NewzIntel.com

Category: Tourism

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s CPI growth accelerates in January on holiday spending

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Customers select fruit at a supermarket in Xinle, north China’s Hebei Province, Jan. 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s consumer inflation rose faster in January, driven by a surging demand for travel, dining and shopping during the Spring Festival holiday, the country’s most celebrated festival.

    China’s consumer price index (CPI), a main inflation gauge, was up 0.5 percent year on year in January, up from a 0.1 percent increase in December, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Sunday.

    NBS statistician Dong Lijuan attributed the year-on-year CPI rise to higher service and food prices during the holiday and a rebound in gasoline prices.

    In breakdown, service prices rose 1.1 percent year on year last month, while food prices climbed 0.4 percent.

    On a monthly basis, the CPI expanded 0.7 percent in January, with service prices accounting for more than half of the overall CPI increase, contributing about 0.37 percentage points.

    The core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, rose 0.6 percent from a year ago in January, up from a 0.4 percent increase in December 2024.

    The holiday economy remained strong, with tourism and consumer spending hitting record highs. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China saw a record 501 million domestic tourist trips during the eight-day holiday, which concluded on Tuesday, up 5.9 percent year on year.

    Tourist spending reached a record high of over 677 billion yuan (94.42 billion U.S. dollars), a 7 percent increase from the previous year.

    Meanwhile, key retail and catering enterprises tracked by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) reported a 4.1 percent year-on-year rise in sales during the holiday, reflecting steady consumer momentum.

    The holiday consumer market was vibrant and thriving, with a strong momentum in service consumption, MOC spokesperson He Yongqian told a press conference on Thursday.

    To stimulate domestic demand and support economic recovery, China launched a major program in 2024 to promote large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-ins. This program encourages factories to replace old machines with more advanced ones, while individual consumers can enjoy subsidies on automobiles, home appliances and more.

    Fueled by these policies and festive consumer enthusiasm, spending on food, festive goods, and smart home appliances was particularly robust during the Spring Festival holiday. Sales of home appliances and communication devices at key retailers tracked by the MOC rose by over 10 percent year on year.

    As the policy promoting trade-ins for consumer goods continues to expand and various consumption-boosting activities unfold, the consumer market is expected to maintain steady growth in the first quarter, He added.

    Sunday’s data also showed the country’s producer price index (PPI), which measures costs for goods at the factory gate, went down 2.3 percent year on year in January, flat with that in December last year. On a month-on-month basis, the PPI dropped 0.2 percent in January.

    Dong attributed the decrease to the off-season industrial production during the holiday period.

    Analysts forecast that driven by proactive macroeconomic policies and the steady recovery of domestic demand, the CPI and PPI are expected to sustain their moderate rebound throughout 2025.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Next steps for Te Anau Bird Sanctuary

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  10 February 2025

    There have been some expressions of interest in the facility from other parties, and DOC will further investigate these opportunities alongside key stakeholders.

    Great South Southland Regional Development Agency will support DOC in the evaluation process given their involvement with Te Punanga Manu over the years.

    The sanctuary will keep operating as usual while alternative management options are explored further.

    The review found work at Te Punanga Manu, although important for conservation, is not critical to the advocacy or protection of the species it houses – and is therefore not considered high priority biodiversity work for DOC.

    The sanctuary also requires substantial investment in infrastructure and staffing to make it sustainable, says DOC’s Southern South Island Operations Director Aaron Fleming.

    “One example is the takahē enclosure, which needs significant investment, with 2023 costings sitting around $100,000.”

    DOC faces its own financial challenges and must prioritise its investment into conservation – which means it is not currently in a position to fund the upgrades needed at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary/Te Punanga Manu.

    “Locally DOC’s high priority biodiversity work also needs investment, such as critical infrastructure to maintain predator-free Fiordland islands that are home to critically endangered species, including kākāpō, tīeke and mohua,” says Aaron.

    “We know Te Punanga Manu is much loved by the Te Anau community and visitors alike, which is why alternative models to fund and operate the sanctuary will be considered.”

    Currently Te Punanga Manu holds a small number of South Island takahē, kōwhiowhio/blue duck, pāteke/brown teal and Antipodes Island kākāriki.

    “The well-being of manu will continue to come first no matter the outcome of the review,” says Aaron.

    “We will keep the community, sponsors and stakeholders informed as things develop.”

    Background information

    DOC started the review of Te Anau Bird Sanctuary/Te Punanga Manu o Te Anau (Te Punanga Manu) in June 2024 and completed it in October 2024. The review assessed its current condition, purpose and sustainability. The decision to withdraw from management was made in January 2025.

    Great South was established as the Southland Regional Development Agency in March 2019. Committed to driving economic, social and cultural growth, Great South has a clear mandate to leverage opportunities for Southland in the areas of economic and business development, tourism and events.

    For more information: About Us | Great South

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship tour applications open

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 10 February 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Minister for Veterans

    Up to 20 students from across NSW will be selected to participate in the annual Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship (PAMS) study tour that will visit historic sites relating to Australia’s military history in the Republic of Korea and Singapore in 2025.

    Tour locations in the Republic of Korea include the site of the Battle of Kapyong, the Demilitarised Zone and the UN First Battle Memorial in the. In Singapore, the tour will take in sites such as the Kranji War Memorial, Changi Prison Chapel and Museum and the Fort Siloso and Surrender Chambers.

    PAMS is a wonderful opportunity for high school history students to further develop their skills and understanding of Australians at war.

    Zygmunt Gray from Finigan School of Distance Education in Queanbeyan was PAMS 2024 recipient that toured Japan, describing the trip as a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of Australians in wartime.

    Fellow PAMS 2024 tourist Celine Chandrasegaran from Saint Mary Mackillop College in Albury said the tour was a transformative experience and plans to continue to share the invaluable insights she gained.

    The 2025 tour will take place in the Term 3 school holidays departing on Monday 29 September and returning to Sydney on Friday 10 October.

    Eligible students can apply online by submitting a personal essay, a letter of recommendation from their school and a parent consent form.

    Applications close on Sunday, 9 March 2025.  More information and details on how to apply is available at https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/education/premiers-anzac-memorial-scholarship/.

    Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

    “This year’s Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship presents a unique opportunity to visit South Korea and Singapore.  

    “This is a chance to develop a greater appreciation of the story of our nation, along with the story of these nations. 

    “I really encourage students to apply, to develop their understanding of military history and those who served.”

    Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

    “The PAMS study tour is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students across New South Wales, and I encourage all Year 10 and Year 11 history students to consider applying. 

    “Scholarship recipients will explore Australia’s military history and visit locations that experienced the war’s impact firsthand. Australians fought abroad in Singapore and later became involved in the Korean War, only five years after the end of the Second World War.

    “This tour is an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the service and sacrifice of our soldiers and the impacts war have had on countries around the world.”

    Celine Chandrasegaran fromSaint Mary Mackillop College Albury said:

    “I was honoured to be given the incredible opportunity to partake in the PAMS tour. Learning on-site the impact of our wartime history amid the culture and society of the modern world has helped to re-shape, form, and consolidate my understanding of historical events.

    “I now more fully appreciate all those who sacrificed and contributed to the world I live in today and will continue to share the knowledge I gained for many years to come.”

    Zygmunt Gray from Finigan School of Distance Education Queanbeyan said:

    “The PAMS scholarship really strengthened my idea of just how challenging the conditions were for Pacific War soldiers and helped imprint a strong sense of duty and obligation within me, that I would do the same today, if it were necessary.

    “The tour also opened my eyes to the different values and beliefs of others, and gave me the opportunity to meet many new, like-minded people, some of which will be lifelong mates.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mahakumbh 2025: 3-day International Bird Festival to be organized in Prayagraj from 16th February

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 08 FEB 2025 10:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Visitors to Mahakumbh 2025 will get the chance to witness a gathering of over 200 species of migratory and local birds, in a three-day International Bird Festival to be organized from February 16 to 18, in Prayagraj. With an aim of promoting environmental conservation and biodiversity, this event will offer a unique opportunity for nature lovers, ornithologists, and devotees to observe rare bird species and understand the importance of their conservation.

    The International Bird Festival will not only offer the chance to view birds but also raise awareness about bird conservation through various competitions and educational activities. The festival will include photography, painting, slogan writing, debates, and quiz competitions. Additionally, national and international ornithologists, environmentalists, and conservation experts will share their insights in technical sessions and panel discussions.

    Alok Kumar Pandey, the IT Head of the Forest Department, stated that people can contact WhatsApp number 9319277004 for more details about the festival. The main aim of this initiative is to inspire youth, nature enthusiasts, and devotees to focus on bird conservation and the protection of their natural habitats. The government will award prizes worth a total of ₹21 lakhs, ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹5 lakhs, to the winners of various competitions, making this event even more attractive.

    During the International Bird Festival, devotees will have the opportunity to observe rare birds like the endangered Indian Skimmer, Flamingo, and Siberian Crane. This event will also provide an opportunity for visitors to understand the importance of natural beauty and biodiversity. Thousands of migratory birds from over 10 countries, including Siberia, Mongolia, and Afghanistan, have arrived at the banks of the Ganga-Yamuna in Prayagraj, attracting tourists with their unique flights and group migration patterns.

    Arvind Kumar Yadav, DFO Prayagraj, mentioned that the festival will not only be for entertainment but will also play a crucial role in the campaign for environmental balance and biodiversity conservation. He emphasized that bird conservation helps maintain natural disaster management and ecological balance, and such events will help sensitize people to nature.

    In line with the Prayagraj Mela administration’s directive, a special eco-tourism plan has been prepared for the devotees. They will be able to experience bird watching and learn about the importance of natural habitats. Through bird walks and nature walks with experts, devotees will have the opportunity to understand birds’ behavior, migration journeys, and their role in the ecosystem closely.

    Moreover, cultural programs, street plays, art exhibitions, and other activities will raise awareness about bird conservation and environmental balance during the Mahakumbh. The goal of this event is not just to raise awareness among devotees but also to take steps toward the conservation of natural resources for future generations. Bird enthusiasts, researchers, scientists, and students will gain new knowledge about ornithology and conservation at the International Bird Festival. Various sessions will discuss bird migration, habitat protection, the impact of climate change, and scientific facts about their survival.

    This festival will send a strong message about biodiversity and environmental sustainability, both in India and internationally. Students’ participation in bird conservation activities will provide them with an opportunity to connect with nature and understand their responsibilities. The International Bird Festival, to be held during the Maha Kumbh 2025, will be a unique blend of Indian culture, nature appreciation, and scientific perspective. It will work to make devotees and tourists understand the importance of natural wealth, save biodiversity, and inspire sustainable development.

    *****

    AD/VM

    (Release ID: 2101092) Visitor Counter : 51

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers proposes seven changes to lighten ratepayer burden

    Source: Federated Farmers

    After rampant rates rises across the country last year, Federated Farmers is calling for the Government to make seven key changes to restore confidence in local decision-making.
    “The funding model for our councils is broken,” Sandra Faulkner, Federated Farmers local government spokesperson, says.
    “Rage about rates increases will feature strongly when voters have their say in council elections this October, but the Government should also do more to rein in cost pressures.
    “Central governments over the years have pointed the finger at council excesses and failings but part of the solution here is to fix faulty legislation and government policy.”
    It’s clear that change is needed to turn back the tide on massive rates increases, Faulkner says.
    “Fewer people are voting in local body elections, and rates jumped an average 15% this year alone, which has really hurt all Kiwis, including rural families.
    “Meanwhile, central government has chipped away at the autonomy of local government with an ever-increasing list of national directions and requirements.”
    Two of Federated Farmers’ seven recommendations call on the Government to surrender some of its tax take in favour of councils.
    “We say the lion’s share of the cost of repairing and renewing local roads should fall on road users, not property owners,” Faulkner says.
    Outside of the state highway network, councils are responsible for maintaining roads and bridges.
    On average, councils get 53% of this cost via a NZ Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi Funding Assistance Rate (FAR), paid from fuel taxes and Road User Charges. The rest comes from ratepayers.
    “Property value rates are a poor way to fund roads for the same reason as general taxation: it does not tie those who use roads with those who pay for roads,” Faulkner says.
    “The system also lacks logic. In areas with a lot of tourism or freight, for example, locals are left paying for roading networks that serve a wider regional or national purpose.”
    Because ratepayers baulk at rising road costs, councils feel obliged to scale back renewal and maintenance on roads that are a lifeline for rural families and businesses.
    “So, we get deteriorating tarseal, potholes and even road closures in rural areas,” Faulkner says.
    Federated Farmers argues the FAR rate should be lifted to an average 90%.
    Another change that would reduce council funding pressure is to make Crown land rateable.
    Currently, government land is exempt from local authority rates, apart from targeted rates and charges for utilities.
    In 2023/24, Auckland Council estimated the Government was exempt from paying a total of $36.5 million in rates that year – worth $506.40 per household.
    Federated Farmers also seeks legislation that focuses local government on providing necessary infrastructure, local public services and regulation.
    “We want councils to stick to core services,” Faulkner says.
    “That requires withdrawal of the controversial ‘four well-beings’ mandate – social, economic, environmental, and cultural – which has led to councils drifting into areas outside their areas of expertise, often duplicating work already handled by central government.”
    Faulkner says there’s always debate on where to draw the line on what is a legitimate ‘local public service’.
    “There should be room for fostering a sense of community through events such as celebrating Matariki, or investing in social infrastructure such as libraries, halls and swimming pools.
    “But there should be restraint on councils from destroying their balance sheets through risky investments beyond their core purpose – things like convention centres and sports stadiums.
    “We’re proposing that a referendum must be held before spending is committed on commercial facilities and ventures costing more than $500 per resident.”
    New Zealand is at a crossroads with its 78 councils, Faulkner says.
    “We can either continue to underfund big challenges on water, transport and housing, or we can look for new ways to restore confidence in a refocused and resourced local government.”
    See Federated Farmers’ seven recommendations in its ‘Restoring confidence in local decision-making’ report – Restoring confidence

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Migrant traders play a key role in South African tourism: it’s time policy makers protected them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Alicia Fourie, Professor, GIBS, University of Pretoria

    Street traders play an important role in tourism in South Africa. They provide affordable goods to tourists while generating employment for others. Some even source products locally, such as beadwork, traditional masks, woven baskets and various other souvenirs, creating linkages with domestic producers.

    Most of these traders are migrants from outside South Africa.

    South Africa is regarded as the preferred destination for migration in Africa. Migrancy scholars Jonathan Crush and Vincent Williams point to tourism and entry statistics from Statistics South Africa, visa overstay and deportation data, and refugee figures from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to support the new movements of refugees since the fall of apartheid.

    On arriving in the country, many enter the informal economy to make a living. Often this involves taking up self-employed entrepreneurial activities such as selling goods on street corners.

    South Africa’s tourism hubs present significant trading opportunities. In 2023, the country attracted 8.48 million international tourists. Though still 41.1% below pre-pandemic levels, this was an improvement. Tourism contributed 3.5% to GDP in 2022, when it outperformed industries like agriculture and construction.

    But traders face tough conditions. The sector’s informality means policymakers can easily overlook it. Traders lack formal recognition and have limited access to resources.

    This should change.

    To improve their conditions, several measures could be helpful, including:

    • well-maintained designated trading areas that are equipped with essential amenities like shelter and storage

    • simplifying the process for obtaining the necessary permits and licences to increase their legal protections and operational stability.

    These measures must be the result of discussions with the traders.

    Our view is informed by research we conducted on informal traders over two years (2022 and 2023) in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Our focus was on the ability of the traders to adapt during times of crisis and economic downturn.

    We found that the traders showed high levels of resilience and ingenuity to survive under tough conditions. But resilience can’t conquer all. The long-term sustainability of informal trading ventures hinges on external factors. They include government support and functioning institutions such as law and order that can help them manage challenges such as xenophobia.

    The traders

    Our study involved 35 qualitative interviews and 363 completed quantitative questionnaires. Three quarters of the respondents were foreign.

    Traders from east and west Africa were dominant in Cape Town while Zimbabwean traders were dominant in Johannesburg.

    Most informal traders (67%) were the sole income earners for their families, supporting multiple dependants. Before starting their businesses, only 47.5% had formal employment in roles like teaching, cleaning, or sales. Most traders had been operating for over 14 years. Monthly gross incomes averaged US$580, with Johannesburg traders earning more than those in Cape Town and Durban.

    On face value these amounts seem higher than earnings of informally employed wage workers such as day labourers. However, these are gross figures, so comparisons with other occupations or cost of living must be treated with caution.

    Resilience and ingenuity

    The stories the traders shared with us are a testament to resilience and ingenuity. Migrant traders’ adaptability and joint commitment underscore their resilience, a key factor in overcoming economic and social crises.

    Informal trading in the tourism sector drives local economies by providing tourists with authentic cultural experiences through locally crafted products. Traders’ activities create employment opportunities, including jobs for individuals working at the stalls and trolley pushers assisting with setup. Their incomes also support entire families.

    Migrant traders also bring an entrepreneurial spirit to South Africa’s economy. Our research revealed that, unlike some of their South African counterparts who may access social grants, migrant traders often diversify their product offerings quicker and more extensively to adapt to changing market demands. This included introducing clothing alongside crafts or selling locally sourced goods (like items used by traditional healers) during economic downturns.

    Their ability to adapt and innovate, even in difficult circumstances, contributes to the resilience of the broader tourism sector. Migrant traders quickly resumed operations after the pandemic. They used strategies like shared payment devices to improve efficiency, and community networks to weather economic shocks, so that tourism-related goods and services remained available.

    Blind spot for policy makers

    The sector’s informality leaves it overlooked by policymakers.

    During the pandemic, formal businesses received government relief, but informal traders were largely excluded. For migrants, the absence of support was even more pronounced, as they lacked access to social safety nets available to South African citizens.

    By supporting informal traders, particularly migrants, South Africa can enhance the sustainability of its tourism sector. This support could take various forms:

    Policy recognition: Acknowledging the vital role of informal traders in tourism and integrating them into local economic development plans.

    Practical policy responses: Examples include improving visible policing and cleaning up beach precincts, especially in Durban. This would reduce crime, increase tourist visits and improve the lives of street traders.

    Access to resources: Providing grants or loans tailored to informal businesses.

    Skills development: Offering training programmes to strengthen business acumen and innovation.

    Community engagement: Promoting social cohesion to reduce xenophobic attitudes and fostering partnerships between local and migrant traders.

    Next steps

    The stories of South Africa’s informal migrant traders are ones of perseverance and potential. They remind us that resilience is not only an individual trait but a communal effort.

    By recognising and supporting these traders, South Africa would be investing in a more inclusive, robust tourism sector.

    As South Africa seeks to revive its tourism industry through the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan, the contributions of informal traders, local and migrant alike, cannot be overlooked. These entrepreneurs are shaping the fabric of the industry, one craft and one customer at a time. Supporting them is not just an act of kindness; it is a strategic move for the nation’s economic future.

    – Migrant traders play a key role in South African tourism: it’s time policy makers protected them
    – https://theconversation.com/migrant-traders-play-a-key-role-in-south-african-tourism-its-time-policy-makers-protected-them-247244

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Migrant traders play a key role in South African tourism: it’s time policy makers protected them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Alicia Fourie, Professor, GIBS, University of Pretoria

    Street traders play an important role in tourism in South Africa. They provide affordable goods to tourists while generating employment for others. Some even source products locally, such as beadwork, traditional masks, woven baskets and various other souvenirs, creating linkages with domestic producers.

    Most of these traders are migrants from outside South Africa.

    South Africa is regarded as the preferred destination for migration in Africa. Migrancy scholars Jonathan Crush and Vincent Williams point to tourism and entry statistics from Statistics South Africa, visa overstay and deportation data, and refugee figures from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to support the new movements of refugees since the fall of apartheid.

    On arriving in the country, many enter the informal economy to make a living. Often this involves taking up self-employed entrepreneurial activities such as selling goods on street corners.

    South Africa’s tourism hubs present significant trading opportunities. In 2023, the country attracted 8.48 million international tourists. Though still 41.1% below pre-pandemic levels, this was an improvement. Tourism contributed 3.5% to GDP in 2022, when it outperformed industries like agriculture and construction.

    But traders face tough conditions. The sector’s informality means policymakers can easily overlook it. Traders lack formal recognition and have limited access to resources.

    This should change.

    To improve their conditions, several measures could be helpful, including:

    • well-maintained designated trading areas that are equipped with essential amenities like shelter and storage

    • simplifying the process for obtaining the necessary permits and licences to increase their legal protections and operational stability.

    These measures must be the result of discussions with the traders.

    Our view is informed by research we conducted on informal traders over two years (2022 and 2023) in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Our focus was on the ability of the traders to adapt during times of crisis and economic downturn.

    We found that the traders showed high levels of resilience and ingenuity to survive under tough conditions. But resilience can’t conquer all. The long-term sustainability of informal trading ventures hinges on external factors. They include government support and functioning institutions such as law and order that can help them manage challenges such as xenophobia.

    The traders

    Our study involved 35 qualitative interviews and 363 completed quantitative questionnaires. Three quarters of the respondents were foreign.

    Traders from east and west Africa were dominant in Cape Town while Zimbabwean traders were dominant in Johannesburg.

    Most informal traders (67%) were the sole income earners for their families, supporting multiple dependants. Before starting their businesses, only 47.5% had formal employment in roles like teaching, cleaning, or sales. Most traders had been operating for over 14 years. Monthly gross incomes averaged US$580, with Johannesburg traders earning more than those in Cape Town and Durban.

    On face value these amounts seem higher than earnings of informally employed wage workers such as day labourers. However, these are gross figures, so comparisons with other occupations or cost of living must be treated with caution.

    Resilience and ingenuity

    The stories the traders shared with us are a testament to resilience and ingenuity. Migrant traders’ adaptability and joint commitment underscore their resilience, a key factor in overcoming economic and social crises.

    Informal trading in the tourism sector drives local economies by providing tourists with authentic cultural experiences through locally crafted products. Traders’ activities create employment opportunities, including jobs for individuals working at the stalls and trolley pushers assisting with setup. Their incomes also support entire families.

    Migrant traders also bring an entrepreneurial spirit to South Africa’s economy. Our research revealed that, unlike some of their South African counterparts who may access social grants, migrant traders often diversify their product offerings quicker and more extensively to adapt to changing market demands. This included introducing clothing alongside crafts or selling locally sourced goods (like items used by traditional healers) during economic downturns.

    Their ability to adapt and innovate, even in difficult circumstances, contributes to the resilience of the broader tourism sector. Migrant traders quickly resumed operations after the pandemic. They used strategies like shared payment devices to improve efficiency, and community networks to weather economic shocks, so that tourism-related goods and services remained available.

    Blind spot for policy makers

    The sector’s informality leaves it overlooked by policymakers.

    During the pandemic, formal businesses received government relief, but informal traders were largely excluded. For migrants, the absence of support was even more pronounced, as they lacked access to social safety nets available to South African citizens.

    By supporting informal traders, particularly migrants, South Africa can enhance the sustainability of its tourism sector. This support could take various forms:

    Policy recognition: Acknowledging the vital role of informal traders in tourism and integrating them into local economic development plans.

    Practical policy responses: Examples include improving visible policing and cleaning up beach precincts, especially in Durban. This would reduce crime, increase tourist visits and improve the lives of street traders.

    Access to resources: Providing grants or loans tailored to informal businesses.

    Skills development: Offering training programmes to strengthen business acumen and innovation.

    Community engagement: Promoting social cohesion to reduce xenophobic attitudes and fostering partnerships between local and migrant traders.

    Next steps

    The stories of South Africa’s informal migrant traders are ones of perseverance and potential. They remind us that resilience is not only an individual trait but a communal effort.

    By recognising and supporting these traders, South Africa would be investing in a more inclusive, robust tourism sector.

    As South Africa seeks to revive its tourism industry through the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan, the contributions of informal traders, local and migrant alike, cannot be overlooked. These entrepreneurs are shaping the fabric of the industry, one craft and one customer at a time. Supporting them is not just an act of kindness; it is a strategic move for the nation’s economic future.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Migrant traders play a key role in South African tourism: it’s time policy makers protected them – https://theconversation.com/migrant-traders-play-a-key-role-in-south-african-tourism-its-time-policy-makers-protected-them-247244

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Grampians and Little Desert fires contained

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    Photo by Noah Chislett, Eaglehawk CFA

    The Grampians – Wallaby Rocks and Little Desert bushfires are now contained following nearly two weeks of incredible work by crews on the ground, in the air and in the control centres.

    The fires began on 27 January after dry lightning started fires in two new sections of the Grampians National Park and at the Little Desert National Park. 

    The Little Desert fire spread quickly within the first couple of days and ended up burning more than 95,000 hectares.  

    The Grampians fires merged with the original Yarram Gap Road fire from 17 December 2024 due to ongoing fire activity and back burning. The Wallaby Rocks section of the fire was contained on 8 February with more than 59,000 hectares burnt. The Yarram Gap Road section was contained on 6 January and declared under control on 13 January, with a fire footprint circumference of 422 kilometres, more than 76,000 hectares of national park and agricultural land burnt. 

    Several Emergency Warnings have been issued over the past couple of weeks with communities near both fires urged to leave. 

    Four residential properties were lost from the Grampians fires and one property and one business from the Little Desert fire. There were also 40 outbuildings lost at the Grampians and two at Little Desert along with significant stock losses and impacts to wildlife and vegetation across both fire regions.  

    Fire crews remain on scene at both fires treating hazardous trees, monitoring hot spots and consolidating containment lines. 

    Conditions over the next few days are still going to be challenging with strong winds forecast from the south accompanied by warm to hot conditions for the rest of the week. 

    Quotes attributable to State Response Controller David Nugent 

    “We’ve had a long and challenging fire season so far with crews from across the state and interstate working on the bushfires since December. 

    “It has been incredible work by everyone involved to contain these two latest bushfires at the Grampians and Little Desert National Parks.  

    “The impacts to the local communities and tourism in those areas has been tough and hopefully we can now begin the process of re-opening those areas. 

    “Firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol the fires for a number of weeks. It is likely we will still see smoke and small flare–ups in the area, but we will continue to be present to deal with these when and as they arise. 

    “I want to thank the community and the public for their remarkable support during these fires.  

    “Your cooperation in following our messaging and adhering to road closures has been invaluable. It has allowed our crews to focus their efforts on fighting the fire effectively while prioritising community safety.”  

    Victorians are reminded to always have more than one source of information, including: 

    • The VicEmergency app 

    • The VicEmergency website www.emergency.vic.gov.au 

    • Emergency broadcasters such as ABC local radio, commercial and select community radio stations, or SkyNews 

    • The VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226  

    • VicEmergency on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) 

    • Photo by Noah Chislett, Eaglehawk CFA
    • Photo by Noah Chislett, Eaglehawk CFA
    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE continues visit to Harbin (with photos/videos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued his visit to Harbin today (February 8) to visit the Hong Kong, China Delegation, who are actively participating in the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025, and to watch some events to cheer for Hong Kong athletes. He also visited cultural and tourism facilities and met with Hong Kong young people currently on exchange in Harbin.
          
         In the morning, Mr Lee and the officials visited the athletes’ village to meet with members of the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Asian Winter Games to learn about their preparations. Afterwards, they watched speed skating, short track speed skating and ice hockey events to support the participating Hong Kong athletes.
          
         Noting that the Hong Kong, China Delegation is the largest ever to participate in the Asian Winter Games and that the athletes are making every effort in their preparations, Mr Lee expressed his delight at being able to personally watch the competitions and cheer the athletes on. He encouraged the Hong Kong athletes to give their utmost and encouraged Hong Kong citizens to cheer for the national team and the Hong Kong team.
          
         In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner with the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC). He thanked the SF&OC for providing thoughtful arrangements and assistance to the Hong Kong, China Delegation for their participation in the Asian Winter Games.
          
         Mr Lee today also met with Hong Kong young people participating in an exchange programme organised by InspiringHK Sports Foundation to understand their experiences and insights during the trip. Highlighting that the Asian Winter Games is a major sports event held once every four years, he encouraged the participating young people to seize the precious opportunity to enjoy the exciting competitions, experience winter sports, and learn about the history and culture of Harbin.
          
         Mr Lee and the officials also visited Central Street and nearby cultural and tourism facilities today to learn more about the latest developments in the local cultural and tourism industry. Central Street, established in 1898, was transformed in 1997 into the country’s first commercial pedestrian street.
          
         Mr Lee will continue his visit tomorrow (February 9).                                                

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates multiple water supply schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission in Kathua, J&K; schemes to provide tap water to thousands of residents of 10 villages

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates multiple water supply schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission in Kathua, J&K; schemes to provide tap water to thousands of residents of 10 villages

    ”300 plus water supply schemes with an estimated cost of 1369.57 crore rupees being taken up in district Kathua under Jal Jeevan Mission”: Dr Singh

    Union Minister calls for effective implementation of the schemes to attain their saturation

    “Inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s call of Nation First, Modi 3.0 dispensation working with Whole of Government approach in the service of citizens”: Dr Jitendra Singh

    Posted On: 08 FEB 2025 5:19PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today called for effective implementation of all the water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Jammu and Kashmir to attain their saturation. He was addressing a public gathering in village Jasrota here after inaugurating seven water supply schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission.

    The schemes costing 25.31 crore rupees will benefit 15,881 souls, covering 2584 households in 10 villages, including Jasrota, Rakh Hoshyari, Padyari, Saktha Chak, Bhadoli Charpad and Mangtian. The Minister informed that a total of 303 water supply schemes, with an estimated cost of 1369.57 crore rupees, are being taken up in district Kathua under Jal Jeevan Mission. Dr Singh pointed out that certain issues being faced in the proper implementation of the schemes on the which are being sorted out in coordination with J&K government.

    Presenting a report card of the works done in his Parliamentary constituency in the first 100 days of the Narendra Modi Government 3.0, he enumerated the key projects like the prestigious Chattergala tunnel and Delhi to Katra Expressway corridor, saying these ambitious projects are nearing their completion. Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi with creating a new work culture, Dr Jitendra Singh stated that the government is focused on completing the stalled projects to boost connectivity in remote parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

    Dr Jitendra Singh said that inspired by the Prime Minister’s call of ‘Nation First’, the present dispensation is working with a ‘Whole of Government’ approach in the service of the masses across the country. The Minister said that once completed, the strategic Chattergala tunnel to be game-changer in providing all-weather connectivity between Doda and Lakhanpur will be a game-changer in providing all-weather connectivity between Doda and Lakhanpur. He informed the gathering that it has now been decided to build nine additional underpasses along Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, fulfilling a public demand.

    Underlining the potential of tourism to create employment opportunities and boost livelihoods, Dr Jitendra Singh said steps are also being taken to promote tourism in places such as Basohli and Mantalia in the region. The Minister informed that

    Mansar area of Udhampur district is also being developed as a tourist destination under Swadesh Darshan scheme.

    Dr Jitendra Singh stated that in the times to come, district Kathua will become a major hub of economy activity, offering avenues of self-employment to the local youth. He mentioned that the district has earned a unique distinction for having North India’s first Bio-tech Park, Seed Processing Plant and North India’s only Homeopathic College. The Minister urged the youth avail the subsidy being provided by the government for the promotion of Khadi to earn their own livelihoods.

    Minister for Jal Shakti, J&K Government, Javed Ahmed Rana; MLA, Jasrota, Rajiv Jasroti; MLA, Bani, Dr Rameshwar Singh; MLA, Hiranagar, Vijay Kumar Sharma; Vice Chairman, DDC, Kathua, Shri Raghunadan Singh Bablu, representatives of PRIs and officials from Department of Jal Shakti were among those present on the occasion.

    *****

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2101016) Visitor Counter : 82

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sydney ETO supports Hong Kong String Orchestra’s Chinese New Year tour in Australia (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Sydney ETO supports Hong Kong String Orchestra’s Chinese New Year tour in Australia (with photos)
    Sydney ETO supports Hong Kong String Orchestra’s Chinese New Year tour in Australia (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) supported the Hong Kong String Orchestra (HKSO) in staging five music concerts in Adelaide, Sydney, Canberra, with the final performance concluded successfully in Melbourne yesterday (February 7) to celebrate Chinese New Year with local audience, showcasing Hong Kong’s music excellence as well as telling the good stories of Hong Kong. More than 4 000 audiences across Australia have enjoyed the wonderful performances of HKSO.           HKSO’s performances in Australia included an exclusive afternoon concert at the Theatrette of the Parliament of New South Wales (NSW) on February 3. Marking a significant milestone in the cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Australia, this concert was the first-ever collaboration among the Parliament of NSW, the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Sydney and the Sydney ETO, attracting around 160 guests including the President of the NSW Legislative Council, Mr Ben Franklin, the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Wang Yu, Members of the Parliament and government officials of NSW, mayors and councillors, as well as Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese community leaders in Sydney.           The Sydney ETO hosted a reception before the concert at the iconic Sydney Opera House on February 2 to welcome the HKSO. About 120 guests including local arts and cultural leaders attended the reception.           The Director of the Sydney ETO, Mr Ricky Chong, said at the reception, “Music has a unique power to connect people across cultures, and the HKSO’s performance is a wonderful testament to the strong and enduring ties between Hong Kong and Australia. Our relationship is built not only on trade and investment, but also on deep cultural and people-to-people connections.”           Mr Chong also introduced to the guests the government’s vision of developing Hong Kong into a premier tourism destination through innovative thinking. He said that the government would highlight the unique elements of Hong Kong’s local cultural characteristics and make good use of its positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, with a view to shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism.           Led by its Founder and Artistic Director, Professor Yao Jue, the HKSO captivated audience across Australia with a unique programme that blended Western classical works by Vivaldi, alongside pieces that honoured Hong Kong pop songs and traditional Chinese New Year music, including Joseph Koo’s Medley and Spring Festival Overture.           The HKSO started the Australian tour in Adelaide on January 31, followed by performances in Sydney on February 2 and 3, in Canberra on February 5, and in Melbourne yesterday (February 7). The HKSO also showcased their music talent to the guests at the Chinese New Year Reception hosted by the Sydney ETO in Melbourne on February 6.

     
    Ends/Saturday, February 8, 2025Issued at HKT 14:09

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Digital tools drive SME growth

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, operated by Cyberport with a funding allocation of $500 million from the Government, aims to accelerate the digital transformation of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

    The programme provides funding support on a 1:1 matching basis for SMEs to adopt ready-to-use digital solutions, including digital payment solutions and shopfront sales, online promotion, and customer management and loyalty solutions.

    Funding support is available for subsidised SMEs to cover up to 50% of the total project cost or a maximum of $50,000, whichever is lower.

    Business boost

    Li Mei-yung owns a ginseng and dried seafood shop in Shek Mun. She decided to apply for the programme last year.

    As a result, the business has established an online shopping platform through an instant messaging software, allowing customers to browse product details and place orders at any time, from anywhere, significantly reducing the workload for frontline staff.

    Promotions conducted via instant messaging software have also proven to be effective for expanding the customer base.

    Ms Li said most of her customers are middle-aged neighbours and seniors, and she is looking to attract a younger clientele.

    “As we all know, online shopping is more convenient. After we installed the system, we could inform members about which products are affordable and discounted.

    “Many young people prefer not to use cash for their purchases. They believe that online shopping is more convenient as you can shop without visiting the store in person.

    “I applied for the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, and as a result, our business grew by about 10%.”

    Wider reach

    Following positive feedback to the programme, it was expanded in December 2024 to cover the tourism and personal services industries besides subsidising the food and beverage and retail industries.

    Cyberport Chief Public Mission Officer Eric Chan pointed out that the programme can address several issues SMEs encounter on their digital transformation journey.

    “Many of those SMEs, they recognise the importance of digital transformation but they tended to have difficulties in implementing the systems in the past because of the lack of funding, the lack of technical knowledge as well as the difficulty in choosing the right solution providers.

    “Through providing the funding, then we have a whole committee to help SMEs pick the right solutions, so as to guarantee the quality, to improve the overall business efficiency and help them to get more customers and retain the existing customers as well as improve convenience through digital payment and front store automation.”

    Smooth process

    As of the end of December 2024, Cyberport has received over 5,300 applications.

    The programme has provided more than 810 solution packages from over 110 solution providers for SMEs to select from.

    The vetting process will normally be completed within two months after receiving complete information from the applicants.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE cheers HK athletes in Harbin

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee today continued his trip to Harbin by meeting members of the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the 9th Asian Winter Games, in the athletes’ village.

    He talked with some of the athletes to learn about their training and preparations. The officials, led by the chief executive, also watched some events, including short track speed skating, and cheered on the Hong Kong participants.

    Mr Lee highlighted that the Hong Kong, China Delegation is the largest ever to participate in an Asian Winter Games. He said he was delighted to be able to watch the games in person and encouraged the Hong Kong athletes to give their utmost.

    In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner with the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC). He thanked the SF&OC for providing extensive assistance to the athletes.

    Mr Lee also met some young Hongkongers participating in an exchange programme organised by the InspiringHK Sports Foundation.

    Highlighting that the Asian Winter Games is a major sports event that is held only once every four years, he encouraged the youths to seize on such a precious opportunity to experience winter sports, and to learn about the history and culture of Harbin.

    Mr Lee and the Hong Kong officials also visited Central Street and nearby cultural and tourism facilities in Harbin to learn more about local developments in those sectors.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Intangible heritages add ethnic culture charm to holiday atmosphere

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Wan Yuan, 45, dips a knife into melted wax and makes a few strokes with it, resulting in a vivid butterfly pattern appearing on a piece of cloth.

    This Miao ethnic craftsman from Qiaohai Village, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, watched his mother make batik when he was a child. Wan practiced and gradually mastered this craft.

    Via his skilled hands, an ordinary piece of cloth is transformed into a unique blue-and-white batik work, following multiple processes including wax painting, dyeing, dewaxing, washing and drying.

    Wan used to earn a living by working on construction sites and in factories far away from home. However, thanks to his strong interest and excellent skills, he was later able to focus on the batik industry and has now been involved in this field for more than 20 years.

    In a stall measuring over 10 square meters at the intangible heritage market in the city of Kaili in Qiandongnan, his batik works are turned into products like clothes, bags and tea mats — which are welcomed by customers. In 2024, his creations generated sales worth 150,000 yuan (about 20,923 U.S. dollars).

    The market in Kaili opened to the public in September 2023, featuring hundreds of stalls run by local craftspeople. Items on sale there cover nearly 10 categories, involving more than 6,000 kinds of handicrafts such as embroidery, batik and silver ornaments.

    During the recent Spring Festival holiday, which ran from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4, many craftspeople at the market welcomed an increased number of customers. According to Meituan Travel, a major online platform focused on tourism consumption in China, the search volume of “Spring Festival travel” has since January surged by 328 percent year on year, while that of “intangible cultural heritage” has increased by 174 percent compared with the same period in 2024.

    The Spring Festival itself, a social practice of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year, was added to its intangible cultural heritage list by UNESCO in December last year.

    Pan Yuzhen, a 79-year-old embroiderer from Taijiang County, also part of Qiandongnan, opened her stall on the first day of the Chinese New Year. The highest daily sales value achieved by her stall during the holiday was 1,600 yuan.

    Pan started learning embroidery from her mother at the age of five and has since been engaged in the industry. Thanks to her exquisite skills, Pan has been invited to five countries — including France, Britain and the United States. She has on many occasions worn her own embroidery costumes for catwalk shows on international stages, while her works have graced the stages of major global fashion weeks.

    At her stall, Pan always patiently introduces the cultural implications of her chosen patterns. She hopes that what tourists take away is not only commodities, but also insights into such profound ethnic culture.

    “The recognition and love of our handicrafts by domestic and foreign tourists has brought me great confidence,” said Pan.

    For both craftspeople and tourists, this market is not merely a space for commodity trading. Instead, it serves as a stage for cultural exchanges — thereby allowing traditional crafts to be inherited and ethnic culture to shine brightly.

    A 36-year-old fashion designer from the bustling southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, surnamed Fu, learned about this market online and without any hesitation decided to visit Kaili. She ended up strolling around the market for two days before the eve of the Spring Festival.

    Fu shuttled among the stalls and bought handicrafts such as skirts and trousers featuring batik. “Here I can relax myself and learn traditional crafts, while I have gained a lot of design inspiration. It’s really a worthwhile trip,” she said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Liupanshui City makes efforts to develop ice-and-snow economy

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Liupanshui City makes efforts to develop ice-and-snow economy

    Updated: February 8, 2025 15:09 Xinhua
    Visitors experience skiing at a ski resort in Liupanshui City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Feb. 7, 2025. Liupanshui City has made efforts to unleash its advantage in ice-and-snow tourism resources to ramp up the development of ice-and-snow economy. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 7, 2025 shows visitors experiencing skiing at a ski resort in Liupanshui City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor experiences skiing at a ski resort in Liupanshui City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Feb. 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors experience skiing at a ski resort in Liupanshui City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Feb. 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A visitor experiences skiing at a ski resort in Liupanshui City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Feb. 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 7, 2025 shows visitors experiencing skiing at a ski resort in Liupanshui City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign tourists venture off the beaten path to explore Spring Festival traditions

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Foreign tourists venture off the beaten path to explore Spring Festival traditions

    BEIJING, Feb. 8 — When Sabah El Badaoui from Morocco arrived in China on a business trip, she never expected to be immersed in the full spectacle of the Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year.

    What started as a brief work visit quickly turned into what she called “an unforgettable cultural journey.” Traveling from Shanghai to Suzhou and Anhui in east China, she was captivated by the diverse traditions unique to each region.

    “Even within the Yangtze River Delta, every place has its unique customs,” she said. “The smaller the town, the livelier the Chinese New Year festivities.”

    Data shows that around 51 townships and villages across China welcomed foreign visitors for the first time, following the country’s expanded visa-free policies. As a result, lesser-known destinations are gaining traction among international tourists beyond major cities and famous landmarks.

    Places like Quanzhou in east China’s Fujian Province, known for its traditional hairpin festival, Chaozhou in Guangdong with its dynamic Yingge folk dance, and Zigong in Sichuan famed for its lantern displays, are emerging as sought-after cultural hotspots.

    For many foreign travelers, smaller cities and rural areas offer a more immersive cultural experience than China’s metropolitan centers.

    In northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, foreign visitors were delighted to see the region’s unique fusion of winter sports and Chinese Lunar New Year festivities.

    A Trip.com report revealed a 58 percent increase in international visitors to Xinjiang during the Spring Festival holiday, with the regional capital Urumqi ranking among the top three destinations for ice and snow tourism nationwide.

    Foreign visitors can book scenic spot tickets with valid IDs, such as passports or foreign permanent residence cards, while improved payment options have enhanced convenience, said Ma Beitao of Altay Prefecture’s tourism bureau.

    In Chibi, a county-level city in central China’s Hubei Province, this year’s Spring Festival saw a surge of visitors eager to experience its local cuisine, rich history and vibrant folk performances.

    Most foreign visitors to Yangloudong, an ancient town in Chibi, come from Southeast Asian countries, drawn by their deep interest in the Three Kingdoms period (220-280) and the region’s rich intangible cultural heritage, said Rao Jie, who works with a local tourism investment company.

    According to Xu Ying, an associate professor at Renmin University of China, the universal themes of the Spring Festival such as family reunion, gratitude and renewal are key to its global resonance.

    “These values transcend cultural and geographic boundaries,” she said. “When foreign visitors experience them firsthand, they gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture beyond just visual symbols.”

    Amid booming inbound tourism, cities across China are rolling out services to accommodate international travelers better. From expanding digital payment solutions to providing multilingual assistance at major attractions, efforts are underway to enhance the visitor experience.

    During the Spring Festival holiday, Hubei’s top tourist sites introduced online ticketing and seamless entry for foreign permanent residents, while over 1,000 new currency exchange points and foreign card-compatible POS machines were installed to better serve international visitors.

    In Wuxi, a rising tourist destination in east China’s Jiangsu Province popular among visitors from the Republic of Korea (ROK) due to its proximity, authorities have streamlined entry procedures and enhanced mobile payment options.

    “I saw pictures of Wuxi online and had to see it for myself,” said a visitor from the ROK. “It is even more beautiful than I expected.”

    Song Rui, director of the tourism research center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that immersing in the celebrations allows foreign visitors to experience modern China and the festival’s deeper values firsthand.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Multiple sectors report robust holiday growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Customers apply for subsidies under the trade-in program for consumer goods in Hangzhou City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, Oct. 31, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s consumption market gained momentum during the Spring Festival holiday spanning from Jan 28 through Tuesday, showing robust growth across multiple sectors including retail, tourism and cultural services, according to the latest data from the State Taxation Administration.

    By analyzing sales data from value-added tax invoices, the administration found that overall sales revenue in consumer-related industries surged by 10.8 percent compared to the same period last year. This uptick was driven by strong demand in commodity consumption, up 9.9 percent year-on-year, and an even more impressive 12.3 percent increase in services consumption.

    During the holiday, China’s efforts in promoting large-scale equipment upgrades and old-for-new trade of consumer goods have acted as a rocket booster for sales, especially for household goods and appliances.

    Consumers flocked to upgrade their homes, with sales of household appliances and audio-visual equipment soaring by 166.4 percent year-on-year. Household goods like televisions saw a staggering 226.8 percent year-on-year jump during the Spring Festival holiday, STA data showed.

    The surge was further propelled by subsidies on smartphones, smartwatches and digital products, which helped consumers enjoy significant savings. The telecommunications sector also soared, with sales of devices like mobile phones and smart tech climbing by 181.9 percent year-on-year, it added.

    Liu Dian, associate researcher at Fudan University’s China Institute, said that Spring Festival is a significant traditional holiday in China and an important window to observe the trends of the Chinese consumer market.

    “With consumption upgrading, Spring Festival spending is no longer limited to traditional needs, but is increasingly moving toward more experiential, personalized and high-quality choices,” Liu said.

    During this year’s holiday, the country’s tourism services were another bright spot, with revenues from the sector growing 37.5 percent compared to last year.

    With traditional cultural activities making a comeback, and new leisure trends gaining traction, the Spring Festival holiday became a record-setting season for tourism. Sightseeing, park-related services and amusement parks saw year-on-year growth of 81.9 percent, 59.5 percent and 14.1 percent, respectively. The booming homestay industry also capitalized on the trend, with revenue from local accommodation rising by 12.6 percent year-on-year.

    With the government prioritizing domestic consumption as a key economic driver, Liu predicted that China’s consumer market is expected to continue its strong momentum through the year.

    “China has placed expanding domestic demand as a top priority, providing strong policy support for the development of the consumer market in the coming months to come,” Liu added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mainland slams Taiwan’s DPP for obstructing cross-Strait tourism

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A mainland spokesperson on Friday condemned Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for using weak excuses to obstruct cross-Strait tourism and other forms of exchange, which disregards public opinion and the interests of the island.
    Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media query concerning recent Taiwan inspection tour applications submitted by tourism operators in eastern Fujian Province and Shanghai Municipality.
    The applications were submitted to Taiwan authorities shortly after the mainland announced that Taiwan group tour services would be resumed for residents of Fujian and Shanghai in January.
    However, Taiwan authorities have recently claimed that affairs related to Taiwan-bound mainland tourism, including the inspection tours in question, should be discussed first by the Taiwan Strait Tourism Association and the mainland-based Association for Tourism Exchange Across the Taiwan Straits.
    Zhu stressed that these claims were an excuse to hinder mainland tourists from visiting the island, noting that the two aforementioned organizations will be able to discuss arrangements for cross-Strait tourism after its resumption.
    She noted that the inspection tour applications from mainland tourism operators demonstrate the mainland’s proactive efforts to restore cross-Strait tourism — a move that has been welcomed by the island’s tourism industry and the general public. However, the DPP authorities’ negative stance and attempts to obstruct the move have cooled industry expectations.
    Zhu emphasized that if the DPP authorities remain selfishly obstinate in obstructing cross-Strait exchange, they will inevitably lose more public support and reap the consequences of their actions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Blasts USAID for Obstructing Investigations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – After the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) repeatedly stonewalled her investigations, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) blasted the rogue agency’s history of obstruction and waste.
    Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Ernst detailed how USAID had misled, lied, and deceived Americans by blocking her extensive efforts to get answers into how tax dollars were spent at the agency.
    In the letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ernst outlined her experience beginning with how USAID falsely claimed aid data was classified.
    “However, after accepting the requested accommodations and waiting weeks for available SCIF space at USAID’s headquarters, my staff discovered the documents were not classified. The documents my staff reviewed, on their face, failed to comply with standard classifications protocols. Only after demanding to speak to your USAID Office of Security, my staff uncovered that this data was, in fact, unclassified. In a desperate attempt to limit congressional oversight of public information, USAID demonstrated intentional abuse of a system designed to keep our nation’s secret information secure,” wrote Ernst.
    Next, she explained how the agency attempted to mislead Congress about the true cost of aid hidden through Negotiated Indirect Cost Agreements (NICRA).
    “It was absurd that USAID failed to share NICRA rates on the grounds that the agency can refuse any congressional oversight unless they originate from a ‘committee of jurisdiction.’ Nevertheless, on April 24, 2023, former House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and I requested access to the NICRA data. After that, USAID finally allowed my staff to review,” Ernst continued.
    She concluded by illustrating USAID’s failures to use tax dollars responsibly.
    “In the wake of this series of significant misjudgments and oversight obstruction by USAID, it is of the utmost importance to conduct a full and independent analysis of the recipients of USAID assistance. Congress must pay particular attention to the activities of USAID’s implementing partners, including Chemonics, to verify whether USAID erred in selecting them to manage this funding,” Ernst concluded.
    Click here to view the letter.
    Background:
    While the full extent of waste at USAID remains shrouded in mystery, Senator Ernst exposed a series of jaw-dropping examples, including, sending Ukrainians to Paris Fashion Week, risky research in Wuhan, tourism in Lebanon, and much more.
    After being stonewalled, Ernst and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) launched an official congressional investigation to get answers in April 2023.
    In November 2023, Ernst began investigating USAID’s assistance to small businesses in Ukraine.
    In March 2024 she led a bipartisan effort to eliminate waste at the agency.
    In May 2024, USAID’s obstruction of her oversight efforts led Ernst to call for a probe of the agency’s implementing partners and recipients of aid by the Inspector General.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Continues Push to Reauthorize Program Supporting Rural Nevada Counties

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and 18 other Senate colleagues reintroduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Program (SRS) through Fiscal Year 2026. The legislation passed the Senate unanimously last Congress, but did not receive a vote in the House of Representatives.
    The SRS was originally enacted in 2000 to provide critical funding for schools, roads, and other services in rural counties across the country. For the many rural counties in Nevada that contain large amounts of federal land, these SRS payments provide critical funding for schools and infrastructure that would otherwise be paid for by property taxes. In 2023, Nevada counties received $4,975,394.51 in funding from the SRS program.
    “Nevada’s rural communities deserve funding and support, no matter what part of the state they are in,” said Cortez Masto. “Without SRS payments, Nevada’s rural schools would lack needed resources to teach future generations and pay educators, and rural roads and public safety programs could go unfunded. Congress must act quickly to reauthorize this program before our rural communities are left hanging.”
    “Reauthorizing Secure Rural Schools for three years will help counties with large tracts of federal forests meet the needs of residents and visitors,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “Without SRS, counties would face, on average, an 80 percent drop in resources for infrastructure improvement, education programs and forest health projects. Many rural counties and school districts are already making difficult decisions due to a lack of funds. Counties applaud the leadership of Senators Crapo and Wyden and look forward to prompt passage of this vital legislation.”
    The full text of the bill can be found here.
    Senator Cortez Masto is a champion for Nevada’s rural communities, working across the aisle to deliver for families. She is leading legislation to support key tourism and outdoor industries in every corner of Nevada through economic development, and she’s fighting to pass her bipartisan bill to cut red tape for small businesses—including those in rural areas. She also ensured rural Nevada communities have better access to federal funds and services through the Rural Partners Network. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, she secured funding for rural schools and over $460 million for broadband. She also made sure the law included her legislation to help rural counties with internet access at local schools and streamline federal broadband funding to improve internet access for rural areas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025 Free Fishing Days

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul announced today the six designated Free Fishing Days in New York State, encouraging New Yorkers to get offline and get outside to enjoy these affordable outdoor recreation opportunities statewide. Free Fishing Days will take place on: Feb. 15-16 (Presidents’ Day Weekend), June 28-29, Sept. 27 (National Hunting and Fishing Day), and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters.

    “Free Fishing Days in New York’s waters are a great, affordable way for residents and visitors to explore new places and provide an opportunity for anyone looking to get outside and enjoy nature,” Governor Hochul said. “Whether casting a line in freshwater lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers, New York offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation and allows for memorable fishing experiences that increase tourism and benefit the economy.”

    To help make fishing more affordable and help inspire the next generation of anglers, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has partnered with libraries across the state to provide a free fishing rod lending program. In addition to borrowing a book, library patrons can sign out a fishing rod. This program offers an opportunity for people to try fishing before purchasing their own gear. For more information and a list of participating libraries, visit the DEC’s website.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “Free Fishing Days offer a perfect opportunity to try fishing for the first time, introduce someone new to the sport, or reconnect with one of the most popular outdoor activities. The benefits associated with fishing extend beyond catching fish. Being near water has a positive impact on mental health and wellness and I encourage all New Yorkers to get outside this year and take advantage of New York’s Free Fishing Days.”

    The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to give people who might not fish a chance to try the rewarding sport of freshwater fishing at no cost, to introduce people to a new hobby, and to encourage people to support conservation by purchasing a New York State fishing license. Free fishing day participants are reminded that although the requirement for a freshwater fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect.

    The DEC offers a host of resources for those interested in getting started in fishing. The I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing provides information on everything from rigging up a fishing rod, to identifying catch, and understanding fishing regulations. There’s also a video series on the DEC’s YouTube channel that complements the Beginners’ Guide. The DEC’s Places to Fish webpages are a reliable source of information when planning your next fishing trip. The DEC’s official app, HuntFishNY, features “The Tackle Box,” which provides fishing regulations, boating access sites, and stocking information within a map-based interface, all from the convenience of a smartphone.

    Free Fishing Days offer New Yorkers a great opportunity to “Get Offline, Get Outside,” an initiative launched by Governor Hochul to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their screens, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and the outdoors, and put their mental and physical health first.

    In addition to Free Fishing Days, there are also “learn to fish” opportunities available through DEC-approved free fishing clinics at multiple locations. For a list of what’s currently scheduled visit the DEC website.

    Anglers looking to ice fish this winter are reminded to do so safely. Before leaving shore, anglers are advised to check the thickness of ice. Four inches of solid, clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. However, ice thickness can vary between waterbodies and even within the same waterbody, increasing the need to ensure thickness. Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, can be found on the DEC ice fishing webpage, and also through the Tackle Box feature in The HuntFishNY app.

    The New York State Department of Health (DOH) provides advice to anglers about what fish are safe to eat and how often. Visit DOH’s website to search by waterbody location.

    Outside of free fishing days, anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid fishing license. For more information on purchasing a license visit the DEC website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE attends welcome banquet and opening ceremony of 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and his wife, Mrs Janet Lee, began their visit to Harbin today (February 7). They attended a welcome banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan for international dignitaries attending the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025, and attended the opening ceremony of the Games at the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition and Sports Center in the evening.

         Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong, China Delegation participating in this Asian Winter Games is the largest ever, with 74 Hong Kong athletes taking part in various events, namely alpine skiing, curling, ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating and speed skating. He hoped that the Hong Kong, China Delegation can achieve brilliant results in the Games and that the athletes can perform their best on the field and enjoy every competition.

         “The Asian Winter Games is the largest comprehensive winter sports event in Asia. It is the third time that the country has hosted this major sports event, gathering elite athletes from the region to compete with one another. I wish this Asian Winter Games every success,” Mr Lee said.

         While the Chief Executive attended official activities, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, and other officers watched the curling and short track speed skating events this morning held at the Harbin Pingfang District Curling Arena and the Heilongjiang Ice Training Center respectively, showing support for the Hong Kong athletes participating in the events.

         Mr Lee and the other officials will continue their visit tomorrow (February 8). They will meet with members of the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Asian Winter Games and watch competitions at the Games. They will also visit and learn more about local cultural and tourism facilities.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Surajkund International Crafts Mela realizing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’ – Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    Source: Government of India

    Surajkund International Crafts Mela realizing the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’ – Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    India is presently hosting two major events that are drawing global attention Maha Kumbh Mela and the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which showcases India’s unity, culture and artistic heritage – Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Inaugurates the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela was inaugurated today with great grandeur in Surajkund, district Faridabad. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat graced the occasion as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the event.

     

    Haryana Chief Minister, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Shri Vipul Goel, Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes Welfare and Antyodaya (SEWA) Minister, Shri Krishan Kumar Bedi, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Shri Rajesh Nagar and Minister of State for Sports attended the opening ceremony.

     

    The Surajkund International Crafts Mela will be organized from February 7th to February 23rd showcasing extraordinary art, craftsmanship, and talent from artisans and artists across India and the world.

     

    Speaking on this occasion, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that India is presently hosting two major events that are drawing global attention that is the Maha Kumbh Mela and the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which showcases India’s unity, culture and artistic heritage. He emphasized that Surajkund Mela is not just a marketplace for crafts but a significant platform for craftsmen and artisans to showcase their ancient skills. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the vision of Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat that we envision is being realized through this fair.

    Shri Shekhawat said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has transformed in the past decade, transforming its old image of poverty and underdevelopment. With the successful implementation of various welfare schemes at the grassroot level, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has brought 25 crore people out of below poverty line. Today, India is the world’s fastest-growing economy, he added.

    He further said that the cultural and creative economy are now formally recognized worldwide as the “Orange Economy.” He believes that the Surajkund Mela will help Indian craftsmen find new opportunities in both domestic and international markets. The minister said that India’s tourism industry is reaching new heights, with a boost in both domestic and international travel.

    Immense Potential of MICE tourism in Haryana

    The Union Minister said that Haryana has advantage due to its proximity to Delhi and has its potential to become a hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. He said that the state should explore this opportunity to the fullest. He also suggested further expanding Surajkund Mela’s reach via digital marketing. Inviting YouTubers, photographers, and social media influencers to cover the Mela could significantly enhance its global appeal and provide artisans with new business opportunities.

    The minister said that India will emerge as a developed nation in the next 25 years and urged the younger generation to take pride in contributing to the country’s progress. Surajkund Mela is a reflection of India’s Cultural Identity and Global Brotherhood

    Speaking on the occasion, Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that Surajkund and the ongoing International Crafts Mela have become a unique symbol of not just Haryana but the entire nation. The mela exemplifies the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and provides a platform to showcase Indian crafts and culture to the world.

    He extended best wishes to the Haryana Tourism Department, the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministries of Textiles, Culture, and External Affairs, and the Surajkund Mela Authority for successfully organizing this grand event.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2100768) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: International Buddhist Confederation to Launch a Lord Buddha Trination Triservices Expedition

    Source: Government of India

    International Buddhist Confederation to Launch a Lord Buddha Trination Triservices Expedition

    A Unique Motorcycle Expedition from Lumbini, Nepal (The Birthplace of Lord Buddha) to Galle, Sri Lanka

    Expedition will be Flagged Off by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, The Former President of India, from Bodhgaya on 25th February 2025

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

    The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will announce the launch of the historic Lord Buddha Trination Triservices Expedition. This collaborative initiative brings together the armed forces of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, in partnership with the IBC, to launch a unique motorcycle expedition from Lumbini, Nepal (the birthplace of Lord Buddha) to Galle, Sri Lanka. The expedition, featuring defence personnel from all three nations, will travel through key Buddhist heritage sites, symbolizing the historical spread of Buddhism and reinforcing the shared cultural and spiritual connections between these countries.

    The primary objectives of the expedition include promoting peace and harmony, enhancing tourism, raising environmental awareness, and, most importantly, celebrating the deep-rooted ties between India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

    As the organizing partner for the Indian chapter of the expedition, the IBC will guide participants through significant Buddhist landmarks, such as Sarnath, Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Nagarjuna Sagar (Andhra Pradesh), and Udaygiri (Odhisa), among others. The expedition will be formally flagged off by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the former President of India, from Bodhgaya, an iconic Buddhist site on 19th February 2025.

    Upon reaching Sri Lanka, the expedition will be ceremonially flagged off by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ms. Harini Amarasuriya in Jaffna on 5th March 2025 marking the culmination of a momentous journey across three nations bound by the Buddha’s teachings.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    E-mail: – pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2100705) Visitor Counter : 51

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Funding for the water supply of the Municipality of Volos, which was affected by the natural disasters – E-000364/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000364/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Georgios Aftias (PPE)

    Thessaly – and especially Magnesia – has been hit by the recent natural disasters, resulting in a major water supply problem in the region.

    The Municipality of Volos has drawn up a specific water resources management plan with scientific precision, as emphasised by the municipal authority. That work indicates projects that need to be implemented, ensuring the sustainable and proper management of the 40-year old water supply problem. The scientific study, as described by the Municipality of Volos, processed and evaluated the area’s geological, hydrological and qualitative data, along with the water requirements for urban, touristic, irrigation and industrial uses.

    In light of the above,

    • 1.Can the Commission indicate whether the work can be financed with European funds and in what way?
    • 2.Can the Commission indicate whether the work can be included in the Thessaly Region 2025 emergency works, given that the Regions take a leading role in subsidising projects?

    Submitted: 28.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko, Maxim Reshetnikov and Valery Falkov discussed training of personnel in the tourism sector

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on the issue of training personnel in the field of tourism and hospitality

    February 7, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on the issue of training personnel in the field of tourism and hospitality

    February 7, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko visited the Russian State University of Tourism and Service (RGUTIS)

    February 7, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko visited the Russian State University of Tourism and Service (RGUTIS)

    February 7, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko visited the Russian State University of Tourism and Service (RGUTIS)

    February 7, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke with students of the Russian State University of Tourism and Service (RSUTIS)

    February 7, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on the issue of training personnel in the field of tourism and hospitality

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on the issue of training personnel in the field of tourism and hospitality and spoke with students of the Russian State University of Tourism and Service (RSUTIS).

    Acting Rector of RSUTS Ambartsum Galustov presented plans for the development of the university’s infrastructure and educational programs to the Deputy Prime Minister and ministers.

    “The formation of a system for training and developing the human resources potential of workers in the tourism and hospitality sector is one of the priority tasks of the industry, set by President Vladimir Putin. Currently, about 1 million people are employed in this sector. The need for employees is about 250 thousand, by 2030 this number will increase to 400 thousand people. New specialists are needed for the successful development of the industry as a whole, as well as for the implementation of large-scale investment projects, such as “Five Seas and Lake Baikal”. The Russian State University of Tourism and Service is intended to become a leading center for training personnel for the industry. Today, the university signed several agreements on the creation of new campuses,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The plans include the development of the scientific and educational infrastructure of RSUTS in Zavidovo, Tver Region, and in Anapa, where they will train personnel for the Five Seas and Lake Baikal project.

    In Russia, students are admitted to more than 100 universities and 1,300 colleges in the field of tourism and hospitality. Within the framework of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality”, training centers have been created in the Moscow Region on the basis of RSUTS, Tatarstan and St. Petersburg.

    At a meeting at the university, a comprehensive approach to solving the issue of personnel shortage was discussed. This is necessary to achieve the goals set by the head of state within the framework of the national project.

    “Tourism needs a model of integration with secondary vocational education. There should be interaction with strong regional universities. These should not be point solutions. And today’s agreements are an example that can be replicated throughout the country. Another important aspect is labor productivity. We have created competence centers based at Kavkaz.RF and in Krasnodar Krai. The centers have been created and have begun work. Also, together with businesses, it is worth working on the issue of including the topic of productivity in educational programs for training personnel for the tourism industry,” said Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov.

    The head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, noted that today special attention is paid to the training of personnel in the tourism sector. The new model of higher education provides for qualitative changes in the implementation of educational programs, which should be a modern response to the industry’s demand.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized that the interest of tourists in the Moscow region, where RGUTIS is located, is growing every year. “This is facilitated by the availability of high-quality infrastructure for recreation and a huge number of attractions – these are cultural heritage sites, churches and monasteries, estates, monuments of military glory, which is especially important in the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, declared by President Vladimir Putin, in the year of the 80th anniversary of our Victory,” the Deputy Prime Minister added.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko assessed the university infrastructure and talked to students. He noted the attention of the head of state and the Ministry of Economic Development to the tourism sector and supported the students in choosing this direction. The guys presented their projects, including concepts for the adaptation of foreign students, the development of design projects for the Five Seas and Lake Baikal program and the popularization of tourism among young people through student media.

    In addition, the consecration of the restored temple-chapel of the Blessed Grand Duke Alexander Nevsky took place.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko left a note in the university’s memorial book: “I am confident that the experienced teaching staff of RSUTS and the talented students who came here from different regions of the country will make a serious contribution to the development of tourism in Russia. As our President Vladimir Putin said, domestic tourism is one of the main priorities.”

    “The President called the development of domestic tourism one of the priorities of the long-term development strategy of Russia. In our Moscow Region, we see that there is a great demand for tourism, and therefore for specialists. In our Moscow Region, we have 14 colleges and 5 universities engaged in training personnel. Last year, one of the three federal resource centers was created here, on the basis of RSUTS, which plans to train 10 thousand specialists for the entire country this year,” said Moscow Region Governor Andrei Vorobyov.

    Following the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister gave a number of instructions, including updating educational programs, developing plans for the development of the university, and holding new competitions in the field of tourism.

    The meeting was also attended by the Governor of the Tver Region Igor Rudenya, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Russia Dmitry Platygin, Deputy Minister of Education of Russia Irina Shvartsman, Deputy Governor of the Krasnodar Region Alexander Ruppel, university rectors, representatives of companies and public organizations.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bean Shoals Access at Pilot Mountain State Park Now Open

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Bean Shoals Access at Pilot Mountain State Park Now Open

    Bean Shoals Access at Pilot Mountain State Park Now Open
    jejohnson6

    Pilot Mountain State Park’s Bean Shoals Access, located along the north side of the Yadkin River, has reopened following a construction project in 2024, the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation announced.

    The project included building three arched culverts over Horne Creek, a scenic overlook pavilion and parking area, and a stream restoration.

    “This project was crucial to address longstanding issues at Bean Shoals Access,” said State Parks Director Brian Strong. “Creating a safe access to the outdoor recreation on the river that also mitigates negative environmental impacts helps the division accomplish its mission of balancing conservation and recreation. We hope these improvements also result in a better overall visitor experience to the river section of Pilot Mountain State Park.”

    Prior to the construction project, which began in February 2024, visitors to Bean Shoals Access by vehicle needed to cross Horne Creek three times, presenting safety challenges for low-clearance vehicles. Periods of heavy rain made it dangerous for any vehicles to cross, blocking access to the north side of the river section entirely.

    In addition, decades of vehicles fording through creek waters have negatively impacted the water quality of Horne Creek and the Yadkin River. The culverts now help prevent contaminants from flowing into the creek and help reduce sediment in the streams. The construction project also included 1,500 feet of stream restoration that addressed erosion and wear and tear from vehicular crossings.

    Surry County funded the project through a $3.6 million grant from the state of North Carolina. The county worked with Resource Institute — a nonprofit organization that works to restore streams, rivers, and wetlands — on the stream restoration project. The Winston-Salem-based institute’s mission is to enhance water quality, protect habitats, and support local economies.

    “The Bean Shoals Access of Pilot Mountain State Park’s Yadkin River Section is a true gem in Surry County, and we are thankful and excited that the access has been revitalized for our residents and tourists to enjoy,” said Van Tucker, Surry County Commissioner. “The new bridges and improved overlook have dusted off and polished an important piece of our history, and we hope that new generations will frequent the access to appreciate one of the most unique and beautiful properties in Surry County and North Carolina.”

    Bean Shoals Access provides access to three hiking trails. One of the hiking trails takes visitors to the remnants of the Bean Shoals Canal project, an 1820s endeavor to build a canal around the shallow and rocky shoals on the river that was never finished.

    The Yadkin River State Trail includes this segment of the river, though paddlers must utilize the Shoals Fishing Area and Paddling Access, located on the south bank of the river, to launch their watercraft.

    About North Carolina State Parks
    North Carolina State Parks manages more than 262,000 acres of iconic landscape within North Carolina’s state parks, state recreation areas and state natural areas. It administers the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, including its local grants program, as well as a state trails program, North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers and more, all with a mission dedicated to conservation, recreation and education. The state parks system welcomes more than 19 million visitors annually.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Feb 7, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Announces Nationwide Crackdown on South American Theft Groups

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    Through the coordinated efforts of the FBI Cincinnati, Newark and New York field offices, the FBI arrested Dimitriy “Russo” Nezhinskiy, owner and manager of Big Apple General Buyers, and Juan Villar, an employee, in Manhattan’s Diamond District. They are accused in the Eastern District of New York of running the largest east coast “fence”, which is a hub to resell stolen goods. Additionally, a federal grand jury in Cincinnati indicted three defendants believed to be operating as part of the organized group and charged them with transporting stolen goods interstate and falsifying records in a federal investigation. The three men allegedly committed a burglary at the home of an NFL player last year.

    In addition to high-end residential burglaries, SATGs are known to target traveling jewelry salesmen as they transport their inventory from location to location. They usually use facilitators, known as “fences,” to liquidate stolen merchandise. A fence is an individual or business who knowingly purchases stolen property and then resells it to others. In some scenarios, they send the stolen goods to Chile or Colombia. This week, a Chilean man, believed to be part of the South American Theft Group, was also charged for his involvement in a conspiracy to break into a jewelry store in New Jersey and then cross state lines with the stolen property.

    Crimes committed by South American Theft Groups can victimize anyone, not just professional athletes. The FBI has an initiative targeting SATGs, which involves individuals from Chile and other South American countries exploiting illegal entry or tourist visas to travel in and out of the U.S. to facilitate theft and transportation of stolen goods internationally. This initiative dedicates resources through various active investigations and major theft task forces, which include our state and local partners, throughout the country and shares intelligence with law enforcement partners around the world.

    You can visit tips.fbi.gov to report suspected South American Theft Group activity to the Bureau. Tips may be submitted anonymously.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont: Connecticut Doubles Down on Its Title as Pizza Capital of the United States

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (NEW HAVEN, CT) – Ahead of National Pizza Day, which is celebrated this year on Sunday, February 9, Governor Ned Lamont, state and local officials, and dozens of small business owners from across Connecticut announced a bold set of new initiatives the state is taking to celebrate its world-famous pizza culture, including through a series of high-profile events and activations that blend food, fashion, and pop culture.

    “Connecticut pizza isn’t just food, it’s a way of life,” Governor Lamont said. “From New Haven to Hartford to Mystic, our pizza culture is unmatched, and these initiatives will make sure the whole world knows it. This isn’t just about great sauce and slices – it’s about the stories, traditions, and rivalries that have made Connecticut the beating heart of America’s pizza culture.”

    Leading the charge is the launch of The Pizza Capital Trail, a statewide collection of Connecticut’s top pizzerias as determined by public voting and a panel of food experts. Other highlights include an interactive pizza-inspired art installation, a fashion collaboration featuring custom Air Jordan 1’s, and a record-setting pizza party aiming to claim a spot in the Guinness World Records.

    “Connecticut pizza isn’t just something you eat – it’s something you argue about, obsess over, and defend like your sibling or favorite sports team,” Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer said. “We’ve always known we’re the Pizza Capital of the United States, but now we’re proving it in ways that go beyond the food – through art, fashion, and experiences that celebrate the passion baked into every slice.”

    A newly released report from the Office of Comptroller Sean Scanlon finds that there are 1,376 pizza restaurants in Connecticut, with New Haven leading the way with 63 pizza establishments. The report also notes Connecticut leads national rankings when it comes to pizzerias per capita and locally-owned establishments.

    Key initiatives unveiled

    The Pizza Capital Trail: Connecticut is preparing to launch The Pizza Capital Trail, which celebrates the state’s top pizzerias. Beginning March 14, 2025, (Pi Day!) the public and a panel of experts will able to vote on the best pizzerias in the state. Voting will be open daily and will close on May 1. The trail will be unveiled in late September, prior to National Pizza Month. Fans will soon be able to cast their votes online by visiting PizzaCapitalTrail.com.

    “The Pizza State” Art Installation: An interactive nine-foot by six-foot fine art piece designed by Michael Pollack of New Haven Pizza Club (NHVPC), made entirely from Connecticut highway signs. It will be displayed at New Haven Pizza Club inside of District (470 James Street, New Haven) for the month of February for visitors to sign and share their favorite pizza spot in Connecticut. It will then be permanently moved for display at Tweed New Haven Airport, which will be seen by more than 1.5 million travelers this year.

     

    Pizza-Themed Air Jordans: Pollack has custom-designed three pairs of Nike Air Jordan 1’s featuring Connecticut pizza-inspired elements. They will be displayed at Sneaker Junkies (976 Chapel Street, New Haven), and then later auctioned at the Strength in Numbers Fashion Show on June 7, 2025, at District (470 James Street, New Haven) with proceeds benefiting Feeding Families Foundation.

     

    Strength in Numbers Fashion Show: On June 7, 2025, at District (470 James Street, New Haven), fashion designer Justin Haynes (Jus10) and artist Michael Pollack will showcase a pizza-themed fashion collection. Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital and the State of Connecticut are title sponsors, and proceeds support Feeding Families Foundation.

    A Throne Fit for a Pizza Queen: This oversized throne was designed and custom built by Pollack as a “Thank You” to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), dubbing her the “Apizza Queen” for her work proclaiming Connecticut the “Pizza Capital of the United States” in 2024, as well as her work supporting Feeding Families Foundation. It can be viewed at New Haven Pizza Club in District (470 James Street, New Haven).

     

    Pizza Capital Bus Wrap: Transportation company DATTCO has unveiled a “Pizza Capital of the U.S.” bus wrap, taking Connecticut’s pizza legacy on the road.

     

    Guinness World Record Attempt: Taste of New Haven’s Colin Caplan is leading an effort to break the Guinness World Record for the largest pizza party at the Apizza Feast on Friday, September 12, 2025. The State of Connecticut is the title sponsor of the attempt, and a crowdfunding campaign is underway to bring Guinness World Records to Connecticut. Contributions can be made at tasteofnewhaven.com/apizza-feast.

    Tweed New Haven Airport and Avelo Airlines Join the Pizza Party: Tweed-New Haven Airport is collaborating with the Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism to enhance the airport experience with pizza-themed signage, like the 20-foot by 20-foot sign that will sit outside of arrivals, and artwork that will be on display in various locations.

     

    Additionally, New Haven’s hometown airline, Avelo Airlines, is teaming up with Taste of New Haven to offer $40 off roundtrip base fares to New Haven from 31 cities along with $40 off Taste of New Haven’s popular pizza tours. Travelers may use the CTPIZZA promo code to receive the discount on eligible flights and pizza tours.

    “A Pizza Play” at the International Festival of Arts and Ideas: A Broken Umbrella Theatre in New Haven will debut a pizza-themed theatrical production as part of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas in June, blending storytelling and Connecticut’s deep pizza legacy in a unique and engaging way.

    Leaders weigh in

    “Pizza is so rooted in Connecticut culture, and the creation of The Pizza Capital Trail is the perfect way to capture our affinity for it,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “This initiative offers a unique opportunity for our residents to actively participate in some of the most heated discussions surrounding our beloved pizza establishments. Whether it’s plain with mozzarella or a classic white clam pie, I can’t wait to explore more restaurants across the state in September.”

    “We all know Connecticut has the best pizza in the country. But what most people may not know is that pizza is actually important to our state’s economy,” Comptroller Scanlon said. “A report I’m releasing today shows that we actually have the most pizza places per capita in the entire United States. That means jobs, economic activity and, yes, even tourism. So, as we celebrate National Pizza Day, let’s also celebrate how much being the Pizza Capital of the United States really means to Connecticut, beyond just the bragging rights.”

    “Connecticut is home to countless legendary, renowned pizzerias that bring world-wide recognition to our great state,” Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “Our local pizzerias and their employees dedicate their lives every day to curating the best pizza in the world – a tradition of culinary excellence spanning generations. In Connecticut, pizza is more than just food – it’s a cornerstone of our culture, the favorite comfort food that brings us together with family and friends, and a sense of pride in our community.”

    “New Haven-style apizza is not just famous – it is legendary, a blueprint,” Congresswoman DeLauro said. “For generations, Connecticut’s family-owned pizzerias have been perfecting their craft, setting the bar for what great apizza should be. From the coal-fired ovens to the crisp, charred crusts – it’s about a relentless pursuit of perfection that has made our state an apizza powerhouse.”

    “New Haven is, and always will be, the epicenter of America’s pizza scene,” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said. “With initiatives like these, we’re giving the world more reasons to come to New Haven and to see, taste, and experience for themselves what we’ve known all along. New Haven ah-beetz can’t be beat.”

    “I wanted to create something that truly captures the passion Connecticut has for its pizza – not just as food, but as a cultural experience,” Michael Pollack, founder of the New Haven Pizza Club, said. “This project is for everyone – locals, visitors, and die-hard pizza fanatics alike. Because once you experience apizza, you don’t just eat it – you become part of its story.”

    “New York can have its apple pie and New Jersey its pork roll, but in Connecticut it’s all about pizza,” Colin M. Caplan of Taste of New Haven said. “Pizza, a multibillion-dollar industry, is not only a big part of our economy, but it has come to symbolize our state pride and our great taste. Here pizza is meant to be shared, and we can all share in the accolades these mom-and-pop restaurants have achieved.”

    “As a company that transports people across Connecticut every day, we’re thrilled to showcase our state’s pizza pride on the road,” Don DeVivo, president of DATTCO, said. “Our new ‘Pizza Capital of the U.S.’ bus wrap is a rolling celebration of Connecticut’s legendary pizza scene, and we can’t wait for travelers to experience it firsthand.”

    Get involved

    Public voting for the Pizza Capital Trail opens March 14, 2025, at PizzaCapitalTrail.com. Upcoming events will be posted on Connecticut’s official tourism website at CTVisit.com. Contribute to the Pizza Capital Pizza Party’s attempt to break the world record for the largest pizza party at tasteofnewhaven.com/apizza-feast.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Map wars in the Middle East: How cartographers charted and helped shape a regional conflict

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christine Leuenberger, Senior Lecturer, Cornell University

    A lot has changed since the publication of this 1750 map of Palestine. Ken Welsh/Design Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Image

    Maps are ubiquitous – on phones, in-flight and car displays, and in textbooks the world over. While some maps delineate and name territories and boundaries, others show different voting blocs in elections, and GPS devices help drivers navigate to their destination.

    But no matter the purpose, all maps have something in common: They are political. Making maps is about making decisions about what to omit and what to include. They are subject to selection, classification, abstractions and simplifications. And studying the choices that go into maps, as I do, can reveal different stories about land and the people who claim it as theirs.

    Nowhere is this more true than in the contested regions that today include modern-day Israel and the Palestinian territories. Since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, different governmental and nongovernmental organizations and political interest groups have engaged in what can best be described as “map wars.”

    Maps of the region use the naming of places, the position of borders and the inclusion or omission of certain territories to present contrasting geopolitical visions. To this day, Israel or the Palestinian territories may fall off some maps, depending on the politics of their makers.

    This is not exclusive to the Middle East – “map wars” are underway across the globe. Some of the more well-known examples include disputes between Ukraine and Russia, Taiwan and China, and India and China. All are engaged in controversies over the territorial integrity of nation-states.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu displays a map of Israel indicating the Golan Heights are inside the state’s borders.
    Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images

    A short history of maps

    Traditionally, maps have been used to represent cosmologies, cultures and belief systems. By the 17th century, maps that represented spatial relations within a given territory beaome important to the making of nation-states. Such official maps helped annex territories and determine property rights. Indeed, to map a territory meant to know and control it.

    More recently, the tools for making maps have become more broadly accessible. Anyone with a computer and internet access can now make and share “alternative maps” that present different visions of a territory and make varied geopolitical claims.

    And maps produced in a conflict region, such as Israel and the Palestinian territories, tell a rich story about the relationship between mapmaking and politics.

    Mapping the Middle East

    During the British Mandate of Palestine from 1917 to 1947, British surveyors mapped the territories to exercise their control over the land and its people. It was an attempt to supersede the more informal Ottoman land claims of the time.

    By the founding of Israel in 1948, only about 20% of the total area of what is known as historic Palestine had been mapped – a fact that has fueled land disputes to this day. The British mapping efforts and their omissions enabled the newly established state of Israel to declare most of the territories as state land, thereby delegitimizing Palestinian land claims.

    A map shows the shaded areas of the Arab state recommended by the U.N. Special Committee on Palestine in 1947. The unshaded areas are parts of the proposed Jewish state.
    Underwood Archives/Getty Images

    Maps also helped build the Israeli state. Surveyors and planners mapped the land to allocate land rights, and they helped build the state’s infrastructure, including roads and railroads.

    But maps also helped create a sense of nationhood. Maps representing a nation’s shape by delineating its national borders are known as “logo” maps. They can enhance feelings of national unity and a sense of national belonging.

    Once established, the Israeli state remade the maps of the region. An Israeli Governmental Names Commission came up with Hebrew names to replace formerly Arab and Christian names for different towns and villages on the official map of Israel. At the same time, formerly Palestinian topographies and places were omitted from the map.

    Some Palestinian mapmakers, however, continue to make maps that include Palestinian named sites and depict pre-1948 historic Palestine – an area that stretches from River Jordan in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. Such maps are used to advocate for Palestinians’ right to land and foster a sense of national belonging.

    A Palestinian woman holds up a map of the British Mandate of Palestine during a protest in Gaza City on Feb. 27, 2020.
    Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images

    At the same time, Palestinian cartographers who work with the Palestinian Authority – the government body that administers partial civil control over Palestinian enclaves in the West Bank – make official maps of the West Bank and Gaza in the hope of establishing a future state of Palestine. They align their maps with United Nations efforts to map the territories according to international law by demarking the West Bank and Gaza as separate from and as occupied by Israel.

    After the 1967 war between Israel and its Arab neighbors, Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza. As a result, map wars intensified, especially between different fractions within Israel. The left-wing “peace camp,” which was dedicated to territorial compromises with the Palestinians, was pitted against an Israeli right wing committed to reclaiming the “Promised Land” for ensuring Israeli security.

    Such incompatible geopolitical visions continue to be reflected in the maps produced. “Peace camp” maps adhere to the delineation of the territories according to international law. For example, they include the Green Line – the internationally recognized armistice line between the West Bank and Israel. Official maps produced by the Israeli government, by contrast, stopped delineating the Green Line after 1967.

    Broader and border disputes

    Not only have different interest groups and political actors used maps of the region to put forth competing geopolitical claims, but maps have also played a central role in sporadic efforts to establish peace in the region.

    The 1993 Oslo Accords, for example, relied on maps to provide the framework for Palestinian self-rule in return for security for Israel. The aim was that after a five-year interim period, a permanent peace settlement would be negotiated based on the borders laid out in these maps.

    A map of the West Bank with proposed Palestinian-controlled areas in yellow, as per the Oslo II Accords.
    Wikimedia Commons

    Consequently, Palestinian planners and surveyors mapped the territory allocated to a future state of Palestine. With the Oslo Accords promising only a future state – but with its borders and level of sovereignty still uncertain – Palestinian experts nevertheless continue to prepare for governing the territories by mapping them.

    The Oslo maps are used to this day to delineate geopolitical visions of Israel and a future state of Palestine that are based on international law. But for many Israelis, the Oslo vision of a two-state solution has died – the attack by Hamas, the Palestinian nationalist political organization that governs Gaza, on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, was its last blow.

    The subsequent war between Israel and Hamas, currently subject to a cease-fire, has from the outset involved maps.

    In December 2023, the Israeli military posted an online “evacuation map” that divided the Gaza Strip into 623 zones. Palestinians could go online – provided they have access to electricity and internet in a territory plagued by blackouts – to find out whether their neighborhood was called upon to evacuate. Israeli military commanders used this map to decide where to launch airstrikes and conduct ground maneuvers.

    But the map served a political aim, too: to convince a skeptical world that Israel was taking care to protect civilians. Regardless, its introduction caused confusion and fear among Palestinians.

    Charting a way forward

    Maps aren’t just for making sense of the past and present – they help people imagine the future, too. And different maps can reveal conflicting geopolitical visions.

    In January 2024, for example, various Israeli right-wing and settler organizations organized the Conference for the Victory of Israel. The aim was to plan for resettling Gaza and increase Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Speakers advocated for transferring Palestinians from the Strip to the Sinai through “voluntary emigration.” With Jewish settlers planning for the return to Gaza, and speakers citing both the Bible and Israeli security for justifications, an oversized map showed the location of proposed Jewish settlements.

    A man takes a photo with a map showing the Gaza Strip with Jewish settlements during a convention calling to resettle the Gaza Strip on Jan. 28, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel.
    Amir Levy/Getty Images

    Similarly, the Israeli Movement for Settlement in Southern Lebanon has published maps of planned Jewish settlements in Southern Lebanon.

    Such maps reveal the desire by some in Israel for a “Greater Israel” – an area described in 1904 by Theodor Herzl, considered the father of modern-day Zionism, as spanning from the brook of Egypt to the Euphrates.

    Unsurprisingly, Palestinians make different maps for envisioning the future. Palestine Emerging – a Palestinian and international initiative that brings together various experts, organizations, and funders – uses maps that connect Gaza to the West Bank and the wider region.

    A map shows the proposed Gaza-West Bank corridor transport link.
    Palestine Emerging

    Their aim is to transform Gaza into a commercial hub for trade, tourism and innovation and to integrate it into the global economy. Accordingly, maps of urban projects, airports and seaports overlay the cartographic contours of Gaza; and a Gaza-West Bank corridor, which would be sealed for Israeli security, could connect the two geographically separate Palestinian territories.

    Such maps reflect the efforts by Palestinian stakeholders to continue surveying the territories that, since the Oslo Accords, were to make up the future state of Palestine.

    A new era of expansionist geopolitics

    With the current U.S. administration more aligned with right-wing Israeli policies, maps of Greater Israel may guide what Hagit Ofran from Peace Now calls the beginning of a new “Greater Israel” policy period.

    In a novel twist, U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 4, 2025, floated a plan for the U.S. to “take over” Gaza, moving its current inhabitants out and turning the enclave into “”the Riviera of the Middle East.”

    Such a move would amount to another attempt to remake borders across the Middle East. It would not, however, end the “map wars” in Israel/Palestine.

    This work was supported by the National Science Foundation through the Science and Technology Studies (STS) Program, award #1152322. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or any other entity.

    – ref. Map wars in the Middle East: How cartographers charted and helped shape a regional conflict – https://theconversation.com/map-wars-in-the-middle-east-how-cartographers-charted-and-helped-shape-a-regional-conflict-231668

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –