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Lee met the Pope at the Apostolic Palace on Monday during the Vatican leg of a wider European tour, accompanied by first lady Kim Hea Kyung. The meeting placed religion and diplomacy at the centre of Seoul’s outreach strategy, as the Lee administration looks for channels beyond formal security talks to keep a peace agenda alive despite Pyongyang’s weapons programme.

The invitation was tied to World Youth Day 2027, the Catholic Church’s largest youth gathering, which Seoul will host from August 3 to 8. The event is expected to bring large numbers of young Catholics and other visitors to the capital, giving South Korea a global platform and offering Pope Leo his first major Asian pastoral journey if he accepts.

Lee and Pope Leo agreed to cooperate on the successful staging of the event, while the South Korean leader briefed the pontiff on his government’s approach to peace-building. Seoul wants the Vatican to sustain moral and diplomatic attention on the peninsula at a time when inter-Korean contact remains frozen and North Korea has shown little interest in official exchanges.

The meeting also touched on the possibility of a papal visit to North Korea, a move that would be unprecedented and politically sensitive. No pope has visited Pyongyang, and any such trip would require a formal invitation and guarantees from the North Korean authorities. The late Pope Francis had repeatedly signalled willingness to go if invited, but the plan never progressed beyond exploratory diplomacy.

Lee’s Vatican stop followed a peace Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, celebrated by South Korea-born Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik. Lee told the congregation that the “ember of hope” for dialogue and cooperation with North Korea remained alive, recalling the June 15, 2000 inter-Korean declaration that opened the way for family reunions, exchanges and humanitarian cooperation before relations deteriorated again.

The president has sought to present his North Korea policy as a shift from confrontation towards risk reduction. His administration has suspended propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts across the border and has said it does not seek unification by absorption or ideological competition. Officials frame those steps as confidence-building measures aimed at preventing accidental clashes and rebuilding basic military trust.

Pyongyang has not responded positively. North Korea has continued to define relations with Seoul as those between hostile states and has maintained its commitment to nuclear weapons and missile development. That position limits the scope for diplomacy and makes any papal role dependent on choices by Kim Jong Un’s government rather than on Vatican willingness alone.

After meeting Pope Leo, Lee held separate talks with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s senior diplomat for relations with states and international organisations. Those discussions covered bilateral ties, World Youth Day, regional affairs and the contribution of the local Catholic Church to education, welfare and democratic development.

The Vatican and the Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations in 1963. Pope John Paul II visited the country in 1984 and 1989, while Pope Francis travelled there in 2014 for Asian Youth Day. The 2027 event will return the papacy to a society where Catholics are a minority but hold a visible role in civic life and social services.

South Korea’s Catholic population surpassed 6 million at the end of 2025, representing about 11.4 per cent of the population. The Church has grown steadily over the past two decades, though it faces the same demographic pressures as the wider country, including ageing congregations and fewer vocations. World Youth Day is therefore being treated as both a diplomatic opportunity and a test of the Church’s appeal to younger generations.

By Nitya Chakraborty Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be taking part in the outreach session of the 52nd meeting of G7 being held in Evans of France hosted by the French President Emanuel Macron. Already the main session started on Monday with the participation of the leaders of the seven nations. The main task of […]

The article Can PM Narendra Modi Redeem India’s Status As Defender Of Global South At G7 Meet In France? appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Visitor arrivals from the six GCC countries reached 55,924 in 2025, up 25.2 per cent from the previous year, outpacing Japan’s wider inbound tourism growth. The increase came as total international arrivals hit 42.683 million, a record annual figure and a 15.8 per cent rise from 2024, when Japan had already surpassed its pre-pandemic high.

The Gulf performance remains small in absolute numbers compared with Japan’s biggest source markets in East Asia, North America and Europe, but the pace of growth has drawn attention from travel operators because GCC visitors tend to favour premium hotels, private tours, family travel, shopping, wellness experiences and multi-city itineraries. Demand has been supported by stronger aviation links through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, easier visa processes for several categories of travellers, and sustained interest in Japan’s seasonal attractions.

The rise also reflects a broader shift in Gulf outbound travel. Travellers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman are looking beyond traditional European summer destinations, especially as Japan promotes cooler regions, countryside routes and immersive cultural experiences. Hokkaido has gained visibility among Gulf families seeking milder summer weather, scenic drives and nature resorts, while Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka continue to dominate first-time travel plans.

Japan’s appeal has been reinforced by the weak yen, which has made shopping, dining and accommodation more attractive for visitors with dollar-linked Gulf currencies. Luxury retail, department stores, theme parks, Michelin-listed restaurants, ryokan stays and private guides have benefited from the spending power of long-haul visitors. Travel agencies across the Gulf have also reported growing demand for tailor-made trips covering cherry blossom viewing, autumn foliage, ski resorts and Japanese pop culture.

Tourism spending has become a major pillar of Japan’s post-pandemic services economy. International visitor expenditure rose to about ¥9.5 trillion in 2025, up 16.4 per cent from the previous year, while average spending per visitor was roughly ¥229,000. The figures underline why Japan is targeting higher-value tourism rather than only volume growth, especially as pressure mounts on crowded destinations such as Kyoto, Mount Fuji viewing spots and central Tokyo districts.

Japan’s national tourism strategy aims to draw 60 million visitors annually by 2030, but policymakers and local authorities are increasingly balancing that target with concerns over overtourism. Measures have included crowd controls, higher accommodation taxes in some areas, visitor-management rules at popular sites and campaigns encouraging travellers to explore regional destinations. For GCC visitors, that strategy fits with demand for quieter, curated experiences outside the standard Golden Route of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

JNTO’s Dubai office has intensified destination marketing across the Gulf, with campaigns highlighting Hokkaido, Setouchi and other regions suited to repeat visitors. Promotional activity has focused on travel trade partners, digital media, luxury travel networks and family-oriented itineraries, reflecting the region’s preference for planned holidays with strong service standards. Japan’s participation in major Gulf travel events has also helped place the country more firmly in tour operators’ premium Asia portfolios.

Air connectivity remains a decisive factor. Gulf hubs provide one-stop access to several Japanese gateways for travellers from across the region, while Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have helped keep Japan visible in high-yield leisure and business travel channels. Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi also act as connecting points for travellers from wider Middle East markets, strengthening Japan’s ability to attract visitors beyond its traditional Asian feeder markets.

Visa facilitation has added momentum. UAE nationals continue to benefit from visa-free short stays, while Qatari citizens have access to similar arrangements after completing required registration. Travellers from Saudi Arabia and other GCC states have increasingly been able to use electronic visa channels for tourism, reducing friction for families and first-time visitors. Expatriate residents in Gulf countries remain subject to nationality-based rules, but online processing has improved access for many applicants.

From the spectacular underwater suites at Atlantis Sanya, to the colorful street-art alleys of Tianya Town, and the rooftop infinity pool at Sanya Conifer Resort, each stop gave the visitors a fresh impression of Hainan. Many visitors paused to capture the scenery, remarking with delight: “Sanya is full of surprises!”

Exploring Luxury Resorts and Applauding World-Class Service

At 10 a.m. on June 4, the tour operators arrived at Atlantis Sanya. Upon entering the lobby, they were immediately captivated by the resort’s massive aquarium, where sharks, rays, and other marine creatures glided gracefully through the water. The group was visibly amazed.

The group toured both the ocean-view suites and the resort’s signature underwater suites. In the latter, floor-to-ceiling windows offer direct views into the aquarium, allowing guests to lie in bed and watch marine life drift by as if they were beneath the sea.

“The underwater suite concept is truly unique. Very few hotels in the world can offer an experience like this,” said tour operator Vivian He from Hong Kong. “The dreamlike setting would make an outstanding feature for honeymoon packages and would appeal strongly to younger travelers. I’ve already taken plenty of photos and videos on my phone and plan to use them for promotion when I return.”

The group then traveled to Hyatt Regency Sanya Tianli Bay in Tianya District. Strolling through palm-lined gardens, they were greeted by breathtaking views where the infinity pool seemed to merge with the sea and sky beyond. Many guests stopped to take photos, fascinated by the striking visual effect, which made it look as though water flowed directly into the ocean.

“The design is incredibly clever. It gives you the urge to dive right in and swim toward the sea,” said Julia, a tour operator from Germany, while taking photos of the stunning view. Having worked in the European outbound travel market for many years, she was visiting Sanya for the first time. “In Europe, hotels with sea views like this often come with a very high price tag. Hainan offers excellent value for money. Combined with China’s visa-free policy for travelers from 86 countries, it has tremendous appeal for European visitors.”

The hotel’s representative introduced the group to the property’s all-ocean-view suites, children’s amusement facilities, and its distinctive pink-sand beach. Natthapat, a tour operator from Thailand, showed particular interest in these features. “The children’s facilities and the pink-sand beach are perfect for family travel products. When I return home, I’ll discuss with my team how we can incorporate this destination into our product offerings.”

The delegation then proceeded to Rosewood Sanya. The hotel’s sky lobby, located on the 14th floor, offers sweeping 270-degree ocean views. Equally impressive was the elevated infinity pool on the 13th floor. Suspended between sea and sky, the pool’s edge appears to merge with the horizon, creating a spectacular setting from every angle.

“This is one of the most visually stunning hotel pools I’ve ever seen,” said Amy, a tour operator from Australia, while admiring the view from the poolside. She noted that Australian travelers also have a strong preference for luxury resort experiences, and the design aesthetic and sense of privacy here align perfectly with the expectations of the high-end market.

Throughout the visit, many tour operators actively exchanged business cards with hotel sales representatives, inquiring about partnership opportunities, group rates, and capacity for group reception. A tour operator from Southeast Asia said that he hopes to bring a group of high-end family travelers to experience Sanya’s luxury resort offerings.

Tianya Town’s Artistic Transformation Resonates with Tour Operators

The delegation also visited Tianya Town, where they experienced the unique charm of this “seaside arts village.” From the colorful mural-covered walls at the entrance of Huanglong Street, to the pure-white architecture of Sanya Guanxia Seaview B&B, and the cave-inspired interiors of Malt Cave Seaview Café, every corner became a favorite photo stop.

“This is completely different from the fishing village I imagined,” said Eter, a tour operator from Georgia, pausing at the iconic “18° North Latitude” landmark to examine the coordinates displayed on the wall. She noted that the destination could be easily integrated with the coastal tourism resources of Sanya, Lingshui, and Wanning. “Visitors are drawn to places with distinct geographic markers, which give the destination a sense of occasion.”

A local guide accompanying the group explained that in recent years, Tianya Town has undergone a series of small-scale renovations and refined upgrades. While retaining the original layout and character of a traditional fishing village, it has incorporated contemporary artistic elements, evolving into a popular photo-friendly destination. Today, Tianya Town is home to dozens of seaview guesthouses, cafés, and cultural and creative shops, making it especially popular among younger travelers.

“These small but beautifully designed destinations are exactly what many European travelers are looking for,” said Zhang Jing, a tour operator from Ireland. “Many European visitors are keen to experience local culture and everyday life when they travel. Tianya Town combines fishing village stories, artistic ambiance, and seaside accommodations. It has tremendous appeal.”

Inside one of the town’s cultural and creative stores, the visitors showed great interest in souvenir products featuring traditional Li ethnic totems. France, a tour operator from the United States, even inquired on the spot about purchasing the products in bulk as gifts for clients.

Meanwhile, Korean tour operator Lee Jae-hyun was particularly impressed by the town’s photogenic appeal. “Every corner is picture-perfect. Young people in Korea love destinations that look great in photos. If Tianya Town were included in independent travel packages, I’m sure it would be very popular.”

Duty-Free Shopping Drives Strong Interest and New Cooperation Opportunities

On the afternoon of June 4, the tour operators continued their familiarization tour with visits to Sanya Conifer Resort and Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa.

At Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa, the group was introduced to the hotel’s comprehensive conference facilities and family-oriented amenities. Guests were particularly intrigued by the hotel’s exclusive underground passageway, which provides direct access to Sanya Bay Beach.

Sanya Conifer Resort, meanwhile, impressed visitors with its iconic 70-meter-high rooftop infinity pool. Offering panoramic views of the Sanya Bay coastline, the elevated waterscape has become one of the hotel’s signature attractions. Its distinctive architectural design also earned high praise from the international tour operators.

Later that day, the delegation arrived at the final highlight of their Sanya tour—a self-guided visit to the CDF Sanya International Duty Free City. As the world’s largest single-building duty-free shopping destination, the complex brings together more than 800 international brands.

Aziz, a tour operator from Malaysia, found himself spoiled for choice in the cosmetics and fragrance section. “Malaysian travelers love duty-free shopping. The selection of brands here is impressive, and the pricing is highly competitive. If duty-free shopping can be combined with resort stays as part of a travel package, I believe it would be extremely well received by the market.”

Julia, a tour operator from Germany, was equally impressed by the scale and variety of the shopping complex. “European travelers enjoy purchasing luxury goods and cosmetics, and Sanya’s duty-free advantages are very clear. I believe Sanya has the potential to become a new favorite destination among European visitors.”

After several days of exploration across Hainan, tour operators from around the world expressed strong interest in developing partnerships in sectors ranging from sports tourism and wellness travel to cultural and leisure tourism. Shirley, a tour operator from Australia, paid particular attention to Hainan’s sports tourism resources. “Hainan has outstanding assets for sports tourism, especially golf and coastal outdoor activities. These resources are ideal for developing sports-focused holiday products. Australian consumers are passionate about sports travel, and I plan to introduce Hainan’s sports tourism offerings to the Australian market.”

According to officials from the Sanya Municipal Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports, the city has launched several new international air routes since the beginning of this year, contributing to steady growth in inbound visitor arrivals. Looking ahead, Sanya will continue to improve its inbound tourism services and strengthen international market outreach, encouraging more global tour operators to include the city in their product portfolios.

Sunny Hainan, heart’s desire. Although the two-and-a-half-day familiarization tour was brief, it provided tour operators from around the world with a firsthand look at Sanya’s diverse tourism offerings and strong hospitality capacity. More importantly, it allowed visiting industry professionals to identify tangible opportunities for future cooperation. With the continued expansion of international flight connections and the ongoing optimization of inbound travel policies, Sanya is embracing the world with an increasingly open and welcoming outlook, ready to receive more visitors from across the globe.

Hashtag: #SanyaTourismBoard

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