As Japan continues to lure travellers from around the world, the country is also battling overtourism in some regions, and tourists in Kyoto are being reminded of the rules in place when visiting the ancient city. The world’s largest hotel group is getting in on the Taylor Swift hype with a host of stay-and-play packages for the singer’s Eras Tour.
In the UAE, Zayed International Airport has welcomed more than one million passengers to the new Abu Dhabi terminal since it opened in November, and airlines are marking Ramadan with in-flight iftars.
Here’s a round-up of recent travel and tourism news – in case you missed it.
More than one million passengers pass through Zayed International Airport
Abu Dhabi’s new terminal has been busy since it opened to passengers in November, with more than one million passengers passing through Zayed International Airport in just over four months.
Travellers using the new terminal are processed using the world’s first multi-biometric entry and exit system. This uses facial recognition technology meaning travellers don’t need to show multiple documents when clearing border controls and can go from “curb to gate” in just 12 seconds.
“The initial roll-out of cutting-edge biometrics at Zayed International Airport underscores our dedication to enhancing airport experiences through innovation and technology, ensuring efficiency, convenience and superior service,” said Elena Sorlini, managing director and chief executive at the airport in the UAE capital. “Once fully implemented, Abu Dhabi will be a pioneer as the world’s first airport with biometrics integrated at every stage, ensuring travellers enjoy a seamless, safe and secure journey.”
Following its success in Abu Dhabi, the technology has been rolled out across the UAE’s four international airports including in Dubai.
Japan tells tourists to behave
Tourists travelling to Japan are being asked to take note of special rules in place in the city of Kyoto.
Famed for its rich cultural heritage and traditional geiko – the regional term for geisha – Kyoto has guidance in place to protect these women who are largely considered gatekeepers of Japan’s traditional arts.
Contrary to some media reports, no official new rules have been issued by Kyoto City Tourism Association, a representative from the Japan National Tourism Organisation told The National. However, a long list of guidelines for visitors has been in place since December.
The rules relate to visits in the area of Gion, which is known for its picturesque tea houses where geiko and maiko (geisha apprentices) live and work.
Certain streets and places in Gion are off-limits to tourists, according to the notice from authorities in Southern Gionmachi.
“This is therefore not a theme park, but a place where people live their daily lives. Please be considerate of those who live here, and refrain from nuisance behaviour,” reads the notice.
Travellers are reminded not to stop geiko in the street, crowd around them or follow them from place to place. “The geiko and maiko are not mascot characters,” reads the advice.
Tourists keen on seeing the women in action are instead advised to watch a Kyomai (traditional Kyoto-style dance) at Gion Corner, where the women perform every evening.
Tourists are not allowed to touch the women or their clothes, and doing so can lead to imprisonment of up to six months. Littering in the region is also prohibited, with $200 fines for anyone caught in the act.
After being closed to the world for almost 1,000 days during the pandemic, Japan has been courting visitors with initiatives to attract affluent holidaymakers and encourage travellers to stay for longer. Tourism levels in the country are rebounding to pre-pandemic levels with more than 22 million visitors last year, the largest number since 2019.