Latest news with #Tourist
Observer
15-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Tourist Information Centre coming up in Al Buraimi
MUSCAT: Work continues at a rapid pace on the Tourist Information Centre project at the Al Buraimi Gateway, one of the latest initiatives aimed at promoting the cultural and tourism landscape of Al Buraimi Governorate. The project has reached approximately 60 per cent completion, with some final supply and finishing works still pending. The centre is designed as a comprehensive cultural and tourism hub, combining recreational and informational services. It will feature a dedicated café for visitors, a children's play area, and a souvenir shop showcasing the governorate's cultural heritage. The facility is equipped with an advanced system of interactive digital screens, including a main display screen integrated with virtual reality (VR) technology, a semi-cylindrical screen, and four side screens, one of which is directly linked to the National Museum to provide rich and continuously updated cultural content. Obaid bin Salim Al Kaabi, Director of the Projects Department at the Office of the Governor of Al Buraimi, said, 'The Tourist Information Centre project is part of a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the tourism and service infrastructure in the governorate. It represents a qualitative leap in the way tourism information is presented, using modern digital technologies to enhance visitor experience and align with national trends towards digital tourism.' He added that the remaining works include the supply of furniture, digital games, and a decorative fountain, with completion expected in the near future ahead of the official opening. Once completed, the centre is expected to become a key attraction for visitors and those interested in digital and cultural tourism in Al Buraimi Governorate, supporting both domestic and international tourism activity.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
I Thought ChatGPT Was Killing My Students' Skills. It's Killing Something More Important Than That.
This essay was adapted from Phil Christman's newsletter, the Tourist. Subscribe here. Before 2023, my teaching year used to follow a predictable emotional arc. In September, I was always excited, not only about meeting a new crop of first-year writing students but even about the prep work. My lesson-planning sessions would take longer than intended and yet leave me feeling energized. I'd look forward to conference week—the one-on-one meetings I try to hold with every student, every term, at least once—and even to the first stack of papers. In October, predictably, I'd crash a little bit, but by late November, I'd be seeing evidence that even some of my least enthusiastic students were beginning to take in everything I'd been trying to tell them. By the time classes ended, I'd be loving everything about my job again, especially in the years when kids would stay behind on the last day to shake my hand and say thank you, or write me a note. The second semester would go roughly the same way. The exhaustion would hit a little earlier, which made the recovery all the sweeter. The funny thing about this cycle is that I would forget, every time, that it was a cycle. In October, in March, I would genuinely believe that I had never had a group of students who had let me down like this before, and that I had never let myself and a group of students down to this extent before. The crash was new each time. Oh, sure, I thought, a year ago I kind of felt this way, but this time I have solid reasons—last year's solid reasons having already evaporated from my memory. The intensity of teaching brings a certain amnesia with it, like marathoning and—I am told—childbirth. I only know I go through this cycle because my wife watches me go through it every year, and reminds me. She remembers last year's solid reasons even if I don't. Since the 2022–23 school year, when ChatGPT-2 and then -3 hit the scene, this cycle now has a new component. About a week or so after the end-of-semester Good Feelings Era, I read the latest big journalistic exposé about the ubiquity of college-level Chat-GP-Cheat and start wondering whether anyone learned anything. As I end yet another semester, I have my pick of such articles, whether it's this ambivalent longer view from the New Yorker or this rather sensational on-the-ground exposé from New York magazine. The latter article begins by introducing us to a student named Lee (not his real name): Lee was born in South Korea and grew up outside Atlanta, where his parents run a college-prep consulting business. … When he started at Columbia as a sophomore this past September, he didn't worry much about academics or his GPA. 'Most assignments in college are not relevant,' he told me. 'They're hackable by AI, and I just had no interest in doing them.' While other new students fretted over the university's rigorous core curriculum … Lee used AI to breeze through with minimal effort. When I asked him why he had gone through so much trouble to get to an Ivy League university only to off-load all of the learning to a robot, he said, 'It's the best place to meet your co-founder and your wife.' 'The best place to meet your co-founder and your wife'! Only well-off people expect life to be this predictable; everybody else knows better. In fact, there are, if we have eyes to see them, many reasons in this early paragraph not to panic, not to feel that anything has fundamentally changed. Lee's parents, we're told, run a test-prep company, which means that he's part of a large, existing system that already treats education as a series of robotic steps even as it pretends to value students and learning. Well, any longtime writing instructor knows that there's no real way to stop a determined rich kid from cheating their way through a writing class. If nothing else, they can always afford to pay someone to write a paper for them—and even if you think you've attuned your paper requirements so thoroughly to your assigned readings and class discussions that a bought paper will fail your rubric, they can probably always pay someone enough to fake that. For ye have the rich always with you. Lee is almost charmingly brazen in his lack of integrity, almost innocent in his seeming ignorance of the possibility of having it. After he gets hauled into Columbia's honor court because he built a business helping other kids cheat their way through remote interviews, his story concludes thus: 'Lee thought it absurd that Columbia, which had a partnership with ChatGPT's parent company, OpenAI, would punish him for innovating with AI.' There's hope for Lee yet. Though maybe not for Columbia University, governed as it is by people who aren't even capable of this insight. Lee is a problem, but a problem of a sort that I'm familiar with. It's a student like Wendy who makes me panic: I asked Wendy if I could read the paper she turned in, and when I opened the document, I was surprised to see the topic: critical pedagogy, the philosophy of education pioneered by Paulo Freire. The philosophy examines the influence of social and political forces on learning and classroom dynamics. Her opening line: 'To what extent is schooling hindering students' cognitive ability to think critically?' Later, I asked Wendy if she recognized the irony in using AI to write not just a paper on critical pedagogy but one that argues learning is what 'makes us truly human.' She wasn't sure what to make of the question. What most worries me about this anecdote—which is perfect in its thematically fractal quality, with the first sentence of Wendy's ersatz essay embodying the intellectual decline that 'her' essay ostensibly describes—is that I'd be reasonably happy if a first-year student turned in something like this. It doesn't have that ChatGPT stiffness that I've learned to look for, and unlike a lot of (fake and real) essays that I always end up tearing apart in the comments, it immediately zeroes in on a single point, rather than messing about with the three-pronged '[Writer] does [X] by doing [thing, thing, and thing]' format that Advanced Placement classes have cursed us with, and that I spend weeks deprogramming my students out of. I would maybe cut 'cognitive' out of the sentence, but it's otherwise unobjectionable. If this is what cheating now looks like, I not only don't know how I'm supposed to tell if my students are cheating—I don't even know how I can be sure they wrote the thank-yous that mean so much to me. ChatGPT, in giving my students an alternative to skill-building, hurts their ability to learn, but more than that, it kills the trust that any teaching relationship depends on. Or perhaps it simply reminds us that that trust has always been a precious, much-abused thing. If I feel that my job now requires me to make judgments that are basically impossible—to tell an orderly, slightly stiff, reasonably good paper arrived at through hours of frustration from one arrived at through a minute's prompting and half an hour of light editing, for example—the job of my students has always been likewise impossible. There I am, demanding that they practice the extreme vulnerability of young adults learning in public, asking them to commit themselves to the study of things such as reading and writing that I consider to be living processes, open-ended and unmasterable. And there the surrounding society is—their justifiably anxious and perhaps indebted parents, who want them to be successful and happy; the corporate donors and partners that prestigious schools openly court and who want them to be productive and docile employees. What they want are people who have mastered various discrete and somewhat mechanized sets of skills. All of us insist on the life-and-death importance of a thing called 'education' while not remotely agreeing on what that thing is. And then there are the demands of their own big, half-formed, restless selves to consider too. What should we expect, but that they should take every shortcut in their doomed efforts to placate everyone? We asked them to work hard, but forgot to give them a consistent answer as to why. No wonder they cheat—they must already feel so cheated.
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
India's hospitality sector to grow at CAGR of 10.5%; Revenue to surpass Rs 1.1 trillion by 2027: Report
New Delhi [India], May 14 (ANI): The Indian hospitality industry is likely to witness a strong growth trajectory, despite renewed tensions in the subcontinent and broader geopolitical uncertainty, says a report by Rubix Data Sciences said. The report projects a robust growth for India's hospitality sector, with the market expected to surpass Rs1.1 trillion in revenue by FY2027, growing at a CAGR of 10.5 per cent. This surge is primarily attributed to the resurgence of domestic tourism, the increasing influx of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs), and the rapid expansion of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment.' FTAs, being a key driver of premium hotel performance, are projected to reach 30.5 million by 2028. 'Rubix also highlights a shift in demand drivers, with domestic travellers contributing 50 per cent of incremental revenue growth, followed by foreign tourist arrivals at 30 per cent and the MICE segment at 20 per cent.' India's hospitality sector witnessed a remarkable recovery from the pandemic's impact, with occupancy rates rebounding from a low of 35 per cent to 68 per cent in FY2024. Branded and organized hotels have particularly excelled, achieving decade-high figures with an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of Rs7,500 and a Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) of Rs5,439. The western part of India saw the highest RevPAR and maximum occupancy rate of 69.5 per cent. While destinations like Rishikesh, Udaipur, and Varanasi are emerging as high-yield markets. 'India's hospitality sector is no longer metro-centric; it is thriving in new routes driven by local demand, spiritual tourism, and mid-range experiences. With the industry set to cross $1 trillion by FY2027, the size of the opportunity is huge, but so is the need for risk-aware growth,' said Mohan Ramaswamy, CEO and Co-Founder, Rubix Data Sciences. 'Supported by strong infrastructure spending, state-level tourism pushes, and digital-first travel behavior, India's hospitality industry is entering a structurally stronger phase,' the report added. (ANI)
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
JETCO Strengthens Johor – Singapore Cross Border Tourism Partnerships with Key Initiatives
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 April 2025 - Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office Singapore (JETCO) continues to solidify Johor's presence in Singapore's tourism landscape with a series of strategic collaborations aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and cross-border tourism opportunities. Announced at a B2B Table Talk Session on 22nd April, attended by key trade partners, these initiatives reflect the growing synergy between Johor and Singapore's tourism stakeholders. In his welcome address, YB Dato' Hasni Mohammad, Executive Chairman of JETCO emphasized the deep-rooted connection between Johor and Singapore, among others stating: 'Johor and Singapore share more than just a border—we share a common vision for tourism growth, and JETCO is here to ensure that vision becomes reality. JETCO serves as the bridge between Johor and Singapore, the driving force behind tourism promotion, and the facilitator of partnerships that benefit both destinations. Our goal is to turn transit visitors into extended-stay tourists and day-trippers into repeat guests.' He further highlighted that JETCO was established to position Johor as a preferred destination for travellers from Singapore and beyond by providing trade partners with market insights, promotional support, and seamless connections to Johor's best offerings. Johor: A Land of Opportunities for Singapore & Beyond Johor presents significant opportunities for both Singaporean tourists and international visitors: · For Singaporean Tourists: A short trip across the border offers world-class resorts (Desaru Coast), thrilling theme parks (Legoland, Sunway X-Park), and unbeatable value for dining, shopping, and leisure. · For International Visitors: Many tourists flying into Singapore may not realize that just less than an hour drive, Johor offers pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural heritage—perfect for extending their Southeast Asian itinerary. Johor is also a paradise for golfers, home to 27 world-class golf courses that cater to both amateur and professional players. With stunning landscapes, championship-level courses, and top-tier hospitality, Johor is an attractive destination for golf tourism, drawing enthusiasts from Singapore and around the world. Key Cross-Border Tourism Initiatives The Chairman also congratulated the trade partners for their commitment to several impactful collaborations: · Digital Tourist Counter at Suntec City with WTS Travel – Enhancing accessibility for travellers by providing real-time travel information and seamless booking services for Johor-bound visitors within a key Singapore retail hub. · Johor Tourism Ambassador Program with Les Clefs d'Or Singapore, Concierge Association Singapore – Equipping concierge professionals with in-depth knowledge of Johor's tourism offerings, enabling them to serve as tourism ambassadors and direct more travellers to the state. These initiatives align with Johor's vision to strengthen tourism ties with Singapore, especially in preparation for Visit Johor Year 2026, which is expected to attract a surge of international visitors. Strong Partnerships for a Successful Visit Johor Year 2026 YB Raven Kumar Krishnasamy, Johor State Executive Councillor (EXCO) for Unity, Heritage and Culture emphasized the importance of these partnerships, among others stating: 'As we gear up for Visit Johor Year 2026, it is vital that we work closely with our trade partners in Singapore to enhance connectivity, promote new travel experiences, and ensure seamless access to Johor's attractions. These collaborations demonstrate our commitment to making Johor a top-of-mind destination, and we look forward to deepening these ties for mutual growth.' Some key highlights from YB Raven Kumar Krishnasamy on Tourism Johor's roadmap: Visit Johor 2026 Campaign: A bold statewide movement aiming for 12 million tourist arrivals by the end of 2026. The campaign will unite efforts across various sectors, including eco-tourism, family attractions, health and wellness, and cultural heritage. Officially launching in August 2025, it will be supported by domestic and international promotions and a series of billboards across Johor to build momentum. Investing in Tourism Infrastructure: In 2024, Johor rolled out 15 tourism development projects worth RM67.6 million, with another 18 projects planned for 2025, totaling RM48.75 million. Focus areas include upgrading tourist facilities, creating new attractions, and improving public amenities in hotspots like Desaru, Mersing, and Kota Tinggi. Strengthening Johor–Singapore Connectivity: The RTS Link, set to be operational by the end of 2026, will revolutionize cross-border travel, improving accessibility to Johor. Upgrades to CIQ checkpoints and public transport systems are in progress, while Johor and Singapore collaborate on dual-destination packages and coordinated promotions to enhance visitor experiences. Smart and Sustainable Tourism: Johor is integrating smart tourism through mobile apps, digital signage, and visitor platforms. Sustainability remains at the heart of its tourism strategy, protecting natural and cultural heritage while empowering local communities to benefit from tourism. Strengthening Regional and International Collaboration: Johor values collaboration with Singapore's travel trade, media, and tourism professionals. Partnerships such as these will help drive visitor interest and promote Johor as a top destination globally. Looking Ahead: A Call to Action for Trade Partners In conclusion, JETCO reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with travel trade partners to: · Encourage Singaporean day-trippers to become overnight visitors. · Position Johor as a preferred visit extension for international tourists in Singapore. · Create win-win opportunities for both tourism players in Johor and Singapore. 'To all our travel trade partners here today: JETCO welcomes you. Let's start a conversation, explore partnerships, and make Johor the next big destination in your portfolio,' the Chairman concluded. JETCO remains committed to fostering strong cross-border tourism and economic partnerships and invites more industry players to join forces in developing innovative and sustainable travel experiences for visitors.
Los Angeles Times
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
‘Waiting for Godot' — or some sort of sign — in Lydia Millet's latest short stories
At one point in Lydia Millet's latest collection, 'Atavists,' a minor character posits that people 'invented time. That it was all at once and everywhere. But minds weren't able to grasp that, so they had to divide it into sections.' In Millet's capable hands, those sections are 14 interconnected short stories about Southern California neighbors, colleagues and families grappling with the end of the world. Millet's definition of the end of the world is expansive: Sometimes, the world is microcosmic and social. Other times, it's the end of a long-held identity. Always, it's the endangered globe. But Millet's deftly told tales — in 'Atavists,' as in her other novels and collections — demonstrate how a narrative framework creates meaning for human life. We seek the kind of meaning that divides time into manageable fictions like eras or generations. The conceit of the short story allows Millet to show how personalities assert themselves and simultaneously explore our interconnectedness as a species. There's a 'Waiting for Godot'-ness to these tales, each of them examining an archetype like 'Tourist,' 'Artist,' 'Futurist' or 'Optimist' in the context of the post-pandemic era. Climate change and impending catastrophe loom over every story. Millet plays with the title and with the idea of atavism, in which an ancient trait asserts itself by skipping forward a few generations to suddenly appear in the gene pool. So, too, does she reference Joseph Campbell's work while pushing back against any simplified theology of storytelling, suggesting instead that tying ourselves to the wheel of his heroic archetype is a burden. Millet demonstrates both how the characters of our era are manifestations of older types, yet they're also a springboard for how people will define themselves in the future. She revels in complication. Take, for example, 'Dramatist,' the second story of the series. In this story, Nick, a member of one of the two families appearing most often in the collection, is a disillusioned book-smart Stanford grad fixated on the idea that he should be writing, yet unable to put words to paper. The central tension in Millet's work comes from the sense that we're all doomed: She writes that 'stories seemed more and more useless,' and references the old line about fiddling while Rome burns. Unsure of his creative and professional roles, Nick is living back home with his parents while he LARPs, bartends and tries unsuccessfully to write a screenplay. Millet's characters reflect the real trend of Gen Z students returning to the nest to save money or find their passions, providing the author with the opportunity to explore generational friction in these households. Yet here the juxtaposition of age doesn't provide any argument that one generation is best; each age just presents a different lens for viewing. Rather than presenting a simple binary of misunderstanding between young and old, Millet's 'Tourist,' the tale of single mom Trudy and her son, and 'Artist' and 'Gerontologist,' which detail Mia's role as a volunteer in a senior living center, demonstrate how youth isn't ignorance, just as age isn't an assurance of safety or wisdom. The characters in these households are often parents caught on the back foot. Their children seem rudderless, but they approach the world with more dexterity. Like Nick, perhaps one of the most world-aware characters, they are constantly seeking a peaceful reckoning between their creative impulses and the darkness of the world they've inherited. Nick is aware of the world's ridiculousness, and he's tortured about it. Mia is one of several young adults in 'Atavists' who demonstrates creativity in doing: Her art is to serve as an ambassador from the new world to the old. She starts by helping seniors with their phones and expands her role into many, many examples of helping them survive by retaining dignity. Millet wants us to consider whether we're consumers or creators at heart. 'Atavists' focuses on social acuity and awareness, but also how our baser natures exert themselves today: Trudy obsesses over an old friend's posts on social media. A scorned woman sneaks into a past lover's house to mess with his mind. Tech-bro jargon invades stories that focus on trust, and Buzz, a father in another of the two families at the heart of these stories, peeks into the browser history of his daughter's husband while he contemplates major changes to his own life. 'Atavists' bounces from one home to the next. Sometimes these characters aren't sympathetic, but that's hardly the point. They're inventions of character, against type, and of how our lives rebound off one another. There are perks: Nick and his sister grow closer through technology: 'So now she felt closer. Though farther away,' as the characters find connection over FaceTime. Trudy's son Sam is at ease with his friends in a virtual realm. While older characters lament a loss of connection, efforts to bridge technological divides demonstrate how cross-generational bonds are possible. All of these people feel the 'sadness of wanting. The sadness of hope,' yet there are solutions. If the world outside is doomed, there's great affection in these stories and in finding each other, along with great awareness of what it means to be a neighbor or a regular customer — or even a viewer of someone else's life on social media. Maybe we're 'all waiting for something that never comes,' thinks Helen, Mia's mother, in 'Optimists.' 'A sign, maybe. Written across the sky by a thousand jet planes. In synchronicity. And once we see it, well, then we may do something.' Stories are the sign. 'Atavists' begs us to keep reading. Partington is a teacher in Elk Grove and a board member of the National Book Critics Circle.
