Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly made a glum appearance as they emerged from a hotel after Britain’s Got Talent auditions were cancelled. Show boss Simon Cowell made the decision to halt the audition process following the news that Liam Payne had tragically died aged 31. “Simon Cowell has postponed today’s Britain’s Got Talent auditions in…
The highly anticipated Smile 2 movie is generating buzz among horror fans eager to experience the next chapter in this chilling franchise. As the sequel to the unexpected hit of 2022, audiences are curious about where and when they can watch this spine-tingling continuation. The film promises to deliver more of the unnerving smiles and psychological terror that made the original a standout success.
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For those looking to catch Smile 2, there are several viewing options to consider. This article will cover the theatrical release details, streaming platforms that may carry the film, rental and purchase possibilities, and where to watch the original Smile movie for a refresher. We’ll provide all the information you need to plan your viewing experience for this highly anticipated horror sequel.
Theatrical Release Details
Release dates
Horror fans eagerly awaiting the next installment of the chilling Smile franchise can mark their calendars for October 18, 2024. This release date places Smile 2 approximately two years after its predecessor, which premiered on September 30, 2022. The sequel is set to follow in the footsteps of the original by having a theatrical release, giving audiences the chance to experience the terror on the big screen.
The decision to launch Smile 2 in mid-October is a strategic move, positioning it at the heart of the spooky season. This timing is likely to capitalize on the Halloween spirit when audiences are particularly drawn to horror films. While the original Smile debuted in late September, the slight shift to October for the sequel might prove beneficial in capturing the peak horror-viewing audience.
Box office expectations
The box office expectations for Smile 2 are high, given the unexpected success of its predecessor. The original Smile was a standout success story in the post-Covid era of cinema, opening with an impressive USD 22.60 million and going on to earn USD 105.90 million domestically and USD 217.40 million worldwide. This performance was particularly noteworthy as the film was initially slated for a streaming release before being shifted to theaters after successful test screenings.
Current projections for Smile 2 suggest a strong opening weekend, with estimates pointing towards high-teens millions. Some tracking has indicated potential for over USD 20 million, although this will depend on various factors, including the turnout of Latino and Hispanic moviegoers. The sequel has a budget of USD 28 million, which is considered modest for a major studio horror release.
The film’s performance may be influenced by the current market conditions. Unlike its predecessor, which benefited from a relatively sparse release schedule in the fall of 2022, Smile 2 faces more competition. However, it has secured premium large format (PLF) screens across its 3,500-theater count, which could boost its box office numbers.
Comparison to first Smile movie
Comparing Smile 2 to the original presents an interesting challenge. Horror sequels often struggle to recapture the magic of their predecessors, especially when the original was a sleeper hit. However, Smile 2 has several factors working in its favor.
The return of writer/director Parker Finn suggests a continuation of the style and themes that made the first film successful. Additionally, the sequel has received positive early reviews, with an 86% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 36 reviews at the time of this writing.
One notable difference is the target audience. While the original Smile had broad appeal, early indicators suggest that Smile 2 is skewing towards females under 25. This demographic shift could impact the film’s performance compared to its predecessor.
The success of Smile 2 could pave the way for further sequels, potentially establishing a new horror franchise centered around the grinning and ghoulish otherworldly entity introduced in the first film. As the movie industry continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, the performance of Smile 2 will be closely watched as an indicator of the health of the horror genre and theatrical releases in general.
Streaming Platforms
Paramount+
For those eager to stream Smile 2, Paramount+ is likely to be the first platform to offer the film. As a Paramount Pictures production, the sequel is expected to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, which became available on Paramount+ on November 15, 2022. This streaming service has a solid track record for handling releases, making it possible to predict when Smile 2 might appear on the platform.
Paramount typically waits around 50 days after a movie’s theatrical release before making it available for streaming. Based on this pattern, Smile 2 is likely to be released on Paramount+ in December 2024, with an early December release being more probable than a late one. This timeline gives horror enthusiasts something to look forward to after the theatrical run.
Other potential streaming services
While Paramount+ is the most likely initial streaming home for Smile 2, other platforms may eventually offer the film as well. The original Smile is currently available on both Paramount+ and Hulu, suggesting that Hulu could be a potential secondary streaming option for the sequel in the future.
For those who prefer to rent or purchase digital copies, services like Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Spectrum might offer Smile 2 for a fee. The original Smile can be rented from these platforms for $3.99, while digital purchases are available on Prime Video and Apple TV+ for $7.99. Similar options may become available for the sequel after its initial streaming release.
It’s worth noting that Smile 2 is not expected to be available on Netflix or included with an Amazon Prime subscription, at least not in the immediate future. However, it may eventually be offered as a paid digital release on Prime Video.
Expected streaming release timeline
The streaming release timeline for Smile 2 can be estimated based on the pattern set by its predecessor and other similar releases. The original Smile hit theaters in September 2022, became available on Video on Demand (VOD) in November, and was released on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD in December of the same year.
Following this timeline, viewers can expect a similar rollout for Smile 2. After its theatrical debut on October 18, 2024, the film may become available for digital rental and purchase around December 2024 or January 2025. The streaming release on Paramount+ is likely to coincide with or shortly follow the VOD release.
For those who can’t wait for the streaming release, the theatrical experience remains the earliest option to watch Smile 2. The film is set to be shown in approximately 3,500 theaters, including premium large format (PLF) screens, providing an immersive viewing experience for horror fans.
While waiting for Smile 2 to become available for streaming, fans can revisit the original Smile on Paramount+ or Hulu to refresh their memory of the chilling story that started it all.
Rental and Purchase Options
Digital rental platforms
For those who prefer to watch movies from the comfort of their homes, digital rental platforms will likely offer Smile 2 after its theatrical run. While specific details are not yet confirmed, we can make educated guesses based on the release pattern of the original Smile and other Paramount Pictures films.
Popular digital rental services such as Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Spectrum are expected to make Smile 2 available for rent. If the sequel follows a similar pattern to its predecessor, viewers might be able to rent it for around USD 3.99. This affordable option allows fans to enjoy the movie without committing to a purchase or subscription.
Purchase options
In addition to rental options, Smile 2 is likely to be available for purchase on various digital platforms. Prime Video and Apple TV+ are among the services that may offer the movie for digital ownership. Based on the pricing of the original Smile, we can anticipate that Smile 2 might be available for purchase at around USD 7.99.
For those who prefer physical copies, Smile 2 is expected to have a 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD release. These formats offer the highest quality viewing experience and are perfect for collectors or those who want to add the film to their horror movie library.
Estimated availability dates
While exact dates have not been announced, we can estimate the availability of Smile 2 on various platforms based on typical release patterns:
Theatrical Release: Confirmed for October 18, 2024, in the USA and UK.
Digital Rental and Purchase: Paramount typically waits about one month after a film’s theatrical debut before making it available on major PVOD (Premium Video on Demand) platforms. This suggests that Smile 2 could have a digital release date in late November 2024.
Streaming on Paramount+: Based on the studio’s previous releases, Smile 2 may arrive on Paramount+ in February or March 2025. This would allow for about a month of exclusivity in theaters before a more cost-effective viewing option becomes available.
Physical Media: The 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD releases are expected sometime in 2025, possibly during the holiday season if following a similar timeline to the original Smile.
It’s worth noting that these are estimated dates, and the actual release schedule may vary. Paramount might adjust the timeline based on the film’s performance in theaters or other market factors.
For those eager to watch Smile 2 as soon as possible, the theatrical release remains the earliest option. However, patient viewers will have multiple choices for home viewing in the months following the cinema debut. Keep an eye on official announcements from Paramount Pictures for confirmed dates and availability across different platforms.
Where to Watch the Original Smile
For those who want to revisit the original Smile movie or catch up before watching the sequel, there are several options available. The 2022 hit horror film has made its way to various streaming platforms and is also available for rental and purchase.
Streaming platforms for Smile (2022)
The original Smile is currently streaming on both Hulu and Paramount+. Subscribers to these services can easily access the film by logging into their accounts and searching for it on the homepage.
Hulu offers a 30-day free trial for new users, which is an excellent opportunity to watch Smile without any cost. After the trial period, plans start at USD 9.99 per month. Hulu also provides a bundle option that includes Disney+ and ESPN+, all with ads, for USD 16.99 per month.
Paramount+, being the home platform for Paramount Pictures films, also streams Smile. New users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial to watch the movie at no cost. After the trial, a Paramount+ subscription begins at USD 7.99 per month.
Both streaming services offer additional benefits beyond just access to Smile. Hulu provides a vast library of shows and movies, including Hulu Originals and current episodes of popular TV series. The platform also allows up to six separate profiles per household, ensuring personalized recommendations for each viewer. Paramount+ offers a similar range of content, with a focus on Paramount productions.
Rental and purchase options for Smile (2022)
For those who prefer not to subscribe to a streaming service, there are rental and purchase options available. Amazon offers Smile for rent at USD 3.99, which is an affordable way to watch the movie without a long-term commitment.
If you’d like to own a digital copy of Smile, you can purchase and download it from Amazon for USD 7.99. This option allows you to watch the film as many times as you want without worrying about subscription fees or rental periods.
It’s worth noting that when renting, you typically have 30 days to start watching the movie and 48 hours to finish once you’ve begun. This flexibility allows you to rent the film in advance and watch it at your convenience within the given timeframe.
By exploring these various options to watch the original Smile, viewers can prepare themselves for the upcoming sequel. Whether through a streaming subscription, a free trial, or a one-time rental or purchase, there are multiple ways to experience the chilling story that started it all before diving into Smile 2.
Conclusion
The arrival of Smile 2 in theaters on October 18, 2024, gives horror fans plenty to look forward to. With its theatrical release, followed by digital rentals and purchases, and eventual streaming on Paramount+, viewers have multiple options to catch this chilling sequel. The movie’s performance at the box office and its reception among critics and audiences will likely shape its release timeline across different platforms.
For those eager to dive into the world of Smile, revisiting the original film is a great way to prepare. Whether through streaming services like Hulu and Paramount+ or by renting or buying the movie, there are numerous ways to experience the terror that started it all. As the release date for Smile 2 draws closer, fans can gear up for another round of spine-tingling scares and unsettling grins.
Open this photo in gallery:People at Toronto Pearson International Airport, on March 10, 2023.Nathan Denette/The Canadian PressAs tensions escalate between India and Canada, some in the Indian diaspora say they’re concerned about how the situation might affect travel between the two countries.The federal government expelled six Indian diplomats on Monday after the RCMP said it had credible evidence that Indian agents played a role in violent crimes on Canadian soil, including extortion, coercion and murder of Canadian citizens.India insists it has not been given evidence of any government involvement in crimes in Canada, and it has ordered six Canadian diplomats to leave.Fazle Baki, president of the South Asian Centre of Windsor in southwestern Ontario, said that many community members he’s spoken to – particularly families and students – have expressed concern about their ability to travel between India and Canada if the conflict escalates to visa suspensions.“They’re tense, they’re concerned, they’re frustrated with the lack of information and they’re looking for guidance,” he said in a phone interview.In September of last year, India temporarily suspended visa services for Canadian citizens after Canada said there were “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh community leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.In late October of last year, India began easing those visa restrictions, resuming business, medical and conference visas, as well as entry for people with family ties in India. That entry visa was restricted to “persons of Indian origin” or their spouses or children, sparking uproar from some Canadians who were unable to visit relatives in India. Restrictions that had remained in place for tourists, students and certain other groups were eased in November last year.Baki said many members of his community feel on edge because of the tense diplomatic relationship and its latest developments, and they hope to have clarity soon on whether it could impact securing and processing visas.“Winter is coming up and people have travel plans … moreover, students are planning from India to join Canadian universities,” he said. “There’s uncertainties everywhere.”Khursheed Ahmed, president of the South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton and Region, had similar concerns, noting that Diwali and wedding season in India are approaching at the end of the month. A sudden visa suspension similar to last year’s would cause “anxieties,” he said.“October, November is the festive time in India,” he said. “There are lots of family weddings and a lot of people travel, so they will definitely be very inconvenienced.”Rama Singh, a retired McMaster University professor and co-chair of Hamilton’s annual Gandhi Peace Festival, has what’s known as an OCI card, which allows unlimited entry to India for “persons of Indian origin,” including adults who were previously Indian citizens or have parents who were Indian citizens.But the Ancaster-Ont. resident said he’s still worried about his upcoming travel next month to India.“I’m concerned that I have bought tickets, and I would like to know soon which way things are moving,” he said.This week’s expulsion of Indian diplomats from Canada comes after more than a year of rising tensions between the two countries, which came to a head after Nijjar’s death in June 2023.What followed were several months of strained diplomatic relations, including a tense exchange between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 summit, Canada postponing a trade mission to India, and both countries expelling top diplomats.Monday saw Trudeau accusing New Delhi of trying to undermine Canadian institutions instead of helping resolve the criminal cases being investigated by the RCMP.New Delhi has rejected the criminal allegations, calling the Canadian government’s claims preposterous.Ahmed said he would like to see the situation settled “through dialogue,” calling the diplomat expulsions earlier this week “a drastic step.” Everyday Canadians and Indians are the ones who have to deal with the fallout from such tensions, he said.“Any visitors who go from here to India and vice versa always have a very positive outlook for both countries,” he said. “So between people, there’s no problem, it’s just the governments and political systems who are affecting our lives.”Amid the growing fractures in the countries’ relationship, Singh said it’s important to remember how Indians have contributed to Canada’s social fabric, and the relationships created in local communities. The large Indian diaspora in Canada isn’t going to go anywhere, he said.“I think India and Canada’s relations are solid and long term, and will remain,” he said.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government expelled six Indian diplomats linked to criminal activity after New Delhi refused to co-operate in the investigations. He says Canada is still asking India to co-operate with RCMP probes into violent incidents and coercive behaviour linked to agents of the Indian government.The Canadian Press
Open this photo in gallery:People at Toronto Pearson International Airport, on March 10, 2023.Nathan Denette/The Canadian PressAs tensions escalate between India and Canada, some in the Indian diaspora say they’re concerned about how the situation might affect travel between the two countries.The federal government expelled six Indian diplomats on Monday after the RCMP said it had credible evidence that Indian agents played a role in violent crimes on Canadian soil, including extortion, coercion and murder of Canadian citizens.India insists it has not been given evidence of any government involvement in crimes in Canada, and it has ordered six Canadian diplomats to leave.Fazle Baki, president of the South Asian Centre of Windsor in southwestern Ontario, said that many community members he’s spoken to – particularly families and students – have expressed concern about their ability to travel between India and Canada if the conflict escalates to visa suspensions.“They’re tense, they’re concerned, they’re frustrated with the lack of information and they’re looking for guidance,” he said in a phone interview.In September of last year, India temporarily suspended visa services for Canadian citizens after Canada said there were “credible allegations” of Indian involvement in the killing of Sikh community leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.In late October of last year, India began easing those visa restrictions, resuming business, medical and conference visas, as well as entry for people with family ties in India. That entry visa was restricted to “persons of Indian origin” or their spouses or children, sparking uproar from some Canadians who were unable to visit relatives in India. Restrictions that had remained in place for tourists, students and certain other groups were eased in November last year.Baki said many members of his community feel on edge because of the tense diplomatic relationship and its latest developments, and they hope to have clarity soon on whether it could impact securing and processing visas.“Winter is coming up and people have travel plans … moreover, students are planning from India to join Canadian universities,” he said. “There’s uncertainties everywhere.”Khursheed Ahmed, president of the South Asian Heritage Association of Hamilton and Region, had similar concerns, noting that Diwali and wedding season in India are approaching at the end of the month. A sudden visa suspension similar to last year’s would cause “anxieties,” he said.“October, November is the festive time in India,” he said. “There are lots of family weddings and a lot of people travel, so they will definitely be very inconvenienced.”Rama Singh, a retired McMaster University professor and co-chair of Hamilton’s annual Gandhi Peace Festival, has what’s known as an OCI card, which allows unlimited entry to India for “persons of Indian origin,” including adults who were previously Indian citizens or have parents who were Indian citizens.But the Ancaster-Ont. resident said he’s still worried about his upcoming travel next month to India.“I’m concerned that I have bought tickets, and I would like to know soon which way things are moving,” he said.This week’s expulsion of Indian diplomats from Canada comes after more than a year of rising tensions between the two countries, which came to a head after Nijjar’s death in June 2023.What followed were several months of strained diplomatic relations, including a tense exchange between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 summit, Canada postponing a trade mission to India, and both countries expelling top diplomats.Monday saw Trudeau accusing New Delhi of trying to undermine Canadian institutions instead of helping resolve the criminal cases being investigated by the RCMP.New Delhi has rejected the criminal allegations, calling the Canadian government’s claims preposterous.Ahmed said he would like to see the situation settled “through dialogue,” calling the diplomat expulsions earlier this week “a drastic step.” Everyday Canadians and Indians are the ones who have to deal with the fallout from such tensions, he said.“Any visitors who go from here to India and vice versa always have a very positive outlook for both countries,” he said. “So between people, there’s no problem, it’s just the governments and political systems who are affecting our lives.”Amid the growing fractures in the countries’ relationship, Singh said it’s important to remember how Indians have contributed to Canada’s social fabric, and the relationships created in local communities. The large Indian diaspora in Canada isn’t going to go anywhere, he said.“I think India and Canada’s relations are solid and long term, and will remain,” he said.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government expelled six Indian diplomats linked to criminal activity after New Delhi refused to co-operate in the investigations. He says Canada is still asking India to co-operate with RCMP probes into violent incidents and coercive behaviour linked to agents of the Indian government.The Canadian Press
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Embassy Pictures
Demi Moore moved around a lot in her childhood, and her life wasn’t wholly rosy. As she’s described it, Moore frequently relocated around the U.S., struggling with her mother and her stepfathers, and often finding herself malnourished. When she was 16, Moore dropped out of high school and took a job as a receptionist at 20th Century Fox. She signed a modest modeling contract and was making ends meet. Her next door neighbor was, it turned out, Nastassja Kinski, and the German actor encouraged Moore to take acting classes. She continued to model while working her way into films, making her debut in the 1981 movie “Choices.” The following year, Moore appeared in the 3-D monster movie “Parasite.”
These were the first two steps in a career that experienced a massive upward trajectory. By 1984, Moore was already playing lead characters in major studio productions. She became an adjunct of the Brat Pack, appearing in films like “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “Wisdom,” and “About Last Night.” In 1987, she famously married fellow superstar Bruce Willis, and the pair were often considered one of Hollywood’s best power couples.
Something Moore never got to do early in her career, however, was appear in Don Coscarelli’s well-liked cult fantasy film “The Beastmaster.” The film, thanks to immensely heavy rotation on cable TV, has become deeply beloved by a generation of fans, all of them fond of Coscarelli’s wild ideas, as well as the lead performance by the hunky Marc Singer and the lovely Tanya Roberts as the Beastmaster’s love interest, Kiri. An oft-repeated joke: there was a time when HBO stood for “Hey, ‘Beastmaster’s’ On.”
As it so happens, Kiri was initially offered to Moore. As Coscarelli related in his memoir “True Indie: Life and Death in Filmmaking by Phantasm and Bubba Ho-tep director Don Coscarelli,” he had every intention of casting Moore … only for her to lose the part when the film’s executive producer declared her voice was too low.
The Beastmaster
MGM/UA
It should be noted that Don Coscarelly, likely for legal reasons, was not allowed to refer to the above-mentioned executive producer by name. Throughout his memoir, he only ever refers to this person as “Commercial Director” or merely “CD.” We at /Film are under no similar litigious restrictions, so we’re free to tell you that it was Sylvio Tabet, the producer of films like “Dead Ringers” and “The Cotton Club.”
Coscarelli recalled the casting process for “The Beastmaster,” as well as the time crunch he encountered. Shooting was scheduled to begin soon and he hadn’t yet found his female lead. Luckily, he wrote, “one of our assistants suggested we meet an 18-year-old aspiring actress he knew who was married to a rocker friend of his.” Moore didn’t have much experience at the time, but Coscarelli loved her. “She was terrific,” he wrote, “I was hooked and wanted her for the role.” More than anything, Coscarelli was impressed by Moore’s famously “smoky” voice.
There was one final step, however. He needed approval from Tabet. Then everything went south. Coscarelli continued:
“We quickly scheduled a callback so we could get the Commercial Director’s approval. Demi came back and gave another reading for him, which was even better than the first. I looked over to [co-writer] Paul [Pepperman] and he shot me an approving nod. Bingo! Then, after some rumination and worry bead clacking, the CD weighed in and made his decision known that we would not cast this young woman. He told us that he had consulted with experts, and was told her voice was too deep and low to be picked up by the microphones and recorded. Paul and I just sat there dumbfounded.”
Tabet’s claim that low voices like Moore’s cannot be picked up by microphones is, of course, total hogwash. He was either mistaken or making up a weird lie to reject Moore and get another actor involved.
‘No Klaus Kinski and no Demi Moore’
MGM/UA
Moore’s rejection wasn’t the only casting frustration Coscarelli had with “The Beastmaster.” It seems that he had also written the role of the film’s villain, Maax, specifically for the infamously gonzo German ultra-thespian Klaus Kinski. The actor, by weird coincidence, was the father of Moore’s old neighbor Nastassja. However, the role of Maax ended up going to Rip Torn after Kinski asked for too much money.
Coscarelli was also frustrated that Tanya Roberts was cast in the role of Kiri. At the time, Roberts was best known for her role on “Charlie’s Angels,” a notoriously shallow, sexed-up spy show that he hated. Coscarelli recalls traveling to the casting offices to meet with Roberts and being less than impressed. As he put it:
“When we arrived we learned that her name was Tanya Roberts. What? The Tanya Roberts from the cheesy television series ‘Charlie’s Angels?’ You had to be kidding. None of the Angels were considered great actresses, and Tanya’s reviews when she debuted as the newest Charlie’s Angel were not the best.”
But the executive producer fell in love with Roberts, so Coscarelli was stuck. Luckily, he recalled Roberts being incredibly kind. Still, he was miffed. “No Klaus Kinski and no Demi Moore. As for me, I had no choice but to deal with it,” Coscarelli wrote. Moore did “Parasite” instead, and Coscarelli moved on to “Phantasm II” a few years later. Most recently, Moore appeared in the amazing horror freakout “The Substance,” although Coscarelli hasn’t directed a film since 2012’s “John Dies at the End.”
Greece is urging British holidaymakers to travel to the country rather than other popular destinations such as Spain.Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has tried to reassure the people of his country that they do not have an overtourism problem, adding that issues have raised due to tourists being concentrated in certain destinations.He said: “Greece does not have an overtourism problem; rather, it faces the challenge of concentrated tourist activity in specific destinations for a few months of the year.”Mr Mitsotakis made the comments as he addressed the ‘Reimagine Tourism in Greece’ conference.He continued: “In certain Aegean islands, during peak months, the infrastructure is being stretched. With better infrastructure, theoretically, we could accommodate more tourists.”The question is not whether we want more tourists, but whether we want tourists who will spend more in our country.”Our priority is on boosting revenue. I am more interested in breaking revenue records, which is, of course, tied to the number of arrivals, but more importantly, I focus on tourism’s overall impact on the country’s development.”Countries like Spain have seen a number of big protests as locals rail against the level of tourism in their towns and cities.But Mr Mitsotakis said Greece won’t see similar protests.Mykonos and Santorini are among the Greek destinations that have experienced the most demand from holidaymakers.Greece has subsequently introduced plans to charge cruise ship passengers €20 when they arrive at the islands.At the time, Mr Mitsotakis said: “Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos and this is why we are proceeding with interventions.”Speaking this week, he added: “Santorini urgently needs a new port. We have made the decision to initiate this as a project under the Ministry of Infrastructure, which must be completed as quickly as possible.”While some locals in Greece have expressed frustration with the number of tourists visiting the country, tourism brought in about €20billion (£16.7billion) in 2023.
Greece is urging British holidaymakers to travel to the country rather than other popular destinations such as Spain.Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has tried to reassure the people of his country that they do not have an overtourism problem, adding that issues have raised due to tourists being concentrated in certain destinations.He said: “Greece does not have an overtourism problem; rather, it faces the challenge of concentrated tourist activity in specific destinations for a few months of the year.”Mr Mitsotakis made the comments as he addressed the ‘Reimagine Tourism in Greece’ conference.He continued: “In certain Aegean islands, during peak months, the infrastructure is being stretched. With better infrastructure, theoretically, we could accommodate more tourists.”The question is not whether we want more tourists, but whether we want tourists who will spend more in our country.”Our priority is on boosting revenue. I am more interested in breaking revenue records, which is, of course, tied to the number of arrivals, but more importantly, I focus on tourism’s overall impact on the country’s development.”Countries like Spain have seen a number of big protests as locals rail against the level of tourism in their towns and cities.But Mr Mitsotakis said Greece won’t see similar protests.Mykonos and Santorini are among the Greek destinations that have experienced the most demand from holidaymakers.Greece has subsequently introduced plans to charge cruise ship passengers €20 when they arrive at the islands.At the time, Mr Mitsotakis said: “Cruise shipping has burdened Santorini and Mykonos and this is why we are proceeding with interventions.”Speaking this week, he added: “Santorini urgently needs a new port. We have made the decision to initiate this as a project under the Ministry of Infrastructure, which must be completed as quickly as possible.”While some locals in Greece have expressed frustration with the number of tourists visiting the country, tourism brought in about €20billion (£16.7billion) in 2023.
India is experiencing a huge boom in tourist numbers, as visitors once again flock to the South Asian country to sample its many delights.Last year saw a huge increases of over 300 percent in visitor numbers, with just over nine million tourists arriving.Many are drawn to the country on account of its rich and unique culture, as well as its world famous architectural monuments.These, of course, include the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the Amber Fort in eastern Rajasthan – to name but a few.Equally famous for its spectacular appearance is the Mehrangarh fortress that rises imperiously above the city of Jodhpur.Packed with history and legend, the fort stands 120 metres above the city’s skyline, with its battlements rising to heights of 6 to 36 metres.But Jodhpur is also renowned for a district containing houses painted in a very distinctive blue.The Brahmapuri neighbourhood stands at the foot of the famous fort perched above it on the hill.It was built as a colony of upper-caste families who adopted the colour blue as a symbol of their sociocultural piety in the Hindu caste system.An abundance of indigo in the region enabled homeowners to paint their houses blue for relatively little cost.The paint also helped to protect the houses from heat when mixed with limestone plaster.The unique colour of the buildings in the district has attracted a steady stream of tourists, helping to boost the local economy.However, nowadays, due to the scarcity of indigo and the availability of better cooling technology and building materials, more and more residents are choosing not to repaint their homes blue.Some locals fear that this will inevitably lead to a decrease in tourist numbers and are taking measures to try and keep the district’s unique character alive.Deepak Soni, a garments seller, is working with local officials to encourage residents to keep their homes painted blue, the BBC reports.Since 2019, he has raised funds locally from Brahmapuri residents to have the outer walls of 500 homes painted blue each year.Over the years, he has convinced nearly 3,000 homeowners to revert to blue for the outer walls and the roofs of their homes.
India is experiencing a huge boom in tourist numbers, as visitors once again flock to the South Asian country to sample its many delights.Last year saw a huge increases of over 300 percent in visitor numbers, with just over nine million tourists arriving.Many are drawn to the country on account of its rich and unique culture, as well as its world famous architectural monuments.These, of course, include the Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the Amber Fort in eastern Rajasthan – to name but a few.Equally famous for its spectacular appearance is the Mehrangarh fortress that rises imperiously above the city of Jodhpur.Packed with history and legend, the fort stands 120 metres above the city’s skyline, with its battlements rising to heights of 6 to 36 metres.But Jodhpur is also renowned for a district containing houses painted in a very distinctive blue.The Brahmapuri neighbourhood stands at the foot of the famous fort perched above it on the hill.It was built as a colony of upper-caste families who adopted the colour blue as a symbol of their sociocultural piety in the Hindu caste system.An abundance of indigo in the region enabled homeowners to paint their houses blue for relatively little cost.The paint also helped to protect the houses from heat when mixed with limestone plaster.The unique colour of the buildings in the district has attracted a steady stream of tourists, helping to boost the local economy.However, nowadays, due to the scarcity of indigo and the availability of better cooling technology and building materials, more and more residents are choosing not to repaint their homes blue.Some locals fear that this will inevitably lead to a decrease in tourist numbers and are taking measures to try and keep the district’s unique character alive.Deepak Soni, a garments seller, is working with local officials to encourage residents to keep their homes painted blue, the BBC reports.Since 2019, he has raised funds locally from Brahmapuri residents to have the outer walls of 500 homes painted blue each year.Over the years, he has convinced nearly 3,000 homeowners to revert to blue for the outer walls and the roofs of their homes.
News of One Direction star Liam Payne’s death has rocked the world, with the singer-songwriter tragically falling to his death from a hotel balcony in Argentina. The 31-year-old shot to global superstardom as part of the five-piece boyband One Direction, formed on reality TV show The X Factor in 2010. Alongside Payne, the band included…