Israel Plans $27 Billion Rail Expansion, Eyes Future Link To Saudi Arabia

(Reuters) - Israel will build a 100 billion shekel ($27 billion) rail expansion that will connect its outlying areas to metropolitan Tel Aviv and, in the future, could provide overland links to Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.

The announcement followed a trip by top U.S. officials to Saudi Arabia last week to advance a possible forging of formal relations between the Muslim powerhouse and Israel.

Opening the weekly Israeli cabinet meeting, Netanyahu appeared to sidestep the constitutional crisis that has roiled the country for seven months, denting its economy and shaking Western allies' confidence in its democratic health.

Instead, he promoted infrastructure initiatives including the "One Israel Project", which he described as designed to reduce travel time by train to the country's business and government centres to two hours or less.

The plan is basically a revival of an idea promoted for years, though little progress has been made. The government in 2010 approved a similar multi-billion shekel initiative for a nationwide network that did not gain traction.

"I would like to add that in the future we will also be able to transport cargo by rail from Eilat to our Mediterranean, and will also be able to link Israel by train to Saudi Arabia and the Arabian peninsula," he said in televised remarks.

"On this, too, we are working."

Israel's finance minister said the idea was to have the high-speed, north-south rail link ready in the next 10 years.

Writing by Dan Williams; editing by James Mackenzie and David Evans

Discover Puerto Rico Celebrates Five Years Of Unprecedented Tourism Growth

On the heels of a record-breaking year in travel and tourism for Puerto Rico, Discover Puerto Rico, the Island's official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) reflects on a groundbreaking five years of continued growth for Puerto Rico's tourism economy, following a powerful brand evolution for the Island that has placed data-backed strategies at the forefront of award-winning marketing efforts.

Since its inception in July 2018, Discover Puerto Rico has effectively created and implemented multi-channel marketing tactics and campaigns designed for the progression of the destination and DMO, to help advance its mission of bringing prosperity to Puerto Rico by positioning the Island as a premier destination for leisure, business, and event travel. From being named among Fast Company's "World's Most Innovative Companies" in 2023 to winning three Emmy Awards for its series "Sounds like Puerto Rico," and hosting superstar Jimmy Fallon on-Island for a show taping, the DMO has excelled in both its creativity and execution in its mission.

"Despite facing some of the most extreme challenges in recent history, including natural weather events and the COVID-19 pandemic, our team led the travel inspiration that resulted in record-breaking numbers through strategic practices alongside local stakeholders, that drove travelers to the Island when we needed it most," said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. "I'm beyond proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing our visitation growth and further solidifying our standing as a best-in-class Destination Marketing Organization."

Following a data-driven and agile approach to marketing, Discover Puerto Rico has propelled economic prosperity for the people of Puerto Rico through the tourism sector and elevated the Island on a global scale, including global marketing in Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Colombia, among others in addition to the U.S. In recent years, the Island has reported peaks in incoming travelers, record revenues and more local tourism employees than ever. Highlight statistics include:

Approximately $8.7 billion in revenue was generated by travel and tourism through June 2023, a 63% increase from 2018 highs. (Tourism Economics) More than 5.6 million passengers arrived at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in the last fiscal year, an 8% increase over FY 21-22. (Aerostar) The Island now employs the most individuals in travel and tourism related jobs ever, over 93,600, a 22% increase over the previous high in 2019. Employment in the leisure and hospitality sector in Puerto Rico has increased by 12.8% compared to pre-pandemic levels, while employment numbers in the U.S. remain 4% below when considering the same period. (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Breakthrough creative campaigns that elevate Puerto Rico's culture and diverse tourism offerings, paired with targeted media relations and thought leadership efforts, and award-winning content through owned channels, have driven massive results for the destination and the DMO. Among the most successful Discover Puerto Rico-led tactics, campaigns and more that led to these numbers include:

"Live Boricua" - Launched in May 2022, this innovative brand campaign is the manifestation of Discover Puerto Rico's focus on elevating local culture while underscoring values-based marketing. Live Boricua emphasizes diverse people and culture, with a distinction no other destination can claim: the word "Boricua," or a person born in Puerto Rico or of Puerto Rican descent. The campaign's insights, creative and assets showcase the Puerto Rican way of life – and were developed by Boricuas. The campaign encourages travelers to embrace the spirit, passion and cultural uniqueness of the Island's people. Live Boricua has generated over 515 million in media impressions from earned media tactics and nearly 1.5 million pageviews driven by paid media, with over 483,000 of those visitors engaging with multiple pages on the site. The campaign undergoes constant reviews to enhance content, messaging and stay true to the local spirit of the Boricua community, informed by locals themselves.

"Sunshine to Spare" - Discover Puerto Rico partnered with the Pantone Color Institute to create a first-of-its-kind color inspired by the hue of Puerto Rican sunlight, based on findings by Puerto Rican physicist, Hector J. Jimenez. The new color – Puerto Rico Sunshine – has taken on a life of its own, with collaborations alongside notable entities like ECOS Paint and designer Christian Cowan. It has also sparked an unprecedented pride in the local Boricua community, with a multitude of small businesses creating unique products – from jewelry to popsicles – inspired by the color sold, now through the Sunshine Shop on the Discover Puerto Rico website. Travelers can also partake in the new Sunshine Route – a curated map that showcases how visitors can experience Puerto Rico Sunshine via a road trip to destinations across the Island, exploring both activities and products as part of the program. To date, this multifaceted campaign has garnered 1 billion impressions.

Elevating DMO and Island Talent into New Spaces – The DMO has made strides in giving a platform to both on-Island talent and DMO executives. Among these, Discover Puerto Rico partnered with leading Chef, Mario Pagan and local rum brands at Food & Wine festivals in Aspen and Austin with the goal of highlighting what it means to Live Boricua and promoting Puerto Rico's strong gastronomy and rum culture. Additionally, Brad Dean (CEO) and Leah Chandler (CMO) represented the DMO in leading conferences across industries, including South by Southwest, BrandSmart 2023 and the Reuters Strategic Marketing Conference, speaking on Discover Puerto Rico's unique values-based marketing approach, a testament to the DMO's best-in-class standing.

Standout efforts in meetings and events further promote Puerto Rico as a leading destination in the MICE space. Discover Puerto Rico's enhanced promotional efforts on the mainland have led to record breaking group numbers and a strong roster of events hosted on-Island, including the first ever Spanish countdown of Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve for two consecutive years, the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Backlash, the Women in Travel Summit as well as the leading Hispanic award-show Premios Juventud. The DMO has set the stage for upcoming events including the Society of American Travel Writers' (SATW) annual conference and the International Gay Lesbian Travel Summit (IGLTA) Global Convention.

The DMO remains focused on strategies that safeguard the destination in the future. From a robust Crisis Communication Playbook to an additional tool that creates strategies to implement in light of economic turmoil, the Economic Playbook, preparedness measures outside of the proactive marketing efforts to attract travelers are prevalent and further demonstrate this DMO's holistic approach.

With its evolved and solidified brand positioning five years in the making, the DMO will continue to build on recent successes, promoting Puerto Rico on a global scale through a values-based marketing approach that continues to elevate the Boricua experience, the Island's growing infrastructure and the value propositions that make the destination an exceptional option for visitors.

About Discover Puerto Rico:

Discover Puerto Rico is a private, not-for-profit Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) whose mission is to make Puerto Rico visible to the world as a premier travel destination. The DMO brings prosperity to the people of Puerto Rico by collaboratively promoting the Island's diversity and uniqueness for leisure and business travel, and events. It is responsible for all global marketing, sales, and promotion of the destination and works collaboratively with key local governmental and non-governmental players throughout Puerto Rico's visitor economy and the community at large, to empower economic growth. To discover all the beauty the Island has to offer, visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com. 

Travelore News: American Airlines Has A Tentative Contract Deal With Its Pilots. Southwest Is Still Negotiating

American Airlines has agreed on terms for granting large pay raises to its pilots, leaving Southwest Airlines alone among the nation’s four biggest carriers without at least a tentative contract with pilots.

American and the Allied Pilots Association announced their agreement Thursday. The union said the agreement matched terms reached by pilots at Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

The pilots and American thought they had a deal earlier this month, but it was upended when United struck a richer contract, with raises of up to 40% over four years. American CEO Robert Isom promised to match pay at the other carriers.

An American spokeswoman called it “a contract we’re proud of, and one our pilots deserve.”

The deal is contingent on the outcome of a ratification vote by American’s 15,000 pilots in August.

Southwest CEO Robert Jordan said his airline has been in regular negotiations with its pilots, but had “nothing new to report.”

“There is no threat of an imminent strike or anything like that,” Jordan said. Federal law requires several conditions to be met before airline unions can legally strike, including a finding by mediators that further negotiations would be pointless.

Source: AP

Holland America Line’s New ‘42-Day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage’ In 2024 Is Inspired By A Cruise From A Century Ago, Starting Under $5,200.

Holland America Line is adding another Legendary Voyage to its diverse roster of lengthier cruises from convenient gateways. The “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” aboard Volendam departing Nov. 9, 2024, was inspired by a voyage the cruise line operated nearly 100 years ago. Perfectly designed for today’s traveler, the 2024 departure sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, allowing guests to experience 16 different ports across nine countries, all without international air.

The original voyage that provided the vision for the “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” departed New York City Feb. 4, 1925, aboard Rotterdam IV and carried just 550 guests across the Atlantic Ocean to explore many of the same ports. The 2024 cruise follows in the footsteps of the 1925 journey, visiting Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Tunisia, Gibraltar (United Kingdom) and Spain.

“Holland America Line was one of the first companies to feature cruise vacations that went beyond a transatlantic crossing, and today they’re continuing to innovate their itineraries by offering memorable voyages like this ultimate Mediterranean and Atlantic passage sailing,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer, Holland America Line. “Since introducing this new Legendary category of cruises that offer an in-depth focus on one region, they’ve been very popular. We’re excited to add a longer voyage that makes it easy to explore the Med in depth without a long-haul flight.”

The “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” route first visits Horta and Ponta Delgada in the Azores after crossing the Atlantic Ocean. A call at Tangier, Morocco, is followed by overnight visits to both Livorno and Civitavecchia, Italy. From Livorno, guests can explore Florence or Pisa, while Rome is easily accessed from Civitavecchia. Volendam then makes way to Naples, Italy, and Catania, Sicily, before Piraeus (Athens), Greece.

Guests will then explore the Holy Land at Haifa (Tel Aviv) and Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel, followed by Port Said and Alexandria (Cairo), in Egypt. The final ports on the voyage include La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia; Gibraltar; Cadiz (Seville), Spain: and Casablanca, Morocco. The cruise concludes Dec. 21 at Fort Lauderdale.

What is a ‘Legendary Voyage’?

These lengthier cruises, which range from 25 to 59 days, combine the ceremony of Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages while focusing on a singular region. They visit some of the most unique ports while offering guests an in-depth exploration. Shipboard programming is specially curated to share insights into the history and culture of the destinations visited.

Most of Holland America Line’s Legendary Voyages sail roundtrip or to/from a North American homeport, allowing travelers to see the world from their doorstep with a convenient domestic flight and easy embarkation. The itineraries are offered on a variety of the line’s perfectly sized ships where guests enjoy the “best of” Grand Voyages on-board programming such as iconic theme parties, memorable sailaways and classic cruise activities to further enhance the experience.

Paralyzed Veterans Of America Issues Statement Applauding Today's Regulations On Accessible Inflight Lavatories - An Over 30-Year PVA Fight

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Chief Policy Officer Heather Ansley released the following statement today in response to the Department of Transportation's final regulations on accessible lavatories on single-aisle aircraft. The news comes on the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is widely regarded as the nation's most comprehensive law affecting people with disabilities.

"Today's announcement by the Department of Transportation that larger single-aisle aircraft will be required to have a wheelchair accessible lavatory in the coming years is nothing short of groundbreaking. PVA has been fighting for this for over 30 years – submitting reports, filing lawsuits, and advocating before Congress. We are overjoyed that we finally have a rule that means future passengers with disabilities will be able to address basic bodily needs with dignity while on an aircraft. We appreciate the efforts of Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the Department to bring this critical rule over the finish line. We now call on airlines to proactively comply with the requirement as soon as possible; so that passengers with disabilities – particularly those who need assistance in the lavatory and those with mobility impairments – will be able to have access like other passengers sooner rather than later."

Ansley continued, "There is no better time to celebrate the new rule than Disability Pride Month and on the 33rd anniversary of the ADA. Making everyday accommodations, like air travel, hotels, websites, and polling places, accessible is a smart business case for everyone. It is good for local and national businesses as it opens their clientele, and their revenue stream. It is also good for the disability community as it acknowledges them."

Counter to popular belief, the ADA does not apply to some sectors, like commercial air, as seen by PVA's unrelenting fight for accessible air travel – frequently testifying before Congress and creating a groundswell of support for the inclusion of accessibility reforms in the upcoming Federal Aviation Administration renewal. Earlier this month, at the invitation of the White House, PVA joined Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and advocates for a roundtable discussion on accessible travel. During that meeting and prior appearances, Buttigieg, himself, publicly relayed a flightmare by former PVA National President Charles Brown and pledged his agency's work on another new rule, allowing people with disabilities to fly in their personal wheelchairs.

PVA remains on the forefront of the disability civil rights movement – fighting for stronger ADA enforcement, expanding support for home-based care, and more. To join PVA's fight for greater enforcement of the ADA visit PVA.org/ADA or for air travel visit PVA.org/AirTravel.

Travelore Breaking News: Three Dead As Sicily Counts Losses From 'Devastating' Fires

ROME, July 26 (Reuters) - Italy's southern island of Sicily has been devastated by wildfires that have killed three elderly people, its regional president said, as a heatwave and severe storms further north took a heavy toll.

The charred bodies of a couple in their 70s were found in their burnt-out home on the outskirts of Palermo, the regional capital, according to Italian media reports.

Another woman in her late 80s died in the Palermo province after an ambulance was unable to reach her home due to fires in the area

In an overnight message on Facebook, Sicilian President Renato Schifani said "scorching heat and unprecedented devastating fires" had turned Tuesday into "one of the most difficult days in decades".

Italian firefighters said they battled nearly 1,400 fires between Sunday and Tuesday, including 650 in Sicily and 390 in Calabria, the southern mainland region where a bedridden 98-year-old man was killed as fire consumed his home.

Fires were still burning on the hills around Palermo on Wednesday, with Canadair planes back in operation to try to douse the flames.

Large areas of the Mediterranean have been sweltering under an intense summer heatwave on Tuesday, causing deadly blazes across the region

TOURISM FEARS

Sicily is a major tourist destination but a fire inside a terminal building last week caused the near-total closure of its biggest airport in Catania on the east of the island. Palermo airport was also closed for a few hours on Tuesday because of a wildfire nearby.

"I hope that tourist flows in the areas affected by the fires will not suffer losses," Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci, a Sicilian, told the La Stampa newspaper.

"The risk ... is there and it is understandable".

The government was set to meet in Rome later Wednesday to declare a state of emergency in regions affected by natural disasters and introduce a special furlough scheme for workers most exposed to the heatwave.

While Italy's south is battling with wildfires, the north of the country is reeling from severe storms that on Tuesday killed two people, including a 16-year-old girl scout crushed by a falling tree.

In a sign that temperatures were finally easing, only two cities -- Catania in Sicily and Bari in southern Puglia -- were on a government heatwave 'red alert' list for Wednesday, down from 17 the previous day.

Reporting by Alvise Armellini Editing by Keith Weir

Travelore's Recommendations For Your Year-Round Adventures

Comfy Feet Sleeping Bag® the bag that lets you wiggle your toes, by Zenith Trek.

One of the biggest problems with most sleeping bags is lack of movement, especially with your feet, solved by the rectangular-shaped Comfy Feet Sleeping Bag®. Offering an expansive interior, it stands as one of the most spacious options on the market. With its generous foot area, you can freely move your feet without any constraints.

To learn more and how to order, please visit: https://zenithtrek.com/products/comfy-feet-sleeping-bag

Mary Jane’s CBD Dispensary is the fastest growing CBD Dispensary Chain in the country. Mary Jane’s recognizes the many health benefits of CBD and wants to make information about CBD as well as CBD itself accessible to anybody that needs it. With 26 physical locations and many more to come, Mary Jane’s will provide you the best service and product possible.

Mary Jane’s CBD Dispensary is home to America’s favorite and most talked about natural remedy, cannabinol, widely known as CBD. Mary Jane’s offers customers an alternative to harmful pharmaceutical drugs. Here at Mary Jane’s, we provide our customers with top-notch and quality made CBD Hemp products. Our team is extremely passionate about CBD and the cannabis movement as a whole. Our goal is to spread health and wellness by making CBD accessible to all that seek it.

We've sampled their CBD Magic Pain Cream, CBD Freeze roll-on and their Mixed Berry Sleep Suport gummeies, and have been very pleased with their efectiveness.

To learn more and how to order, please visit: https://mjcbdd.com/

Protalus Insoles Bridge The Gap Between Custom Orthotics & Over-the-counter Cushioned Inserts

T-100 Elite

Perfect for:

√ Athletic shoes

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It is a great option for those seeking pain relief, comfort, and improved body alignment . The T-100 ELITE provides superior relief by allowing your body to distribute pressure properly by keeping your ankle aligned and in a safe range of motion.

To learn more and how to order, please visit: https://www.protalus.com/

MYBEVI 32 OZ. OUTLANDER MUG

The MyBevi brand is made for true individuals, those who don't settle for undistinguished, off-the-shelf products. At MyBevi, their motto is "Drink Life to the Fullest". They make products that fit with your life and style, and go with you wherever life takes you, all the while reducing the waste of single use beverage containers. They craft exceptionally made products that are built to carry the beverages that make you, you. Whether you prefer a robust Italian coffee, a refreshing fruit fusion or good old H2O, MyBevi has a product companion to help you enjoy your favorite beverage in style, and at the perfect temperature.

To learn more and how to order, please visit: https://mybevi.com/

New Evacuations Ordered In Greece As High Winds And Heat Fuel Wildfires

A weeklong wildfire on the Greek resort island of Rhodes tore past defenses Monday, forcing more evacuations, as three major fires raged elsewhere in the country fueled by strong winds and successive heat waves that left scrubland and forests tinder-dry.

The latest evacuations were ordered in south Rhodes after 19,000 people, mostly tourists, were moved in buses and boats over the weekend out of the path of the fire that reached several coastal areas from nearby mountains. It was the country’s biggest evacuation effort in recent years.

“We are at war -– completely focused on the fires,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during a debate in parliament. “Over the coming days and weeks, we must remain on constant alert.”

Help continued to arrive from the European Union and elsewhere, with firefighting planes from neighboring Turkey joining the effort in Rhodes, where 10 water-dropping planes and 10 helicopters buzzed over flames up to five meters (16 feet) tall despite low visibility.

“The risk of fire will be extreme in several areas of Greece today,” Fire Service spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said a day after temperatures on the southern Greek mainland soared as high as 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit).

Ian Murison, a businessman from London who was on vacation with his wife and 12-year-old son in
described his family’s ordeal as they tried to escape the fires on Saturday.

“We saw flames coming over the hills. Our hotel had capacity for 1,200 (people), but there was just one coach waiting,” he said. “There was no process in place. ... We all just took our cases and started walking, it was about 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) before we got out from underneath the ash cloud.”

The family reached a nearby beach, where they waited — in the dark due to a power blackout — with thousands of others to be evacuated by bus or boat.

“You could see an orange glow in the sky and it got more and more, big balls of fire going into the sky,” he said, describing chaotic scenes as evacuees crowded to board small boats arriving to take them off the beach.

“It didn’t matter if you had children, adults were fighting to get on next,” Murison said. “It was very, very stressful.”

Overnight, evacuations were also ordered on the western island of Corfu, where more than 2,000 people including tourists were moved to safety by land and sea, on the island of Evia and in a mountainous area in the southern Peloponnese region.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen contacted Prime Minister Mitsotakis late Sunday to offer additional assistance.

“I called (Prime Minister) Mitsotakis to express our full support for Greece, which is confronted with devastating forest fires and a heavy heat wave due to climate change,” she wrote in a tweet.

Addressing parliament. Mitsotakis also highlighted the threat from climate change, which he said “will make its presence ever more felt with greater natural disasters throughout the Mediterranean region.”

The fire service was investigating the causes of the blazes, which raged as 50 new wildfires on average have been breaking out daily for the past twelve days, according to government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis. On Sunday alone, 64 new blazes were recorded.

On Rhodes, the fire roared down mountain slopes, burning homes and cars and leaving livestock dead on the roadside as they tried to escape.
Authorities said no serious injuries were reported in the evacuations, but hospitals and health volunteers provided first aid to tourists and others, mostly for the effects of heat and dehydration.
Officials from the Greek Foreign Ministry were working at the international airport with several embassies and diplomats who traveled from the U.K. to assist tourists who had lost their travel documents.
Several airlines, including easyJet and package operator Tui, sent planes to Rhodes to evacuate tourists forced from hotels by the wildfire. The U.K. government said between 7,000 and 10,000 British nationals are on the island, a popular package holiday destination.

Some tourists said travel companies had failed to provide information or help.

Rhodes is visited by about 2.5 million tourists each year and is one of Greece’s most popular holiday destinations. As some visitors continued to flee the island Monday, others were arriving from multiple European destinations to start their holidays at resorts not affected by the wildfire — some 90% of the total according to Greek authorities.

Greece is using an EU satellite service to estimate the damage caused by the fire and to target resources. Photographs published online by the service showed a brown hourglass-shaped burn scar across the middle of the island.

The army was also helping to set up temporary accommodation on Rhodes, where schools and sporting facilities were opened to help with the effort.

A relative respite from the heat on Monday, with highs of 38 C (100 F) forecast, is to be followed by yet more high temperatures starting Tuesday.

However, it should get significantly cooler on Thursday, with temperatures in the low- to mid-30s Celsius, the country’s Meteorological Service said.

BY MICHAEL VARAKLAS AND DEREK GATOPOULOS, AP

4 Missing After Record-Breaking Downpours Along Canada’s Atlantic Coast Cause Flooding

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) — Four people are missing after intense thunderstorms dumped record amounts of rain across a wide swath of Canada’s Atlantic-coast province of Nova Scotia over the past two days, causing flash flooding, road washouts and power outages.

The floods submerged multiple vehicles, and Royal Canadian Mounted Police spokeswoman Cindy Bayers said two such incidents in West Hants north of Halifax have left two adults and two children unaccounted for as of Saturday morning.

The two children went missing after the vehicle they were travelling in got stuck underwater, Bayers said, noting the three other occupants were able to escape safely.

Two other individuals, who Bayers described as a youth and a man, remain unaccounted for following a separate vehicle submersion. Two other people in that vehicle were rescued, she said, adding police are actively searching for all four missing people.

Torrential downpours started on Friday afternoon across the Halifax region, dumping more than 200 millimeters of rain in some areas. The port city typically receives about 90-100 mm of rain during an average July.

Based on radar estimates and unofficial observations, Environment Canada said on Saturday that some areas may have received more than 300 mm in 24 hours. Radar maps show the heaviest rainfall extending along the province’s southwestern shore to a point north of Halifax.

Widespread flooding has also been reported in Lunenberg County, which is west of the Halifax region.

On Friday night, water levels rose so fast in the Bedford area that volunteers with Halifax Search and Rescue were using small boats to rescue people from inundated homes.

In the Hammonds Plains area, northwest of the city, flooding washed out driveways and the shoulders of many roads.

That’s the same area where where 151 homes and businesses were destroyed by a wildfire that started on May 28, forcing evacuations that affected 16,000 residents. And for much of the past week, the Halifax area has been sweltering under an immobile dome of humidity — a rare event so close to the coast.

It was only last fall that post-tropical storm Fiona descended on the Atlantic region, killing three people, flattening scores of homes and knocking out power to more than 600,000 homes and businesses. Fiona was the most costly weather event in the region’s history, causing more than 800 million Canadian dollars ($604 million) in insured damage.

“It’s pretty obvious that the climate is changing — from Fiona last year to the wildfires in the spring and now flooding in the summer,” Halifax Mayor Mike Savage said.

“We’re getting storms that used to be considered one-in-50-year events ... pretty regularly,” he added.

While the official statistics have yet to be recorded, it’s believed the Halifax region has not seen this level of rainfall since Aug. 16, 1971, when hurricane Beth made landfall near the eastern tip of mainland Nova Scotia and then roared over Cape Breton. At that time, almost 250 mm of rain fell on the Halifax area, causing widespread flooding and damage.

Amsterdam Is Banning Cruise Ships In A Bid To Combat Overtourism

Amsterdam’s city council has approved a proposal banning “polluting” cruise ships as part of the city’s latest move to clamp down on overtourism.

A spokesperson for Amsterdam Deputy Mayor Hester van Buren, who has responsibility for the city’s port, told CNN that the council approved a proposal on Thursday to close the city’s cruise ship terminal.

The center-left party D66, which sits on the council, said in a statement Thursday that the proposal was “adopted with a clear majority.”

The municipality of Amsterdam will now investigate how to implement the proposal, according to van Buren’s spokesperson. This will include discussions with the managers of the North Sea Canal, the councils of other cities on the canal and the Dutch government.

D66 party chairwoman Ilana Rooderkerk emphasized in the statement that “polluting cruise ships do not fit with the sustainable ambitions” of Amsterdam.

“Cruise ships in the heart of the city do not fit into Amsterdam’s goal of reducing the number of tourists,” Rooderkerk added.

Amsterdam is expected to receive more than 18 million overnight visitors this year. By 2025, that number could reach 23 million, in addition to another 24 million to 25 million day visits. Under a 2021 ordinance called “Amsterdam Tourism in Balance,” when the number of overnight visitors reaches 18 million, the council is “obliged to intervene.”

Earlier this year, the city launched a campaign revamping its approach to tourism, notably including tactics designed specifically to discourage British tourists on stag parties.

The online “Stay Away” campaign aimed to deter young British men planning to visit Amsterdam to cut loose and “go wild,” warning visitors between the ages of 18 and 35 of the consequences of of drinking too much, taking drugs or behaving antisocially.

Amsterdam also announced this year that it would ban the use of marijuana on the street and take new steps to discourage alcohol in its red light district, the traditional center of the city’s legal sex trade.

This followed an announcement from the city in 2019 that it would end tours of the red light district, citing concerns about sex workers being treated as a tourist attraction.

In its bid to “limit tourism and prevent nuisance,” Amsterdam also plans to restrict river cruises, convert hotels into offices and impose earlier closing times on bars and clubs.

However, it’s unlikely the city center will become a cruise free zone anytime soon, the deputy mayor’s spokesperson told CNN, admitting the proposal will “take some time” to implement.

By Niamh Kennedy and Mick Krever, CNN

Destinations US Citizens Can Visit Without A Passport On Major Cruise Lines

Closed-loop sailings allow travelers to visit international destinations without a passport.

Cruise companies like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity allow these sailings.

Travelers can visit anywhere from the Caribbean to Canada with an ID and proof of citizenship.

However, a lack of a passport doesn't mean you can't leave the mainland US. Travelers can visit US territories like the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands without a passport.

Or they can embark on a closed-loop cruise, which is a cruise that starts and finishes at the same US port.

An international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative allows US citizens to travel to destinations in the Western Hemisphere on cruises without a passport. In order to embark on a closed-loop cruise without a passport, the traveler must have a government-issued ID as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

Many cruise lines offer closed-loop sailings, but not all. And if you're embarking on a closed-loop cruise, some companies, such as Celebrity Cruises, caution travelers that if a cruise doesn't go to plan and they need to return to the US by air, they'll need a passport to fly home. The same thing goes if a passenger misses their ship in one of the ports.

Take a look at the cruise companies that offer closed-loop sailings and where you can go without a passport.

On a Celebrity ship, cruisers can head to the Bahamas.

Or visit popular Mexico destinations like Puerto Costa Maya, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas.

Celebrity ships also sail to St. Thomas.

As well as St. Kitts.

Carnival Cruises is another popular cruise line that offers closed-loop sailings.

On Carnival, cruisers can visit the Bahamas without a passport.

Or Carnival passengers can go on adventures in Cozumel and Baja, Mexico.

Another closed-loop cruise option is Royal Caribbean.

On a Royal Caribbean cruise, travelers could head to Jamaica.

Or explore Canadian destinations like New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

This just scratches the surface of where travelers can adventure to without a passport. According to The Points Guy, Norwegian, Princess, Holland America, and American Cruise Lines also offer closed-loop cruises out of the US.

Source: https://www.insider.com/author/monica-humphries

Travelore News: US Airlines See No Letup In Travel Demand Despite Broader Economic Concerns

A rush among travelers to make up for lost time during the pandemic is producing bumper airline earnings. And executives at U.S. carriers don't see a letup in demand even as rising living costs stretch household budgets and add to worries about the industry's pricing power.

American Airlines on Thursday raised its earnings forecast for 2023 after profit in the second quarter topped Wall Street estimates.

The Texas-based carrier is the latest to offer an upbeat outlook. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have also raised their earnings estimates as consumers cut spending on goods in favor of experiences.

It's indicative of our belief that the economy is strong, demand is strong," American CEO Robert Isom said on an earnings call.

number of passengers moving through airport checkpoints has been averaging above pre-pandemic levels since mid-May and hit a four-year high last month, U.S. Transportation Security Administration data showed.

International bookings are especially strong after the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions. Data from travel website Kayak, for example, shows searches by U.S.-based customers for summer travel to Europe are up 55% from last year.

Airlines say travel has become the topmost priority for consumers, but capacity constraints at airlines will not let them catch up with demand for anytime soon, helping sustain the post-pandemic travel boom.

These "very constraints and challenges are going to set the table for improved financial results for the airline industry," said United CEO Scott Kirby.

But with the U.S. central bank aggressively trying to tamp down inflation, airlines continue to face questions about travel spending.

Those concerns have not allowed airline shares to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels despite a rebound in the industry's revenue.

PRICING POWER WEAKENING?

Strong demand has bolstered airfares, allowing carriers to offset higher costs.

But inflation data shows airline ticket prices have peaked. American's earnings report reinforced that view as its total revenue per available seat mile, a proxy for pricing power, in the September quarter is forecast to be down about 4.5% to 6.5% from last year.

Shares of American and Delta were down 6% and 1.5%, respectively. United's shares were up 1%.

Airline executives say the drop in ticket prices is primarily a reflection of cooling fuel prices and higher capacity and not a result of waning demand. They point to frequent upgrades to airline earnings forecasts as an evidence of strong travel spending.

Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh Editing by Nick Zieminski, Reuters

Club Med Announces New Japan Ski Resort, Major Resort Renovations And Enhanced Teens Programming To North American Properties

Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, announced today a variety of new developments launching over the next year, including a new ski resort in Japan, completion of renovations in the brand's North American family flagship resort, Club Med Punta Cana, refresh of the brand's unique Martinique resort, Club Med Buccaneer's Creek, and enhancements to the teens programming.

As Club Med continues to move forward with its ambitious development plans worldwide, the brand plans to expand its portfolio with three to five openings or renovations per year, including a U.S. mountain resort targeted to open in 2-3 years, as well as a new resort in the Caribbean in the near future.

New Ski Resort: Club Med Kiroro Grand

Club Med will debut its newest Japan ski resort, Club Med Kiroro Grand, this December further establishing the brand as the leading all-inclusive pioneer with 20 mountain resorts throughout the Alps, Canada and Asia. Located in Hokkaido, the internationally renowned ski destination of Japan, this untouched mountain features white powder snow and unique ski trails that guests travel from all over the world to experience. The resort will attract families, active couples and avid skiiers to discover an elevated mountain vacation featuring spring skiing until May (with 160 days of winter) along with night and off-piste skiing with new trails. In addition to the skiing and other winter sports, guests can learn more about the culture and traditions of the region through day trips to Otaru, a costal town of Sapporo known for its glasswork and Sake and beer distilleries. Learn about the native Ainu heritage of Hokkaido by visiting their local shops that house beautiful handcrafted wood carvings and embroidered clothing. Club Med Kiroro Grand is a destination for travelers to ski impeccable trails and immerse themselves in the rich cultures and activities of the Kiroro region.

Inspired by the dreamlike scenery of Kiroro's natural landscape, Club Med Kiroro Grand is designed with a distinctive enchanted forest theme, encapsulated from the reception to the 266 guest rooms depicting natural finishes and rich, traditional Japanese influences throughout. Upon arrival, guests will be drawn into the signature mountain charm bringing the great outdoors inside. The resort is situated in an unspoiled ski domain with 23 courses for all levels and off-piste ski slopes across the Asari and Nagamine mountains. Included in the stay, travelers will enjoy unlimited ski-in and ski-out access to a pristine domain, lift passes, group ski and snowboard lessons tailored to all ages and skill levels. Guests seeking active experiences outside of traditional skiing and snowboarding can choose from a plethora of activities at the resort like yoga, cardio training, digital darts and more. The resort also caters to families and children with dedicated Children's Clubs for kids ages 2-17.

spending the day on the mountain, enjoy apres-ski activities like the brand's first traditional Japanese onsen featuring a dedicated wellness lounge with a sauna and a hot stone room or indulge in the resort's Japanese-inspired restaurants, the Club Med Spa, indoor swimming pool and all-day entertainment. Additionally, Club Med Kiroro Grand is a 3-minute gondola ride from its sister resort Club Med Kiroro Peak and will be the brand's sole mountain destination in Asia.

Newly Renovated Flagship Resort: Club Med Punta Cana

Aligned with Club Med's mission of consistent growth, the pioneering brand has unveiled all-new renovations and extensions at flagship resort, Club Med Punta Cana:

Refreshed Restaurant & Dining Experience: The resort's main restaurant, Hispaniola, has transformed into an award-winning design that resembles a Caribbean beach bistro drawing inspiration from Punta Cana's vibrant art, music, and culture. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a tropical, open-air dining area with Dominican-inspired décor, bright colored elements and trendy and modern light fixtures complemented by the backdrop of the ocean. The avant-garde dining concept boasts an expansive range of global fare featuring fresh local produce, international cuisine and Club Med's famed French savoir-faire that will take guests on a true gastronomic journey. Enjoy the restaurant's grill station featuring savory and smoky grilled fish and vegetables, tender roasted meats from the churrascaria, and fresh seafood from the raw bar. The restaurant also features a wide selection of cheeses, freshly baked breads and pastries. For the kids, the restaurant offers a variety of well-balanced options for all palates. To round out the meal, guests are invited to indulge in the extensive wine and beverage selections from the wine cellar and bar. The all-day restaurant offers interactive show cooking and an evolving atmosphere filled with live music and festive entertainment.

New + Renovated Family Rooms: Influenced by the modern Caribbean and playful design throughout the resort, Club Med Punta Cana now boasts 90 newly renovated family rooms as well as 48 brand-new Family Superior rooms and 36 Family Deluxe rooms. Designed with families in mind, each room features two bedrooms – one for adults, one for children – and is centrally located near the heart of the resort and its family-friendly amenities. Modern design is combined with décor that reflects the region's natural elements, which guests can view from fully furnished balconies or the open-concept bathrooms with large rain showers, drawing inspiration from the brand's Zen Oasis concept that focuses on wellbeing and relaxation. The new rooms encapsulate the vivacious Caribbean paradise drawing from the island's vivid greenery, bright pink hues of flamingos and the shades of the shimmering turquoise waters.

A New Destination Wedding Venue: As demand for destination weddings continues to flourish, the resort has a new on-site wedding venue in partnership with the renowned Grupo Bisutti, Brazil-based wedding planner professionals that specialize in destination weddings. Grupo Bisutti Club Med Punta Cana hosts up to 250 guests and features a 3,982 sq-ft covered outdoor terrace ideal for tropical cocktail hours, receptions, and ceremonies.

Beauty Salon: To enhance the current wellness spa experiences, Club Med Punta Cana now offers guests a fully renovated beauty salon located at the entrance of the Club Med Spa by L'OCCITANE. The salon will feature a full beauty treatment menu to complement any wellness or weddings needs onsite.

Club Med Buccaneer's Creek: Renovations + New Design Concepts

Club Med Buccaneer's Creek, situated in the heart of the vibrant French Caribbean, will be undergoing extensive renovations to refresh its rooms, reception area, main restaurant, and bar slated to debut the first phase by the end of 2023 and will consist of:

Refreshed Accommodations: 139 existing rooms will undergo a complete refresh with all new modern furniture and decorative elements including new fabrics, curtains, and decorative lighting as well as a full refurbishment of the bathrooms with new hardware, finishings, and light fixtures. New Welcome Area & Reception: The reception area, which is the welcome center for all guests, will be undergoing a complete transformation into a spacious lounge area with green, teal and yellow tropical décor, wood furnishings and furniture that will transport guests to a tropical oasis upon arrival.

Enhanced Dining Concepts: The main restaurant, Pays Mélés, will be redesigned into a new open-air layout with refreshed furniture, lighting, decorative pieces, and two private dining rooms overlooking the ocean. In addition to the main restaurant, the resort's main bar, The Madou, will include a new outdoor terrace area as well as furnishings throughout the space to create a full seaside ambiance.

Endless Adventure: In addition to the renovations, guests can still expect the same outdoor adventures making it the ideal destination for watersport enthusiasts with included activities like paddleboarding, waterskiing, kayaking, and windsurfing. Also, enjoy destination experiences like a tropical getaway in an off-road vehicle to explore Martinique's rainforests and the banana and sugarcane plantations.

Newly Enhanced Teens Programming
In 1967, Club Med founded their first Children's Club – the Mini Club Med for children ages 4-10. To continue its pioneering spirit to cater to families and foster kids' growth and empowerment of all ages, Club Med has enhanced its current teens programming with: Club Med Teens (11-13 year olds) and Club Med Chill Pass (14-17 year olds) to offer more engaging, age appropriate activities. Teens can participate in new-and-improved group games, workshops and themed nights that combine creativity with fun, with activities including:

Teens Show: A modern approach to a talent show, the Teens show will feature trendy dances, glow makeup with LED lighting and screens. Big Splash: A giant inflatable water course will challenge teens to have fun in the water through a timed race to the finish line. Sports Under the Stars: A variety of sports including glow volleyball will be held in the evening featuring light nets, music and snacks – a whole new exciting way to exercise. Chill Pass Fest: An exclusive teens pool party to meet new friends, enjoy time under the sun and chill with music. The teens programming has launched at select resorts worldwide and is available currently at N. America resorts including Club Med Punta Cana, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Club Med Cancún and Club Med Ixtapa Pacific and will be deployed at all Club Med resorts by 2024.

Pioneering Sustainable Tourism

Club Med continues its efforts dedicated to responsible tourism and corporate social responsibility initiatives. To expand on the brands "Happy to Care" program, Club Med's N. American resorts have developed weekly programming to involve both clients and guests on continuing their efforts. Weekly initiatives are organized including:

Seasonal Beach Cleanups: Club Med Columbus & Club Med Turkoise participate in seasonal beach cleanups to help keep the resort and environment clean and debris free. Turtle Protection Program: Dedicated turtle release programs at Club Med Ixtapa Pacific has been developed to ensure proper monitoring and protection of baby turtles. At Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, the resort supports the local government with the launch of the first Turtle Protection and Monitoring Program with plans to develop turtle releases within the resort for the guests. Beehive Harvest and Local Sourcing: Club Med Québec partnered with Hydromel to create a beehive growth initiative to grow and harvest honey for use in local dishes and drinks in the resort. Mini Sea Camp: Club Med Columbus teamed up with Only Blue Diving to organize a mini snorkeling camp for teens of San Salvador to raise awareness of coral reef preservation and education of marine ecosystems.

For more information, visit www.clubmed.us, call 1-800-Club-Med (1-800-258-2633), or contact a preferred travel professional.

After Complaints About Airplane Seat Size Reached Congress, A New Bill Aims To Address Cramped Conditions

It's no secret that most people who travel via plane hate their tiny, cramped seats. But airplane seating isn't just uncomfortable — it might be unsafe for some. A new bill moving through Congress aims to address airplane safety for people with disabilities or other restrictions that might make evacuating difficult. As travel rates steadily return to pre-pandemic levels, airlines have been scrambling to pick up lost profit and fit more people into planes, even looking to models that suggest "double-decker" airplane seating — much to the chagrin of anyone who travels coach.

According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, in 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration solicited public opinion on whether or not seat size on airplanes created safety issues — and for more than 26,000 public commenters, they do.

"It is my belief that much of the acting out by airline passengers is at least in part attributable to the severe overcrowding on airplanes. When people are so crowded that they cannot comfortably move without bumping or annoying someone else, they get tense and angry," wrote one commenter to the FAA. "I am elderly and can no longer fly unless I pay extra for extra seat room. No one except airline shareholders likes this situation."

Other submissions called attention to the potential of hip or knee injuries caused by a lack of space between seats. Many also mentioned height and weight as factors that made flying uncomfortable.

"I am a 6'5" 320lb. man ... After most flights I take, my knees are in a considerable amount of pain," reads another submission. "Being a large person makes moving around the cabin difficult. In the event of an emergency it would very difficult for me to maneuver out of my seat and move out of the way for my fellow passengers for them to get to safety."
Now, Congress is trying to address the potential safety hazards with the Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin, or EVAC, Act.

In May, US Senators Tammy Baldwin and Tammy Duckworth reintroduced the bill, initially introduced in December 2022. It urges the FAA to "do a better job of taking real-life conditions into account to ensure all types of passengers can safely evacuate in an emergency," asking the agency to update evacuation standards to take into consideration passengers with disabilities, of different heights and weights, and airplane seat size and configuration, among other things.

Current FAA standards say passengers need to be able to evacuate an airplane within 90 seconds in the case of an emergency, but the bill's authors say test subjects for this guideline were all adults under the age of 60. The bill also says the tests were conducted in small groups instead of considering that some planes can carry over 200 passengers.

The FAA has not yet investigated potential complications caused by people trying to evacuate with carry-on baggage, despite the National Transportation Safety Board's suggestion to do so, according to the bill.
In response to Insider's request for comment, the FAA said it does not comment on proposed legislation.

"The FAA is reviewing the thousands of comments it received on whether current seat size and spacing affect passenger evacuation," read the statement given to Insider.

The agency also added that a 2020 report from the Emergency Evacuation Standards Aviation Rulemaking Committee examined almost 300 airline evacuation events over the past ten years did include a "diverse set of passenger demographics," and found overall levels of safety "very high" during emergency evacuations.

In addition to addressing such issues, airlines have also been under pressure as costs of retaining pilots rise, according to reporting from Reuters.

Airplane seat size has long been a contentious issue, with "travel hacks" online claiming to help passengers get more space to themselves on planes, like booking aisle and window seats in a row in the hopes that a single passenger will not take the middle seat, lifting aisle seat armrests, and researching airline seat sizes before booking.
In March, one TikTok user caused controversy when he suggested a "poor man's first-class" trick: that passengers book an entire row of refundable seats and then cancel the tickets close to boarding time to have a row to themselves.

Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/author/sebastian-cahill

Hundreds Of Thousands Face Disruption At London’s Gatwick Airport This Summer After Strike Vote

Hundreds of thousands of British vacationers face potential disruption to their travel plans at the start of the school summer holidays, after almost 1,000 workers at London’s Gatwick Airport voted to strike in a dispute over pay.

The Unite union said Friday that members, including baggage handlers and check-in staff, who are employed by four private contractors will walk out for four days from July 28 and again for a subsequent four-day stretch from Aug. 4.

The union said the action will “inevitably” cause disruption to flights at the height of the summer holiday season after the school year has ended. The airlines affected are British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, WestJet and Wizz Air.

Gatwick, which is just south of the U.K. capital, is London’s second-busiest airport behind Heathrow, with a particular focus during the summer to Europe’s beach resorts in the Mediterranean.

A total of 4,410 flights are scheduled to depart Gatwick across all the strike days, equating to more than 840,000 seats, according to aviation data company Cirium.

Those involved in the dispute are employed by ASC, Menzies Aviation, GGS and DHL Services, which conduct outsourced operations for airlines including ground handling, baggage handling and check-in. Unite said it has been in negotiations with the four companies since January.

“As part of Unite’s unyielding focus on the jobs, pay and condition of its members, the union has drawn a line in the sand and is committed to eradicating the scourge of low pay at the airport,” said Sharon Graham, the union’s general-secretary.

Phil Lloyd, a senior vice president at Menzies Aviation, one of the companies involved, said Unite rejected its offer for an 11% pay rise for its ground services employees at Gatwick, which he added is on top of last year’s 10% increase.

“We are in continued discussions with our airline partners and remain committed to seeking a resolution,” he said.

Britain has witnessed an array of strikes over the past few months as workers across various sectors try to get wage raises that at least keep pace with inflation. Though inflation has fallen from its peak, it remains high at 8.7%. Unite said the majority of workers who are set to strike are paid an average of under 12 pounds ($15.50) an hour.

Gatwick, like other airports in Europe, is already suffering major disruption because of air traffic control restrictions as a result of strike action, staff shortages and airspace closures related to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“We are aware of the recent ballot result and will support our airlines with their contingency plans to ensure that flights operate as scheduled,” a spokesperson for the airport said.

Source: AP

Travelore News: American Airlines And JetBlue Will End Their Partnership Next Week After Losing Antitrust Case

American Airlines and JetBlue Airways will end their partnership in the Northeast next week, after a judge ruled that the deal violates antitrust law.

JetBlue said Friday that it will end codesharing – the practice of selling seats on each other’s flights – and reciprocal frequent-flyer benefits on July 21.

Customers who already bought a ticket through the partnership will have until that date to add their frequent-flyer number to the booking to get points in their account, the airline said.

A federal judge in Boston ruled in May that the airlines must disband their agreement, called the Northeast Alliance. The Justice Department sued to kill the deal, which began in early 2021 and is focused on flights in New York and Boston, saying it would limit competition and hurt consumers by driving up prices.

American plans to appeal the ruling, but JetBlue announced last week that it would not appeal and would instead turn its focus to saving its proposed $3.8 billion purchase of Spirit Airlines. The Justice Department has also sued to block that deal, and a trial is scheduled for October.

Source: AP

Seabourn Expands Its Culinary Offerings In The Restaurant, Sushi In The Club

Seabourn, one the leaders in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, continues to elevate its culinary program with a number of dining enhancements, including include new recipes in The Restaurant and expanded sushi offerings, aboard its ultra-luxury ships.

"Memorable dining is so important to a travel experience, and we are always looking to innovate their offerings to ensure they deliver luxurious and sophisticated culinary moments that exceed their guests' expectations," said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. "We offer a wide range of dishes with fresh ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, and our team of highly skilled chefs are very proud to showcase their passion and talents across their entire fleet of ultra-luxury ships."

In The Restaurant, the main, fine-dining venue on board all of the ships, Seabourn is rolling out two new recipes each week, which will total more than 100 new recipes per year. The new recipes will include lighter-fare dishes, using a number of ingredients such as fresh oysters, dover sole and more. By adding new dishes, Seabourn has increased the variety offered on The Restaurant's menu cycle. Examples of new appetizers include Gratinated Champagne Oysters with white leek & mushroom duxelles and Fresh Oysters on Ice with caviar, sour cream & vodka; and new entrees include Lobster en Belle Vue with lobster cream, quail egg, cherry tomatoes, cucumber; Roquefort Crusted Beef Tenderloin with wilted spinach, sunchoke emulsion; and Pomery Mustard – Tomato Crusted Baked Black Cod with melted leek, potato mash, chive butter.

The Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch on select days and dinner every evening, where guests can dine when and with whomever they wish. The talented culinary team prepares the wide variety of dishes a la minute, cooked to order.

In addition, Seabourn will begin offering "Sushi in the Club" on Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest by November 2023. This follows the popularity of the dedicated restaurant, Sushi, on board Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation, and Sushi in the Club on Seabourn Venture, which will also be available on Seabourn Pursuit. Available nightly between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., "Sushi in the Club" will offer fresh sushi bites and unique sake offerings, and guests will enjoy a menu featuring the finest ingredients that blends authenticity with a twist of Seabourn's culinary expertise.

These new culinary enhancements were developed in partnership with Master Chef and Culinary Consultant Chef Anton Egger and Senior Corporate Chef Franck Salein. Together with the onboard, highly skilled culinary team, they curate Seabourn's world-class dining that rivals the finest restaurants anywhere.

Egger added that his culinary ideas and innovations are drawn from his global travels, and he is thrilled to share his creations with guests. "Food brings people together, and we continue to evolve our culinary offerings to celebrate many flavors of the world and to elevate the dining experience for our guests," Egger said. After getting his start in Austria, he staged and worked in France and Switzerland, and then continued to travel and work across the globe, taking inspiration from many culinary-rich regions he visited, including Asia, India, the Caribbean and South America, the U.S., South Africa and more.

Seabourn's new offerings are the latest updates to the onboard culinary experience, including the recently announced enhanced 24-hour in-suite dining menus featuring an extensive array of elegantly presented gourmet dishes.

For reservations or more details, please contact a professional travel advisor; call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.

First Bank Of The United States To Become Philadelphia's Newest Museum

The shuttered First Bank of the United States is poised to become the city’s newest museum when it opens in 2026.

Why it matters: No visitors have passed through the neoclassical building’s massive columns in almost a half-century.

What’s happening: The Independence National Historical Park, which owns the Old City landmark, is aiming to reopen the building as the People, Power and Profit Museum.

The project will cost more than $33 million, of which $22 million in federal funding was awarded on Monday.

The building housing the nation’s first central bank last served as a temporary visitors' center leading up to the nation’s bicentennial in 1976 before it was closed.

It currently suffers from mechanical issues.

Details: The new museum will showcase the founding of the American economy through five exhibits — land, money, slavery, trade and work.

Artifacts from the bank and early economy will be on display, including documents and minted coins.

The second floor will be dedicated to temporary exhibits and potentially a space for financial literacy courses.

Private rentals at the museum will also be offered.

Plus: The project includes an extension to the building that will include bathrooms and an elevator.

1 cool thing: Visitors will once again be able to see the building’s floor-to-ceiling rotunda with scalloped glass panes, which will be rehabilitated during the project.

What they're saying: "It will complete the original vision of the park to have this building open," Jonathan Burton, development director of Independence Historical Trust, the philanthropic arm to the historical park, tells Axios.

What to watch: The project is on track to begin this month.

Source: https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/authors/mdonofrio

Spain Sweats Out Sultry Nights As Heat Wave Bakes Southern Europe

Spain sweltered under an unrelenting heat wave Wednesday as temperatures started to build toward what is forecast to be a torrid weekend across southern Europe.

Spain’s weather service said thermometers could potentially hit 45 C (113 F) in southeastern areas of the Iberian Peninsula, which are under alert for extreme heat. That mark was reached Monday in the village of Loja near Granada at the start of the heat wave that is causing restless nights across the country.

More than 100 weather stations registered temperatures of at least 35 C (95 F) as early as 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to meteorologist Rubén del Campo of Spain’s national weather agency.

“On Wednesday, we expect temperatures to fall overall with the arrival of cool winds from the North and East, with the exception of the southeast and southern Andalusia, where hot winds blowing from the interior will cause temperatures to soar,” Del Campo said.

While some relief is in store in the coming days for the Iberian Peninsula, other European countries will sweat through the weekend.

In Italy, 10 cities were put on high heat alert for older people and other vulnerable populations from Bolzano in the north extending southward to Bologna, Florence and Rome. Temperatures are expected to reach 40 C (104 F) in the Sardinian inland Wednesday.
But storms in Italy’s populous northern Lombardy region caused flooding, felled trees and ripped roofs off buildings. More than 200 firefighters responded to emergencies in the regional capital of Milan, Varese, near the Malpensa airport, Lecco, near Lake Como, Sondrio, located in the Alps, and Bergamo.

Temperatures were also starting to tick up in Greece, where a heat wave was forecast to reach up to 44 C (111 F) in some parts of the country in the coming days. Authorities banned access to nature reserves and forests to reduce the risk of wildfires, while municipalities were opening air-conditioned areas in public buildings for people to shelter from the heat.

Greece’s agriculture ministry issued restrictions on the transportation and working hours of animals such as horses and donkeys offering rides in tourist areas during the heat wave. Working animals won’t be allowed to work between noon and 5 p.m. on days where temperatures are between 35-39 C (95-102 F) in the shade, while they won’t be allowed to work at any time of the day when temperatures exceed that range.

Scientists report that heat-related deaths soared in 2022 in Europe, when Spain had a record-hot year. The Mediterranean region is expected to see temperatures rise faster than many other areas of the globe because of climate change.

BY JOSEPH WILSON, AP

The Barnes Foundation Presents "Marie Laurencin: Sapphic Paris", Opening October 22, 2023- January 21, 2024

In fall 2023, the Barnes Foundation will present Marie Laurencin: Sapphic Paris, the first major US exhibition dedicated to French artist Marie Laurencin in over 30 years. Co-curated by Simonetta Fraquelli, consulting curator for the Barnes; and Cindy Kang, curator at the Barnes, this exhibition explores Laurencin’s career, from her self-portraits to her collaborative decorative projects; from her early cubist paintings to her signature works—feminine and discreetly queer—that defined 1920s Paris.

Marie Laurencin: Sapphic Paris is sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal and Denise Littlefield Sobel. Additional support is provided by LAGOS. Funding for the exhibition comes from The Kaleta A. Doolin Foundation. This exhibition is on view in the Roberts Gallery from October 22, 2023, through January 21, 2024.

Beginning in the early 20th century, French artist Marie Laurencin (1883–1956) created a unique pictorial world that placed women at the center of modern art. Working in Paris, in an environment dominated by male artists, Laurencin had a highly original painting style that defied categorization. She moved seamlessly between the male-dominated cubist avant-garde, lesbian literary and artistic circles, and the realms of fashion, ballet, and decorative arts.

Laurencin became a fixture of the contemporary art scene in prewar Paris and had a passionate and tumultuous relationship with the poet and art critic Guillaume Apollinaire. Pablo Picasso had introduced them in 1907, and she immediately became part of the cubist inner circle. Their breakup in 1913, combined with the death of her mother, likely prompted a hasty marriage to the German baron and artist Otto von Wätjen in 1914. The couple fled to Spain during World War I and circulated among other self-exiled artists, including Francis Picabia. In 1921, the couple divorced and Laurencin returned definitively to Paris, having developed her signature style of diaphanous female figures in a blue-rose-gray palette.

Laurencin’s feminine yet sexually fluid aesthetic defined 1920s Paris. She was commissioned by Serge Diaghilev to design the ballet Les Biches and by society figures like Coco Chanel and Helena Rubinstein to paint their portraits. Laurencin’s romantic relationships with women, particularly with the married fashion designer Nicole Groult, inspired intimate paintings that visualized the modern Sapphism of contemporary lesbian writers like Natalie Clifford Barney. One of Laurencin’s final projects was to illustrate the Poems of Sappho in 1950.

“We are proud to present the first US exhibition in over three decades dedicated to Marie Laurencin’s work,” says Thom Collins, Neubauer Family Executive Director and President of the Barnes. “Shining new light on a remarkable artist deserving of a major reexamination, this exhibition is the Barnes’s fourth in an ongoing series exploring the achievements of significant but underrecognized women working in the European modernist vanguard of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Suzanne Valadon, Marie Cuttoli, and Berthe Morisot.”

This exhibition holds a special significance at the Barnes; in 1923, Dr. Albert Barnes named Laurencin one of “the best French women painters” after having acquired several of her works, including Still Life with Bowl and Fruit (1907) on view in Room 10; Woman with Muff (1914) on view in Room 16; and Head (before 1921), on view in Room 11.

“Through this exhibition, we aim to reassess Marie Laurencin’s career, emphasizing the female relationships and networks—the Sapphic Paris—that Laurencin cultivated, which was just as significant to her assertion of modernity as her association with the male cubist avant-garde,” say co-curators Fraquelli and Kang. “We examine how Laurencin’s visualization of a ‘Sapphic modernity’ subtly but radically challenges existing narratives of modern European art. Presenting new scholarship on her life and influence, this exhibition and catalogue tell Laurencin’s story through her art and bring new attention to her significant body of work.”

Featuring over 50 works by Laurencin from public and private collections around the world, Marie Laurencin: Sapphic Paris showcases paintings, works on paper, illustrated books, decorative objects, and ballet costumes, as well as works by Laurencin’s contemporaries and collaborators such as Max Ernst, André Mare, Jean Metzinger, and Francis Picabia. Arranged thematically and in roughly chronological order, the exhibition examines Laurencin’s interest in self-portraiture; her cubist milieu in prewar Paris; her difficult though productive period of exile in Spain; her designs for interiors and ballets; her fashionable portraits of women; and her inimitable vision of Sapphic modernism.

Select exhibition highlights include:

The Elegant Ball, Dance in the Country (Le bal élégant, La danse à la campagne) (1913), one of Laurencin’s major cubist pictures, exhibited at the 1913 Salon des Indépendants in Paris (Musée Marie Laurencin, Tokyo)

The Woman-Horse (La femme-cheval) (1918), an enigmatic self-portrait of a woman painter in exile that shows Laurencin developing her signature style (Musée Marie Laurencin, Tokyo)

Women with a Dove (Femmes à la colombe) (1918), an intimate double portrait of Laurencin and her lover Nicole Groult (Centre Pompidou, Paris)

Women in the Forest (Femmes dans la forêt) (1920), which reinterprets 18th-century French pictures of romantic intrigue as a Sapphic world devoid of men (private collection)

Spanish Dancers (Danseuses espagnoles) (1920), one of Laurencin’s largest works that depicts her unique aesthetic world intertwining women and animals (Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris)

Portrait of Miss Chanel (Portrait de Mademoiselle Chanel) (1923), a significant portrait of the famed fashion designer Coco Chanel when she was working with the Ballets Russes concurrently with Laurencin (Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris)

For more details, and tickets, please visit: barnesfoundation.org