Holidaymakers across England face a new tax on overnight stays under Government plans to give mayors greater economic power in their regions. Local leaders will set the fee as a percentage of the cost of accommodation, rather than a flat rate, which ministers argue will protect budget trips. The levy will have no upper limit,…
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, surprised the world this week with the news that they plan to move back to the United Kingdom more than six years after stepping away from their senior royal roles. When they left their royal roles in 2020, in a move that became known as “Megxit,” Harry…
MALAYSIA They can take a hike if they don’t follow the rules. After a surge in accidents and search and rescue operations due to social media trends, the country is rolling out new rules for hikers, such as the mandatory use of guides at its 189 high-risk locations. Although hiking is a popular pastime in…
A local businesswoman has been recognised on the national stage after winning the Rising Star Award at the prestigious Business Awards UK. Founded by Lisa Stephens, Totally Tiaras creates beautiful handcrafted tiaras and bridal accessories using vintage jewellery, reclaimed heirloom pieces and bespoke designs, giving brides the opportunity to wear something truly personal while embracing a…
The recent resignation of Keir Starmer as Britain’s prime minister has reignited a debate over the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit identity – and talk of rejoining the European Union. Over the past decade, has Britain’s decision to exit the EU returned the UK to its splendid isolation – or merely a splendid squalor? It may seem…
Many bars, restaurants and shopping centres in Hong Kong have enjoyed brisk business thanks to the World Cup, with top nightlife district Lan Kwai Fong recording an up to 70 per cent jump in patronage for this year’s big matches. Lan Kwai Fong Group chairman Allan Zeman told the South China Morning Post that he…
In recent years, Hong Kong society has repeatedly confronted the realities of sexual violence, sexual harassment and online sexual exploitation. Survivors’ experiences have made it clear that our sexual offences law is no longer adequate for the world we live in today. Against this backdrop, the government has issued a consultation paper on improving the…
ITALY A Catholic parish’s statue of a saint, that was on display in the church for two decades, recently appeared to be crying. A parishioner of Santa Maria delle Grazie in the town of Casalba noticed the statue of St. Padre Pio with a red-colored tear, resembling blood, which looked like it was falling from…
This article was first published on June 28, 1977. Film festival off to impressive start by SCMP reporter Hongkong’s First International Film Festival got off to an impressive start last night (June 27, 1977). It was not quite the glittering social occasion as the Cannes Film Festival and there certainly was not the profusion of…
Hong Kong’s catering industry is aiming for 6 to 8 per cent business growth during this year’s Fifa World Cup, with the sector exploring creative ways to attract customers and keep fans from travelling to mainland China despite time differences. Edward Leung Hei, chairman of the Hong Kong Feast and Retreat Association, said on Friday…