The International Energy Agency on Thursday warned that the Middle East crisis is hurting Europe’s airline industry, which is on the brink of running out of jet fuel. As Europe heads into its peak travel season, a continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to hundreds of flight cuts, disrupting travel plans. CNBC’s Leslie Josephs reports on how the industry is weathering the jet fuel shortage and what it means for air travelers.
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Fri, Apr 17 20261:13 PM EDT
BOSTON, April 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At this year’s Rapid + TCT in Boston, SUNLU is displaying a broad range of products, including a large selection of engineering filaments, while also announcing a strategic collaboration with Inslogic. From dedicated product demonstrations to in-depth technical exchanges, SUNLU is exploring new possibilities in 3D printing together with industry peers, designers, engineers, and makers. Nylons, Polypropylene, Polycarbonates and other engineering-grade filaments are on display, covering professional high-strength, high-durability, or flexibility requirements. From model aircraft structures to drone components or creative structural parts, each application shall find its relevant filament counterpart.
The aesthetic filament area has become a visitor’s favorite. Silk, Rainbow, Wood-filled, Galaxy and other distinctive materials put their textural charm on full display, finding their place across fashion, art, collectibles, and cultural creative design. Meanwhile, the resin section turns heads with collector-grade model exhibits. Printed using CMYK+W color resin, 14K ABS-like resin, high-temperature PLUS resin, and more, these models deliver exceptional detail reproduction and stable forming performance.
Alongside these innovations, the partnership with Inslogic marks the company’s entry into the filament moisture management industry with its first, one-of-a-kind Filament Dehumidifying Cabinet. Designed to fill a gap in the industry, the FilaDC i10 can store up to ten 1KG spools simultaneously and keep more than 50 types of material dry. The i10’s standout feature is that it does not rely on heated air to remove moisture from filaments. Instead, it utilizes an innovative molecular sieve to reduce moisture in filaments like PETG, TPU and Nylon. This system, combined with fans to keep the main chamber dry, makes the i10 environmentally friendly and fully autonomous; its energy consumption and noise levels are significantly lower compared to traditional filament dryers.
For large scale users who require a better performance from their filaments, while remaining conscious of their impact on the environment, SUNLU and Inslogic have scheduled the release of the i10 on July 1.
About SUNLU
Founded in 2013 in the 3D Printing Supplies Capital Zhuhai, SUNLU has focused on manufacturing 3D printing products for over 10 years and specializes in 3D Printer filament, resin, and accessories. With more than 270 production lines and 25 millions products sold, the company has been continuously committed to technological innovation and new product research and development, achieving 530+ intellectual rights and with the clear commitment of providing the best quality products in the market at competitive pricing.
For more information, please visit https://www.sunlu.com
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Airport lounges were once the destination of a select few. But recently, the premium spaces are becoming increasingly crowded — and chaos is following in some cases.
Stories are going viral about passengers raiding complimentary buffets in lounges, and children wreaking havoc while distracted parents are unfazed.
At one airport lounge in a major New York City airport not long ago, witnesses watched in shock as a couple ordered six signature burgers and multiple orders of buns, the “View from the Wing” blog reported.
AIRLINE UNVEILS STACKED BUNK BED ‘PODS’ AS BACKLASH BUILDS OVER PRICEY, CRAMPED WAY TO FLY
Instead of eating the premium patties, the couple stuffed the burgers into a large duffel, adding desserts snatched from the buffet, the blog added.
Then, to conceal the heist, apparently, the couple stashed the greasy plates behind decorative planters, the blog noted.
At a sky club lounge recently, a traveler snapped a photo (not shown) of kids’ small suitcases opened — and with clothes, sneakers and water bottles strewn all over the floor. (iStock)
“Lounges have become more crowded, and the demographic makeup of U.S. airport lounges has changed,” Gary Leff, the author of the blog, told Fox News Digital.
“Once the province of memberships and cheese cubes for solo business travelers, the lounges are increasingly accessed via credit card by premium leisure travelers,” said Leff, who is based in Texas.
AIRLINE SPARKS ANGER AS IT DEMANDS EXTRA FEES FROM ALREADY BOOKED PASSENGERS AS OIL PRICES SPIKE
Leff noted that during the recent shutdown, U.S. travelers arrived at airports very early.
As a result, many booked passengers were looking for places to relax — and to eat free food.
Witnesses watched as a couple hoarded burgers for their family at an airport lounge recently. (iStock)
He also said families with children frequent lounges far more often now.
Some lounges have created kids’ sections, while others have not.
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“The mores and norms associated with [airport lounges] have changed, and that stands out especially to those whose expectations are built on an earlier era,” Leff said.
Observers have seen travelers piling desserts on plates, such as the ones shown above, at buffets in airport lounges. (iStock)
Another viral incident was captured by a photo of an airport lounge after young children seemed to wreak havoc there.
“Lounges have become more crowded, and the demographic makeup of U.S. airport lounges has changed.”
A traveler snapped a photo at a sky club lounge in a western U.S. airport showing kids’ small suitcases opened, with clothes, sneakers and water bottles strewn all over the floor, the “Aviation A2Z” blog reported.
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Surprisingly, most Reddit users came to the family’s defense.
“Traveling with children has always been challenging and stressful for parents, and sometimes that can be disruptive to other travelers,” said one author of a travel blog. (iStock)
“Honestly, if their kids aren’t being terrors to everyone else, and it’s contained to a seating area for four people, and they [clean] everything up, this is fine in my book,” one Reddit user said.
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“The parents found a space to hang out away from everyone else, and took a small area for themselves that has no impact on anyone else,” another commenter said.
“Depends entirely on how loud the kids are. If they are quiet? Keep it that way,” a third person said.
A viral incident included a photo of an airport lounge after some young children (not pictured) wreaked havoc. (iStock)
California-based Brett Snyder, author of the “Cranky Flier” blog, sees the chaos differently.
“Etiquette probably hasn’t changed much recently. The issue is that everyone has a camera, and they are recording all the bad behavior and posting it publicly,” Snyder told Fox News Digital.
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“Traveling with children has always been challenging and stressful for parents, and sometimes that can be disruptive to other travelers.”
Young gun Kai Allen has broken through for his maiden Supercars win, holding off championship leader Brodie Kostecki in the historic first race in Christchurch.
The 20-year-old Ford ace, who had previously finished on podium five times, saluted on Friday in the first of four bumper races this weekend on the South Island of New Zealand.
Kostecki was on his tail for the large part of the race, but Allen held his nerve to finish ahead of Kostecki and emerging Kiwi Ryan Wood (third) to become the 89th different driver to win a Supercars race.
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After qualifying fourth, the Grove Racing driver made his move with 15 laps remaining when Kostecki was in the pits.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I can remember, when I was a little boy watching it on TV,” said Allen, who hails from Mount Gambier in South Australia.
“To stand here with the number one in front of my car … giving me a shot at such young age last year.
“It was coming, and I just had to be patient.
“I’ve got the best team around me, the best guys, so that’s why I’m here for a long time.
“I’ve done a lot of study on this track, and it goes to show if you can put the car in the right spot, it’s very hard for the guy behind to pass.”
The debut Supercars round at Ruapuna Raceway had an extra race added to it, after last Sunday’s schedule in Taupo was cancelled due to a cyclone on the country’s North Island.
It was a dramatic start to life on the new circuit, with David Reynolds – in his 500th race – along with Brad Jones Racing drivers Cameron Hill and Macauley Jones involved in a chaotic incident.
Jones and Reynolds collided before turn one, with Hill hit by the spinning cars.
The drivers weren’t able to recover and made up the last three spots in the race.
There will be another two 37-lap races in Christchurch on Saturday, before the 200km event wraps up the round on Sunday.
Kostecki has a 55-point buffer in the standings over Red Bull Ampol star Broc Feeney.
Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hong Kong, addresses the effects of the Iran war on the city’s tourism sector, specifically how soaring fuel prices and flight cancellations are affecting visitor inflows. She also emphasizes economic benefits of Hong Kong’s “mega event” strategy, as the Hong Kong Sevens celebrates its 50th anniversary at the Kai Tak Stadium.
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4 hours ago
BUKIT MERTAJAM, Malaysia, April 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Village Grocer, Malaysia’s leading premium supermarket chain, adding on to its expansion into the Northern region today with the grand opening of its newest outlet at the prestigious Vangohh Eminent. This opening signifies a major milestone for the brand as it brings its signature “Passion to Delight” shopping experience to the growing community of Bukit Mertajam.
Village Grocer Heads North: New Store Opening at Vangohh Eminent, Bukit Mertajam on 16 April 2026
The new store is designed to be the heartbeat of Vangohh Eminent, offering a curated selection of the freshest local produce and high-quality international imports. Residents and visitors in the Seberang Perai area can now enjoy convenient access to:
“We are pleased to welcome Village Grocer to Vangohh Eminent. Known for its premium selection of quality products, freshness, and curated grocery offerings, Village Grocer brings a unique and elevated grocery shopping experience to the community while enhancing the lifestyle standards of the surrounding neighborhood. This opening represents an exciting milestone for our development as we continue to strengthen our retail offerings and create a vibrant lifestyle destination for visitors and residents alike,” said Ms. Ice Goh, Group Chief Executive Officer of Vangohh Eminent.
“Our arrival at Vangohh Eminent is a strategic step in bringing our premium grocery offers to the Northern market,” said Mr. Ivan Tan, Group Executive Director of The Food Purveyor. “We have designed this outlet to reflect a modern, welcoming aesthetic that complements the iconic architecture of this development. Our goal is to make every grocery run an effortless and exciting journey of discovery for our customers here.”
Grand Opening Celebrations & Promotions
To celebrate the launch, Village Grocer Vangohh Eminent is offering a series of exclusive rewards for shoppers and BITES loyalty members from 16 April to 17 May 2026:
In line with Village Grocer’s commitment to sustainability, the Vangohh Eminent outlet will operate as a plastic-free-at-checkout store, encouraging shoppers to bring their own reusable bags to help reduce environmental impact.
Village Grocer at Vangohh Eminent is located at the Ground Floor and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
For more information, visit www.villagegrocer.com.my or follow Village Grocer on Facebook and Instagram.
About Village Grocer:
Village Grocer is one of the leading premium supermarket chains, known for its commitment to offering the finest quality products, exceptional customer service, and a unique shopping experience. Village Grocer is dedicated to bringing the best of local and international gourmet items to discerning shoppers, while maintaining the highest standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
For more information, visit villagegrocer.com.my.
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SYDNEY, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Clean energy leader BLUETTI has officially launched FridgePower on Kickstarter, with early backing open through May 31. Purpose-built for household refrigerators, FridgePower redefines domestic refrigeration backup power as a smarter, space-saving solution for kitchens, apartments, modern homes, narrow spaces, camper vans, off-grid travel setups, etc.
When power goes off, essential fridges stay cold BLUETTI FridgePower is a purpose-built refrigerator battery backup system. Shown (L–R): FridgePower main unit, BlueCell 200 expansion battery, and Display 1 magnetic screen for real-time energy monitoring.
Sleek, Stylish and Simple to Use
The FridgePower features a simple plug-and-play design that enables quick, hassle-free setup and easy out-of-the-box use. It adopts a discreet 75 mm (2.95-inch) profile that blends seamlessly into modern residential spaces without compromising interior aesthetics, which offers a practical, space-saving solution for kitchens, rental properties, caravan and basement utility areas, keeping home battery backup unobtrusive while maximizing usable space.
Standalone Power & Smart Reliability
The FridgePower is engineered for efficiency, featuring a breakthrough 4W AC idle drain that extends refrigerator runtimes by an additional 4.5 hours. Whether as a primary backup or a scalable system, it ensures your household stays running when it matters most.
Price & Availability
The BLUETTI FridgePower is now available on Kickstarter from April 17 to May 31. Early supporter pricing will be offered in limited tiers, including Super Early Bird and Early Bird, with pricing automatically moving to the next level as each tier sells out.
At launch, Super Early Bird pricing starts at US$759 for the FridgePower standalone unit, while the FridgePower Plus bundle(1× FridgePower and 1× BlueCell 200) is available at US$1,398. All listed prices include GST, with shipping costs calculated separately where applicable.
Featuring Top-Tier Art, Music, Dance, Theatre, Immersive Experiences, Circus, Film and Gastronomy
HONG KONG, April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — French May Arts Festival (“French May”) and French GourMay Food & Wine Festival (“French GourMay”) 2026 Press Conference was held today (15 April) at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. The event was graced by the presence of numerous distinguished guests, government official, and leaders from the cultural and arts sectors, who came together to witness the diverse and rich programme line-up of this year’s edition.
With the staunch support of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and other partners, the programme line-up of this year’s French May spans from April to July, featuring over 100 programmes across fields including modern and contemporary art, music, dance, theatre, immersive experiences, circus, cinema, gastronomy and sports. Through diverse French-inspired arts and cultural experiences, the festival continues to foster dialogue and exchange between Eastern and Western cultures.
Since its inception in 1993, French May and French GourMay have served as an important bridge connecting the cultures of Hong Kong and France. Over the past three decades, the two festivals have attracted over 400,000 citizens and tourists each year, with total attendance exceeding 20 million. They have not only consolidated Hong Kong’s position as an international cultural hub but also, through innovative cross-cultural collaboration, sparked creativity and opened endless possibilities.
At the press conference, the organizers extended special thanks to the following supporting organizations: the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Major Partner of French May for the 15 consecutive years, and Grand Patrons including BNP Paribas, Gourmet Dining Group, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, Crédit Agricole Group, Interlude, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, Regent Hong Kong, SOGO Hong Kong, Wheelock Properties (Hong Kong) Limited. The long-term commitment of these organizations to culture and the arts in Hong Kong is not only key to the success of the festival, but also lays an important foundation for the festival’s sustainable development.
Officiating at today’s press conference were Ms. Yandy Chan, Principal Assistant Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (Culture); Mrs. Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau; Dr. Connie Lau, Executive Manager, Charities (Culture) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mrs. Mignonne Cheng, Co-chairman of the Board of French May Arts Festival; Ms. Karena Lam, French May Arts Festival Ambassador; Mr. Xavier Mahe, Executive Director of French May Arts Festival; and Mr. Bertrand Quevremont, French Trade Commissioner and Director of French GourMay Food and Wine Festival. The officiating guests shared their valuable insights on how the festival promotes cultural exchange and community engagement.
Ms. Yandy Chan, Principal Assistant Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism (Culture), said: “To support this mega cultural event, the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau also provides funding for this year’s French May, further enriching Hong Kong’s mega events experience, and fostering the cultural exchange between France and Hong Kong. What’s more important, attracting tourists to come to Hong Kong to enjoy the offerings of this amazing cultural Festival.”
Mrs. Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, said: “France’s mega event in Hong Kong, the French May Arts Festival, celebrates the richness of French and Hong Kong creativity across disciplines, fostering a vibrant cross-fertilisation between the two art scenes. With its distinctive character, it has established itself as a highlight of Hong Kong’s cultural calendar, drawing over 400,000 visitors, from local residents to tourists across the region and beyond.”
Dr. Connie Lau, Executive Manager, Charities (Culture) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “This year marks a significant milestone: our fifteenth year as a Major Partner of the French May Arts Festival. In collaboration with the Consulate-General of France in Hong Kong and Macao and the Association Culturelle France-Hong Kong, we are excited to continue bringing the elegance and energy of French art and culture to our vibrant city.“
Mrs. Mignonne Cheng, Co-chairman of the Board of French May Arts Festival, said: “Being part of French May since its very beginning, watching this festival grow over more than 30 years fills me with immense pride. This year’s edition truly embodies what French May stands for, a dialogue between heritage and innovation, across cultures and generations. From our flagship exhibition Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance to DJ Snake Live in Hong Kong at Victoria Harbour, I am deeply grateful to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and the entire Hong Kong community for making this possible.”
Chef Richard Ekkbus, Chef Ambassador of French GourMay and Culinary Director at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, said in a video address: “French GourMay is more than a showcase of outstanding French food & wines, it is a living bridge connecting the depth and the diversity of French gastronomy with Hong Kong’s vibrant ever-evolving dining culture. This year, that journey takes us to the alpine vineyards of Savoie, a region defined by altitude, purity and freshness, with wines that fit effortlessly into a contemporary Hong Kong dining context.”
In addition, Ms. Karena Lam, French May Arts Festival Ambassador, took part in a special chit-chat session, during which she said: “The Mona Lisa can never leave France. Yet through this immersive exhibition, modern technology allows the experience to travel further. Audiences in Hong Kong will now have the rare opportunity to step into the multimedia world of the Mona Lisa portrait at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin. It is truly a privilege — and with free admission, this is an experience not to be missed!”
French May Arts Festival 2026
The 33rd edition of French May, under the theme “Re/naissance”, brings together top artists from Hong Kong, France and around the globe to present a cultural feast spanning multiple artistic disciplines. French May 2026 is also a project financially supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Highlights include:
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance
The exhibition blends immersive digital experiences with exceptional works of art. The first session, “Meet Mona Lisa”, uses immersive digital interactive technology created especially for Hong Kong by the Musée du Louvre and Grand Palais Immersif, guiding visitors to rediscover and appreciate the Mona Lisa from a fresh perspective. The second session, “Portraying the Renaissance”, showcases important Renaissance art treasures from the Musée national de la Renaissance (France) and the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (Milan, Italy). The exhibition is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and French May Arts Festival, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and French May Arts Festival, and sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund.
Date: 1 May – 27 July 2026
Venue: Galleries 3, 4 & 5, 1/F, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Sha Tin
DJ Snake Live in Hong Kong French May Arts Festival 2026: Sino French Electronic Music Show
Global superstar DJ Snake will perform a large-scale open-air concert on the evening of 8 May at the Central Harbourfront Event Space. He will be joined by Higher Brothers (Masiwei, KnowKnow, PSY.P and Melo), the three-time China DMC Champion DJ Wordy, and opening guests DJ Fabsabs and DJ Steffunn from Cantomania, bringing the audience a Victoria Harbour-side music party spanning electronic, hip-hop, trap music and Canto disco. The concert is supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund. Gates open at 6:00pm, opening performances begin at 7:00pm, and the main act starts at 8:00pm.
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8 May 2026 (Friday) |
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Central Harbourfront Event Space |
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6:00pm – Doors open 7:00pm – Opening Act by Cantomania (DJ Fabsabs & DJ Steffunn) 8:00pm – Main Act begins |
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Performing Arts and Cinema Programmes
This year’s French May performing arts programmes span classical music, jazz, contemporary dance, circus, theatre, and so forth. From immersive theatre experiences combining art and technology to a deep musical dialogue between jazz singer and pianist; from contemporary dance that pushes the limits of the human body to captivating circus performances, the programme offers a diverse range of styles to suit different audience tastes.
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Youn Sun Nah feat. Bojan Z Date: 1 May 2026 (Friday) Venue: Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall |
Bizet’s Carmen Date: 7-10 May 2026 Venue: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural |
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VOÛTE Date: 8-10, 12-17 May 2026 Venue: Parade Ground, Tai Kwun |
Yekwon Sunwoo with Quatuor Elmire Date: 12 May 2026 Venue: Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall |
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Grand Dance Poem In Between – Wu Guanzhong’s Ink Odessey Date: 22-24 May 2026 Venue: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural |
The Sutherland Test Date: 22-25 May 2026 Venue: Room N2, Cattle Depot Artist Village |
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Alliance Cosmique Date: 30-31 May 2026 Venue: Black Box Theatre, Tai Po Civic Centre |
French May Cinema Programme Date: 19 May – 3 June 2026 Venue: Broadway Circuit and other cinemas |
French GourMay Food and Wine Festival
French GourMay Food and Wine Festival, the only festival in Hong Kong and Macau dedicated to French gastronomy, returns this year for its 17th edition. In 2026, the festival invites gourmands to look “Beyond the Map” and discover Savoie, an exquisite yet niche high-altitude wine region nestled in the heart of the French Alps. Through a curated network of over 150 partner restaurants, retailers, and learning centres, the festival will bring the refreshing spirit of the Alpine terroir to the tables of Hong Kong and Macau.
1. A Three-Michelin-Starred Ambassador
Mr. Richard Ekkebus, Culinary Director and Director of Food & Beverage at Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong, will lead this year’s journey As the Chef Ambassador of French GourMay 2026, Chef Richard—whose signature restaurant Amber has achieved three Michelin stars and a Michelin Green Star—will guide diners through the elegant fusion of contemporary gastronomy and the crisp, Alpine freshness of Savoie.
2. Curated Pairings and Exclusive Menus
Throughout May, partner restaurants will unveil thoughtfully crafted menus designed to harmonize with the unique profile of Savoie wines. These high-altitude expressions, known for their minerality and finesse, will also be showcased at partner bars, where creative pairings will offer a fresh perspective on French mountain wines.
3. Educational Workshops and Retail Discoveries
To pull back the curtain on this hidden gem, various retailers and learning centres will host themed workshops and tastings. These sessions offer a deep dive into Savoie’s distinct terroir, rare grape varieties, and rich culinary heritage, providing a rare opportunity for the public to engage with a region that stands apart from mainstream French wine traditions.
4. Digital “Taste Guide” on OpenRice
In a major digital upgrade, French GourMay will partner with OpenRice this year to offer a seamless and one-stop experience, leveraging OpenRice’s extensive reach. Users will have access to a one-stop hub to easily browse information on all participating French GourMay restaurants and explore exclusive Savoie-themed content. Furthermore, diners will be rewarded with Rice Dollars when booking selected French menus through the platform.
5. Official Partners: 1664 and DALLOYAU
The festival is supported by prestigious brands that embody the French Art de Vivre. As Official Beer Partner, the Number 1 French Beer 1664 will champion the Joie de Vivre lifestyle across French GourMay Markets and selected partner venues, offering a refreshing counterpoint to Savoie delicacies. Joining the festivities is DALLOYAU, a legendary pastry house with over 300 years of heritage. Rooted in the aesthetics of the French royal court, DALLOYAU will showcase its masterful craftsmanship, adding a touch of timeless elegance to the festival’s visual and culinary identity.
6. French GourMay Markets
The highly anticipated French GourMay Markets will return to two iconic locations: Central Market (30 April – 3 May) and Food Parc (28 – 31 May). Markets will offer a one-stop destination for the finest wines, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet treats. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere with live cooking demonstrations and curated wine tastings, experiencing the best of France and Savoie in the heart of Hong Kong.
Tickets for French May Arts Festival programmes are available at URBTIX and art-mate now. For more programme details and event information, please visit the official websites: www.frenchmay.com and www.frenchgourmay.com .
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About French May Arts Festival
Established in 1993, French May Arts Festival is one of the largest cultural events in Asia. With over 100 programmes presented across two months, we showcase the most diversified art forms – from heritage and contemporary art, paintings and design to classical music and hip-hop dance, cinema and circus. It has become an iconic part of Hong Kong’s cultural scene, reaching over 400,000 visitors each year.
French May brings the arts to everyone, not only in cultural venues, but also in public spaces, shopping malls and more, inviting everyone across Hong Kong to enjoy art in their daily lives.
With the aim of promoting accessible arts for all, French May places a strong emphasis on education through outreach programmes, guided tours, workshops, masterclasses and free performances. The festival strives to reach the widest possible audience and contribute to education of the young and less-privileged, working closely with over 50 local institutions and organisations to establish barrier-free access to the arts.
About French GourMay Food and Wine Festival
Being an important part of French May since 2009, French GourMay Food and Wine Festival (https://www.frenchgourmay.com/en/about-the-festival), organized by French Trade Commission – Business France, has been celebrating and promoting the French food and wine culture in Hong Kong and Macau. It has become in a few years, thanks to a strong communication and involvement of the gourmet community, a major food and wine festival. Every year in May, French GourMay Food and Wine Festival presents a different region (Midi-Pyrénées, Rhone Valley, Provence, Bourgogne, Bordeaux, Alsace, Champagne, South of France), introducing and encouraging people to experience the dining culture in French style and letting go through an authentic French gastronomic journey through a network of more than 200 local partners.
About Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Fund
The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government sets up the Mega ACE Fund to attract and support international or large-scale arts and cultural events which bring significant arts, cultural or economic values and can be recurrent and anchored in Hong Kong, or events which can bring exceptionally significant arts or cultural merit, as well as publicity and image building values to Hong Kong as an arts and cultural hub with a view to contributing to Hong Kong’s development into an arts and cultural metropolis as well as a tourist destination, providing development opportunities for the arts, cultural and creative sectors, and facilitating arts and cultural exchange.
Press Materials:
The Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to French May Arts Festival 2026 only, but does not otherwise take part in it. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the materials/activities (or by members of the grantee’s team) are those of the organisers of French May Arts Festival 2026 only and do not reflect the views of the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Tourism in Las Vegas continues to decline — with about 38.5 million visitors last year, a 7.5% drop from 2024, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCA).
Rick Harrison of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas and of “Pawn Stars” TV fame told Fox News Digital that his store experienced record-breaking months in both January and February of this year.
“You give customers what they want, and they return,” he said in an interview. “A lot of hotels on the Strip — they’re not hospitals where you have to go to them. There are choices out there. So, they’re changing their pricing around.”
Harrison said some of the casinos that are “really hot” and “always packed” — such as Circa Resort & Casino — are busy because they “don’t have crazy prices on everything.”
He added, “I don’t have crazy prices, and that’s what [some of the other] casinos need to do. Some casinos have always been doing that, and that is why they are doing well.”
“I don’t have crazy prices,” said Rick Harrison, owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas — noting that “customer experience” is what keeps people coming back. (Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images, Fox News Digital)
He said a big part of the success for Vegas venues in terms of drawing in tourists is customer experience.
“I have a pawn shop. I changed it into a tourist destination, and people for years [said], ‘You get thousands of people a day at the store, you should charge them something.’ I’m going, ‘No,’ because I want them to come to the store,” said Harrison.
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He noted that back in the day, the price of hotel rooms, food and experiences were not as high — making trips to Sin City more attainable for most Americans.
“I want to make sure all of my [visitors] have smiling faces, that they have a great time,” he said. “So when they go back to Ohio or Alabama or something, they tell their friends, ‘Next time you’re in Vegas, you really should go to Rick’s Pawn Shop.'”
Tourists are shown walking through Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Sept. 20, 2025. Harrison said he’s seen some casinos dropping their prices and offering more deals to tourists, such as modified all-inclusives. (Michael Anthony for Fox News Digital)
Harrison said he’s seen some casinos dropping their prices and offering more deals to tourists, such as modified all-inclusives.
Many officials, hotel owners and travel experts have cited a drop in Canadian tourism as a major reason tourism numbers have been down.
Circa Resort & Casino, for its part, has launched an “at par” promotion — making the exchange rate for Canadians equal at its properties.
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“Canadian [visitors] are down anywhere from 20% to 50%, depending on what month you look at over the course of the last year,” casino owner Derek Stevens previously told Fox News Digital.
Harrison said he’s seeing a decline in Asian tourism right now. “I don’t think that’s necessarily [about] Las Vegas. I think that’s currency issues and economic issues.”
“This is still the greatest city in the world,” said Harrison. “It’s amazing living here.” (iStock)
Rising gas prices, driven by oil hovering at nearly $100 per barrel amid the war with Iran, are creating uncertainty for the summer tourism season.
Harrison said gas in Las Vegas is over five dollars a gallon currently.
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“The problem is we get our gasoline from California refineries, so it’s a couple of dollars less than California, because California’s got a crazy tax on everything — but that is tough in Nevada right now,” he said.
He said California residents provide a large part of tourist revenue in Las Vegas.
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“This is still the greatest city in the world. It’s amazing living here,” said Harrison.
“I will talk to my wife and [ask], ‘Which concert would you like to see this weekend?’ OK? [That’s] not like most cities where you wait for a band to come to town. [In Vegas,] there’s always something going on.”
The AFL has had to shift the start times of two separate games on Anzac Day due to a 97-year-old Tasmanian law.
Next Saturday’s early clash between Hawthorn and Gold Coast at UTAS Stadium in Launceston has been pushed back 15 minutes from 12.15pm AEST to 12.30pm.
In their original fixturing, the AFL made an oversight of an almost century-old state government legislation in the Apple Isle that prohibits any sporting events starting before 12.30pm on Anzac Day.
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The legislation is called Tasmania’s Anzac Day Observance Act, and has been in place since 1929.
As a result of that tweak, Essendon and Collingwood’s traditional Anzac Day clash at the MCG has been moved back five minutes from 3.15pm AEST to 3.20pm, to minimise overlap with the earlier game.
The AFL’s head of scheduling Josh Bowler “thanked clubs, broadcast partner Foxtel, Channel 7, UTAS Stadium and the MCG for collaboratively working together on a solution”.
Anzac Day matches have taken place in Tasmania four times, most recently in 2022 and 2011, both of which started at 12.30pm AEST.
Port Adelaide’s Adelaide Oval clash with Geelong at 6.35pm AEST and Fremantle’s Optus Stadium date with Carlton at 8.15pm AEST have had no change.
The full 2026 AFL fixture was originally released back in late November.
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