English Lounge 2024년 5월 8일 수요일 Topic

1st Session

(Small Talk)

1. Please introduce yourself to members.
2. What did you on holidays?
3. Which city do you like the most in Korea(or other countries)? Why?

4. What is your favorite restaurant in Busan?

Amsterdam to Limit Tourist Numbers, Ban New Hotels

The people of Amsterdam have had enough of overtourism, and the city is doing something about it.

The local government has said that no new hotels can be built in the city, and there will be a limit of 20 million overnight tourist stays in the city's hotels per year. "We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors," the local government said.

The city receives large amounts of visitors every year, and many residents have said that this overtourism has changed life in Amsterdam. Some parts of the city have had problems not only with large numbers of tourists but also their bad behavior.

But, of course, this is not the end of tourism in the city that's famous for its canals and museums, as well as its red-light district and cannabis cafes.

In fact, it will still be possible for some new hotels to be built ― but only if they replace other hotels that have closed. Any of these new hotels must not have more beds than the hotel they replace. They must also be "better," the local government said, which could mean more modern or more sustainable.

Hotels can be built outside the city center, and those that are already being built can be finished. There were more than 20.5 million hotel nights booked in the city in 2023 ― and that number doesn't include nights booked in holiday rentals or in bed and breakfast accommodation.

The new limit of 20 million tourists was introduced after 30,000 of the city's residents asked the local government to do something about overtourism.    

-What are your thoughts on Amsterdam's new tourist rules?

-What parts of your country have had problems with overtourism?

-Do you prefer to stay in the city center or outside it when you visit a city?

2nd Session

(Small Talk)

1. Introduce yourself.

2. What are you planning to eat for this dinner?

3. What is your plan after this activity?

One in Four US Adults Over 50 Expect to Never Retire

About one-quarter of US adults aged 50 and older who are not yet retired say they expect to never retire, and 70% are concerned about prices rising faster than their income, a new survey finds.

About one in four have no retirement savings, according to research released April 24 by AARP, a nonprofit organization, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, which is dedicated to helping people who are aged over 50.

The survey shows how a graying America is worrying more and more about how to make ends meet. Everyday expenses and housing costs, including rent and mortgage payments, are the biggest reasons why people are unable to save for retirement.

The data will matter this election year as Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump are trying to win support from older Americans, who traditionally turn out in high numbers.

The AARP's study, based on interviews completed with more than 8,000 people in coordination with the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, found that one-third of older adults with credit card debt owe more than $10,000 and 12% owe $20,000 or more. Additionally, 37% are worried about meeting basic living costs such as food and housing.

"Far too many people lack access to retirement savings options and this, coupled with higher prices, is making it increasingly hard for people to choose when to retire," said Indira Venkateswaran, AARP's senior vice president of research. "Everyday expenses continue to be the top barrier to saving more for retirement, and some older Americans say that they never expect to retire."

"We are seeing an expansion of older workers staying in the workforce," said David John, senior strategic policy advisor at the AARP Public Policy Institute. He said this is in part because older workers "don't have sufficient retirement savings. It's a problem and it's likely to continue as we go forward."

-At what age do you think you'll retire? Are you looking forward to it?

-If you could retire early, would you?

-How do you imagine you'll spend your retirement years?

-What do you think would be the best places in the world to retire?