Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The Chinese New Year in Moscow festival has begun in the capital. It will last until February 9 and will unite two dozen venues, including Manezhnaya, Tverskaya and Bolotnaya squares, Kamergersky and Stoleshnikov lanes, Tverskoy Boulevard, Novy Arbat, VDNKh, Moscow Zoo and others. The festival is held as part of a cross-program dedicated to the mutual Years of Culture of Russia and China.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Director of the Department of Information and Press, official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Maria Zakharova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Russian Federation Zhang Hanhui and the Deputy Mayor of Moscow Natalia Sergunina.
“We invite everyone to celebrate the New Year in Moscow once again, this time according to the Eastern calendar. The January holidays were a great success, and the New Year’s venues welcomed millions of visitors. In the next two weeks, we will also have a rich and interesting program. More than 400 events are planned – theatrical performances, master classes, lectures, film screenings and tea ceremonies. The central streets are decorated with light installations,” noted Natalia Sergunina.
A bright discovery
The festival opened with a procession of symbols of the outgoing and incoming year – a dragon and a snake. Participants set off from the monument to Kliment Timiryazev on Tverskoy Boulevard and reached Manezhnaya Square. Here a drum show was organized for the guests.
“The festival’s events are aimed at getting Russians and Chinese to know each other’s customs and traditions better. Guests can expect a colorful program that will last 13 days. Last year, the festival was held for the first time, but already then it was visited by more than 700 thousand people. I think this year the record will be broken,” shared Maria Zakharova.
In 2024, the holiday received many positive responses from city residents and tourists. Famous Chinese bloggers attended the event and told their subscribers about it. In total, their videos collected about 45 million views. Reports from the Russian capital were shown on China’s central television channel.
“In 2024, a large-scale celebration of the Spring Festival was held for the first time in the center of the Russian capital. Russia also brightly celebrated Maslenitsa in Beijing, Xi’an and other Chinese cities, which was to the liking of the Chinese people. The holding of traditional holidays by China and Russia in each other’s countries contributes to further strengthening mutual understanding and ties between us. This year, the Chinese New Year in Moscow festival will be even larger and, I believe, will definitely attract even more Chinese tourists who will share the joy of this holiday with their Russian friends,” Zhang Hanhui emphasized.
Immersive shows and tea ceremonies
Manezhnaya Square, the festival’s central venue, will host performances featuring Chinese artists for two weeks. In festive pagoda-style chalets, visitors will be offered traditional cuisine, from Hong Kong waffles to Peking duck. Anyone can also play xiangqi, the Chinese equivalent of chess.
On Tverskaya Square, Muscovites and tourists can expect tea ceremonies, culinary competitions and oriental music in a modern arrangement.
At VDNKh, dance master classes will be held on the skating rink and themed excursions. During them, experts will talk about the similarities and differences in celebrating the New Year in Russia and China, about painting styles and the space programs of the two countries.
The Moscow Zoo invites you to watch immersive shows and documentaries about its inhabitants, including the favorite of the capital’s residents – panda Katyusha. On February 1 and 2, admission will be free for all guests named Ekaterina or in a panda costume.
More than 120 restaurants in the city will join the event’s gastronomic program. They will present special menus with authentic dishes prepared according to traditional Chinese recipes.
You can view the event schedule and learn about the conditions for visiting individual venues in the online publication “Russpass-magazine”.
Today, China is a confident leader among foreign countries in the number of travelers coming to Moscow. And their number is constantly growing. In just nine months of last year, 335 thousand people from the Celestial Empire visited the capital. For comparison: in all of 2023, 245 thousand Chinese guests came to Moscow.
Many tourists choose independent travel, their share is up to 83 percent of all guests from China. This provides an additional economic effect, since they spend on average four to six times more than participants in tourist groups.
In addition, the share of business tourism has more than doubled in five years: now every fifth tourist from China comes to the capital for business purposes.
Chinese New Year Festival will become part of large-scale project “Winter in Moscow”, which unites over 1.9 thousand sites. City residents and tourists are invited to warm up with tea and hot buns, go skating, skiing and tubing, participate in master classes, watch ice shows and theatrical performances, and show concern for those who need it.
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.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
The North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism deadline for entries is this Friday,January 31, 2025. Residents are invited to capture the beauty and excitement of our state for a chance to win cash prizes and statewide recognition.
This year’s theme highlights North Dakota’s diverse seasons, showcasing the unique appeal of our state throughout the year. Photographers can submit entries in eight categories:
Winter Scenery & Winter Activities
Fall Scenery & Fall Activities
Spring Scenery & Spring Activities
Summer Scenery & Summer Activities
The contest is open to all North Dakota residents. Photographers can submit their entries online through Instagram, the contest website, Flickr, or by mail.
Winners will be chosen in each category, with a grand prize winner receiving an additional cash prize and a free AAA membership. Winning photos will also be displayed in the North Dakota State Capitol and used in promotional materials.
Full details and contest rules can be found at https://www.ndtourism.com/governors-photo-contest-entry.
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your talent and share your love for North Dakota!
The Health Bureau said that rather than banning waterpipe tobacco, the Government has proposed to prohibit flavours in conventional smoking products, including waterpipe tobacco.
It made the clarification following a local media report today which claimed that the Government is considering a ban on waterpipe tobacco, and that the measure will dampen the desire of tourists from the Middle East to visit Hong Kong.
In addition to expressing regret over the inaccurate information which is misleading to citizens and tourists, the bureau pointed out that in June last year, it did put forward a proposal to prohibit flavours in conventional smoking products, including waterpipe tobacco, but did not propose to ban all kinds of waterpipe tobacco.
Separately, the bureau explained that the ban on adding flavours in waterpipe tobacco will have limited impact on the experience of Muslim tourists visiting Hong Kong.
A waterpipe is a smoking device originating from regions including the Middle East, and is traditionally used without added flavour, the bureau elaborated, noting that while Islam is widely followed in the Middle East and alcohol consumption or bar patronage is not prevalent, venues offering outdoor waterpipes in Hong Kong are mostly bars.
Furthermore, the Health Bureau remarked that in other regions, eg Singapore where the import and sale of all waterpipes is banned, the number of inbound tourists from the Middle East before and after the ban remained comparable.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Hainan enhances ferry services for Spring Festival travel rush
Updated: January 28, 2025 21:28Xinhua
A drone photo taken on Jan. 27, 2025 shows a ferry departing Xinhai Port, Haikou City of south China’s Hainan Province. To brace for the Spring Festival travel rush and better manage the influx of tourists and vehicles in Hainan, authorities have enhanced ferry services across the Qiongzhou Strait and upgraded piers to ensure safe ocean transport. Ferries specifically designated for transporting new energy vehicles (NEVs) have also been put into operation. At least 20 voyages of this ferries have been scheduled daily, which can guarantee 3,500 NEVs in or out of the island, during this travel rush. [Photo/Xinhua]A staff member guides a new energy vehicle to drive into a ferry at Xinhai Port, Haikou City of south China’s Hainan Province, Jan. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]A drone photo taken on Jan. 26, 2025 shows a ferry carrying new energy vehicles preparing to cross the sea at Xiuying Port, Haikou City of south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]Staff members check before the departure of a ferry carrying new energy vehicles at Xiuying Port, Haikou City of south China’s Hainan Province, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]A drone photo taken on Jan. 26, 2025 shows a ferry carrying new energy vehicles departing Xiuying Port, Haikou City of south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]New energy vehicles are seen on a ferry at Xinhai Port, Haikou City of south China’s Hainan Province, Jan. 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]New energy vehicles are driven into a ferry at Xiuying Port, Haikou City of south China’s Hainan Province, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Staff members check before the departure of a ferry carrying new energy vehicles at Xiuying Port, Haikou City of south China’s Hainan Province, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]A drone photo taken on Jan. 27, 2025 shows new energy vehicles queuing up to board a ferry at Xinhai Port, Haikou City of south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]New energy vehicles are driven into a ferry at Xiuying Port, Haikou City of south China’s Hainan Province, Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]A drone photo taken on Jan. 26, 2025 shows a ferry carrying new energy vehicles departing Xiuying Port, Haikou City of south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
After lengthy, torrid and emotional debate a critical decision for the future of Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau is being made in March. One party will celebrate; the other will slink back to the drawing board. But will it really settle the great Auckland stadium debate?
SPECIAL REPORT:By Chris Schulz
It resembles a building from Blade Runner. It looks like somewhere the Avengers might assemble. It is, believes Paul Nisbet, the future.
“It’s innovative, it’s groundbreaking, it’s something different,” says the driving force behind Te Tōangaroa, a new stadium mooted for downtown Auckland.
He has spent 13 years dreaming up this moon shot, and it shows. “We have an opportunity here to deliver something special for the country.”
Located behind Spark Arena, Te Tōangaroa — also called “Quay Park” — is Nisbet’s big gamble, the stadium he believes Tāmaki Makaurau needs to sustain the city’s live sport and entertainment demands for the next 100 years.
His is a concept as grand as it gets, a U-shaped dream with winged rooftops that will sweep around fans sitting in the stands, each getting unimpeded views out over the Waitematā Harbour and Rangitoto Island.
Located behind Spark Arena, Te Tōangaroa is also called “Quay Park”. Image: Te Tōangaroa
Nisbet calls his vision a “gateway for the world,” a structure so grand he believes it would attract the biggest sports teams, stars and sponsors to Aotearoa while offering visitors a must-see tourist destination. Nestled alongside residential areas, commercial zones and an All Blacks-themed hotel, designs show a retractable roof protecting 55,000 punters from the elements and a sky turret towering over neighbouring buildings.
He’s gone all in on this. Nisbet’s quit his job, assembled a consortium of experts — called Cenfield MXD — and attracted financial backers to turn his vision into a reality. It is, Nisbet believes, the culmination of his 30-year career working in major stadiums, including 11 years as director of Auckland Stadiums.
“I’ve had the chance to travel extensively,” he says. “I’ve been to over 50 stadiums around the world.”
Tāmaki Makaurau, he says, needs Te Tōangaroa — urgently. If approved, it will be built over an ageing commercial space and an unused railway yard sitting behind Spark Arena, what Nisbet calls “a dirty old brownfields location that’s sapping the economic viability out of the city”.
He calls it a “regeneration” project. “You couldn’t mistake you’re in Auckland, or New Zealand, when you see images of it,” he says.
The All Blacks are on board, says Nisbet, and they want Te Tōangaroa built by 2029 in time for a Lions tour. (The All Blacks didn’t respond to a request for comment, but former players John Kirwan and Sean Fitzpatrick have backed the team moving to Te Tōangaroa.)
Concert promoters are on board too, says Nisbet. He believes Te Tōangaroa would end the Taylor Swift debacle that’s seen her and many major acts skip us in favour of touring Australian stadiums.
“It will be one of those special places that international acts just have to play,” he says.
The problem? Nisbet’s made a gamble that may not pay off. In March, a decision is due to be made about the city’s stadium future. Building Te Tōangaroa, with an estimated construction time of six years and a budget of $1 billion, is just one option.
The other, Eden Park, has 125 years of history, a long-standing All Blacks record and a huge number of supporters behind it — as well as a CEO willing to do anything to win.
The stadium standing in Te Tōangaroa’s way Stand in Eden Park’s foyer for a few minutes and history will smack you in the face. It’s there in the photos framed on the wall from a 1937 All Blacks test match. It’s sitting in Anton Oliver’s rugby boots from 2001, presumably fumigated and placed inside a glass case.
More recent history is on display too, with floor-to-ceiling photographs showing off concerts headlined by by Ed Sheeran and Six60, a pivot only possible since 2021.
Soon, the man in charge of all of this arrives. “Very few people have seen this space,” says Nick Sautner, the Eden Park CEO who shakes my hand, pulls me down a hallway and invites me into a secret room in the bowels of Eden Park. With gleaming wood panels, leather couches and top-shelf liquor, Sautner’s proud of his hidden bar.
“It’s invite-only . . . a VIP experience,” says Sautner, whose Australian accent remains easily identifiable despite seven years at the helm of Eden Park.
The future of Eden Park if a refurb is granted. Image: YouTube
This bar, he says, is just one of the many innovations Eden Park has undertaken in recent years. Built in 1900, the Mt Eden stadium remains the home of the All Blacks — but Eden Park is no longer considered a specialty sports venue.
Up to 70 percent of the stadium’s revenue now comes from non-sporting activities, Sautner confirms. You can golf, abseil onto the rooftops and stay the night in dedicated glamping venues. It’s also become promoters’ choice for major concerts, with Coldplay and Luke Combs recently hosting multiple shows there. “We will consider any innovation you can imagine,” Sautner tells me. “We’re a blank canvas.”
Throughout our interview, Sautner refers to Eden Park as the “national stadium”. He’s upbeat and on form, rattling off statistics and renovations from memory. His social media feeds — especially LinkedIn — are full of posts promoting the stadium’s achievements. He’ll pick up the phone to anyone who will talk to him.
“Whatsapp is the best way of contacting me,” he says. Residents have his number and can call directly with complaints. After our interview, Sautner passes me his business card then follows it up with an email making sure I have everything I need. “My phone’s always on,” he assures me.
He may not admit it, but Sautner’s doing all of this in an attempt to get ahead of what’s shaping up as the biggest crisis of Eden Park’s 125 years. If Te Tōangaroa is chosen in March, Eden Park — as well as Albany’s North Harbour Stadium and Onehunga’s Go Media Stadium – will all take a back seat.
If Eden Park loses the All Blacks and their 31-year unbeaten record, then there’s no other word for it: the threat is existential.
Called Eden Park 2.1, Sautner is promoting a three-stage renovation plan. Image: YouTube
Ask Sautner if he’s losing sleep over his stadium’s future and he shakes his head. To him, Te Tōangaroa’s numbers don’t stack up. “If someone can make the business model work for an alternative stadium in Auckland, I’m all for activating the waterfront,” he says.
Then he poses a series of questions: “How many events a year would a downtown stadium hold? Forty-five?” he asks. “So 320 other days a year, what’s going to be in that stadium?”
He is, of course, biased. But Sautner believes upgrading Eden Park is the right move. Called Eden Park 2.1, Sautner is promoting a three-stage renovation plan that includes building a $100 million retractable rooftop. A new North Stand would lift Eden Park’s capacity to 70,000, and improved function facilities and a pedestrian bridge would turn the venue into “a fortress . . . capable of hosting every event”.
He’s veering into corporate speak, but Sautner sees the vision clearly. With his annual concert consent recently raised from six to 12 shows, he already thinks he’s got it in the bag, “Eden Park has the land, it has the consent, it has the community, it has the infrastructure,” he says. “I’m very confident Eden Park is going to be here for another 100 years.”
Instead of a drink, Sautner offers RNZ a personal stadium tour that takes us through the exact same doors that open when the All Blacks emerge onto the hallowed turf. There, blinking in the sunlight, Sautner sweeps his arms around the stadium and grins. “I get up every day and I think of my family,” he says. “Then I think, ‘How can I make Eden Park better?”
The stadium debate: ‘It began when the dinosaurs died out’ It is, says Shane Henderson, an argument for the ages. It never seems to quit. How long have Aucklanders been feuding about stadiums? “It began when the dinosaurs died out,” jokes Henderson.
For the past year, he’s been chairing a working group that will make the decision on Auckland’s stadium future. That group whittled four options down to the current two, eliminating a sunken waterfront stadium, and another based in Silo Park.
He’s doing this because Wayne Brown asked him to. “The mayor said, ‘We need to say to the public, ‘This is our preferred option for a stadium for the city.’” It’s taken over Henderson’s life. Every summer barbecue has turned into a forum for people to share their views.
“People say, “Why don’t you do this?’” he says. Henderson won’t be drawn on which way he’s leaning ahead of March’s decision, but he’s well aware of the stakes. “We’re talking about the future of our city for generations to come,” he says. “It’s natural feelings are going to run high.”
That’s true. As I researched this story, the main parties engaged in a back-and-forth discussion that became increasingly heated. Jim Doyle, from Te Tōangaroa’s Cenfield MXD team, described Eden Park’s situation as desperate.
“Eden Park can’t fund itself . . . it’s got no money, it’s costing ratepayers,” he said. Doyle alleged the stadium “wouldn’t be fit for purpose”. “You’re going to have to spend probably close to $1 billion to upgrade it.” Asked what should happen to Eden Park should the decision go Te Tōangaroa’s way, Doyle shrugged his shoulders. “Turn it into a retirement village.”
Eden Park’s Sautner immediately struck back. Yes, he admits Eden Park owes $40 million to Auckland Council, calling that debt a “legacy left over from the Rugby World Cup 2011”. But he denied most of the consortium’s claims.
“Eden Park does not receive any funding or subsidies from Auckland ratepayers,” Sautner said in a written statement. He confirmed renovations had already begun. “Over the past three years, the Trust has invested more than $30 million to enhance infrastructure and upgrade facilities . . . creating flexible spaces to meet evolving market demands.”
Sautner said Doyle’s statement was evidence of his team’s inexperience. “We are extremely disappointed that comments of this nature have been made,” he said. “They are factually incorrect and highlight Quay Park consortium’s lack of understanding of stadium economics.”
Do we even need to do this? As the stadium debate turns into a showdown, major stars continue to skip Aotearoa in favour of huge Australian shows, with Katy Perry, Kylie Minogue and Oasis all giving us a miss this year. New Zealand music fans are reluctantly spending large sums on flights and accommodation if they want to see them. Until Metallica arrives in November, there are no stadium shows booked; just three of Eden Park’s 12 allotted concert slots are taken this year.
Yet, Auckland City councillors will soon study feasibility reports being submitted by both stadium options.
On March 24, Henderson, the working group chair, says councillors will come together to “thrash it out” and vote for their preferred option. There will only be one winner, and The New Zealand Herald reports either building Te Tōangaroa or Eden Park 2.1 is likely to cost more than $1 billion. Either we’re spending that on a brand new waterfront stadium, or we’re upgrading an old one.
“Is that the best use of that money?” asks David Benge. The managing director for events company TEG Live doesn’t believe Tāmaki Makaurau needs another stadium because it’s barely using those it already has. He has questions.
“I understand the excitement around a shiny new toy, but to what end?” he asks. “Can Auckland sustain a show at Go Media Stadium, a show at Western Springs, a show at Eden Park, and a show at this new stadium on the same night — or even in the same week?”
Benge doesn’t believe Te Tōangaroa would entice more artists to play here either. “I’m yet to meet an artist who’s going to be swayed by how iconic a venue is,” he says. Bigger problems include the size of our population and the strength of our dollar.
No matter the venue, “you’re still incurring the same expenses to produce the show,” he says. Instead, he suggests Pōneke as the next city needing a new venue. “If you could wave a magic wand and invest in a 10,000-12,000-capacity indoor arena in Wellington, that would be fantastic,” he says.
Would a new stadium really lure big artists to NZ? Image: Te Tōangaroa
Live Nation, the touring juggernaut that hosts most of the country’s stadium shows, didn’t respond to a request for comment. Other promoters canvassed by RNZ offered mixed views. Some wanted a new stadium, while others wanted a refurbished one. Every single one of them said that any new stadium needed to be built with concerts — not sport — in mind.
“We’re fitting a square peg in a round hole,” one said about the production costs involved in trucking temporary stages into Eden Park or Go Media Stadium. “Turf replacement can add hundreds of thousands — if not $1 million — to your bottom line,” said another.
Some wanted something else entirely. Veteran promoter Campbell Smith pointed out Auckland Council is seeking input for a potential redevelopment of Western Springs. One mooted option is turning it into a home ground for the rapidly rising football club Auckland FC. Smith doesn’t agree with that. “I think it’s a really attractive option for music and festivals,” he says. “It’s got a large footprint, it’s easily accessible, it’s close to the city … It would be a travesty if it was developed entirely for sport.”
One thing is for certain: a decision on this lengthy, torrid and emotional topic is being made in March. One party will celebrate; the other will slink back to the drawing board. Will it finally end the great Auckland stadium debate? That’s a question that seems easier to answer than any of the others.
Chris Schulz is a freelance entertainment journalist and author of the industry newsletter, Boiler Room. This article was first published by RNZ and is republished with the author’s permission.Asia Pacific Report has a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Health Bureau responds to inaccurate media report on waterpipe tobacco Health Bureau responds to inaccurate media report on waterpipe tobacco **********************************************************************
In response to a local media report today (January 28) that the Government is considering a ban on waterpipe tobacco and that the measure will dampen the desire of tourists from the Middle East to visit Hong Kong, a spokesman for the Health Bureau (HHB) reiterated that the Government has proposed to prohibit, by legislation, flavours in conventional smoking products including waterpipe tobacco, rather than banning waterpipe tobacco itself. Tobacco control is a major public health issue. The HHB expresses regret over the inaccurate information, which is misleading to citizens and tourists, disseminated by certain media and individuals. The HHB put forward proposals for tobacco control measures in June last year, including, among others, the proposal to prohibit flavours in conventional smoking products (including waterpipe tobacco) as defined under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), and did not propose to ban all kinds of waterpipe tobacco. In response to a question raised by a Legislative Council Member at the Legislative Council meeting on July 3 last year, the HHB has once again clearly pointed out that the proposal to prohibit adding flavours (such as fruit flavours) in conventional smoking products seeks to counteract the intention of tobacco companies to use flavouring agents to disguise the hazards of tobacco products and attract people to smoke. The Government also observed that the use of flavoured waterpipe tobacco has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. In order to prevent tobacco companies to use waterpipe smoking as another means to entice members of the public, in particular women and young people, to become addicted to smoking, the Government’s proposal to ban flavours in conventional smoking products will also apply to waterpipe tobacco. Waterpipe is a smoking device originating from regions including the Middle East, and traditionally is used without added flavour. In order to entice people to smoke, tobacco companies add flavours to waterpipe tobacco and this has led to the growing popularity of waterpipes in other regions as well. In addition, Islam is widely followed in the Middle East, and alcohol consumption or bar patronage is not prevalent. As venues offering outdoor waterpipes in Hong Kong are mostly bars, the ban on adding flavours in waterpipe tobacco will have limited impact on the experience of Muslim tourists visiting Hong Kong. In fact, more progressive measures in other regions have been implemented. For example, Singapore banned the import and sale of all waterpipes in 2016, and publicly available information shows that the number of tourists from the Middle East (including Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) arriving in Singapore before and after the ban came into effect remain comparable. Under the Ordinance, conducting a smoking act in a statutory no smoking area (such as indoor areas of bars) is prohibited. Any person engaged in a smoking act in statutory no smoking areas commits an offence and is liable to a fixed penalty of $1,500. Currently, only about 10 per cent of bars in Hong Kong have outdoor areas where waterpipe tobacco may be smoked legally. The Government will consider introducing a grace period when formulating the new legislation to allow time for the public and the bar sector to make adjustments. Moreover, where smoking products (including waterpipe tobacco) are sold, in bars or other premises, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the Ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000. Venue managers of statutory no smoking areas are empowered by the Ordinance to request a smoking offender cease the smoking act; if the offender is not co-operative, the manager may contact the Police for assistance. The spokesman appeals to operators and venue mangers of bars/restaurants not to assist any person in breaching the statutory smoking prohibitions, or provide a waterpipe apparatus and tobacco to customers for use in statutory no-smoking areas. The Department of Health will continue to closely monitor and take stringent enforcement actions to tackle illegal waterpipe smoking activities.
A rejuvenation project will get underway this week to breathe new life into a much-used corner of Morecambe.
Work will begin at the Greenway near the Morecambe railway line, which serves as a junction for pedestrians and cyclists, offering access to the coast, shops and the Way of the Roses cycle route, thanks to a £15k cash injection from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Repairs will be made to the path, benches will be over-hauled, trees and bushes will be thinned and trimmed, a litter bin installed and a well-used crossing area forming part of the ‘Way of the Roses’ cycle route will be revamped with a unique, People’s Jury and artist co-designed crossing.
Residents can get involved too with a public workshop to make bird and bat boxes and join in on litter picks, as part of the project to improve the environment, enhance safety and accessibility.
The project is a collaboration between, the Lancaster District People’s Jury on Climate Change, Lancaster City Council and artists from the Good Things Collective.
The project builds on the recommendations of The People’s Jury, which was formed after the council declared a climate emergency to guide its efforts towards achieving net-zero carbon by 2030.
The Jury’s 2020 report provided key recommendations, and this project was inspired through its on-going collaboration work on the Local Climate Engagement Programme (LCEP) with which it produced additional recommendations, particularly focusing on travel and transport.
On Saturday, volunteers from The People’s Jury joined council staff to litter pick at the site ahead of work starting in the coming days.
Residents see action on the site for the next couple of weeks, with the project expected to be completed by the end of March.
Councillor Gina Dowding, Lancaster City Council cabinet member with responsibility for climate action, said: “We are thrilled to receive the UKSPF funding for this important project, which aims to enhance this well-used public space and improve safety and accessibility for all. Whether it’s local commuters connecting to the cycle track, tourists embarking on the Way of the Roses, or residents walking to nearby shops, this initiative will benefit everyone.
“This is truly a community effort, and we encourage residents to get involved – from litter picks to making bird boxes – as we work together to improve our local area and also improve sustainable travel through our cycleways.”
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the award ceremony of the Russian Government Prize in Tourism for 2024, which is being held as part of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality”. The list of winners was approved by order of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the Russian Government awards in the field of tourism for 2024
January 28, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the Russian Government awards in the field of tourism for 2024
January 28, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the Russian Government awards in the field of tourism for 2024
January 28, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the Russian Government awards in the field of tourism for 2024
January 28, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the Russian Government awards in the field of tourism for 2024
January 28, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the Russian Government awards in the field of tourism for 2024
January 28, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the Russian Government awards in the field of tourism for 2024
January 28, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the Russian Government awards in the field of tourism for 2024
January 28, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the Russian Government awards in the field of tourism for 2024
January 28, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the Russian Government awards in the field of tourism for 2024
January 28, 2025
Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the Russian Government awards in the field of tourism for 2024. Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Inna Svyatenko
January 28, 2025
Previous news Next news
Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the Russian Government awards in the field of tourism for 2024
The winners of the award were the authors of 10 successful projects that contributed to the development of the Russian hospitality industry. Among them are initiatives to create new tourist facilities, innovative digital solutions, training programs, popularization of event tourism, as well as the development of tourism products accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.
The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the laureates for their significant contribution to the tourism and hospitality industry. According to him, this award recognizes the best industry practices and a highly professional approach to work. The laureates’ projects are not only effective from a business perspective, they change people’s lives for the better.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has named the development of domestic tourism as one of his priorities. According to his instructions, the tourism industry’s share in GDP should increase to 5% by 2030, and the number of annual trips around the country should grow to 140 million.
“We see that more and more of our citizens are traveling around Russia, discovering its beauty, exploring new destinations and routes. By the end of 2024, Russians had made more than 92 million domestic trips – this is good growth. It is important that the laureates’ projects are aimed at creating hotel rooms for families with children in holiday destinations, as instructed by President Vladimir Putin, as well as a barrier-free environment for people with disabilities. We will continue to provide comfortable and accessible conditions for tourists. We will build hotels, seaside and ski resorts, amusement parks and other infrastructure. This will not only develop domestic tourism, but also increase the number of foreign guests,” Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized.
He added that by decree of the head of state, 2025 has been declared the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. It is important to build tourist routes to places of (military) glory of the Great Patriotic War in order to preserve the memory of the heroes and their exploits.
“Russian tourism is developing rapidly today. We see a growing interest in traveling around the country every year, both from Russians and our foreign guests. The hospitality industry has seen a large increase in investment in recent years, both private and public. But in addition to financial resources, tourism now needs new ideas that will allow it to create world-class tourism products and services. Therefore, the federal tourism award every year encourages authors of interesting projects that offer unconventional approaches to the development of the industry,” said Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov.
The award winners were also congratulated by Deputy Chairperson of the Federation Council Inna Svyatenko and Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Tourism and Development of Tourism Infrastructure Sangadzhi Tarbaev.
The winners receive a cash prize– 1 million rubles. In 2024, 88 projects were submitted for consideration by the award council.
2. The project “Ecopark “Yasnopole”. Living Village” is an association of several farms on a territory of 500 hectares in the Yasnogorsk district of the Tula region, which are engaged in agricultural and agrotourism activities, creating all the conditions for the development of surrounding villages and settlements. The ecopark uses energy-efficient technologies in construction and alternative energy sources, as well as advanced eco-technologies in agriculture – organic farming, a nursery of soil-forming microorganisms and others. The ecopark is visited by more than 20 thousand people per year. (Awardee – D.A. Cherepkov)
3. The Green Path of the Krasnaya Polyana Resort Project, during which 29 events were held with the participation of over 2.5 thousand people. Within the framework of the project, several popular science books were published, the accessibility of the Krasnaya Polyana resort territory for people with limited mobility was increased, and projects to support children’s adaptive sports and physical education were implemented. Seven of the nine hotels of the resort passed independent environmental certification. (Awardees – L.M. Shagarov, A.A. Molochkova)
4. TV channel “My Planet”, which has been covering the sphere of Russian tourism for 15 years. The TV channel ranks third in the rating of cited popular science TV channels. The audience of the TV channel is 55 million viewers per year. (Awardees – G.V.Kovbasyuk, N.A.Kuznetsova, A.B.Pankratov)
5. The Hospitality Classes project in Crimea is aimed at creating conditions for successful socialization and professional self-determination of teenagers. The project program consists of nine modules, each of which is dedicated to a separate area in the hospitality industry and professions in this area. (Awardees – N.A. Vistunova, D.S. Kolesnikova, A.S. Petrova, E.V. Ponomareva)
6. The project “System for the Development of Domestic and Inbound Tourism Based on the Synergy of the Tourism Business and the Government” – includes analytical and expert work on studying the preferences of Russians in recreation, assessment and analysis of the tourism potential of the regions, a set of training events for the regional tourism business. Based on this data, a tourism product is formed, a strategy for its promotion and implementation is developed. (Awardees – S.I. Gonetskaya, O.N. Ivanova, A.L. Malinina, G.Sh. Musalova, A.E. Fokeeva)
7. The project of the active recreation park “Malskaya Dolina” is a modern complex for active recreation with developed infrastructure. It is located in the village of Rogovo in the Pskov region, a historical place on the territory of the Izborsko-Malskaya Valley – a natural monument of regional significance. The territory of the park is 194 hectares. (Awardee – V.A. Seliverstov)
8. “Glamping Ecosystem “Green Trail”” is one of the first glampings in Russia, which contributed to the development of the corresponding recreation format. On its territory there are tents and guest houses, as well as a clearing for accommodating tent tourists and caravanners. Every year the hotel receives about 7 thousand people. (Awardee – I.I. Mamai)
9. The project “Inclusive tourism as a comprehensive system of habilitation and rehabilitation of children with autism spectrum disorders”, during the existence of which more than 200 children with disabilities took part in trips. (Awardee – A.V. Senik)
10. Research project “Rating of the event potential of Russian regions” is the first analytical tool for assessing the level of development of infrastructure for event and business tourism in the regions. Since 2014, the rating has annually assessed the potential of Russian regions in the sphere of organizing events on their territory that contribute to the development of business and event tourism, the growth of the investment attractiveness of the region, as well as support for the socio-economic and cultural life of the region. (Awardee – D.A. Ostrovskaya)
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.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar The programme showcases the state’s immense potential as a thriving hub for investment and business opportunities: PM
Eastern India is a growth engine in the development of the country, Odisha plays a key role in this: PM
Today, India is moving on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores of people: PM
Odisha is truly Outstanding, Odisha symbolises the Optimism and Originality of New India, Odisha is a land of Opportunities, and the people here have always shown a passion to Outperform: PM
India is focusing on green future and green tech: PM
For 21st century India, this era is all about connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity: PM
Odisha holds immense potential for tourism: PM
With a vast pool of young talent and a massive audience for concerts, India has great possibilities for a thriving concert economy: PM
Posted On: 28 JAN 2025 1:33PM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 and Make in Odisha Exhibition in Bhubaneswar, Odisha today. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said this was his second visit to Odisha in the month of January 2025, recalling his visit to inaugurate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 event. Noting that this was the biggest business Summit in Odisha till date, Shri Modi said that there were around 5-6 times more investors participating in Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. He also congratulated the people and the Government of Odisha for organising the grand event.
“Eastern India is a growth engine in the development of the country and Odisha plays a key role in this”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He added that historic data also reveals that the contributions of Eastern India were remarkable when India played a major role in global growth. Shri Modi noted that there were huge industrial hubs, ports, trade hubs in Eastern India and Odisha’s participation in this was remarkable. “Odisha used to be an important center in South Eastern Asian trade and the ports were a gateway to India”, said the Prime Minister. He added that Bali Yatra is celebrated even today in Odisha. Recalling the recent visit of the President of Indonesia to India, the Prime Minister said that the President’s words that there were probably traces of Odisha in his DNA.
The Prime Minister remarked that Odisha celebrates a legacy which connects it with South East Asia. He added that Odisha had now begun to revive the glorious heritage in the 21st century. He noted that the President of Singapore recently visited Odisha and Singapore was very enthusiastic about its relationship with Odisha. He highlighted that ASEAN countries have also shown interest in strengthening trade and traditional connections with Odisha. The Prime Minister emphasized that numerous opportunities were opening up in this region, more than ever before since independence. He called upon all the investors present, stating that now is the right time to invest in Odisha’s development journey and assured that their investment would lead to new heights of success.
“India is on a path of development driven by the aspirations of crores of people”, remarked Shri Modi and emphasized that AI stands for both Artificial Intelligence and Aspiration of India, which is the country’s strength. He said that aspirations grow when people’s needs are met, and the past decade has empowered crores of citizens, benefiting the nation. The Prime Minister highlighted that Odisha represents this aspiration. He described Odisha as outstanding, symbolizing the optimism and originality of New India. He added that Odisha had numerous opportunities, and its people have always shown a passion for outperforming. Sharing his personal experience of witnessing the skills, hard work, and honesty of people from Odisha in Gujarat, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that with new opportunities emerging in Odisha, the state will soon reach unprecedented heights of development. He praised Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi and his team for their efforts in accelerating Odisha’s development. The Prime Minister noted that Odisha is becoming one of India’s leading states in various industries, including food processing, petrochemicals, port-led development, fisheries, IT, edutech, textiles, tourism, mining, and green energy.
Underscoring that India was rapidly progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the Prime Minister said that the milestone of a five trillion-dollar economy was not far away. He added that over the past decade, India’s strength in manufacturing had also become evident. The Prime Minister highlighted that the expansion of India’s economy rests on two major pillars: the innovative service sector and quality products. He emphasized that the country’s rapid progress cannot rely solely on the export of raw materials and therefore, the entire ecosystem was being transformed with a new vision. The Prime Minister mentioned that India was changing the trend of extracting minerals and sending them abroad for product manufacturing and value addition, only to have those products return to India. Similarly, he added that the trend of exporting seafood for processing in other countries was also being changed. Shri Modi stated that the Government was working to ensure that industries related to the resources in Odisha are established within the state. He highlighted that Utkarsh Odisha Conclave 2025 was a means to realize this vision.
Remarking that the world was increasingly focusing on sustainable lifestyles and moving towards a green future, Shri Modi noted that the potential for green jobs is also growing significantly. He emphasized the need to adapt to the demands and requirements of the times. He highlighted that India was focusing on green technology and a green future, including solar, wind, hydro, and green hydrogen, which will power the energy security of a developed India. The Prime Minister mentioned that Odisha had immense potential in this regard and stated that the country had launched national-level Green Hydrogen and Solar Power Missions. Shri Modi noted that significant policy decisions were being made to promote renewable energy industries in Odisha, and several steps were being taken for hydrogen energy production.
Prime Minister remarked that alongside green energy, initiatives were being taken to expand the petro and petrochemical sector in Odisha. He highlighted that dedicated industrial parks and investment regions were being developed in Paradip and Gopalpur, indicating significant investment potential in this sector. Shri Modi congratulated the Odisha government for making swift decisions and developing a new ecosystem, considering the potential of different regions in the state.
“21st century is an era of connected infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity for India”, said Shri Modi and highlighted that the scale and speed at which specialized infrastructure was being developed in India was making the country an excellent investment destination. He noted that dedicated freight corridors were connecting the east and west coastlines, providing faster access to the sea for previously land-locked regions. He mentioned that dozens of industrial cities with plug-and-play facilities were being constructed across the country. Shri Modi emphasized that similar opportunities were being enhanced in Odisha and thousands of crores worth of projects related to railway and highway networks are underway in the state. He added that to reduce logistics costs for industries in Odisha, the Government was connecting ports with industrial clusters and mentioned that both the expansion of existing ports and the construction of new ports are taking place. He stressed that Odisha was set to become one of the top states in the country in terms of the blue economy.
Urging everyone to recognize the challenges of the global supply chain in a rapidly changing world, the Prime Minister emphasized that India cannot rely on fragmented and import-based supply chains. Instead, a robust supply and value chain must be built within India to minimize the impact of global fluctuations, he added. He highlighted that this responsibility lies with both the government and the industry. Shri Modi called on industries to support MSMEs and young startups, stressing the importance of research and innovation for growth. He added that theGovernment was creating a vibrant research ecosystem in the country, with a special fund and a package for internships and skill development. He encouraged industries to actively participate and collaborate with the Government. Emphasising that a strong research ecosystem and a skilled young workforce will directly benefit the industry, Shri Modi urged industry partners and the Odisha government to work together to build a modern ecosystem aligned with Odisha’s aspirations, providing new opportunities for the youth. This, he said, will create more job opportunities within Odisha, leading to prosperity, strength, and progress for the state.
The Prime Minister remarked that people around the world were eager to understand and learn about India. He highlighted that Odisha was an excellent destination to understand India, with its thousands of years of heritage and history. He added that the state offers a unique blend of faith, spirituality, forests, mountains, and the sea, all in one place. Shri Modi described Odisha as a model of development and heritage and mentioned that G-20 cultural events were held in Odisha, and the Konark Sun Temple’s wheel was made a part of the main event. He emphasized the need to explore Odisha’s tourism potential, with its 500-kilometer coastline, over 33% forest cover, and endless possibilities for eco-tourism and adventure tourism. Prime Minister noted that India’s focus was on “Wed in India” and “Heal in India,” and Odisha’s natural beauty and environment were very supportive of these initiatives.
Highlighting that India had significant potential for conference tourism, the Prime Minister said that venues like Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in Delhi were becoming major centers for this sector. He also mentioned the emerging sector of the concert economy. He noted that India, with its rich heritage of music, dance, and storytelling, and a large pool of young concert-goers, has immense possibilities for the concert economy. He added that over the past decade, the trend and demand for live events have increased. Pointing out the recent Coldplay concerts in Mumbai and Ahmedabad as evidence of the scope for live concerts in India, Shri Modi emphasized that major global artists were attracted to India, and the concert economy boosts tourism and creates numerous jobs. He urged states and the private sector to focus on the necessary infrastructure and skills for the concert economy. This includes event management, artist grooming, security, and other arrangements, where new opportunities are emerging.
Shri Modi remarked that next month, India will host the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the first time. He highlighted that this significant event will showcase India’s creative power to the world. He emphasized that such events generate revenue and shape perceptions, contributing to the economy’s growth. He noted that Odisha has immense potential for hosting such events.
“Odisha plays a significant role in building a developed India”, emphasized the Prime Minister. He highlighted that the people of Odisha have resolved to build a prosperous state, and the Union government was providing all possible support to achieve this goal. He expressed his affection for Odisha, noting that he had visited the state nearly 30 times as Prime Minister and has been to most of its districts. He emphasized his trust in Odisha’s potential and its people. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the investments made by all partners will elevate both their businesses and Odisha’s progress to new heights. He extended his best wishes to everyone involved.
The Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Manjhi, Union Ministers Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 is a flagship Global Investment Summit, being hosted by the Government of Odisha, which aims to position the state as the anchor of the Purvodaya vision as well as a leading investment destination and industrial hub in India.
Prime Minister also inaugurated the Make in Odisha Exhibition that highlights achievements of the state in developing a vibrant industrial ecosystem. The two day conclave will be held from 28th to 29th January. It will serve as a platform for industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to converge and discuss the opportunities Odisha offers as a preferred investment destination. The conclave will host CEOs and Leaders’ Roundtables, Sectoral Sessions, B2B meetings, and Policy Discussions, ensuring targeted engagement with investors across the globe.
Addressing the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave in Bhubaneswar. The programme showcases the state’s immense potential as a thriving hub for investment and business opportunities. https://t.co/Dli4XI90oD
With a vast pool of young talent and a massive audience for concerts, India has great possibilities for a thriving concert economy. pic.twitter.com/MsHUS8heox
WAVES is a Dynamic Platform that Aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision of Showcasing and Economically Empowering India’s Creative Talents: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Ministry of I&B Announces Top Awards for Content Creators
Tourism & Cultural Heritage Promotion Content Challenge also Announced
Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Launch WAVES Bazaar
Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 8:00PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting today marked a significant milestone in the lead-up to the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) with the launch of major initiatives at the National Media Centre, New Delhi by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Railways and Electronics & Information Technology and Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, described India as a vibrant crucible of storytellers, musicians, content creators, and religious diversity. “Our cultural heritage is not just a testament to our past but the backbone of our future on the global stage,” Shri Shekhawat stated. To leverage this rich cultural tapestry, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched WAVES, a dynamic platform that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of showcasing and economically empowering India’s creative talents.
As India progresses in various sectors—economic, social, and technological—our cultural prowess remains our greatest asset. While expressing gratitude to the Ministry of I&B, he said that through WAVES India’s cultural diversity will gain the global recognition it deserves, positioning the cultural creative economy as an integral part of the world’s formal economy. This initiative underscores the pivotal role that WAVES will play in showcasing and enhancing India’s cultural strength, providing a foundation for our creators to earn respect and recognition worldwide.
Echoing the Prime Minister’s vision, of establishing the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) as a summit of global repute, akin to the Davos Economic Forum, the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, mentioned that this effort is part of a broader strategy to highlight India’s creative economy, which is rich with tradition, storytelling, and cultural significance—elements of what is globally recognized as the ‘Orange Economy.‘
“Our rich culture, which once resonated in the halls of the Chicago World’s Fair through Swami Vivekananda, is today being carried forward by our Prime Minister on the global stage, through initiatives like yoga, culture, creativity, and Ayurveda,” stated Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw. “WAVES is an extension of this effort, aiming to make India the global capital of the creator economy.”, he added.
The Union Ministers launched WAVES Bazaar, 3 Create in India Challenges, WAVES Awards and also announced one more Challenge. The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting also announced a new challenge aimed at promoting films that explore India’s rich tourism and cultural heritage. This initiative challenges filmmakers to delve deep into the nation’s vibrant cultural tapestry, showcasing it to both national and international audiences. These challenges aim to foster creativity, innovation, and global participation. Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Indian Filmmaker Shri Shekhar Kapur and Sh. Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO Prasar Bharati were also present at the launch.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Specialists from the city services complex decorated the central streets and alleys of the capital in honor of the Chinese New Year, which will begin on January 29. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.
“On Manezhnaya and Tverskaya squares, in Kamergersky Lane, Kuznetsky Most Street and Tverskoy Boulevard, festive arches were additionally decorated with traditional red Chinese lanterns. The all-season “starry sky” in Kamergersky Lane will be painted in red shades, decorative consoles in the form of scrolls with congratulations appeared on the street lamps,” said Pyotr Biryukov.
The central entrance to the Moscow Zoo was decorated with light boxes, flags and glowing light discs. Chinese red lanterns and light panda figures were placed on the territory.
In recent years, Moscow has formed a sufficient stock of festive elements, allowing to decorate the metropolis. All light and decorative structures are multifunctional. They can be used repeatedly, changing their appearance.
Project“Winter in Moscow”— the main event of the season, which until February 28 unites various events of the capital. Citizens and tourists are invited to remember traditions and history, warm up with tea and hot buns, go skating, skiing and tubing, watch ice shows, give gifts to people who find themselves in a difficult life situation, show care for those who need it.
Muscovites and guests of the capital are offered a huge selection of events in the open air and in cultural and sports institutions. The atmosphere of winter traditions has engulfed the entire city – more than 1.9 thousand sites are open. The largest festivals of the capital are organically woven into the project: “Moscow Estates”, “Moscow Tea Party”, “City of Light”, “Snow and Ice in Moscow” and many others. All information about the project and winter season events can be foundin a special sectionmos.ru.
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.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The capital will host the Chinese New Year festival for the second time from January 28 to February 9. Residents and tourists will enjoy master classes, festive processions, drum shows, performances by artists, traditional Chinese dishes and themed souvenirs.
You can see all the festival sites in the Moscow Transport app. Thanks to this, guests will be able to easily plan a route to any of them and find out a description of each.
“For the second year in a row, we have added the Chinese New Year festival to the Moscow Transport app. We have posted a poster for each of its points and added the ability to build a route to the selected site – this will allow residents and guests of the capital to plan their time. At the request of Sergei Sobyanin, we are creating more convenient and useful functions in our mobile applications for the comfort of users,” said Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry
Finding festival sites in the app is easy. To do this, you need to move the bottom menu up, go to the “Interesting” section and click on the festival logo. After all the sites open, you should select the one you need and plot a route. You can download the app by link.
The Moscow Transport app was launched in 2017. During this time, it has been downloaded more than eight million times. It combines all city routes in one service. A single platform allows users to get the best solution based on their personal needs, budget, and preferences. The app is convenient for both drivers and passengers of public transport. It makes it easy to manage the Troika card, make biometric payments for travel, order trips, buy tickets (including for river cruises), activate charging for electric vehicles at city stations, and use many other services.
Project “Winter in Moscow”— the main event of the season, which until February 28 unites various events of the capital. Citizens and tourists are invited to remember traditions and history, warm up with tea and hot buns, go skating, skiing and tubing, watch ice shows, give gifts to people who find themselves in a difficult life situation, show care for those who need it.
Muscovites and guests of the capital are offered a huge selection of events in the open air and in cultural and sports institutions. The atmosphere of winter traditions has engulfed the entire city – more than 1.9 thousand sites are open. The largest festivals of the capital are organically woven into the project: “Moscow Estates”, “Moscow Tea Party”, “City of Light”, “Snow and Ice in Moscow” and many others. All information about the project and winter season events can be found in a special section Mos.ru.
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.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
VDNKh has become one of the venues for the Moscow Tea Party festival, which is being organized as part of the project “Winter in Moscow”Ice shows, folk festivals and traditional Russian games will take place here.
On February 1 at 11:00 and 13:00 and on February 2 at 11:00, 13:00, 17:30 and 19:30, the largest skating rink in the capital will host a performance with the participation of professional figure skaters. Spectators will enjoy a festive atmosphere, bright costumes, dancing and familiar melodies. Entrance by tickets to the skating rink.
Throughout the winter season, the skating rink hosts master classes, competitions, costume parties, themed performances, morning exercises, night skating and other events.
On weekends until February 22, from 12:00 to 15:30, open-air folk festivities are held behind pavilion No. 58 “Agriculture”. The program includes musical and theatrical performances by artists, as well as Russian traditional games. Admission is free. On January 24, the program was opened by the folklore ensemble “Slavyane” of the Moscow State Academic Theater “Russian Song” under the direction of People’s Artist of Russia Nadezhda Babkina.
This year, the VDNKh skating rink is located in its traditional location — between pavilions No. 1 “Central” and No. 58 “Agriculture”. The ice rink goes around the fountains “Friendship of Peoples” and “Stone Flower”. The area of the artificial surface is more than 20 thousand square meters. About five thousand people can be here at the same time.
Project “Winter in Moscow”— the main event of the season, which until February 28 unites various events of the capital. Citizens and tourists are invited to remember traditions and history, warm up with tea and hot buns, go skating, skiing and tubing, watch ice shows, give gifts to people who find themselves in a difficult life situation, show care for those who need it.
Muscovites and guests of the capital are offered a huge selection of events in the open air and in cultural and sports institutions. The atmosphere of winter traditions has engulfed the entire city – more than 1.9 thousand sites are open. The project organically intertwined with the largest festivals of the capital “Moscow Estates”, “Moscow Tea Party”, “City of Light”, “Snow and Ice in Moscow” and many others. All information about the project and the events of the winter season can be found in a special section of mos.ru.
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.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) is hosting a series of celebrations combining traditional and modern elements to welcome the Chinese New Year, or the Year of the Snake, which will fall on Wednesday. The New Year Market, organized by the SAR’s Municipal Affairs Bureau at Tap Seac Square, started last Wednesday and will last seven consecutive days. In addition to booths offering New Year gifts, festive flowers, and snacks, the event also featured cultural performances, a large floral exhibition, and New Year decorations. From the end of January to the end of February, in Macao’s Barra District, the “Barra Lucky Blessing Market” was to bring a selection of workshops for New Year prints from Beijing’s Prince Kung’s Palace Museum, popular music performances, and booths of trendy goods. James Wong, a market participant and a representative of small and medium-sized enterprises, told Xinhua that the market had given him a platform to meet more people and expand his business. Several cultural and artistic venues have exhibitions on display, adding to the festive vibe. For example, the Macao Museum of Art (MAM) held the “Palace of Double Brilliance: Special Exhibition from the Palace Museum,” lasting until March 2. The MAM exhibition coordinator, Zhao Kaixin, told Xinhua that the MAM has been cooperating with the Palace Museum for many years. She said she hopes this year’s exhibition will provide residents and visitors with historical treasures and articulate the beauty of the Chinese culture. According to the SAR’s tourism office, the Chinese New Year Parade will be held on Jan. 31 and Feb. 8 in the evening. The parade floats will also be displayed at the Macao Fisherman’s Wharf and Tap Seac Square. As a signature celebration of Macao during the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year fireworks displays will be performed on the Seafront of Macao Tower in three editions on Jan. 31, Feb. 4, and Feb. 12, said the tourism office. As indicated by the SAR’s Public Security Police Force, during the Chinese Spring Festival holiday, it was estimated that Macao will see between 5.04 million and 5.36 million entries and exits, with an average of 630,000 to 670,000 people daily. This represents a 3 percent or more increase compared to 2024. Ms. Shangguan, from Shanghai, traveled to Macao with her friends before the Spring Festival. She expressed that she was fortunate to participate in various New Year celebrations and had a great experience. “These past few days, I’ve felt the strong festive atmosphere,” she said.
With traditional fairs and shopping and travel booms over this year’s extended holiday, China is about to ring in the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake, the first since its inclusion into the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. For Chinese across the world, the Spring Festival is a time for family reunions, festive traditions, holiday shopping and diverse cultural and tourism activities. This year, it falls on Jan. 29 with hundreds of millions of people traveling to reunite with families in the world’s largest annual human migration. Celebrations today highlight both traditional and modern elements, from temple fairs, lantern displays, lion dances and intangible cultural heritage bazaars to village galas, light and drone shows, museum exhibitions, and travels at home and abroad. This year, festive glee and activities are further boosted by the UNESCO recognition, pro-consumption policies and the extension of the traditional seven-day holiday by an extra day.
A performance is staged at the Hetou ancient street scenic area in Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province, Jan. 26, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua) FAMILY REUNIONS AND TRADITIONAL FESTIVITIES For migrant workers like Zhang Changfu, a native of Baise in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south China, the Spring Festival offers a rare opportunity for a family reunion. “I’ve been working away from home for 20 years, but I return home every Spring Festival,” said Zhang, 41, who works as a machinist in the southwestern metropolis of Chengdu, adding that he is looking forward to taking his family to the local temple fair. The temple fair, a panoply of folk performances, local delicacies and traditional handicrafts, is a familiar sight at this time of year. While such activities contain more traditional elements in the countryside, large cities like Beijing and Shanghai have a tradition of holding large-scale fairs. For others, like Lin Jia who works in Nanjing, capital of east China’s Jiangsu Province, Spring Festival is the perfect time for a family tour. Lin’s parents and grandmother have traveled from Hunan Province to join her for the holiday. Lin plans to take them sightseeing around the city after a New Year’s Eve dinner at a hotpot restaurant. “It’s both a reunion and a mini vacation,” she said. This year, many cities are holding more traditional festive activities, motivated by the inscription of the Spring Festival on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December. The southwestern megacity of Chongqing has planned more than 100 intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, bazaars and performances during the holiday. “We hope visitors can feel the strong festive ambiance and the special charm of our cultural heritage,” said Tang Mao, the organizer of a cultural heritage bazaar in Chongqing’s bustling Jiefangbei commercial area, where over 40 artisans display traditional crafts like paper-cutting, New Year picture drawing and sugar-figure making. HOLIDAY SHOPPING For centuries, shopping has been a crucial part of Spring Festival preparations: from nice food to new clothes and carefully chosen gifts. Liu Fengmei, a woman in her 70s in Shanghai, traveled over an hour by subway to First Foodhall, a time-honored food store on the iconic Nanjing Road, to stock up on traditional holiday snacks. A long queue is seen outside the store, which, like many across the country at this time of the year, is filled with festive decorations and a dazzling array of traditional foods. Following the UNESCO recognition, Chinese consumers also appear to be particularly interested in goods with a cultural festival flair. Li Gang with the Ministry of Commerce said sales of neo-Chinese-style jewelry and goods featuring intangible cultural heritages have grown by 52.6 percent and 26.6 percent in the month-long online shopping event for the festival initiated by the ministry. In recent years, the Spring Festival shopping lists have included more imported goods, reflecting Chinese people’s rising purchasing power and growing appetite for imported quality goods. Earlier this month, a cargo ship loaded with 20,000 tonnes of Chilean cherries arrived at the Nansha Port in south China’s Guangzhou, perfectly timed to offer a festive treat for millions ahead of the Spring Festival. “Chilean cherries, Australian lobsters and Russian snow crabs … the prices of imported products are quite attractive, so I plan to prepare a New Year’s Eve dinner that blends both Chinese and foreign flavors,” said a customer surnamed Guo at a store of fresh-food chain Freshippo in Beijing. Driven by government-subsidized trade-in programs, mobile phones, wearable devices, and green and smart home appliances are also highly sought-after items ahead of the festival, according to the ministry. “Spending on New Year’s goods can offer a glimpse into the resilience and vitality of consumption throughout the year,” said Hong Tao, director of the Institute of Business Economics at Beijing Technology and Business University, who expects a new wave of holiday consumption growth. Tourists take a selfie at Jiangjunshan Ski Resort in Altay, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 21, 2025. As the Spring Festival approaches, Altay in Xinjiang has ushered in peak tourist season. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) HOLIDAY TRAVEL In addition to local festivities, many are venturing farther afield to make the most of the eight-day Spring Festival holiday. Fang Xue, a resident of Shanghai, plans to take her parents on a holiday trip to Shantou, a coastal city in Guangdong Province. “Traveling during the Spring Festival has become quite fashionable,” Fang said. “My parents in their 80s are very eager to travel.” The extended holiday has given a boost to the travel industry. While tourist cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Chengdu are attracting large numbers of holidaymakers, smaller cities are also getting more travelers who wish to savor celebrations with local flavors, according to Fliggy, a leading online travel agency. “Expectations for intangible cultural heritage activities are especially high during the first Spring Festival after the UNESCO recognition,” said Wang Liyang, operations manager at Fliggy. Thanks to China’s further easing of visa policies, many Chinese cities are also witnessing an influx of international visitors, with many eager to experience the festival traditions. “The UNESCO heritage status gives Spring Festival worldwide recognition and increases its appeal to international tourists,” said Zhou Huijie, an analyst at Trip.com research institute. Trip.com Group has estimated that inbound bookings would jump by 203 percent during the Spring Festival, with tourists from the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Australia, Thailand and Britain topping the list. Lukas Muller from Germany is traveling in northeast China’s Jilin Province for skiing and to experience the Spring Festival. “My friends and I will experience Chinese New Year up close, including eating dumplings, putting up spring couplets, setting off fireworks, and many other customs I’m not familiar with yet,” he said, also praising China’s visa-free policy that facilitated his trip. Spring Festival serves as the most direct cultural window to understand the Chinese people and it is also a traditional festival with the most Chinese cultural characteristics, said Feng Jicai, a renowned Chinese writer who has long championed intangible cultural heritage protection.
Hainan’s duty-free shops are full of snakes — but there is no cause for alarm! Shoppers are flocking to the island province drawn by Chinese new year themed products from top international brands, a major highlight of this year’s Spring Festival season.
This year will be the Year of the Snake. To attract customers during the nation’s most important holiday, which starts on Jan. 29 this year, international brands are vying to incorporate snake-themed designs and elements of Chinese culture into their products.
Limited-edition products designed specifically for the Chinese market — including clothing, jewelry and bags — are particularly popular with Chinese consumers in the duty-free shops in Haikou, capital of Hainan.
He Shuai, a university student in Hainan returning home for the Chinese New Year, was picking gifts for her family at a Swarovski store. She quickly spotted a necklace and a pair of earrings from the Year of the Snake limited edition.
“These international brands really know how to appeal to consumers. Since it’s the Year of the Snake, people are more drawn to these new designs,” she said.
According to Wang Xiaohong, a salesperson at Swarovski, the brand has launched zodiac-themed collections in previous years. This year’s snake collection is selling very well.
Some brands have even launched holiday-themed children’s clothing.
Snake-themed T-shirts, jackets and other clothing are prominently displayed at Burberry Kids’ store.
“The collection features the letter ‘B’ formed by a snake, symbolizing our brand. The red color fits well with the festive mood,” said the salesperson Li Xin, adding that some sizes have already sold out.
The Adidas store was bustling with shoppers selecting newly launched shoes and apparel.
Lu Yun, a tourist from Guangzhou, bought a pair of red shoes from the collection that featured an embroidered “fa” character, which means gaining wealth.
“It’s perfect for the festival, and I hope these shoes bring prosperity in the new year,” she said.
Lu said that she really likes the products that incorporate Chinese elements. “They combine the style of international brands with traditional Chinese culture, which makes them very fashionable.”
Nowadays, duty-free shopping has become a key sector for luxury goods consumption worldwide. As a tropical island destination, Hainan is gradually becoming an important luxury consumption center.
According to the Haikou Customs, the total amount of duty-free shopping in 2024 reached 30.94 billion yuan (about 4.32 billion U. S. dollars).
The Chinese market, one of the world’s largest consumer markets, holds immense potential. Organizations like the World Bank and IMF have recently upgraded China’s GDP growth forecasts.
According to Borge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum (WEF), China will continue to be a major engine for global economic growth.
In recent years, international brands have increasingly turned their attention to the Chinese Spring Festival market, launching limited-edition products to resonate with local consumers and enhance their presence in the Chinese market.
This strategy of the international brands underscores the importance of the Chinese market and reflects their confidence in its enormous potential.
China aims to build Hainan into a globally influential tourism and consumption destination by 2035.
The Chinese Embassy in Algeria and the Algerian Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts on Monday held a special welcome ceremony at the international airport in Algiers for Chinese tourists arriving to spend the Spring Festival in the North African nation.
During the event, local performers dressed in traditional attire greeted the tourists with singing and dancing, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional holiday in China, symbolizing renewal, family reunions, and prosperity.
Rachid Ben Nacer, secretary-general of the Algerian tourism ministry, emphasized Algeria’s commitment to fostering cultural and intellectual exchanges with China.
He expressed his honor in celebrating the Chinese New Year with the tourists and encouraged them to explore Algeria’s stunning landscapes, especially the enchanting Sahara Desert, as well as the country’s diverse customs and rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years.
Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Dong Guangli extended his holiday greetings to the tourists, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between China and Algeria. He encouraged travelers to share their experiences upon returning home, helping more Chinese people learn about Algeria and promoting the enduring story of China-Algeria friendship.
Algeria is known for its rich tourism resources, boasting seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the magnificent ancient Roman ruins and the vast, mysterious desert landscapes.
People visit an exhibition, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors, at the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi’an, capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, Sept. 8, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
The Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum, home to the renowned Terracotta Warriors located in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, will extend their opening hours and offer more tickets to accommodate the expected surge of visitors during the Spring Festival holiday.
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 3, the museum will add 90 minutes to its daily schedule, opening from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the daily ticket limit raised by 10,000 to 75,000, according to the museum.
Other museums in the provincial capital Xi’an, including Shaanxi History Museum and Xi’an Beilin Museum, have also announced extended opening hours during the holiday.
The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, is the country’s most important traditional holiday. The festival falls on Jan. 29 this year, with an eight-day public holiday from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4. During the period, tens of millions of people will travel across the country to celebrate with family and explore cultural landmarks.
Xi’an, a city with over 3,100 years of history, is one of China’s most renowned tourist destinations. As the capital of 13 ancient dynasties, it is home to iconic sites, such as the Terracotta Warriors, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Bell Tower.
By extending hours and increasing ticket availability, the museums aim to make their treasures more accessible, allowing domestic and international visitors to immerse themselves in the ancient capital’s history during this special time of the year.
People in traditional Chinese costumes pose for a group photo during Chinese New Year celebrations in Hollywood’s Ovation Mall, California, the United States, on Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Hollywood’s Ovation Mall and Dolby Theatre, normally home to the Academy Awards, for the first time ushered in the Chinese New Year with a delightful celebration that merged Eastern and Western cultural traditions.
The celebration, which was held in Los Angeles on Sunday, featured three fashion shows, dancing performances, cultural events, music and a special art gallery show on Shanghai life in the 1930s.
“Tourists come to LA from all over to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Chinatown, and now Hollywood and Ovation Mall are giving them an even more upscale and luxurious Chinese New Year destination to enjoy,” the event’s program director Evelyn Xu told Xinhua.
“It was a terrific event,” Rob Martin, a tourist, told Xinhua. “My wife and I stumbled upon it by accident and really enjoyed all the colorful and beautiful fashion shows and the cool Chinese performances.”
This high-profile event began with a stunning fashion show staged on the iconic Academy steps sweeping down from high above, where icons of cinema walk down after receiving their Academy Awards.
Twenty gorgeous models floated down the Award steps, revealing the elegant new evening wear line from celebrity fashion designer Kiki Wang.
“I consider myself an ambassador between Eastern and Western cultures,” Wang told Xinhua. “Fashion and beauty can unite our cultures — in fact, I want to unite the whole world with fashion!”
Wang’s new “East Meets West” collection was designed entirely in red, with shimmering red silks, satins, gossamer and chiffons, and decorated with exquisite embroidery and brocade in gold, greens and blues.
A second fashion show showcased the exquisite flowing robes and pastel colors of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Models perform in a fashion show during Chinese New Year celebrations in the Dolby Theatre, which is part of the Ovation Hollywood complex in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Jan. 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Also featured was the Miss LA Chinatown Qipao Fashion and Beauty Show, reminiscent of the 1930s and 1940s, when these stylish and iconic, form-fitting dresses first became popular.
To prepare for the Chinese New Year celebration, organizers also did rehearsals and selected dresses, models, dancers and songs, with many groups and community members coming together to help this cross-cultural tradition shine in this new venue.
“Everything on display today from Chinese culture is unique and beautiful and so interesting because it is very different from a traditional American New Year celebration,” Xu told Xinhua. “That’s fun for people looking for something new.”
“It’s all so elegant and gorgeous!” said actress and spectator Cici Lau, who came all the way from San Gabriel to enjoy the Chinese New Year festivities. “It’s so cultural and a wonderful delight for everyone.”
Hao Lihong, general manager of Guli farm, an agricultural supply chain cooperative in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, shows the growth of Shawo radishes in Tianjin, north China, Jan. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Song Rui)
Rows of green Shawo radishes are growing well in a technology demonstration base covering an area of around 50 mu (about 3.33 hectares) in the suburb of north China’s Tianjin Municipality.
It is currently the peak sales season for Shawo radishes, and most of the radishes in the greenhouses at the base are in cold storage, waiting to be distributed nationwide.
“Via the Internet of Things and sensors in the greenhouses, the amount of watering, the temperature, humidity and light can be managed intelligently, increasing the quality of the radishes. The process of growing the radishes including seed selection, planting and maintenance is recorded in the smart system,” said Hao Lihong, general manager of Guli farm, an agricultural supply chain cooperative in Tianjin.
Hao said that the smart planting technology would soon be introduced to more than 10 greenhouses in the area — allowing local farmers to plant in an automated way by using mobile phones.
The Shawo radish is named after its growth localities in Xiaoshawo Village and Dashawo Village in Xinkou Town, Tianjin’s Xiqing District. Local Shawo radish growing dates back more than 300 years. The soil in these areas is sandy near the surface and sticky deeper down — making radishes grown there both crisp and sweet.
In 2024, in order to promote the development of the Shawo radish industry, the district government made a plan and cooperated with towns, villages and enterprises to produce a well-known Shawo radish brand.
“In the past, the radish planting here lacked both scale and standardization. The production facilities were old, while seeds were not standard. The taste of radishes grown by different people was different, which restricted the brand-inheritance potential of the Shawo radish,” Hao said.
Notably, Guli farm and Dashawo Village have strengthened their cooperation efforts since last year. More than 300 contracted farmers have enjoyed technical training and guidance from experts with Tianjin Academy of Agriculture Sciences. They also did not need to find the sales channels by themselves, but instead sold radishes directly to Guli farm.
Thanks to this cooperation model, Sun Guoqiang, a 62-year-old living in Dashawo Village, has benefited a lot. “The peak sales season for Shawo radishes is from December to February of the following year. By the end of 2024, all 25,000 kilograms of Shawo radishes in my five greenhouses had been purchased by Guli farm, earning me roughly 100,000 yuan (about 13,638 U.S. dollars),” Sun said.
The price of the radishes has more than doubled compared with 2023, and Sun plans to expand his planting area this year to make even more money.
In recent years, marketing activities to promote the Shawo radish brand have been implemented, boosting sales. In addition, a special promotion meeting focused on the Shawo radish was held in Beijing, while many Chinese cities including Changsha, Hangzhou and Guangzhou hosted exhibitions, where visitors could get a closer look at this special radish variety. Online and offline sales channels for this brand have been expanded recently, serving as another boost for the Shawo radish industry.
“In 2024, we made a lot of efforts to expand the sales chain of Shawo radishes, and enhance their popularity and reputation through brand building and cultural tourism activities,” Hao said.
This year, the company will cooperate with enterprises in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to help farmers sell Shawo radishes to buyers in Hong Kong and Macao, Hao added.
The Shawo radish industry has had a significant impact on Xinkou Town, boosting rural revitalization there.
At present, the town has planted Shawo radishes across an area of about 7,000 mu — which is expected to yield an estimated output of around 32.5 million kilograms and an estimated sales value of 250 million yuan.
According to Zhao Jun, the town’s Party secretary, the town plans to expand the cultivation scale of Shawo radishes and strengthen the development of both deep processing of agricultural products and tourism, adding that they would also try to make the Shawo radish industry a good model of rural revitalization by continuously extending the industry chain and strengthening the Shawo radish brand.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements reminds public and visitors about local large-scale celebrations, boundary control points and traffic and public transportation arrangements during Chinese New Year Golden Week of Mainland Interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements reminds public and visitors about local large-scale celebrations, boundary control points and traffic and public transportation arrangements during Chinese New Year Golden Week of Mainland ******************************************************************************************
The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, today (January 28) reminded the public and visitors about information on arrangements for large-scale local celebrations, boundary control points (BCPs) and traffic and public transport during the Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland (January 28 to February 4): Large-scale celebrations during Chinese New Year There will be a rich array of celebratory activities across the territory during the Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland. Major events include the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade on January 29 (Lunar New Year’s Day) and the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display on January 30 (the second day of Lunar New Year). The Hong Kong Police Force will ensure sufficient police manpower to implement corresponding crowd management measures and special traffic arrangements as necessary for all celebrations to be conducted in a safe and orderly manner. District offices will also closely monitor the flow of visitors within their respective districts and notify relevant departments having regard to the actual circumstances with a view to strengthening management of the relevant spots. Co-ordinate control points, traffic and public transport facilities During this Chinese New Year holiday, the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port will maintain a 24-hour operation as usual, and other BCPs will maintain the existing operating hours. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government appeals to visitors to plan their itineraries ahead, and stay overnight after participating in various local celebratory activities for the Chinese New Year to fully enjoy the rich and diverse celebratory activities to be held across various districts in the city and experience Hong Kong’s unique city charm. Relevant departments have minimised leave for frontline officers to enable flexible deployment of manpower and operation of additional counters and channels, with a view to diverting passenger and vehicular flow. The Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre set up by the Police, the Immigration Department, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), and other relevant departments has been activated from today to February 4 to monitor the real-time situation at various control points. The Joint Command Centre will maintain close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanism, and take timely contingency actions to flexibly deploy manpower at BCPs to ensure smooth operation of the land control points. For transport arrangements, the Transport Department (TD) will enhance transportation services connecting various BCPs, including increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus), and issuing additional cross-boundary coach quotas to enhance services; as well as formulating a contingency plan by establishing a dedicated passage at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port and Shenzhen Bay Port, when necessary, to ensure the smooth operation of public transport services. Regarding local public transport services, the TD has approached various public transport operators proactively to enhance their capacity, and reserve vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of visitors. Among them, the MTR Corporation Limited has enhanced train services of various railway lines from last Friday (January 24) to February 4 (the seventh day of Lunar New Year) for the convenience of residents and visitors. Today, Lunar New Year’s Eve, all local railway lines will operate overnight (except for the East Rail Line between Sheung Shui Station and Lo Wu Station or Lok Ma Chau Station, the Airport Express and the Disneyland Resort Line). Furthermore, in the early hours tomorrow, Lunar New Year’s Day (January 29), to January 31 (the third day of Lunar New Year), after the service hours of the East Rail Line trains to Lo Wu Station, special enhanced bus service (KMB Route No. N73) will be provided at the MTR Sheung Shui Station to carry passengers to interchange to the Yellow Bus for their journey to the Mainland via the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port, which operates round-the-clock. The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate 24 hours to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services of different districts including various BCPs and major stations. The TD will adopt timely measures to cope with the service demand, and will disseminate the latest traffic information through various channels. Management of tour groups and protection of visitors The Travel Industry Authority (TIA) has reminded travel agents receiving Mainland inbound tour groups to stagger arrival times as far as possible, and will co-ordinate with relevant agencies such as tourist spots to adopt appropriate diversion measures to enable proper management of visitor flows and tour buses, with a view to offering a pleasant travel experience to visitors. The TIA will also conduct inspections in districts where relatively more registered shops for inbound tour groups are located, and offer assistance to visitors and tourist guides to protect inbound tour group visitors’ rights. Additionally, the Police will continue to step up enforcement actions against illegal acts of taxi drivers including overcharging and refusing hires. The C&ED will also step up inspection of shops serving visitors to combat unfair trade practices. Information dissemination To assist visitors in planning their itineraries, the interdepartmental working group will strengthen information dissemination including the latest inbound visitor arrivals, the situation at various BCPs, information on celebratory events, transport arrangements etc, to enable residents and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has also launched the ultimate guide to Chinese New Year in Hong Kong (www.discoverhongkong.com/hk-eng/what-s-new/events/chinese-new-year.html), a dedicated webpage on the HKTB’s website that serves as a one-stop platform for Chinese New Year celebrations. This webpage consolidates various useful information for the Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland, including the operating arrangements of major tourist attractions in Hong Kong, details of various unique celebratory events, special discount and promotional activities around the Chinese New Year Golden Week to enable residents and visitors to plan their itineraries more conveniently. The HKTB has also stepped up promotions on the Mainland to promote large-scale events with Hong Kong characteristics and explore the unique cultural and tourism experiences in Hong Kong with a view to boosting spending of more Mainland visitors in Hong Kong and enhancing visitors’ experiences.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Harbin Ice-Snow World receives more than 2 million visitors in over one month
Updated: January 28, 2025 08:23Xinhua
People visit the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 23, 2025. As of 10 p.m. Sunday, the bustling Harbin Ice-Snow World had received more than 2 million visitors since it opened on Dec. 21, 2024. As the city’s iconic landmark, the Harbin Ice-Snow World, with this year’s edition, the largest in its history, boasts 1 million square meters, up from last year’s 800,000 square meters. More than 300,000 cubic meters of ice and snow were used in its construction. [Photo/Xinhua]People experience ice slide at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 23, 2025 shows a night view of Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]A tourist poses for photos at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]Tourists take selfies at the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]People visit the Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Jan. 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 23, 2025 shows a night view of Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 26, 2025 shows a night view of Harbin Ice-Snow World in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, Jan. 24 — Chunyun, the world’s largest annual human migration, officially kicked off on Jan. 14 in China ahead of the Spring Festival. Authorities predict travel volumes will hit new highs during the 40-day travel rush.
The latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, spotlighted key trends shaping this year’s travel season, including record-breaking travel numbers, booming tourism, transformative technologies, the rise of electric vehicles and a surge in inbound travel.
TRAVEL PEAK
The annual travel frenzy is driven by the movement of people working, studying or living far from their hometowns as they head back to celebrate China’s most important festival.
It is estimated that 9 billion passenger trips will be made, with car journeys accounting for 80 percent. Railway trips are projected to surpass 510 million, while air passenger volume will likely exceed 90 million.
Faced with such a massive travel demand, transportation systems are undergoing their annual tests. “Safety remains our top priority,” Wang Xiuchun, an official of the Ministry of Transport, said on the show.
Rail and aviation authorities have deployed robust safety measures to ensure secure and efficient operations, including addressing weather-related challenges and improving risk prevention.
TOURISM TAKING OFF
While family reunions remained the primary reason for travel, tourism saw a notable surge this year.
Wang predicted a 25-percent increase in travel for leisure purposes. Popular destinations include tropical hotspots like Hainan and Yunnan, as well as winter wonderlands in Heilongjiang, Jilin and Xinjiang, said Shang Kejia, an official of the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
Local tourism authorities are seizing the opportunity to attract visitors with unique offerings. Guangzhou’s Flower City Square is holding a spectacular lantern festival, while Tianjin’s cruise market is already bustling with holiday travelers. Harbin, the host of the 9th Asian Winter Games, is blending winter sports with holiday festivities, a combination that is a real boost to the ice-and-snow economy.
“The way people celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year is becoming more diverse and enriched, reflecting changing travel habits,” said Shang.
TECHNOLOGY RESHAPING TRAVEL
Technology has also reshaped the Spring Festival migration. Online purchases now account for over 93 percent of railway ticket sales, said Zhu Wenzhong from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, 12306, the railway booking platform, had sold 235 million tickets since Dec. 31. Travelers no longer need paper tickets, as ID cards grant seamless access to trains. The app also offers a wide range of additional services like hotel bookings, car rentals and food delivery.
Beyond ticketing, innovations like smart inspection robots, drone-assisted traffic monitoring, and highway ice warning systems are also helping ensure safer and smoother journeys.
RISE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES
New energy vehicles (NEVs) are joining the chunyun in growing numbers.
NEVs accounted for 15.9 percent of road trips during the National Day holiday in October last year, and their share is expected to rise further this Spring Festival, experts said.
To meet the rising charging demand, the country has accelerated the construction of charging infrastructure. By the end of 2024, 98 percent of highway service areas had charging facilities, with 35,000 charging stations in place. “Aside from a few remote, high-altitude areas, nearly all service areas now offer charging options,” said Hua Lei, an official with the Ministry of Transport.
In 2024, China’s NEV production and sales hit record highs, exceeding 12.8 million units, which solidified the country’s position as the global NEV leader for a tenth consecutive year.
CHINA TRAVEL
Another notable highlight this year is the surge in inbound tourism. According to preliminary statistics, ticket bookings for inbound flights during the chunyun period surged 47 percent year on year, Shang said.
“China Travel” has become a trending topic, globally. In 2024, 64.88 million foreign visitors traveled to the country, an 82.9 percent increase from the previous year. In particular, visa-free entries involved 20.12 million visits, more than double that of 2023.
China’s commitment to opening-up is driving this tourism boom.
Expanded visa policies, such as mutual visa waivers with 25 countries, unilateral visa-free policies for 38 countries, and transit visa exemptions for 54 countries, are making it easier for tourists to explore China.
Additionally, improvements in payment systems, accommodations and public transport also ensure foreign visitors can fully enjoy China’s cultural and technological charms, experts said.
Responding to thePalestinian Solidarity Network’s ‘hotline’for reporting Israeli soldiers holidaying in New Zealand, ACT MP Simon Court says:
“John Minto and his followers, in their pursuit of Israeli tourists, would create a real-life version of the Hunger Games movies. Their undisguised antisemitic behaviour is not acceptable in a liberal democracy like New Zealand.
“Military service is compulsory for Israeli citizens. This means any Israeli holidaying, visiting family, or doing business in New Zealand could be targeted by John Minto’s hateful campaign.
“This is not normal political activism, it is intimidation targeted toward Jewish visitors. It mirrors the worst instincts of humanity and should be condemned by parties across Parliament.”
DENVER – Today, Colorado Governor Jared Polis and British Consul General Richard Hyde signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Colorado and the United Kingdom (U.K.) to foster cooperation on economic relations, trade, and investment. This exciting new partnership will develop and promote shared opportunities between Colorado and the U.K. in clean energy, climate smart agriculture, quantum technologies, space technology, tourism, and artificial intelligence – all important economic drivers for both economies.
“In Colorado we are focused on saving people money and increasing affordability. Solidifying and strengthening our long-standing relationship with the United Kingdom helps create more pathways for investments into Colorado businesses, expands good jobs in Colorado’s key economic sectors, and establishes a strong and lasting trade partnership with our friends in the U.K.,” said Governor Polis.
“This agreement marks a great step forward in our trade relationship with Colorado. We’re unlocking investment for businesses, creating new job opportunities and strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the U.K. and Colorado,” said Consul General Hyde.
The Governor welcomed Consul General Hyde at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver for a bilateral meeting and MoU signing ceremony. Following the signing, the State of Colorado and the U.K. will form a steering committee to oversee the implementation of the partnership, which will highlight opportunities to reduce barriers to trade and investment between the two regions and elevate new business development opportunities.
The MoU builds on a strong economic partnership between the two regions. In 2023, Colorado exported $214 million in goods to the U.K., while importing $260 million. The U.K. is also Colorado’s number one source of foreign investment. Over the last five years, British companies invested $1.5 billion in capital expenditures and provided an estimated 19,400 jobs in Colorado. Also over the last five years, Colorado companies invested an estimated $1.3 billion in capital expenditure and created an estimated 3,765 jobs in the U.K.
The state also routinely welcomes British business delegations interested in Colorado’s business ecosystem in areas such as aerospace, agriculture, quantum technology, and renewable energy. Additionally, the British Government keeps an office in Denver to facilitate trade and investment. The Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) supported the development of the MoU.
“The U.K is a top economic partner for Colorado. We are thrilled to strengthen this relationship and work together to identify new trade and investment opportunities that benefit Colorado businesses and create jobs in some of our state’s leading industries, including clean energy, quantum, space technology and tourism,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.
“Colorado and agricultural organizations in the UK have many shared goals and areas of common interest. From research opportunities to climate smart initiatives, and from helping small businesses to co-manufacturing collaboration, we look forward to continuing our close relationship that this signing has memorialized,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg.
“International partnerships such as this are essential to ensure the quick and affordable adoption of clean energy technologies to achieve global climate goals. As Colorado moves closer to achieving our own state goals of 100% clean energy by 2040 and net-zero emissions by 2050, we are pleased to collaborate with our U.K. partners to share lessons learned and help advance the market for clean energy around the world,” said CEO Executive Director Will Toor.
“This agreement underscores the critical importance of international collaboration in addressing shared challenges like climate change and advancing public health initiatives. By partnering with the U.K., Colorado is poised to leverage innovative solutions in clean energy, climate-smart agriculture, and technology to create healthier communities and a more sustainable future. We are excited to support this partnership and look forward to the opportunities it will bring for both our state and global progress,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of CDPHE:
About OEDIT’s Global Business Development Division
Global Business Development (GBD) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. GBD supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We align our portfolio of programs, services, and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state’s national and international competitiveness. GBD also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development.
About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.
This study offers a comprehensive overview of silver tourism in the EU, detailing the sector’s current state and potential growth opportunities. It establishes a conceptual framework that categorises key areas within silver tourism and examines specific challenges and opportunities within each. The study concludes with targeted recommendations to address these challenges.
Ministry of I&B announces top awards for content creators like influencers, podcasters, animation makers & game developers etc. ahead of 1st World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launch WAVES Bazaar, an eMarketplace to bring together creators & firms dealing in creative content
Classical & Semi classical Music challenge ‘Wah Ustad’ & Promotion of Khadi among three more Create in India challenges launched for WAVES; Tourism & Cultural heritage promotion content challenge also announced
WAVES to position India as a global capital of content creation; India’s Cultural Heritage being elevated to global prominence, echoing Vivekananda’s legacy: Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw
WAVES is an important platform for art lovers and will inspire Indian creators to narrate before the world our rich cultural heritage: Sh. Gajendra Shekhawat
Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 7:22PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting today marked a significant milestone in the lead-up to the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) with the launch of major initiatives at the National Media Centre, New Delhi by Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Railways and Electronics & Information Technology and Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism.
Sh. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. Indian Filmmaker Sh. Shekhar Kapur and Sh. Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO Prasar Bharati were also present at the launch.
Transforming India into a global capital of the creator economy
Echoing the Prime Minister’s vision, of establishing the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) as a summit of global repute, akin to the Davos Economic Forum, the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, mentioned that this effort is part of a broader strategy to highlight India’s creative economy, which is rich with tradition, storytelling, and cultural significance—elements of what is globally recognized as the ‘Orange Economy.‘
“Our rich culture, which once resonated in the halls of the Chicago World’s Fair through Swami Vivekananda, is today being carried forward by our Prime Minister on the global stage, through initiatives like yoga, culture, creativity, and Ayurveda,” stated Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw. “WAVES is an extension of this effort, aiming to make India the global capital of the creator economy.”, he added.
The Union Ministers launched WAVES Bazaar, 3 Create in India Challenges, WAVES Awards and also announced one more Challenge.
WAVES Bazaar: Harnessing the potential of creative economy
The event witnessed the unveiling of the WAVES Bazaar – Global e-Marketplace, a groundbreaking platform designed to connect India’s vast creative talent pool with international markets. The platform enables users to showcase their content, pitch projects, and build meaningful connections that transcend geographical boundaries. It simplifies global business interactions by offering tailored tools and resources, ensuring creators and businesses can expand their reach while discovering new opportunities for growth and success.
On this occasion, Secretary I&B mentioned that WAVES Bazaar is a transformative platform that will unite creators, buyers, and collaborators from across various entertainment sectors such as film, TV, music, esports, animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics. It will bridge geographical gaps, allowing creators to display their work and engage in meaningful B2B interactions.
WAVES Bazaar will also support brand collaborations, funding, and distribution, helping creators secure the backing they need to realise their ideas. This comprehensive e-marketplace will be an important tool to harness the potential of the budding creative economy in India. This platform will enable content creators to market their products, ideas and skills.
WAVES Awards
WAVES Awards are set to commence with nominations opening on February 15, 2025. Celebrating excellence across various creative disciplines, the WAVES Awards feature categories such as Game of the Year, Film of the Year, and Advertising Campaign of the Year. The awards also include Special Selection Awards, honouring lifetime achievements and significant impacts in fields like technology and social influence.
Three new challenges under Create in India Challenges
Another highlight was the launch of three new challenges under the Create in India Challenges, viz. “Resonate: The EDM Challenge”, “Make The World Wear Khadi” and “Wah Ustad”.
Wah Ustad
Envisioned by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, driven by the esteemed “Dilli Gharana” in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Doordarshan, “Wah Ustad” provides a platform for young, classically trained vocalists to showcase their exceptional skills. It is open to participants aged 18 years and above, including international participation. It is a two-phased competition culminating in a Grand National finale at WAVES 2025 whose registrations have been opened today on the website of Prasar Bharati (https://prasarbharati.gov.in/wah-ustad/).
‘Make The World Wear Khadi’
This challenge invites advertising professionals and freelancers to develop innovative campaigns that position Khadi as a global brand. Open for international participation, this challenge aims to promote Khadi within India and internationally. The participants have to explore innovative design concepts across various formats (e.g., digital, print, video, experiential). “Make The World Wear Khadi” encourages creative thinking and strategic approaches to elevate Khadi’s brand image and drive consumer engagement.
Resonate: The EDM Challenge: Hosted by the Indian Music Association (IMA), “Resonate” invites artists, composers, musicians, and performers from around the world to showcase their exceptional talent in Electronic Dance Music (EDM) production. This challenge is open to all nationalities.
New challenge for promoting India’s cultural heritage and tourism
The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting also announced a new challenge aimed at promoting films that explore India’s rich tourism and cultural heritage. This initiative challenges filmmakers to delve deep into the nation’s vibrant cultural tapestry, showcasing it to both national and international audiences. These challenges aim to foster creativity, innovation, and global participation.
WAVES: Showcasing India’s Cultural Prowess Globally
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, described India as a vibrant crucible of storytellers, musicians, content creators, and religious diversity. “Our cultural heritage is not just a testament to our past but the backbone of our future on the global stage,” Shri Shekhawat stated. To leverage this rich cultural tapestry, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched WAVES, a dynamic platform that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of showcasing and economically empowering India’s creative talents.
As India progresses in various sectors—economic, social, and technological—our cultural prowess remains our greatest asset. While expressing gratitude to the Ministry of I&B, he said that through WAVES India’s cultural diversity will gain the global recognition it deserves, positioning the cultural creative economy as an integral part of the world’s formal economy. This initiative underscores the pivotal role that WAVES will play in showcasing and enhancing India’s cultural strength, providing a foundation for our creators to earn respect and recognition worldwide.
Create in India Challenges
Create in India Challenges, the cornerstone of the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, has witnessed an overwhelming response from aspiring and professional creators from India and across the globe. With over 70,000 registrations and counting, the challenge has captured the imagination of individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds, fostering a holistic ecosystem for vibrant creativity and innovation. So far, 31 Create in India Challenges have been launched out of which 25 are still open for registration with 22 attracting global participation.
India: Land of storytelling
Acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur also highlighted India’s status as the largest content creation and consumption nation during his address. “India is not just a hub but a powerhouse of cultural and digital content, ranging from films to gaming. This is what we refer to as our ‘soft power’,” Kapur noted. Continuing on this theme, Sh. Kapur expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming WAVES summit, where this expansive creative energy will be showcased, underscoring the event as a critical platform for demonstrating India’s leadership in the global creative economy.
An opportunity, not to be missed
The summit is designed to be the first of its kind, converging audio, video, and entertainment into a single platform, thus providing a unique opportunity for creators from around the globe to network, collaborate, and display their creative prowess. Sh. Vaishnaw exhorted all the content creators to participate actively in WAVES, emphasizing that it is an opportunity that should not be missed.
Under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, Prayagraj Airport has transformed into a modern gateway to the city of devotion, culture and the grand Maha Kumbh Mahotsav. Major expansion efforts were undertaken to accommodate the influx of devotees from January 13 to February 26, 2025.
The efficient operations at Prayagraj Airport result from meticulous planning and coordination. On December 8, 2024, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu reviewed terminal expansion, construction progress and traveler amenities, and issuing time-bound directives. Regular inspections and review meetings with state authorities, DGCA, BCAS, and AAI ensured timely completion of projects. On January 9, 2025, Minister of State Shri Murlidhar Mohol reviewed the work progress at Prayagraj airport.
To facilitate the sacred journey, 81 additional new flights were introduced into schedule in January 2025. Currently, there are 132 flights operating with approximately 80000 monthly seats to Prayagraj from across India. Presently, Prayagraj is connected directly with 17 cities across India as against 08 cities in December 2024. With direct and connecting flights reaching to 26 cities, including Srinagar and Visakhapatnam; Prayagraj is now a well- connected hub for devotees.
As per directions of Union Minister of Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure that airfares remain in check as the festival’s peak days approach, especially during the forthcoming Shahi Sanan on January 29th, February 3rd, and other important Sanan on February 4th, February 12th, and February 26th, 2025; DGCA has advised airlines to ensure sufficient capacity to accommodate passengers. Accordingly:
1. Akasa Air will begin operating flights on January 28th and 29th, connecting Ahmedabad and in February plans to operate 09 flight from Ahmedabad and 12 flight from Bangalore to Prayagraj adding approximately 4000 seats.
2. SpiceJet is set to launch flight services between Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur and Hyderabad to Prayagraj, adding approximately 43000 seats in February 2025.
These new flights are part of the ongoing efforts to ensure regional connectivity and accommodate the influx of travelers to Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh period. The addition of these flights is expected to ease the pressure on airfares and improve overall accessibility for devotees and tourists.
During Maha Kumbh, the airport witnessed 30,172 passengers and operated 226 flights in just one week, surpassing 5,000 passengers in a single day for the first time. Night flights were also introduced, enabling 24/7 connectivity for the first time in 106 years.
The airport’s modernization included expanding the terminal area from 6,700 sq. m. to 25,500 sq. m., reconfiguring the old terminal to handle 1,080 peak-hour passengers (up from 540) and operationalizing a new terminal for 1,620 passengers. Parking capacity increased from 200 to 600 vehicles, while check-in counters rose from 8 to 42, and XBIS- HB machines increased to 10 from 4. Aircraft movement efficiency was enhanced with an additional taxi track, parking bays increased from 4 to 15, conveyor belts from 2 to 5 and airport gates from 4 to 11. Additional aerobridge and more security infrastructure, including door-framed metal detectors were added.
Passenger comfort saw notable improvements with the addition of lounges, a child care room, and boarding bridges (increased from 2 to 6). F&B counters were increased, complemented by the UDAN Yatri Cafe for affordable food. New services include meet-and-greet assistance for differently-abled individuals, prepaid taxi counters, and a city bus service in collaboration with the UP Government. Medical facilities were bolstered with ambulance deployment and air ambulance services; while arriving pilgrims receive floral welcomes for a warm start to their journey.
This transformation underscores the government’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity and unmatched travel experiences for all devotees visiting Maha Kumbh 2025.
India’s participation in International Travel Trade Exhibition at FITUR, Madrid from 22nd – 26th January 2025 India Pavilion Showcased India’s Rich Cultural and Natural Heritage
FITUR is the Global Meeting Point for Tourism Professionals and Leading Fair for Inbound and Outbound Markets in Ibero-America
Posted On: 27 JAN 2025 5:56PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, participated in one of the leading travel fairs – IFEMA being held in Madrid, Spain for positioning India as a potential leading destination in the source market of Spain and Latin America. The exhibition at FITUR, considered to be a benchmark event in the tourism sector, was held from 22nd – 26th January 2025. FITUR is the global meeting point for tourism professionals and leading fair for inbound and outbound markets in Ibero-America.
The Incredible India pavilion at FITUR was inaugurated by H.E. Shri Dinesh K. Patnaik, Ambassador of India to Spain, in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Tourism, State governments and co-exhibitors on 22nd January 2025. The Indian delegation comprised of more than 23 co-exhibitors, including the State Governments of Karnataka, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand amongst others showcased their unique tourism products and experiences under the Incredible India banner at FITUR. The international exhibition, provided a platform to the stakeholders to network and connect with potential clients and partners in the Spanish source market.
The India Pavilion showcased India’s rich cultural and natural heritage, including renowned museums, wildlife sanctuaries, spiritual destinations and dance forms, all of which together combine to make India a popular destination for travellers seeking unique and authentic experiences. The Pavilion also vividly highlighted the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh, one of the largest and most significant religious congregations in the world, while emphasizing the tourism potential of Prayagraj as a spiritual and cultural destination. Spain is also one of the 20 top tourist generating markets for inbound tourist flow to India with approximately 70,000 Spanish tourists visiting the country in 2023, almost double the numbers who had visited India in 2022. The year 2026 will be marked as the Dual Year of Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence on the occasion of 70th year of diplomatic relations between India and Spain.
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, also, in order to encourage the Indian diaspora to become Incredible India ambassadors, has launched ‘Chalo India Initiative’. The Indian diaspora members can register themselves on the Chalo India portal – www.chaloindia.gov.in to receive a unique referral code and send 5 non-Indian friends to travel to India to explore the grandeur and diverse experiences that India offers.
Record-breaking crowds at the Australian Open have served up a welcome spending boost to Melbourne’s economy with accommodation the big winner over the last fortnight.
International tourists and domestic visitors booked out hotels, motels and serviced apartments, spending more than $111 million on accommodation across Melbourne. Accommodation group Ascott Australasia highlighted a 16% jump in demand during the 2025 tournament.
Transaction data from Australia’s largest business bank, NAB, reveals a grand slam in consumer spending over the fortnight:
More than $275 million was spent at Melbourne’s pubs, bars and restaurants over the fortnight.
Melbourne’s bars experienced a 3% uplift in spending compared to the 2024 Australian Open.
Businesses immediately surrounding the Melbourne Park precinct experienced a $74 million spending injection, up 2% on last year.
Clothing and apparel spending at businesses surrounding Melbourne Park was up by 3% year on year.
NAB Business Banking Executive Julie Rynski said the Australian Open’s marquee event status drove positive economic benefits across the inner city and surrounds.
“Visitors from interstate and overseas flock to Melbourne for the tennis and take the opportunity to enjoy the best of the city’s vibrant culinary and cultural scene over the fortnight,” Ms Rynski said.
“We’re seeing crowd records broken and consumer spending growing year-on-year, cementing the event’s status as an all-important launchpad for businesses into the year ahead.
“The continued growth in spending translates to a real vibe which you can see and feel with booked out eateries and hotels, packed pubs and bars, lines for take away coffee and busier taxis and public transport.
“Major events like the Australian Open not only generate direct spending but also create a ripple effect with flow through benefits for the wider economy, retailers, transport services and tourism operators.
“This is a welcome boost to businesses given cost-of-living concerns. It’s clear people are making thoughtful spending changes through the year to save up, visit Melbourne and enjoy the city and the tennis,” Ms Rynski said.
Managing Director, Ascott Australasia and Chair of Accommodation Australia David Mansfield said the tournament was a boom for accommodation providers.
“The Australian Open has once again proven to be a transformative event for Melbourne’s hospitality and accommodation sectors, driving occupancy rates to record levels and surpassing the strong demand seen in previous years,” Mr Mansfield said.
Ascott’s Melbourne properties which include Quest Apartment Hotels, Citadines on Bourke, Oakwood Premier, and lyf Collingwood experienced a significant 16% increase in demand during this year’s tournament. Additionally, revenue per available room (RevPAR) saw a 13% increase compared to 2024, underscoring the event’s growing significance in driving revenue for the accommodation sector.
“The Australian Open doesn’t just fill hotels; it powers the entire tourism ecosystem. Every visitor who arrives in Melbourne spends on local bars, restaurants, attractions, and small businesses,” Mr Mansfield said.
“For the accommodation industry specifically, the event has highlighted the vital role our sector plays in supporting large-scale tourism and economic growth.
“As Chair of Accommodation Australia, I am thrilled to see how events like the Australian Open highlight the resilience, importance, and potential of the hospitality and tourism sectors.
“With each passing year, the Australian Open continues to grow in scale and influence. Its success reminds us of the importance of ongoing investment destination marketing, infrastructure, workforce development, and collaborative efforts between industry and government to ensure the tourism and accommodation sectors thrive well into the future,” Mr Mansfield said.
Notes to editors
* Estimates taken from spend at NAB merchant terminals surrounding Melbourne Park and across Melbourne between 12 January and 26 January 2025.
Pre-settlement data has been used to indicate trends and % movements. Final, exact figures are subject to change.