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☆ Fallout between the Maldives and India is ‘absolutely’ benefiting Sri Lanka, says tourism minister
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Erica Lamberg | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

By contrast, nearly 34,400 Indian travelers went to Sri Lanka in January, more than double the 13,759 that visited in January last year, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. Fernando also noted the tight relationship between Sri Lanka and India, both in business and tourism. "Sri Lanka has more to offer … Sri Lanka has more value when it comes to India." "ITC, the big hotel chain, opened their first hotel out of India in Sri Lanka. A Maldives concept in Sri Lanka

Persons: Harin Fernando, Fernando Organizations: country's Tourism, CNBC, Sri, Sri Lanka's Ministry of Tourism, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Sri Lankan Airlines, ITC Locations: Maldives, Sri, India, China, Russia, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Sri Lanka's, Sri Lanka, Galle, Colombo

☆ Colorful paintings of daily life uncovered in 4,300-year-old Egyptian tomb
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Lianne Kolirin | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Colorful paintings of daily life in ancient Egypt have been discovered in a tomb dating back more than 4,300 years. The tomb, known as a mastaba, was found in the pyramid necropolis of Dahshur, about 25 miles south of Cairo, during a recent Egyptian-German archaeological mission. The main attractions there are two large pyramids of King Sneferu: the so-called Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. The daily life of the ancient Egyptians and their animals can be seen in the paintings. It added: “Cleaning and documentation work will be carried out on the tomb and its inscriptions during the coming period.”

Persons: King Sneferu, Idut, DAIK Stephan Seidlmayer, ”, “, Hathor, King Amenemhat III Organizations: CNN, Archaeological Institute, Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and, Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, Antiquities Locations: Egypt, Dahshur, Cairo, Old Kingdom, Memphis, Berlin, Kingdom, Sycamore, ”, Archaeological Institute Cairo, Old, Middle Kingdom

☆ Napoleon stranded a bunch of scientists in Egypt and now we have modern archaeology
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | Jenny Mcgrath | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Napoleon Bonaparte brought engineers, architects, and scientists when he invaded Egypt. In three stages, these "savants" meticulously illustrated the ruins of ancient Egypt. But one of his lesser-known offenses — abandoning a crew of scholars and scientists in Egypt — led to the unexpected byproduct of formal archaeology as we know it today. AdvertisementIt divided Egypt into ancient and modern times, and launched the modern vision of ancient Egypt as we know it today. The structures, symbols, and images of ancient Egypt became fashionable features of European art and architecture.

Persons: Napoleon Bonaparte, —, Egypt —, Ridley Scott, Napoleon, Mohamed Abd El Ghany, Nina Burleigh, Dominique, Vivant, Denon, savants, Napoleon's savants, Burleigh Organizations: Service, Scientific, Art Media, Egyptian Ministry of Tourism Locations: Egypt, France, Upper Egypt, Kings, Luxor, Karnak, Thebes, Edfu, Upper, Lower Egypt, Egyptian, Europe

☆ Bahamas travel warning updated amid violent crime wave
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Marnie Hunter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The US State Department on Friday posted a travel advisory update urging Americans to “exercise increased caution” in the Bahamas, citing crime. The State Department said Tuesday that the advisory level did not change in its January 26 update. In the travel advisory updated two days later, the State Department again urges travelers not to resist any robbery attempts and cautions against opening doors to strangers. The Bahamas isn’t the only Caribbean destination with an updated travel alert. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the State Department advisory for Jamaica reads.

Persons: Philip “, ” Davis, “ Organizations: CNN, US State Department, State Department, Embassy, New Providence, Bahamian, Tribune, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Locations: Bahamas, New Providence, Nassau, Freeport, Providence, U.S, New, Jamaica

☆ Violent crime prompts State Department travel warning for the Bahamas
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Marnie Hunter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The US State Department on Friday posted a travel advisory urging Americans to “exercise increased caution” in the Bahamas, citing crime. “Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. In the travel advisory issued two days later, the State Department also urges travelers not to resist any robbery attempts and cautions against opening doors to strangers. The Bahamas isn’t the only Caribbean destination with an updated travel alert. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts,” the State Department advisory for Jamaica reads.

Persons: Philip “, ” Davis Organizations: CNN, US State Department, State Department, New Providence, Bahamian, Tribune, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Locations: Bahamas, New Providence, Nassau, Grand, Freeport, New, Jamaica

☆ Temple Tourism Set to Soar Under India's Modi
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

In comparison, about 9 million people visit Vatican City in a year and about 20 million Mecca. Since Modi inaugurated the Hindu pilgrimage site of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor on the banks of the Ganges in 2021 in his constituency of Varanasi, more than 130 million tourists have visited the area, according to government data. With nearly $200 billion in revenue, tourism contributes about 7% of India's economy, which is below most large emerging and developed economies by up to 5 percentage points. The new temple and renovations of many others are likely to greatly boost the electoral prospects of the Hindu nationalist party of Modi, who is widely expected to win a rare third straight term in general elections due by May. Muslims account for about 14% of India's population of 1.42 billion, most of them Hindus.

Persons: Krishna, Narendra Modi, Modi, Lord Ram, Monday's, Modi's, Sandeep Shastri, Krishn Kaushik, Ed Osmond Organizations: Das NEW, Indian, Monday, Jefferies, Analysts, Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP, Ministry Locations: Das NEW DELHI, Ayodhya, Vatican, Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi, India's, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi

☆ Diving Into the Dominican Republic’s Springs and Rivers
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Mya Guarnieri | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

If You GoThe Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism lists 18 cenotes and springs on its website, including Hoyo Claro and the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve. If your hotel doesn’t offer day trips to these locations, some might be able to help you arrange one. Rent a car: Big-name car rental agencies like Enterprise, Budget and Hertz all operate in the Dominican Republic. While car accidents in the Dominican Republic are fairly common, it’s reasonably safe for tourists to drive. Just make sure to drive defensively and be vigilant — and stay on the lookout for motorbikes.

Persons: Manuel, ”, “, ” Reluctantly, Hoyo Claro Organizations: Dominican Republic’s Ministry, Tourism, Hire, Facebook, Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, Ministry Locations: Dominican Republic

☆ An ancient Egyptian book of spells to guide the dead in the afterlife was found buried with mummies
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Marianne Guenot | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Archaeologists have uncovered a copy of the "Book of the Dead" in an ancient Egyptian cemetery. The document was used by Egyptian priests to guide the dead to the afterlife. AdvertisementAdvertisementArchaeologists excavating a 3,500-year-old cemetery have discovered an ancient Egyptian "Book of the Dead" filled with spells to guide the deceased in the afterlife. A picture shows a sarcophagus found at the Tuna al-Gebel site, presented to journalists on October 15, 2023. Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and AntiquitiesThe find also uncovered rare canopic jars made of alabaster, used to store spiritually important organs during mummification, and "thousands" of amulets, per the statement.

Persons: —, Sara Cole, Gebel, Isa, Foy Scalf, Scalf, Lara Weiss, Roemer, John Taylor Organizations: Service, Antiquities Department, Paul Getty Museum, The New York Times, of Tourism, Antiquities, Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, University of Chicago, Science, Pelizaeus Museum Locations: Egypt, Tuna, Kingdom, Germany, Sudan

☆ My autoimmune disease made traveling a challenge, but accessible tech in the hospitality industry is making tourism more inclusive
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Shayna Conde | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Some hospitality businesses are becoming more inclusive with accessible tech for disabled travelers. Digital and physical tech has helped improve accessible travel experiences, but more can be done. Lawrence Sumulong/Lincoln CenterImproving accessible tech for the future of travelThe hospitality industry has a long way to go when it comes to accessibility. Two of the biggest issues with increasing accessible tech in this field are documentation of its benefits and the price of acquiring and integrating the tech. Many hotels and destinations either have trouble notating, or simply do not document, how much revenue they've made because of the accessible tech and services they provide.

Persons: —, neuromyelitis optica, Conde, Terrell Lopez, that's, Isabelle Ducharme, Ducharme, Rod Stewart, Kéroul, it's, Simon Clark, Steve Freihon, Miranda Hoffner, Lincoln Center . Lawrence Sumulong, Lincoln Center Miranda Hoffner, Hoffner, Lawrence Sumulong, Brian Brennan, Brennan Organizations: Service, Kéroul, Ministry of Tourism, Tourism, Quebec Ministry of Tourism, Bonjour, Lincoln Center, Lincoln Center ., Lincoln, MMGY Global Locations: Quebec, Mexico, Stoneham, Playa Del Carmen, Atlantic City , New Jersey, New York, York City

☆ Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport: Cambodia’s newest and biggest airport opens to commercial flights
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Karla Cripps | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Cambodia’s newest and biggest airport opened to commercial operations in the province of Siem Reap in the country’s northwest this week. The China-funded Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is now the main gateway to one of the country’s most popular tourist sites, the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Complex. Using the International Air Transport Association-designated code SAI, it replaces Siem Reap International Airport (REP), which first opened in 1932 and is only a few kilometers away from the Angkor complex. Located in Siem Reap province, the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park is one of Cambodia's most famous sites. The country is on track to receive approximately 4.5 to five million international tourists by the end of this year, says the ministry.

Persons: Ashit Desai, Angkor Thom Organizations: CNN, UNESCO, Thailand’s Bangkok Airways, International Air Transport Association, SAI, Initiative, REP, Economic, Office, Embassy, Yunnan Aviation Industry Investment Group, Construction, Getty, Cambodia’s Ministry, Tourism Locations: Siem Reap, China, Angkor, Siem, Cambodia, Southeast Asia, Khmer, Angkor Wat

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Commercial operations began Monday at Cambodia’s newest and biggest airport, designed to serve as an upgraded gateway to the country’s major tourist attraction, the centuries-old Angkor Wat temple complex in the northwestern province of Siem Reap. A Bangkok Airways flight from Thailand was the first to land, with 16 additional flights scheduled for the first day of operations at the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport. The new airport can handle 7 million passengers a year, with plans to augment it to handle 12 million passengers annually from 2040. Another Chinese-funded airport is being constructed at a cost of $1.5 billion to serve the capital Phnom Penh. The new Phnom Penh international airport, formally known as the Techo International Airport, is set on 2,600 hectares (6,425 acres) and scheduled for completion in 2024.

Persons: Vongsey Vissoth, Hun Manet Organizations: —, Bangkok Airways, Angkor International Airport, Ministry of Tourism, Phnom, Techo Locations: PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Wat, Siem Reap, Thailand, Angkor, Angkor Wat, China, Tourism, Phnom Penh

[1/4] People walk into Jerusalem's Old City via Jaffa Gate, as the conflict wreaks havoc across the tourism sector October 11, 2023. Now they are empty after a devastating attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas in Israel on Oct. 7. InterContinental Hotels (IHG.L) said two of its hotels, Six Senses Shaharut and Hotel Indigo Tel Aviv – Diamond District, were temporarily shut. Australian tour operator Intrepid Travel has called off tours to Israel and Palestinian territories until the end of the year. Odysseys Unlimited has suspended its Israel trips until March 31.

Persons: Sinan Abu Mayzer, Abu Dawoud, Khader Hussein, Jesus, That's, Elias al, Dan Hotels, Isrotel, Dan, Israel, Joanna Plucinska, Steven Scheer, Doyinsola, Yadarisa, Josephine Mason, Mark Potter Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Palestinian, Hamas, West Bank, Virgin, European, InterContinental Hotels, Indigo, Aviv, Diamond, Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, Arab Hotel Association, Intrepid, Odysseys, NEW, Thomson Locations: City, Jaffa, Rights BETHLEHEM, JERUSALEM, Bethlehem's, Israel, Palestinian, Gaza, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, United States, European Union, Britain, Europe, Bethlehem, Tel, U.S, West, Australian, Egypt, Jordan, LONDON, Bengaluru

☆ Kenya President Reshuffles Cabinet, Swaps Foreign Affairs Minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's President William Ruto on Wednesday reshuffled eight members of his cabinet, and folded the foreign affairs ministry into the office of the chief minister. The changes were necessary, Ruto said, to "optimise performance and enhance delivery as set out in the administration's manifesto". Ruto has faced a series of nationwide protests over the high cost of living and tax hikes since he took power in August 2022. Foreign minister Alfred Mutua was transferred to the ministry of tourism and wildlife, while trade minister Moses Kiarie Kuria was moved to the ministry of public service. The foreign ministry was brought under the portfolio of the prime cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Persons: William Ruto, Ruto, Alfred Mutua, Moses Kiarie Kuria, Musalia Mudavadi, Mutua, Hereward Holland Organizations: United Nations Locations: NAIROBI, Haiti, Caribbean

☆ Kenya President reshuffles cabinet, swaps foreign affairs minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Kenya's President William Ruto attends the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit at United Nations headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., September 18, 2023. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNAIROBI, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Kenya's President William Ruto on Wednesday reshuffled eight members of his cabinet, and folded the foreign affairs ministry into the office of the chief minister. The changes were necessary, Ruto said, to "optimise performance and enhance delivery as set out in the administration's manifesto". Foreign minister Alfred Mutua was transferred to the ministry of tourism and wildlife, while trade minister Moses Kiarie Kuria was moved to the ministry of public service. The foreign ministry was brought under the portfolio of the prime cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Persons: William Ruto, Caitlin Ochs, Ruto, Alfred Mutua, Moses Kiarie Kuria, Musalia Mudavadi, Mutua, Hereward Organizations: Sustainable, United Nations, REUTERS, Rights, Thomson Locations: New York City , New York, U.S, Rights NAIROBI, Haiti, Caribbean

☆ Mid-Autumn Festival holidays: Millions of Chinese tourists are going on holiday again -- many headed for Thailand
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Kathleen Magramo Kocha Olarn Berry Wang Carina Cheng | Kathleen Magramo | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Only 2.2 million Chinese travelers arrived between January and September 10 this year, according to data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin greeted travelers on the first day of the government's visa-free scheme for Chinese tourists. “Competition is really intensifying in the region to attract Chinese tourists amongst all countries, and you have to make it as easy as possible,” said Bowerman. Chinese tourists pray in front of Thai dancers at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand on September 22, 2023. Rumors, film complicate efforts to lure back touristsPrior to the announcement of the visa-free policy this month, Chinese tourists had been slow to return to Thailand.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, It’s, ” Sretta, “, Chiang, Wang Wenbin, Peerapon Boonyakiat, pare, Gary Bowerman, ”, Bowerman, Huang, “ I’ve, coronavirus, Trip.com, Jin Junhao, Joanna Lu, Anusak, Wolfgang Georg Arlt, “ There’s, Thailand ”, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn Organizations: CNN, China’s, Tourism Authority of, Thai, Civil Aviation Administration, China Railway, Asia, Tourism Research Institute, Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Thai Travel Agents Association Locations: China, Shanghai, Bangkok’s, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, ”, Beijing, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Asia, Sichuan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, United Kingdom, Erawan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Weibo

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin handed out gifts and posed for pictures as his tourism minister and other VIPs greeted about 300 travelers from Shanghai. He said that the government plans to promote Thailand’s smaller cities as destinations for Chinese tourists to encourage them to stay longer and spend more. Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said there has been about a 30% surge in accommodation and flight bookings since the policy was announced. Chai Wacharonke, a spokesperson for the prime minister, earlier said that Thailand received 15 million international visitors in the first seven months. He said the government aims to draw 28 million tourists and generate 1.4 trillion baht ($39.2 billion) in revenue in 2023.

Persons: Srettha Thavisin, ” Srettha, Srettha, Dai, Chiang Mai, Peng, Wan Yi, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Chai Wacharonke Organizations: Bangkok’s, Central, Tourism, Tourism Authority of, Ministry of Tourism Locations: BANGKOK, Shanghai, Thai, Thailand, Bangkok, Phuket, Wan, Wat Arun, Chinatown, Central Asian, Kazakhstan, China, Tourism Authority of Thailand

☆ Sunken ancient temples were found in a mysterious underwater city, with Egyptian and Greek treasures
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Marianne Guenot | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Archaeologists uncovered a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian and Greek artifacts. They were found on the site of the sunken city of Thonis-Heracleion, which was lost until 2000. Christoph Gerigk ©Franck Goddio/Hilti FoundationA temple to the king of ancient Egyptian godsThe latest excavation located a precious site: the sunken temple of Amun. Ancient Egyptian artifacts were uncovered in the remains of the Amun temple. Christoph Gerigk ©Franck Goddio/Hilti FoundationThe excavation also uncovered another sacred site, but this time, it was devoted to ancient Greek rituals.

Persons: Franck Goddio, Christoph Gerigk, Heracleion, Goddio, Amun, Silver, Aphrodite Organizations: Service, European Institute for Underwater, Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of, Hilti Locations: Thonis, Wall, Silicon, Egypt, Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, Alexandria, Greece

☆ One of the world’s oldest synagogues reopens in Egypt
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Aimee Look | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Egypt has reopened one of the world’s oldest synagogues and home to the most significant single trove of Jewish manuscripts. A copy of the "Torah scrolls" at the newly restored Ben Ezra Synagogue, Egypt's oldest Jewish temple, after decade-long restoration, in old Cairo, Egypt. It awarded Drops of Milk a grant in 2017 to fund their restoration efforts of the remaining synagogues in Egypt, including Ben Ezra, Bertini said. The Ark and "Menorah" at the newly restored Ben Ezra Synagogue, in old Cairo, Egypt. The "Bimah," also known in Arabic as al-minbar, is pictured at the newly restored Ben Ezra Synagogue, in old Cairo, Egypt.

Persons: Ben Ezra, Mostafa Madbouly, Abraham ibn Ezra, Moses Maimonides, Maimonides, Moses, Amr Abdallah Dalsh, Egypt’s MOTA, Louise Bertini, ARCE, Bertini, “ There’s, Abel Fattah al, Sisi, Khaled Fahmy Organizations: CNN, Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Cambridge University Library, Milk Association, American Research Centre, UNESCO, Heritage Locations: Egypt, Egypt's, Cairo

☆ North Korea hints at tourism reopening, but doubts remain
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

When North Korea slammed its already tight borders closed in 2020, he was one of many travel industry professionals left out in the proverbial cold. One of Cockerell’s business concerns, he says, is that a lack of search engine interest in North Korea trips could hurt his website’s visibility on Google. In 2017, the United States banned its passport holders from traveling to North Korea and has renewed this ban through at least 2024. The 2017 ban on American travel to North Korea came shortly after the death of Otto Warmbier, a recent college graduate from Ohio who participated in a Young Pioneer Tours group trip to North Korea. Warmbier was detained in North Korea in 2016 for allegedly stealing a propaganda poster and held for 17 months.

Persons: Simon Cockerell, ” Cockerell, ”, Cockerell, Kim, Otto Warmbier, Warmbier, CNN’s Paula Hancocks, Irene Nasser, Kate Springer, Yoonjung Seo Organizations: CNN, Air Koryo, of Tourism, United, DPRK, Tours, North Koreans, North Korean Locations: North Korea, North, Pyongyang, Beijing, China, Vladivostok, Russia, Koryo, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Tourism, United States, Ohio

☆ Egypt unearths tombs and workshops where humans and sacred animals were mummified in the age of the pharaohs
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( Alia Shoaib | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Archaeologists found ancient mummification workshops and tombs in the Saqqara necropolis. The workshops were used to embalm humans and sacred animals to prepare them for the afterlife. The tombs of two priests dating back to the 24th and 14th centuries BC were also found. Amr Nabil/AP PhotoThe excavations also uncovered the tombs of two priests dating back to the 24th and 14th centuries BC. The new discoveries were unveiled by Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in a high-profile press conference on Saturday.

☆ How to explore Greece's lesser-known islands like a local
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-12 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | Morgan Awyong | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

But now it wants tourists to get to know lesser-known locations across its thousands of sprawling islands. Currently, Germany and the U.K. represent Greece's largest inbound tourism markets by revenue, followed by the United States, France and Italy. An eco-paradise surrounded by 24 islets, Lipsi forms part of the Dodecanese island collection in the southeastern Aegean Sea. Alonissos, SporadesDivers' delight Alonissos, part of the Sporades group of islands, is a diver's paradise and the site of Greece's first underwater museum. Alonissos, part of the Sporades archipelago in the northwest Aegean Sea, is known for its diving spots, including Greece's first underwater museum, the "Parthenon of the Wrecks."

☆ Cleopatra wasn't a Black woman, Egypt tells Netflix in a feud over new drama-documentary
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-29 | by ( Bethany Dawson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Egypt has accused Netflix of misrepresenting Cleopatra by framing her as a Black woman. Dr. Mustafa Waziri of the Supreme Council of Archeology said it's a "blatant historical fallacy." The drama-documentary "Queen Cleopatra" is set to air on May 10, with Adele James cast as the queen. "Queen Cleopatra," the soon-to-be-released drama-documentary on the famed Egyptian queen, portrays her as a Black woman. Waziri said that depicting Cleopatra, a legendary beauty, as a Black woman is a "falsification of Egyptian history and a blatant historical fallacy."

☆ Italy’s new tourism ambassador is Botticelli’s Venus, brought to life by AI
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Barbie Latza Nadeau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

But a new marketing campaign by Italy’s tourism ministry has turned the ancient deity into a “virtual influencer”—with the help of artificial intelligence technology. “A Venus in the role of a modern influencer will lead every international visitor by the hand to discover our country,” the announcement from the Ministry of Tourism promises. Some are computer-generated, while others feature a human model whose face is never seen but who has the same long, wavy hair. “I’m 30—ok, maybe just a little bit older,” Venus says. “I’m a virtual influencer.”

In February, over 150,000 Chinese tourists travelled to Thailand, the latest data from the Thai Ministry of Tourism show - a three year high but still 85% below February 2019 levels. Chinese tourists used to make up 10% of European arrivals from outside the continent. Flights to Europe are up to 80% more expensive than before the pandemic, according to ForwardKeys, a travel data firm. Chinese tourists making a comeback is crucial for regional economies. Reuters GraphicsPre-pandemic, China was Australia's top source of tourists, but numbers following Beijing's reopening of borders have only trickled back.

☆ Ancient Egyptian zodiac symbols were found in a temple after archaeologists cleared away 2,000 years' worth of grime
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Marianne Guenot | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Ancient Egyptian star signs were found under a thick layer of soot and dust in the Temple of Esna. The colors in the full set of Egyptian zodiac symbols are vivid after being protected by the grime. The set is just one of three full sets of ancient Egyptian zodiac signs uncovered in Egyptian temples, said Dr. Daniel von Recklinghausen, a Tübingen Egyptologist who worked on the project. These zodiac symbols were uncovered in the latest series of renovations, which revealed the designs in brilliant colors. Ancient Egyptians adopted astrology late in their reignThese symbols show the decans, which are zodiac symbols representing the 12 hours of the night.

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