Yuyuan Lantern Festival Lights Up ICONSIAM to Celebrate 50 Years of Thai–Chinese Friendship

Yuyuan Lantern Festival Lights Up ICONSIAM to Celebrate 50 Years of Thai–Chinese Friendship

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 2, 2025

Bangkok’s ICONSIAM, in a groundbreaking cultural collaboration with Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist Mart Group, has brought China’s most iconic lantern festival to Thailand for the very first time. The “Spirit of Mountains and Seas · Yuyuan Lantern Festival and 2025 China–Thailand Culture Month” is lighting up the Chao Phraya River until 15 August 2025, offering visitors a magical, light-filled experience that blends ancient Chinese folklore with modern artistic innovation.

Running daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM, the event is open to the public free of charge, welcoming all to enjoy a visual and cultural spectacle unlike any other.

This historic debut in Thailand marks a significant milestone in cultural diplomacy, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China. More than just a festival, this event underscores the growing bond between the two nations, using art and culture as a universal language to foster friendship and unity.

image

With a legacy of over a century, the Yuyuan Lantern Festival is one of China’s most cherished intangible cultural heritages. This year’s theme, “Spirit of Mountains and Seas”, draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese text Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), creating a fantastical realm called “Chao Phraya Island.” This imaginary floating island is brought to life through immersive lantern installations that combine light, shadow, and interactive technologies, portraying mythical creatures and landscapes that enchant visitors of all ages.

Guests can expect more than just mesmerising visuals. The festival also features:

  • Traditional performances

  • Local products market

  • Themed cultural weeks

  • An art exhibition

These activities aim to deepen cross-cultural exchange in art, food, and commerce, strengthening the bridge of collaboration between Thailand and China.

ICONSIAM, already a global destination on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, further cements its position as a hub for international arts and cultural exchange with this iconic event.

“This festival isn’t just about lanterns; it’s about lighting up connections,” remarked organisers from ICONSIAM. “It symbolises the warmth and depth of Thai–Chinese relations, and welcomes all communities to partake in this extraordinary celebration of friendship.”

Visitors are encouraged to explore the luminous wonders of Yuyuan Lantern Festival 2025, soaking in a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience right in the heart of Bangkok.


Israel Festival 2025 Goes Nationwide with Art, Music, and Culture

Israel Festival 2025 Goes Nationwide with Art, Music, and Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 23, 2025

The Israel Festival 2025 has kicked off with a fresh vision, moving beyond the streets of Jerusalem to embrace diverse communities across Israel, from Majdal Shams in the north to Kibbutz Tze'elim in the south.

Spanning from July 16 to August 14, this year’s festival marks a historic milestone as it becomes a nationwide celebration of arts, culture, and unity. Each location will feature curated programs that reflect the spirit and identity of the local community.

Festival Locations Include:

  • North: Majdal Shams, Kiryat Shmona, Kibbutz Kfar Blum, and Tel Hai College

  • South: Ofakim, Kibbutz Urim, and Kibbutz Tze’elim

  • Jerusalem: The festival’s traditional venues remain central to the celebration

A Few Highlights from the Festival Lineup:

  • Speeches Against Despair: An imaginative reinterpretation of iconic speeches curated by Guri Alfi and Eli Haviv, featuring prominent performers like Noa Koller, Noga Erez, and Norman Issa.

  • Music People: A soulful collaboration between well-known Israeli musicians and emerging talents from the north.

  • Al-Malab (The Pitch): A powerful theatrical piece performed on a soccer field, exploring themes of memory and childhood.

  • From Ashes to Gold: Trumpeter Avishai Cohen joins the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra to perform a deeply emotional album inspired by the October 7th events.

  • Coming Home: A thought-provoking Talmudic performance blending music, narration, and spirituality.

  • Brothers: A heartfelt album launch by Tuval Haim, joined by musical guests including Tomer Yosef and ECHO.

  • Spurs: A literary and multimedia tribute to 25 years of the Mifal HaPais Sapir Prize, featuring award-winning authors and artists.

The organizers share that this edition is more than a festival—it is a reflection of hope, unity, and the deep belief in art as a bridge across communities.

“We operate from a deep belief in artistic creation as a unique tool for strengthening the fabric of shared life in Israel,” said Eyal Sher, CEO of the festival.

Artistic directors Michal Vaknin and Itai Mautner added, “We want to create a multi-layered picture and make room for something else to enter. This is our humble offering, our prayer.”

A Celebration of Cultural Resilience

The 2025 edition is not only a cultural showcase but also a powerful symbol of resilience and connection. It emphasizes the role of art in times of division and serves as a heartfelt invitation to celebrate creativity in all its forms.

The festival also aligns with the Restart the Galilee initiative, an effort to boost cultural tourism and economic development in the northern region by hosting events that support both artists and local communities.

From traditional stages in Jerusalem to the green fields of the Galilee, the Israel Festival 2025 offers a vibrant and unifying cultural experience for all.


Germany Plans to Roll Back Air Traffic Tax Hike Amid Airline Pressure

Germany Plans to Roll Back Air Traffic Tax Hike Amid Airline Pressure

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 22, 2025

Germany is considering a reversal of the air traffic tax hike introduced in May 2024, according to a report by Bild. The move comes amid growing pressure from airlines and concerns over high operational costs at German airports. The current coalition government plans to discuss the matter during the preparation of the 2026 budget.

The tax increase raised the surcharge for short-haul flights from €12.48 to €15.53 per ticket. This has been widely criticized by airlines, especially low-cost carriers like Ryanair, which claim that the added costs are making air travel to and from Germany less attractive. International airlines have also hinted at scaling back their operations in response to the high fees.

Christoph Ploss, the government's tourism policy coordinator, has been vocal in calling for a change. “The increase in air traffic tax must be cancelled, and charges at German airports must also be reduced,” he told Bild. He further noted that the tax hike made holidays more expensive for millions of Germans. “A well-deserved holiday in Mallorca must not become unaffordable,” he added.

Germany’s transport ministry reportedly supports the reversal and sees it as a step toward reducing financial strain on the aviation sector. The coalition government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has expressed a commitment to easing the burden on the travel industry, although no official timeline has been provided yet.

The announcement briefly lifted Lufthansa’s stock by 2.2%, reflecting positive sentiment from the market. Ralph Beisel, head of the ADV airports association, also welcomed the potential policy change. “A reorientation of aviation policy is needed in our country,” he said, calling the reversal “a first and urgent step in the right direction.”

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is expected to present the draft budget for 2026 in the coming week. While economic challenges and increased defence spending are putting pressure on the national budget, businesses and industry watchers are closely monitoring the government's next steps in offering relief to the aviation sector.


Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 21, 2025

Emirates has unveiled 'Emirates First', a new premium check-in zone at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, offering a private and elevated experience exclusively for its First Class travellers and Skywards Platinum members.

Just steps from the dedicated Emirates entrance, the new facility is designed to mirror the airline’s First Class luxury—with interiors featuring marble finishes, gold and bronze accents, and plush seating areas. The space is intentionally free of digital signage to maintain a calm, lounge-like atmosphere. Instead, the check-in process is handled via iPads or at elegantly crafted counters, providing a personalised, tech-enhanced experience.

The zone also includes family-friendly seating, allowing one member to complete formalities while others relax. Luggage is seamlessly routed through dedicated First Class belts for smoother transfers.

image

“Emirates First reflects our continued investment in luxury travel,” said Adel al Redha, Deputy President & COO, Emirates. “It offers privacy, efficiency, and comfort at every step of the journey.”

Post check-in, passengers can proceed directly to the First Class lounges for à la carte dining, spa treatments, shopping concierge services, and more.

This initiative is part of Emirates’ broader First Class upgrades, which include Robert Welch caviar bowls, curated wine pairings, and a more refined onboard service. With over 26,800 First Class seats available weekly, Emirates continues to set the standard for top-tier travel experiences.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.