The recent increase in the cost of short-term visas to visit Sri Lanka has sparked a debate among travelers and government officials. The price of a visa rose from $50 to $100 in April, leading to speculation about the reasons behind this sudden change. Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minster, Harin Fernando, attributed the price hike to
Travel
The response of major airlines and industry trade association to the new Department of Transportation rule requiring earlier disclosure of add-on fees during flight booking has been met with criticism. The challengers, which include trade group Airlines for America, as well as Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and United airlines, argue that the DOT exceeded
Emirates airline, based in Dubai, recently announced a record annual profit of 17.2 billion dirhams ($4.7 billion) for the 2023-2024 financial year. This marked a significant increase of 63% from the previous year. The airline, known as the flag carrier of the UAE, has been benefitting from the recovery of the travel sector, which has
The landscape of all-inclusive resorts has transformed significantly in recent years as a response to the shift in traveler preferences. No longer associated with bottom-shelf booze and mediocre dining options, the sector has undergone a significant upgrade towards more luxury offerings. The demand for all-inclusive resorts, especially in the wake of the pandemic, has surged
Emirates airline, one of Boeing’s biggest customers, recently expressed frustration with the safety crisis facing the American planemaker. The chairman and CEO of Emirates, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, voiced concerns over the delays in order deliveries and the overall situation with Boeing. Despite being Boeing’s largest customer in terms of widebody jets with
Dealing with angry customers and negative online reviews poses a significant challenge to businesses in the travel industry. Natasha, the director of a five-star resort, highlights the difficulty of finding the right words and conveying appropriate contrition when responding to complaints, especially when the hotel may not be at fault. However, Natasha has found a
Viking Cruise Lines has positioned itself as a unique player in the cruise industry, targeting high-income baby boomers seeking a sophisticated and enriching travel experience. Unlike traditional cruise operators, Viking’s focus is on catering to the “thinking person” who values adventure and new experiences over casinos and family-friendly activities. CEO Torstein Hagen’s emphasis on providing
Dubai’s leadership recently gave the green light to an ambitious project that will reshape the landscape of air travel in the region. The $35 billion plan involves the construction of a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, which will significantly increase its size and capacity. According to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
The pandemic era witnessed a significant surge in yacht sales, with many individuals investing in their own vessels for a sense of freedom and exclusivity. However, recent trends suggest that some yacht owners are now transitioning back to land-based adventures. According to Richard Allen, COO of Simpson Marine, there has been a noticeable increase in
Moving from one country to another for work can be both exciting and challenging. The opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture and environment is undoubtedly enriching, but it also comes with its own unique set of obstacles. Being thousands of miles away from family and friends, dealing with language barriers, and navigating unfamiliar
Southwest Airlines, known for its single-class, open-seating cabins, is considering making significant changes to boost revenue, according to CEO Bob Jordan. In an interview with CNBC, Jordan mentioned that the airline is looking into various initiatives, including reevaluating the way they seat and board their aircraft. This potential shift could mark one of the biggest
American Airlines recently reported a loss in the first quarter, a result that fell short of expectations. The airline’s CEO, Robert Isom, expressed dissatisfaction with the financial results. However, despite this setback, American Airlines remains optimistic about its ability to meet its full-year financial targets. American Airlines, like other major carriers such as Southwest, United,
Last week, the United Arab Emirates experienced a catastrophic event when record rainfall hit the country, causing dangerous floods that paralyzed much of the region. NASA recently released photos of parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi before and after the storms, showcasing the devastating impact of the extreme weather conditions. The images taken by NASA
As Airbnb’s recently appointed chief business officer, Dave Stephenson is playing a crucial role in the company’s future growth plans. What sets Stephenson apart is not just his executive position within the company, but also his experience as an Airbnb host. Stephenson has been hosting a mountain cabin outside of Seattle, Washington, for several years.
JetBlue Airways experienced a significant blow as its shares plummeted more than 10% in premarket trading due to a revised 2024 revenue forecast. The carrier shocked analysts by predicting a second-quarter revenue decline of up to 10.5%, double the initial expectations. Furthermore, the company projected full-year sales to decrease in the low single digits, which
The recent historic rains in the United Arab Emirates caused chaos at Dubai’s airport, leading to the grounding of hundreds of flights and leaving thousands of customers stranded. In response to this situation, the CEO of Emirates airline, Tim Clark, issued an apology letter to customers over the weekend. Clark acknowledged the disruptions caused to
The 2024 Smart City Index released by the IMD World Competitiveness Center’s Smart City Observatory in collaboration with the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) has revealed some interesting trends. According to the report, of the top 10 smart cities on the list, seven were located in Europe. This indicates a shift in global smart
Unclaimed Baggage, a store that acquires lost items from airlines, recently published its first “Found Report: A Look Inside America’s Lost Luggage,” revealing some of the most interesting and bizarre items discovered in abandoned suitcases. From live snakes to Halloween props signed by Richard Nixon, the assortment of items is truly eclectic. One standout item
