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Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board Shares Exciting Lineup of Late Summer, Fall Seasonal Events and Signature Experiences
From reimagined music festivals and culinary showcases to wellness retreats and nightlife celebrations, the region invites travelers to discover its most anticipated seasonal highlightsThe inaugural Mexican Caribbean Music Fest, held in Tulum in May, received over 20,000 attendees and hotel occupancy increased by 20 percent. QUINTANA ROO, Mexico, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With an exciting lineup of cultural events and record-breaking successes, the Mexican Caribbean is experiencing a landmark start to the year. The region, located on Mexico's eastern coast, confidently advances into its 'New Era of Tourism,' hallmarked by world-renowned cultural, culinary, wellness and nightlife offerings that reflect its vibrant identity. The year has been defined by a robust calendar of events that underscore the dynamic spirit and rising profile of the Mexican Caribbean, significantly boosting tourism through increased hotel occupancy and driving deeper visitor engagement with memorable cultural experiences. February marked the triumphant return of Carnaval, celebrated across major destinations including Cozumel, Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, Bacalar and Holbox. This renowned event drew thousands of international visitors who filled the streets for lively parades featuring dazzling costumes, vibrant music and dancing, and elaborate cultural performances. In May, the inaugural Mexican Caribbean Music Fest (MCMF) brought more than 20,000 attendees to ZAMNA Park in Tulum. Headlined by international music icon Sting, the festival combined star power with a setting that captured the natural beauty and distinctive atmosphere of the region, establishing a new standard for large-scale cultural programming. Designed as a next-generation evolution of the beloved Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, the event elevated the Mexican Caribbean's profile, increasing hotel occupancy by 20 percent - a remarkable achievement during what is typically considered low season. Met with critical acclaim, the Mexican Caribbean Music Fest has already gained momentum to become an annual tradition. 'The Mexican Caribbean continues to evolve as a leading global destination for premier events, blending New Era innovation with deep cultural roots. This year's calendar, from iconic traditions like Carnaval to new initiatives such as the Mexican Caribbean Music Fest – demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-impact experiences that draw travelers to our region time and time again. Our strategic focus remains on curating authentic offerings that honor our rich cultural heritage and foster long-term traveler engagement,' said Andrés Martínez, CEO, Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board. Other standout events this year have included culinary showcases, athletic competitions and artistic exhibitions hosted across the region's 12 destinations. With even more on the horizon, the Mexican Caribbean continues to captivate travelers through experiences that highlight its creativity, character and unmistakable rhythm. Upcoming Major Events: Apapaxoa GastroCultural Festival (August 26–31, Riviera Maya)A true feast for the soul and the palate, Apapaxoa (meaning 'to embrace with the soul' in Náhuatl) brings together some of Mexico's top chefs, mixologists and culinary artisans to craft multisensory experiences that blend ancestral flavors with contemporary techniques. The festival features pairing dinners, culinary talks, hands-on workshops and artistic performances, offering a dynamic celebration of flavor, creativity and the joy of living well. Ironman 70.3 Cozumel (September 21, Cozumel Island)Set against Cozumel's breathtaking coastal scenery, Ironman 70.3 Cozumel is part of a prestigious international qualifying series leading to the World Championship. Athletes compete in a grueling test of endurance featuring a 2.4 -mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run. The event attracts elite competitors and passionate fans from around the world, bringing global visibility and high-energy excitement to the island. Dia de Muertos Celebrations (October 30–November 2, throughout the region)Celebrated across the Mexican Caribbean, Day of the Dead brings together colorful altars, candlelight processions, live performances and local art. Each destination offers its own interpretation of this iconic holiday, inviting visitors to experience a moving tribute to ancestry and remembrance in one of the country's most meaningful cultural events. The Janal Pixán festival in Riviera Maya, whose name means 'Food of the Souls,' is one of the highlights of this celebration, given its fusion of Mayan culture and Day of the Dead traditions. Eagle Ray Season in Cozumel (December - March)During the winter, Cozumel offers a unique underwater experience as eagle rays migrate and mate in the region's clear waters. Divers can spot these majestic creatures gliding over the algae-covered seabed of Cantarel Reef, which resembles an underwater meadow, making it one of the season's most memorable natural encounters. For more information, please visit About Mexican CaribbeanThe Mexican Caribbean is like no other place in the world, due to its 12 tourist destinations: Isla Mujeres, Holbox Island, Costa Mujeres, Cancun, Riviera Maya (Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum); Cozumel Island, Maya Ka'an and Grand Costa Maya (Mahahual, Bacalar and Chetumal - a Magic Town). Known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, tropical jungle and rich Mayan culture, the Mexican Caribbean boasts world-class tourism infrastructure, a wide variety of lodging options and abundant air connectivity from major U.S. and Canadian gateways. For more information, visit or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at CONTACT: Jessica McGettigan mexicancaribbean@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair welcomed 400,000 visitors in first 10-day edition
450 speakers and participants including some of the world's top creative thinkers. The fair included the launch of 35 new publications by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, and 220 book signings by Arab and international authors. 5,790 media items were published in 51 countries including the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and China. 117 million views were recorded across five digital platforms. Abu Dhabi, UAE – Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) concluded its 34th edition successfully. Running for 10 consecutive days for the first time in its history from 26 April to 5 May 2025, the fair welcomed around 400,000 visitors who explored more than half a million titles across all areas of knowledge. Moreover, the fair established a new tradition by announcing Indonesia as the Guest of Honour for the 2026 edition, demonstrating its commitment to best practices adopted by major international cultural events. Held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi under the theme 'Knowledge Illuminates Our Community', the event reflected the ambitious vision to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for culture, publishing, and knowledge. The fair also reinforced its own standing as one of the most prominent local and regional cultural events, recording a 65% increase in sales compared to the previous year indicating its success in promoting reading and supporting the publishing industry. With 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries speaking more than 60 languages, the fair attracted a wide audience of all ages and community groups. This aligns with the UAE leadership's declaration of 2025 as the 'Year of Community', asserting Abu Dhabi's status as a thriving centre for civilisational, cultural, and intellectual exchange. His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the ALC, said: 'The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is a significant platform for knowledge sharing and creativity. This year's edition charted a roadmap for the future with a scientific approach, and presented a comprehensive cultural vision. The 34th edition offered a programme focused on dialogue and critical thinking, addressing contemporary global issues such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainability, environmental protection, and heritage preservation.' The 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair stood out for its organisation, international participation, public engagement, and the calibre of its speakers, including renowned intellectuals, academics, writers, and artists. The Fair attracted more than 450 speakers and participants, including notable figures such as Iraqi-born former British politician H.E. Nadhim Zahawi; integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Deepak Chopra; novelist Conn Iggulden; actors Hussein Fahmy and Mena Massoud; jewellery designer Azza Fahmy; and author Khaled Ghattas, drawing large and passionate audiences. The fair's comprehensive programme and high-quality initiatives also achieved great success. For example, the On the Path of Knowledge initiative brought speakers to schools and universities, increasing student engagement and participation in the fair while raising a new generation of avid readers and knowledge enthusiasts. Student participation notably increased from the 2024 edition, with a total of 3,562 students participating and 14,674 students benefiting from associated activities across 25 public and private schools. These activities were overseen by 203 educators and supervisors, which resulted in over 18,000 total participants. The first-of-its-kind Author-Publisher initiative formed part of the fair's vision to support the social role of culture by targeting creative authors. Meanwhile, the 100 Stories from Our Community initiative showcases creative talent among UAE residents as part of the broader Community Campaign to Promote Sustainable Reading, launched by the ALC earlier this year. Another highlight of the fair was the Al-Mutanabbi Street, one of Baghdad's most famous cultural thoroughfares and a symbol of Iraq's literary and intellectual life. It featured 2,000 books and a collection of vintage newspapers. The fair also hosted the inaugural edition of the Arab Publishing Pioneers initiative, which honoured six Arab publishing houses with illustrious legacies, the oldest being nearly 160 years old. While the Guest of Honour programme spotlighting Caribbean culture was met with significant interest from the multinational audience, the Focus Personality (Ibn Sina) and Book of the World ('One Thousand and One Nights') programmes delivered immersive experiences and fresh insights into the legacy of the famed philosopher and the iconic work. The agenda also included the Poetry Nights Majlis, which hosted over 60 stars of Nabati and classical poetry, reflecting the prestige of Arabic poetry and the success of the programme. Meanwhile, the Creative Arts programme featured music and photography, among other things, as well as culinary arts as part of the World's Cuisine programme, which featured 48 sessions with 24 celebrity chefs, including 12 Emiratis. The fair's Professional programme introduced a new strategy, unprecedented in the region, to empower publishers and creatives to navigate the challenges of the evolving global publishing landscape and embrace the technological and digital breakthroughs that are reshaping the entire industry. The programme's workshops attracted significant attendance from all age groups. Also on the agenda was the Digitising Creativity conference, which explored the impact of digitisation on publishing and the creative industries. This event was held in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Economy's Intellectual Property Sector, the International Publishers Association (IPA), the Arab Publishers Association, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the China Media Group, the Emirates Publishers Association, and Egypt's Bibliotheca Alexandrina, alongside notable figures from leading academic and cultural institutions. Additionally, the third edition of the Podcast from Abu Dhabi programme hosted 71 content creators with a global following of millions of people, presenting many original episodes. The programme also offered a platform to new voices by hosting 24 content creators participating for the first time. The Digital Square also played a key part in the fair's success, showcasing five cutting-edge digital cultural projects in collaboration with influential stakeholders. Government entities also played a pivotal role in the fair's success, with 87 departments organising widely attended activities and hosting over 200 speakers. Key contributors included the Ministry of Culture, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, and the UAE Media Council. This high-level participation demonstrates confidence in the fair as a prominent platform for organising activities, promoting culture, exchanging knowledge, and bringing together intellectuals and experts from various fields. The ALC seized the fair's dynamic momentum to launch 35 new titles, including 'Wonders' Eyes in Abu Al-Tayyib's Mention of Inventions and Marvels' by ALC Chairman H.E. Dr. Ali bin Tamim; 'An Eye that Captures the Moment' a critical reading of photographer Kareem Sahib's work; 'A Certain Idea of France: The Life of Charles de Gaulle' by British historian Julian Jackson; and 'Between Shadow and Light' by Emirati photographer Jassim Rabee. Another new addition this year was the Under the Ghaf's Shade experience, which featured special encounters and book signings with over 40 authors. On the other hand, the dedicated Book Signing Corner hosted nearly 180 signing sessions, offering authors valuable opportunities to engage with the public. The ADIBF 2025 generated wide coverage from local, regional, and international media outlets, exceeding 2024 figures. A total of 5,790 articles were published across 51 countries, including the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and China. Meanwhile, content published through the fair's digital channels amounted to 1,475 posts across five platforms, marking a 52% increase over last year. This was largely driven by a 78% increase in follower numbers during the event, bringing total views to 117 million, a 47% increase over the 80 million recorded last year. Total engagement grew by 37% from 3.9 million to 5.4 million, while total impressions increased by 48%, rising from 214 million to 315 million.
Zawya
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Oman: Dhofar Municipality reveals details of Dhofar Khareef Season 2025
Muscat: Dhofar Municipality held a press conference in Salalah to unveil the details of Dhofar Khareef Season 2025, set to begin on June 21 and continue until September 20. His Excellency the President of Dhofar Municipality announced that this year's festivities will take place across five main locations: Atin Square, "Return to the Past" in Al Saada, Awqad Park, the Modern Front in Atin Plain, and Salalah Public Park. Each site will offer unique activities that reflect the rich cultural and natural diversity of Dhofar. He also highlighted that Dhofar Khareef Season 2025 will feature an array of public and cultural events, along with major international and national sports competitions such as Salalah International Cycling Tour, Salalah Marathon, and the Dhofar Autumn Traditional Weapons Contest. Additionally, there will be theatrical performances and cultural seminars, enriching the artistic and intellectual landscape of the season. With its breathtaking nature and exceptional summer climate, Dhofar's Khareef season remains a standout annual tourism attraction in Oman, expected to draw a large number of visitors. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
Dhofar Municipality reveals details of Dhofar Khareef Season 2025
Muscat: Dhofar Municipality held a press conference in Salalah to unveil the details of Dhofar Khareef Season 2025, set to begin on June 21 and continue until September 20. His Excellency the President of Dhofar Municipality announced that this year's festivities will take place across five main locations: Atin Square, "Return to the Past" in Al Saada, Awqad Park, the Modern Front in Atin Plain, and Salalah Public Park. Each site will offer unique activities that reflect the rich cultural and natural diversity of Dhofar. He also highlighted that Dhofar Khareef Season 2025 will feature an array of public and cultural events, along with major international and national sports competitions such as Salalah International Cycling Tour, Salalah Marathon, and the Dhofar Autumn Traditional Weapons Contest. Additionally, there will be theatrical performances and cultural seminars, enriching the artistic and intellectual landscape of the season. With its breathtaking nature and exceptional summer climate, Dhofar's Khareef season remains a standout annual tourism attraction in Oman, expected to draw a large number of visitors.
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Met Opera attendance dropped in spring as tourism fell, coinciding with immigration crackdown
People appear in Josie Robertson Plaza in front of The Metropolitan Opera house at Lincoln Center in New York on March 12, 2020. . (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) NEW YORK — Metropolitan Opera season attendance dropped slightly following the Trump administration's immigration crackdown that coincided with a decrease in tourists to New York. The Met sold 72% of capacity, matching 2023-24 and down from its 75% projection. 'We were on track to continue to improve,' Met general manager Peter Gelb said Friday. 'We were disappointed by the sales in the last two months of the season — our projections were much higher and I attribute the fact that we didn't achieve our sales goals to a significant drop in tourism." New York City Tourism & Conventions last month reduced its 2025 international visitor projection by 17%, the Met said. International buyers accounted for 11% of sales, down from the Met's projection of 16% and from about 20% before the coronavirus pandemic. 'It's unfortunate, but this is the times in which we live,' Gelb said. The Met said factoring ticket discounts, it realized 60% of potential income, down from 64% in 2023-24 but up from 57% in 2022–23. 'We were able to sell an equal amount of tickets the last year, but there were more discounted tickets,' Gelb said. 'This really was the result of the last two months of the season.' There were 76,000 new ticket buyers, a drop from 85,000 in 2023-24, and the average age of single ticket buyers was 44, the same as in the previous season and a drop from 50 before the pandemic. Subscriptions accounted for just 7% of ticket sales, down from 12-15% before the pandemic, Gelb said economic uncertainty impacted sales for next season. 'The stock market jumping up and down made people feel insecure,' he said. 'In one week we saw an enormous decline in our advance for next season. Then it picked up again.' Met music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin earned $2,045,038 in the year end last July 31, up from $1,307,583, in the previous fiscal year, according to the company's tax return released Friday. Gelb earned $1,395,216, roughly the same as his $1,379,032 in 2022-23,and he also accrued $798,205 listed as retirement or deferred compensation. Assets declined by about $40 million to $467 million, primarily because of an endowment draw following the pandemic. Among individual productions last season, the highest percentage of tickets sold were for the English-language version of Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' and a new staging of Verdi's 'Aida,' both at 82%, followed by the company premiere of Jake Heggie's 'Moby-Dick' at 81% Other new productions included Strauss' 'Salome' (74%), John Adams' 'Antony and Cleopatra' (65%), Osvaldo Golijov's 'Ainadamar' (61%) and Jeanine Tesori's 'Grounded' (50%). The best-selling revivals were Puccini's 'Tosca' (78%), Tchaikovsky's 'Pique Dame (The Queen of Spades)' and Puccini's La Bohème (77% each), Beethoven's 'Fidelio' and Rossini's 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' (76% each) and Mozart's 'Le Nozze di Figaro' (71%). Lagging were Strauss' 'Die Frau ohne Schatten' (68%0, Verdi's 'Rigoletto' (64%), Offenbach's 'Les Contes d'Hoffmann' and the German-language version of Mozart's 'Die Zauberflöte' (62% each) and Verdi's 'Il Trovatore' (59%). Ronald Blum, The Associated Press
