Christmas In Mexico City Should Be On Your List.

Mexico City, the City that Has It All, will show off its best during the December season with more than 264 must-see events and activities for national and international tourists of all ages.

There will be posadas and pilgrimages in the 16 neighborhoods that make up Mexico City, at no charge from December 16 to 23, with the traditional Mexican fruit punch and the symbolic 7-spike piñatas.

On Paseo de la Reforma, the emblematic avenue of Mexico City, the Christmas Eve Flower Festival will take place, with the presence of flower farmers who will dress the city in red and offer unbeatable prices; Let us remember that 59% of the land in Mexico City is conservation.

Also, in Reforma, the Christmas Tourism Festival will take place from December 12 to 17, with all 32 States of Mexico bringing their crafts and cuisines.

At the Casitllo de Chapultepec, the Amalia Hernández Folkloric Ballet will perform, with the show titled “Christmas in Mexico.” The Christmas Craft Festival will be held at the Casa del Risco Museum; and the Coffee and Chocolate Festival, at the Palacio de Minería.

In an international press conference, Armando Machorro, Coordinator of National and International Promotion and Marcela Ortíz, Deputy Director of Information and Digital Content, of the Ministry of Tourism, Mexico City, reported that the Bolo Festival and the Candlelight Ballet will also be held.

In the heart of the Historic Center, you will enjoy the Verbena del Zócalo, with its Christmas fair and its spectacular and colorful Christmas lighting; live music and pastorelas, which will be free and will start mid-December and run until the first days of January 2024, from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

To end the year, the countdown will be celebrated in Latin Times Square style, at the Ángel de la Independencia, with music, food, plus the must-see New Year's Eve concert.

Sports Tourism has been growing in Mexico City and will be represented with the “Santa Run” race, which will be attended in costumes and with a mascot.

The Christmas Bazaar will also be held at the World Trade Center, an emblematic business location; and where the famous San Silvestre race will take place.


Santa Fe, Paseo de la Reforma, Chapultepec, Zócalo, the Monument to the Revolution, Coyoacán, San Ángel and the Basilica, as well as Xochimilco and Polanco, are some of the metropolitan areas with the greatest tourist attraction and have prepared recreational activities.

In Religious Tourism, 6 million parishioners are expected to attend on December 12, to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe, in La Basílica, the second most visited Marano temple in the world.

Six Flags, one of the busiest amusement parks and known by national and foreign visitors, began Christmas celebrations on November 24, 2023, and running until January 14, 2024. On Christmas Day, the amusement park with its stages, lighting and ornaments inspired by Christmas in which the music, songs and dances are enjoyed, as well as the Mexican traditions of the season – posadas and piñatas, included.

Finally, the UNAM and OFUNAM Philharmonic Orchestras also dress up and will offer Christmas concerts, more information can be found on their billboards.

The dates and times of all CHRISTMAS events in Mexico City, The City that has it ALL, can be found at the following addresses and social networks: https://cartelera.cdmx.gob.mx and https://mexicocity. cdmx.gob.mx; @turismocdmx

Travelore News: Virgin Atlantic flies World's First 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel Flight From London Heathrow To New York JFK

Virgin Atlantic's historic flight on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) takes off from London Heathrow to New York JFK, marking the culmination of a year of radical collaboration, to demonstrate the capability of SAF as a safe drop-in replacement for fossil-derived jet fuel, compatible with today's engines, airframes and fuel infrastructure.

SAF has a significant role to play in the decarbonization of long-haul aviation, and pathway to Net Zero 2050. The fuel, made from waste products, delivers CO2 lifecycle emissions savings of up to 70%, whilst performing like the traditional jet fuel it replaces.

While other technologies such as electric and hydrogen remain decades away, SAF can be used now. Today, SAF represents less than 0.1% of global jet fuel volumes and fuel standards allow for just a 50% SAF blend in commercial jet engines. Flight100 will prove that the challenge of scaling up production is one of policy and investment, and industry and government must move quickly to create a thriving UK SAF industry.

As well as proving the capabilities of SAF, Flight100 will assess how its use affects the flight's non-carbon emissions with the support of consortium partners ICF, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Imperial College London and University of Sheffield. The research will improve scientific understanding of the effects of SAF on contrails and particulates and help to implement contrail forecasts in the flight planning process. Data and research will be shared with industry, and Virgin Atlantic will continue its involvement with contrail work through RMI's Climate Impact Task Force, which is part-funded by Virgin Unite.

The SAF used on Flight100 is a unique dual blend; 88% HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) supplied by AirBP and 12% SAK (Synthetic Aromatic Kerosene) supplied by Virent, a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The HEFA is made from waste fats while the SAK is made from plant sugars, with the remainder of plant proteins, oil and fibres continuing into the food chain. SAK is needed in 100% SAF blends to give the fuel the required aromatics for engine function. To achieve Net Zero 2050, the innovation and investment needed across all available feedstocks and technologies must be harnessed to maximize SAF volumes as well as continuing the research and development needed to bring new zero emission aircraft to market.

Virgin Atlantic is committed to finding more sustainable ways to fly, on its flightpath to Net Zero 2050, taking action across every part of the journey. Already operating one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon efficient fleets in the sky, Flight100 builds on the airline's 15-year track record for leading on development of SAF at scale. Collectively, industry and government must go further, to create a UK SAF industry and meet aviation's 10% SAF by 2030 target, capitalizing on the significant social and economic benefits it will bring – an estimated contribution of £1.8 billion in Gross Value Added to the UK and more than 10,000 jobs.

The airline acknowledged the SAF Grand Challenge President Biden set in 2021 for the US, promising the adoption of 3 billion gallons of SAF by 2030. Alongside the Inflation Reduction Act, the US government's commitments to stimulate private investment into the US SAF industry reinforce the importance of close collaboration within the industry and globally to achieve emissions reductions targets.

Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Atlantic said: "Flight100 proves that Sustainable Aviation Fuel can be used as a safe, drop-in replacement for fossil-derived jet fuel and it's the only viable solution for decarbonizing long-haul aviation. It's taken radical collaboration to get here and we're proud to have reached this important milestone, but we need to push further. There is simply not enough SAF and it's clear that in order to reach production at scale, we need to see significantly more investment. This will only happen when regulatory certainty and price support mechanisms, backed by government, are in place. Flight100 proves that if you make it, we'll fly it."

Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Atlantic said: "The world will always assume something can't be done, until you do it. The spirit of innovation is getting out there and trying to prove that we can do things better for everyone's benefit.

"Virgin Atlantic has been challenging the status quo and pushing the aviation industry to never settle and do better since 1984. Fast forward nearly 40 years, that pioneering spirit continues to be Virgin Atlantic's beating heart as it pushes the boundaries from carbon fibre aircraft and fleet upgrades to sustainable fuels.

"I couldn't be prouder to be onboard Flight100 today alongside the teams at Virgin Atlantic and our partners, which have been working together to set the flight path for the decarbonization of long-haul aviation."

UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "Today's historic flight, powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel, shows how we can both decarbonize transport and enable passengers to keep flying when and where they want.

"This Government has backed today's flight to take-off and we will continue to support the UK's emerging SAF industry as it creates jobs, grows the economy and gets us to Jet Zero."

Dame Karen Pierce, His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States said: "This world first marks a crucial step in the UK's journey towards Jet Zero aviation emissions.

"We look forward to continuing our close work alongside the US to increase the use of this pioneering fuel as we welcome the sustainable flights of the future."

Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Rick Cotton said: "As part of our agencywide goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the Port Authority strongly encourages and supports efforts by our airport stakeholders to reduce their carbon footprint and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are thrilled to welcome the first transatlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel into John F. Kennedy International Airport and hope that the success of Virgin Atlantic's flight to New York will inspire the entire airport community to move forward with aggressive sustainability efforts."

Sheila Remes, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, Boeing said: "In 2008 Virgin Atlantic and Boeing completed the first commercial SAF test flight on a 747 and today we will accomplish yet another significant milestone utilizing a 787 Dreamliner. This flight is a key step toward our commitment to deliver 100% SAF-compatible airplanes by 2030. As we work toward the civil aviation industry's net-zero goal, today's historic journey highlights what we can achieve together."

Simon Burr, Group Director of Engineering, Technology & Safety, Rolls-Royce plc, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Trent 1000 engines are powering the first ever widebody flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel across the Atlantic today. Rolls-Royce has recently completed compatibility testing of 100% SAF on all our in-production civil aero engine types and this is further proof that there are no engine technology barriers to the use of 100% SAF. The flight represents a major milestone for the entire aviation industry in its journey towards net zero carbon emissions."

For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com

The Barnes Foundation Presents "Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me" Opening March 3–May 19, 2024

In spring 2024, the Barnes Foundation will present Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me, a major exhibition exploring the influence and significance of photographer, designer, and instructor Alexey Brodovitch (1898–1971). Brodovitch is best known for his art direction of the US fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar from 1934 to 1958 and his role in making photography the cornerstone of its visual identity. Curated by Katy Wan, Managing Curator, D.Daskalopoulos Collection Gift, Tate Modern, London, this exhibition will focus on the legacy of this overlooked figure, consider his collaborations with many of the major figures of 20th-century photography, and encourage new perspectives on art direction and graphic design.

Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me is sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal. Key support is provided by the David Berg Foundation and additional support comes from The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, Julie Jensen Bryan and Robert Bryan, Hearst, and Donna and Jerry Slipakoff. This exhibition will be on view in the Roberts Gallery from March 3 through May 19, 2024.

As art director at Harper’s Bazaar, Alexey Brodovitch transformed the magazine and design fields through his creative layouts—often incorporating surrealist inventions and European avant-garde innovations—and celebrated collaborations with photographers including Richard Avedon and Lillian Bassman. Upon first arriving in the United States in 1930, he taught at the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art (now University of the Arts) in Philadelphia and, later, the New School for Social Research in New York City. Brodovitch’s unique pedagogy influenced an extraordinary number of celebrated documentary and fashion photographers, including Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Eve Arnold, and Hans Namuth. He also collaborated with luminaries such as Man Ray and Henri Cartier-Bresson.

“Alexey Brodovitch had a tremendous impact on photography as an artistic medium in the mid-20th century. His influence on the world of design is indelible, but he has been overlooked in the history of art,” says Thom Collins, Neubauer Family Executive Director and President of the Barnes. “He called Philadelphia home beginning in 1930; while Dr. Barnes was building his collection of modern European paintings and introducing it to the city, Brodovitch was introducing leading European design to his students—and later, through his work at Harper’s Bazaar, to a wider audience. We are proud to present the first major US museum exhibition to explore the influence of Brodovitch, along with the first monograph to examine his present-day relevance and pivotal relationships with photographers.”

Born in the former Russian Empire (now Belarus) to an aristocratic Jewish family, Brodovitch dreamed of becoming an artist when he was a young man. After serving in the Russian Civil War, he was exiled to Paris. He lived in Montparnasse, a diverse community inhabited by some of the 20th century’s most revolutionary artists, where he was exposed to myriad artistic styles. Brodovitch’s exposure to vanguard art movements fueled an intense interest in photography and typography. He took on freelance work as a graphic designer, creating posters, advertisements, and restaurant decoration and paraphernalia. His first design success was in 1924 for a Grand Prix poster contest for the Bal Banal, which many artists entered, including one Pablo Picasso.

Brodovitch arrived in the United States in 1930 and moved to Philadelphia to work at the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art (now the University of the Arts) where he established the Department of Advertising Design. He introduced his students to cutting-edge magazines and other leading European design work and founded his methodology on creative problem-solving, which was unorthodox during the time. In 1933, he established the Design Laboratory, a workshop that used contemporary examples and technology to explore innovative design possibilities.

In 1934, Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow saw Brodovitch’s work in New York City. She immediately suggested the magazine hire him as art director. During the subsequent years, he frequently used surrealist devices in his magazine layouts, which featured constellations of small photographs, a creative use of white space and contemporary fonts, and playful spreads that unfolded like musical compositions. Changes in size, layering, and color provided the viewer with a sequence of experiences, evoking movement and energy on the printed page. Brodovitch also pursued personal projects: from 1935 to 1937, he photographed several performances of the itinerant Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo using a 35mm camera and slow shutter speeds. The resulting images were ethereal—capturing the movement and experience of dance. In 1945, this body of work was published in the boldly experimental photobook Ballet, which became one of the most significant achievements of its medium and the only book of his own work that Brodovitch ever produced.

“Alexey Brodovitch was regarded by his peers as the father of modern art direction. He created unconventional and experimental designs that are common practice today, and the lessons he imparted through his own work and his influence on those he mentored have transformed the worlds of photography and graphic design,” says curator Katy Wan. “Though Brodovitch is not a household name, the images by photographers whom he worked with and influenced are instantly recognizable all around the world. Our hope is that this exhibition affirms his legacy in modern photography and design.”

Featuring more than 100 works from public and private collections around the world, Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me is arranged thematically and showcases photographs, prints, works on paper, books, and magazines, including works by artists Brodovitch mentored and collaborated with, including Eve Arnold, Richard Avedon, Lillian Bassman, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Irving Penn.

Exhibition highlights include:

Richard Avedon. Dovima with Elephants, Evening Dress by Dior, Cirque d’Hiver, Paris (1955): This iconic photograph by Richard Avedon is a testament to his mentor, Brodovitch, who challenged artists to “astonish” viewers through surprise and invention. (Richard Avedon Foundation, NY)

Lisette Model. Woman at Coney Island (1939-41, printed 1976): Brodovitch presented Model’s ebullient subject in a Bazaar spread dedicated to the cherished tourist destination of Coney Island. (Tate, United Kingdom)

Henri Cartier-Bresson. Calle Cuauhtemoctzin, Mexico City (1934-35): Brodovitch was allegedly the only art director permitted the crop the photographs of Cartier-Bresson, who famously espoused the ‘decisive moment’ of releasing the shutter. Brodovitch dared to give Cartier-Bresson’s photograph a fresh presentation in Bazaar.

Eve Arnold. Models Limbering Up Backstage before a Fashion Show in Harlem (1950): Brodovitch understood the significance of Eve Arnold’s photography of the Harlem fashion shows in the 1950s, when she brought them to his attention at one of his classes at the New School. (Magnum Photos)

Poster for Bal Banal (1924): Brodovitch’s design won first prize in the poster competition for a soirée organized by the Union des Artistes Russes in Paris. It helped launch his career in commercial art and graphic design. (Collection of Dr. Curt Lund)

Cover image. “The Girl of Tomorrow,” Harper’s Bazaar (February 1939): Brodovitch’s bizarre and fantastical imagery captures the spirit of surrealism. He did not self-identity with the surrealists but was influenced by their aesthetic. (Collection of Vince Aletti)

Photograph. Tricorne (1935): Brodovitch’s emphasis on mood, atmosphere, and dynamism transformed the direction of dance photography. This evocative image was included in his one and only photobook, Ballet (1945). (Philadelphia Museum of Art. From the Collection of Dorothy Norman, 1968)

Floor Chair, Model 1211-C (c. 1948): Brodovitch’s modern aesthetic extended to furniture design. This model won third prize in its category at the International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, in 1950. (Museum of Modern Art, New York)

For more information and to plan your visit, please go to: https://www.barnesfoundation.org/plan-your-visit

NASA’s Supersonic Aircraft Preparing For Take-Off, Could Go From New York To London In 90 Minutes!

NASA’s new supersonic aircraft, which some call the “son of Concorde,” could turn a flight from New York to London into a 90-minute trip. Now, this plane is taking one step closer to making this a reality.

NASA’s X-59 has been moved to the paint barn at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ facility in Palmdale, California. Once painted, the team will take final measurements of its weight and exact shape to improve computer modeling.

The supersonic passenger plane aims to fly faster than the speed of sound, at almost twice as fast as the original Concorde aircraft. Engineers are also aiming to reduce the sound of the typical sonic boom to a sonic “thump” to minimize disruption to people on the ground.

NASA said in August 2023 that they have identified potential passenger markets in about 50 established routes that connect cities. It is hoped one route would see flights from New York City to London up to four times faster than what’s currently possible.

NASA says the aircraft made the move to the paint barn on Nov. 14.

“The X-59’s paint scheme will include a mainly white body, a NASA ‘sonic blue’ underside, and red accents on the wings,” the space agency writes in a statement. “The paint doesn’t just add cosmetic value. It also serves a purpose – the paint helps to protect the aircraft from moisture and corrosion and includes key safety markings to assist with ground and flight operations.”

“We are incredibly excited to reach this step in the mission. When the X-59 emerges from the paint barn with fresh paint and livery, I expect the moment to take my breath away because I’ll see our vision coming to life,” adds Cathy Bahm, the low boom flight demonstrator project manager. “The year ahead will be a big one for the X-59, and it will be thrilling for the outside of the aircraft to finally match the spectacular mission ahead.”

The aircraft is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission, through which NASA will fly the X-59 over several yet-to-be-selected U.S. communities and gather data about people’s perceptions of the sound it makes.

NASA will provide that data to regulators, which could potentially adjust current rules that prohibit commercial supersonic flight over land. Earlier this year, the space agency investigated the business case for supersonic passenger air travel aboard aircraft that could theoretically travel between Mach 2 and Mach 4 (1,535-3,045 mph at sea level).

By comparison, today’s larger airliners cruise at roughly 600 mph or about 80 percent of the speed of sound. Concorde had a maximum cruising speed of 1,354 miles per hour, or Mach 2.04.

South West News Service writer Dean Murray contributed to this report. https://studyfinds.org/

Emirates Is Spending Billions To Refurbish Its Fleet And Instead Of Discarding The Leather From Its Plush First And Business Class Seats The Airline Is Recycling Them Into Sneakers, Backpacks And Belts. Each A380 Alone Sheds 250 Kgs Of Fine Leather.

Emirates has launched an ambitious $2 billion refurbishment program for its massive fleet of Airbus A380 aircraft, with the aim of extending their lifespan into the early 2040s. Unlike any other international carrier, Emirates had made the gigantic double-decker aircraft the central element of its entire fleet with the hopes of fueling the next stage of the company’s expansion. However, the rising fuel costs and the arrival of more efficient aircraft brought a premature end to Airbus A380’s story. The final nail in the coffin came in 2019 when Airbus announced that it was pulling the plug on the A380 because of poor sales. Since then, most airline companies across the world operating the superjumbo have either phased out the aircraft or have massively trimmed the size of their fleet. Emirates, which still operates more than 100 A380s, wants to give a new lease of life to its fleet of superjumbos with the massive refurbishment program, dubbed the Phoenix Project.

The refurbishment work has already begun at a dedicated hangar near Dubai’s airport, where two A380s can be retrofitted simultaneously. The entire interior of the aircraft is being revamped and modified with new features, including upgraded berths and stairwells. The quintessential gold trimmings and wood paneling are all being swapped with lighter tones, fresh carpeting, and mood lighting to give the aircraft a more contemporary appearance. Emirates is also adding depictions of local nature motifs to the interior. The only thing that is not being pulled out is the popular business-class bar meant for passengers to solarize mid-flight. It is believed that half of the $2 billion investment is dedicated to cabin refreshments.

The Phoenix Project is a massive undertaking, involving a thorough refurbishment of more than 100 A380s. Obviously, the program will produce a lot of waste. However, the Dubai-based airline has come up with a genius way of upcycling the waste produced by refurbishment. Emirates claims the retrofitting of one aircraft alone produces more than 600 pounds of discarded seat leather and more than 1200 pounds of other fabric.

The company says the substantial recyclable materials produced from the refurbishment process will be innovatively repurposed into a limited-edition collection of fashion items, including shoes, belts, and backpacks. These products will be made using seat leather, fabric, seat belts, and even pilot seat covers. This move will not only help Emirates make money by selling the limited edition products but also highlight its commitment to sustainability.

by Sayan Chakravarty

Travelore News: China Offers Visa-Free Entry For Citizens Of France, Germany, Italy

China will temporarily exempt citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia from needing visas to visit the world's second-largest economy in a bid to give a boost to post-pandemic tourism.

From Dec. 1 to Nov. 30 next year, citizens of those countries entering China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or transiting for no more than 15 days, will not need a visa, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

China has been taking steps in recent months - including restoring international flight routes - to revive its tourism sector following three years of strict COVID-19 measures that largely shut its borders to the outside world.

The government is also looking to re-establish its image around the world after clashing with many Western countries on various issues including COVID, human rights, Taiwan and trade.

A recent Pew Research Center survey in 24 countries revealed that views of China were broadly negative, with 67% of adults expressing unfavourable views.

More than half of the respondents said China interfered in the affairs of other countries and did not take into account the interests of others.

"This decision will facilitate travel to China for many German citizens to an unprecedented extent," Germany's ambassador to China, Patricia Flor, said on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

"We hope that the Chinese government will implement the measures announced today for all EU member states," she said.

Visa-free travel to Germany for Chinese nationals would only be possible if all members of the European Schengen Agreement approved, she said.

The head of foreign trade at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) hailed the announcement of a temporary visa exemption as "an important signal that can boost both tourism and economic exchange".

"Above all, the regulation facilitates the maintenance of German machines, the assurance of quality 'Made in Germany', entrepreneurial exchange and the cultivation of interpersonal contacts," Volker Treier said in an interview with Reuters.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, who is in Beijing, wrote on X: "An excellent new announcement on the occasion of my visit from my counterpart Wang Yi!"

This month, China expanded its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries to include citizens of Norway.

In August, China scrapped all COVID test requirements for inbound travellers. It resumed 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Singapore and Brunei in July.

International flights in and out the country, while recovering more slowly than services on the domestic network, have been picking up.

China's aviation authority said in October that 16,680 weekly flights were expected from November through March, with passenger flights expected to reach 71% of the total four years ago.

The European Chamber of Commerce in China also said the move would help boost business confidence. "It is a positive that the authorities are taking steps to facilitate people-to-people exchanges," it added.

Reporting by Joe Cash, Ethan Wang, Ryan Woo and Rene Wagner; Editing by Kim Coghill, Miral Fahmy and Toby Chopra

Travelore News: Venice Rolls Out Day-Tripper Fee To Try To Regulate Mass Crowds On Peak Weekends

Venice authorities on Thursday unveiled a pilot program to charge day-trippers 5 euros ($5.45) apiece to enter the fragile lagoon city on peak weekends next year in an effort to reduce crowds, encourage longer visits and improve the quality of life for residents.

The rollout of the tourist “contribution” program came after Venice, a UNESCO World Heritage site, narrowly escaped being placed on the U.N. agency’s danger list earlier this year because of the threat that overtourism was having on its delicate ecosystem. Member states cited the proposed new entry fee in deciding to spare Venice from the list.

Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro stressed Thursday that the fee is not a new tourist tax or an attempt to bring in extra revenue. Rather, he said, it is a first-of-its-kind experiment in regulating tourist flows in one of the world’s most-visited places by incentivizing visitors to avoid high-traffic periods and come on other days.

“Our attempt is to make a more livable city,” he said at a news conference outlining the pilot program.

In all, 29 days from April to mid-July -– including most weekends --- will be subject to the day-tripper fee during peak hours from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., meaning visitors who come into Venice for dinner or a concert won’t have to pay.

A host of exemptions apply, including for residents and Venetian-born visitors, students and workers, as well as tourists who have hotel or other lodging reservations.

Starting on Jan. 16, a website, www.cda.ve.it, will go live at which visitors can “reserve” their day in Venice. Day trippers pay 5 euros and get a QR code that will then be checked at spot controls at seven access points around the city, including at the main train station.

Visitors with hotel reservations enter their hotel information and also get a QR code to show, without having to pay since their hotel bill will already include a Venice lodging fee.

After COVID-19 lockdowns devastated Venice’s tourism industry, the city of narrow alleyways, canals and islands has been trying to rethink its relationship with visitors in a more sustainable way while also seeking to incentivize its residents to stay put.

Venice has been forced to take action in response to the steady exodus of Venetians to the mainland and pressure from UNESCO and environmentalists, who also lobbied successfully to have the government ban big cruise ships from sailing past St. Mark’s Square and through the Giudecca canal.

Venice has been pointing to longer-term tourists as key to its survival since they tend to spend more. Brugnaro said in no way does the new day-tripper contribution discourage tourism overall, but just seeks to manage it better. He acknowledged the visitor program will probably have glitches and will need to be amended. But he said that after years of study and talk, it was time to roll it out.

BY NICOLE WINFIELD, AP

Travelore Tips: Passengers Urged To Avoid Packing Flip Flops, Chewing Gum And Vapes - Or Risk Fines

Different countries around the world have different laws when it comes to what you can and can't bring into the nation, with some banning yellow clothes and others haggis.

Travelers could face a hefty fine when they arrive on their holidays if they don't leave the flip flops and chewing gum at home.

While you may think your biggest chance of landing in hot water when on holiday is by breaching Magaluf's new anti-lout rules there are other, less obvious laws which could cause you some bother on holiday.

You'll want to double-check your luggage before jetting abroad in case you’ve accidentally packed an item that is blacklisted. While everyone knows not to slip a weapon or explosives into your luggage, some entrants on the banned list are less obvious.

For example in Singapore it has been against the law to import and sell chewing gum since 1992, when the legislation was passed in an attempt to help improve the cleanliness of the island. At first many locals were outraged, heading to neighbouring Malaysia to get their packets despite the government's promise to name and shame those caught.

Christopher Nye, senior content editor at overseas property experts YourOverseasHome, said: "Before travelling or moving to a new country, it’s always a good idea to get to grips with their culture and customs – and that includes any weird and wonderful laws that are enforced. Staying on the right side of these laws is imperative not only to keep the peace, but failure to do so could land you a hefty fine, deportation, or even imprisonment in some cases!"

Below we've listed some of the most unusual items which are banned in various countries.

Flip flops - Capri

You can wear flip flops around the majority of Italy, but you’re not allowed to take them to the island of Capri. Here, it’s illegal to wear 'excessively noisy' footwear - including flip flops - as locals value their 'peace and quiet', and the rhythmical thwack of rubber on stone is considered too annoying.

Baby walkers - Canada

Baby walkers have been banned in Canada since 2004. Why? It seems that babies are great at using them, just not always so good at steering them in a safe direction, which can cause the typically sanguine Canadians to become irate.

Chewing gum - Singapore

It’s not illegal to chew gum in Singapore, but it is against the law to import it and sell it, and has been since 1992. Exceptions exist for dental and nicotine gum, but you can only purchase these from a doctor or registered pharmacist. Definitely don't get caught chucking a bit on the ground, as leniency is unlikely to be applied.

Haggis - USA

It’s a bit of a shame for Burns fans, but in 1971 it became illegal to import authentic haggis into the US due to a ban on food containing sheep lung, which constitutes 10-15% of the traditional Scottish recipe. As per the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 1971 ruling, "Livestock lungs shall not be saved for use as human food". It may surprise some that a country that famously washes its chickens in chlorine draws the line at haggis.

Jasmine flowers - China

In May 2011, it was reported that Beijing police had banned the sale of jasmine flowers at various markets, which was causing wholesale prices to collapse. Both the flower and plant cannot be sold, purchased, worn, or talked about in China since anonymous calls for a Chinese “jasmine revolution” began circulating on the internet.

Kinder Eggs - USA

Kinder Surprise eggs are banned in the US, and it’s illegal to import them too. This is because of a law that dictates that any food with a 'non-nutritive object embedded' is not allowed - including toys inside confectionery items. Though you can’t get them in the States, you can still find them in neighbouring countries Canada and Mexico, if you are in real need of a chocolate egg treat.

Sudafed & Codeine - Japan

Due to Japan’s strict anti-stimulant drug laws, any narcotics containing pseudoephedrine - like Sudafed and Vicks inhalers - are banned. Medicines containing codeine are also banned in Japan, and foreign nationals have even been detained and deported for offences.

Yellow clothing - Malaysia

In 2016, the Malaysian government banned yellow clothing after thousands of protestors wearing yellow t-shirts flooded the streets of Kuala Lumpur and demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister. Since then, anyone wearing yellow can be arrested, under the assumption that they’re also protesting, rather than having just slipped something cheerful on.

Vapes and electronic cigarettes - Thailand

Vape fans should similarly leave their e-cigarettes in the UK, as Thailand has had a ban on the import, export, sale and possession of vaping products since November 2014. "The mods, juices and disposable vapes are categorically prohibited. There is no excuse. Even proving that you brought the vape for personal use isn't acceptable to authorities," the World Vapers Alliance has said, a lobbying body was alleged links to the tobacco industry.

Although importing vapes into Thailand is banned, in recent years the prohibition on sales in the country has been scrapped.

Camouflage print - the Caribbean

Some countries such as Barbados, Aruba and other Caribbean nations have laws prohibiting camouflage clothing from being worn by non-military personnel, including tourists. Having it in your luggage or as the pattern on bags or backpacks also falls within the ban’s limits.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/authors/milo-boyd/

Travelore's Recommended Holiday Gifts for 2023-2024

Norman Love Confections® was founded by Norman and Mary Love, in Fort Myers, Florida in 2001, after a Norman leaving behind a 13 years sucessful career as executive pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton. Norman Love Confections has been named the best premium chocolate company in the United States six times since 2006, and has been featured in USA Today, The TODAY Show, National Geographic, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O, the Oprah Magazine, Forbes, Huffington Post, The Daily Telegraph, Robb Report, and Dessert Professional, among others. Now you can order these wonderful chocolates at: https://www.normanloveconfections.com/

Treefrog™ Original Formula Developed in the rainforests of Costa Rica, Treefrog Topical Pain Relief Gel targets pain quickly and directly with its all natural formula. Plant-based. Absorbs quickly. Non-greasy. Clean scent. Vegan and Cruelty Free. To learn more and order, please visit: https://treefrogrelief.com/

A Bidet from BidetMate is an affordable way to elevate your bathroom experience.

Saves money on toilet paper and utility costs.

Promotes healthier, safer, and cleaner well being.

Preseves Earth’s natural resources like trees and water.

Relieves menustral periods, UTI, pregnancy, and hemorrhoids.

Soothes pre and postpartum pain and pressures.

To learn more about your options, please visit: https://bidetmate.com/

Core Trio Gift Set from VERIPHYY SKINCARE. Born out of a lucky science experiment gone wrong, Veriphy Skincare was founded by a group of women who saw the power in a vegan form of glycogen. They're built for professionals by professionals with the cleanest ingredients. They want to give people clear, radiant skin so they feel confident in every step of their life, career, and beyond.

Fight dryness with their ultra-hydrating Self Absorbed Facial Moisturizer. Banish dull skin with their Power Trip Facial Serum, a gentle, exfoliating and hydrating serum that will leave your skin looking smooth and radiant. Then top it all off with their award-winning 20/20 Eye Cream to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Includes: Self Absorbed Facial Moisturizer, 50 mL Power Trip Facial Serum, 30 mL 20/20 Eye Cream, 15 mL

For more details and how to order, please visit: https://veriphyskincare.com/

TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: One Of The Best Destinations For 2024 Is Guanajuato, Mexico

The state of Guanajuato is one of the 32 states that make up the Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided into 46 municipalities and its capital city is Guanajuato. It is located in central Mexico and is bordered by the states of Jalisco to the west, Zacatecas to the northwest, San Luis Potosí to the north, Querétaro to the east, and Michoacán to the south. It covers an area of 30,608 km2 (11,818 sq mi).

The state is home to several historically important cities, especially those along the "Bicentennial Route", which retraces the path of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's insurgent army at the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. This route begins at Dolores Hidalgo, and passes through the Sanctuary of Atotonilco and San Miguel de Allende. Other important cities in the state include León, the state's biggest city, Salamanca, and Irapuato. The first town established by the Spaniards in Guanajuato is Acámbaro while the first to be named a city is Salvatierra. The wealth of Guanajuato comes from the mining of gold and silver, starting in the 1500s and continuing to the present. Mining is currently second to tourism bringing revenues to the state.

The Baroque and neoclassical buildings, resulting from the prosperity of the mines, have influenced buildings throughout central Mexico. The churches of La Compañía and La Valenciana are considered to be among the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Central and South America. Guanajuato was also witness to events which changed the history of the country. Guanajuato is also a UNESCO World Heritage Center and the birthplace of Diego Rivera. His home is open as a museum.

Our visit to Guanajuato started at the Guanajuato International Airport in León, with the nearby capital city of Guanajuato. Our base there was the Hotel Fusion Antiqua Trece, a very comfortable boutique property, centrally located. To learn about this beautiful hotel, please visit: https://antiguatrece.com/

Entering Guanajuanto is through a very impressive tunnel network, demonstrating the impressive talents of the local mine workers. The earliest tunnels in Guanajuato were a flood control measure initiated in the 1800s. There used to be a river flowing right through the city center. Now the river flows under the tunnel network. There’s a flood line marker on some of the historic buildings.

The most prominent view in the beautiful Capital city is a monument dedicated to the miners who are instrumental in bringing wealth to the state that can be reached by funicular.

Where to eat: La Capellina is an Italian restaurant with Mexican influences, located in an historic building built in 1643, has very good food and a great view of the city. I was curious to try the pizza and it was tasty with a good crispy crust. The mahi mahi entree was sauteed in white wine with garlic, cauliflower, juajillo chile, peppers, carrots, zucchini and mashed sweet potato. To learn more, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/lacapellinarestaurante/

On route to San Maguel de Allende, we visited the very impressive Cuna de Tierra winery, the first winery in Guanajuanto for a tour and meal. Their excellent restaurant is open for romantic meals and parties, with very good wine pairings. For details, please visit: https://www.cunadetierra.com/

This beautiful view of San Miguel de Allande is from the very good Sollano 18 Restaurant. Most prominent in the magnificent view is the Parroquia, the main church. This 17th-century gothic structure is one of the most photographed in Mexico.

Pictured from Sollano 18 is their very good Tuna Tataki, and endulgent pumpkin and lemon cheesecakes. To learn more, please visit: https://www.vicenteasadordebrasa.com/

Where to stay in San Miguel de AllandeOur base in San Miguel de Allende was Hacienda el Santuario, named one of the top 10 hotels in Mexico in 2022 by Condé Nast Traveler. For more details, please visit: https://www.haciendaelsantuario.com/

If seeking a wheelchair friendly option for a place to stay, the newest property in San Miguel de Allande is Numu Boutique Hotel. We most appreciated the beautiful rooftop with a lap pool and outstanding view of the city. For more information, please visit: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/mexico/numu/bjxub

To plan your visit to Guanajuanto, we highly recommend going to: https://guanajuato.mx/en/

Food From Philadelphia's Iconic Parc Will Be Served To First-Class Travelers On Amtrak's Acela Trains

Riders can order the restaurant's beef bourguignon, as well as two other options from Stephen Starr's eateries.

One of Philadelphia's ritziest restaurants is hitting the rails through a partnership with Amtrak.

Parc will soon be featured on the first-class menu of Acela trains traveling from Boston to Washington, D.C. The French restaurant's beef bourguignon — made with roasted carrots, pearl onions, bacon, cremini mushrooms, braised beef and red wine jus — is one of three new dishes rotating on the menu every three weeks this fall and winter.

All of the featured items come from restaurateur Stephen Starr's various properties. Amtrak announced a partnership with Starr back in May, rolling out select dishes from Buddakan, The Continental Mid-Town, Pizzeria Stella and Adrian on its spring and summer first-class menu. The Continental Mid-town will be included again in the fall and winter edition, this time through its lobster mac and cheese.

The other newcomer is Starr's D.C. restaurant Le Diplomate. Amtrak will feature the eatery's tropeze salad, a Mediterranean medley of cucumbers, chickpeas, couscous, lentils, shaved carrots and feta cheese.

Parc has received many accolades since it opened in 2008. On top of making many "best of Philly" restaurant lists, it's also been called one of the most romantic and scenic in the nation. In 2017, it was one of the top 50 highest-grossing independent restaurants in America.

Source: https://www.phillyvoice.com/staff-contributors/kristin-hunt/

United Airlines Becomes The Latest US Carrier To Announce Flights To Mexico's New Tulum International Airport

Services will launch in March, with United Airlines bulking up its Cancun schedule through the winter travel season.

US legacy carrier United Airlines might just have your winter travel plans covered. From 2024, the airline will bulk up capacity to a range of destinations across the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Mexico.

A Mexican excursion

Launching on March 31, just in time for a much-needed break from that late winter/early spring chill, United Airlines will add direct services to Mexico’s new Tulum International Airport (TQO) from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Located on the idyllic Yucatán Peninsula, the airport serves as a gateway to popular resorts, including Cancún and Playa del Carmen, as well as pre-Columbian heritage sites such as the Mayan Chichén Itzá.

In a statement shared by United Airlines, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Alliances Patrick Quayle explained the airline’s decision for its southerly expansion, adding, "Tulum is at the top of a lot of travel lists – great beaches and restaurants, and a region featuring a rich history and spectacular natural beauty. Our new direct flights help people get there faster than ever, giving them even more time to enjoy one of Mexico's most unique destinations."

The carrier currently operates direct services to Cancun International Airport (CUN) and Cozumel International Airport (CZM); however, the soon-to-open Tulum Airport is set to provide enhanced connectivity for tourists hoping to explore the Riviera Maya region.

Can’t wait until March? Through the winter travel season, United Airlines will offer over 200 weekly departures between eight of its US and Cancun, utilizing its Boeing 777 jets on certain services to meet demand for the popular destination. Flights to Cozumel will run 11 times a week from Chicago, Houston, and Denver International Airport (DEN).

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Spirit Airlines are also gearing up to launch operations at the new airport. Services are scheduled to launch on December 1, with Viva Aerobus and Aeromexico to be among the first airlines to inaugurate Tulum Airport.

Alongside services to Mexico, United Airlines has announced it will bolster capacity on routes into Latin America and the Caribbean by up to 25% through the winter travel season. The capacity growth will cement United Airlines’ place as the largest US airline in Central America, with destinations including San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Liberia International Airport (LIR) in Costa Rica, El Salvador International Airport (SAL), Belize City’s Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), and La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City

Latin America has proven an incredibly trendy destination for North American tourists; in May, the Latin American & Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) confirmed that the region had exceeded its pre-pandemic traffic numbers, posting 0.6% passenger growth between 2019 and 2023. Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic were the largest passenger markets, recording three-year growth of 21%, 14%, and 109%, respectively. The region is also expected to exceed its pre-pandemic financial levels by the end of 2023. As reported by Travel Pulse, tourism in Latin America is predicted to contribute around $319.5 billion to the regional economy this year, a 1.2% increase on 2019's figures.

BY MOLLY RUSSELL

These Electric Ferries May Set A New Standard Around Clean Public Transportation

Many cities around the world see clean and efficient public transport as a crucial way to lower their carbon emissions. For cities with waterways, a high-tech ferry in Sweden could soon set a new standard.

Speeding through Stockholm’s archipelago, electric boat maker Candela’s new P-12 vessel barely makes a sound as it glides over a meter (3 feet) above the water. Its developers hope the ferry, which was unveiled this week, will yield a new era of waterborne public transport.

“This is a real leap forward,” said Erik Eklund, who is in charge of the commercial vessel division at Candela. “The energy savings we get by going airborne on the foils give us the speed and range we need to make this work on batteries.”

The vessel is designed to carry 30 passengers at a maximum speed of 30 knots (56 kph or 35 mph) — considerably faster than other electric passenger ferries. It achieves this with carbon fiber hydrofoil wings that lift the boat out of the water, reducing drag.

Candela says its technology reduces the energy per passenger-kilometer by 95% compared with the diesel ships that are currently transporting passengers across the picturesque Stockholm archipelago, which is made up of tens of thousands of islands and skerries stretching out into the Baltic Sea.

An added benefit is that the vessel is exempt from the 12-knot speed limit in Stockholm because it leaves no wake — waves made by a boat’s displacement through water that increase with speed and could swamp other vessels or erode the shoreline.

The P-12 is still in testing but is set to enter service in July between the Stockholm suburb of Ekero and the city center as part of a nine-month pilot project. The ferry will cut the travel time from Ekero by conventional public transport from 55 minutes to 25 minutes.

The company wants to build on lessons learned from the launch of its smaller electric hydrofoil leisure boat. Onboard, engineers are fine-tuning the hydrofoils, which are regulated by a computer 100 times per second to compensate for the sea state and negate the effects of any waves. The vessel can operate in waves of up two meters (6.5 feet).

Candela hopes that as well as Stockholm, cities like San Francisco, New York and Venice will lead the electrification of waterborne public transport.

Gustav Hemming, Vice President of the Regional Executive Board in Stockholm, said the Swedish capital is on board.

“The ambition is, for the Stockholm region, to expand public transport on water, because we think that is one of the keys to make public transport more attractive,” he said.

There were around 6.2 million public transport boat journeys in the Stockholm region in 2022, and while boat traffic remains a small part of the entire public transit system, it is the fastest-growing mode of public transport after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our roads are congested and building new ones is very expensive and not very environmentally friendly,” Hemming said, looking out onto the open waters of Stockholm on a cold autumnal day. “But here we have our traditional infrastructure. There is no congestion on the water.”

The use of hydrofoils to raise a vessel out of the water to reduce drag is not new. Ship designers have experimented with the technology for more than a century, but costs and maintenance issues had prevented its widespread adoption. However, new lightweight carbon fiber material saw the technology make a comeback in elite sailing, and with efficient electric motors and high costs for traditional fuels it’s getting a second birth in the public transport sector, too.

“We know that marine vessels are often energy-hungry, and the limited energy density of today’s batteries will be a barrier for electrification of a marine fleet,” said Arash Eslamdoost, associate professor of applied hydrodynamics at the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. “Here is where foiling steps in as a radical solution for taking the most out of the limited onboard electric power.”

Globally, several hydrofoil electric passenger ferries are under design or actively being developed. In the U.K., Artemis Technologies has announced plans for a fully electric hydrofoil ferry to operate in Northern Ireland between Belfast and nearby Bangor, possibly as early as next year.

Robin Cook from the Swedish Transport Agency says the maritime industry is ripe for change, especially for short-distance connections. But he stressed that public infrastructure must keep up with the latest developments and even encourage this through incentives.

“One important part of the electrification is when the ships connect to the ports through the onshore power supply,” he said. “And here the harbors play a very important role to make sure that the infrastructure is in place for these connections.”

BY DAVID KEYTON

Leading Dublin Art Space Hosts Landmark Andy Warhol Exhibition, Through January 28, 2024.

Dublin’s Hugh Lane Gallery is hosting an extraordinary exhibition of Andy Warhol’s paintings, prints, photographs, films and installations.

Andy Warhol Three Times Out is running until 28 January, 2024, and will feature more than 250 works including the iconic Campbell's Soup Cans and Marilyn Monroe.

Showcasing the artist’s extraordinary range of artworks produced over four decades, the exhibition has been five years in the making and includes works on loan from museums and private collections in the US, Canada, Europe and the Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. The exhibition is curated by Barbara Dawson, Director of Hugh Lane Gallery and Michael Dempsey, Head of Exhibitions, and it is the most exciting show in Ireland’s arts calendar this year.

Andy Warhol is one of the most important and recognisable artists of the twentieth century. He devised new ways of image making, experimenting with multiple images silkscreened on canvas, printing, photography, film, publishing, advertising, performance, video and television. Combining these mediums, Warhol challenged conventional canons in art, dismissing traditional distinctions between fine art and popular culture.

A broad range of Warhol’s work has been selected for the exhibition in Dublin including the iconic Campbell's Soup Cans, Flowers, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy and Chairman Mao. The exhibition also presents Warhol’s observations on identity and mortality in his multiple self-portraits, skulls, electric chairs and avant garde films Empire, Sleep, Kiss and Outer and Inner Space. In addition, visitors to the exhibition will experience Warhol's immersive Silver Clouds sculpture.

Unique to the exhibition will be a section focusing on the work and collaborations both Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon had with acclaimed US artist and photographer Peter Beard, provoking new thinking on the status of these two titans of the twentieth century.

Located on Parnell Street in Dublin’s city centre, Hugh Lane Gallery houses an exciting collection of modern and contemporary Irish and international art.

It is home to Harry Clarke’s celebrated stained-glass masterpieces, The Eve of Saint Agnes and Mr. Gilhooley, a panel from the Geneva Window originally commissioned by the Government of Ireland for the League of Nations building in Geneva.

In 1998, Francis Bacon’s famous studio was donated to Hugh Lane Gallery and was relocated piece by piece from London to the gallery where it is now permanently on display, preserved exactly as it was.

www.ireland.com

Finland To Close Four Russia Border Crossings To Stop Asylum Seekers

(Reuters) - Finland will close four of the nine crossing points on its border with Russia on Saturday to stem a flow of asylum seekers to the Nordic nation, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Thursday.

Neighbouring Norway, which shares a border with Russia in the Arctic, is also ready to close its border at short notice if necessary, Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl said.

Finland's president said on Wednesday a rise in the number of asylum applicants arriving on the eastern border appeared to be Russian revenge for Finland's defence cooperation with the United States, an assertion dismissed by Moscow.

Finland, a European Union country whose accession to the NATO alliance this year after decades of non-alignment angered Moscow, shares a 1,340-km (833-mile) border with Russia that also serves as the EU's external border.

"Russia's instrumentalisation of migrants is shameful. I fully support the measures taken by Finland," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on social media, thanking the Finnish Border Guards "for protecting our European borders".

The four crossings, all in southeastern Finland, are normally the busiest points of travel between the two countries.

"The government has today decided that Finland will close some eastern border crossing points. The eastern border for that part will close on the night between Friday and Saturday," Orpo told a press conference.

DUTY TO ALLOW ASYLUM APPLICATIONS

Finland's non-discrimination ombudsman, Kristina Stenman, said Helsinki still had a duty under international treaties and EU law to allow asylum seekers to file applications.

"If a person comes to a border station and says they are seeking international protection, the application needs to be received," Stenman told Reuters.

Dozens of asylum seekers from countries such as Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Syria have arrived each day this week via Russia, Finland's border guards have said, after fewer than one per day on average earlier in the autumn.

The accumulated number of arrivals since September stands at 280 asylum seekers, the Border Guard Authority said on Thursday.

Asylum seekers arriving via Russia will from Saturday be allowed to hand in their applications only at two northern border crossings, the government said.

Some 3,000 people use Finland's southeastern border crossings on a daily basis. Orpo said he understood the closures would make everyday life more difficult for people allowed to travel between Finland and Russia.

Making clear Finland would reverse course if the asylum arrivals ended, Orpo said: "Our message is strong, we want this phenomenon to end so we can continue the border traffic like we have until now."

Over 1,200 asylum seekers, mostly Syrians, arrived in Norway from Russia during a sudden influx in 2015.

"We're following the situation closely and we may shut the border at short notice if needed," Mehl told NTB new agency.

At the Storskog border crossing between Norway and Russia, it was a "quiet" day, Tarjei Sirma-Tellefsen, chief-of-staff at the local Finnmark police district, told Reuters.

"The number of travellers to Norway (from Russia) is low but we are monitoring traffic closely and are prepared should the number of arrivals increase," he said, declining to give specifics of what measures police could take.

Reporting by Essi Lehto in Helsinki, additional reporting by Gwladys Fouche in Oslo, Anne Kauranen in Helsinki and Charlotte Van Campenhout in Amsterdam, Editing by Terje Solsvik, Mark Potter and Timothy Heritage

$29 Flights Are Back As Airlines Race To Fill Seats In The Off-Season

Airlines have a record 260 million seats to fill this quarter, and to do it, they’re offering fares that will run you about the same as a pair of movie tickets.

Southwest Airlines, for example, last month offered one-way fares of $29 for flights early in the morning or at night, just one example of airline discounting for off-peak periods.

“I would characterize the amount of discounting or sales that we’re doing today as a bit more than normal,” Ryan Green, Southwest’s chief commercial officer, told reporters at the Skift Aviation Forum earlier this month. He said the industry’s increased capacity in recent months means there are more seats to fill, even though the carrier’s average fare was up in the last quarter from a year ago.

Leisure travelers, meanwhile, have largely returned to more traditional booking patterns after years of pandemic swings in demand, leaving airlines looking for ways to fill planes outside of holidays or other popular travel periods.

“Typically, you see a step increase in price at each seven-day mark before a flight,” said Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, a flight-deal company that recently rebranded as Going. But airlines are either dropping last-minute fares or not raising them as much as usual, he said.

Airlines have scheduled a record 259.8 million seats for domestic flights in the fourth quarter, up nearly 8% from last year, on 1.86 million flights, up 6% from 2022, according to aviation-data firm Cirium.

Getting the balance right in the off-season is a challenge for airlines, which make the majority of their revenue in the second and third quarters during the busy spring and summer seasons. Most major carriers reported record revenue and strong demand during those periods, with some executives reporting higher growth for international destinations over domestic ones.

Falling fares

The U.S. inflation read for September showed airfare dropped more than 13% from a year earlier, while overall consumer prices rose.

JetBlue Airways said average fares dropped more than 12% in the third quarter during the same period of 2022 to $201.73.

Budget carrier Spirit Airlines said fares dropped nearly 28% from a year earlier to $48.73, though non-ticket revenue, which includes add-ons such as seat selection fees and checked bags, rose 1% to $67.70.

The Miramar, Florida-based airline, which JetBlue is trying to buy, warned about fare discounting before Thanksgiving and said, “unfortunately, we have not seen the anticipated return to a normal demand and pricing environment for the peak holiday periods.”

Fellow ultra-discounter Frontier Airlines said fares averaged a little more than $39 in the last quarter, down 32% from a year ago.

All three carriers forecast losses for the last three months of the year.

Rethinking capacity

Declining pricing power in the off-peak periods has forced carriers to rethink where they’re deploying their planes.

Southwest plans to slow its growth next year to address the shifting demand patterns, though CEO Bob Jordan described demand on an earnings call late last month as “strong.”

“Capacity is the most precious commodity you have to produce revenue, and you got to deploy that capacity as efficiently as possible against demand,” Jordan said during the Skift Aviation Forum.

The carrier is planning to fly less on nonpeak days, like Tuesdays, compared with higher-demand periods, a measure that also prioritizes crews’ time so they are ready fly more when it’s busy, Jordan said.

Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle told CNBC that one thing the airline is changing is finding less crowded markets for its flights.

“We are concentrating our growth away from the saturated markets,” he said. “We will not shrink in Orlando and Vegas, but we’re probably not going to grow it either.”

Holiday demand is still strong

With shifting demand comes those eye-catching, double-digit fares.

But they’re usually gone quickly and are nearly guaranteed to be unavailable for peak holiday periods, with demand expected to hit or break records.

Delta Air Lines said it expects to carry between 6.2 million and 6.4 million passengers from Nov. 17 to Nov. 28 during the Thanksgiving period, compared with 5.7 million last year and 6.25 million in 2019. United Airlines said it expects to fly 5.9 million passengers from Nov. 17 to Nov. 29, up 13% from last year and 5% more than 2019. American Airlines forecast a record 7.8 million travelers from Nov. 16 to Nov. 28, up from 7 million last year and beating out 2019 by around 200,000 customers.

Southwest CEO Jordan said year-end holiday bookings are running ahead of last year’s pace.

Flight tracker Hopper said “good deal” domestic fares, which it defines as the bottom 10th percentile of available fares, are averaging $248 for Thanksgiving, down from $271 last year and $276 in 2019.

Could it last?

Airlines are now poring over their schedules for 2024 to try to best use their aircraft while they face higher costs such as fuel and labor that have pinched margins.

“You’re seeing carriers put out fares that look kind of like our fares, and what you should really think about is that that’s not going to be permanent,” Frontier’s CEO Biffle said, citing costs.

Carriers have gotten more sophisticated about addressing shifting demand patterns, meaning they can cut flights or capacity during travel lulls.

Next year, fares are likely to stabilize, but it’s too early to tell what promotional fares will be, said Henry Harteveldt, founder of travel industry consulting firm Atmosphere Research Group.

Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle told CNBC that one thing the airline is changing is finding less crowded markets for its flights.

“If inflation really continues at the torrid place it has been, if we see hiring soften, airlines may feel a need to invest in deeper promotion,” he said.

One advantage for full-service carriers is the variety of fares and products they can offer, from no-frills basic economy to first class, Harteveldt. That means they could increase their inventory of cheaper basic economy fares during weaker demand periods, or raise fares when demand is high for premium seats.

Airlines “have the most sophisticated cash registers of any industry,” he said.

Source: Leslie Josephs, https://www.cnbc.com/

Travelore Tips: TSA Expects This Holiday Travel Season To Be The Busiest Ever

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has screened a record number of passengers this year and anticipates airport security checkpoints nationwide will be busier than ever this holiday travel season.

The season kicks off with Thanksgiving travel, which begins Friday, Nov. 17 and concludes Tuesday, Nov. 28. During the 12-day period, TSA expects to screen 30 million passengers. Historically, the three busiest travel days are the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward. TSA is projecting to screen 2.6 million passengers on Tuesday, Nov. 21; 2.7 million passengers on Wednesday, Nov. 22 and 2.9 million passengers on Sunday, Nov. 26, which will likely be the busiest travel day.

"We expect this holiday season to be our busiest ever. In 2023, we have already seen seven of the top 10 busiest travel days in TSA's history," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "We are ready for the anticipated volumes and are working closely with our airline and airport partners to make sure we are prepared for this busy holiday travel season. We will also do our best to maintain wait time standards of under 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck® lanes and under 30 minutes for standard screening lanes. I am grateful for our dedicated employees who continue to remain vigilant and focused on the mission during this holiday travel season and beyond."

TSA has recorded multiple days with more than 2.8 million passengers screened so far in 2023. The current record for the heaviest passenger screening volume in TSA history was on Friday, June 30. On that day, Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) screened nearly 2.9 million passengers at checkpoints nationwide. TSA will likely exceed this record this Thanksgiving holiday travel period.

To view the highest passenger screening volumes recorded by TSA since its establishment in 2001, please click here.

Additionally, there are now more than 17.6 million passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck, which is the highest amount ever recorded and represents 3.9 million more TSA PreCheck members than there were this time last year.

Travelers should keep these top tips in mind before arriving at the airport:

Pack smart; start with empty bags. Passengers who start with an empty bag while packing are less likely to bring prohibited items through the checkpoint. Certain foods, such as gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam and preserves must be packed in a checked bag because they are considered to be liquids or gels. If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, then it is a liquid and must be packed in your checked bag. As always, passengers may bring solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods through the TSA checkpoint. Check for prohibited items by using the "What Can I Bring?" page on TSA.gov. or just ask @AskTSA.

Bring an acceptable ID and have it out in the screening lane. Before heading to the airport, travelers must make sure they have acceptable identification. Identity verification is an important step in the security screening process. At many checkpoints, the TSO may ask you to insert your physical ID into one of our Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units, where a boarding pass is not needed.

The second generation of CAT, called CAT-2, is currently deployed to 25 airports and adds a camera and smartphone reader to the other CAT features. The camera captures a real-time photo of the traveler at the podium and compares the traveler's photo on the identification credential against the in-person, real-time photo. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, the TSO verifies and directs the traveler for appropriate security screening without ever exchanging a boarding pass. Photos are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification. Passenger participation is voluntary and if a passenger chooses not to have their photo taken, they may have their identity verified manually instead without losing their place in line. For more information on how TSA is using facial recognition technology to enhance security effectiveness, improve operational efficiency and yield a more streamlined passenger experience, go to https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/factsheets/facial-recognition-technology.

Arrive early. The airport will be busy this week, so arrive two hours prior to your scheduled flight to allow for adequate time to park your car or arrive via public transit or rideshare, check bags and go through security screening before arriving at the gate.

If you plan to travel with a firearm, you must properly pack the firearm in a hard-sided, locked case in your checked bag and declare it with the airline at the ticket counter when checking in. Passengers are prohibited from packing firearms in carry-on luggage and bringing them to the airport security checkpoint and onboard aircraft. Bringing a firearm to a TSA checkpoint is expensive and time-consuming and can cause delays. The maximum civil penalty for bringing a firearm to a TSA checkpoint is nearly $15,000. Additionally, it will result in the loss of TSA PreCheck eligibility for up to five years. For more information on transporting firearms, visit: www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition.

Be aware of new checkpoint screening technology. TSA uses a variety of security methods and technologies to secure our transportation systems. Screening protocols vary from airport to airport, depending on available technology and the current threat environment. Some airports have installed new state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) scanners which significantly improve threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags and reduce physical searches of bag contents for prohibited items. CT units give TSOs the ability to review 3-D images of passengers' bags, so passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops. With CT units, all travelers must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening.

Travel with ease with TSA PreCheck and ensure you have the TSA PreCheck mark on your boarding pass. TSA's trusted traveler program now has more than 90 participating airlines, is available at more than 200 airports and has two authorized enrollment providers. Those enrolled enjoy the benefits of faster checkpoint screening. The five-year membership costs just $78. After submitting an online application, which takes just five minutes, applicants must schedule an appointment at any of the 500 plus enrollment centers. After a successful enrollment center visit, most new enrollees will receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days. Members may renew their membership online up to six months prior to expiration for another five-year term for $70.

Most TSA PreCheck members wait less than five minutes at the checkpoint. Children 12 and younger may join TSA PreCheck family members in the TSA PreCheck screening lanes. Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults in the dedicated lanes when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child's boarding pass. TSA PreCheck passengers must ensure that their KTN, along with correct date of birth, is in their airline reservation. For more information about becoming a member of the TSA PreCheck program, visit: www.TSA.gov/precheck.

Call ahead to request passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers who need assistance may call the TSA Cares helpline toll-free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to travel with any questions about screening procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint for travelers with specific needs.

Text or direct message us @ AskTSA. Get your questions answered before you head to the airport. Travelers can get assistance in real time by texting their question to #275-872 ("AskTSA") or through @AskTSA on X (formerly known as Twitter) or Facebook Messenger. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7, while staff is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET daily, including holidays and weekends. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. Staff is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends/holidays; and an automated service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Remain aware. Travelers should report suspicious activities, and remember: If You See Something, Say Something™.

Show gratitude to frontline workers. Thank a TSO, a gate agent, a flight attendant or someone who serves on the transportation frontlines. TSOs complete about 200 hours of training to become certified and are committed to transportation security while ensuring all travelers are treated with respect and courtesy. Pack an extra dose of patience, especially during higher passenger volume travel days, and show gratitude to those who are working diligently over the holidays and every day to get everyone to their destinations safely.

SOURCE: Transportation Security Administration