Travelore News: New Lufthansa Allegris First Class Takes Off On November 9

The time has come: in a few days, Lufthansa Allegris First Class, the flagship of the new cabin on long-haul routes, will take off on a scheduled flight for the first time. The first destinations will be in India: Bangalore on November 9 and Mumbai on November 15. The Allegris First Class offering will alternate between the two destinations. Two individual suites and the globally unique Suite Plus in the A350-900 will then take off on a scheduled flight for the first time. After a technical introduction phase, Lufthansa will initially present the new, innovative product to its most loyal guests by invitation. As soon as more aircraft with the new First Class are part of the fleet, targeted upgrades by passengers, and later targeted bookings, will be possible.

The furnishings in the First Class Suite set new standards: guests can heat or cool their almost one-meter-wide seats in the suite according to their personal needs. The separate suites – with ceiling-high walls and a lockable door, large table and wide seat, a huge screen and wireless over-ear headphones – set new standards in comfort and individuality in the highest class. A personal wardrobe in the suite provides ample storage space so that travelers can comfortably change and have all their personal items at hand. Individual lamps allow travelers to create their very own feel-good atmosphere. The Suite Plus also combines maximum comfort for individual guests, with the unique option of traveling together with a travel partner in a suite.

Lufthansa receives APEX Innovation Award for research into VR headsets in in-flight entertainment

Lufthansa has received the award for the world's best in-flight entertainment innovation 2024 from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). In collaboration with Meta and MSM.Digital, the airline has launched a ground-breaking in-flight entertainment initiative and is currently testing mixed reality technologies for guests. On all flights equipped with Allegris, guests in the Business Class Suite now have the opportunity to use the headsets and give feedback on what they particularly enjoyed. With the latest generation of state-of-the-art VR headsets, Lufthansa is the only airline in the world to exclusively offer content, such as captivating cinema-style movies, engaging VR 360-degree travel podcasts, interactive games and soothing relaxation exercises.

Mendocino County Named Wine Enthusiast's American Wine Region Of The Year

Mendocino County, renowned for its vast, rugged landscapes and commitment to organic and regenerative viticulture, has been named America's Wine Region of the Year for 2024 by Wine Enthusiast magazine. This prestigious honor highlights Mendocino County's rich history, diverse terroir, and growing influence within the wine industry, nationally and abroad.

Mendocino County is one of California's most distinctive and eco-conscious wine regions, and this accolade reflects the region's excellence in winemaking, sustainability efforts, and the close-knit community of winegrowers who have made Mendocino a standout destination for wine lovers looking for hidden gems.

Mendocino Winegrowers Incorporated (MWI), the organization representing the region's producers, is thrilled by the recognition. "This award is a testament to the passion, resilience, and dedication of Mendocino's wine community," said MWI Executive Director Bonnie Butcher. "Our winemakers have long been pioneers in organic and sustainable farming, dating to the Back to the Land movement, and this acknowledgment from Wine Enthusiast reinforces our commitment to producing world-class wines that reflect the terroir and values of our region.

Of the county's vast 2.5 million acres, just over 15,000 acres are planted to grapes, with about 100 wineries operating at any given time. Mendocino County's unique geography, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Mayacamas mountain range, provides the ideal climate for grape growing, resulting in a kaleidoscope of flavors for winemakers to work with. The county's 12 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) encompass many landscapes: cool, coastal vineyards with strong fog influence; warm inland valleys with rolling, sunbaked hills; and mountains covered with forest and chaparral, where grapevines cling to the slopes at 2,000+ feet. Among this array of microclimates are areas ideal for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel, as well as other notable varietals like Gewürztraminer. Mendocino County's most famous region, the Anderson Valley, is particularly known for its Pinot Noir festival every May.

"Our wines are exceptional and affordable, our leadership in organic and regenerative viticulture is unmatched, and our growers and winemakers share a strong sense of community," says third-generation Husch Vineyards co-owner Zac Robinson, whose winery won two Best in Show awards at the recent Mendocino County Wine Competition. "It all combines to make Mendocino County a really special place."

Mendocino County is also known for its accessible, old growth redwood groves, its famous Pacific coastline, and for being one of the most dog-friendly places to visit in the state. "There's something for everyone here," says Ramon Jimenez, executive director of Visit Mendocino. "Thanks to this award, more people will get to discover what we've known all along - that Mendocino County is magical." He emphasizes that Mendocino is a great place to visit year-round. "We have harvest events in September and October, a mushroom festival in November, a seafood festival in January, several whale festivals in March and April, a world-renowned film festival in May, and so many summer events I couldn't possibly list them all," says Jimenez. "And it's usually sunny."

A group of Mendocino vintners, along with MWI and Visit Mendocino, will accept the American Wine Region of the Year award on the county's behalf at the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award Gala in San Francisco on January 27, 2025.

About Mendocino Winegrowers Incorporated

Mendocino Winegrowers Incorporated (MWI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the vintners and grape growers of Mendocino County. With a focus on education, marketing, and sustainability, MWI plays a pivotal role in elevating the visibility of the region's wines, both nationally and internationally.

For more information about Mendocino County's award-winning wines, or to learn more about upcoming events and tastings, visit mendowine.com or visitmendocino.com

Xcaret Announces $700 Million Hotel Expansion

Grupo Xcaret has announced $700 million USD in a hotel expansion project. The project will see a new hotel added to the Hotel Xcaret México collection in Riviera Maya.

According to the company, the project will create 1,600 direct jobs in its first stage. The announcement was made Thursday with the Federal Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora and Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama.

Grupo Xcaret Vice Presidents David Quintana and Marcos Constandse, and Director of Strategy, Lizeth Álvarez Gorozave, announced a new phase of Hotel Xcaret México with $700 million in new infrastructure.

“This announcement is extremely important because it is the result of the confidence of investors,” said Governor Mara Lezama.

Lizeth Álvarez Gorozave reported that the investment will generate 1,600 direct jobs in the first stage. It will consist of 1,800 rooms distributed in 10 buildings, each inspired by prominent symbols of the Mayan worldview and carefully designed to meet and, in many cases, exceed the expectations of visitors.

The hotel will have 16 pools, of which four will be rooftops. In addition, to offer an even more fun experience, five slides will be installed designed for the enjoyment of the whole family.

https://riviera-maya-news.com/

Sesame Place Philadelphia Paves The Way In Accessibility By Becoming First Theme Park In The United States To Join Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

After becoming the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center™, Sesame Place Philadelphia will once again pave the way as an industry leader in accessibility as the first theme park in the United States to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The program, which helps people with non-visible disabilities, will launch at the park in early 2025.

The Sunflower, a global initiative, is a wearable tool that signals to Sesame Place Ambassadors that a guest of the park may need extra help, understanding, or time due to a disability that may not be immediately apparent. According to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, approximately 1 in 6 people live with a disability – approximately 1.3 billion people globally. While some people experience a disability that may be visible, many have a non-visible condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions. These invisible disabilities can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties.

The Sunflower program is completely voluntary, and guests who choose to participate are not required to disclose any personal information or a diagnosis. Guests who would like to participate will be able to pick up a complimentary Sunflower-branded identifier at designated locations around the park to discreetly signal that they may need additional support.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sesame Place as the first theme park in the United States to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Sesame Place has committed time and passion to implement the training to ensure that Sunflower wearers are recognized by their Ambassadors to receive the additional support, understanding and kindness they may need," said Lynn Smith, Regional Sunflower Director, United States.

As a Sunflower member, Sesame Place Philadelphia will provide Ambassadors with additional accessibility training resources to increase disability awareness at the park. The introduction of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower will complement the park's existing accessibility programs, including its Ride Access Program and Special Access Pass, which guests can enroll in at the park's Welcome Center.

"Sesame Place Philadelphia is proud to be an industry leader in accessibility," said Cathy Valeriano, President of Sesame Place Philadelphia. "Our new program furthers the park's commitment to providing an inclusive environment and helps create memorable, meaningful experiences for our guests."

Sesame Place Philadelphia has established itself as a leader in inclusivity, highlighted by its industry-lead designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) as the as the first theme park in the world to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC) in 2018. As a CAC, Sesame Place provides comprehensive training to staff, a branded IBCCES Sensory Guide, and on-site accommodations for autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities. Earlier this year, Sesame Place renewed and expanded its certification, with Ambassadors completing additional training in neurodiversity. Just last week, the park announced ASL Saturdays, a new program featuring a Certified ASL Interpreter stationed at shows throughout the park on select days.

The addition of the Sunflower program complements Sesame Place's current accessibility initiatives and CAC designation while fostering an environment in which all guests, regardless of their abilities, can participate in and fully enjoy the park's offerings.

About Sesame Place

Sesame Place® Philadelphia, the only theme park on the East Coast based entirely on the award-winning show, Sesame Street®, was the first theme park in the world to become a Certified Autism Center. The park has more than 25 Sesame Street-themed attractions, entertaining character shows and parades, an interactive Sesame Street Neighborhood, and everyone's favorite furry friends. Sesame Place Philadelphia will kick off its 45th Birthday Celebration in 2025 with a park-wide birthday bash, featuring festive décor, the return of the Sesame Street Birthday Parade, and more. Celebrate family-friendly events all year long at Sesame Place including the Mardi Gras Celebration, Elmo's Eggstravaganza, Elmo's Springtacular, Sesame Summer Splash, The Count's Halloween Spooktacular, and A Very Furry Christmas. Conveniently located 30 minutes from Philadelphia and 90 minutes from NYC, Sesame Place is ideal for families with kids of all ages. For more information, visit www.SesamePlace.com/Philadelphia and follow the park on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

About the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower enables individuals to discreetly indicate that they have a non-visible disability and may need additional assistance, understanding, or more time. Since Hidden Disabilities Sunflower was established in the UK in 2016, it has been adopted globally by businesses and charities to support their colleagues and customers. The Sunflower is recognized across a broad range of sectors - ranging from retail, financial services, transport including over 220 airports, travel and tourism, education, government, as well as healthcare, emergency service and entertainment. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is available globally and has been launched locally in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, Mauritius, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UAE, the UK and USA. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is part of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme Limited, a private company based in the UK. For further information please visit: https://hdsunflower.com

Cunard Partners With Michelin-Starred Chef Nathan Outlaw To Debut Outlaw's Fish Kitchen On Queen Victoria For Mediterranean Voyages

Cunard, renowned for delivering exceptional luxury at sea, is proud to announce a new partnership with Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw. Together, they will bring the celebrated Outlaw's Fish Kitchen* to life on select Queen Victoria Mediterranean voyages.

Guests will be treated to an exclusive culinary experience as Nathan Outlaw brings his award-winning Outlaw's Fish Kitchen to sea. Outlaw will personally oversee a series of intimate, five-course seafood tasting menus, featuring the finest Mediterranean ingredients, crafted with his signature flair.

The intimate, 60-guest dining events will offer an elevated seafood experience, combining Outlaw's culinary vision with the exquisite setting of the Mediterranean coast, ensuring every meal is a special occasion.

The trailblazing restaurateur and esteemed Rick Stein protégé will collaborate with the luxury cruise line to exclusively deliver a quartet of Outlaw's Fish Kitchen residencies aboard Queen Victoria during her Mediterranean season next summer.

The four-voyage series kicks off aboard a 14-night sailing from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome) on July 7, with Outlaw sailing on the first seven nights of the voyage.

The wider collaboration

Whilst on board, Outlaw will host live cooking demonstrations and appear as an Insights Speaker in the Royal Court Theatre for a series of intimate Q&As focused on his rise to culinary stardom.

The news follows August's announcement that Cunard will reunite with two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux for a new series of Le Gavroche at Sea takeovers across four Fjords voyages in 2025.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "At Cunard, we take great pride in curating exceptional dining experiences and this collaboration with Nathan Outlaw is no exception. Nathan's reputation for excellence and his mastery of seafood perfectly complement our commitment to delivering the finest in luxury travel. We're thrilled to offer our guests the exclusive opportunity to enjoy Outlaw's Fish Kitchen while sailing on these beautiful Mediterranean itineraries."

Nathan Outlaw added: "Teaming up with Cunard is a really exciting opportunity and I can't wait to get on board Queen Victoria to showcase the very best of Outlaw's. Being able to cook vibrant seafood dishes as guests overlook stunning sun-kissed locations on the continent will allow us to deliver a fully immersive experience of Mediterranean cuisine. I am hugely passionate about this style of food and I am looking forward to elevating luxury dining at sea to create something really special for Cunard."

To learn more about Queen Victoria's Mediterranean voyages and experience the Outlaw's Fish Kitchen at sea, visit www.cunard.com:

Travelore News: US Airlines Are Required To Refund You For A Canceled Flight Automatically

Airlines in the United States are now required to give passengers cash refunds if their flight is significantly delayed or canceled, even if that person does not explicitly ask for a refund.

Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images

The Department of Transportation says the final federal rule requiring that airlines dole out refunds — not vouchers — went into effect Monday. The major change is being implemented only a month before the start of what is likely to be a huge holiday travel season.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made the announcement on X after he first presented the proposed rule back in April. “Today, our automatic refund rule goes into full effect,” Buttigieg posted. “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them—without headaches or haggling.”

The new rule mandates that refunds are automatically processed by an airline if a passenger’s flight is “canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept the significantly changed flight, rebooking on an alternative flight, or alternative compensation.”

The Department of Transportation says airlines must then refund a passenger within seven business days if they bought a ticket on a credit card and within 20 calendar days if they used another form of payment.

The move has faced pushback from the airline industry. In July, Buttigieg told airlines that they must make clear to passengers when they are entitled to a refund.

In a statement, industry lobby Airlines for America said, “we support the automatic refund rule and are happy to accommodate customers with a refund when they choose not to be rebooked.”

https://www.cnn.com/profiles/pete-muntean