman in the Bay of Barr Al Jissah, ShangriLa Al Husn Resort & Spa is the perfect destination. A short drive from Muscat’s city centre and the Sultan Qaboos’ Grand Mosque, the hotel’s decor is inspired by Arabian palaces and accented by authentic Omani artworks. Sun-worshipers can take advantage of the hotel’s private beach, which is set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop.

Jaipur, India

The capital of India’s Rajasthan state is founded by and named after Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer in 1727. Today, this bustling city is popular with tourists for its pink-hued buildings that have secured it the nickname “the pink city”. One of these beautiful buildings is the Hawa Mahal, a palace of red and pink sandstone, also known as the Palace of Wind. This regal residence is best experienced after sunset as the lights illuminate and the building appears to glow. If pink isn’t your colour, Jaipur is also home to the hillside attraction Amber Palace at Amer Fort.

Where to stay: Relax after a busy day of sightseeing just two miles away from the centre at the palatial Taj Rambagh Palace, known as the “Jewel of Jaipur”. Boasting immaculately manicured gardens and beautiful Indian architecture, this hotel is almost as photogenic as Jaipur’s own palaces. Guests will be treated like royalty with palace butlers who can help guests arrange vintage horsedrawn carriage rides every evening and experienced gurus who host yoga sessions to help guests unwind after a long day of exploration.

Marrakech, Morocco

A former imperial city, Marrakech is home to a large variety of breathtaking mosques, palaces and gardens. As part of your travels, consider taking a walkthrough Bahia Palace, which means “the Palace of the beautiful, the brilliant”. This nineteenth-century palace was built for Si Moussa, chamberlain of Sultan Hassan I and is a cultural hotspot for tourism in Marrakech. The beautiful structure covers almost eight hectares and features the first stained glass windows of the Maghreb, captivating visitors as soon as they set their eyes upon it.

Where to stay: Feel like royalty by booking at stay at the Riad le Clos des Arts surrounded by astonishing interior designs, with every room decorated with a typical Moroccan tile art form. Guests can embrace the peaceful surroundings in the inner courtyard and relax on the roof terrace, featuring a small plunge pool. Centred in the heart of Marrakech, Riad le Clos des Arts is also just a short walk from the Bahia Palace.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is known as an opulent destination thanks to its luxury shopping opportunities and outstanding architecture. Visitors to Dubai can further indulge in relaxing treatments by embracing the traditional Arabian Hammam treatment, also known as a Turkish bath. The treatments consist of being soaked with water before applying black soap to the skin and exfoliating it with a kessa glove.

Where to stay: For a truly Arabian experience, opt for Palace Downtown. Located in the heart of a traditional Arabian Village, this luxurious hotel has everything you need on its doorstep, including Hammam monsoon showers, a hot tub and steam rooms.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul was once a city full of royalty in the Sultanahmet district, where chariot races used to take place and, to this day, Egyptian obelisks remain. Istanbul is also home to the historical and architecturally beautiful Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet I. The Mosque has a large prayer hall under a main dome and boasts six minarets and eight more domes. The mosque also features more than 20,000 exquisite handmade Iznik ceramic style tiles in a variety of tulip designs.

Where to stay: Soho House Istanbul is the place to stay for the modern traveller looking for new horizons to pursue. Featuring three unique buildings including the Chancery and the Annex, a brandnew glass building and a luxurious members club, the Soho House Istanbul has a lot to offer.

Just 200 VIP visitors will get to watch the breathtaking views of the Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular show and enjoy a premium open bar on the 86th Floor Observatory.

From 7pm to 10pm, the Observatory will close to the general public, allowing the special guests private access to the open-air observation deck and the opportunity to view the fireworks from the best vantage point in New York City.

Speakers will play the Fourth of July Fireworks soundtrack while guests enjoy food and drinks, provided by State Grill and Bar. During the celebration, the ESB will shine its world-famous tower lights in dynamic red, white and blue flourishes.

Tickets are $500 each and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tomorrow, celebrants can join the contest on ESB’s Instagram account to win two pairs of tickets to this exclusive event.

Online booking can be made at http://www.EmpireStateBuilding.com/july4.

Over half of Thai travellers (59 per cent) admit they have chosen not to book accommodation because of negative reviews about the host, despite the price, location and quality of the accommodation being exactly what they were looking for.

Insights obtained from 21,500 travellers across 29 markets also revealed that 84 per cent rate reviews as important, to help identify friendly and welcoming hosts. Booking.com also delved into its own user-generated data revealing that on average, the travellers rate the staff higher than any of the other categories that users can rate a property on, such as: services, cleanliness, comfort, value and location.

Nationalities were ranked by difference between the staff score and overall review scores, based on the reviews left by global travellers between January 2017 and January 2019. Only nationalities who left 100,000 or more reviews were included in this analysis.