Dubai’s tourism sector is booming, with the city welcoming 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024, an increase of 9 per cent over the previous year. The data was released by Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), reports China Daily, a partner of TV BRICS. A key contributor to this growth was the growing number of Chinese tourists. Dubai welcomed 824,000 visitors from China in 2024, up 31 per cent from last year. Dubai has been implementing various initiatives,…

In 2024, I had the honour of being part of a special invitation program for exchange and cooperation between South Korea and Africa. I visited Seoul, South Korea, just ahead of the highly anticipated Korea-Africa Summit which took place in June 2024. During this immersive trip, I explored Seoul’s cutting-edge innovations, rich cultural heritage, and strong diplomatic ties with Africa, while also reflecting on the connections between South Korea and  Zambia. The DMZ: A Powerful Glimpse into the Divided Peninsula…

Uttar Pradesh (UP) is India’s true treasure, a state in the middle of the country that reflects its culture, spirituality, and topography. Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram, IAS, the Principal Secretary of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, believes tourism in India is experiencing a revolution. From Buddhist circuits and rural homely stays to the sensationally huge Mahakumbh event, the state is developing opportunities to connect with its domestic and international spectators. After all, he says, tourism is not about numbers; there is more…

Meli Ndlovu is not your average cyclist. With the wind in his face and a burning passion in his heart, Ndlovu has become an inspiring figure in the world of long-distance cycling.  Over the past few years, he has cycled countless miles across Southern Africa, often solo and sometimes with a team, sharing his love for cycling and spreading important messages. But what’s next for this cycling enthusiast? A monumental journey that will take him from the southern tip of…

It was a hot Thursday afternoon, December 12, in Burgersfort, East of Limpopo Province in South Africa. As I embarked on this unforgettable journey through the heart of the mining town, my day was filled with fascinating history, captivating stories, and surprises. From the Echo Caves’ depths to a family-run shoe shop that feels like a home, here’s a peek into what made the day so special. The Echo Caves: A Journey Beneath the Surface Our day began early with…

A think tank report released on Wednesday offers an in-depth analysis of how the world is invited to experience a real China up-close, as foreign tourists swarm into the country buoyed by a raft of facilitation measures. The report, “China Travel — Inviting the World to Experience a Real China,” was issued by New China Research, a think tank under Xinhua News Agency. The report summarizes and explains the domestic and global relevance of China’s inbound travel boom. It notes…

African Times has published this article in partnership with Xinhua News Agency

Strolling through the winding streets of the ancient city of Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, you will come across a cozy café called Dili & Diya. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifts through the air, much like the heart-warming love story of the café’s owners, spreading warmth to all who visit.   The young owners, Dilshat Tursun from Kashgar, and his wife Hadiya Msham Abdulla from Tanzania, are well-liked by the locals as well as visitors, adding…

After graduating in Beijing in 2020 during the tumultuous period of COVID-19, I didn’t think that I would be able to return to China anytime soon. The pandemic had disrupted lives globally, and like many international students, I was not sure if I would be able to ever set foot in China again. Travel restrictions were stringent, and the idea of returning seemed like a distant dream.  However, life has a way of surprising us. In May this year, I…

The provincial governments of Limpopo and Gauteng have taken a significant step forward in their plans for a high-speed rail network that will connect the two provinces. According to a joint media statement released on October 9th, 2024, Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi met at Euphoria Golf Estate & Hydro in Mookgophong, Waterberg, where they approved the implementation protocol document for the project. The two provinces also committed to joint consultations with key national bodies,…