During the last few years, sleep tourism has become increasingly popular, with more sleep-focused stays appearing in hotels and resorts.

WION Fineprint | Sleep tourism is one of the biggest 2022 travel trends

In an effort to revive its Covid-hit tourist sector, Hong Kong says it would give away 500,000 plane tickets worth HK$2bn ($254.8m).&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In recent weeks, the city relaxed a number of its coronavirus regulations. Major airlines are battling, nevertheless, to restore their flying schedules to levels before the outbreak.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
British airline Virgin Atlantic said on Wednesday that it will cease operations in Hong Kong due to problems associated with the conflict in Ukraine. 
&nbsp; 
Dane Cheng, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board said, "The airport authority will finalise the arrangement with airline companies. Once the government announces it will remove all Covid-19 restrictions for inbound travellers, we'll roll out the advertising campaigns for the free air tickets."&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The complimentary tickets, which were purchased to help Hong Kong Airlines during the epidemic, would be given out to inbound and outbound travellers by the city's airport authority the following year, Cheng stated.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
After 30 years in the Asian aviation hub, Virgin Atlantic said it will shut down its Hong Kong headquarters and stop operating flights between the city and London Heathrow.&nbsp;

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-indias-supreme-court-legalises-abortion-regardless-of-marital-status-522735">&nbsp;Data Lab | India’s Supreme Court gives nod to abortion, regardless of marital status</a> 
&nbsp; 
Due to its adherence to China's zero Covid regulations, Hong Kong had some of the strictest laws in the whole world until recently. The Hong Kong government said last month that it will no longer require visitors to the city to undergo hotel quarantine or to demonstrate a negative Covid test before boarding flights to Hong Kong.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Now, travellers must check themselves for potential infections three days after arrival. Flights to and from Hong Kong were in high demand when the news broke. 
&nbsp; 
(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

In an effort to revive its Covid-hit tourist sector, Hong Kong says it would give away 500,000 plane tickets worth HK$2bn ($254.8m). In recent weeks, the city relaxed a number of its coronavirus regulations.

In an effort to revive its Covid-hit tourist sector, Hong Kong says it would give away 500,000 plane tickets worth HK$2bn ($254.8m). In recent weeks, the city relaxed a number of its coronavirus regulations. Major airlines are battling, nevertheless, to restore their flying schedules to levels before the outbreak. British airline Virgin Atlantic said on Wednesday that it will cease operations in Hong Kong due to problems associated with the conflict in Ukraine. Dane Cheng, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board said, "The airport authority will finalise the arrangement with airline companies. Once the government announces it will remove all Covid-19 restrictions for inbound travellers, we'll roll out the advertising campaigns for the free air tickets." The complimentary tickets, which were purchased to help Hong Kong Airlines during the epidemic, would be given out to inbound and outbound travellers by the city's airport authority the following year, Cheng stated. After 30 years in the Asian aviation hub, Virgin Atlantic said it will shut down its Hong Kong headquarters and stop operating flights between the city and London Heathrow. Also Read: Data Lab | India’s Supreme Court gives nod to abortion, regardless of marital status Due to its adherence to China's zero Covid regulations, Hong Kong had some of the strictest laws in the whole world until recently. The Hong Kong government said last month that it will no longer require visitors to the city to undergo hotel quarantine or to demonstrate a negative Covid test before boarding flights to Hong Kong. Now, travellers must check themselves for potential infections three days after arrival. Flights to and from Hong Kong were in high demand when the news broke. (with inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong to give away 500,000 complementary air tickets in an attempt to lure tourists

Going on vacation may seem like a strange method to try to change your sleeping patterns. But during the past several years, sleep tourism has become increasingly popular, with more sleep-focused stays appearing in hotels and resorts all over the world.&nbsp;

Since the pandemic, interest has surged, and some well-known organisations are now concentrating their attention on persons who are sleep deprived.&nbsp;

A 900-square-foot room at Park Hyatt New York was introduced during the past 12 months dubbed the Bryte Restorative Sleep Suite, while Rosewood Hotels &amp; Resorts has unveiled a line of getaways called the Alchemy of Sleep that is intended to "promote rest."

The world's first Hästens Sleep Spa Hotel, a 15-room boutique hotel, was constructed in the Portuguese city of Coimbra a year after Zedwell, London's first sleep-centric hotel, which offers rooms with cutting-edge soundproofing, opened its doors in early 2020.&nbsp;

This appears to have been significantly influenced by the worldwide epidemic. 40% of the more than 2,500 people who participated in the study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine said that their sleep quality has declined since the pandemic's beginning.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russian-missile-destroys-apartment-block-in-zaporizhzhia-kills-one-woman-523005">Ukraine: Russian missile destroys apartment block in Zaporizhzhia, kills one woman</a>

If a reputable medical or scientific expert is involved in some way to help determine whether there may be something else at play, Dr Robbins claims that travel experiences focused on "healthy sleep strategies" that aim to give visitors the tools they need to improve their sleep can be incredibly beneficial.&nbsp;

Dr Robbins emphasises that there are a plethora of unexplored possibilities when it comes to travel and the science of sleep and that she is interested in watching "who really continues to pioneer and think creatively about this space" as sleep tourism develops.

(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Going on vacation may seem like a strange method to try to change your sleeping patterns. But during the past several years, sleep tourism has become increasingly popular, with more sleep-focused stays appearing in hotels and resorts all over the world.

Going on vacation may seem like a strange method to try to change your sleeping patterns. But during the past several years, sleep tourism has become increasingly popular, with more sleep-focused stays appearing in hotels and resorts all over the world. Since the pandemic, interest has surged, and some well-known organisations are now concentrating their attention on persons who are sleep deprived. A 900-square-foot room at Park Hyatt New York was introduced during the past 12 months dubbed the Bryte Restorative Sleep Suite, while Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a line of getaways called the Alchemy of Sleep that is intended to "promote rest." The world's first Hästens Sleep Spa Hotel, a 15-room boutique hotel, was constructed in the Portuguese city of Coimbra a year after Zedwell, London's first sleep-centric hotel, which offers rooms with cutting-edge soundproofing, opened its doors in early 2020. This appears to have been significantly influenced by the worldwide epidemic. 40% of the more than 2,500 people who participated in the study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine said that their sleep quality has declined since the pandemic's beginning. Also Read: Ukraine: Russian missile destroys apartment block in Zaporizhzhia, kills one woman If a reputable medical or scientific expert is involved in some way to help determine whether there may be something else at play, Dr Robbins claims that travel experiences focused on "healthy sleep strategies" that aim to give visitors the tools they need to improve their sleep can be incredibly beneficial. Dr Robbins emphasises that there are a plethora of unexplored possibilities when it comes to travel and the science of sleep and that she is interested in watching "who really continues to pioneer and think creatively about this space" as sleep tourism develops. (with inputs from agencies)

Why sleep tourism is growing in popularity post-pandemic

Taiwan is all set to end its mandatory Covid-19 quarantine rules for arrivals.The curbs will be lifted on the 13th of October. The Taiwanese government said that it will welcome the tourists back as a part of its plan to reopen the island to the outside world.

Taiwan to lift quarantine rules for arrivals, only rapid testing mandatory

Kashmir Valley has witnessed record-breaking tourist arrivals this year. Government reports say more than 2 million tourists visited the valley in the eight months of 2022. It's after decades that Kashmir is once again attracting millions of tourists and tourism stakeholders are calling it the luckiest year ever.

Over 2 million tourists including Amarnath Yatri's visited the valley in the last 8 months. All the hotels at Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg were fully booked for months. The figures with the government are at an all-time high for tourist's arrivals in the Valley.

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''Around 20 lakh tourists have come to Kashmir this year. It's wonderful that it happened. It's a collective effort and I hope it will continue for the coming days as well. 2022 has been a bumper year with regard to tourism. We are hoping the ski lift in Sonamarg will be completed within days and this time Sonamarg will be opened for skiing. We will be keeping it open this winter and promote it as a winter destination. Pahalgam would be preparing for winter as well. We are also planning for Doodhpathri as a winter destination as well. We are hoping the coming winter will see a lot of footfalls,'' said Fazl ul Haseeb, Director of Tourism, Kashmir.

The high arrivals of tourists to the valley have revived the tourism industry of Kashmir which was badly hit due to various reasons in the last few years. With combined efforts of government and tourism stakeholders, the industry has finally witnessed some record-breaking arrivals which in turn helped the economy as well as the employment for the youth of Kashmir.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bank-of-england-says-it-will-not-hesitate-to-raise-rates-as-pound-struggles-519990">Bank of England says it 'will not hesitate' to raise rates as pound struggles</a>

''The number of tourist arrivals has been record-breaking. In my career of 12-13 years, I have witnessed such a tourist arrival for the first time. This is also the first time that I was receiving 200-300 calls from tourists from across the country every day. They wanted hotels, houseboats, taxi's and we were completely booked. Everything was booked and even this time people had to wait in a queue to get a shikara. We are expecting the number to go further up as the winter approaches. We are already planning for Christmas and New Year's. The agents think that it's been quite a lucky year and thanks to the administration for all the help,'' said Irshad Hazari, Director, Euphoria Travel Services.

The tourism industry is hoping that the numbers will go further up as the Fall season and winter is close. Government is introducing some new ski resorts in the valley as well. The hotel industry is working on creating more infrastructure and facilities for the huge tourist inflow.

Kashmir Valley has witnessed record-breaking tourist arrivals this year. Government reports say more than 2 million tourists visited the valley in the eight months of 2022.

Kashmir Valley has witnessed record-breaking tourist arrivals this year. Government reports say more than 2 million tourists visited the valley in the eight months of 2022. It's after decades that Kashmir is once again attracting millions of tourists and tourism stakeholders are calling it the luckiest year ever. Over 2 million tourists including Amarnath Yatri's visited the valley in the last 8 months. All the hotels at Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg were fully booked for months. The figures with the government are at an all-time high for tourist's arrivals in the Valley. Also read | Announcement regarding accession of occupied Ukraine regions likely on September 30, UK says ''Around 20 lakh tourists have come to Kashmir this year. It's wonderful that it happened. It's a collective effort and I hope it will continue for the coming days as well. 2022 has been a bumper year with regard to tourism. We are hoping the ski lift in Sonamarg will be completed within days and this time Sonamarg will be opened for skiing. We will be keeping it open this winter and promote it as a winter destination. Pahalgam would be preparing for winter as well. We are also planning for Doodhpathri as a winter destination as well. We are hoping the coming winter will see a lot of footfalls,'' said Fazl ul Haseeb, Director of Tourism, Kashmir. The high arrivals of tourists to the valley have revived the tourism industry of Kashmir which was badly hit due to various reasons in the last few years. With combined efforts of government and tourism stakeholders, the industry has finally witnessed some record-breaking arrivals which in turn helped the economy as well as the employment for the youth of Kashmir. Also read | Bank of England says it 'will not hesitate' to raise rates as pound struggles ''The number of tourist arrivals has been record-breaking. In my career of 12-13 years, I have witnessed such a tourist arrival for the first time. This is also the first time that I was receiving 200-300 calls from tourists from across the country every day. They wanted hotels, houseboats, taxi's and we were completely booked. Everything was booked and even this time people had to wait in a queue to get a shikara. We are expecting the number to go further up as the winter approaches. We are already planning for Christmas and New Year's. The agents think that it's been quite a lucky year and thanks to the administration for all the help,'' said Irshad Hazari, Director, Euphoria Travel Services. The tourism industry is hoping that the numbers will go further up as the Fall season and winter is close. Government is introducing some new ski resorts in the valley as well. The hotel industry is working on creating more infrastructure and facilities for the huge tourist inflow.

Kashmir crosses two million tourist arrivals mark, stakeholders call it the 'luckiest period'

By 2024, the new CEO of online travel agency Agoda predicted on Monday&nbsp;that Asian visitors will only gradually begin travelling abroad at pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;

According to Omri Morgenshtern, who took over as CEO of Agoda in July, the Asia-focused company anticipates it will take around six months for travellers from Asian nations, excluding China, to travel with confidence after the corresponding COVID-19 limitations are repealed.&nbsp;

"Korea opened up two months ago … but numbers are 40 per cent of what it was before, so it's not jumping," he said.

In contrast to the greater and speedier tourism recovery in the US and Europe, Agoda's booking volumes across its Asian regions have returned to 2019 levels, although more so in domestic travel, Morgenshtern told Reuters in an interview.&nbsp;

In the US or Europe, it seemed as though everyone had already determined that COVID was gone, according to Morgenshtern, who noted that travel rapidly resumed and many people stopped wearing masks there.&nbsp;

But even after the regulations were lifted, most individuals in numerous Asian nations, including Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia, continued to wear masks.

According to Morgenshtern, Agoda is introducing more goods that will enable users to book their entire trip through the website and take advantage of further savings.&nbsp;

A division of Booking Holdings Inc., the business lost 1,500 employees in 2020 to reduce spending in the face of the epidemic. He said that headcount had now reached pre-Covid&nbsp;levels.

(with inputs from agencies)

By 2024, the new CEO of online travel agency Agoda predicted on Monday that Asian visitors will only gradually begin travelling abroad at pre-pandemic levels. According to Omri Morgenshtern, who took over as CEO of Agoda in July, the Asia-focused company anticipates it will take around six months for travellers from Asian nations, excluding China, to travel with confidence after the corresponding COVID-19 limitations are repealed.

By 2024, the new CEO of online travel agency Agoda predicted on Monday that Asian visitors will only gradually begin travelling abroad at pre-pandemic levels. According to Omri Morgenshtern, who took over as CEO of Agoda in July, the Asia-focused company anticipates it will take around six months for travellers from Asian nations, excluding China, to travel with confidence after the corresponding COVID-19 limitations are repealed. "Korea opened up two months ago … but numbers are 40 per cent of what it was before, so it's not jumping," he said. In contrast to the greater and speedier tourism recovery in the US and Europe, Agoda's booking volumes across its Asian regions have returned to 2019 levels, although more so in domestic travel, Morgenshtern told Reuters in an interview. In the US or Europe, it seemed as though everyone had already determined that COVID was gone, according to Morgenshtern, who noted that travel rapidly resumed and many people stopped wearing masks there. But even after the regulations were lifted, most individuals in numerous Asian nations, including Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia, continued to wear masks. According to Morgenshtern, Agoda is introducing more goods that will enable users to book their entire trip through the website and take advantage of further savings. A division of Booking Holdings Inc., the business lost 1,500 employees in 2020 to reduce spending in the face of the epidemic. He said that headcount had now reached pre-Covid levels. (with inputs from agencies)

Asian tourists to resume international travel at pre-pandemic levels by 2024: Agoda CEO

The first 23&nbsp;foreigners to enter Bhutan since the Himalayan nation reopened its borders following the Covid-19 pandemic more than two years ago arrived on Friday. Officials hope that tourism would help the region's economy recover.&nbsp;

The nation, which is wedged between China and India and is renowned for its natural beauty and historic Buddhist culture, first welcomed affluent tourists in 1974. After discovering its first incidence of Covid-19 in March 2020, it closed its borders to travellers, a significant source of income.&nbsp;

With fewer than 800,000 residents, the constitutional monarchy has reported little over 61,000 infections and 21 fatalities, but the $3 billion economy shrank over the last two fiscal years, forcing more people into poverty.

After welcoming the first travellers to the nation's sole international airport in Paro, close to the capital city of Thimphu, Dorji Dhradhul, Director General of the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), declared that tourism for his organisation meant more than just financial gain.&nbsp;

He claimed that the small nation was eager to "very much be a part of the whole world."&nbsp;

He said, speaking from Bhutan to Reuters, "We feel through tourism we can do that... take advantage of their support and goodwill."

The officials reported that each guest who arrived on the inaugural aircraft from Kathmandu in neighbouring Nepal was given tiny packages of organic honey, tea, Bhutanese turmeric, and a local SIM card as a present.&nbsp;

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Bhutan increased its Sustainable Development Fee in July from the $65 it had been charging for three decades to $200 per visitor per night in order to attract more wealthy visitors. In order to balance the carbon footprints of visitors, officials claimed the fees will be used for initiatives including tree planting, training for tourism employees, maintaining hiking routes, lowering dependency on fossil fuels, and electrifying transportation vehicles.&nbsp;

According to TCB data, there were 315,600 visitors in 2019, an increase of 15.1 per cent&nbsp;from the previous year. During the three years before to the pandemic, travellers helped the economy by spending an average of $84 million annually.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The first 23 foreigners to enter Bhutan since the Himalayan nation reopened its borders following the Covid-19 pandemic more than two years ago arrived on Friday.

The first 23 foreigners to enter Bhutan since the Himalayan nation reopened its borders following the Covid-19 pandemic more than two years ago arrived on Friday. Officials hope that tourism would help the region's economy recover. The nation, which is wedged between China and India and is renowned for its natural beauty and historic Buddhist culture, first welcomed affluent tourists in 1974. After discovering its first incidence of Covid-19 in March 2020, it closed its borders to travellers, a significant source of income. With fewer than 800,000 residents, the constitutional monarchy has reported little over 61,000 infections and 21 fatalities, but the $3 billion economy shrank over the last two fiscal years, forcing more people into poverty. After welcoming the first travellers to the nation's sole international airport in Paro, close to the capital city of Thimphu, Dorji Dhradhul, Director General of the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB), declared that tourism for his organisation meant more than just financial gain. He claimed that the small nation was eager to "very much be a part of the whole world." He said, speaking from Bhutan to Reuters, "We feel through tourism we can do that... take advantage of their support and goodwill." The officials reported that each guest who arrived on the inaugural aircraft from Kathmandu in neighbouring Nepal was given tiny packages of organic honey, tea, Bhutanese turmeric, and a local SIM card as a present. Also Read: More Russians emigrating to Kazakhstan amid conscription drive Bhutan increased its Sustainable Development Fee in July from the $65 it had been charging for three decades to $200 per visitor per night in order to attract more wealthy visitors. In order to balance the carbon footprints of visitors, officials claimed the fees will be used for initiatives including tree planting, training for tourism employees, maintaining hiking routes, lowering dependency on fossil fuels, and electrifying transportation vehicles. According to TCB data, there were 315,600 visitors in 2019, an increase of 15.1 per cent from the previous year. During the three years before to the pandemic, travellers helped the economy by spending an average of $84 million annually. (with inputs from agencies)

Bhutan reopens for tourists after Covid-19, welcomes them with honey, turmeric & SIM cards

The streets of La Sanita in Naples rose to prominence with a hit mafia series. The locals there are trying to reinvent their image by promoting its lesser known gems.

Italy: Locals encourage domestic tourism, promotes lesser-known gems of Naples

King Charles III has bought and restored several buildings, has drawn thousands of tourists every year to this remote village with otherwise few economic prospects.

King Charles III's love for this Transylvania village is drawing attention & tourism

As tourists flock to Greenland to take in its breathtaking icebergs and natural beauty, authorities are mulling ways to control crowds. This is done to protect the fragile environment which is already threatened by global warming.

WION Climate Tracker | Greenland treads softly on tourism as Icebergs melt due to global warming

As pandemic curbs are slowly eased and more and more countries resume travel, the tourism dependent economies are seeing a sharp recovery in economic growth. Thailand's economy likely grew at its fastest space in a year last quarter.

Thailand's tourism boosts, receives 1.07 million foreign tourists in July

The outbound tourism in India is going to surpass 42 billion dollar by 2024. The government of India could bring about certain policy changes to boost the growing market like increasing direct connections to popular and upcoming destinations allowing foreign cruise vessels to operate on Indian waters.

India's international tourism to surpass $42 billion by 2024

The pandemic disrupted tourism across the World. Destinations that rely on tourism struggled to cope as the steady flow visitors came to a grinding halt. The Dublin in Ireland was one of those cities but now industry experts say that the sector has bounced back.

Tourism bounces back in Ireland | Will this tourism recovery last?

As the economic meltdown continues to batter, Sri Lanka the south Asian nation is now seeking help from one of its close allies China to help boost its trade, investment and tourism sector.

Sri Lanka seeks China's help to revive trade, investment and tourism

Bhutan is all set to welcome foreign tourists after two years of Covid hiatus. But travellers will have to shell out $200 per day, up from $60 in the last three decades. Is Bhutan using its tourism potential to shore up its foreign exchange reserves? Mariam Wardak tells you.

South Asia Diary | Bhutan increasing daily tax on tourists

The Eiffel Tower, one of the most popular destinations in the world, welcoming nearly six million people every year for visit is now covered in rust and needs extensive repairs, but instead of doing so, it will receive a 60-million-euro paint job before the 2024 Olympic Games, a confidential data reported by Marianne, a French magazine. &nbsp;The wrought-iron, 324 meter (1,063 foot) tall tower was constructed by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19TH century. A manager in conversation with Marianne said, “It is simple, if Gustave Eiffel visited the place he would have a heart attack.”

However, the confidential report that Marianne refereed clearly states that the monument is in very poor state and covered in rust.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indias-tallest-bridge-higher-than-the-eiffel-tower-which-can-withstand-explosions-see-breathtaking-pics-468509">India's tallest bridge, higher than the Eiffel Tower, which can withstand explosions. See breathtaking pics!</a>

The tower will have its 20th paint job in preparation for the Olympics. Only 5 per cent of the tower will be treated because lead in the previous paint and delays caused due to Covid outbreak will prevent the 30 per cent from being scrapped and given two fresh coats, reported by Reuters.

Watch |&nbsp;Eiffel Tower in Ukrainian flag’s color to show support | Paris | Russia-Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eiffel-tower-in-ukrainian-flags-color-to-show-support-paris-russia-ukraine-477936/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Societe d’Explitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), the organisation that looks after the tower, couldn’t reach for comments. It is said that due to the loss of tourist earning during Covid, the company is hesitant to close the tower for an extended period of time despite the poor condition of the tower.

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An expert in conversation with Marianne told that while the original paint layers were still strong and “continue to protect the metal in many places,” the new partial makeover would not address the lead levels or the rust and might make the tower’s conditions worse, reported by The Guardian.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Eiffel Tower, one of the most popular destinations in the world, welcoming nearly six million people every year for visit is now covered in rust and needs extensive repairs, but instead of doing so, it will receive a 60-million-euro paint job before the 2024 Olympic Games, a confidential data reported by Marianne, a French magazine.

The Eiffel Tower, one of the most popular destinations in the world, welcoming nearly six million people every year for visit is now covered in rust and needs extensive repairs, but instead of doing so, it will receive a 60-million-euro paint job before the 2024 Olympic Games, a confidential data reported by Marianne, a French magazine. The wrought-iron, 324 meter (1,063 foot) tall tower was constructed by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19TH century. A manager in conversation with Marianne said, “It is simple, if Gustave Eiffel visited the place he would have a heart attack.” However, the confidential report that Marianne refereed clearly states that the monument is in very poor state and covered in rust. Also read | India's tallest bridge, higher than the Eiffel Tower, which can withstand explosions. See breathtaking pics! The tower will have its 20th paint job in preparation for the Olympics. Only 5 per cent of the tower will be treated because lead in the previous paint and delays caused due to Covid outbreak will prevent the 30 per cent from being scrapped and given two fresh coats, reported by Reuters. Watch | Eiffel Tower in Ukrainian flag’s color to show support | Paris | Russia-Ukraine Societe d’Explitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), the organisation that looks after the tower, couldn’t reach for comments. It is said that due to the loss of tourist earning during Covid, the company is hesitant to close the tower for an extended period of time despite the poor condition of the tower. Also read | Algeria celebrates 60 years of Independence from France, colonial era wounds remain An expert in conversation with Marianne told that while the original paint layers were still strong and “continue to protect the metal in many places,” the new partial makeover would not address the lead levels or the rust and might make the tower’s conditions worse, reported by The Guardian. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Eiffel Tower to get 60-million-euro paint job and no full repair: Reports

US president Joe Biden isn't the only one visiting Saudi Arabia, he is being followed by a large number of tourists. It is a one trillion dollar push by Riyadh to build a global tourism economy.

Saudi Arabia's tourism push: Riyadh eyes tripling of foreign tourists in 2022

The covid-19 pandemic and the consequent border closures have left millions of people chained to their homes. The tourism sector has dealt a crushing blow but as countries start to ease covid-19 curbs, tourists have been flocking in record numbers to popular destinations to make up for lost time.

Global Tourism makes a slow comeback

As countries start to ease the covid 19 curbs, tourists have been flocking in record numbers to popular destinations to make up for the lost time. Watch full report!

WION Climate Tracker: Tourist flock to popular tourists sites post pandemic

Officials in Venice plans to impose an entry fee to the city or for the people coming on day trips. Over the years, over-tourism has led to crowding and harmful effects on the city and its environment.

Venice authorities to charge fee for day travellers

Lebanon is banking on the summer tourism windfall to revive its frailing economy. On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis sits with Lebanon's tourism minister Walid Nassar to talk about how the government plans to revive tourism.

The West Asia Post| Lebanon pushes to revive tourism| WION exclusive with Walid Nassar

In a bid to provide some relief to Russian travelers who want to visit other countries, the Russian tourism authority has developed a new tourism route to Siberia where they can experience view of President Vladimir Putin's favorite destination spots.

Russians can now visit Vladimir Putin's holiday spots

Tourists are returning to Syria, an ancient lakeside fortress has become a tourist hotspot. This was once an Islamic state hideout in the country.

Syrian landmarks witness rising number of tourists

A state-of-the-art port in Istanbul with an underground terminal, a celebrity chef's restaurant and a shopping centre, welcomes yet another 5,000-passenger cruise ship, bringing more cash to Turkey's struggling tourism industry.

Hit hard by Covid, Turkey's tourism sector could get a shot in the arm from the revenue generated at Galataport, which opened in 2021&nbsp;a year later than planned due to the pandemic.

The port could also provide a boost to an economy that has been weighed down by double-digit inflation and a currency in free fall, though the project has drawn criticism over the destruction of historical monuments and the potential environmental impact.

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Figen Ayan, chief port officer at Galataport, said "ships began to arrive one after the other" after the facility opened in October.&nbsp;

"Galataport has become the face of tourism," she told AFP.

The 20-story Costa Venezia vessel from Italy was taking passengers from an 11-day voyage to the Aegean Sea when it docked in Galataport, its gangway connecting directly to the futuristic underground customs terminal.

The port is home to a shopping centre, a hotel, cultural venues and a restaurant owned by Turkish butcher Nusret Gokce, better known as Salt Bae, the social media star who sprinkles salt on steaks in front of celebrity customers.

"Galataport Istanbul is much more than a cruise port," Ayan said.

High-spending passengers

Around 30 cruise ships have so far anchored at Galataport and 200 more are expected by the end of the year, which amounts to 450,000 passengers.&nbsp;

The pandemic caused havoc in the global cruise ship industry as vessels were hit by outbreaks and vessels were banned in several countries.

"Now we can say that we have left the pandemic behind and that the cruise sector, which is an important segment of tourism, has revived and is on the move," Ayan said.

The target is 1.5 million cruise passengers and 25 million visitors annually.

"If a regular tourist spends $62 daily, a cruise passenger spends $400. He spends up to eight times more in one day," she said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;After Russia-Syria air strike simulation drills, Turkey gears up for offensive

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Environmental cost

The project also opened up a 1.2-kilometre (three-quarter-mile) coastline that had been closed to public use for 200 years.

But critics, including some urban planners and architects, say the gentrification of the area destroyed old neighbourhoods, with the shopping centre replacing a historical post office building, and also posed a risk to the environment.

Cruises threaten marine life, discharging large quantities of sewage and other waste, said Muharrem Balci, associate professor of biology at Istanbul University.

"The environmental cost of cruises is seven times higher than the financial return they provide," Balci told AFP.

"The consumption level of each traveller is higher than in the host cities, therefore, cruise tourism has the potential to create stress (for the environment) for the regions they visit."

Large ships were banned from Venice last year after years of warnings that the giant floating hotels risked causing irreparable damage to the lagoon city.

Burak Caliskan,&nbsp;country manager for MSC Cruises, said no such danger awaited Istanbul.&nbsp;

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"We don't think Istanbul will face a similar situation. We don't have a city structure like Venice," he told AFP.&nbsp;

Caliskan also said newly built ships addressed environmental concerns.&nbsp;

"To give a few examples, the exhaust gases from the ships are filtered. The paints used on the ships have been completely changed. Paints that will not harm the sea are used," he said.&nbsp;

"We even have efforts to reduce the sound of the ships' engine so that while our ships are navigating in the open seas, they do not cause any disturbance to the living things, especially the whales."

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A state-of-the-art port in Istanbul with an underground terminal, a celebrity chef's restaurant and a shopping centre, welcomes yet another 5,000-passenger cruise ship, bringing more cash to Turkey's struggling tourism industry.

A state-of-the-art port in Istanbul with an underground terminal, a celebrity chef's restaurant and a shopping centre, welcomes yet another 5,000-passenger cruise ship, bringing more cash to Turkey's struggling tourism industry. Hit hard by Covid, Turkey's tourism sector could get a shot in the arm from the revenue generated at Galataport, which opened in 2021 a year later than planned due to the pandemic. The port could also provide a boost to an economy that has been weighed down by double-digit inflation and a currency in free fall, though the project has drawn criticism over the destruction of historical monuments and the potential environmental impact. Also read | Double standards haunt US and Europe in NATO dispute with Turkey Figen Ayan, chief port officer at Galataport, said "ships began to arrive one after the other" after the facility opened in October. "Galataport has become the face of tourism," she told AFP. The 20-story Costa Venezia vessel from Italy was taking passengers from an 11-day voyage to the Aegean Sea when it docked in Galataport, its gangway connecting directly to the futuristic underground customs terminal. The port is home to a shopping centre, a hotel, cultural venues and a restaurant owned by Turkish butcher Nusret Gokce, better known as Salt Bae, the social media star who sprinkles salt on steaks in front of celebrity customers. "Galataport Istanbul is much more than a cruise port," Ayan said. High-spending passengers Around 30 cruise ships have so far anchored at Galataport and 200 more are expected by the end of the year, which amounts to 450,000 passengers. The pandemic caused havoc in the global cruise ship industry as vessels were hit by outbreaks and vessels were banned in several countries. "Now we can say that we have left the pandemic behind and that the cruise sector, which is an important segment of tourism, has revived and is on the move," Ayan said. The target is 1.5 million cruise passengers and 25 million visitors annually. "If a regular tourist spends $62 daily, a cruise passenger spends $400. He spends up to eight times more in one day," she said. Watch | After Russia-Syria air strike simulation drills, Turkey gears up for offensive Environmental cost The project also opened up a 1.2-kilometre (three-quarter-mile) coastline that had been closed to public use for 200 years. But critics, including some urban planners and architects, say the gentrification of the area destroyed old neighbourhoods, with the shopping centre replacing a historical post office building, and also posed a risk to the environment. Cruises threaten marine life, discharging large quantities of sewage and other waste, said Muharrem Balci, associate professor of biology at Istanbul University. "The environmental cost of cruises is seven times higher than the financial return they provide," Balci told AFP. "The consumption level of each traveller is higher than in the host cities, therefore, cruise tourism has the potential to create stress (for the environment) for the regions they visit." Large ships were banned from Venice last year after years of warnings that the giant floating hotels risked causing irreparable damage to the lagoon city. Burak Caliskan, country manager for MSC Cruises, said no such danger awaited Istanbul. Also read | Russian foreign minister visits Turkey to discuss Ukraine grain exports "We don't think Istanbul will face a similar situation. We don't have a city structure like Venice," he told AFP. Caliskan also said newly built ships addressed environmental concerns. "To give a few examples, the exhaust gases from the ships are filtered. The paints used on the ships have been completely changed. Paints that will not harm the sea are used," he said. "We even have efforts to reduce the sound of the ships' engine so that while our ships are navigating in the open seas, they do not cause any disturbance to the living things, especially the whales." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey bets on modern cruise hub to boost tourism

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Turkiye has eased all entry requirements for visitors, Turkiye Tourism Board said on Monday (June 6). The country&nbsp;expects to receive a large number of Indian travellers this year, as reported by PTI.&nbsp;

As per the statement given by the authorities, earlier Indian citizens were required to provide either an RT-PCR test report or a vaccination certificate. However, Indian travellers no longer have to give proof of vaccine, negative RT-PCR test results or proof of recovering from the sickness.&nbsp;

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Turkiye’s tourism industry generated about $25 billion in revenue in the year 2021, up 103 per cent since the onset of the pandemic and the number is expected to be higher this year.&nbsp;

As per the statement, the country welcomed 52 million tourists in the pre-pandemic year of 2019 and generated a revenue of $34.5 billion in tourism earnings.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Inflation in Turkiye hits highest level since 1998

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Last year, as per the tourism authority, the country was announced as one of the top destinations for Free Independent Travelers (FTI) and Meeting, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Events (MICE) travellers from around the world with more than 30 million international visitors. &nbsp;Amongst these, 50,000 were Indian travellers, this was regarded as a significant number with consideration of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-that-have-changed-their-names-as-turkey-becomes-turkiye-484695">Countries that have changed their names as Turkey becomes ‘Türkiye’</a>

Turkiye has high expectations to welcome a higher number of Indian travellers than before, with both Turkish and Indigo airlines restarting their direct international flights from India.&nbsp;

The country expects its visitors' graph to match the levels of 2019 by the end of 2022, as the demand for international demand is rising and people are willing to travel internationally and explore new countries and destinations.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Turkiye has eased all entry requirements for visitors, Turkiye Tourism Board said on Monday (June 6). The country expects to receive a large number of Indian travellers this year, as reported by PTI.

Turkiye has eased all entry requirements for visitors, Turkiye Tourism Board said on Monday (June 6). The country expects to receive a large number of Indian travellers this year, as reported by PTI. As per the statement given by the authorities, earlier Indian citizens were required to provide either an RT-PCR test report or a vaccination certificate. However, Indian travellers no longer have to give proof of vaccine, negative RT-PCR test results or proof of recovering from the sickness. Also read | What is behind Turkey’s Syria incursion threats? Turkiye’s tourism industry generated about $25 billion in revenue in the year 2021, up 103 per cent since the onset of the pandemic and the number is expected to be higher this year. As per the statement, the country welcomed 52 million tourists in the pre-pandemic year of 2019 and generated a revenue of $34.5 billion in tourism earnings. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Inflation in Turkiye hits highest level since 1998 Last year, as per the tourism authority, the country was announced as one of the top destinations for Free Independent Travelers (FTI) and Meeting, Incentive Travel, Conferences and Events (MICE) travellers from around the world with more than 30 million international visitors. Amongst these, 50,000 were Indian travellers, this was regarded as a significant number with consideration of the pandemic. Also read | Countries that have changed their names as Turkey becomes ‘Türkiye’ Turkiye has high expectations to welcome a higher number of Indian travellers than before, with both Turkish and Indigo airlines restarting their direct international flights from India. The country expects its visitors' graph to match the levels of 2019 by the end of 2022, as the demand for international demand is rising and people are willing to travel internationally and explore new countries and destinations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkiye eases COVID-19 restrictions for Indian tourists

Nepal is now trying to revive its economy and hosted more tourists in 4 months than entire 2021. Kathmandu have the maximum number of tourists from India. For more details, watch this ground report by Saloni Murarka from Kathmandu.

Pandemic bruises Nepal Tourism: Fears of fresh pandemic wave loom large

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For more than a decade, people from several countries have been flocking to India for healthcare. In 2019, approximately 700,000 medical tourists visited India.

Medical tourism: What makes India a favourite destination?

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