United States Celebrates 250th Anniversary with Exclusive Commemorative Card Collection by Holland America Line and Crane, Highlighting U.S. Veterans’ Artistic Talent

In celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, Holland America Line has teamed up with Crane, the legendary American stationery brand, to offer a commemorative card collection like no other. This exclusive series not only marks a historic milestone but also shines a spotlight on the artistic talents of U.S. veterans. Designed by artists from the U.S. Veterans’ Artists Alliance (USVAA), each card reflects the veterans’ unique perspectives and creative expressions. The collaboration honors America’s heritage while supporting the careers of these veteran artists, allowing them to share their powerful stories through art. The collection will be available onboard Holland America Line’s ships, offering passengers a chance to connect with both the nation’s past and the voices of those who have served it. This commemorative card collection represents a fusion of history, craftsmanship, and the enduring spirit of service—truly embodying the essence of America’s 250 years.

The commemorative collection features 12 distinct cards, with four designs created by each artist. These designs are specifically crafted to represent Holland America Line’s 11 ships. Each card reflects the individual artist’s style and aesthetic, capturing the essence of their vision while honoring the broader historical context of the United States. The one-of-a-kind designs are printed on Crane’s signature American-made stationery, known for its exceptional quality. This unique collection will be available for purchase onboard Holland America Line’s ships starting in late April.

“There is power in bringing together two brands with such deep roots,” said Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer for Holland America Line. “Crane and Holland America Line share a belief in craftsmanship, authenticity and creating lasting memories. This collaboration allows us to translate that heritage into a tangible experience our guests can truly connect with.”

Crane, a company that has been part of American history for centuries, is renowned for providing paper to some of the nation’s most important moments. The brand’s history dates back to the time of Paul Revere, who used Crane paper to print the first paper money for the American Colonies. Over the years, Crane stationery has been the choice for numerous significant events. Invitations for the inaugurations of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, as well as holiday cards for the Roosevelts, were all printed on Crane paper. Most notably, Crane was the stationery brand selected by Jackie Kennedy for her personal correspondence, including sympathy cards following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The quality and historical significance of Crane paper elevate this partnership with Holland America Line, as it links past and present through the artistry of U.S. veterans.

“We are honored to partner with Holland America Line, bringing together our shared commitment to artistry, storytelling and enduring design,” said Robert Buhler, CEO of Crane Stationery. “Both of our brands are grounded in American Heritage, legacy and fine craftsmanship, and this commemorative card collection serves as a lasting tribute to America’s 250th and the deep sense of pride, purpose and heritage reflected in the artists’ work.”

To further honor the service and artistic achievements of veterans, the 2026 Grand World Voyage aboard Holland America Line’s Volendam will feature a special event. A “veterans meet-up” will be held, inviting veterans on board to connect with one another. This unique gathering will be led by an officer who is also a veteran, alongside the President of Holland America Line. During this meet-up, veterans will have the opportunity to send well wishes to their fellow service members using the commemorative cards from the collection. This event not only honors veterans’ service but also strengthens the bonds of camaraderie among them during the voyage.

The collaboration with USVAA is an important element of this initiative. The U.S. Veterans’ Artists Alliance is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary non-profit arts organization founded in 2004. The organization was created by military veterans and artists with the goal of supporting and promoting the creative careers of veterans. Through this partnership, USVAA honors the service of the artists while simultaneously supporting their artistic careers and showcasing their powerful stories. The work of USVAA’s artists is a testament to the strength and resilience of veterans, who bring a unique perspective to their creative endeavors.

USVAA’s members come from a variety of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, film, and performance. Their works reflect the diverse experiences of veterans, and each piece tells a story that is both personal and universally impactful. The partnership with Crane and Holland America Line is a meaningful way to amplify the voices of these artists and highlight the important role that creativity plays in the healing and expression of veterans. It also provides a platform to honor their contributions not only to the arts but also to the nation’s history.

The commemorative cards are more than just souvenirs. They represent a blend of historical significance, creative expression, and the honoring of veterans. This collaboration exemplifies the power of art to connect people across generations and to celebrate the enduring spirit of service and creativity. As these cards are sold on board, they will serve as a lasting reminder of America’s 250th anniversary and the valuable contributions of U.S. veterans to the nation’s cultural fabric.

By bringing together a prestigious brand like Crane, the historical significance of Holland America Line, and the powerful voices of USVAA artists, this partnership underscores the deep connection between history, art, and service. It invites all to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future shaped by creativity, service, and the shared experiences that bind us together.

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China Sees Massive Growth in Holiday Tourism and Spending as Millions Hit Scenic Spots and Dining Venues Over Lunar New Year

China has witnessed a significant surge in holiday tourism and consumer spending during this year’s extended Lunar New Year break. Millions of domestic travelers flocked to scenic landmarks and dining establishments across the country, contributing to a substantial boost in the economy. Several factors played a role in this remarkable growth, including the extended nine-day holiday, which provided ample time for people to travel and indulge in leisure activities. As pandemic restrictions eased, many Chinese citizens eagerly embraced opportunities to explore new destinations, revisit popular sites, and enjoy festive events that celebrate their cultural heritage. Additionally, the thriving dining industry, particularly with the rise of popular hotpot chains, further fueled the boost in consumer spending. This holiday period’s success highlights the country’s economic recovery and renewed consumer confidence, signaling a strong demand for travel and entertainment experiences nationwide.

According to a report from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, domestic trips during the holiday reached 596 million, a considerable rise compared to previous years. This spike in travel activity indicates the growing confidence of Chinese consumers in both traveling and spending on leisure activities after the challenging years of the pandemic.

Tourism spending during the festive period also soared, reaching 803.5 billion yuan (approximately $116.81 billion). This marked an impressive 19% increase compared to the same period last year, despite the holiday being one day shorter in 2023. The figures were based on official ministry data and highlight the strong recovery in the tourism sector.

While overall tourism spending saw a significant rise, there was a slight dip in domestic tourism spending per trip, which fell by 0.2%. Despite this minor decrease, the overall trend in both domestic travel and tourism spending indicates a positive trajectory for China’s economy as consumer confidence continues to rebound.

Famous scenic sites around the country, such as the Great Wall in Beijing and the Danxia landform in Guangdong, experienced a surge in visitors. These iconic locations were filled with tourists eager to enjoy the cultural significance of the holiday. The festive atmosphere extended to smaller, more remote regions, including villages in Fujian, where traditional folk activities like the “you shen” parade, honoring local deities, attracted large crowds. This demonstrates the growing interest in more traditional and culturally rich experiences during the holiday period.

The high demand for travel experiences was reflected in individual accounts of tourists struggling to secure tickets for popular events. For example, a Beijing resident noted her difficulty in obtaining tickets for a molten-iron fireworks display in Tangshan, a city located about two hours away from the capital. Tickets for this special event, which were priced at 98 yuan—significantly higher than the usual price of 38 yuan—sold out immediately, underscoring the overwhelming popularity of limited-time, festival-specific events.

In addition to the major tourist destinations, scenic areas such as Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan province also reported impressive numbers. The Jiuzhaigou scenic area welcomed 182,700 visitors through February 23, marking a 17.7% increase in visitor numbers from last year. Similarly, Zhangjiajie, a renowned mountain park in central China, saw a 10.27% year-on-year increase in visitors during the first five days of the break.

Large cities such as Shanghai and Beijing also saw strong tourism performance. Shanghai authorities reported that the city welcomed 21.67 million visitors during the holiday, an 8.36% increase from last year. Tourism-related spending in Shanghai reached 25.6 billion yuan, a jump of 20.9% compared to the previous year. In Beijing, the capital city, 19.84 million visitors arrived, and tourism spending hit 33.14 billion yuan. These figures suggest that the nation’s largest cities continue to play a major role in driving the country’s tourism growth.

Travel platforms also indicated that lower-tier cities and county-level destinations saw a notable uptick in tourism. Many people were seeking a more traditional holiday atmosphere, which has contributed to the popularity of smaller towns and rural areas. This shift reflects a growing desire for less commercialized, more authentic cultural experiences that contrast with the urban-centric tourist attractions.

In addition to travel, the catering industry performed well during the holiday. Sales revenue at key catering businesses monitored by the Ministry of Commerce rose by 5.2% compared to last year’s holiday. One notable performer was the popular hotpot chain Haidilao, which reported serving over 7 million customers nationwide in the first five days of the holiday. The number of customers visiting Haidilao increased by more than 10% on Lunar New Year’s Eve and the first day of the new year, compared to the same period last year. These numbers highlight the growing appetite for dining out as part of holiday celebrations.

However, not all sectors saw positive results. The box office, a key barometer of discretionary spending, experienced a significant downturn. Several new movie releases faced poor reviews, leading to a 39.5% decrease in box office revenue, which totaled 5.75 billion yuan. Total cinema admissions also fell by 35.8%, amounting to 120 million. The drop in cinema attendance, despite the festive season, reflects shifting entertainment preferences and the growing dominance of other leisure activities over traditional movie-going.

In summary, the Lunar New Year holiday served as a major boost for domestic tourism and consumer spending in China, with both sectors showing strong year-on-year growth. While some sectors, like the box office, saw a decline, the overall economic activity demonstrated a strong recovery following the pandemic. The holiday period highlighted the diverse ways in which people are choosing to spend their time, from exploring iconic landmarks to enjoying traditional festivities and dining out.

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