Pandas Arrive In The US. Next Stop Is The National Zoo

The National Zoo’s long dark panda drought is coming to an end.

Eleven months after the zoo sent its three wildly popular pandas — Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and their cub Xiao Qi Ji — back to China, a new pair of bears arrived in the United States on Tuesday. They will be transported from Dulles International Airport in suburban Virginia to the zoo.

A pair of three-year old giant pandas, named Bao Li and Qing Bao, have left a research facility in the southwestern Chinese city of Dujiangyan and will soon be flown to Washington, according to a statement by the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

“Food prepared for the trip includes corn bread, bamboo and carrots, as well as water and medicine,” the statement said, adding that the partnership will “make new contributions in protecting global biodiversity and enhance the friendship of the people from the two countries.”

Once the bears arrive in Washington, there will likely be an extended quarantine and acclimation period before they are introduced to the public. On Monday evening, the zoo’s website posted an alert that the entire facility would be closed Tuesday, without giving a reason. The lead article on the site still said the pandas would be coming sometime before the end of the year.

Bao Li (precious vigor) and Qing Bao (green treasure) arrive in Washington as part of a new 10-year agreement with Chinese authorities. The previous deal expired last year, leading to some concern among American panda-lovers that Beijing was gradually pulling its furry friendship ambassadors from American zoos amid rising diplomatic tensions.

Breeding pairs in zoos in Memphis and San Diego had already returned to China earlier and the four pandas in the Atlanta zoo left for China last week.

That anxiety turned to optimism last November when Chinese President Xi Jinping publicly stated a desire to continue the panda exchange programs. This year, a new pair of bears has been delivered to the San Diego Zoo, while another pair has been promised to San Francisco.

In Washington, National Zoo officials remained conspicuously silent about negotiations for a new panda agreement, but they expressed optimism about striking a new deal and launched a multimillion-dollar renovation of its panda enclosure in anticipation. Then in late May, zoo director Brandie Smith teamed up with first lady Jill Biden to announce that Bao Li and Qing Bao would be arriving by the end of this year.

The Chinese announcement said the National Zoo had sent “three experienced keepers and veterinary experts” to China to assist the transport and accompany the bears.

Zoo officials on Monday declined to confirm the Chinese announcement. Zoo spokesperson Jennifer Zoon said in an email, “For the safety of animals and staff, we are not able to confirm any details at this time.” But signs at the zoo and on its social media site have heralded the planned return of the pandas and panda-themed merchandise still dominates the gift shops.

“The giant pandas are an iconic part of the Washington, D.C., story, both for locals and incoming travelers alike,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “The interest and excitement associated with their return directly benefits the entire city, bringing further interest and visitors to our hotels, restaurants and other attractions.”

The exact terms of the deal are still unclear; under previous 10-year agreements the Chinese government receives $1 million per year, per bear. Any cubs born in overseas zoos are typically returned to China before they reach age four.

Pandas have become one of the unofficial symbols of the nation’s capital, dating back to 1972 when the first pair — Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing — were sent as a gift from Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai following President Richard Nixon’s historic diplomatic visit to China. Later, a rolling series of 10-year cooperation agreements was struck.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, credited the decades of cooperation with advancing research into panda preservation and breeding. During the lifespan of these agreements, giant pandas have been reclassified from an endangered species to merely vulnerable.

“The current round of cooperation will focus on prevention and treatment of major diseases, and protection of habitats and wild giant panda populations,” Liu said in an email. “We hope the arrival of the pandas will inject fresh impetus into exchanges between China and the U.S., and help to stabilize the broader bilateral relationship as well.”

By ASHRAF KHALIL and DIDI TANG

United Airlines Is Adding 8 New International Destinations To Its Itinerary For Next Summer

United Airlines is adding eight new international destinations to its itinerary for next summer.

The airline, which said that this is its biggest international expansion ever with more than 760 weekly flights, will also be adding some new routes. Beginning in May, travelers departing from Newark, New Jersey will be able to visit locations including Bilbao, Spain; Faro, Portugal and Palermo, Italy. In June, the airline will start offering flights from Newark to Madeira Island, Portugal and Nuuk, Greenland. Other flights include Tokyo to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and Washington, D.C. to Dakar starting in May and Tokyo to Kaohsiung, Taiwan beginning in July. New routes to already existing destinations include Washington D.C. to Nice, France; Washington D.C. to Venice, Italy and Tokyo to Narita-Koror, Palau. The airline will also resume service to several destinations earlier in the season, including Newark to Athens, Greece in March and Newark to Dubrovnik, Croatia in May. United said that all new flights are subject to government approval and will be available for sale on its website and app. Last month United announced that it struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years. The airline said that the service will be free to passengers and allow them to connect multiple devices. United said that it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025. By MICHELLE CHAPMAN

Manitoba’s Train Is A Lifeline For Many Towns. Now Tourists Are Also Discovering The Route

The setting sun backlights a pristine panoply of pines of different sizes and species. Far northern Canadian countryside rolls by at a leisurely pace of a train ride, viewed through an upper deck glass-enclosed of a special observation car. Waves of green and brown in slightly varying shades sweep by. There’s no working Wi-Fi to interrupt with emails or social media demanding attention.

Passengers prepare to board a train Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Churchill, Manitoba. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel

It’s mesmerizing and calming. Two or three hours pass peacefully without notice.

Now repeat. Repeat again. And again. Two hours becomes two days.

To get between Churchill, Manitoba, Canada — the polar bear and beluga whale capital of the world and a tourist hot spot for northern adventure tourism — and Winnipeg, Manitoba, there are only two options: A $1,100 one-way plane flight that takes two-and-a-half hours or a scenic 45-hour to 49-hour much cheaper train ride. It’s a $200 train ride like few others from the glass ceiling of the observation car Canada’s VIA railroad bills it as a “scenic adventure.”

Remote town in Canada embraces wildlife tourism

Though it is inaccessible by car, the town of Churchill, Manitoba draws tourists who want to glimpse polar bears and beluga whales.

It starts with a vista of the tree-less but not quite barren tundra, then powers through hours of tall forests. They eventually give way to more manicured cropland with the occasional animal, even a herd of elk. Sunset glimmers off a lake. When night comes it holds the hope of a Northern Lights sighting stretching all around. If there are no glimmering auroras, there’s a special beauty in the pitch black outside with only the lights of the train interrupting.

And it goes on for 1,697 kilometers (1,054 miles). There are 10 listed stops enroute with some only for a few minutes and others a few hours.

Passengers relax inside the skyline car as the sun sets Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, between Churchill and Gilliam, Manitoba. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

It’s Churchill’s connection to the rest of the world

While it’s promoted for tourism, the train is actually a lifeline for the town of Churchill. The community has roads inside town and for a few miles to the outskirts, but no roads go to other cities. So it’s expensive flying or an overnight train ride at a more reasonable price tag.

The semi-weekly trains bring tourists, residents, mail, food, fuel and other necessities.

From May 2017 to October 2018, part of the rail line washed out because of storms and poor maintenance, stranding an entire community.

Night falls as a train travels Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, near The Pas, Manitoba. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

Staples had to be delivered by air and propane fuel was brought in by ship through the Hudson Bay. Prices in town skyrocketed and lawsuits were filed over who was responsible for the repair costs.

“We had no rail service for about 18 months meaning Churchilleans couldn’t go out by rail to visit their families in other parts of Manitoba,” Churchill Mayor Mike Spence said. “It was devastating.”

The town and some First Nations in the area took over the rail line and it’s back to operating. Spence said with the community pouring tens of millions of dollars into repairs the lines should stay open even as the world’s weather gets more extreme.

It’s a very long ride

Sleeper berths are available on the train, along with shower cubicles the size of those in a New York hotel room, but for those traveling more cheaply or booking late, there are standard seats in the cabin. The seats recline — mostly. But it’s not full laying down.

Food is also limited.

There is a small galley below the observation deck. It has some food, heated by a microwave. The train does serve beer, but limited brands. Frequent commuters and those who do their research know to bring their own snacks on board, and make the most of the restaurants at longer stops in towns on route.

Stations along the way vary greatly: In Dauphin, passengers wait outside an historic brick station built in 1912, but in Wabowden, a single yellow sign nailed to a pole near the track that reads “Muster Point” alerts passengers to the stop.

For residents of smaller communities along the route, the train provides the only connection to other parts of Manitoba.

At Thompson, passengers are better connected — and fed

Many ride the train weekly, traveling to and from Thompson. At about 13,600 residents, it’s the biggest community the train stops at, besides Winnipeg, with amenities like big-box stores and restaurants.

Thompson — just under halfway between Churchill and Winnipeg — is where many Churchill residents train journey ends.

Residents said they often keep cars in Thompson, take the train there and then drive to Winnipeg. They can shave 17 hours off the trip that way, they said.

All but two dozen passengers got off at Thompson, the closest bigger community connected to the rest of Manitoba by road.

First Nation communities line the route

After leaving Thompson, the train heads to remote First Nation communities on both sides of the route.

And though the journey distance-wise is short, it takes hours by train, with many passengers passing the time playing cards and chatting with each other in the dining car.

The town of The Pas, one of the longer stop on the route, includes a bar right by the station. But the train’s porter warned passengers off it, saying it was a rather rough establishment. She knew because she has been there.

In Thicket Portage, population around 150, residents gather to meet their rides back to town at the stop, a small wooden shack near the tracks. Here, they unload their luggage and other goods, food, diapers and other staples.

The train also ventured into a different zone in eastern Saskatchewan and the cute downtown of Canora, which strangely wasn’t on the train schedule for stops.

As the train heads further south, the landscape changes, the northern forest giving way to crop fields and livestock as the route approaches Winnipeg in southern Manitoba.

Passengers wait for baggage near signs advertising Churchill, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

And finally, after 49 hours, the train pulls into Winnipeg.

This glimpse into the beautiful monotony of vast stretches of untouched trees and tan tundra is a trip of a lifetime, which — for some passengers at least — seemed to last that long.

By SETH BORENSTEIN and JOSHUA A. BICKEL

Riu Just Relaunched This Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort With Nearly 1,000 Rooms

The new resort has almost 1,000 rooms.

It wasn’t your typical renovation in the Caribbean. All-inclusive brand Riu actually demolished one of its Bavaro Beach-area resorts to pave way for a massive expansion of the one next door.

The result? The new-look, significantly larger all-inclusive Riu Palace Bavaro, which just reopened in the Dominican Republic’s tourism hub of Punta Cana.

The transformed resort on Arena Gorda beach in Punta Cana now has nearly 1,000 rooms, with a shift in focus toward families: that means 255 rooms that are tailor-made for families and larger groups — from extra beds to flexible configurations.

And families are clearly the focus here: with a diverse, layered kids’ club (with different concepts for different age groups); along with a mini splash park, a “pirate ship” and a game park, among other inclusions.

Inside a swim-up room.

On the culinary side, the resort has everything fro a new French bakery to a taco shack.

You also get access to the major water park at the neighboring Riu Republic resort.

Riu also added another nod to an increasingly popular choice for all-inclusive travelers: its Elite Club, which Ofers elevated check-in, extra amenities, exclusive pool access and upgraded drinks dispensers (a Riu signature), along with access to two swim-up bars.

In all, the revamped Punta Cana resort has 108 Elite Club rooms, and they’re worth the splurge. The company says 60 Elite Club rooms have their own private pools, along with amenities like guaranteed late checkout and priority reservations at eateries at the resort.

Riu has been renovating its resorts all across the broader Caribbean-Mexico region in the last several years; the Bavaro overhaul comes after Riu redid its Riu Palace Macao resort in Punta Cana last year, one that similarly included a new Elite Club.

Are you planning a Punta Cana vacation at this newly-upgraded Riu? What about the cost?

The starting rate is for a superior junior suite, which is priced at $1,142.40 for five nights in October.

For a swim-up room in the Elite Club level, it’s about $1,500.80 for five nights in the same time frame.

For more, visit Riu at: https://www.riu.com/en/hotel/dominican-republic/punta-cana/hotel-riu-palace-bavaro/

https://www.caribjournal.com/author/alexander-britell/

Puerto Vallarta Named One Of The Best Cities In The World In Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards

Puerto Vallarta, where the wild beauty of the Pacific coast meets the vibrant spirit of Mexico, has once again been named one of the Best Cities in the World in Condé Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards. Celebrated for its breathtaking natural landscape, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sierra Madre mountains, along with its rich heritage and warm hospitality, Puerto Vallarta earned the #9 spot in the Small Cities category, as voted by over 575,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers. This accolade crowns a year of record-breaking international arrivals and all-time high hotel occupancy rates this summer, making Puerto Vallarta a must-visit destination for the upcoming holiday season.

Photo by Allen Barkus

The Readers' Choice Awards, revered as the longest-running and most prestigious accolades in the travel industry, showcase destinations travelers eagerly anticipate revisiting. The full list of winners can be found here.

"We're incredibly honored to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers once again," said Luis Villaseñor, Managing Director of Puerto Vallarta's Tourism Board. "Puerto Vallarta invites travelers to embrace the unexpected, whether through breathtaking adventures in our jungles, tranquil moments on our beaches, or the deep cultural connections they experience throughout the city. We're grateful to everyone who voted—it's a testament to why so many visitors fall in love with our destination and keep returning."

Puerto Vallarta welcomed 2.97 million international visitors from January to September 2024, marking a 3.7% increase compared to the same period last year. This summer also saw record-high hotel occupancy rates, further emphasizing the city's growing appeal as travelers seek out its unique landscapes, authentic experiences, and world-class hospitality.

The city continues to expand its array of accommodations, catering to every type of traveler. This fall, Tryst Puerto Vallarta, a luxurious new hotel, will open in late October in the heart of the lively Romantic Zone, adding to the city's inclusive and inviting atmosphere as a renowned destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Visitors can also choose from a variety of resort options, from all-inclusive stays at Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort, Velas Vallarta, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa, and Hyatt Ziva, to charming boutique hotels such as Casa Kimberly, BellView Boutique Hotel, and Hacienda San Angel. For those looking to reconnect with nature and themselves, Xinalani and the adults-only Villa Lala offer eco-friendly retreats off the beaten path.

Puerto Vallarta's Pacific & Wild spirit shines this fall and winter, inviting visitors to explore the region's diverse landscapes and wildlife. Whale-watching season runs from December through March, while the tail end of sea turtle nesting offers unforgettable wildlife encounters. Adventure seekers can enjoy thrilling activities with Canopy Rivers and Vallarta Adventures, from zip-lining through the jungle to river tours. Athletes can test their endurance at the Puerto Vallarta Mexico by UTMB on November 7-9, an ultra-trail running event with races ranging from 10K to 147K that traverse the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, the jungle, and down to the Pacific coastline. While outdoor adventures are plentiful, Puerto Vallarta's cultural traditions also remain a highlight, with Día de los Muertos November 1-2 providing a meaningful way to honor and remember departed loved ones, followed by the Festival Gourmet International November 7-17 for food and wine lovers, and concluding with the Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival December 1-12, which brings lively processions and folkloric dancers to the streets.

The 2024 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Condé Nast Traveler's website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.

For more information on Puerto Vallarta, visit https://visitpuertovallarta.com.

SWISS First Lounge Named World’s Best Airline Lounge For Dining For 2024

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has earned first place in the World’s Best Airline Lounge for Dining category for its First Class Lounge in Terminal E at Zurich Airport in the 2024 World Culinary Awards. The distinction was presented at this year’s award ceremony in Dubai on 2 October.
SWISS guests enjoy freshly prepared à la carte dining in the company’s airport lounges. Switzerland’s leading airline also puts a particular accent on regional and seasonal ingredients in its culinary offerings. And, in addition to such Swiss classics as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and fondue, SWISS Lounge guests are further treated to international dishes such as Thai curry or burgers. The range of offerings is also changed every three months.

“We are very proud to earn such a prestigious award,” said Julia Hillenbrand, Head of SWISS Brand Experience. “It’s the result and the reflection of our continual commitment to offering our customers an exceptional culinary experience that we combine with top-notch service and optimum comfort and convenience. It will inspire us to continue to set the highest possible standards to deliver on our premium promise.”

Hubertus Henning, General Manager Airport Lounges Switzerland at gategroup, commented: "We are immensely proud of our strong collaboration and the success we have achieved with SWISS. This prestigious accolade is a testament to our exceptional partnership and our team's unwavering dedication to delivering outstanding service and unforgettable dining experiences. We look forward to continuing to inspire culinary excellence and achieving even greater milestones together."

Sustainability also on the menu

SWISS attaches great importance to sustainability in all its procurement activities. Its meats are selected by gategourmet in accordance with rigorous animal welfare standards, and its fish and seafood are also obtained solely from certificated sources. In pursuing what is known as the ‘nose to tail’ approach, SWISS also offers more unusual cuts of meat to make optimum use of resources while also promoting culinary diversity.

A lounge with a view

In addition to the award-winning culinary offerings of its top-calibre à la carte restaurant, the SWISS First Class Lounge in Zurich Airport’s Terminal E features a host of further standout amenities, such as two hotel rooms, a conference room, mini-suites and a champagne bar. Its wine humidor is home to over 700 fine bottles from all over the world. And its 3,789-square-foot terrace is a wonderful place for guests to relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the airport’s activities and beyond.

Further information on the World Culinary Awards will be found at www.worldculinaryawards.com.

Delta Air Lines Is Adding More Flights to Aruba, Grand Cayman, St Maarten

It’s not just New York and Miami anymore. The surge in demand for Caribbean travel has seen more airlines look to connect source cities like Milwaukee, Providence, Detroit, Austin and Los Angeles with the region.

One airport that’s been seeing more and more growth? Minneapolis-St Paul, which has quietly added a wave of flights to top Caribbean destinations from Turks and Caicos to Punta Cana.

Now, another carrier is planning a big island expansion out of MSP airport: Delta, which is set to kick off a trio of new flights to the Caribbean beginning in December (after adding Minneapolis-Turks and Caicos flights earlier this year.)

So where is Delta headed? Two top Dutch Caribbean islands: St Maarten, with flights twice each week on Thursday and Saturday; and Aruba, with service every Friday and Sunday.

One of two beaches at the Grand Case Beach Club in St Martin.

But that’s not the only addition. Delta is also expanding service from Minneapolis to Grand Cayman (with one more flight every week) and San Juan, Puerto Rico, where it’s set to increase service with two more flights every week.

Are you planning a getaway to St Maarten or Aruba? For the former, it’s the French side of the island that’s hotter than ever, from new hotels like The Forest to the buzzing food scene in the beloved town of Grand Case. Even better? The island’s signature place to stay, the Grand Case Beach Club, is adding a brand-new rooftop poolscape.

In Aruba, the story is about diversity; from the growing movement of chef’s table concepts that have been popping up all over the island to a pair of major new resorts set to open before the end of this year: the first-ever St. Regis in the Dutch Caribbean, and a sleek new adults-only resort opening up soon under the Joia Aruba by Iberostar brand.

The new Joia Beach by Iberostar.

If you’re headed to Grand Cayman, you’ll find a destination that’s better than ever. Yes, Seven Mile Beach is still a magnificent stretch of sand; but there’s so much more, whether you’re shopping and noshing your way through Camana Bay or checking into one of the area’s brand-new resorts like the Hotel Indigo (a hotel we fell in love with on our last stay in Grand Cayman) or the boutique, wellness-focused Vida Cayman.

As for San Juan, there’s not much to say other than that Puerto Rico continues to post record-breaking visitor numbers, with travelers drawn to its combo of cheap flights, affordable hotel prices and mix of culture and entertainment.

So what about the prices on these new Delta flights?

Right now, a basic Minneapolis-St Maarten fare starts as low as $892 round trip in a late December itinerary, according to a sample booking on Delta. That number goes up to $1,012 in the main cabin. For Aruba flights, prices start at $980 round trip in the main cabin.

https://www.caribjournal.com/