U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he “most likely” would give TikTok 90 more days to work out a deal that would allow the popular video-sharing platform to avoid a U.S. ban. Trump said in an NBC News interview that he had not decided what to do but was considering granting TikTok a reprieve…
President-elect Donald Trump will likely travel to California next week to view the aftermath of the devastating wildfires in greater Los Angeles, he told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker in a phone interview Saturday.“I will be, probably, at the end of the week,” Trump said, just two days before he’s set to be inaugurated for a second term.“I was going to go, actually yesterday,” the president-elect added, “but I thought it would be better if I went as president. It’s a little bit more appropriate, I suspect.”Trump’s planned trip comes as wildfires have raged across Southern California for more than a week, destroying homes and businesses and displacing residents.California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, invited Trump to come to his state to view the destruction last week as Trump unleashed an escalating series of attacks against Newsom, President Joe Biden and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on social media.On the first major day of destruction, Trump blasted Newsom on Truth Social, baselessly claiming the governor had blocked a plan Trump proposed in his first term to move water from Northern California to Southern California.“Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way,” Trump wrote, using an insulting nickname for Newsom.In that post, Trump added that Newsom “wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt, by giving it less water (it didn’t work!)” and “he is the blame for this.”In another post, Trump wrote, “NO WATER IN THE FIRE HYDRANTS, NO MONEY IN FEMA. THIS IS WHAT JOE BIDEN IS LEAVING ME. THANKS JOE!” appearing to lean into a false conspiracy theory about the Federal Emergency Management Agency that he and other Republicans spread last year in the aftermath of multiple hurricanes in the South.The remains of oceanfront homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Calif., on Jan. 17.Robyn Beck / AFP – Getty ImagesIn a Truth Social post later in the week, Trump even blamed “Gross incompetence by Gavin Newscum and Karen Bass” for the wildfire destruction.Newsom responded to Trump last week in an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” saying that “responding to Donald Trump’s insults” would take “another month.”“I’m very familiar with them. Every elected official that he disagrees with is very familiar with them,” he added.Trump is “somehow connecting the delta smelt to this fire, which is inexcusable because it’s inaccurate. Also, incomprehensible to anyone that understands water policy in the state,” Newsom added.The governor also said he believes the wildfires will be one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.“I think it will be in terms of just the costs associated with it, in terms of the scale and scope,” Newsom said.Now, on the weekend before his second inauguration, Trump said he has not spoken to Newsom directly since the wildfires broke out.Asked whether he planned to include disaster relief for California in his list of priorities for Day 1, Trump said, “We’re going to, no, we’re going to [look] at it from a lot of standpoints. We’re going to be demanding that the water be released from the north into the lower parts of California.”The debate over releasing water from northern parts of the state to southern parts first erupted between Trump and California officials in 2020.Then-President Trump signed a presidential memorandum that sought to divert water from Northern California to farmland in the center and the south of the state.“[It’s] going to give you a lot of water, a lot of dam, a lot of everything. You’ll be able to farm your land, and you’ll be able to do things you never thought possible,” Trump said at an event announcing the memo in California in 2020.At the time, Newsom and then-California Attorney General Xavier Becerra publicly denounced Trump’s plan, with Becerra calling it a “harmful attack on our state’s critical ecosystems and environment.”
President-elect Donald Trump will likely travel to California next week to view the aftermath of the devastating wildfires in greater Los Angeles, he told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker in a phone interview Saturday.“I will be, probably, at the end of the week,” Trump said, just two days before he’s set to be inaugurated for a second term.“I was going to go, actually yesterday,” the president-elect added, “but I thought it would be better if I went as president. It’s a little bit more appropriate, I suspect.”Trump’s planned trip comes as wildfires have raged across Southern California for more than a week, destroying homes and businesses and displacing residents.California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, invited Trump to come to his state to view the destruction last week as Trump unleashed an escalating series of attacks against Newsom, President Joe Biden and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on social media.On the first major day of destruction, Trump blasted Newsom on Truth Social, baselessly claiming the governor had blocked a plan Trump proposed in his first term to move water from Northern California to Southern California.“Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way,” Trump wrote, using an insulting nickname for Newsom.In that post, Trump added that Newsom “wanted to protect an essentially worthless fish called a smelt, by giving it less water (it didn’t work!)” and “he is the blame for this.”In another post, Trump wrote, “NO WATER IN THE FIRE HYDRANTS, NO MONEY IN FEMA. THIS IS WHAT JOE BIDEN IS LEAVING ME. THANKS JOE!” appearing to lean into a false conspiracy theory about the Federal Emergency Management Agency that he and other Republicans spread last year in the aftermath of multiple hurricanes in the South.The remains of oceanfront homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Calif., on Jan. 17.Robyn Beck / AFP – Getty ImagesIn a Truth Social post later in the week, Trump even blamed “Gross incompetence by Gavin Newscum and Karen Bass” for the wildfire destruction.Newsom responded to Trump last week in an interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” saying that “responding to Donald Trump’s insults” would take “another month.”“I’m very familiar with them. Every elected official that he disagrees with is very familiar with them,” he added.Trump is “somehow connecting the delta smelt to this fire, which is inexcusable because it’s inaccurate. Also, incomprehensible to anyone that understands water policy in the state,” Newsom added.The governor also said he believes the wildfires will be one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.“I think it will be in terms of just the costs associated with it, in terms of the scale and scope,” Newsom said.Now, on the weekend before his second inauguration, Trump said he has not spoken to Newsom directly since the wildfires broke out.Asked whether he planned to include disaster relief for California in his list of priorities for Day 1, Trump said, “We’re going to, no, we’re going to [look] at it from a lot of standpoints. We’re going to be demanding that the water be released from the north into the lower parts of California.”The debate over releasing water from northern parts of the state to southern parts first erupted between Trump and California officials in 2020.Then-President Trump signed a presidential memorandum that sought to divert water from Northern California to farmland in the center and the south of the state.“[It’s] going to give you a lot of water, a lot of dam, a lot of everything. You’ll be able to farm your land, and you’ll be able to do things you never thought possible,” Trump said at an event announcing the memo in California in 2020.At the time, Newsom and then-California Attorney General Xavier Becerra publicly denounced Trump’s plan, with Becerra calling it a “harmful attack on our state’s critical ecosystems and environment.”
Nizwa – Dakhliyah governorate has signed agreements worth more than RO4mn to advance public services and support tourism and economic development, aligning with efforts to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life in the region.
Sheikh Hilal bin Saeed al Hajri, Governor of Dakhliyah, signed several key agreements on Thursday. Among them was a project to improve traffic flow and expand vehicle parking at Nizwa Souq. The initiative aims to accommodate the growing number of visitors and enhance economic and tourism activities at the market.
In the wilayat of Al Hamra, Misfat al Abriyeen neighbourhood will undergo a major transformation. The project includes the construction of a glass bridge connecting the entrance to the valley area, the addition of a walkway with a pedestrian safety barrier, and the installation of heritage lighting.
Paths will be paved, signboards with maps will be added, and distortions in the area will be addressed. Parking facilities will also be developed, enhancing services in the neighbourhood and boosting its appeal as a tourist destination.
Another significant project involves the rehabilitation and development of Bahla Souq, one of the oldest markets in Oman. The plan includes upgrading facades, ceilings, and corridors while preserving the market’s heritage character. Additional facilities such as seating areas and toilets will also be installed to improve the experience for visitors.
An agreement was also signed for the construction of internal roads in the wilayat of Nizwa, aiming to improve connectivity and infrastructure in the area.
These projects reflect Dakhliyah’s commitment to sustainable development while preserving its cultural identity. By enhancing infrastructure and heritage sites, the governorate seeks to position itself as a leading economic and tourism hub.
Nizwa – Dakhliyah governorate has signed agreements worth more than RO4mn to advance public services and support tourism and economic development, aligning with efforts to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life in the region.
Sheikh Hilal bin Saeed al Hajri, Governor of Dakhliyah, signed several key agreements on Thursday. Among them was a project to improve traffic flow and expand vehicle parking at Nizwa Souq. The initiative aims to accommodate the growing number of visitors and enhance economic and tourism activities at the market.
In the wilayat of Al Hamra, Misfat al Abriyeen neighbourhood will undergo a major transformation. The project includes the construction of a glass bridge connecting the entrance to the valley area, the addition of a walkway with a pedestrian safety barrier, and the installation of heritage lighting.
Paths will be paved, signboards with maps will be added, and distortions in the area will be addressed. Parking facilities will also be developed, enhancing services in the neighbourhood and boosting its appeal as a tourist destination.
Another significant project involves the rehabilitation and development of Bahla Souq, one of the oldest markets in Oman. The plan includes upgrading facades, ceilings, and corridors while preserving the market’s heritage character. Additional facilities such as seating areas and toilets will also be installed to improve the experience for visitors.
An agreement was also signed for the construction of internal roads in the wilayat of Nizwa, aiming to improve connectivity and infrastructure in the area.
These projects reflect Dakhliyah’s commitment to sustainable development while preserving its cultural identity. By enhancing infrastructure and heritage sites, the governorate seeks to position itself as a leading economic and tourism hub.
WASHINGTON — It is unclear who will take over at the Pentagon and the military services when the top leaders all step down Monday as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office. As of Friday, officials said they had not yet heard who will become the acting defense secretary. Officials said the military chiefs…
Michelle Obama’s one-woman boycott of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on Monday requires no explanation. It’s plain that the former first lady has zero tolerance and even less love for a man who delights in racist and sexist behaviour. Lots of other people, especially among US allies in Europe, would boycott Trump, too, if they could. Yet, inescapably, they must deal with him for the next four years.Such fear and loathing is by no means universally shared. A poll, published last week by the European Council on Foreign Relations, found that in China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, South Africa and Brazil, more people welcome Trump’s return than deplore it. In contrast, people in the UK, France, Germany and a clutch of other west European countries are frankly appalled at the prospect.That’s why Obama’s nose-holding is an unaffordable luxury for most. Despite the decline in American power and influence, it’s just not practical or workable to “cancel” a US president. And evidently many leading countries believe Trump #2 could be a good thing for them. Europeans are the odd ones out. If they refuse to play ball, they risk marginalisation and irrelevance.These findings contradict outgoing president Joe Biden’s bizarre claim to have reinforced American global hegemony. The world is turning its back on what many see as a hypocritical US-supervised international “rules-based” order. Emerging powers believe that Trump’s non-ideological, non-interventionist, nationalistic, transactional, self-serving outlook is better suited to the times. In truth, it reflects their own approach. For them, he’s a necessary agent of change.Is this a miscalculation they will come to regret? Charles Kupchan, a professor of international affairs at Georgetown University, suggests that Trump’s foreign policy, lacking firm principles and beliefs, could swing either way, for good or bad, better or worse. The whole ballgame for foreign politicians, diplomats and lobbyists is to lead him in desirable directions, find ways of working with or around him, and curb his worst instincts.For Britain, there is a parallel with the former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who tore things down but failed to build back up. “Trump is more demolition man than architect. Instead of helping build a new and better international order, he may well bring down the old one and simply leave the US and the rest of the world standing in the rubble,” Kupchan warns.These are not mere academic hypotheses. Real lives depend on the redirecting or reining in of Trump – as does, perhaps, the avoidance of global conflict. Much talk in Brussels concerns so-called “Trump whisperers” – people who may have the president’s ear. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni is mentioned. So, too, are Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Nato chief Mark Rutte. None wields decisive clout. What the world needs now is a “Trump tamer”.The Ukraine war is a key test of the “good Trump, bad Trump” theory. He criticises the cost of military assistance to Kyiv. He says he understands why Vladimir Putin opposes Ukraine joining Nato. He claims he can end the war quickly, but at the price, apparently, of Ukraine surrendering sovereign territory and rewarding Russian aggression.On the other hand, Trump knows he cannot afford a damaging repeat of Biden’s disastrous 2021 abandonment of Afghanistan. He dare not give the revamped “axis of evil”, as some describe Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, a watershed strategic victory. Thus there is talk of him increasing, not reducing, US assistance in the short term, to bolster Kyiv’s negotiating position in future talks.“Peace through strength” is an objective that Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European governments are rallying around. And if they act on calls by Poland’s Donald Tusk and France’s Emmanuel Macron to step up collective EU and Nato defence efforts (and spending), there’s a better chance of getting “good Trump” batting for their side as the Ukraine endgame nears.Trump’s instincts on Israel-Palestine range from poor to terrible. He places deal-making with the Gulf Arab states ahead of peace-making. In office, he treated the Palestinians with contempt, cutting aid and moving the US embassy to disputed Jerusalem. And yet, envious of Barack Obama’s 2009 award and oblivious to irony, he covets a Nobel peace prize. He once promised to deliver the Middle East’s “ultimate deal”. Perhaps he thinks he still can.Trump does not necessarily buy the Israeli right’s greater Israel agenda – and deplores US involvement in forever wars. Unlike Benjamin Netanyahu, he does not want to fight Iran; indeed, there is talk of talks with Tehran. He would greatly prefer Israel-Saudi normalisation. Guided by skilful diplomacy of the kind that Britain’s Peter Mandelson has been sent to Washington to practise, it’s possible Trump, if handled right, could become a force for good in the Middle East. Right now, it’s a toss-up.skip past newsletter promotionafter newsletter promotionTrump’s other big international challenge is China. Will he really slap 60% tariffs on Chinese imports? He surely realises how damaging, and inflationary, the ensuing trade war would be. At the same time, he is iffy about defending Taiwan, which Beijing threatens with invasion. Pragmatic, sordid US-China deals are not out of the question. “Good Trump” invited President Xi Jinping to his inauguration. “Bad Trump” scapegoats China for all the world’s woes.Do or say what they may, Europe’s leaders and other Trump sceptics are ultimately ringside spectators at the greatest political show on Earth. If it all goes to hell, “bad Trump” will win out, retreating further into unilateralism, disengagement overseas, broken alliances, disdain for democracy (at home and abroad), dictator coddling and the antagonistic trolling by stooge Elon Musk of old friends in Germany, Canada and the UK.If that happens, it’s unclear what anyone can really do about it. Who will tame Trump? An answer is urgently required. But don’t ask Michelle Obama. She’s out of here. Simon Tisdall is the Observer’s Foreign Affairs Commentator
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a letter of up to 250 words to be considered for publication, email it to us at [email protected]
Michelle Obama’s one-woman boycott of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on Monday requires no explanation. It’s plain that the former first lady has zero tolerance and even less love for a man who delights in racist and sexist behaviour. Lots of other people, especially among US allies in Europe, would boycott Trump, too, if they could. Yet, inescapably, they must deal with him for the next four years.Such fear and loathing is by no means universally shared. A poll, published last week by the European Council on Foreign Relations, found that in China, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, South Africa and Brazil, more people welcome Trump’s return than deplore it. In contrast, people in the UK, France, Germany and a clutch of other west European countries are frankly appalled at the prospect.That’s why Obama’s nose-holding is an unaffordable luxury for most. Despite the decline in American power and influence, it’s just not practical or workable to “cancel” a US president. And evidently many leading countries believe Trump #2 could be a good thing for them. Europeans are the odd ones out. If they refuse to play ball, they risk marginalisation and irrelevance.These findings contradict outgoing president Joe Biden’s bizarre claim to have reinforced American global hegemony. The world is turning its back on what many see as a hypocritical US-supervised international “rules-based” order. Emerging powers believe that Trump’s non-ideological, non-interventionist, nationalistic, transactional, self-serving outlook is better suited to the times. In truth, it reflects their own approach. For them, he’s a necessary agent of change.Is this a miscalculation they will come to regret? Charles Kupchan, a professor of international affairs at Georgetown University, suggests that Trump’s foreign policy, lacking firm principles and beliefs, could swing either way, for good or bad, better or worse. The whole ballgame for foreign politicians, diplomats and lobbyists is to lead him in desirable directions, find ways of working with or around him, and curb his worst instincts.For Britain, there is a parallel with the former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who tore things down but failed to build back up. “Trump is more demolition man than architect. Instead of helping build a new and better international order, he may well bring down the old one and simply leave the US and the rest of the world standing in the rubble,” Kupchan warns.These are not mere academic hypotheses. Real lives depend on the redirecting or reining in of Trump – as does, perhaps, the avoidance of global conflict. Much talk in Brussels concerns so-called “Trump whisperers” – people who may have the president’s ear. Italy’s Giorgia Meloni is mentioned. So, too, are Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Nato chief Mark Rutte. None wields decisive clout. What the world needs now is a “Trump tamer”.The Ukraine war is a key test of the “good Trump, bad Trump” theory. He criticises the cost of military assistance to Kyiv. He says he understands why Vladimir Putin opposes Ukraine joining Nato. He claims he can end the war quickly, but at the price, apparently, of Ukraine surrendering sovereign territory and rewarding Russian aggression.On the other hand, Trump knows he cannot afford a damaging repeat of Biden’s disastrous 2021 abandonment of Afghanistan. He dare not give the revamped “axis of evil”, as some describe Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, a watershed strategic victory. Thus there is talk of him increasing, not reducing, US assistance in the short term, to bolster Kyiv’s negotiating position in future talks.“Peace through strength” is an objective that Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European governments are rallying around. And if they act on calls by Poland’s Donald Tusk and France’s Emmanuel Macron to step up collective EU and Nato defence efforts (and spending), there’s a better chance of getting “good Trump” batting for their side as the Ukraine endgame nears.Trump’s instincts on Israel-Palestine range from poor to terrible. He places deal-making with the Gulf Arab states ahead of peace-making. In office, he treated the Palestinians with contempt, cutting aid and moving the US embassy to disputed Jerusalem. And yet, envious of Barack Obama’s 2009 award and oblivious to irony, he covets a Nobel peace prize. He once promised to deliver the Middle East’s “ultimate deal”. Perhaps he thinks he still can.Trump does not necessarily buy the Israeli right’s greater Israel agenda – and deplores US involvement in forever wars. Unlike Benjamin Netanyahu, he does not want to fight Iran; indeed, there is talk of talks with Tehran. He would greatly prefer Israel-Saudi normalisation. Guided by skilful diplomacy of the kind that Britain’s Peter Mandelson has been sent to Washington to practise, it’s possible Trump, if handled right, could become a force for good in the Middle East. Right now, it’s a toss-up.skip past newsletter promotionafter newsletter promotionTrump’s other big international challenge is China. Will he really slap 60% tariffs on Chinese imports? He surely realises how damaging, and inflationary, the ensuing trade war would be. At the same time, he is iffy about defending Taiwan, which Beijing threatens with invasion. Pragmatic, sordid US-China deals are not out of the question. “Good Trump” invited President Xi Jinping to his inauguration. “Bad Trump” scapegoats China for all the world’s woes.Do or say what they may, Europe’s leaders and other Trump sceptics are ultimately ringside spectators at the greatest political show on Earth. If it all goes to hell, “bad Trump” will win out, retreating further into unilateralism, disengagement overseas, broken alliances, disdain for democracy (at home and abroad), dictator coddling and the antagonistic trolling by stooge Elon Musk of old friends in Germany, Canada and the UK.If that happens, it’s unclear what anyone can really do about it. Who will tame Trump? An answer is urgently required. But don’t ask Michelle Obama. She’s out of here. Simon Tisdall is the Observer’s Foreign Affairs Commentator
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a letter of up to 250 words to be considered for publication, email it to us at [email protected]
Lacock village in the Cotswolds has remained virtually untouched over the past two centuries. This quintessentially English hamlet, which has been used as a backdrop for numerous popular TV shows and films, feels like a ‘toy’ town frozen in time.The National Trust owns the entirety of Lacock, situated in Wiltshire, including 90 properties. The village is home to just 1,000 residents, with most houses rented out to families who have lived there for several generations.Even during the winter months, tourists are drawn to Lacock to explore its historic streets. Key attractions such as St Cyriac’s Church, the tithe barn, and Lacock Abbey are Grade I listed and date back to the Middle Ages.A visit to the grounds of Lacock Abbey and the Fox Talbot Museum will cost you £11 for an adult ticket during the winter season. This price is reduced due to the seasonal closure of the abbey and cloister until March.The museum showcases the pioneering photographic work of William Henry Fox Talbot and the role Lacock played in this, featuring a must-see camera obscura on the grounds outside the abbey, reports Gloucestershire Live.More recently, the village has been thrust into the limelight through the film and TV industry. It’s been used several times for the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, including where an old cottage which served as the exterior of Harry’s childhood home at Godric’s Hollow where Lord Voldemort killed Harry’s parents in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.Lacock Abbey, a notable location, served as the interior of Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter series, with its cloisters doubling as the school’s corridors. The abbey has also featured in the popular ITV series Downton Abbey and Disney’s Beauty and The Beast.The well-preserved buildings have also been used in BBC productions of Pride and Prejudice and Cranford, providing an authentic backdrop for historical dramas. The Tudor courtyard of the abbey feels so genuine that visitors may feel like they’ve stepped onto a film set.The village boasts three pubs, each featuring roaring open fires, perfect for a pit stop after a leisurely stroll. The Sign of An Angel is particularly noteworthy, housed in a 15th-century building with five bedrooms and cosy seating for those stopping by for a drink or meal.The George Inn, a 14th-century public house, oozes character with its narrow corridors and uneven floors, offering several Wiltshire ales. The slightly more modern Georgian pub, The Red Lion, features a covered, heated beer garden and indoor seating.Visitors can also indulge in some retail therapy on Lacock’s High Street, where local makers and designers sell gifts, food, drink and accessories. A second-hand bookshop can be found in the Abbey’s Tudor courtyard, and plant sales are available at the visitor reception.For Bristol tourists seeking a day trip to a village steeped in history, with beautifully preserved medieval buildings, it’s an ideal journey.
The director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, has stated that Portugal can assist the SAR in attracting more visitors from the rest of Europe in the future.
“Portugal is not just a gateway to Portugal itself. It also serves as a bridge to reach the European market,” said Senna Fernandes.
She highlighted the semi-annual meeting of the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), set to take place in Macau in June, as an example.
“This is also the result of strong collaboration between us and APAVT [the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies], as it was through APAVT that we were introduced to ECTAA,” emphasised Senna Fernandes.
In April 2024, ECTAA’s vice-president, Heli Mäki-Fränti, told Lusa during the 12th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE) that the meeting in Macau was being held “at the initiative” of APAVT.
This will be the first time ECTAA holds a meeting outside Europe since Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The confederation has also selected Macau as its preferred destination for 2025.
“I think this is a good start,” said Senna Fernandes. “Although fewer than 100 people will attend, they collectively represent 80,000 travel agencies across Europe,” she noted.
The MGTO director expressed hope that the event would help Macau attract more European visitors in the future.
“For now, it is important for European travel agencies to get to know Macau. Perhaps many of them are unfamiliar with Macau or have not visited the city in years,” said Senna Fernandes.
She also predicted that following the meeting, there would be a stronger European presence at MITE, as well as more opportunities to promote Macau’s tourism offerings in Europe.
MGTO will participate in the Madrid International Tourism Trade Fair from 24 to 26 January, as well as ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade show, from 4 to 6 March. The office will also hold seminars in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
The goal is to attract more international visitors, but Senna Fernandes admitted that during the Lunar New Year period, from 28 January to 4 February, Macau would remain reliant on Chinese tourists.
The MGTO director anticipates an average of 185,000 visitors per day during the “golden week”, an extended public holiday in mainland China, with only 8,000 of those expected to be international visitors.
The main highlight during this period in Macau will be the Lunar New Year Parade, held on 31 January and repeated on 8 February.
The event will feature performances by 35 groups from Japan, South Korea, France, Romania, Colombia, Spain, and India, as well as local groups, including Portuguese-speaking representatives such as the Portuguese Dance and Singing Association ‘Macau no Coração’ and the Casa de Portugal in Macau.