oleh admin | Apr 2, 2025 | culture, events and festivals, tourists, Travel, travel destinations
Dhaka, April 2 — Over time, Eid has transformed from being solely an occasion to visit one’s hometown into a crucial timeframe for domestic travel and tourism.
However, both the broader audience and sector specialists contend that Eid tourism in Bangladesh has grown limited and repetitive.
Nazrul Islam, a 55-year-old high-ranking official at a corporation, had originally intended to go overseas during the Eid holiday.
Nevertheless, he eventually chose to remain in Bangladesh.
Even so, he does not plan to travel anywhere inside the country or even venture out into Dhaka on Eid day.
Rather than doing anything else, he intends to dedicate all of his time to being with his family.
When questioned about his reasoning, he responded, “Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that most festivals in our nation adhere to a similar structure. On Eid day, following the dawn prayer and a communal meal, what typically occurs? People usually head either to a relative’s home, a public garden, or an eating establishment.”
This predetermined Eid celebration, which recurs annually, doesn’t take place in large foreign cities. Even venturing outside of Dhaka proves pointless—after several hours, you’re worn out from witnessing the unchanging scenery.
Mossabber Hossain, who is 72 years old, shares memories of Eid festivities in Dhaka, stating, “In those days, each neighborhood had fairs, there were boat races in Old Dhaka, and horse racing took place in open fields. However, nowadays, Eid mostly involves walking in parks and eating at restaurants.”
A tourism surge is anticipated in Khagrachari during the Eid holidays.
A Metropolis Driven by Commerce, Lacking Celebration
Adil Muhammad Khan, who serves as the president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), pointed out the constraints of Eid celebrations in Dhaka by saying, “The city has grown increasingly commercialized to such an extent that space for non-commercial leisure activities has been significantly reduced.”
A number of areas where fairs used to take place no longer remain today. The waterways designed for boating activities have been overtaken. Bodies of water have been reclaimed to make way for massive office towers, and as a result, eateries inside these structures now serve as focal points for Eid celebrations.
Even public spaces like parks have not escaped this change. If you go to Dhanmondi Lake nowadays, it might seem as though the focus has shifted from the water body itself to the many eateries that now line its shores. There appears to be no vision for an energetic Dhaka. People staying in the city during Eid find themselves stuck in monotonous festivities.
A Dull Encounter Outside of Dhaka
Humayun Rashid, aged 32, went to Cox’s Bazar with his family during the last Eid holiday.
He felt let down by his experience. “Cox’s Bazar can be explored thoroughly within just two days. Anything beyond the beach, such as boat tours, parachute flying, and horseback riding, tends to be overly priced and seems fraudulent.”
He remarked, “Once visitors recognize they are continually taken advantage of, they start losing faith in those locations. During last Eid, approximately 800,000 travelers descended upon Cox’s Bazar. The shore became as packed as a busy fish bazaar in Dhaka. Room rates at hotels surged dramatically, and basic meals were priced multiple times higher than normal. Who would wish to revisit an area like this?”
Tulilia’s Tulip: Enhancing Tourism and Regional Economy
Even though there are complaints, hotels in Cox’s Bazar have already secured bookings of more than 80% for this Eid, with the few available spots anticipated to be taken soon. Nevertheless, numerous travelers continue to express dissatisfaction regarding the increased costs. A tourist named Faisal was searching for a hotel room when he discovered that an average priced, air-conditioned room designed for couples and overlooking the ocean was being charged between Tk 8,000 and Tk 9,000—a price nearly twice as high as normal rates.
Murshid Hossain, who previously managed a hotel in Cox’s Bazar and now serves as a general manager at a three-star hotel in Dhaka, stated, “Hotels find it difficult to occupy their rooms during the low season despite providing discounts greater than 50%. Therefore, to ensure business sustainability and cover employee wages, they have to increase prices significantly when tourism peaks.”
An Unprepared Tourism Industry
Professor Muhammad Shoaib-Ur-Rahman from Dhaka University’s Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management feels that Bangladesh’s tourism sector is inadequately prepared.
Each year, we’re told that around 1.5 million travelers visit various locations during Eid; however, there isn’t any verified information supporting this statement. Without basing our development of tourist attractions on actual attendance figures and reconsidering what defines enjoyable experiences, genuine progress won’t occur,” he stated.
Travel limitations eased in 4 Bandarban upazilas
He further explained, “Tourists often go to Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban just once or twice and seldom come back. In contrast, locations such as Bali or Bangkok tend to draw returning guests. The main factor behind this difference is that Bangladesh’s travel spots provide a limited variety of experiences. Overseas, tourism combines natural beauty with human ingenuity to produce multiple points of interest. It takes more than couple of days to truly see all that Bangkok has to offer, whereas one could easily complete sightseeing in Cox’s Bazar within a brief period.”
He cautioned that uncontrolled price increases and cartels are adversely affecting both travelers and residents. “Since tourism drives up the prices of essentials, locals begin to view tourists unfavorably. This growing resentment might ultimately result in security issues.”
oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | business, disasters, news, tourists, Travel
The earthquake that hit Thailand on Friday has dealt a blow to the country’s tourism sector, resulting in sluggish reservations for the forthcoming Songkran festival. Meanwhile, airlines have begun processing requests for reimbursements and annulments.
Yesterday, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong met with the tourism industry to discuss how the recent earthquake has affected tourist activities. Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) intends to release a roster of approved accommodations that have passed stringent safety checks for international visitors.
Chaiyapatranun Thienprasit, who leads the Thai Hotels Association (THA), stated that the majority of Bangkok’s hotels are secure and have undergone inspections by engineers.
The Provincial Administration Department has requested hotel operators to assess the structural integrity and adherence to safety norms in their establishments as mandated by hotel regulations, and subsequently submit a report to the department. This directive stems from the fact that hotels are classified as public structures and serve numerous residents and visitors alike.
If damage occurred at a hotel, the operator needed to inform the department’s registrar within 15 days following the event.
He expressed his worry regarding the security of travelers who have reserved unauthorized lodging, should unforeseen incidents happen down the line.
These unauthorized accommodations may fail to register visitors’ information, and the buildings could be non-compliant with safety regulations because of unpermitted alterations, as he pointed out.
Furthermore, images of the State Audit Office building collapsing have circulated extensively through social media platforms and international news channels, affecting perceptions regarding the safety of tourists in Thailand.
Mr. Thienprasit stated that the government ought to promptly look into the incident’s origins and inform the public since the majority of structures in Bangkok haven’t suffered significant damage.
It should also improve the real-time disaster alert system with a hub platform which provides vital information.
Paisarn Sukjarean, who leads the THA’s upper northern division, stated that despite Chiang Mai being close to the quake’s center in Myanmar, local hotels haven’t experienced significant harm. This includes about 15 skyscrapers with over ten floors each in the province.
Mr. Paisarn mentioned that currently, there are about three structures in Chiang Mai that remain inaccessible, including one school and two residential buildings.
The Chiang Mai Municipality has promptly addressed building inspections within the city limits, particularly focusing on the main tourist hub where significant structures are located.
Even though the effects may not be visible until the end of the week regarding the Songkran festivities, hotels have experienced lower reservation numbers than anticipated since the weekend.
Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, stated that the organization will assist hotel operators in collaborating with the Tourism Ministry to promote a list of accommodations deemed safe after undergoing evaluations.
Mr. Siripakorn mentioned that the tourism minister is contemplating allocating additional funds specifically aimed at supporting property checks.
Nuntaporn Komonsittivate, who leads the commercial division at Thai Lion Air, stated that the airline continues to operate all flights routinely. However, she admitted that declaring a state of emergency in Bangkok has noticeably affected the travel enthusiasm of incoming visitors.
Mrs Nuntaporn emphasized that it is essential for the government to guarantee safe travel in Thailand, offering official reports from accredited specialists to rebuild trust in anticipation of the Songkran festival.
Several international travelers asked about the airline’s rules regarding canceled flights and reimbursement procedures.
In the meantime, SET-listed Asset World Corp declared a 50% reduction in room rates at all of its nine Bangkok hotels until April 6 for individuals affected by the earthquake.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Mar 31, 2025 | flights, russian, tourists, Travel, vietnam
The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) has noted a significant rise in the number of Russians visiting Vietnam, extending beyond just the fall and winter months to include trips during May holidays and summer breaks.
Head of ATOR Maya Lomidze cited multiple reasons for the increase, such as accumulated demand from previous years, the reinstatement of direct flight options, and the enhancement of the ruble’s strength.
She mentioned that Vietnam is expected to rank within the top 10 summer travel spots, possibly even breaking into the top five.
Direct flights between Russia and Vietnam have been restarted following an extended pause caused by the Covid pandemic.
Aeroflot from Russia initiated direct services to Nha Trang on March 22, whereas Vietnam Airlines intends to commence regular flights connecting Moscow and Hanoi beginning in May.
Moreover, Russian companies Azur Air and Pegas Touristik are increasing their charter flight operations.
The Russian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Timur Sadykov, has shown confidence that the reinstated flight connections will not just restore but also exceed pre-pandemic tourist numbers, thereby enhancing mutual ties even more.
As reported by the travel website Travelata.ru, interest in group tours to Vietnam rose by 5% in March compared to February and saw an increase of 9% in February relative to January.
According to data provided by Sletat.ru, tour sales between February 1 and March 18 increased threefold compared to the previous year.
In March, Level.Travel saw their tour sales quadruple, with Vietnam becoming the quickest-expanding destination, outpacing Thailand, Indonesia, and neighboring nations.
Yandex Travel saw a 49% rise in airline ticket purchases for trips to Vietnam compared to the previous year, with tickets costing an average of 81,000 RUB (more than $950).
In the meantime, the hotel reservation platform Ostrovok reported a 25% increase in bookings in Vietnam starting from early March, accompanied by an 18% surge in the average daily rate to approximately 5,100 RUB.
oleh admin | Mar 31, 2025 | hotels, islam, saudi arabia, tourists, Travel
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that 18.5 million individuals completed the pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah in 2024. This achievement was facilitated by enhancements such as expanding lodging options, modernizing airports, refining transport systems, and implementing tech-driven services.
The efficient management of these pilgrim periods, commended by global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores the robust functioning of the tourism industry.
The Ministry of Tourism reports that the hotel sector in Mecca expanded by 80% in 2024, with over 1,000 authorized hotels and apartment complexes. By year-end 2024, Mecca had surpassed 1,150 hotels and provided 260,000 rooms, whereas Medina ended up with 347 hotels along with 1,500 furnished apartments.
This expansion coincides with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to elevate the pilgrimage experience. Initiated in 2016, the “Doyof Al Rahman” initiative focuses on upgrading facilities and enhancing services for those undertaking Hajj and Umrah.
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Saudi Arabia hosts 18.5 million pilgrims in 2024 as part of an expanding hospitality sector.
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oleh admin | Mar 31, 2025 | culture, tourist attractions, tourists, tours, Travel
Tokyo boasts an array of remarkable museums, ranging from art galleries and historical exhibitions to science centers and traditional gardens. However, touring these places one by one can become quite costly. This is where the
Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass for 2025
offers an affordable and hassle-free method to discover more than 100 cultural sites in Tokyo and its surroundings for just a portion of the usual cost.
• What does the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass entail?
• How to Maximize Your Use of the Grutto Pass
• How to Purchase the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass
• Experience Roppongi Using the Grutto Pass: An Recommended Route
• Map Out Your Cultural Exploration in Tokyo
What does the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass entail?
The Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass 2025 serves as both a digital and physical entry pass, providing admission to 102 venues including museums, zoos, aquaria, botanical gardens, and historical sites throughout Tokyo and nearby regions.
For just
¥2,500
, you get
a two-month validity period
Starting from the initial usage until March 31, 2026, this allows you to discover Tokyo’s deep cultural legacy at your leisure.
Offering complimentary admission or reduced prices at
over 100 locations
It offers an excellent opportunity for tourists looking to explore the art and history of Tokyo without breaking the bank. This pass is especially beneficial for those staying longer term, allowing them to distribute their museum visits over a period of two months. By planning ahead and visiting nearby attractions on the same day, you can significantly reduce costs while fully immersing yourself in the rich cultural offerings.
Museums Newly Added for 2025
Every year, the Grutto Pass roster gets updated with thrilling new entries. In the 2025 version, they’ve added some fascinating elements.
・
JCII Camera Museum:
Discover the journey of photography in Japan, spanning from vintage camera technology to contemporary digital advancements.
・
Minato City Historical Museum:
Discover the history of Tokyo’s Minato Ward via historical relics and interactive multimedia displays.
・
Shitamachi Museum:
The museum brings back to life the everyday scenes from Tokyo’s historic district.
・
Yokohama City Museum of Urban History
Find out how Yokohama evolved from a modest fishing community into one of Japan’s key port cities.
・
Yokohama Museum of Eurasian Cultures:
The museum showcases the cultural interactions among Japan, China, and Europe.
How to Maximize Your Use of the Grutter Pass
If you’re planning to visit just one or two museums, purchasing the Grutto Pass might not make sense financially. However, for enthusiasts of museums, history, and cultural experiences, this pass proves to be quite economical. It provides entry into many of Tokyo’s top galleries and exhibitions related to art, history, and natural sciences at a significantly reduced rate compared to individual tickets.
This pass is particularly beneficial for long-term visitors and residents, as they have up to two months to spread out their visits. However, it also offers excellent savings for tourists with shorter stays, especially if they intend to explore numerous museums and cultural landmarks within a brief timeframe. With some thoughtful trip planning, one can greatly enhance the value of this pass.
In spite of this, some adaptability is essential. The exhibits might vary, and specific sites necessitate bookings for particular shows, making it wise to review museum websites beforehand. Additionally, several places operate during restricted hours or undergo occasional shutdowns, which could be disappointing when your schedule is tight. Furthermore, should you be touring with relatives or companions, remember that the pass is intended solely for personal use and cannot be divided among others.
For those ready to put in some effort to plan ahead, the Grutto Pass provides a budget-friendly and hassle-free method to discover Tokyo’s extensive cultural offerings, suitable for stays ranging from a brief couple of days to several months.
Benefits of the Grutt Pass
・
Great Value:
For merely ¥2,500, the pass quickly covers its cost with just a couple of museum visits.
・
Extended Validity:
Effective for two months after initial use, so you can take your time without feeling rushed.
・
Access to 100+ Locations:
Entrance for free or reduced prices at museums, botanical gardens, zoos, and historic locations.
・
Flexible Purchase Options:
Available as an electronic ticket or a physical card.
・
Discover at Your Leisure:
There’s no rush to fit all your visits into one day; take it easy and savor Tokyo’s cultural experience without stress.
How to Purchase the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass
Obtaining the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass for 2025 is straightforward, as you can choose between an electronic ticket or a physical card. For immediate access, the e-ticket is ideal; alternatively, the physical pass can be obtained from the counters of collaborating venues (*1) and various spots throughout Tokyo.
E-Ticket (Online Purchase)
• Buy online using your computer or mobile device.
• Once purchased, a QR code will be delivered through an email.
· The electronic ticket is prepared for immediate usage, rendering it the quickest choice.
Physical Pass (On-Site Purchase)
If you prefer a physical card, you can purchase it at the counters of participating facilities (*1) and designated locations listed below:
・
Tokyo Tourist Information Center
(Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Ground Floor)
・
Asakusa Cultural Tourism Visitor Information Center
(near Kaminarimon)
・
Tokyo City i
(KITTE, near Tokyo Station)
・
TIC TOKYO
(Nihonbashi Exit of Tokyo Station)
・
LIBRO Shiodome SIO-SITE
(Bookstore)
・
Tokyo Central City Visitor Information Center
(KYOBASHI EDOGRAND)
(*1) Grutto Pass Cards cannot be purchased at the Japan Olympic Museum.
Convenience Store Voucher Purchase
• You can purchase a voucher at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart stores.
・The voucher
needs to be swapped for a physical pass
At each participating location prior to usage
Experience Roppongi Using the Grutto Pass: An Recommended Route
Roppongi stands out due to its blend of art, culture, and nightlife. Using the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass, you can delve into some of the region’s top museums while soaking up the lively but sophisticated ambiance of the neighborhood. Although not every museum featured here is located precisely within Roppongi itself, many are situated close by in areas like Toranomon and Kamiyacho—easily accessible via a brief trip on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line—which makes it simple to see everything in just one day.
Here’s a well-structured schedule for spending a day visiting museums in and around Roppongi:
In the morning: Sen-oku Hakukokkan Museum in Tokyo
Begin your day at Sen-oku Hakukokan Museum in Tokyo. This museum showcases an extensive array of artworks spanning various disciplines such as Japanese paintings, Western art, contemporary ceramics, tea ceremony tools, and Noh theater masks and attire. It provides valuable insights into traditional methods handed down over time.
Google Maps
Noon: Okura Museum of Art
Next, visit the Okura Museum of Art, Japan’s oldest existing private museum, founded in 1917 by businessman Okura Kihachiro. The museum’s collection focuses on classical East Asian art, featuring Buddhist statues, ancient Chinese bronze ware, Edo-period craftworks, and samurai armor. Some of its standout pieces include a Heian-period Samantabhadra statue and a rare Muromachi-era calligraphy scroll.
Google Maps
In the afternoon: Visit the Kikuchi Kanjitsu Memorial Tomo Museum
End your cultural tour at the Kikuchi Kanjitsu Memorial Tomo Museum, which focuses mainly on contemporary Japanese ceramics. The museum, founded by collector Kikuchi Tomo, features exhibitions that shed light on contemporary ceramists, including those who have passed away and left an important mark in the Japanese contemporary ceramic world. Enjoy works of art in an exhibition space that has been designed specifically for visitors to observe ceramics.
Google Maps
Nevertheless, not every site holds equal interest or value for everybody, making them less essential to see. The allure of the Grutto Pass is found in the opportunity to savor the distinctive appeal of each location at your leisure. Likewise, when exploring other regions, conducting prior research about the attractions you wish to visit along with those nearby allows for unexpected finds and further exploration of more sites.
Map Out Your Cultural Exploration in Tokyo
Before your visit, make sure to review the websites of each museum for the latest information on exhibitions, operating hours, and special events.
Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass 2025
, you’ll gain access to an accessible and fulfilling experience in Tokyo, Japan.
No matter if you’re a visitor discovering Tokyo or a resident seeking an enjoyable way to spend your weekends, make sure to bring your
Grutto Pass
And begin exploring Tokyo’s captivating sights right away!
For more details, visit
The official website for the Tokyo Museum Grutto Pass
Or ask at any of our participating locations.
oleh admin | Mar 31, 2025 | marine animals, natural disasters, nature, tourists, wildlife
An unusual natural phenomenon has resulted in a beach in Majorca being blanketed with a gooey blue substance.
Both locals and tourists didn’t find their usual golden sandy shores when they woke up today, transforming what typically draws many visitors to the Balearic islands into something quite different.
Rather than what they expected, they encountered coastlines in Port de Sóller covered with countless slippery blue entities.
A clip capturing this bizarre event reveals increasing amounts of odd formations being hurled onto the beach by the ocean currents.
Even though this observation appears as if it’s out of this world, there is actually a completely terrestrial explanation for what we’re seeing.
The unusual-looking creatures are actually By-the-wind-sailors, which frequently get swept onto land due to powerful winds.
FaceBook
Jake Bullitt noticed a By-the-wind-sailor jellyfish on the shore and posted about it online.
He mentioned that countless tiny Velellas, also known as By-the-Wind-Sailors, had been washed up at the western edge of the bay, with even more continuing to wash ashore.
Even though they share an uncanny resemblance to the Portuguese man o’ war — known for its painful stings — By-the-wind-sailors pose little threat to humans, as their sting typically causes only minor skin irritation.
The problem these beaches in Majorca currently encounter is dealing with the deceased marine life. If left unremoved, these organisms can begin to decompose, producing an unpleasant smell and drawing flies.
By-the-Wind-Sailors are commonly found in warmer waters during the spring and winter seasons.
Their names originate from their unusual form, which looks like a ship’s sail.
True to their namesake, jellyfish traverse the globe in groups with their ‘sail’ assisting them during these journeys.
Throughout their voyage, the By-the-wind-sailors employ their tentacles and stingers to hunt smaller creatures and juvenile fish.
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