Travelore Summer Pet Travel Tips

Summer is near and most schools are out. That means it is time for a family vacation! And a family trip would not be complete without your furry loved ones. Dr. Ruth, "The Pet Vet" shares some simple ways to ensure traveling with your pets isn't ruff.

@monkeydogJett

Do Your Homework

Make sure your destination is pet friendly. For example, if you were planning to bring the family pooch to Yosemite to enjoy the great outdoors, you would be disappointed to learn that dogs are not allowed on the hiking trails. Check ahead of time to avoid any last-minute surprises that could put a damper on your trip.

Check to ensure your lodging accommodates pets. Not all hotels, campsites or VRBOs are pet friendly. Even those that allow pets may have restrictions on the number of pets, size limits, or whether they can be left alone in a hotel room.

Be Sure Your Pet is Travel Ready

Before embarking on your adventure, make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel. Take your pet to a veterinarian to ensure that your pet is healthy, up to date with immunizations, and parasite preventatives. If you are traveling out of state or by plane, you will also need a health certificate. I also recommend getting a copy of your pet's vaccination record. If your pet gets anxious when traveling, speak with your veterinarian about products and medications that can help keep them calm.

Packing for Your Pet

Depending on your mode of travel your needs will differ. If you are traveling by plane, you will need an airline-approved carrier and health certificate. If you have a small dog and are traveling by car, you may want to get a booster seat for your pup. My dog Jett loves his K&H bucket booster seat. He likes looking out the window and I love the peace of mind knowing that he is safe and secure. If you have a large dog, you may want to get a travel safety barrier to keep them in the back and prevent driver distraction.

Be sure to pack your pet's food (enough for the whole trip), treats and of course food and water bowls. Don't forget to bring their collar with I.D. tags and a leash. If you have the space, bring your pet's bed, and a few of their favorite toys. Finally, bring their health certificate, vaccine records and any medications your pet needs.

Travel Preparation

Before going on a long road trip with your pet, get them used to riding in a car. Start by taking them on frequent, short car trips. Use lots of praise and treats to make the experience positive. My dogs love Wellness® Old Mother Hubbard® Wholesome Indulgences Treats and now expect them after every car ride! If you are traveling by plane, get your pet used to their carrier beforehand by putting treats inside and leaving it open for your pet to explore on their own. If you are travelling with your cat, Wellness® Lickable Treats are a great way to make the experience positive.

Safety Reminders

Be sure your pet has a microchip and your contact information is up to date. Collars with tags are important but are not foolproof and can fall off. Finally, it goes without saying, never leave your pet unattended in a car as they can overheat and die within minutes.

Conclusion

Traveling with your pet requires some additional planning, but it is worth it and will give you and your family some priceless memories.

For more about pet health or some pet-friendly ideas go to: https://drruthpetvet.com/

Work On New Rome Subway Line Under The Colosseum And Forum Enters Crucial Phase

A long-delayed and complex project to bring a subway line under ancient Roman ruins and through Rome’s historic center has entered a crucial phase, with the digging of an 85-meter (280-foot)) deep retaining wall around the flagship station.

During a tour Thursday of the construction site at Piazza Venezia, chief engineer Andrea Sciotti said work on the nearly 3 billion euro ($3.3 billion) project, considered one of the most complicated of its kind in the world, was likely to be completed by 2034.

The Metro C subway line has been in the works for two decades but has been slowed by bureaucratic and funding delays and, crucially, the archaeological excavations necessary given the underground ruins of Imperial Roman and Medieval civilizations in its way.

When completed, the subway line will run underneath some of the world’s most important cultural heritage sites -- the Colosseum, Trajan’s Column and the Basilica of Maxentius, the largest building in the Roman Forum -– as well as some of Rome’s prized Renaissance palazzi, churches and the Vatican.

As a result, Italy’s culture ministry has been involved at every step and will be on hand once the digging begins in earnest on the first 15 meters (50 feet) of the Piazza Venezia station, where the ruins from ancient Rome lie. During that phase, archaeologists will be guiding the excavations, taking objects for study, restoration and eventual placement in a museum within the station itself when it opens, Sciotti said.

“I think I can say it’s unique in the world because we don’t only have the Colosseum and the Basilica of Maxentius, but we have 15-20 meters of hidden archaeological patrimony -– known but hidden,” he told reporters at the site. “This obviously brings problems that must be resolved in the planning and realization phases.”

To underscore the delicacy and uniqueness of the Piazza Venezia hub, Sciotti noted that in the 10 years and 755 million euros ($818 million) it will take to dig and build the station, four other stations will be built along the Metro C line heading out of the center toward the Vatican and beyond.

“Twenty, thirty years ago, it would have been very difficult to do this,” he said. But thanks to new technology, it’s now possible to both dig underneath archaeological sites and protect above-ground patrimony, he said, adding that he has already presented the Metro C project to engineers in Ecuador who are also planning a subway line through Quito’s historic center.

For now, the work is in the preliminary phase of digging the 85-meter (280-foot) -deep retaining wall of reinforced cement around the perimeter of the Piazza Venezia station. A massive hydro mill trench cutter digs rectangular-shaped columns down that are then filled to make a retaining wall to keep water out and secure the site’s perimeter before the actual digging begins.

While Rome already has two main subway lines, including one with a stop at the Colosseum, the Metro C line will penetrate the heart of the historic center and connect it to the Vatican and beyond, providing new options for the Eternal City’s chronically insufficient public transport system.

Once the line reaches Piazza Venezia, the subway tunnels themselves will run at an underground depth of 45 meters (150 feet), to also spare the above-ground historic palazzi and churches from the vibrations that a subway closer to the surface might create.

When opened, the eight-level Piazza Venezia station will provide underground connections to the Vittoriano “wedding cake” monument at the heart of the piazza, the Palazzo Venezia museum on one side and the museum under Hadrian’s Athenaeum, built in 123 A.D., on the other.

Sciotti said it was the work near the Hadrian archaeological site -– with its delicate Trajan’s Column standing upright -- that makes him most fearful, even if careful monitoring is underway and crews will use a buffering technique to limit above-ground vibrations that was used in London along the Jubilee tube line.

If anything happens to the Trajan’s Column, “I have my passport ready,” he said, joking.

BY NICOLE WINFIELD, AP

The Boca Raton Museum Of Art presents "Myths, Secrets, Lies, And Truths: Photography From The Doug McCraw Collection, " On View June 12 Through October 13, 2024

The exhibition of 100+ works from the Doug McCraw Collection is an original presentation by the Museum, and was curated by Kathleen Goncharov, the Museum’s Senior Curator.

Above: One of the photos from the series "Young Americans," showing young people who are new to voting, draped in the American flag. This photo is titled "Shanae Rowland" and is by Sheila Pree Bright (2007), chromogenic print (from the Collection of Doug McCraw).

The works explore themes of survival, exposure, concealment, exploitation, race, and cultural-defining design.

They include still photography and installations, capturing moments that transcend boundaries of insight, and reveal how fabricated myths can shape our perceptions and distort our beliefs.

Havana XOX, by Karen Graffeo (2021), from the Collection of Doug McCraw

Doug McCraw is the co-founder of one of South Florida’s cultural gems: the FATVillage Arts District which is McCraw's project that promotes creativity, artist residences, exhibitions, research, and education.

McCraw loaned these 100+ works from his collection to the Boca Raton Museum, for this new exhibition.

“Myths, Secrets, Lies and Truths presents five distinct voices that delve into and illuminate so many aspects of life," says Irvin Lippman, the Executive Director of the Boca Raton Museum of Art. "Our thanks to Doug McCraw who has built an extraordinary and stimulating collection that will facilitate insightful conversations.”

The Boca Raton Museum of Art is located at 501 Plaza Real in Mizner Park, https://bocamuseum.org/.

As Tourists Move In, Italians Are Squeezed Out On Holiday Island Of Capri

Famed for its blue seas, breathtaking views and cove-studded coastline, the Mediterranean island of Capri has been a tourist haven since the early years of the Roman empire.

Unlike in the imperial heyday, when emperors made it their exclusive playground, Capri now attracts visitors from around the world, clogging its narrow alleys, packing the piazzas and blocking the beaches during the hot summer months.

As many as 16,000 tourists a day pour onto the rocky isle in peak season, outnumbering the 12,900 residents. Most are day trippers, but increasing numbers stay the night as ever more homes are given over to holiday lets, bringing its own problems.

"Capri is becoming a dormitory for tourists," said Teodorico Boniello, head of the local consumers' association. "There are more people coming than we can cope with and families can't set down roots because they can't afford to stay."

Capri is a microcosm of many European holiday hotspots. Locals depend on visitors for their livelihoods, but the advent of mass tourism risks turning their picture-perfect beauty spots into blobs of shuffling humanity. Some Italian towns and islands are starting to push back, albeit gently.

Venice last week became the first city in the world to introduce an entrance fee for visitors in peak periods, Florence has banned new holiday lets in the city centre and the Cinque Terre park on the Italian Riviera started charging 15 euros for access to a popular coastal footpath to tackle overcrowding.

Capri has doubled its own visitors' fee from 2.5 euros to 5 euros, which outsiders pay when they catch a ferry from nearby Naples or Sorrento from April through to October.

"We are looking to persuade more people to visit during winter," Capri Mayor Marino Lembo told Reuters, sitting in his office with the smog of Naples hanging far in the distance.

But such a fee looks unlikely to dissuade tourists from travelling to an island which has more than four million tagged photos on Instagram, drawing in an endless flow of visitors eager to add the same views to their social media pages.

Moreover, locals say it will do nothing to help ease the housing crisis, which forces many essential workers, including teachers and medics, to live on the mainland.

EARLY STARTS

Antonio De Chiara, 22, wakes up every morning at 5.20 a.m. in his hometown near Naples in order to be sure to catch the 7.00 a.m. ferry, which takes 50 minutes to reach Capri. Around 400 other commuters join him on the ride across the bay.

Barely out of Naples, those on a tight schedule start queuing in the aisles to ensure they are first off the boat to grab a seat on one of a handful of small buses that head up the hill to town. Stragglers risk a lengthy wait.

"It would be lovely to live in Capri, but it is very difficult. Even if I could find a place, the rent would take up all my salary," said De Chiara, who recently got a job as a child therapist on the island.

Stefano Busiello, 54, teaches maths in a Capri high school but lives in Naples and has commuted back and forth for 20 years. "I have never even tried to find a house here. I could never afford one and things are getting harder."

Only 20% of staff in his school actually live on Capri, he said, with everyone else arriving on the ferries -- a daily grind that means most of his colleagues stay no more than two or three years before seeking a transfer to mainland schools.

Roberto Faravelli, who runs a Bed and Breakfast near the port, says people like himself might be willing to rent their properties to workers if the region offered incentives to close the gap on lucrative holiday lets. "The government needs to encourage homeowners to offer long-term rents. What we lack is anyone trying to resolve these problems," he said.

But mayor Lembo did not expect the authorities to intervene. "It is unfortunate, but this is the market economy at work."

POST-COVID SURGE

Vacation rental platform Airbnb lists more than 500 properties on Capri against around 110 in 2016. This is just the tip of the iceberg, with local families renting out their properties during the summer months on unregulated portals.

"This short-term rental market is chaotic. There are no controls," said Lembo.

Despite obvious resentment over the lack of viable housing, Capri has not yet witnessed the sort of protests seen elsewhere -- such as Spain's Canary Islands, where thousands took to the streets this month to demand limits on tourist arrivals.

The end of the COVID pandemic has seen tourism surge across Europe as global travellers seek to make up for lost time.

Italy had near record overnight stays in 2023, according to data collated by the Florence centre of tourism studies, and was the 5th most visited country in the world in 2023, with tourists drawn to its quaint villages and culture-rich cities.

But none were built for mass travel.

In the morning during high season, a fleet of ferries disgorge up to 5,000 visitors into Capri's tiny port in just two hours. Everyone wants to head up to the town of Capri and the smaller Anacapri, but the buses can only carry 30 people at a time and the funicular 50.

"You can easily wait two or even three hours to get up the hill in summer. The quays get packed. Noone can move," said Boniello, flicking through videos on his phone of people crammed one against the other.

Lembo acknowledges the problems, but denies tourism is ruining an island his ancestors have lived on for centuries. "I don't agree with nostalgics who say Capri was more beautiful 100 years ago. There was misery and poverty back then. Now there is wealth, and that is thanks to tourism."

($1 = 0.9381 euros)

https://www.reuters.com/authors/crispian-balmer/

The Museum At FIT Presents Africa's Fashion Diaspora September 18 - December 29, 2024

The Museum at FIT (MFIT) presents Africa's Fashion Diaspora, an innovative exhibition that explores fashion's role in shaping international Black diasporic cultures. This exhibition is the first to examine fashion as a mode of cross-diasporic cultural production. Sixty ensembles and accessories by Black designers from Africa, Europe, North and South America, and the Caribbean are placed in dialogue with each other, showing how these designers take complex inspirations from their own Black cultures and others across the diaspora.

The concept that Black peoples build and share common cultural networks—despite differences in geography, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, language, and religion—is an enduring idea that scholars and leaders such as W.E.B. DuBois, Frantz Fanon, Kwame Nkrumah, and Paul Gilroy have hypothesized over the 19th and 20th centuries. Self-identified Black peoples within the diverse nations of Africa and throughout the Black Diaspora have expressed this connectivity as Pan-Africanism, Black Consciousness, and Afrocentricity, among many other movements.

While Black Diasporic connections have been explored in music, literature, art, and philosophy, this exhibition is the first to investigate how 20th- and 21st-century fashion designers contribute to these conversations with creative practices that focus on visual storytelling to explore how Black identity operates in the contemporary world.

The exhibition includes nine themes. "Reaching for Africa" opens the exhibition by considering the multi-layered reasons that Black American designers such as Patrick Kelly and Arthur McGee create connections to Africa in their work. These designs, from the 1960s to today, sometimes lean on idealized conceptions of Africa, but they also work to repair severed cultural heritages, express Black solidarity, and celebrate Black cultures.

"Mothers and Motherlands" explores the influence of family, lineage, and cultural tradition on fashion design from a specifically Black perspective. South African designer Thebe Magugu, for example, venerates Tswana motherhood practices through his 2023 Mother and Child dress. Fabrice Simon, who ran a family fashion business during the 1980s, spanning New York City and his birth city of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, worked with expert Haitian beaders to modernize their historic motifs.

In "A Black Atlantic" designers draw inspiration from Black cultures across multiple locations, finding similarities or personal points of interest. French designer Olivier Rousteing takes inspiration from Black American cowboys for his 2021 Balmain capsule collection, while the Ivorian brand Kente Gentlemen's The Birth of Cool collection looks at international musicians from Fela Kuti to Miles Davis.

The designers in "Homegoing" investigate the roots of their own family histories, reflecting wider social trends for identifying cultural origins. Dutch designers Giorgio Toppin and Onitcha Toppin of Xhosa created their KABRA collection in Suriname, connecting with the skilled textile artisans there, as well as with their own heritages. Telfar Clemens designed the Olympic uniforms for the Liberian national team in 2021 after they reached out to him during a trip to his country of birth.

"History Is Political" demonstrates fashion as a key vehicle for communicating buried histories. Tremaine Emory's Denim Tears Cotton Wreath capsule collections with Levi's link the labor of 19th-century enslaved Americans to international capitalist systems. Colombian designer Esteban Sinisterra Paz shapes history as it is made, designing the 2022 inaugural gown for Colombia's first Black vice president, Francia Márquez, in his signature wax print textiles.

Black designers explore the cultural impact of religion and mythology in "Transcendent and Supernatural." American Grenadian designer Fe Noel partnered with Harmonia Rosales to feature the artist's depiction of Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of rivers, love, and fertility. Papa Oppong's (Fashion Design MFA '23) "Witchcraft" ensemble sheds light on the harmful practice of accusing Ghanaian women of channeling dark magic and recasts the witch as an empowered modern woman.

Textiles from Africa and the diaspora are emblematic of the artisanship and creative practices found in Black communities around the world. "Monumental Cloth" features designers who work with communities of weavers and dyers to produce contemporary fabrics rooted in historical practices: from Pathé'O in Côte d'Ivoire to Emmanuel Okoro of Emmy Kasbit in Nigeria to Aurora James of Brother Vellies in the United States.

"Tun Yuh Han Mek Fashan" is a Jamaican patois phrase that describes Caribbean ingenuity, the ability to create beauty and utility from meager or unexpected resources. This section features designers from across the African Diaspora who engage innovative materials to promote sustainability in fashion. Nairobi Apparel District upcycles secondhand garments with graphic motifs to create modern Kenyan streetwear, and Dyandra Raye designs vegan shoes from Piñatex for her brand Jo-Anne Vernay.

"Ubuntu" is a Bantu word that has come to encompass African humanist philosophies of community support, compassion, and generosity. Designers—from Tracy Reese, whose Hope for Flowers brand is helping to revitalize urban Detroit, to Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, whose AAKS accessories brand consciously pays fair wages to raffia weavers in northern Ghana—show how fashion companies can be a force to build communities with job security and respect for labor.

Africa's Fashion Diaspora ultimately reveals fashion as a significant contributor to international dialogues on Black cultural production. Some of the designers featured use fashion to document, explore, and interrogate their own localities and histories, while others take inspiration from across the diaspora—and because fashion circulates internationally, all build networks across a specifically (but not exclusively) Black cultural space. Black communities across the globe are uniquely situated in their own societies, yet movements for solidarity and connection are beautifully expressed by designers who use fashion to tell stories of parallel, interconnected, and evolving Black cultures.

Africa's Fashion Diaspora is curated by Elizabeth Way, associate curator of costume at The Museum at FIT.

Africa's Fashion Diaspora is accompanied by a multi-author volume edited by Way and published by Yale University Press which will be released in September 2024.

The Museum at FIT is a proud partner of Bloomberg Connects, a free digital guide to cultural organizations around the world that makes it easy to access and engage with arts and culture from mobile devices, anytime, anywhere. The Bloomberg Connects app, available for download from Google Play or the App Store, makes the museum accessible for onsite or offsite visits through photographs, audio, and video features that offer insights into the world of fashion and design. For Africa's Fashion Diaspora, the app will feature an audio tour led by the exhibition curator.

Africa's Fashion Diaspora, https://www.fitnyc.edu/museum/exhibitions/, has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the Couture Council of The Museum at FIT. This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.

United Airlines Debuts New, Limited-Edition Wrexham AFC Amenity Kits And Pajamas

United Airlines today debuted new, limited-edition Wrexham AFC amenity kits and pajamas to celebrate the football team's recent promotion to League One and continued surge in global popularity with the Emmy® award-winning show "FX's Welcome to Wrexham" now streaming on Hulu.

These items are part of the airline's broader Wrexham AFC sponsorship.

Starting June 1, travelers flying in United's premium cabins on long-haul international routes will receive the complimentary Wrexham AFC-inspired amenity kits filled with travel essentials like an eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste as well as exclusive Therabody skincare products. United Polaris® customers on flights 14 hours or longer will also receive pajamas designed to resemble the team's uniforms, of which United is a front-of-jersey sponsor, including a long-sleeve Wrexham red shirt and gray pants.

United and Wrexham AFC collaborated to design the amenity kits and pajamas, which can be viewed here, drawing inspiration from the team crest, jerseys and overall look and feel. The offerings include:

United x Wrexham AFC Amenity Case: For United Polaris business class travelers, the reusable toiletry case features the Wrexham crest and is available in red, black or white. The case includes a top handle, wrap-around zipper and loop to hang the bag on a hook for convenience.

United Airlines: For United Premium Plus® travelers, the reusable zippered pouch also features the Wrexham crest and is available in red, black or white. The slim pouch fits easily into a carry-on bag.

United x Wrexham AFC Pajamas: Available to United Polaris business class travelers on flights 14 hours or more, the lightweight pajama set includes a red, long-sleeve shirt with the Wrexham AFC and United logos on the front, designed to resemble the team jersey, plus gray pants with the United logo on the hip.

Inside every amenity kit, passengers will find a United-exclusive Therabody hand cream, lip balm and cleansing towelette plus travel essentials including a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, ear plugs and socks. In addition, inside every United Polaris kit, passengers will also find a Therabody eye serum, face spray, tissues and a United pen.

"With our amenity kits, we always aim to provide customers with products that make their travel journey more comfortable as well as create one-of-a-kind keepsakes for them to enjoy well beyond their flight," said Peter Wolkowski, Director of Onboard Product Design at United. "Wrexham's story is one that has been documented and celebrated these last few years, so we're thrilled to now give United customers team-branded gear they won't be able to find anywhere else."

United is giving fans more access to Wrexham AFC during the club's 2024-2025 season – its second year partnering with the team. As the front-of-jersey sponsor for the men's and women's teams, the United name and logo emblazons the front of the Wrexham AFC shirts during games. The airline will also sponsor the club's North American summer tour including flying the teams to games and providing MileagePlus members exclusive offerings.

For more information, visit united.com.

Spirit Airlines Expands U.S. Military Benefits To Include Spouses And Children

Spirit Airlines is saluting our U.S. military service members and their families with the special thanks they deserve. Today, the airline announced it is extending the existing benefits for active-duty U.S. military service members to their spouses and all their children when traveling with the service member effective immediately, including two free standard checked bags, one free standard carry-on bag, and the existing one free personal item per person. Complimentary priority boarding is also available for active-duty service members, and their spouses and children when traveling with the service member.

"We applaud and appreciate our military families who make sacrifices every day to support their loved ones who are in service to our country, and we're happy to extend our gratitude to them with new inclusion in our military benefits," said Matt Klein, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Spirit Airlines. "These expanded free baggage benefits, coupled with Spirit's low fares to more than 85 destinations, make travel for our U.S. military families more accessible and offers them the opportunity to make new memories together more often."

In addition to the newly expanded military benefits, Spirit has a long history of supporting initiatives for U.S. service members. The airline partners with Luke's Wings and Wounded Warriors to provide immediate family members with free flights to visit service members and veterans who have been injured in the line of duty. The effort aims to benefit the families of our military and help to encourage and motivate the service member's recovery.

Spirit also proudly partners with Honor Flight South Florida up to four times a year to fly World War II and Korean War veterans, as well as those veterans who are terminally ill, to the Washington D.C. area to visit and reflect at the memorials built in their honor. In spring 2023, Spirit flew more than 80 veterans as part of Honor Flight South Florida and will host another Honor Flight this summer.

Furthermore, the Spirit Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting active-duty military and veterans through its Service Member pillar. The Foundation has donated more than $600,000 to nonprofits supporting our service members in the last five years.

Spirit is proud to employ hundreds of military reservists and veterans across the company and provide support through the Veterans Resource Group and Allies, which aims to ensure that resources and opportunities are extended to Spirit Team Members who have served in the U.S. Military, those currently serving, and their families and allies.

spirit.com.

Travelore News: Norway To Block Entry For Most Russian Tourists, Moscow Says It Will Respond

Norway will further curb access for Russian tourist travellers due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, blocking almost all entry from May 29, the Nordic country's justice ministry said on Thursday.

Russia called the decision "purely discriminatory" and said it would respond.

Norway, a NATO member that shares a border with Russia in the Arctic measuring almost 200 km (124 miles), first imposed restrictions on Russian tourist visas in 2022, shortly after Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"The decision to tighten the entry rules is in line with the Norwegian approach of standing by allies and partners in reaction to Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine," Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl said in a statement.

Any Russian citizens whose purpose is tourism and other non-essential travel will be turned back at the border. Exceptions may be granted in cases such as visits to close family residing in Norway, the ministry said in a statement.
>br />"The change implies that the police can refuse the entry of Russian citizens who are covered by the instruction," it said.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters such moves "cannot go unanswered".

He added: "Of course, the decision is purely discriminatory. We do not accept such decisions. We regret that the Norwegian leadership has chosen this way of worsening our bilateral relations, which have already been of poor quality recently, and not on our initiative."

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia did not intend to bar entry to Norwegian citizens. "But this does not mean that retaliatory measures won't be taken. They will be," she told reporters.

Reporting by Terje Solsvik; editing by Mark Heinrich, Reuters

Southwest Airlines Introduces Daily Nonstop Service Between Orlando And Nassau

Southwest Airlines recently announced the launch of its new Orlando – Nassau route. Daily nonstop flights will connect Central Florida's metropolitan hub with The Bahamas' capital city at the height of the summer months. The Orlando – Nassau flights will operate from 4 June to 4 August, with departures from Orlando and arrivals in Nassau.

"The expansion of Southwest Airlines' Central Florida route map to include a new daily service to Nassau is another testimony to the government's efforts and commitment to grow air stopover arrivals throughout our 16-islands destination aggressively," says the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation.

At the end of 2023, the Bahamas recorded a historic 9.65 million total foreign air and sea visitor arrivals to its shores. Of that number, foreign air arrivals exceeded a record-breaking 1.7 million passengers, accounting for an increase of 3.5% over 2019 and 17% over its 2022 air arrivals numbers.

At the end of the first quarter of 2024, foreign air arrivals had already surpassed 504,000, a gain of 7.3% compared to the first quarter of 2023. End-of-year foreign air arrivals numbers are forecasted to exceed 2 million

"We have been very strategic about driving and expanding strategic partnerships with airlines and our local and international industry partners, including our Promotion Boards and Hotel Partners," said Deputy Prime Minister Cooper. "Part of our expansion includes an ongoing growth strategy in our Southern, Central, and Northern Florida source market, including Orlando, West Palm Beach, and Tampa, to attract new airlift to Nassau/PI, Grand Bahama, and our Family Islands," continued Cooper.

Southwest Airlines' new route will come on stream on 4 June 2024 in line with its relocation of its operations from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando. According to Southwest Airlines, the airline has been serving Orlando since 1996, offering nonstop flights to over 50 destinations across the United States and the Caribbean. Southwest is also the largest carrier at Orlando International Airport, accounting for over 20% of all passenger traffic.

About The Bahamas:

The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.

Eight More Chinese Cities Join Hong Kong Solo Travel Scheme

Eight more Chinese cities have joined a scheme allowing their residents to travel to Hong Kong on their own, rather than as part of a tour group, as part of efforts to boost Hong Kong's economy.

Hong Kong is battling to revive its economy following a national security crackdown and COVID-related controls, which led to many local and expats leaving the city and caused tourist numbers to dwindle to a fraction of pre-pandemic levels.

The "Individual Visit Scheme" (IVS) began in 2003 as part of a cooperation agreement between mainland China and Hong Kong to boost the city's economy by allowing Chinese residents to apply for individual travel, rather than in a tour group.

Fifty-one cities have already joined the programme and will be joined by Taiyuan in Shanxi Province, Hohhot in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Harbin in Heilongjiang Province, Lhasa in Tibet Autonomous Region, Lanzhou in Gansu Province, Xining in Qinghai Province, Yinchuan in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Urumqi in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Hong Kong city leader John Lee said: "These eight cities are all provincial capital cities with large populations, significant economic growth and high spending power".

Although recent official figures showed the territory growing 2.7% in the first quarter compared with the year before, local businesses have described shopping malls as "dead", with low foot traffic and shops covered with "for lease" or "coming up soon" signs.

One lawmaker recently told the city's legislature that more than 20,000 companies had deregistered in the first quarter of 2024, up more than 70% from the same period last year.

China imposed a sweeping national security law in 2020 after months of pro-democracy protests in 2019. In March, authorities enacted another set of security laws that some foreign governments say further undermine rights and freedoms.

The Hong Kong and Chinese governments have repeatedly said the security laws have brought stability.

Reporting by Jessie Pang; Editing by David Holmes, Reuters

Frontier Airlines, Stuck In A Money-Losing Slump, Is Dumping Change Fees And Making Other Moves

Frontier Airlines, which has struggled more than other U.S. carriers to recover from the pandemic, says it is eliminating change fees on some tickets and creating four fare classes to boost its appeal to more travelers.

The Denver-based airline said the changes taking effect Friday would make buying a ticket less complicated.

Frontier, like rivals Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air, advertises low fares but tacks on more fees than the larger carriers. Consumers pick from a menu of extras that increase the final price they pay — often by a significant amount.

The budget carriers have struggled, however, as big airlines created their own no-frills tickets to lure away the most cost-conscious travelers.

Frontier is switching to four fare classes, which it calls basic, economy, premium and business. Those in “basic” will still have to pay extra for things like bringing a carry-on bag, selecting a particular seat and changing or canceling a reservation.

But change fees will be eliminated for passengers in the other three groups, who will also be able to buy extras such as seat selection and bringing a carry-on bag in bundles instead of singly.

Frontier also said it is bringing back phone support for customers within 24 hours of their flight.

CEO Barry Biffle called the announcement “the beginning of a new era for Frontier.”

Frontier has not earned a full-year profit since 2019, and it has lost about $400 million since then and failed in an attempt to merge with Spirit.

AP

Travelore News: House Signs Off On FAA Bill That Addresses Aircraft Safety And The Refund Rights Of Passengers

Congress gave final approval Wednesday to a $105 billion bill designed to increase the number of air traffic controllers, add more safety inspectors at aircraft factories, and require airlines to automatically pay refunds to travelers whose flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

The House passed the measure to reauthorize Federal Aviation Administration programs by a 387-26 margin and sent it to President Joe Biden. The Senate passed the measure last week.

Supporters called the provisions of the legislation a key step in improving aviation safety after a number of close calls between planes at U.S. airports in the last two years.

“This bill recognizes while our aviation system is safe, we have to continue raising the bar for safety,” said Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., chairman of the House Transportation Committee, which produced the first version of the legislation 10 months ago.

The Republicans and Democrats who lead the key aviation committees in the House and Senate negotiated over the bill’s final shape last month, then fought off amendments that might have slowed the measure’s passage.

One of the most contentious issues turned out to be the addition of 10 long-haul flights a day to and from Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C. Lawmakers from Virginia and Maryland tried to kill the provision.

Rep. Donald Beyer, D-Va., said the extra flights would “aggravate dangerous conditions” and cause more flight delays at the busy airport across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital. But lawmakers from Western states, including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, fought for the flights, as did Delta Air Lines.

The final version of the law authorizing FAA and National Transportation Safety Board programs for the next five years checked in at more than 1,000 pages. Congress has been critical of the FAA since it approved Boeing 737 Max jets that were involved in two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019.The bill’s major provisions include directing the FAA to hire more air traffic controllers and safety inspectors, to increase the use of collision-avoidance technology at airports and to improve access for passengers with disabilities.

It also bans airlines from charging fees to let families sit together and requires them to issue automatic refunds when flights are canceled or delayed for several hours.

Airlines are suing the Biden administration to block a new Transportation Department rule on the automatic refunds, and inclusion of the provision in law could help the administration’s legal case. Graves said the issue could lead to higher fares or result in refunds to travelers who would prefer being booked on another flight, but it didn’t prevent him from supporting the bill.
BY DAVID KOENIG

State Department Issues Travel Alert For LGBTQ People, Events Abroad

The alert follows a similar warning from the FBI and the DHS.

The U.S. State Department issued a "Worldwide Caution" alert on Friday, warning U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution due to "the increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events."

According to an administration official familiar with the matter, the alert is connected to the recent announcement from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security that foreign terrorist organizations might seek to exploit "LGBTQIA+-related events and venues," including events during 2024 Pride month, which begins in June.

The alert comes on the same day the State Department is commemorating the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia.

Last year's Pride month was also marked by safety concerns after the Department of Homeland Security issued a report warning that domestic violence extremists and people who commit hate crimes have increased threats of violence against the LGBTQIA+ community in recent years.

LGBTQ advocacy groups have issued a "state of emergency" in the U.S. following record-breaking waves of anti-LGBTQ legislation as well as a spike in reports of hate incidents.

The State Department alert also advises traveling Americans to exercise increased caution because of the potential for more generalized terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions "against U.S. citizens and interests."

https://abcnews.go.com/author/Shannon_Crawford

To Fend Off Tourists, A Town In Japan Is Building A Big Screen Blocking The View Of Mount Fuji

The town of Fujikawaguchiko has had enough of tourists.

Known for a number of scenic photo spots that offer a near-perfect shot of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, the town on Tuesday began constructing a large black screen on a stretch of a sidewalk to block the view of the mountain. The reason: misbehaving foreign tourists.

“Kawaguchiko is a town built on tourism, and I welcome many visitors, and the town welcomes them too, but there are many things about their manners that are worrying,” said Michie Motomochi, owner of a cafe serving Japanese sweets “ohagi,” near the soon-to-be-blocked photo spot.

Motomochi mentioned littering, crossing the road with busy traffic, ignoring traffic lights, trespassing into private properties. She isn’t unhappy though — 80% of her customers are foreign visitors whose numbers have surged after a pandemic hiatus that kept Japan closed for about two years.

Her neighborhood suddenly became a popular spot about two years ago, apparently after a photo taken in a particular angle showing Mount Fuji in the background, as if sitting atop a local convenience store, became a social media sensation known as “Mt. Fuji Lawson,” town officials say.

The mostly foreign tourists have since crowded the small area, triggering a wave of concerns and complaints from residents about visitors blocking the narrow sidewalk, taking photos on the busy road or walking into neighbors’ properties, officials said.

In Europe, concerns over tourists overcrowding historic cities led Venice last week to launch a pilot program to charge day-trippers a 5-euro ($5.35) entry fee. Authorities hope it will discourage visitors from arriving on peak days and make the city more livable for its dwindling residents.

Fujikawaguchiko has tried other methods: signs urging visitors not to run into the road and to use the designated crosswalk in English, Chinese, Thai and Korean, and even hiring a security guard as crowd control. None worked.

The black mesh net, when completed in mid-May, will be 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) high and 20 meters (65.6 feet) long, and will almost completely block the view of Mount Fuji, officials said.

Dozens of tourists gathered Tuesday taking photos even though Mount Fuji was not in sight due to cloudy weather.

Anthony Hok, from France, thought the screen was an overreaction. “Too big solution for subject not as big, even if tourists are making trouble. Doesn’t look right to me,” he said. The 26-year-old suggested setting up road barriers for safety instead of blocking views for pictures.

But Helen Pull, a 34-year-old visitor from the U.K., was sympathetic to the local concern. While traveling in Japan in the past few weeks, she has seen tourism “really ramped up here in Japan from what we’ve seen.”

“I can see why people who live and work here might want to do something about that,” she said, noting many were taking pictures even when the mountain was not in the view. “That’s the power of the social media.”

Foreign visitors have flocked to Japan since the pandemic border restrictions were lifted, in part due to the weaker yen.

Last year, Japan had more than 25 million visitors, and the number this year is expected to surpass nearly 32 million, a record from 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. And the government wants more tourists.

While the booming tourism has helped the industry, it has triggered complaints from residents in popular tourist destinations, such as Kyoto and Kamakura. In Kyoto, a famous geisha district recently decided to close some private-property alleys.

Locals are uncertain about what to do.

Motomochi said she cannot imagine how the black screen can help control the flow of people on the narrow pedestrian walk and the road next to it.

Yoshihiko Ogawa, who runs a more than half-century-old rice shop in the Fujikawaguchiko area, said the overcrowding worsened in the past few months, with tourists gathering from around 4-5 a.m. and talking loudly. He sometimes struggles to get his car in and out of garage.

“We’ve never thought we’d face a situation like this,” Ogawa said, adding he is unsure what the solution might be. “I suppose we all just need to get use to it.”

BY AYAKA MCGILL AND MARI YAMAGUCHI

Canada's 100 Best Restaurants List 2024 - Montréal Is Home to the Best Restaurant in the Country for the Fourth Year

Tourisme Montréal is excited to share that the city once again stands out in Canada's 100 Best Restaurants, being home to nearly 30% of the best restaurants in the country and maintaining its position as a leader with Mon Lapin at the top of the list.

"There simply isn't anywhere else in the world one would wish to have a restaurant; Montreal is magical! It's thanks to the discerning and curious clientele that the culinary scene here is so rich. The Montreal joie de vivre is unique and contagious! We couldn't be prouder of our city!" exclaims Vanya Filipovic, co-owner of Mon Lapin, who also won the Best Sommelier Team award alongside her colleague and co-owner, sommelier Alex Landry.

Since the creation of this list 10 years ago, the city has kept an incomparable reputation for gastronomy, celebrating this year its fourth recognition as number 1 in Canada. This performance testifies to the exceptional quality of the local gastronomic scene and confirms the undisputed reputation of Montréal as the gastronomic capital of the country.

The restaurants Beba, Monarque, Montréal Plaza and Toqué! are also honored in the top 20. Opened recently, Sabayon and Casavant also managed to earn a place among the list. Internationally renowned Montreal chef Paul Toussaint, owner of Kamuy restaurant, wins the American Express Award for Community Leadership.

"What pride to see Montréal shine so much in the field of gastronomy! This recognition reinforces our commitment to promoting our vibrant and diverse tables," says Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.

Montréal restaurants in the top 100:

1 - Mon Lapin

63 - Bar St-Denis

8 - Beba

68 - Pichai

11 - Monarque

69 - Bouillon Bilk

13 - Montréal Plaza

72 - Alma

19 - Toqué !

73 - Mastard

21 - Cabaret l'Enfer

79 - Sabayon

41 - Joe Beef

80 - Le Vin Papillon

50 - Salle Climatisée

83 - Foxy

51 - Au Pied de Cochon

84 - Gia Vin et Grill

53 - L'Express

87 - Casavant

54 - Otto

93 - Liverpool House

55 - Paloma

96 - Hoogan et Beaufort

56 - Nora Gray

98 - Le Mousso

61 - Lawrence

100 - Park

Montréal Celebrates Gastronomy

The best restaurateurs from everywhere in the province will gather in the city on May 27 for the Gala des Lauriers de la Gastronomie Québécoise. With 17 categories to celebrate, the evening will highlight the richness and diversity of Quebec's culinary scene. The talent and dedication of chefs, restaurateurs and all those who contribute to making local gastronomy a real tourist attraction will also be honored during the ceremony. Once again, this year, Tourisme Montréal is committed to gastronomic excellence and will award a prize in the gourmet tourism category. This award recognizes the crucial role of local cuisine in the overall visitor experience.

The Taste of Place Summit in Montréal

Montréal has been selected to host the second edition of the Taste of Place Summit, an annual conference on culinary tourism and agritourism in Canada. The event will be held from May 26 to 28 at the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec. Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal will take the stage to explain the key role the organization plays in highlighting the growing importance of gastronomy in the tourism industry. He will also explore the links between local cuisine, cultural identity, and tourist attraction.

About Tourisme Montréal

Tourisme Montréal is a 100-year-old private, non-profit organization that works to position Montréal as an international-calibre leisure and business travel destination. To this end, the organization is piloting innovative hospitality strategies with a two-fold objective: ensuring that visitors enjoy a memorable experience and maximizing tourism economic spin-offs in a sustainable way with long-term impacts for the city. Uniting nearly 1,000 businesses and organizations working directly or indirectly in tourism, Tourisme Montréal plays a leading role in the management and development of Montréal's tourism business, and makes recommendations on issues surrounding the city's economic, urban and cultural development. For more information, go to www.mtl.org.

Puerto Vallarta Welcomes All For Pride Celebrations May 20-26

Vallarta Pride 2024, one of Latin America's largest Pride celebrations, will take place May 20-26, welcoming travelers from around the globe to join in a celebration of love, acceptance, and joy against the backdrop of sun, sand, and sea. Vallarta Pride was created to showcase all the unique elements that have made Puerto Vallarta a favorite resort destination of the international gay community. It's no surprise Puerto Vallarta was named the "Beach Destination of the Year'' at the LGBTQ+ Travel Awards Mexico in 2023.

Nestled along the stunning Banderas Bay on the Mexican Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta has long been celebrated as one of the best cities in the world, as recognized by Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious Reader's Choice Awards. Puerto Vallarta's seamless blend of LGBTQ+ inclusive culture with traditional Mexican heritage creates an inviting atmosphere characterized by cobblestone streets, an esplanade with open-air sculptures, and a lively nightlife scene. With pristine beaches and a reputation for embracing diversity, Puerto Vallarta stands as a beacon of inclusivity and acceptance for all. The 11th annual edition of Vallarta Pride, under the theme "Sun & the Beach," kicks off with opening parties across all of the destination's main gay bars and clubs. Set along the iconic Los Muertos gay beach in charming Zona Romántica, Mantamar Beach Club will be the center of the action, hosting a medley of live performances over six dynamic days.

Event highlights include:

PV Pride Pet Parade (May 20): Calling all dog lovers for the 2nd annual Vallarta Pride Pet Parade benefiting Puppy Paradise dog shelter. At 7 p.m. the dog walk along the Malecon will commence offering breathtaking views of the ocean and city skyline during sunset. For those without a furry friend, Puppy Paradise will provide dogs from the shelter for participants to walk, but reservations must be made in advance.

Pink Dinner (May 22): Serving as the official opening event for Vallarta Pride, this elegant affair promises an evening of solidarity, complete with a four-course dinner, live DJ, fireworks, and the prestigious "Pride Vanguard Award'' presented by the Vallarta Pride Committee. Proceeds benefit the local LGBTQ+ community.

Sun Festival (May 22-24): A non-stop celebration of fashion, food, and LGBTQ+ culture, the event features a lineup of national and international performers on the main stage, alongside exhibitor stalls and culinary delights.

Carrera Rainbow Run (May 25): Puerto Vallarta's most colorful race of the year, this recreational race spans scenic 3K and 6K routes along the famed Malecon.

Pride Parade (May 25): Moving from its usual Thursday night slot to Saturday, the colors of the rainbow take over the streets of Puerto Vallarta in a Pride celebration unlike any other in the world, traveling down the city's main avenue and the Malecon, ending in Olas Altas Street at the Romantic Zone. Here, the fun continues with the ever-popular block party on Lazaro Cárdenas Street.

Beach Party (May 25): New this year, an electrifying beach party will follow the parade, featuring a grand stage set on the city's sandy shores with a lineup of live performances to keep the energy soaring.

Art Exhibition (May 26): Vallarta Pride wraps with a fundraising cocktail party that promises an evening of art and celebration.

While Vallarta Pride takes center stage, visitors are invited to explore the year-round allure of the city's cosmopolitan Zona Romántica, home to LGBTQ+ owned or managed establishments, as well as the renowned Los Muertos Beach, Mexico's most famous gay beach

About Puerto Vallarta

Nestled between the rugged Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay on Mexico's balmy Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is the quintessential Mexican beach destination. Puerto Vallarta's year-round warm climate, easy direct access from major markets in the United States and Canada, and a range of accommodation options have made it a top choice for a stress-free tropical escape. Authentic culture can be discovered around every corner in Puerto Vallarta, from the charming cobblestone streets downtown to the art-filled Malecon, and the lively Romantic Zone – a favorite enclave amongst LGBTQ+ travelers. Puerto Vallarta's picturesque beaches and aquatic activities lure travelers, and its welcoming hospitality, top-notch gastronomy, and outdoor adventures keep them coming back time and time again.

For more details, please visit: https://visitpuertovallarta.com/events/vallarta-pride-2024

Mary Cassatt At Work At The Philadelphia Museum Of Art, May 18–September 8

Maternal Caress, 1896, Mary Stevenson Cassatt (American, 1844–1926), 1970-75-2.

Mary Cassatt at Work

May 18–September 8

A celebrated member of the French Impressionists, Pennsylvania-born Mary Cassatt challenged the conventional expectations of Philadelphia’s elite. In Paris, Cassatt committed herself to a career as a professional artist and made the social, intellectual, and working lives of modern women a core subject of her prints, paintings, and pastels. Though recognized in her lifetime for her intimate depictions of women and children, Cassatt has yet to be appreciated for her serious engagement with the realities of gender and labor in her portrayal of other traditionally feminine activities, such as embroidery, reading, or making social appearances.

These depictions lie at the heart of Mary Cassatt at Work, which will present over 130 diverse works that follow the artist’s evolving practice and demonstrate her interest in the “serious work” of artmaking. The exhibition will present new findings about the materials she used and her processes—which were advanced for her era—as it coincides with a detailed technical study of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s significant Cassatt holdings.

Mary Cassatt at Work is the first major showing of the artist’s oeuvre since 1998–99. By considering her professionalism, her biography, and the wider Parisian world she inhabited, a richer and more complex picture of Cassatt develops, inviting contemporary conversations about gender, work, and artistic agency.

Tickets & Promotions

Mary Cassatt at Work is a separately ticketed exhibition. Tickets are for timed entry every thirty minutes from 11:00 a.m. until an hour and a half before close each day. Your timed ticket is for entry to the exhibition queue; entry wait times may be extended during higher volume moments, which include hours late in the day and weekends.

Member Benefits

Members receive unlimited access to Mary Cassatt at Work with their membership card, no tickets required. Member guest tickets must be booked in advance.

For tickets and more details, please visit: https://www.philamuseum.org/mary-cassatt-tickets-events

Swiss International Airlines Begins New Service From Toronto To Zurich

Great news for those in the Toronto area looking to travel to Switzerland, Europe and beyond: Today, SWISS launched five weekly flights from Toronto to Zurich, that will operate throughout the summer season. Toronto joins Montreal as the two Canadian gateways with SWISS service. With this new flight, and the recent addition of service to Washington DC from Zurich, SWISS is expanding its route network throughout North America.

“We are extremely excited to launch direct service from Zurich to Toronto,” said Heike Birlenbach, Chief Commercial Officer, SWISS. “SWISS expands its intercontinental service again. We just launched flights to Washington DC, and now with this new Toronto flight, we have increased our footprint in North America to ten gateways.”

The Toronto flight is one of three new intercontinental routes SWISS is launching this summer season, with Washington DC launching on March 28 and Seoul, South Korea, which just began service on May 8.

SWISS flight LX81 departs Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) at 4:25pm and arrives in Zurich at 06:30am, the following day. SWISS flight LX80 departs Zurich Airport (ZRH) at 09:55am and arrives back in Toronto at 1:00pm. All times are local. The seasonal flights will be operated five times a week by an A330-300 long-haul aircraft with 236 seats in a three-class configuration on this new route.

SWISS – the airline

SWISS, the leading airline of Switzerland, operates one of the youngest fleets in Europe with 87 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. It has transformed Zurich Airport into one of the continent’s leading hubs. Currently serving 114 destinations from Switzerland, the airline carried some 16.5 million passengers in 2023 and is focused on continuing to offer customers in Switzerland and beyond a premium experience in all classes. As part of its investments for the future, SWISS has earmarked five billion Swiss Francs by 2027 encompassing new environmentally friendly aircraft, like the A350-900, entering service next year, as well as its Swiss Senses onboard long-haul product upgrade. The investments will also boost sustainability endeavors and new staff recruitment.

SWISS onboard experience

The SWISS A330-300 aircraft has a three-class configuration consisting of eight First Class armchair seats, 45 Business Class seats and 183 Economy Class seats.

In First Class, the seats can be turned into a lounge armchair, a table for two, or a bed with a mattress and privacy walls. Guests can adjust the integrated air cushions to suit their individual needs. Business Class seats offer a spacious workplace that converts into a roomy two-meter flat bed. Also, the seat’s integrated massage function will pamper guests while enroute and ensure that you arrive relaxed at your destination.

Culinary offerings while onboard

Since December 2002, SWISS has been taking First and Business Class travelers on its long-haul services from Switzerland on a journey of culinary discovery through its home country’s various regions. Every three months a new Michelin-starred and GaultMillau-point top chef is invited to create a varied selection of quality dishes from their ‘home’ canton, with a particular focus on regional and seasonal specialties.

Sustainability goals

SWISS has set the goal to redefine air travel for its customers, all while staying true to its ambitious sustainability goals for the future. The company plans to halve its 2019 net CO2 emissions by 2030 and make its business and operations entirely carbon-neutral by 2050, particularly by promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuels. The coming A350 aircraft will cut CO2 emissions by some 25 percent compared to its predecessor A340. While SWISS has one of Europe’s most modern aircraft fleets already, the A350s will assist in continuing to offer a high level of customer satisfaction while further reducing the carbon footprint.

Lufthansa Group in Toronto and North America

The Lufthansa Group carriers fly from 31 North American gateways, offering 484 weekly frequencies. At Pearson International Airport, Group carriers – Lufthansa and SWISS – now operate 19 weekly frequencies to Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich and 88 weekly frequencies throughout Canada.

SWISS brings Switzerland closer to Toronto

While SWISS is popular for its global network, as the airline of Switzerland it is eager to offer Canadian travelers a new service straight to the country’s leading tourist destinations.

“Switzerland is high on the list as one of Europe’s most breathtaking countries, offering skiing in the Alps, pristine landscapes and a stellar rail system that brings travelers to all parts of the country with extreme ease,” said Christina Meakin, Head of Sales Canada for the Lufthansa Group. “Our new SWISS flight brings a much-needed direct access to Zurich, and for this we are grateful,” she added.

Worldwide connectivity with the Lufthansa Group network

SWISS customers gain access to a worldwide network as the airline is a part of the Lufthansa Group, Europe’s largest airline group. Passengers benefit from the direct connection to all major LHG hubs, as well as a continuous booking process and seamless transfers to destinations across the globe.

The New Service in Brief

Route Flight number Flight days Departure – Arrival (local times) Toronto – Zurich LX81 5x Weekly 04:25pm-06:30am Zurich – Toronto LX80 5x Weekly 09:55am-01:00pmRoute Flight number Flight days Departure – Arrival (local times) Toronto – Zurich LX81 5x Weekly 04:25pm-06:30am Zurich – Toronto LX80 5x Weekly 09:55am-01:00pm Route Flight number Flight days Departure – Arrival (local times) Toronto – Zurich LX81 5x Weekly 04:25pm-06:30am Zurich – Toronto LX80 5x Weekly 09:55am-01:00pm Flights are now available at http://www.swiss.com.Flights are now available at http://www.swiss.com. Flights are now available at http://www.swiss.com.

Travelore News: Airbnb Slumps As Gloomy Forecast Fans Slowdown Fears

Airbnb shares (ABNB.O), opens new tab tumbled nearly 7% in afternoon trading after weak forecasts for the second quarter stoked investor fears about slowing growth at the vacation rental firm and took the shine off a strong quarterly profit beat.

The Easter holiday occurring in the first quarter rather than the second and currency-exchange impacts were partly to blame for Airbnb projecting current-quarter revenue below lofty Wall Street estimates.

It also forecast the growth rate of room nights booked would be relatively flat on a sequential basis, but the company's average daily rate is expected to be modestly higher year-over-year.

Normalizing leisure travel demand in the U.S. has also been a concern for investors.

"Airbnb failed to deliver a beat/raise on nights, which we believe was necessary to ease concerns about slowing growth and risk of downside to consensus estimates for accelerating growth in (the second half of 2024 and in 2025)," Jefferies analysts said.

According to BTIG analysts, Airbnb's forecast implied nights booked of about 125 million to 127 million in the second quarter. That compared with consensus estimates of 129.2 million, LSEG data showed.

"While Airbnb topped the Q1 guide, it was shy of more aggressive buyside expectations in the quarter and the Q2 outlook," BTIG's Jake Fuller wrote in a client note.

Still, some analysts noted the slump in shares was stemming from undue investor concern.

"We think the pullback is an overreaction to weaker second-quarter guidance ... the outlook for 2024 is relatively unchanged, in our view," said Morningstar analyst Dan Wasiolek.

Shares of Airbnb, which have gained 16% so far this year through last close, were at $148.23 by 1625 GMT on Thursday. They were trading about 33.31 times their forward profit estimates, compared with Booking Holdings' (BKNG.O), opens new tab 19.40 multiple.

Reporting by Deborah Sophia, Kannaki Deka, Aishwarya Jain, Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath, Reuters.

Port Canaveral Plans New Cruise Terminal To Meet Growing Industry Demand

Port Canaveral announced its plan today to build a new cruise terminal to meet the growing demands of the cruise industry. The strategic decision to build a new multi-user cruise terminal at the Port’s existing North 8 berth provides significant cost savings, operational flexibility, and an expedited construction timeline of approximately two years to accommodate the largest ships in the world across a spectrum of brands.

“We have cruise partners with immediate needs to locate assets in Florida and Port Canaveral is where they want to be,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “Our ability to efficiently bring a new cruise terminal online was key to retaining and growing this important business segment that supports many jobs and delivers high value to our regional and state economy.”

Port Canaveral’s existing North 8 berth shares its basin with the Port’s Cruise Terminal 5 on the northside of Port Canaveral. Designed and built in 2018 for multi-purpose flexibility, North 8 berth will require minimal modifications to extend the current 1,020 linear feet bulkhead to 1,344 feet to accommodate large cruise vessels. Additionally, waterside improvements to the northside of the shared basin will also extend and improve the berthing capacity of Cruise Terminal 5.

The new multi-user cruise terminal and parking facility will leverage technology to provide optimal flexibility for multi-users, multi-brands. The North 8 location, current berth configuration and vacant uplands affords the opportunity for minimal disruption to current port and tenant operations during construction.

"A new cruise terminal and the business it will deliver builds on our Board’s commitment to the economic prosperity of our Port community," said Micah Loyd, Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners. “This proactive, business-oriented strategy reaffirms our commitment to ensure the State of Florida continues to prosper from cruise tourism and remains the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’.”

Timeline for design, engineering, and construction are in development with target completion for the new facility by summer 2026. The new terminal campus will include a multi-story parking facility to accommodate up to 3,000 vehicles and roadway improvements in and out of the new facility, including turning lanes and a “flyover” ramp directly connecting the site with State Road 401.

Four Seasons To Expand Saudi Arabian Portfolio Alongside Dar Al Omran Company With New Hotel In Madinah

Leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons and Saudi-based development firm Dar Al Omran Company announce plans for continued expansion in the Middle East with Four Seasons Hotel Madinah, anticipated to open in late 2024.

The new-build hotel will be located at the heart of Madinah and steps from one of the most historic and significant sites in the region: Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet's Mosque. The city has a storied history, drawing millions of visitors each year to its art centres, museums and heritage sites that include the inspiring Mount Uhud and Quba Mosque, which is regarded as the oldest mosque in the world.

"As we continue to grow our portfolio in the Kingdom, we are thrilled to introduce Four Seasons Hotel Madinah to one of Saudi Arabia's most fascinating markets," says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. "Together with our partners at Dar Al Omran Company, we are dedicated to honouring the historic importance of Madinah and the significance it holds as a highly-revered destination for the Islamic world while welcoming a new generation of visitors to uncover all the city has to offer."

Four Seasons Hotel Madinah will feature 246 guest rooms and suites, multiple distinct restaurant and lounge concepts, expansive meeting and event space, a fitness centre and a well-appointed spa. HKS led the conceptual architectural design of the Hotel, while LW Design Group will lead the interior design of guest rooms and public areas, with AvroKO leading the interior design of the lobby, reception and dining outlets.

The new Hotel will be led by General Manager Waleed Sobhy, whose Four Seasons tenure began 20 years ago as Outlet Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. From there, Sobhy took on progressively senior roles, leading him to become Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence. Most recently, Sobhy played an integral role in the multi-million dollar renovation and enhancement project of the award-winning Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh as Resort Manager, introducing new accommodations, meeting and event spaces, culinary outlets, and beyond to the beloved property. Sobhy will soon begin building the preopening team that will bring the new Hotel to life.

"It is with great pride that I take this next step in my Four Seasons career with a new property that adds to Four Seasons growing, dynamic portfolio in the Middle East," comments Sobhy on his appointment. "It's an exciting time as we prepare to open our doors later this year, creating a new luxury experience that deeply honours the importance of Madinah, while introducing the legendary personalized and unscripted service that only Four Seasons can offer."

Modern design elements of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, or the Prophet's Mosque, will be woven into the Hotel's aesthetic, ensuring that the cultural and spiritual identity of Madinah is reflected throughout while offering guests a tranquil sanctuary for gathering, celebration and self-reflection. Each detail of the upcoming Hotel has been curated with the guest in mind to provide an exceptional experience powered by Four Seasons service and genuine care for guests.

Four Seasons Hotel Madinah will be steps from the Prophets Mosque, closely connected to the cities of Makkah and Jeddah via high-speed railway network and 20 minutes from the Madinah International Airport. The Hotel will join the growing portfolio of Four Seasons properties in Saudi Arabia including Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh At Kingdom Centre and the upcoming Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Jeddah at the Corniche, Four Seasons Resort Red Sea at Shura Island, Four Seasons Resort NEOM at Sindalah, and Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay.

Jeddah Tower: Everything You Need To Know About The Soon-To-Be World’s Tallest Skyscraper

What do Philadelphia City Hall, the Empire State Building, and the Burj Khalifa have in common? They’ve all held the title of the world’s tallest skyscraper. And eventually Jeddah Tower, a neo-futuristic skyscraper planned in Saudi Arabia, will join the ranks among these iconic structures.

Designed by Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the structure will stand at 3,281 feet tall when completed in the next four to five years, nearly 11 times the height of the Statue of Liberty. “The design for Jeddah Tower is rooted in the symbolism of Saudi Arabia while looking toward the future by being technologically expressive,” explain Smith and Gill in a joint statement to AD. “Its slender, subtly asymmetrical massing evokes the new growth of palm fronds shooting upward from the land—a symbol of new life heralding future growth for the kingdom.”

Where will Jeddah Tower be located?

Jeddah Tower will be located in the city from which it gets its name, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A port area, the city borders the Red Sea and is the second-most populated in the Middle Eastern country. When complete, the skyscraper will join other architectural marvels in Jeddah, such as the Penang Floating Mosque and Al Balad, the town’s historic center featuring homes from coral.

The building is designed in a neo-futuristic style, an avant-garde aesthetic often underpinned by the use of world-class technology and a rethinking of both the form and function of developments. Renderings show a singular, slender tower, which subtly tapers towards its apex. As Smith and Gill explain, the shape is inspired by new palm fronds, which are abundant in Saudi Arabia.

Though the design is meant to honor its Saudi Arabian origins, it also represent the pinnacle of super-tall design and the technological evolution that has allowed such monumental design to become a reality. “The geometry of the tower starting at the base as a single tripod form then gradually separating at the spire, is tied to the wind performance characteristics of the tower—an analogy of new growth fused with technology,” the pair add.

When will Jeddah Tower be completed?

Jeddah Tower’s construction started back in 2013 but was paused in 2018. Its contractor, the Binladin Group, was taken off the project following the the 2017–2019 Saudi Arabian purge when its president, Bakr bin Laden, half-brother to Osama Bin Laden, was arrested. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in further delays; though in September 2023 Dezeen reported that construction had restarted.

“Jeddah Tower construction has restarted…the tower is expected to be completed within four to five years,” the Jeddah Economic Company (JEC), the developer, confirms in a statement to AD. The business has solicited several contractors for proposal, and JEC is currently assessing bids. “We’re targeting to select a contractor within two to three months,” the statement finishes.

How much of Jeddah Tower is complete?

Before it was halted, builders had finished about a third of the building. When completed, the tower will stand at around 3,281 feet, or one kilometer. It will be about 564 feet taller than the Burj Khalifa, designed by Smith while he was working at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, which currently holds the record for the world’s tallest skyscraper.

What will Jeddah Tower hold?

Similar to the Burj Khalifa, Jeddah Tower is expected to be a mixed-use building, offering both residential, commercial, and office space. There will also be an observation deck (currently planned to be the world’s tallest), a Four Seasons hotel, and a 98-foot-diameter outdoor balcony, which was originally designed as a helipad.

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/contributor/katherine-mclaughlin

Cairo Is Bursting At The Seams, So Egypt Is Building A New $58 Billion Capital 30 Miles Away. Take A Look.

Like Indonesia, Egypt is building a new capital — although in this case, it's responding to the challenge of overcrowding.

The existing capital, Cairo, is home to about 22 million people, making it one of the world's most densely populated metropolitan areas. Policymakers believe that constructing new city could help to reduce congestion there.

It has yet to be given an official name but is often to referred to as the New Administrative Capital.

The city is being built in the desert 30 miles away from Cairo and already hosts an imposing skyscraper in the central business district.

Egypt's government has forecast that the new administrative capital will cost $58 billion to complete.

More than 1,500 families have already moved there, CNN reported, citing Khaled Abbas, chairman of the Administrative Capital for Urban Development, which oversees the project.

The plan is for it to eventually have 6.5 million residents. Take a closer look at the details.

Egypt announced its plan for a new capital in March 2015

Egypt's government unveiled its plan to build the capital over nine years ago, estimating at the time that the project would cost $45 billion. The new city is one of several mega projects announced under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's leadership. He's also mulling further whether the Suez Canal can be further expanded.

When the project was announced, then-housing minister Mostafa Madbouly said it was part of a plan to reduce congestion in Cairo over four decades. Greater Cairo's population was on track to double to about 36 million within that timeframe, he added.

Officials picked a site in the desert, 30 miles east of Cairo

The new city is located between Cairo and the seaport city of Suez. It's connected to the old capital by an electrified light railway system that opened in July 2022.
<>br />Here's what the area looked like before construction started

The Atlantic used past satellite imagery from Google Earth to take a snapshot of what the Egyptian government's chosen site looked like 10 years ago before construction started.

This is how it’s changed since then

The site now has government, business, and residential districts, and is home to many civil servants and their families. Fourteen government ministries and entities have relocated to the new capital as of this month.

At the center of the city is the Iconic Tower, Africa's tallest building

The skyscraper, which was completed last year, stands at around 396 meters. It has 77 floors for a mixture of residential, office, and hotel uses.

The new capital is also home to one of Africa's largest mosques ...

The Grand Mosque can hold 107,000 worshippers, the BBC reported. As of last year, it was home to the world's heaviest chandelier, which weighed more than 50,000 pounds.

... and a massive stadium

The venue, known as the New Administrative Capital Stadium, can hold nearly 94,000 people. It's part of the "Olympic City" complex, which the government hopes will help it win the right to host major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup.<>br />
But some are concerned about the project's huge cost

Egypt has said the project will be funded by state-owned enterprises and money it can rake in from selling land — but some critics believe the country shouldn't be spending so much money on a new capital.

Political analyst Maged Mandour previously told The New York Times that the government was "borrowing money from abroad to build a massive city for the rich," reflecting the fact it's taken out billion-dollar loans from the IMF.
https://www.businessinsider.com/author/george-glover