ALBAWABA - The world has undergone significant transformations since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic up to the present day. Many companies have closed their doors, with numerous employees shifting to remote work. This change hasn't been confined to corporations alone; it has also extended to tourist destinations, which have not escaped the repercussions of the global health crisis.
In an attempt to compensate for the lost years during the pandemic, travelers have sought out destinations that were previously inaccessible due to the outbreak. Meanwhile, tourists have flooded parks and European cities as a form of retaliatory travel following the lifting of travel restrictions.
Due to substantial financial losses experienced by many cities and tourist spots in recent times, some are considering closure or complete avoidance of hosting visitors.
The most notable places and their alternative counterparts.
Closing of the Pompidou Center Museum in Paris
The museum, nicknamed the "Lady of the Pipes," is set to close its doors until the year 2030 for renovations following the conclusion of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The expected cost of these updates is estimated to reach 260 million euros (282 million dollars).
Belgium's Response:
Officials in the Belgian capital, Brussels, are now working on establishing a similar museum to the Pompidou, expected to open in 2025.
Alternative Choices for Art Enthusiasts in Paris:
With the closure of the museum, art lovers in Paris may face limitations in their choices of visits. However, the City of Light is not devoid of artistic museums. The Palais de Tokyo Museum boasts a vast art collection, and the Musée du Quai Branly offers a diverse range of artworks and artifacts spanning world history.
Disneyland Florida's Splash Mountain Makeover
Disneyland in California ceased operations on its iconic Splash Mountain ride, inspired by the film "Song of the South," which has faced criticism for glorifying slavery. Both Splash Mountain in Disneyland and Disney World in Florida are set to reopen with a modified version named "Tiana's Adventure," inspired by the movie "The Princess and the Frog."
Alternative Disney Parks:
Disney enthusiasts are likely to turn to the company's recently opened parks in Japan and China, especially Hong Kong Disneyland, which recently unveiled the first-ever Frozen-themed land during the current fall season.
Phantom of the Opera in New York City
This year marked the conclusion of one of the world's most significant theatrical productions, "Phantom of the Opera," in New York City. After nearly 35 years and close to 1400 performances, the show set a record for its duration and number of performances, surpassing renowned plays like "Cats" and "Les Misérables."
Park Hyatt Tokyo's Farewell
The luxurious Park Hyatt Tokyo, one of the first Western-style luxury hotels in Tokyo, will close its doors in May of this year. This closure coincides with the hotel's thirtieth anniversary, prompting renovations to enhance its facilities.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
The world stood in awe in 2019 as Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris went up in flames. Swift donations poured in to save the iconic structure, which boasts an age of approximately 850 years. While French President Emmanuel Macron supported the construction of a more modern version, traditionalists clashed, resulting in the restoration of the famous cathedral while preserving its original form from nearly eight and a half centuries ago.
