Category Archives: Travel

Greece brings in new tourism measures in bid to tackle housing crisis

Your support helps us to tell the storyFind out moreCloseAs your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn’t have the resources to challenge those in power.Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November electionAndrew FeinbergWhite House CorrespondentGreece has said it would give a three-year tax break to homeowners who convert their short-term rentals to long ones.The move makes the tourism-favourite the latest European country to clamp down on holiday lets to tackle a housing shortage.Europe’s short-term rental boom has already prompted tourism hotspots such as Spain’s Canary Islands, Lisbon, Berlin and Florence to announce restrictions on such lets, which many local people blame for pricing permanent residents out of the market.As part of a plan to tackle housing shortages, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said last week that Greece also planned to increase a tax on short-term rentals and ban new licences in central Athens.Residents of the capital responded positively to the plans.“It’s a huge issue because it’s changing the urban landscape. Where there are traditional buildings, now there’s a modern one next to them, designed to be an Airbnb,” says 58-years old Athens resident Penny Platanitou.Valentina Reino, head of public policy for Airbnb in Southern Europe, said on Friday that her company was ready to work with the Greek government on “targeted and proportionate solutions”.Locals dining outside in Thessaloniki

Albena Resort Reports 20% Increase in Tourists from Scandinavia in 2024

The Albena seaside resort reported a 20% increase in guests from Scandinavia at the end of the 2024 summer season on Monday. The resort welcomes tourists from the Nordic countries in partnership with the largest travel operator in the region, Nordic Leisure Travel Group, which has its own charter airline.
“We are pleased that Scandinavian guests appreciate the results we achieve as part of our Green Mission. Those markets are extremely sensitive when it comes to environmental protection in every aspect of human life, including the provision of tourism services,” said Krasimira Stoyanova, Manager of Sustainable Development and Green Transition at Albena AD and Executive Director of Albena Tour EAD. 
“More than 60% of the food products come from the resort’s own farm, including the high-quality and very healthy Black Angus beef,” said Stoyanova, adding that most of the vegetables, honey, grapes and wine come from eco-friendly areas in Dobrudzha, and that food waste from the restaurants is processed into biogas and organic manure. She also said that half of the resort’s electricity requirements are met by photovoltaic panels installed on the roofs of the hotels and that car traffic is limited, while guests nonetheless continue to get free and environment-friendly transport within the resort.
“For 30 years now, the Blue Flag has been raised on Albena’s coast, which is an international recognition of cleanliness and environment-friendly management. Several springs supply healing mineral water to all pools and baths in the complex, and autonomous smart systems monitor for accidents so as to minimize water losses”, Stoyanova said.
The Albena Holiday Village celebrated its 55th birthday on August 24 with 11,000 tourists, most of them from the Scandinavian countries, Operations Director Marinela Tsaneva told BTA’s corespondent in Dobrich, Pavlina Zhivkova. She added that all of the resort’s hotels which opened for the summer season will stay open as there is 100% occupancy throughout the complex. 
/DD/

PM Modi inaugurated the second phase of Ahmedabad Metro Rail Extension, traveled in the train

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the second phase of the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Extension. After the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi also took a ride on the metro train from Section 1 Metro Station to GIFT City Metro Station along with Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The second phase of the metro rail network has been developed by Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) in collaboration with the Center and the Government of Gujarat.

According to official information, the first part of Phase-2 is 21 km long. It initially includes 8 new stations. This new route of Metro Rail will connect major places like GNLU, PDEU, GIFT City, Raison, Randeson, Dholkuwa, Infocity and Sector-1 between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The new phase from Motera to Sector One of Gandhinagar will connect important centers like GIFT City, which will provide convenience to professionals, students and tourists.

The total project cost for phase two was Rs 5,384 crore, for which funds were raised through loans from international agencies like AFD and KfW. The extension of the metro rail route will reduce the travel time between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar considerably. Passengers will be able to travel between APMC and Gifty City in less than an hour by paying Rs 35. This extension of the metro rail has solved the connectivity problem between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.

Earlier, PM Modi inaugurated the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor Conference and Expo (RE-INVEST) at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. On this occasion, he said that we are building 7 crore houses in the country. This is more than the population of many countries of the world.

The PM said- You all know that the people of India have given a third term to a government after 60 years. We have many expectations from the third term given to our government.

The PM said that today 140 crore Indians, youth and women are confident that the wings that have been given to their aspirations in the last 10 years will take a new flight in this third term. The poor, Dalits, victims, exploited and deprived of the country are confident that our third term will guarantee them a dignified life. We are working with the resolve to rapidly reach the top three economies. This is part of a big vision, a big mission.

Monkeypox outbreak sparks high alert in India as travellers face 21-day quarantine

International passengers travelling between African countries are having to use monkeypox testing kiosks to screen for the virus. Anyone found with symptoms face a hefty 21-day quarantine period in a bid to stop the spread. It comes after the World Health Organisation declared a public health emergency after outbreaks in 12 countries in August. It…

How Youth Tourism is Transforming the Hospitality Industry?

The younger generation is not just transforming travel preferences but also setting the tone for a future where authentic, eco-conscious, and tech-savvy stays become the standard in hospitalityYoung travelers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences, sustainable stays, and adventure-driven vacations, which are significantly impacting how the hospitality industry operatesYouth tourism is reshaping the hospitality landscape across the globe, particularly in India. Young travelers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences, sustainable stays, and adventure-driven vacations, which are significantly impacting how the hospitality industry operates. This new wave of travelers demands more than just a place to stay—they prioritize cultural enrichment, eco-friendly practices, and seamless technology integration, which is pushing the industry to adapt and evolve.Vishal Vincent Tony, Managing Director, Ayatana Hospitality Pvt Ltd, highlights the role that youth tourism is playing in driving demand for affordable yet experience-focused accommodations. “Young travelers seek adventure and a culturally enriched experience along with a sustainable stay. This has led to an increase in the demand for eco-friendly stays and boutique hotels,” he explains. The younger generation’s interest in sustainability has also led to a surge in eco-conscious hospitality services, where businesses are responding by offering environmentally friendly stays that align with these values.At Ayatana, the focus is on providing immersive natural experiences that blend luxury with eco-friendly practices. “Our resorts blend adventure with luxury, providing young explorers with unique cultural encounters and sustainable stays that align with their values and preferences,” says Vishal. This not only meets the needs of youth travelers but also contributes to a more sustainable future for the industry.Tech-Savvy Travelers and Seamless BookingThe tech-savvy nature of today’s youth is another significant factor changing the hospitality sector. As Vishal mentions, “Such travelers are also on the lookout for seamless booking experiences and are more tech-savvy, which compels hospitality players to curate more tech-oriented services to capture this market.” Young travelers expect the ease of online booking, instant feedback, and a digitally integrated experience from the time they plan their trip to the moment they check out. Ayatana is embracing this shift by enhancing its tech-savvy interface to meet these expectations, ensuring that their properties not only offer eco-friendly luxury but also provide a smooth digital experience.A Demand for Authentic ExperiencesRahul Uppal, Director, Echor Hotels, agrees that youth tourism is significantly reshaping the hospitality industry, but places an emphasis on the growing desire for unique, culturally authentic experiences. He notes, “Today’s younger travelers seek more than just accommodation—they prioritize immersive, culturally authentic experiences that allow them to connect with local communities and nature.” The traditional approach to hospitality is evolving, with young tourists preferring boutique properties in offbeat destinations over conventional hotel stays. These travelers want to immerse themselves in the local culture, interact with communities, and experience nature in a meaningful way.At Echor Hotels, Rahul has observed an increased interest in properties located in remote regions, such as Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir. “Youth travelers look for meaningful, eco-conscious escapes that break away from conventional tourism,” he explains. Echor Hotels caters to this by offering properties that focus on adventure, wellness, and sustainability, aligning with the values of the younger generation. These travelers are less interested in luxury for the sake of luxury and more in the experience that each destination offers, pushing hoteliers to innovate and curate stays that provide both adventure and cultural authenticity.The Future of HospitalityAs youth tourism continues to shape the future of the hospitality industry, it becomes clear that experience and sustainability are at the forefront of this change. Both Ayatana Hospitality and Echor Hotels are examples of how the industry is adapting to the evolving demands of young travelers, focusing on immersive experiences, sustainable practices, and the seamless integration of technology.The younger generation is not just transforming travel preferences but also setting the tone for a future where authentic, eco-conscious, and tech-savvy stays become the standard in hospitality. The industry is already embracing these changes, ensuring that youth tourism not only influences current trends but also reshapes the way we think about travel for years to come.About the AuthorSwati ChaturvediSwati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wis

Travel warnings for Americans in France and vice versa

Most countries offer some travel advice for their citizens, and the US and France are no exception – although both countries stress the “friendly relations” between the two nations, they offer advice for Americans travelling to France, or French people travelling to the US.
People with a good knowledge of both countries might think that some of the warnings are rather harsh, and paint an exaggerated picture of the country, but here is the official advice.
Risks in France
The US State Department says that “relations between the United States and France are active and friendly”, but the country was still placed on the second level of out of the four ‘travel advisory levels’, this means that Americans should “exercise increased caution” when visiting.
Advertisement
The state department country page for France – which was last updated in September 2024 – notes that this is “due to terrorism and civil unrest”.
Terrorism
US authorities warn that “terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France”.
“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas,” the warn.
This is a fair advisory. In November 2015, France experienced its most deadly coordinated terrorist attack, where 130 people were killed, including 90 at the Bataclan concert hall. ISIS eventually claimed responsibility.

Recent attacks include the stabbing of three people in Paris 15th arrondissement in December 2023 by a man with psychiatric issues, as well as the murder of three Kurdish activists in Paris in October 2023, and notably the stabbing of a teacher in northern France by a man with ties to Islamist extremism.
The US government also warns that: “French police and military routinely patrol public spaces. You should expect security inspections (to include purses, bags, and backpacks) at the entrance to large public venues and businesses.”
Protests and strikes
Strikes and demonstrations in the streets are just a part of daily life in France, but the US government urges its citizens to take them seriously or better yet, avoid them altogether.
This piece of advice might invite some mockery from the French. Strikes and protests are so common in France that they can be pretty tricky to avoid entirely, especially if you live here.
Advertisement
Still, US authorities warn that “demonstrations can be unpredictable”, and that “French authorities may use chemical agents [tear gas] and water cannons to disperse crowds”.
While it’s true that trouble can flare up at protests, this tends to be from a small minority, usually at the end of the demo and not directed at uninvolved passers-by. Marches are often concentrated in the big cities, especially Paris, with routes published in advance so that you can stay away.
Strikes can certainly be disruptive, but it’s worth remembering that they usually delay and disrupt travel, rather than halting it altogether.
The US Embassy in France advises keeping an eye on local media (like The Local France) for updates. We couldn’t agree more – you can find our strike section here.
READ MORE: How to stop worrying and learn to love French strikes
Crime
US authorities warn that “the majority of crimes directed against foreign visitors, including US citizens, involve pick-pocketing (passports, phones, cash, credit cards), vehicle and residential break-ins, bicycle theft, and other forms of theft.”
Advertisement
Pickpocketing can certainly be a problem, especially in Paris where you will regularly hear announcements on the Metro saying: “Des pickpockets peuvent être présents en station ou à bord des trains” (Pickpockets may be present at the station or on trains).
The advice is common sense – keep an eye on your belongings and lock up valuables.
The US Embassy in France also warns that visitors should be aware of ‘date-rape’ drugs, which are present in France. As such, you should “be cautious in bars and clubs where alcohol is served, and do not leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from strangers, as they may have slipped drugs into the drink.”
Travelling with a disability
Even though Paris hosted the Paralympic Games in 2024, accessibility in the capital – and the country at large – remains poor.
US authorities note that French law does prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities, but travellers with disabilities should “expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation and general infrastructure” adding: “Visitors to France should expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation (subway, specifically), lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.
Advertisement
“Getting around French cities can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Many sidewalks are narrow and uneven, and cobblestone streets make access difficult, though major tourist sites generally have better facilities.”
While there have been efforts to improve accessibility – and leaders of the Paris region recently signed onto a plan that would make the Paris Metro system fully accessible in the next 20 years, the capital city is still a long way from being easy to get around for those with disabilities.
READ MORE: ANALYSIS: How accessible is Paris for people with disabilities?
French drivers and public transport
Aggressive drivers are a common complaint from foreigners in France, especially those in rural areas. 
READ MORE: ‘They have a death wish’: The verdict on French drivers in rural France
US authorities seem to agree (at least a little bit). They warn that “lane markings and sign placements may not be clear. Drivers should be prepared to make last-minute manoeuvers” and that “right-of-way rules differ from those in the United States.”
While French drivers might be used to the busyness on the roads, especially in cities, with motorcycles and mopeds interweaving in traffic, Americans should be cautious.
“Bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, and electric skateboards are prevalent on streets, crosswalks and sometimes sidewalks. They have legal priority and often do not respect traffic signals,” the Embassy warns.
Advertisement
They also extend their road-related recommendations for pedestrians, saying they “should be cautious and aware of traffic even when they have a green walking signal since this is no guarantee against aggressive drivers.”
“Do not assume cars will stop for pedestrians on a crosswalk.”
Flying a drone
During the Olympic Games, the former French PM, Gabriel Attal, said that six drones were intercepted a day, but most of these were simply from “tourists wanting to take pictures”. 
Those unlucky tourists found themselves under arrest, because the use of drones and drone footage is highly regulated in France.
The US Embassy warns visitors that “it is against the law in France to operate drones over public spaces (including museums, parks, streets) in urban areas and near airports, military bases, prisons, nuclear plants, and large gatherings such as outdoor concerts and parades.”
Failing to follow these rules can lead to hefty fines and even imprisonment. Thankfully, The Local has a helpful guide on what you need to know about flying a drone in France.
Risks in the United States
But travel warnings go both ways, and France has its own tips for US-bound French citizens.
READ MORE: 5 things that shock and confuse French people about the USA
Weather warnings
Americans can probably agree with the first piece of advice on France’s France’s recommendations page for travellers headed to the US.
Advertisement
It starts off with detailed advice about natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanoes, forest fires and flooding. They list the radio channels that give weather updates for states on the Gulf of Mexico, where hurricanes are common.
Dangerous US cities
French authorities start off by saying “the United States is one of the safest countries in the world” – but then include a section on the cities and areas where tourists should exercise heightened caution.
The cities listed include nearly all large American metropolitan areas, from Los Angeles and San Francisco, to Chicago and Detroit, and east-coast cities like Boston, New York City, Washington DC, Baltimore and Philadelphia.
To be fair to the French, the warning is not a blanket advisory to avoid these places. Instead, French authorities dive into the specific neighbourhoods that ought to be avoided at nighttime, as well as the types of crime that are common.
For example, they warn that in San Francisco, families should avoid certain streets in the centre of the city, notably the Tenderloin district known for open-air drug use.
They also note an “increase in car-jackings in most large American cities, involving violence and threats, sometimes with weapons.” US news outlets have also reported on this.
Interacting with police
The French advice for dealing with police is to “not to make false statements, not to raise your voice, and to avoid brusque or aggressive gestures.”
This advice is likely related to the issue of police brutality and officer-involved shootings in the United States (although of course police violence is also present in France).
READ MORE: What to do if you are arrested in France
Avoid opioids
The opioid crisis has been an ongoing issue in the United States, and French authorities are aware of it. Overdose rates have tripled in the past decade in the United States, and the presence of fentanyl has played a large role in that.
French authorities warn that ‘classic drugs’ (ie cocaine and heroin) are increasingly cut with synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, and that fentanyl “can be present in counterfeit medications, such as Xanax or oxycodone.”
They warn that “if you need pain medication, you should go to your local pharmacy and purchase an FDA-approved medication. Under no circumstances should you accept any pills that you do not buy from a pharmacy.”
No tolerance for jokes
When travelling by airplane, French authorities advise that people “answer the questions asked by employees seriously and precisely and to avoid making jokes about the contents of your baggage, as any ambiguous attitude could result in very serious problems with the security services (which could lead to incarceration).”
They also warn that “security measures taken by airlines, at the request of the American authorities, are likely to extend the time required for checks. It is recommended to make the necessary arrangements to get to the airport well in advance”.
On the topic of humour, French authorities recommend “[adopting] reserved attitude towards people of the opposite sex. Complaints of sexual harassment can also be made against minors.” 
Better to leave your pick-up lines at home, Frenchies.
Prudish dress
In previous versions of the French advice page, visitors were warned that topless bathing is strictly forbidden in the US, even for little girls.
They seem to have dropped this line in the 2024 version, they did warn that “children, including babies, must wear a swimming costume (changing an infant or breast-feeding in public can be shocking in some places).”
Still, they did say Americans are “very tolerant” when it comes to dress. A backhanded compliment? Who can say . . .
Don’t freak out about guns
In their general advice, French authorities say: “In many states, the possession of firearms is authorised and commonplace. Visitors should therefore remain calm and composed in all circumstances.”
Expensive healthcare
Under the health section, French authorities gave a warning that Americans know all-too-well: “Medical infrastructure in the United States is excellent, but very expensive.”
As such, they recommend French visitors take out a travel health insurance plan to cover all medical expenses, warning that “under no circumstances will these costs be covered by the local French embassy or consulate general.”
What do you think of these warnings? Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments below.

Sustainable Tourism: Rapid Growth, Market Forecast Surges to $11.4 Trillion by 2032

Sustainable Tourism: Rapid Growth, Market Forecast Surges to $11.4 Trillion by 2032 – Travel Industry Today – EIN Presswire

Netflix’s ‘Uglies’ Has Time-Traveled From 2006 In The Worst Way

I used to be a genuine YA fiction fan back in the day, from Hunger Games to Divergent to The Maze Runner. It was all the rage in the mid-2000s and as such, came a rush of adaptations of those series and many more. Now, we have what feels like one of the most bizarre time-warps I’ve ever seen, Netflix’s release of Uglies, which feels like a parody of YA fiction, and impossibly dated as a result. And it is dated, given that the original book (and ensuing trilogy) were released starting in 2006.

The end result of Uglies is a truly insane mish-mash of hilarious YA concept where in a futuristic society some “Uglies” are transformed into “Pretties” on their 16th birthday through elaborate cosmetic surgery in an unequal society, and naturally, there is something nefarious going on with this process.

The film is filled to the brim with Netflix-favorite actors like The Kissing Booth’s Joey King, who we are meant to believe is ugly, Outer Banks’ Chase Stokes, Orange is the New Black’s Laverne Cox and I absolutely saw one of the girls from Selling Sunset in there at one point. Yes, the reality real estate show. It’s directed by McG who has done several Netflix projects recently, but with some of his most famous work the Charlie’s Angels movies, it’s another 2000s flashback for him to be steering this.

UgliesNetflix
This film is based on an absurd concept at baseline, executed bizarrely. The VFX here are just…some of the worst I’ve ever seen in a major release in the last decade. I’d say that was to cut costs, but given that this is the streaming era, this movie probably still cost $100 million somehow.

I’m not kidding when I say this feels like a parody, where it’s not just the usual elite versus poor divide, but literally “hot versus not hot.” I saw a comment that this movie is a realization of the yassify photo filter, which is not inaccurate.
UgliesNetflix

How did this get made? This is a 2006 novel where the rights were bought in the great YA gold rush in that era, but it took 14 years for the film to start coming together in 2020. Joey King being attached was the spark, as that was both the height of her Kissing Booth popularity and praised turn in The Act. Reportedly King was a fan of the original books which helped get her on board, which is a bit funny because it appears she was seven when the first book came out. Guess she discovered it later.
This is a truly strange cinematic experience, as it literally feels like time-traveling to the Twilight/Hunger Games era, albeit worse than those movies ever were. I am not shocked to see critics blasting this with a 19% review score, and audiences being a coinflip with just 53% positive reviews.
I cannot recommend it unless you are willing to watch it ironically, as I’m not sure how else you can watch it, given what it is.
Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

Maldives removes 3 islands, adds 6 lagoons and 1 island for tourism lease

The Ministry of Tourism has revised its list of islands and lagoons available for tourism development, removing three islands and adding six lagoons and one island in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. This update was issued on Monday as part of the third amendment to the ministry’s original list.
The islands removed from the list are:

Lh. Dhiffushi (with Maidhoo) – 15.17 + 20.99 hectares
Th. Kanimeedhoo – 10 hectares
Gdh. Kalhehuttaa – 7.61 hectares

The ministry did not specify if the islands were removed due to their allocation to other parties or because the proposed projects were no longer being pursued.

In pics: Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of CIFTIS

A child immerses herself in a digital art exhibition during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 15, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)Visitors watch a puppet performance during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Li Xin)Visitors take photos at an immersive panoramic space during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)People view light installations at the booth of Sichuan Province during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 14, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)A visitor experiences extended reality (XR) virtual imaging during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 15, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)Visitors walk pass the booth of Anhui Province during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)Visitors walk pass the booth of Shanxi Province during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)Silk figurines are pictured during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa)A creative cultural product themed on Chinese mythological figure the Monkey King or Sun Wukong, is pictured during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 12, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa)Visitors select giant panda dolls during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa)Visitors select cultural creative products themed on the Beijing Central Axis during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa)People visit the booth of Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Li Xin)Children try their hands with cloisonne enameling skills during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Li Xin)Visitors look at a digital image of the Beijing Central Axis during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa)Chocolate products resembling architectures on the Beijing Central Axis are pictured during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Li Xin)A staff member (3rd L) introduces extended reality (XR) virtual filming technology during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ren Chao)Visitors walk pass the booth of Mentougou District of Beijing during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 15, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)Visitors watch a performance at the booth of Dongcheng District of Beijing during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 12, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)An opera-performing humanoid robot is pictured during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 15, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)Visitors watch the display of digitally restored Forty Scenes of the Yuanmingyuan, or the Old Summer Palace, during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 15, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)Visitors watch the display of digitally restored Forty Scenes of the Yuanmingyuan, or the Old Summer Palace, during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 15, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)A visitor walks pass the booth of Shanghai during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)A visitor tries VR gaming during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa)An actor of the Jingju Theater Company of Beijing introduces costumes of Peking Opera during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ding Hongfa)Woodcarvings are pictured at the booth of Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Li Xin)Silk figurines are pictured during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Li Xin)A foreign visitor poses for photos with a giant panda doll during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Li Xin)Visitors immerse themselves in a digital art exhibition during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 15, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)Visitors take photos of the display of digitally restored Forty Scenes of the Yuanmingyuan, or the Old Summer Palace, during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Lu Yang)People perform in front of a screen showing Juyongguan section of the Great Wall at the booth of Changping District of Beijing during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)People watch performance during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)A visitor tastes roast chicken during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in the Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 16, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Lu Yang)A staff member shows a flowery headwear at the booth of Fujian Province during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 15, 2024. The Cultural & Tourism Service thematic exhibition area of this year’s CIFTIS reflects the integration of technology and culture. The exhibitions enable multidimensional presentations with new technologies such as immersive digital spaces, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and holographic projection. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)