SHANGHAI: Authorities in China have shut down Marriott’s local website for a week after the US hotel giant mistakenly listed Chinese-claimed regions such as Tibet and Hong Kong as separate countries.
Shanghai’s cyberspace authority late Thursday ordered Marriott to close its Chinese website and app for a week and completely clear out illegal and irregular information, according to a government statement.
Marriott’s Chinese website now shows a message with an apology.
“We never support any separatist organization that damages China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it says.
“We apologize profoundly for any behavior that will cause misunderstanding about the above stance.”
In a customer questionnaire in Mandarin, Marriott asked members of the chain’s customer rewards program to list their country of residence, giving Tibet, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan as possible options.
It triggered an uproar on Chinese social media as Tibet is an “autonomous region” firmly under Chinese control since the 1950s.
Hong Kong and Macau are former British and Portuguese colonies, respectively, that are now “special administrative regions” under China.
Taiwan has been self-ruled since splitting from the mainland after a 1949 civil war, but Beijing continues to claim sovereignty over the island.
Shanghai authorities are probing whether the gaffe in Marriott International’s Mandarin-language questionnaire violated national cyber-security and advertising laws.
“We welcome foreign companies to invest and operate in China, but in the meantime they should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China, respect our laws and regulations, as well as the feelings of the Chinese people,” foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular press briefing.
“I think this is the basic principle for foreign countries to conduct operations and investment in other countries,” Lu said.
While Marriott apologized, public anger further escalated after the official Twitter account of Marriott Rewards liked a tweet from “Friends of Tibet,” an India-based group that supports Tibetan independence and congratulated the hotel chain for listing Tibet as a country.
Marriott president and chief executive Arne Sorenson soon issued a lengthy apology letter, which described the “like” as “careless.”
“Marriott International respects and supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China. Unfortunately, twice this week, we had incidents that suggested the opposite,” said Sorenson.
“Upon completion of a full investigation into how both incidents happened, we will be taking the necessary disciplinary action with respect to the individuals involved, which could include termination.”
China shuts Marriott’s local website over Tibet, Hong Kong error
China shuts Marriott’s local website over Tibet, Hong Kong error
The hottest music festivals of 2025
DUBAI: Make your summer travel plans with music in mind
Glastonbury
Where: Wiltshire, England
When: June 25-29
What: Glastonbury has a convincing claim to being the world’s most famous festival, and regularly attracts more than 200,000 people to the Somerset countryside to see a diverse lineup that — apart from music megastars — includes stand-up comedy, circus acts, theater performances and more. This year’s Pyramid Stage headliners are English pop-rock outfit The 1975, US veteran Neil Young, and US singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo, while top of the bill on The Other Stage are UK hip-hop star Loyle Carner, the inspiration behind last year’s ‘Brat Summer’ Charli XCX, and seminal electronic-music act The Prodigy. Elsewhere, there really is something for all tastes.
Other must-see acts: Raye, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Rod Stewart, Biffy Clyro, Noah Kahan, The Big Moon, Wolf Alice, Doechii, Wet Leg
Tomorrowland
Where: Boom, Belgium
When: July 18-20 and 25-27
What: A regular award-winner, Tomorrowland is one of the world’s best electronic dance music festivals. A reported 400,000 people attended last year’s event in De Schorre recreational park, which also accommodates the festival’s official campsite, DreamVille. This year’s Mainstage headliners include Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, and Swedish House Mafia, but there’s also plenty of less-mainstream acts performing over the festival’s two weekends on its 14 stages.
Other must-see acts: Steve Aoki, Afrojack, Charlotte De Witte (pictured), Alok, ANNA, Amelie Lens, Eric Prydz
Lollapalooza
Where: Chicago, US
When: July 31–Aug. 3
What: It may no longer be seen as quite the cultural thermometer it once was, but Lollapalooza is still an eclectic feast for music lovers — booking acts from genres including alt-rock, metal, punk, pop, hip-hop and EDM — and attracts around 400,000 people every year to its home in Chicago. This year’s headliners include Australian alt-dance group Rüfüs Du Sol; US rap star Tyler, The Creator; Olivia Rodrigo; and US singer-songwriter Sabrina Carpenter.
Other must-see acts: A$AP Rocky, Twice, Luke Combs, Gracie Abrams, Cage The Elephant, Bleachers, Doechii, Martin Garrix
All Together Now
Where: Waterford, Ireland
When: July 31-Aug. 3
What: The great joy of Irish festival All Together Now is the hidden gems further down the lineup, as well as the ‘sideshows’ of art, spoken word, comedy, theater and wellness in a gorgeous setting. Since its inception, All Together Now has built a reputation for having a deep bench full of quality. So while the headliners — who this year include Fontaines D.C., Nelly Furtado, and London Grammar — aren’t on the megastar scale of the world’s major festivals, this festival is still well worth a visit.
Other must-see acts: Wet Leg, Leftfield, Michael Kiwanuka, Infinity Song, Gurriers, Glasshouse
Osheaga
Where: Montreal, Canada
When: Aug. 1-3
What: Spread over six stages in Montreal’s beautiful Parc Jean-Drapeau, Osheaga focuses on up-and-coming acts as well as major names and incorporates a variety of genres. Other attractions apart from the music include volleypong, a Ferris wheel, and art exhibitions. This year’s headliners on the main Bell River Stage are US pop-rock giants The Killers; Tyler, The Creator; and Olivia Rodrigo.
Other must-see acts: Doechii, Glass Animals, Lucy Dacus, The Chainsmokers, Gracie Abrams, Jamie xx, The Beaches, FINNEAS
Sziget Festival
Where: Budapest, Hungary
When: Aug. 6-11
What: Sometimes called “Europe’s Burning Man,” both because of its size (around 1,000 performances each year) and its weird side attractions — including a very odd amusement park — Sziget takes place on the breathtaking Old Buda Island on the River Danube. Headliners on the main stage this year include Charli XCX (pictured), Canadian singer Shawn Mendes, US rapper A$AP Rocky, American rapper and singer Post Malone, and US singer-songwriter Chappell Roan.
Other must-see acts: FKA Twigs, The Last Dinner Party, Mother, Empire of the Sun, Justice, Amelie Lens, Caribou, Armin van Buuren
Reading & Leeds
Where: Reading and Leeds, England
When: Aug. 21-24
What: With the same lineup performing on different nights in two different venues a couple hundred miles apart, Reading & Leeds usually attracts a total of more than 200,000 people to shows that tend to focus on indie and alternative music as well as hip-hop. This year’s headliners are Irish rocker Hozier (pictured), Chappell Roan, English rock band Bring Me The Horizon, and US rapper Travis Scott.
Other must-see acts: Limp Bizkit, Becky Hill, The Kooks, D-Block Europe, Amyl and the Sniffers, Rudim3ntal, Red Rum Club
For fans of film and TV, England offers countless nostalgia-stirring sites
JEDDAH: England is a place where cinematic fiction and reality often blur — its charming neighborhoods and historic landmarks have served as the backdrop to some of the world’s most beloved films.
In May, Arab News joined a press trip organized by VisitBritain in partnership with Virgin Atlantic, celebrating the launch of the airline’s new Riyadh to London route.
Having arrived well-rested, following a luxurious experience in Virgin’s Upper Class cabin, we checked into London’s The May Fair Hotel, just off Piccadilly — a surprisingly tranquil central base for the adventure ahead.
Our trip was a deep dive into the UK’s cinematic soul, featuring a bespoke tour of London in classic Mini Coopers, driven by enthusiastic local guides. Our first stop was the famous blue door at 280 Westbourne Park Road — from the 1999 rom-com “Notting Hill,” starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts — where a replica, painted to match the film’s version, has been installed — perfect for a nostalgic photo op.
Just around the corner is Alice’s, the whimsical antique shop featured in 2014’s “Paddington.” With its vintage charm, Alice’s felt straight out of a storybook. Portobello Road, where the shop is located, is a cinematic destination all on its own, brimming with colorful buildings, lively market stalls, and timeless London charm.
Next was the distinguished Huntsman at 11 Savile Row, a prestigious bespoke tailor that inspired the secret service headquarters in “Kingsman: The Secret Service” (2014), and which draws in fashion lovers and film fans alike.
At Borough Market, one of London’s oldest food markets, we visited the flat above The Globe Tavern, famous as the heroine’s home in 2001’s “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” outside of which the street fight between Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver was filmed.
No culture-themed visit to London is complete without a West End musical, and we attended “The Devil Wears Prada” at the Dominion Theatre. With soaring vocals, sharp choreography, and impeccable fashion details, the performance successfully captured the wit and flair of the beloved 2006 film on which it is based.
On our third day, we journeyed to the serene city of Oxford, passing through the storybook English countryside — rolling hills, stone cottages, and emerald fields. Before exploring the city, we checked into Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, founded by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc. This luxurious manor blends rustic elegance with culinary excellence and is surrounded by lavender-scented gardens, orchards, and organic vegetable patches — a whimsical escape into an English fairytale. Afternoon tea was served in the charming cottages scattered across the estate, which offer each guest their own intimate space overlooking the gardens. Every detail was immaculate: from the handpicked fruit platter to delicate chocolate and mandarin cakes, and airy macarons made with sustainable, organic ingredients harvested on-site. It was a moment of calm indulgence — a countryside retreat that felt both restorative and magical.
In Oxford, the charismatic Jim Palmer led us on a walking tour of its most famous corners. The city — particularly its prestigious university — has appeared in dozens of productions, but none as magical as the “Harry Potter” series. At Christ Church College, we stood in the Great Hall that inspired Hogwarts’ dining room, and climbed the grand staircase featured in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” The Divinity School nearby doubled as Hogwarts’ infirmary and classrooms in several of the films.
We also visited New College, where fans of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” will recognize the ancient tree beneath which Draco Malfoy is turned into a ferret by Professor Moody.
Oxford’s cinematic résumé stretches far beyond wizards, though. Its colleges, libraries, and cobblestone streets have appeared in “The Theory of Everything,” “The Golden Compass,” “Shadowlands,” “Brideshead Revisited,” and even the “X-Men” franchise. Fans of TV detective dramas will also recognize it from “Inspector Morse,” “Lewis,” and “Endeavour.”
After our tour, we were whisked off to the luxury shopping destination Bicester Village. At The Apartment, an exclusive lounge space, we were pampered with gourmet treats and a concierge service that made high-end shopping feel both effortless and elegant.
Our trip concluded in style back at Heathrow Airport, where we enjoyed the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse — an oasis of calm featuring sleeping zones, yoga areas, private showers, and premium dining.
From Oxford’s collegiate quietude to the sparkle of London’s West End, and from iconic film locations to moments of personal luxury, this trip offered more than sightseeing; it was a cinematic immersion that brought some of our favorite stories to life.
Najran: A city of living memories
- The southwestern city may be one of the Kingdom’s fastest-growing, but its appeal is timeless
JEDDAH: A dry wind carries the first sign: a curl of frankincense smoke, sharp and sweet, drifting over the desert flats. It seeps through windows, clings to clothes, lingers on skin. Najran once sat at the center of the incense trade, and the scent still clings to its streets like a memory too deep to wash away.
In Najran’s Old City, sun-drenched alleys wind between mud-brick towers etched with delicate patterns. The buildings lean into one another like elders sharing secrets, their thick walls cool to the touch, smelling faintly of clay and ash.
At the edge of town lies Al-Ukhdood — ancient ruins unfolding in silence, trenches cut through centuries, and soot-darkened stones bearing the scars of fire. There’s no ticket booth, no crowd, just wind brushing across fractured stone. This is where an infamous massacre once unfolded, a horror alluded to in the Qur’an. Now, goats graze nearby, and a boy scrolls through his phone against a wall that has seen empires rise and fall. Here, history doesn’t sleep, it hums softly beneath your feet.
Further into town, the Thursday Market erupts like a drumbeat. The solemnity of the past gives way to present-day vibrance. Silver jambiya daggers flash from stalls, sticky dates glisten under the sun, and fabric bolts in electric blues and deep saffron flutter in the breeze. A vendor hands you a tiny ceramic cup filled with qishr (ginger coffee), fiery and fragrant. Its scent coils in your nose, the first sip stings your tongue, and a strange warmth begins to gather in your chest — a jolt from another time.
Past the market, Al-Aan Palace rises above the palm groves. Its mud towers glow gold in the late light like a dream from another age. Climbing its narrow staircase, your breath shortens. At the rooftop, it stops altogether. Below, date farms stretch like green lace. Beyond, the Tuwaiq Escarpment flames red in the sinking sun. There is awe, and there is quiet.
The road south of Najran curves, shimmering, into the desert. Follow it to Bir Hima, and you’ll find 7,000-year-old carvings on basalt boulders — hunters, animals, stories too old for language — and drink thick tea under the sun, sweet and dense as syrup, and imagine those long-ago artists tracing their lives into stone.
To explore Wadi Najran, you can rent a bicycle. At first it rolls smoothly through scrub and stone, but then the asphalt ends and sand takes over. The wadi unfolds — vast, veined cliffs shimmer in the light. A shepherd leads his goats past, his voice rising briefly on the wind. The heat is heavy, the bike grows cumbersome, but the land invites you not to conquer it, only to notice.
Evening comes with a slow hush. The air smells of dust and dry leaves. In the distance, the sky purples, gold slips behind the horizon. Najran lingers not just in your memory, but in your senses. The sting of ginger, the hush of carved stone, the smoke of incense soaked into your shirt. This is not a city you visit. It’s one you carry.
And as night folds in, Najran reveals another layer. The souk’s date stalls, clay homes, and impromptu chai shops reveal not just trade but trust. You’re offered water without price, tea without expectation. A stranger gestures toward his car and home — unstaged, authentic hospitality. In one such home, beneath a full moon and garden perfumed by local incense, a conversation turns to life’s simplicity, peace, and the lies we often believe until we travel. There are no tours or tickets for this part of Najran.
Spend a few days. Let the place press gently into you. Wander the alleys, share the tea, smell the smoke, and listen. You’ll understand why Najran is not simply visited — it’s remembered.
Venice expands its day-tripper tax program in bid to combat overtourism
- A UNESCO body decided against putting Venice on its list of cultural heritage sites deemed in danger after the tax was announced
- Opponents of the day-tripper fee say it has done nothing to discourage tourists from visiting Venice even on high-traffic days
VENICE, Italy: Venice is charging day-trippers to the famed canal city an arrivals tax for the second year starting Friday, a measure aimed at combating the kind of overtourism that put the city’s UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status at risk.
A UNESCO body decided against putting Venice on its list of cultural heritage sites deemed in danger after the tax was announced. But opponents of the day-tripper fee say it has done nothing to discourage tourists from visiting Venice even on high-traffic days.
Here’s a look at Venice’s battle with overtourism by the numbers:
5-10 euros (about $6-$11)
The fee charged to visitors who are not overnighting in Venice to enter its historic center during the second year of the day-tripper tax. Visitors who download a QR code at least three days in advance will pay 5 euros ($5.69) — the same amount charged last year throughout the pilot program. But those who make last-minute plans pay double. The QR code is required from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. and is checked at entry points to the city, including the Santa Lucia train station, the Piazzale Roma bus depot and the Tronchetto parking garage.
54
The number of days this year that day visitors to Venice will be charged a fee to enter the historic center. They include mostly weekends and holidays from April 18 to July 27. That is up from 29 last year. The new calendar covers entire weeks over key holidays and extends the weekend period to include Fridays.
2.4 million euros
That is the amount Venice took in during a 2024 pilot program for the tax. The city’s top budget official, Michele Zuin, said last year the running costs for the new system ran to 2.7 million euros, overshooting the total fees collected. This year, Zuin projects a surplus of about 1 million euros to 1.5 million euros, which will be used to offset the cost of trash collection and other services for residents.
450,000
The number of day-trippers who paid the tax in 2024. Officials say 8,000 day-trippers paid in advance to enter the city on Friday, among the 77,000 who have already registered so far to enter the city this year. Another 117,000 have registered for exemptions, which apply to anyone born in Venice, those paying property taxes in the city, studying or working in the historic center, or living in the wider Veneto region, among others.
75,000
The average number of daily visitors on the first 11 days of 2024 that Venice charged day-trippers. That’s about 10,000 people more than the number of tourists recorded on each of the three important holidays during the previous year. City council member Giovanni Andrea Martini, an opponent of the measure, said the figures show the project has not deterred visitors.
48,283
The number of official residents in Venice’s historic center composed of over 100 islands connected by footbridges and traversed by its famed canals. The population peaked at 174,000 in 1951, when Venice was home to thriving industries. The number shrank during Italy’s postwar economic boom as residents moved to the mainland for more modern housing — including indoor plumbing which was lacking in Venice. It has been shrinking dramatically over recent decades as local industry lost traction, families sought mainland conveniences and housing prices rose. Activists also blame the “mono-culture” of tourism, which they say has emptied the city of basic services like shops for everyday goods and medical care.
51,129
The number of beds for tourists in Venice’s historic center, including 12,627 in the less regulated short-term rental market, according to April data from the Ocio housing activist group. The number of tourist beds surpassed the number of permanent residents in 2023, according to Ocio’s monitor. Anyone staying in a hotel within the city limits, including on the mainland districts of Mestre and Marghera, pays a lodging tax and is therefore exempt from the day-tripper tax.
25 to 30 million
The number of annual arrivals of both day-trippers and overnight guests roughly confirmed by cellphone data tracked from a Smart Control Room since 2020, according to city officials.
Saudi traditional crafts on show at Jouf camel auction
- Women demonstrate art of making sameel storage pouches
RIYADH: The art of making leather containers for storing food and drinks was just one of the attractions at the recent Jouf camel auction in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate.
With 2025 designated as the Year of Handicrafts, festivals across Saudi Arabia are providing important platforms for artisans to showcase and market their traditional skills.
At the camel auction, which ends on Tuesday, craftswoman Umm Meshaal, told the Saudi Press Agency how she produced sameel, a type of pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water.
Meshaal said that sheep skin worked best for keeping yogurt, while goat skin was better for ghee.
FASTFACTS
• At the Jouf camel auction, craftswoman Umm Meshaal told the Saudi Press Agency how she produced sameel.
• It is a traditional pouch made from animal hide and used for storing ghee, yogurt and water.
The process starts by tanning the skins using a tree extract and salt to remove the hair and any impurities. The hides are then left to dry before being cut and sewn together into the desired shape.
The ancient art of making sameel is still relevant in modern-day Jouf, particularly among Bedouin communities who use them for storing and carrying vital supplies.
Many consumers say the best ghee in the Kingdom comes from these traditional vessels, the report said.
