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Economic Watch: Booming theme parks highlight China's tourism, consumption potential
Economic Watch: Booming theme parks highlight China's tourism, consumption potential

The Star

time2 days ago

  • Business
  • The Star

Economic Watch: Booming theme parks highlight China's tourism, consumption potential

SHANGHAI, July 5 (Xinhua) -- The opening of LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort in east China has added momentum to the country's thriving theme park sector, reflecting China's consumption upgrade and potential, as well as its commitment to opening up to the world. The resort in Shanghai, currently the largest LEGOLAND globally and the first in China, offers a new amusement option for Chinese citizens and foreigners visiting this metropolis. The opening of LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort on Saturday coincides with the beginning of the summer vacation, which is a tourism and consumption high season, especially for students. The cultural and tourism industries are becoming important growth drivers -- as the Chinese economy shifts to a consumption-driven pattern. Earlier this year, the Chinese government made it one of its major priorities to boost consumption and stimulate domestic demand across the board. It urged more efforts to foster new forms of cultural business and vigorously develop the tourism industry. Meanwhile, authorities also pledged better services and support for foreign investors, aimed at making China a favored destination for them. Foreign-funded theme parks have both attested to and benefited from these commitments. Notably, Shanghai Disney Resort and Universal Beijing Resort have achieved great success. More diversified demands for tourism products are driving an upgrade in terms of the offerings of this vibrant industry. For tourists who travel during summer holidays or take family trips, thematic or in-depth experience travels are becoming popular choices. This means that theme parks are expected to secure a sharp surge of visitors. Growing tourism consumption has contributed to China's resilient consumer market. In the first quarter of 2025, the number of domestic tourist trips reached over 1.79 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 26.4 percent. Total tourism expenditure hit 1.8 trillion yuan (209.7 billion U.S. dollars) in this period, up 18.6 percent year on year. Thanks to China's visa-free policies and related measures, the popularity of both travel and shopping in China among foreigners has risen, serving as a boost to the country's tourism development. Shanghai, being a prime example in this regard, received nealry 1.26 million foreign tourists in the first quarter of 2025 -- up 61.9 percent year on year. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, from July to August, local authorities will organize 4,300 activities and provide subsidies totaling 570 million yuan to boost cultural and tourism consumption. The thriving tourism industry is injecting momentum into the Chinese economy, which grew 5.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025 and aims for an expansion of about 5 percent this year.

7 brilliant summer activities (where kids go free)
7 brilliant summer activities (where kids go free)

Time Out Dubai

time4 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Time Out Dubai

7 brilliant summer activities (where kids go free)

The Dubai school holidays have arrived, which means you're naturally thinking about how to entertain the little ones. As well as the city's incredible selection of summer camps, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, and some even let kids go free. That's right — the kiddos can redeem some awesome deals this summer, from attractions to baking classes, giant slides and much more. If you like this: 6 places kids eat free in Dubai this summer If you need a little inspiration, try one of these for your next family trip out. Where kids go free in Dubai Adventure around Expo City Credit: Supplied Offering up free days out all summer long, Expo City has made a selection of its attractions free for the little ones. Step under the sea and learn about the ocean at Terra, travel through time at Alif and learn about how Dubai came to be at Vision. Free (kids aged 12 and under). Prices vary (adult). Until Tue Sep 30. Open daily 10am-6pm. Expo City, Explore Dubai Crocodile Park (Credit: Canva) Say hello to over 250 Nile crocodiles at the park, where you'll watch the huge reptiles in a selection of habitats. Wander through the underwater aquarium and learn some fun facts at the museum, where you'll see how crocs have evolved since dinosaurs were roaming around. For every one adult ticket, one child can go free. Dhs95 (adult). Open daily 10am-8pm. Mushrif, (04 266 3700). Have a free staycay at Novotel World Trade Centre (Credit: Supplied) Serving up summer room rates from Dhs149 per night, the swish hotel will even let kids under 12 stay for free and have complimentary access to the kids club. Whether you fancy some sizzling noodles in Wok & Co or a loaded plate at Entre Nous, you'll get a further 30 percent off food and beverages just for being a guest. All that plus a late check out and free shuttle buses around the city, you're in for a treat. From Dhs149. Until Sun Aug 31. Trade Centre, (04 332 0000). Try a free pastry masterclass (Credit: supplied) For a sweet morning, watch the little ones pop on their chef hat and apron before being given some lessons in all things baking at Novikov Cafe. From whipping up cupcakes to getting creative with the icing, at the end of the day they'll even get a special certificate, along with a goodie bag filled with treats to take home. Free. Jul 5 and 12, 10am-noon. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, novikov-café.com (04 320 0209) The Old Library: Take the kids for story time Every Monday morning little bookworms are invited to attend story time at The Old Library. A storyteller reads to the tots from 10am and the first time is free for non-members to take their children to. After the first complimentary session, the parent/guardian must join as a member. Free. Mon-Friday 10am-6pm, Sun noon-4pm, The Old Library, Gold & Diamond Park. Visit LEGOLAND Until Sunday August 31, kids can stay, play and eat for free at LEGOLAND, as well as joining the summer splash fest pool party. If your family stays for one night, you'll get full access to the LEGOLAND resort or water park, complete with breakfast at Bricks restaurant and fully-themed bedrooms. Prices vary. Until Sun Aug 31, Dubai Parks and Resorts, (04 820 3123). Whizz down a mall slide Whether you're a kid (or a big kid), the summer slide is back in Mercato Mall. Upgrading your shopping spree, the adrenaline-pumping shoot is open to all the family. Letting you whizz down from one floor to the other, you don't have to pay a single dirham to slide, with kids under 120cm to be accompanied by an adult. Free. Until Sun Aug 31. Open daily 10am-12.45pm, 2pm-4.45pm, 6pm-7.45pm. Mercato Mall, Jumeirah, (04 344 4161). Looking for things to do in Dubai? Kids summer camps in Dubai to book now: from nature fun to art and crafts Don't miss out on your spot 6 places kids eat free in Dubai this summer Pocket-friendly meals for all the family 52 brilliant family days out in the UAE For you and the little ones

LEGOLAND Florida Celebrates the Fourth with Red, White & BOOM!
LEGOLAND Florida Celebrates the Fourth with Red, White & BOOM!

Thrill Geek

time30-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Thrill Geek

LEGOLAND Florida Celebrates the Fourth with Red, White & BOOM!

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is kicking off Independence Day with Central Florida's most bricktastic celebration—Red, White & BOOM! On July 4 and 5, guests can expect extended park hours, live entertainment, festive treats, and a grand finale fireworks show that transforms the night sky into a LEGO® brick explosion. Fireworks and Family Fun: The highlight of the celebration is the Red, White & BOOM! Fireworks Show over Lake Eloise at 9 p.m., complete with complimentary viewing glasses that give the dazzling display a LEGO twist. For an upgraded experience, the VIP Fireworks Seating Package includes reserved seats, bottled water, a lanyard, and a commemorative Pop Badge. Limited-Time Summer Treats: Only available during the event, the Firework Freeze paleta layers blueberry yogurt, vanilla yogurt, and fresh strawberries, topped with popping candy for a fun spark. The summer food lineup also includes creative snacks like the A-maize-ing Empanada, Mangonada, Paradise Pollo Platter, and Peaches N Cream Sundae, available through August 10. More Summer Entertainment: The fun doesn't stop with fireworks. The GO Xtreme! stunt show returns with thrilling BMX, scooter, rollerblade, and pogo stick stunts judged by LEGO Minifigure Producer and friends—on select dates through July 31. Big Savings & Bonus Attractions: For a limited time, guests can score a 1-day, 2-park ticket for just $35 per park, including access to LEGOLAND Florida and either the Water Park or PEPPA PIG Theme Park. Add the brand-new SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium for just $10 more. All seasonal events, including Red, White & BOOM!, are included with admission. Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she's been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she's not at a theme park, she's probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.

LEGOLAND Water Park Launches Summer Splash Fest with Daily Family Fun in Dubai
LEGOLAND Water Park Launches Summer Splash Fest with Daily Family Fun in Dubai

Hi Dubai

time26-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Hi Dubai

LEGOLAND Water Park Launches Summer Splash Fest with Daily Family Fun in Dubai

LEGOLAND® Water Park has kicked off its second edition of Summer Splash Fest, transforming into a vibrant summer escape for families from 28 June to 24 August 2025. Running daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, the event promises non-stop water-filled entertainment, interactive games, and character appearances — all included in the regular day ticket. Part of the only LEGOLAND Resort in the Middle East, the Water Park features over 20 LEGO-themed attractions, including the popular Build-A-Raft River and LEGO Wave Pool. During the festival, guests can dive into special activities like boat-building challenges, dance shows, roaming entertainment, and meet-and-greets with Shark Suit Guy and friends. The Wave Pool becomes the hub of high-energy shows led by the Summer Splash Squad, while younger guests can hunt for hidden LEGO bricks in the Splash N Grab challenge or race their own boats in the Build-A-Boat Championship. Families can also unwind in private cabanas and take advantage of food offers, including a Kids Eat Free deal at Waves Bistro from 4 PM and AED 12 ice cream scoops at Ice Factory. LEGOLAND Hotel guests get added perks, from exclusive access to the Summer Splash Fest After Party to creative workshops and themed evening activities. The hotel's Kids Go Free offer makes it easy for families to extend the fun with a full LEGO-themed stay. Tickets start at AED 295 online, with more details available here. News Source: Empyre Communications

24 hours in pictures, 20 June 2025
24 hours in pictures, 20 June 2025

The Citizen

time20-06-2025

  • General
  • The Citizen

24 hours in pictures, 20 June 2025

24 hours in pictures, 20 June 2025 Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world. People ride a roller coaster at the new LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort, at the Jinshan district in Shanghai, on June 20, 2025. The largest LEGOLAND in the world will be officially opened in Shanghai on July 5th. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP) PETA animal rights activists stage a protest outside the venue of Ajinomoto Co. Inc.'s annual shareholder meeting in Tokyo, Japan, 20 June 2025. Animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) activists are protesting Ajinomoto's animal-testing policy and the alleged use of animals in food tests. Picture: EPA-EFE/FRANCK ROBICHON Minehle Wanyoike from Zimbabwe prays in the school chapel during morning classes as part of the Three2Six Refugee Children's Education Project at the Sacred Heart Collage in Johannesburg, South Africa, 19 June 2025. The Three2Six Project, founded in 2008, is a bridging education programme for refugee and migrant children unable to access state schooling. Three host school communities including Sacred Heart College, Observatory Girls Primary School, and Holy Family College, make their facilities available to Three2Six each afternoon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., after their regular school day ends. The children come from seven African countries, with the largest proportion from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe. Many of the learners are undocumented refugees who moved to South Africa with their parents. Picture: EPA-EFE/KIM LUDBROOK A priest baptizes a child during a mass baptism ceremony, sponsored by local officials, at the San Martin De Porres Church in Bacoor city, Cavite province, southwest of Manila, Philippines, 20 June 2025. More than 200 children were baptized in a mass baptism ceremony, a significant religious and cultural event in a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, where the baptismal certificates issued afterward often serve as a de facto birth record for newborns in communities lacking easy access to civil registration. Picture: EPA-EFE/FRANCIS R. MALASIG Students take part in a Yoga session on the eve of the International Day Of Yoga in Bhopal, India on June 20, 2025. International Day Of Yoga is celebrated every year on June 21 to promote the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga worldwide. It was first proposed by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations, which officially declared it in 2014. Picture: Matrix Images / Sanjeev Gupta Israeli Home Front Command team members walk at the site where Iranian ballistic missiles struck residential buildingsat the site where Iranian ballistic missiles struck residential buildings in Beer Sheva, southern Israel, 20 June 2025. Israel and Iran have been exchanging fire since Israel launched strikes across Iran on 13 June 2025 as part of Operation 'Rising Lion.' Picture: EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN EPA A staff member remotely controls a bionic arm using force-sensing gloves at the 2025 World Semiconductor Conference & Expo in Nanjing, in China's eastern Jiangsu province on June 20, 2025. (Photo by AFP) Local people clean debris off windows at the site of a drone strike on a residential building in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, early 20 June 2025. At least 4 people were injured, including two teenagers, following an overnight Russian attack by shock drones on Kharkiv and its suburbs, according to the State Emergency Service (SES). Picture: EPA-EFE/SERGEY KOZLOV Chinese-made cars are seen before being loaded onto a ship at the port in Lianyungang, in China's eastern Jiangsu province on June 20, 2025. (Photo by AFP) A visitor attends 'Yolngu Power: The Art of Yirrkala' winter exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, 20 June 2025. Picture: EPA-EFE/DAN HIMBRECHTS MORE: 24 hours in pictures, 19 June 2025

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