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Euronews
01-08-2025
- Euronews
Why landowners have introduced fee on this Italian hiking trail
High in the Italian Dolomites, a hiking trail on Seceda mountain has become a renowned place for taking dramatic shots of the spiky Odle Peaks. But its growing fame on social media is becoming a nightmare for residents of the area in South Tyrol. This summer, walkers and locals have been sharing images of the route jammed with queues of tourists waiting to take Instagram-worthy snaps. Some 8,000 people reportedly walked the path on a single day last week. Frustrations have grown to the point that local landowners have decided to take independent action and install a turnstile at the beginning of a trail. The move has been controversial, but it is highlighting a wider, growing issue of overtourism, poor visitor behaviour, and environmental damage in Italy's mountains. Farmers ask tourists to pay fee to hike scenic route At the beginning of July, a group of local farmers set up a turnstile with a toll on the Odle trail to protest against the constant passage of tourists who, they say, disrespect the area. "The trails are abandoned and the meadows are full of rubbish," they said in a statement. The turnstile was quickly deactivated by the Puez-Odle Nature Park authorities. However, in recent days, the system has been reinstated. The landowners said in a statement that the initial installation of the turnstile was primarily intended as a provocation - or a 'cry for help' as local newspaper Il Dolomiti describes it. However, since receiving no contact from 'political representatives, associations, or organisations", they chose to reactivate the system. Anyone who wishes to hike along the route is asked to pay a €5 fee - children and residents excluded. There is a person present to take payments, which can be made by cash or card. The landowners say they have been obliged to charge a toll to compensate for the damage to their land and to fund their upkeep of the slopes. Mountain associations denounce the turnstile Local tourism associations and mountain guides have weighed in on the debate, with many denouncing the landowners' move. "If from one day to the next every landowner imposed a toll, what would happen?" Tullio Mussner, president of the Lia da Mont association, told local news outlet L'Altramontagna. There are reportedly now staff members of the tourism association Dolomites Val Gardena posted at the turnstile to inform visitors that it is not mandatory to pay the requested fee. They also direct hikers to an alternative, slightly longer route that bypasses the gate and still reaches the famous panoramic viewpoint of the Odle Peaks. The organisation is reportedly preparing an information sign to be placed next to the turnstile, clarifying that it is a private initiative and indicating the way to the alternative route. Greater regulation of tourism is needed in the Dolomites Others, including local residents, say the provocative move by landowners has been useful. Carlo Alberto Zanella, president of the South Tyrolean branch of the national hiking association Club Alpino Italia (CIA), told local newspaper Salto, 'it serves to bring a real problem to public attention.' He said visitors walk through or cycle across the meadows bordering the trail, spoiling the fields and their crops before the farmers can harvest. 'You need education about how to respect the environment. That's the point.' Local tourism groups also acknowledge that overcrowding is partly due to a lack of regulation by provincial authorities. Mussner called for local farmers to be financially compensated for summer tourism, as is done in winter for owners of land crossed by ski slopes. This is particularly urgent given the booming interest in mountain destinations amid boiling European summers. According to research by the Demoskopika Institute, for the second consecutive year, South Tyrol is one of the destinations in Italy most exposed to tourist overcrowding, on a par with Venice. Is Apple to blame for the Seceda mountain's popularity? Some say the culprit of this area's popularity is the technology company Apple. It used a photograph of the Seceda mountain as the official wallpaper for its iOS 7 operating system a decade ago. Two years ago, it featured the Seceda again in a short promotional video during the iPhone 15 launch event. Local groups say the result of that involuntary publicity was a huge increase in visitors, often driven by the desire to just take a few photos of the views and then leave. They also say that the cable car from Ortisei that takes passengers to the summit is exacerbating the problem. The route has also seen intense overcrowding, with local guides warning visitors to arrive early in the morning to avoid the lengthy queues. Some tourism and environmental groups are now calling for a price increase in summer or even its complete closure in peak season to prevent the unsustainable influx of visitors. The company that operates the cable car has instead proposed tripling its capacity amid much controversy and fears of stoking the overtourism problem.
Scotsman
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Strike a pose! Calling all selfie takers! Here's how your latest selfie could bag you £500, as a new map of the UK reveals the best selfie locations
Fujifilm selfie competition Selfie takers are being encouraged to submit their best poses as part of a nationwide search for the UK's best selfie taker. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Photo gifting store MyFUJIFILM, from photography brand Fujifilm, has launched a new selfie map of the UK – and is looking for selfies to show off the region. The winning selfie taker, who will be judged on creativity, originality – and those all-important selfie skills – will have their photos professionally printed and receive an instax mini 41™ instant camera, including case and film, £500 cash and the title of 'Britain's Best Selfie Taker'. To enter, participants can simply submit their favourite selfie on the MyFUJIFILM website before 1 August. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The map, which uses the volume of Instagram hashtags in a particular area, has named Big Ben overall winner, London Eye coming in second, and Tower Bridge taking third place. It's no surprise that the capital dominates the list, with Buckingham Palace and St Paul's Cathedral featuring in the top ten, but iconic locations across the country make the cut too, with Stratford-Upon-Avon, Brighton Palace Pier and Stonehenge also on the list. Theo Georghiades, General Manager – Imaging Solutions, FUJIFILM UK, said: 'The UK offers so many great locations to see, snap and serve the best selfie. From iconic landmarks to historical sites and must-see tourist attractions, our new research has revealed some of the most Instagram-worthy selfie spots from all over the UK. 'We love seeing how people use pictures to express themselves, so we're encouraging Bedfordshire selfie takers to share their best pics to complete the map and be in with a chance of winning our prize bundle. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We look forward to seeing the most fun and creative selfies from budding photographers – with the chance to bag the title of 'Britain's Best Selfie Taker', £500 cash, instax goodies and professional prints of your photo to display proudly for many years to come.' For more information and how to enter, visit: MyFUJIFILM offers personalised high-quality printed gifts and services, including retro prints, customisable water bottles, mugs, wooden photo blocks, and magnetic frames to bring photos to life using Fujifilm Original Photographic Paper and printing technology. Top selfie spots in the UK Big Ben – 3.6M London Eye – 3.5M Tower Bridge 2.9M Buckingham Palace 1.9M St. Paul's Cathedral – 1m The Shard – 924k Tower of London – 892k Borough Market – 830k Kew Gardens – 815k Stratford-upon-Avon – 648k Brighton Palace Pier – 620k Hampstead Heath – 594k Windsor Castle – 439k Stonehenge – 432k Loch Ness – 182k Trafalgar Square – 166k Giant's Causeway – 148k Richmond Park – 146k Glencoe – 52.8k University of Oxford – 49.1k
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
TOWIE's Pete Wicks falls victim to 'fake' Wimbledon influencer who deceived him
An influencer went viral over the weekend for her Wimbledon posts on Instagram, seemingly showing the blonde, blue eyed beauty enjoying the sunshine while attracting attention from famous names She posed courtside in a mint-green matching suit, her blonde waves flowing in the English sun, and a table card with her name neatly placed beside a glass of champagne. Posting on Instagram, Mia Zelu shared snaps enjoying her time at Wimbledon, alongside stories and captions that matched her influencer aesthetic. She even caught the attention of celebs, including former TOWIE star Pete Wicks, who still follows the blonde beauty. And with 162,000 followers, nothing seems out of the ordinary. But Mia is not who she appears to be, as it turns out she is entirely AI-generated - a revelation that has left fans and her admirers stunned. Mia is part of the new frontier of ' virtual influencers ' - hyperrealistic digital personalities crafted by anonymous creators and powered by artificial intelligence. While her Wimbledon photo series recently went viral for its polished aesthetic and apparent behind-the-scenes access, what turned heads wasn't just the outfit - it was the realisation that the glam guest was completely computer-made. Her latest post, uploaded Friday, shows Zelu in a tailored double-breasted mint blazer, striking Instagram-worthy poses amid crowds at the All England Club. One image even includes a table setting complete with a name card for 'Mia Zelu.' The account includes hashtags, adding a level of what seems to be authenticity. Mia's account, which now boasts over 160,000 followers, describes her as a 'digital creator & influencer AI.' Her first post appeared in March, although she made her Instagram debut the day before in a post alongside her 'sister' Ana Zelu - also AI-generated. The post encouraged followers to 'show her some love,' and apparently, they did. In her first solo upload, Mia lounges in a white hoodie with a kitten on her lap. 'I'm happiest in the sun,' she wrote. 'I believe coffee tastes better in cute cafés, and I live for cozy hoodies and deep conversations.' Mia's growing popularity reflects a broader trend on social media, with some left concerned over the rise of AI-generated influencers. While virtual creators like Lil Miquela (with 2.4 million followers) have been around since 2016, the tech has become increasingly convincing. One of the biggest names in this new wave is Aitana Lopez, a 25-year-old pink-haired model created by Spanish company The Clueless. According to her creators, Lopez brings in up to €10,000 (£8,672) a month and averages around €3,000 (£2,600) a post - all while never missing a shoot, having a bad day, or demanding a pay rise. The company's founder Rubén Cruz said: 'We created her so that we could make a better living and not be dependent on other people who have egos, who have manias, or who just want to make a lot of money by posing.' Mia's creators remain anonymous, but whoever's behind the AI beauty has clearly tapped into a formula that works as she gains followers from dozens of brands and companies.
The Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Suria KLCC elevates ‘park picnics' into full-fledged festival
SURIA KLCC recently wrapped up the return of its 'Picnic in the Park', which this year debuted in a vibrant festival set against the backdrop of KLCC Park and the Esplanade KLCC. Held from July 4 to 6, the three-day outdoor event brought together the joy of al-fresco dining and curated lifestyle experiences in a lively, experiential setting. Now in its third year, this signature campaign reached new heights with modern rustic decor, a Glam Bar for festival-ready looks, and a retro combi van turned snack hub and Instagram-worthy photo spot. Access to the festival was reserved for Suria KLCC shoppers who spent RM3,000 and above in two receipts between June 13 and 29. Each qualifying shopper received a picnic admission for four, along with RM80 in F&B e-vouchers to enjoy at the festival. From 4pm to 9pm daily, 75 groups per day were treated to a one-of-a-kind experience in the park, framed by the Petronas Twin Towers and the Lake Symphony, from golden hour through twilight. The Esplanade KLCC was transformed into a whimsical festival ground, draped in sheer canopies and lush greenery. Upon registration, guests received a curated picnic basket and roadmap card to guide their festival journey – starting with whimsical face painting and handcrafted beaded accessories at the Glam Bar Station, and continuing through the DIY drinks bar, coffee-tasting booth, photobooth with unlimited printouts and more. At KLCC Park, guests enjoyed earth-toned picnic setups beneath tipi tents, along with engaging workshops such as tote bag customisation and bubble play. Delectable bites and sips were served by Imperial Chakri Palace, TGI Fridays, Sakana, All About Chew, Eight Ounce Coffee Co and Gong Cha. Guests also received goodies from Toys 'R' Us, Remax, Kiehl's, MAC and Hoka. A highlight of the event was the 10-foot macrame centrepiece and performance stage on KLCC Park Hill, where guests were entertained by live performances from the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, buskers and drum circles. The evenings concluded with a view of the Lake Symphony Fountain Show, providing a fitting end to a magical evening. Picturesque photo ops, including a vintage combi van, rattan swing chair and the macrame installation, ensured guests had plenty of moments to capture and share. Eight Ounce Coffee Co truck at Suria KLCC.
Time Business News
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
5 Easy Ways You Can Turn Ice Cream Cone Sleeves Into Success
In the world of business, even the smallest things can become powerful tools for success. One such underrated item is the ice cream cone sleeves UK —a simple paper wrap designed to keep your hands clean while enjoying a cold treat. But beyond its functional use, this humble product holds potential for branding, creativity, and even entrepreneurship. Whether you're an ice cream vendor, a marketing professional, or a creative soul looking to build a side hustle, here are five easy and practical ways to turn ice cream cone sleeves into a sweet success story. Most people think of branding as a logo on a sign, website, or business card. But in the food industry, packaging is just as important—often more so. Ice cream cone sleeves can serve as mini billboards that literally land in the hands of customers. For ice cream shop owners, this is an opportunity to stand out in a saturated market. Design custom sleeves with your logo, slogan, social media handles, or even QR codes leading to your website or menu. with your logo, slogan, social media handles, or even QR codes leading to your website or menu. Use vibrant colors and playful typography to make the sleeves Instagram-worthy. People love to share eye-catching desserts. to make the sleeves Instagram-worthy. People love to share eye-catching desserts. Rotate designs based on seasons or promotions to create limited-edition excitement. Branding on cone sleeves ensures that every time someone eats your product, they see your name. It reinforces brand recall, which is crucial in the food industry where word-of-mouth and visuals drive foot traffic. If you don't own an ice cream shop yourself, you can still leverage cone sleeves for business. One smart approach is to create custom-printed sleeves for local businesses and sell them as advertising space. Approach ice cream parlors, cafes, or frozen yogurt shops and propose a free supply of branded cone sleeves in exchange for allowing ads from other local businesses on them. in exchange for allowing ads from other local businesses on them. Charge local boutiques, fitness studios, or pet shops a fee to have their ads printed on the sleeves. You can even run a campaign format, changing sleeve designs monthly and rotating sponsors. Local advertising is incredibly effective when it's personal and relevant. A sleeve ad from a nearby store or gym will resonate with customers who are already in the area. Plus, businesses love low-cost, high-exposure marketing. Read more article visit our site time business news. Here's a fun and engaging way to boost repeat business: gamify your cone sleeves. Think of them as more than just wrappers—think collectibles or tokens of reward. Create a series of limited-edition designs , such as cartoon characters, local landmarks, or artwork from local artists. , such as cartoon characters, local landmarks, or artwork from local artists. Encourage customers to collect all designs for a reward (free scoop, discount, exclusive merch). for a reward (free scoop, discount, exclusive merch). Print loyalty program points or stamps directly onto the sleeves. People love collecting things, especially when there's a reward. By turning a disposable item into something valuable, you encourage customers to return and spread the word. This approach works especially well for shops near schools or tourist attractions. Another way to elevate the simple cone sleeve is by turning it into a medium for art, education, or awareness. This works well for brands or organizations looking to build community engagement. Collaborate with local artists, kids, or schools to design sleeves featuring original artwork. Use the space for positive social messages , fun facts, sustainability tips, or even short poems. , fun facts, sustainability tips, or even short poems. Run contests for customers to submit their own designs, then feature them on sleeves. Art connects people. When your product becomes a part of a larger story or initiative, people feel good about supporting it. And when you uplift voices in your community, you build trust and loyalty—two critical ingredients for long-term success. Finally, if you have an eye for design and access to a good printer or manufacturer, you can turn cone sleeves into a profitable product by offering customized designs for events or brands. Offer custom cone sleeves for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, corporate events, or food trucks. for weddings, birthdays, baby showers, corporate events, or food trucks. Promote your services on platforms like Etsy, Instagram, or your own website. Include options for eco-friendly materials and quick turnaround times. Event planners are always looking for personalized, memorable details—and cone sleeves are a fun, unexpected way to add branding or charm to a dessert station. This can become a niche product with high demand, especially during the summer and holiday seasons. Ice cream cone sleeves may seem like a tiny part of a bigger experience, but they're also a blank canvas with endless potential. From branding to business-building, they can be transformed into a strategic asset with just a little creativity. Here's a quick recap of how to turn them into success: Brand smartly using your own designs. using your own designs. Monetize advertising space by partnering with local businesses. by partnering with local businesses. Drive engagement with collectible or interactive sleeve campaigns. with collectible or interactive sleeve campaigns. Support your community with artistic or educational messages. with artistic or educational messages. Create a business selling personalized sleeves for events and brands. So the next time you enjoy an ice cream cone, don't overlook the wrapper—it might just be your next big idea. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
