Latest news with #domestic tourism
France 24
3 days ago
- Sport
- France 24
Amateur football leagues win over cynical Chinese fans
A balm for cynical fans drained by years of corruption and ineptitude in the professional game, the amateur leagues springing up around China have drawn millions of viewers online, boosted domestic tourism to lesser-known locales and sparked good-natured rivalry between cities. At the sold-out match in searing heat in Suzhou, near Shanghai, the home crowd jumped out of their seats and cheered when 17-year-old Kou Cheng scored against Yangzhou city in the second minute. Many wore bright red jerseys and T-shirts emblazoned with the characters for "Suzhou" and used paper fans to cool themselves. "Compared to other competitions, the fans here are more passionate, and even if they don't understand football, the atmosphere is lively," Qian Chunyan, a 35-year-old Suzhou resident, told AFP. The tournament first took off in the eastern province of Jiangsu -- where Suzhou is located -- earlier this year. The live-streamed matches soon drew millions of spectators on social media, putting smaller provincial cities on the domestic tourism map. That, in turn, has created a local consumption boom, giving cities that host matches a much-needed reprieve from years of sluggish spending. The games, initially sponsored by local businesses such as barbecue restaurants, have now attracted backing from big-name companies like e-commerce platforms Alibaba and -'Pure football'- Fans of local amateur leagues told AFP they were drawn to matches by the simplicity of football not weighed down by the vast sums of money the professional game involves. "With widespread public participation and minimal corporate involvement, it's a more pure form of football," Wang Xiangshuo, a Suzhou football fan, told AFP. "Winning or losing doesn't matter, purity is most important." Professional football clubs in China, even in its top Super League, have been plagued by match-fixing and gambling scandals. The national team's abysmal performances at international tournaments often draw scorn and abuse from social media users. President Xi Jinping has said he wants China to win the World Cup one day. But the men's team are ranked 94th in the world by FIFA this year and they have only qualified once for the World Cup, in 2002, when they lost all three of their games without scoring a goal. Players in provincial leagues range from high school students to civil servants, including village Communist Party secretary Dai Hu, whose on-field appearances saw him featured by state news agency Xinhua. Local amateur tournaments are "a great model for community football, allowing every citizen to have their own home team", Jin Shan, a football expert at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, told AFP. "It brings football closer to the general public." Tourism boom Local tourism has seen a boost from the league's popularity too. Since it began in May, the Jiangsu amateur tournament -- affectionately dubbed the "Su Super League" -- has accounted for a growth in tourism spending in six cities across the province of more than 14 percent, according to state-run broadcaster CGTN. Chen Tianshu, a souvenirs manufacturer in Nantong city, told AFP her colleagues rushed to make enamel badges with team logos and ice cream popsicles in the shape of local symbols after seeing branded tote bags sell out in a neighbouring city. "The ice cream sold very well, with the first batch of a thousand pieces already almost sold out," said Chen, whose company comprises just a dozen people. "Our performance in the Su Super League is giving Nantong a rare moment to shine," she said. Other provinces eager for their share of the amateur football boom are following in Jiangsu's footsteps, with southern Jiangxi province hosting a two-stage tournament this month. Social media trends in China often lead to unexpected locations receiving sudden surges of visitors. Travellers flocked to the industrial town of Zibo in northern China in 2023, after videos featuring its regional barbecue style went viral. "This year's success (of the Jiangsu league) is an unexpected delight," souvenir maker Chen told AFP. "I hope this will be a long-lasting tradition." © 2025 AFP
Zawya
11-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Khareef Dhofar Season: A gateway to local tourism
Local tourism plays a vital role in enhancing economic resilience and fostering the growth of national enterprises. It functions within the framework of political, social, and cultural contexts, as well as the broader movement of economic development. At its core, it encourages citizens and residents to explore the country's diverse landscapes, discover its unique characteristics, and engage in experiences that may serve as models for advancing the tourism industry. Strengthening domestic tourism is a national priority — not only as a means of resource development and service expansion, but also as a path toward job creation. This requires well-developed infrastructure, the expansion of tourism offerings, support for related activities, and the creation of national strategies that support tourism-driven development on economic, social, and cultural fronts. While tourism is highly sensitive to national, regional, and global developments, it represents an opportunity to establish a solid economic and cultural foundation. The sector's wide investment scope allows for innovative community-driven visions that support sustainable economic models and overall national development. Tourism growth today depends on incentives shaped by cutting-edge technology and tourism models designed for resilience and sustainability. Technological advancements help accelerate economic gains in tourism, support diversification, and create enabling environments for youth-led initiatives and small enterprises — particularly during peak travel seasons. Domestic tourism, in this light, becomes essential for innovation, sustainability, and prioritising environmental and social responsibility. In times of global conflict, pandemic outbreaks, or instability, local tourism emerges as the safest and most reliable option. It also caters to both recreational and educational needs, making it an indispensable tool for fostering economic, cultural, and social development. The tourism sector in Oman has undergone noticeable growth in recent years, especially as governorates have gained greater capacity to develop their local industries. Each region offers its own unique natural and architectural features, along with human resources capable of managing and developing tourism in line with creative and innovative capacities. This decentralised approach supports wider outreach, increased visitor engagement, and expanded community participation. A leading example is the Khareef Dhofar Season which presents an expansive opportunity for exploration, entertainment, and learning. It invites visitors to experience cultural richness through initiatives such as Return to the Past, while also offering a wide array of recreational, sports, and cultural activities across the governorate. Unique eco-tourism and cultural experiences throughout Dhofar's towns further enhance its appeal. More than a seasonal destination, the Season represents a national tourism and cultural event, built on cooperation among Oman's governorates, government institutions, the private sector, and civil society. It reflects a strong societal awareness of the season's significance. The festival has become a magnet for small and medium enterprises, a recreational outlet for families and youth, and a platform for writers, artists, athletes, and creatives seeking peace, inspiration, and expression. Improvements to infrastructure and services in Dhofar have made its natural and architectural landmarks more accessible, driving tourism in all its forms. Enhanced facilities now meet the diverse needs of visitors, providing a rich, fulfilling experience that supports both entertainment and education. This success has extended beyond the khareef season to include other popular periods such as the Sarb and winter seasons — both of which are drawing increasing numbers of visitors and tourism investments. Local tourism has proven to be one of the most essential models for enabling economic, cultural, and social growth, particularly under the constraints of today's global conditions. It offers a practical alternative to international travel and is being actively strengthened by many nations through logistical support and global event models that bring international experiences to domestic audiences. During the summer holiday season, when families seek enjoyable, educational, and meaningful activities for their children, local tourism offers valuable options. The Khareef Season, with its rich entertainment offerings and inviting natural environment, stands as a powerful model for growing and sustaining high-quality tourism within Oman. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
