Latest news with #domesticTourism

Zawya

07-07-2025

Business
Zawya

Qatar boosts domestic tourism with unique offerings

Doha: Qatar is witnessing a notable rise in domestic tourism, driven by an increasing variety of tourism products, cultural experiences, and year-round family-friendly attractions. Industry leaders emphasize that the development of new destinations and services is significantly enhancing local tourism experiences for both residents and regional visitors. Speaking in a Qatar TV programme, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Katara Hospitality Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Thani, emphasized that preserving and showcasing Qatari heritage is central to their approach. 'From room designs to architectural themes, our hotels highlight Qatari culture,' he stated. 'For instance, the Katara Towers are designed to resemble traditional Qatari swords, sparking curiosity among guests.' Sheikh Abdulrahman said that Guests are welcomed with traditional Qatari hospitality, including Arabic coffee served by staff in national attire. 'Additionally, Qatari artwork and photography are featured prominently in hotels, providing a cultural touchpoint and an authentic sense of place.' According to Chairman of Tourism Group for Tourists and Travel Ahmed Hussein Abdullah, family tourism has emerged as a vital sector in Qatar. Over the past four to five years, the country has become a preferred destination for families from the GCC and Arab countries. He attributes this to the affordability and quality of local hotels, which often cost less than comparable options in neighboring countries. 'Domestic tourism in Qatar offers everything from high-quality hotels to iconic destinations like the Museum of Islamic Art, Souq Waqif, Katara, and Lusail,' Abdullah said. 'With a rich calendar of festivals and exhibitions in malls and public venues, many residents and citizens now prefer exploring what's available locally over traveling abroad.' Speaking in the same programme, CEO of Arabian Adventures Tourism Hassan Mohammed Al-Emadi, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the diversity of tourism offerings across the country. He noted that the favorable weather from mid-October to mid-May makes this period ideal for outdoor activities and exploring attractions such as the National Museum of Qatar, Sheikh Faisal Museum, Msheireb Museums, and the Museum of Modern Arab Art. 'Other key attractions include the Souq Waqif, the scenic Khor Al Adaid (Inland Sea), camel racing events, and farm-stay experiences in rural areas. New resorts such as Salwa Beach Resort and West Bay Lagoon Resort further enrich the country's tourism landscape, offering options for both relaxation and adventure,' said Al-Emadi. The growing appeal of local tourism in Qatar aligns with national efforts to strengthen the tourism sector as part of the Qatar National Vision 2030. By promoting domestic travel, the country not only supports local businesses but also fosters community engagement with Qatar's heritage, natural beauty, and modern infrastructure. Efforts by the authorities concerned to enhance accessibility, preserve cultural sites, and encourage eco-tourism initiatives are also contributing to the growth of internal tourism. These initiatives ensure that residents and visitors alike have opportunities to enjoy enriching experiences without leaving the country. With a well-rounded mix of leisure, heritage, and eco-tourism offerings, Qatar is on a path to establishing a sustainable, year-round tourism ecosystem. As more stakeholders invest in innovative tourism products and immersive experiences, the country is set to further increase its attractiveness as a domestic and regional tourism leader. From desert adventures to urban culture, Qatar's growing local tourism offerings are not just diversifying the economy but also deepening the appreciation for its national identity — making 'staycations' more desirable than ever. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

China's first Legoland opens to tourists in Shanghai

Yahoo

05-07-2025

Entertainment
Yahoo

China's first Legoland opens to tourists in Shanghai

Thousands of local tourists poured into China's first-ever Legoland as it opened its gates in Shanghai on Saturday, the latest theme park hoping to capitalise on a domestic tourism boom. The Chinese branch of the British-owned theme park franchise is the biggest Legoland in the world. It drew in early customers who flocked to attractions including a miniature train ride and a dragon-themed rollercoaster. "I personally love to play with Lego blocks and we have many sets at home... so I wanted to come to Legoland at the earliest opportunity," said Shi, a 35-year-old resident of nearby city Hangzhou, who was visiting the park with his wife and child. Despite the Chinese economy's sluggish growth in recent years, domestic tourist spending grew 18.6 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous year, according to statistics. "Ever since the pandemic, I've made very few trips abroad," said Shi, adding his family now travels to theme parks around China "many times a year". Eager Lego fans rushed into the park as soon as it opened, wearing themed shirts and waving branded flags as they enjoyed the 318,000-square-metre (78.5-acre) compound in scorching temperatures. Beijing has announced subsidies intended to make travelling within the country more affordable for Chinese citizens, and is pushing local governments to heavily market their attractions on social media. Companies have taken note of the wider local tourism boom and stepped up their plans in China. A new "Spider-Man" attraction at Shanghai Disneyland broke ground in May, while Warner Brothers is set to open a Harry Potter experience in Shanghai by 2027. Toy giant Hasbro said this week its giant Peppa Pig park in the city was now "in the phase of creative design". Chinese collectable toy maker Pop Mart has also opened an attraction in Beijing featuring life-sized versions of its popular Labubu toys. "The various provinces are putting a lot of effort into expanding their tourism industries, and all of them have special attractions," said Xu, a 34-year-old parent visiting Legoland on Saturday with his children. But profitability remains a problem, especially for local companies with less brand recognition. As of late 2024, around 40 percent of parks were still failing to turn a profit, according to state media reports. Yet analysts point to a growing population of retirees and job market changes as key factors pushing more locals to visit domestic attractions. "The labour market is turning more flexible," said Ernan Cui, China consumer analyst at Gavekal Research. "More people have leisure time to travel around." tjx/jfx Error 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

Why Is Thailand Funding 50% of Domestic Trips, and What's at Stake?

Skift

27-06-2025

Business
Skift

Why Is Thailand Funding 50% of Domestic Trips, and What's at Stake?

What may have been a bold move to jumpstart the tourism sector, the Half-Half Thai Travel scheme now feels more like a lifeline, as Thailand comes to grips with the uncertainties shaping global travel. Thailand's highly-anticipated domestic tourism program, the "Travel Thailand Half-Half" scheme, has been pushed back to July 1. A surge in demand caused the system to crash during the initial rollout this week, prompting the government to delay public registration until July 1. The scheme, designed to boost domestic tourism during the off-season, is launching at a time when Thailand is scaling back its broader ambitions for international tourism in 2025. The government now expects to generate THB 2 trillion ($60 billion) from foreign tourists next year, down from an earlier target of THB 2.3 trillion ($69 billion). What the Scheme Offers? The Half-Half campaign targets domestic travelers and offers 500,000 entitlements. Each eligible Thai citizen can register for up to five rooms or five nights per person, with at least two nights in secondary cities. Only Thai nationals aged 18 and up can register starting July 1. ID verification is required through the Thai ID system. Travel benefits can be used from July 4 to October 31. Once the accommodation has been booked, it cannot be canceled, but the check-in date can be postponed. 'The postponement of the stay must be in accordance with the conditions set by the project,' the notice reads. For weekday stays, the government will cover 50% of room costs, up to THB 3,000 ($92) per room per night. On weekends and holidays, the support drops to 40%, not exceeding THB 3,000. Every registrant also receives a THB 500 ($15) digital coupon per night, per room to spend at listed restaurants, attractions, or shops. Why the Government Is Betting on Domestic Travel The Half-Half scheme is part of a wider THB 115 billion ($3.5 billion) stimulus plan approved by the Thai Cabinet, of which THB 10 billion ($307 million) has been set aside for tourism. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) receives THB 1.76 billion ($54 million) from this budget to run the Half-Half initiative. TAT estimates the program will bring in 2.67 million domestic trips and generate over THB 35 billion ($1 billion) in spending. It's also expected to support about 40,000 jobs between July and October. To help the tourism sector get back on its feet following the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2020 Thailand launched the "Rao Tiew Duay Kan" (We Travel Together) scheme. Through this, the government offered Thai citizens discounts of up to 40% on hotels, domestic flights, and meals at participating businesses. On June 24, people rushed to sign up for travel benefits through the website and the Amazing Thailand app. The volume was more than the system could handle. It also led to a trending hashtag on social media, as many voiced frustration over the lack of clarity and planning. Confusion stemmed from a statement by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, who indicated that public registration would begin on the evening of June 24. In response, the Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak clarified that only business registrations had opened and would continue till June 30. Public registration, he said, would start on July 1 at 8:00 AM. Successful applicants will be able to utilize their travel benefits from July 4 to October 31. TAT confirmed that a wide range of businesses are eligible to participate, including restaurants, souvenir shops, One Tambon One Product outlets, tourist attractions, spas, car and boat rentals, and accommodations. Thailand's Tourism Prospects Behind this local effort is a more cautious view of Thailand's global tourism prospects. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong acknowledged that changing global dynamics are forcing the country to reassess its outlook. Thailand's earlier tourism target of 39 million foreign arrivals has also now been adjusted downward to 35.5 million visitors. While Thailand still hopes to reach THB 3.5 trillion ($105 billion) in total tourism revenue in 2025 which is a mix of domestic and international earnings, the government has now been told to focus squarely on ensuring that at least THB 2 trillion comes from foreign visitors. 'Anything beyond that would be a bonus,' Thienthong said. The revised target comes amid regional security concerns, softening demand, and slower-than-expected returns from key markets, most notably China. Chinese tourists once made up the largest share of visitors to Thailand. But their return has been slower and patchier than hoped. From January 1 to June 8, Thailand recorded more than 15 million international arrivals, according to government data. Yet that total is nearly 3% below the same period last year.

Ottawa launches 'Canada Strong Pass' to promote domestic tourism

CBC

17-06-2025

Ottawa launches 'Canada Strong Pass' to promote domestic tourism

Ottawa launches 'Canada Strong Pass' to promote domestic tourism | Hanomansing Tonight News Duration 2:45 Minister Steven Guilbeault announced on Monday that the federal government will launch the Canada Strong Pass — a move to promote domestic tourism that makes Canada's historic sites and parks free to visit and rail travel less expensive for young people. The pass launches on Friday and ends Sept. 2, with Canadians and foreign tourists eligible.

Government launches Canada Strong Pass to promote tourism

CBC