Travelore News: Lufthansa Agrees Pay Rise With Flight Attendants After strike

Lufthansa opens new tab and the flight attendants' union UFO have agreed a pay rise for the German airline's 19,000 cabin staff, the union said on Thursday, ending the threat of strikes after wage disputes in the industry had upended travel for thousands.

Employees will receive a 16.5% total pay rise in three stages, retroactively from Jan. 1, as well as an inflation compensation bonus of 3,000 euros ($3,220.50) and an increase in other allowances. The agreement runs until the end of 2026.

Lufthansa also recently reached wage agreements with trade union Verdi for its ground staff, with no further industrial action expected.

The cabin crew union members held a strike earlier this month to press their demands for higher pay, affecting tens of thousands of passengers, according to Lufthansa.

Two collective bargaining rounds for cabin crew at Lufthansa subsidiary Discover Airlines and its regional Cityline airline are still ongoing in Germany, but according to UFO, the two sides are moving towards an agreement.

Reporting by Ilona Wissenbach, Editing by Rachel More, Reuters.

Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures Unveils First Permanent Exhibit ‘Hollywoodland’ Dedicated To Jewish History In The Industry, On View Beginning May 19, 2024.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has officially announced its first permanent exhibit, one dedicated to the Jewish history of the film industry.

The museum presents “Hollywoodland: Jewish Founders and the Making of a Movie Capital,” which will be on view beginning May 19, 2024. Presented in English and Spanish, the exhibit tells the origin story of filmmaking in early 20th-century Los Angeles, spotlighting the impact of the predominately Jewish filmmakers whose establishment of the American film studio system transformed Los Angeles into a global epicenter of cinema.

“The American film industry began developing amid an influx of immigration to the United States by Jewish émigrés escaping European pogroms and poverty,” curator Dara Jaffe said in a press statement. “Most of Hollywood’s founders were among this wave of Jewish immigrants and recognized that the infant movie business presented an opportunity to raise their marginalized status in an industry that didn’t enforce the same antisemitic barriers as many other professions. ‘Hollywoodland’ also posits the question: how and why did Los Angeles bloom into a world-renowned cinema capital? The goal of our exhibition is to show the inextricable dovetailing of these histories.”

“Hollywoodland” is curated by museum associate curator Jaffe with support from Gary Dauphin, former associate curator of digital presentations, and Josue L. Lopez, research assistant. Author and film critic Neal Gabler is an advisor for the exhibition.

“We are so proud to bring this foundational story of American filmmaking to the museum as a permanent exhibition,” Academy Museum director and president Jacqueline Stewart said. “The stories told in ‘Hollywoodland’ bring the intertwined histories of Los Angeles and the Hollywood studio system to life and resonate with stories of immigrants from around the world.”

The exhibit also includes two special events on May 19, with a book signing with Neal Gabler of “An Empire of their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood” followed by a curator conversation between Gabler and Jaffe, moderated by Stewart.

The immersive exhibit will be located in the museum’s LAIKA Gallery and organized into three distinct parts: Studio Origins, an exploration of the founding of Hollywood’s original eight “major” film studios (often referred to as “the majors”) and their respective studio heads; Los Angeles: From Film Frontier to Industry Town, 1902–1929, an immersive projection experience where visitors trace the evolving landscape of Los Angeles alongside the advancement of the movie industry; and “From the Shtetl to the Studio: The Jewish Story of Hollywood,” a short form documentary, narrated by TCM host and author Ben Mankiewicz, that illustrates the experiences of the Jewish immigrants and first-generation Jewish Americans who were primarily responsible for building the Hollywood studio system.

The Academy Museum previously faced backlash in 2022 for its alleged lack of inclusion of Black and Jewish voices. Museum director Bill Kramer announced two programs at the time aimed for more museum inclusion, including “Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898–1971” and “Hollywoodland,” which is now opening after two years despite initially having a Spring 2023 slated debut.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Blavatnik Family Foundation, Margo and Irwin Winkler, A. Scott Berg and Kevin McCormick, Jeffrey Berg and Denny Luria, the Jules Brenner Trust, Bronni Stein Connolly, Dorchester Collection, William Fox, Jr. Foundation, Adam and Abbe Aron, the Ronald L. Blanc Family, Barbara Roisman Cooper and Martin M. Cooper, the Mark Gordon Family, Hawk and Molly Koch and Family, Peter, Melissa, and Emma Koss, Gail and Warren Lieberfarb in Memory of Ted Ashley, and Elaine Mae Woo. Additional support provided by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture and David Berg Foundation. Academy Museum Digital Engagement Platform sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Source: https://www.indiewire.com/author/samantha-bergeson/

Miami Beach Welcomes All Visitors to Celebrate Pride With New Experiences

As one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the world, Miami Beach is set to welcome all travelers to celebrate Miami Beach Pride. This year, visitors will be treated to a variety of activities and experiences, all in honor of Miami Beach Pride's 16th year on Miami Beach, a testament to the support of the LGBTQ+ community from the city and surrounding areas. From rooftop cinema screenings to the signature Sunday Parade with Grand Marshal and Headliner Billy Porter, Grand Marshal Lisa Rinna and Anchor Max Fenning, Miami Beach is prepared to share the love and celebrate the remarkable journey of Miami Beach and its reputation as a destination that embraces the LGBTQ+ community and equality.

"Miami Beach Pride has a storied history on Miami Beach and we are ready to welcome the community with open arms to mark the 16th anniversary of this positive, inclusive and celebratory weekend," says Peggy Benua, Chairwoman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). "Our support of the LBGT+ community is a year-round effort with dedicated programming, offers and experiences hand-crafted to cater to traveler needs.

To mark the occasion, a variety of activities and special events are planned in the month leading up to the Miami Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, April 14, including a Social Justice, Health and Wellness Evening at O Cinema South Beach on April 10, the VIP Beach Affair on April 12 at Lummus Park and two days of Festival Celebrations for the community to connect and enjoy star-studded performances. A full list of Miami Beach Pride programming can be found at www.miamibeachpride.com

Biden And Kishida Likely To Discuss Texas Bullet Train Project

President Joe Biden is seeking to revive interest in a plan to build the first high-speed rail in the U. S. using Japanese bullet trains, with sources saying he is likely to discuss the project with Japan's prime minister in Washington this week.

The leaders may publicly voice support for the multi-billion-dollar Texas project after Wednesday's talks, which have been partly overshadowed by U.S. opposition to another Japanese investment, Nippon Steel's planned purchase of U.S. Steel.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's state visit to Washington, the first by a Japanese leader in nine years, aims to showcase closer security and economic ties between the allies.

The project linking Dallas and Houston will be on the agenda for the talks, said three sources familiar with summit preparations, who sought anonymity as they were not allowed to speak to the media.

It is likely to be mentioned in joint statements following the talks, two of the sources said.

However, a senior Biden administration official said the project did not appear to have matured to the point where the leaders would announce progress publicly.

All the sources cautioned that the details of the final agreements could change before the visit.<>br />
Japan's foreign ministry declined to comment, saying the governments were still coordinating joint statements from the talks. The White House declined to comment.

Support from the leaders could unlock new cash from the Federal Railroad Administration and other Department of Transportation funds.

But the project, estimated to cost between $25 billion and $30 billion, still faces potential hurdles in Texas and the U.S. Congress.

Biden's Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has voiced support for the plan.

"We believe in this," he said in an interview with NBC 5 on Sunday. "Obviously it has to turn into a more specific design and vision but everything I've seen makes me very excited."

With its vast distances between major cities, huge commuter population, and dearth of public transport the United States has attracted multiple high-speed rail proposals.

But none have ever been built, blocked by political wrangling, land ownership riddles and skyrocketing costs.

A train linking Houston and Dallas, the U.S.'s fourth and fifth biggest metropolitan areas by population, has been discussed since the 1980s. Previous efforts were stymied by the objections of private landowners along its route.

Biden and Kishida's support, say the project's advocates, will help attract money from private investors for a "shovel ready" plan.

The 240-mile (380-km)-long rail link, which will be built and operated by Texas Central Partners and Amtrak, is expected to cut travel times between the cities to about 90 minutes, from 3-1/2 hours by car.

Japanese state lenders, including the Japan Bank for International Corporation, have provided loans to help develop the project, which is procuring shinkansen bullet train technology from Central Japan Railways Company.

Progress with the project would be a win for the Biden administration, which has pushed climate-friendly policies and rail investment.

But it is likely to draw criticism, particularly from hardline Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives who have opposed using public funds for rail projects in the past, and oppose using them now to rebuild Baltimore' Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was destroyed by a cargo ship last month.

Plans for a possible nod of support from leaders follow Biden's opposition to Nippon Steel's plan to buy U.S. Steel Corp, saying it must remain in U.S. hands.

Biden, who signed a $1-trillion infrastructure bill in 2021 that includes $66 billion for rail projects, will face Donald Trump in November's presidential election rematch.

Reporting by Tim Kelly in Tokyo, Trevor Hunnicutt, Andrea Shalal and David Brunnstrom in Washington and Brad Brooks in Longmont, Colorado; Editing by Heather Timmons, John Geddie and Clarence Fernandez. With voters rating the economy at the top of their concerns, Democratic president Biden has pushed government-backed building projects that his aides argue could create jobs and relieve inflation pressures.

Holland America Line Becomes First Global Cruise Line To Receive International Seafood Certifications

Holland America Line is elevating its award-winning dining experience by becoming the first global cruise line to receive both Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certifications. The two organizations serve as the most credible standards worldwide for certified seafood.

The distinguished certifications take Holland America Line's Global Fresh Fish Program to the next level, underscoring the brand's commitment to serving guests the highest-quality seafood that is sourced sustainably when wild-caught and raised responsibly when farmed according to the strictest global standards.

"Our guests care about the quality and sustainability of the fresh fish we serve, and so do we," said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. "These certifications build on our commitment of bringing regionally inspired fresh seafood dishes from port to plate in 48 hours. We're proud to partner with two organizations that share our dedication to protecting the vitality of the oceans we sail."

Marine Stewardship Council | Aquaculture Stewardship Council

Marine Stewardship Council's focus is on sustainable wild-caught seafood, while Aquaculture Stewardship Council works with responsibly farmed seafood, with both organizations seeking to minimize environmental impacts. Aligning with both ecolabels signifies Holland America Line's commitment to programs that recognize and reward sustainable fishing practices, protect the ocean environment, and transform the seafood market toward greater sustainability.

"As the first global cruise line to successfully complete the Marine Stewardship Council's rigorous Chain of Custody audit, Holland America Line is extending our important work around sustainable, ocean-friendly fishing to a new category," said Erika Feller, Americas Director, Marine Stewardship Council.

"Consumer interest in sustainable fish options is growing and, by achieving this commitment, Holland America Line is helping to support our goal of ensuring responsibly farmed seafood supplies for future generations," said Chris Ninnes, CEO, Aquaculture Stewardship Council.

Onboard Dining and Guest Experience

All 11 ships in the fleet are Chain of Custody certified to serve Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified and labeled seafood, with the full rollout starting across five Holland America Line ships in May 2024 at the beginning of Europe and Canada/New England season.

They include Volendam in the Canada/New England region, and Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Zuiderdam and Oosterdam in Europe. Holland America Line's six ships in Alaska serve 100% sustainable seafood under its Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification.

Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certified seafood dishes in Holland America Line's Main Dining Room, as well as in Lido Market and onboard specialty restaurants. Certified seafood from nine regions worldwide will be incorporated into Holland America Line seafood offerings: Asia, Australia, Canada/New England, Mexico, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and Hawaii.

Onboard menus will indicate the type of certification with a symbol marked next to the dish using the Marine Stewardship Council blue fish, Aquaculture Stewardship Council sea green, and Responsible Fisheries Management logos. While not all seafood species aboard Holland America Line are currently certified, the cruise line is working toward 100% accreditation of species that are eligible to meet the organizations' standards.

Examples of seafood that will fall under the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certification umbrella on Holland America Line cruises include: Asian Barramundi, Tasmania Atlantic Salmon, Canadian and New England Haddock, Hawaiian Swordfish, Mediterranean Sardine, Mexican Tuna, Northern European Dover Sole, and South American Chilean Seabass, to name a few.

Global Fresh Fish Program

The new certifications are the latest achievements for Holland America Line's Global Fresh Fish Program. The pioneering initiative engages a global network of 60 ports to source and serve 80 types of fresh fish — from port to plate in less than 48 hours — in all restaurants on board. Guests can find fresh fish and ingredients native to various regions where the ships sail, yielding destination-inspired menus and local specialties that tell the story of each itinerary through cuisine.

Additionally, the Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council certifications fall on the heels of Holland America Line becoming the first cruise line to serve 100% fresh, certified sustainable and traceable wild Alaska seafood on board its six ships in Alaska through its Responsible Fisheries Management certification.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Swiss International Air Lines Begins New Service From Washington, DC To Zurich

Great news for those in the Washington DC area looking to travel to Switzerland, throughout Europe and beyond: This past week, SWISS launched daily flights to Washington DC from Zurich, and with this, continues to expand its route network throughout North America.

We are thrilled to launch this flight, linking these two great cities, and offering new travel opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic. Our new route is not only an important addition to the SWISS intercontinental network, but another significant milestone in the bourgeoning Swiss – US relationship,” said Dieter Vranckx, SWISS CEO, on his US visit celebrating the launch of the new service. “Washington DC is more than just another city in our growing North American network, it is the capital of our most significant market with catchment area of customers from government, business, academia and leisure,” noted Vranckx.

The daily flight is one of three new intercontinental routes SWISS is launching this summer season, with Toronto, Canada and Seoul, South Korea slated in the coming months.

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.

As a key component of the Lufthansa Group in North America, SWISS’s new DC routes make Dulles Airport one of the airline group’s leading North American gateways.

"This new SWISS route is a significant step for the Lufthansa Group in that finally all four of our network passenger airlines, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS, now serve the capital of the United States, making Washington Dulles only the second US gateway to offer customers flights to all five Lufthansa Group hubs,” said Dirk Janzen, Vice President Passenger Sales, The Americas, Lufthansa Group Airlines. “Outside of our home markets, North America is our most important region, and expanding our footprint in DC solidifies our presence across the US and Canada,” he added.

Lufthansa Group in DC and North America

The Lufthansa Group carriers fly from 31 North American gateways, offering 484 weekly frequencies. At Dulles Airport, the group operates 39 weekly frequencies. Further bolstering its presence locally, on May 31, Lufthansa will place its Airbus A380 aircraft on its Washington DC – Munich route, for the duration of the summer season.

Following the inaugural flight, Chryssa Westerlund, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said: "We extend a warm welcome to our 41st airline partner at Washington Dulles, Swiss International Air Lines. With the introduction of their new service to Zurich, Switzerland, travelers now have more options than ever to visit Europe and beyond. Washington Dulles offers nonstop service to 140 cities across the United States and around the world."

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

"In 2023, Switzerland saw a record increase of 23.4% (compared to the previous record, 2019) in overnights generated from the USA,” said Claudio Zemp, Switzerland Tourism Director, The Americas. “We see ever-increasing demand for Switzerland’s wonderful boutique towns, rustic alpine resorts, and scenic train journeys and we are extremely happy that SWISS provides additional airlift out of DC to our guests."

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% 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.

The New Service in Brief

Route Flight number Flight days Departure – Arrival (local times) Washington DC – Zurich LX 73 Daily 8:45pm-10:50am Zurich – Washington DC LX 72 Daily 12:55pm-4:15pm

Flights are now available at http://www.swiss.com.

British, French Troops March In Historic Joint Parades In London And Paris In A Show Of Solidarity

French troops joined their British counterparts in the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace for the first time Monday, marching together in a display of solidarity between Britain and France amid the war in Ukraine.

At a parallel ceremony in Paris, British soldiers wearing tall bearskin hats took part in an unprecedented joint military parade in front of the presidential Elysée Palace, as the French army choir sang the two national anthems, “God Save the King” and “La Marseillaise.”

The twin events were to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, the 1904 diplomatic agreement between Britain and France that paved the way for their collaboration in both World War I and World War II.

In a video message posted on social media on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron said the alliance serves as a foundation for deepening Anglo-French relations particularly at a time of the return of war.

“Our Entente Cordiale remains as relevant as ever,” Macron said. “Faced with the resurgence of war in Europe, we stand together to defend the values we share and to support Ukraine as it defends itself against its aggressor.”

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and his French counterpart, Stéphane Séjourné, used a joint opinion piece published Monday in the Daily Telegraph to urge allies to boost funding for Ukraine.

“It is not for France and Britain alone to solve these challenges. But, together, we can rally others to join us in overcoming them,” they wrote. “We must do even more to ensure we defeat Russia. The world is watching – and will judge us if we fail.”

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie inspected the joint parade in London, which included 32 members of the Gendarmerie’s Garde Républicaine and 40 guardsmen from the Scots Guards. Edward and Sophie were representing King Charles III, who is continuing his cancer treatment and was not at Buckingham Palace.

It was the first time a country that isn’t part of the Commonwealth group of nations has taken part in the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony, though the French troops did not participate in guarding the royal residence — a ceremonial duty that can only be performed by U.K. or Commonwealth troops.

In Paris, 16 members of the Coldstream Guards were the first foreign troops ever to take part in guarding the French presidential residence.

Britain and France said Monday’s ceremonies were part of a wider program this year to celebrate the two countries’ historic military and diplomatic ties. This includes major events in Normandy in June to commemorate the service of Allied veterans who fought to liberate France from Nazi occupation.

Last year, King Charles chose France as the destination for his first foreign visit after becoming monarch. The state visit, which was planned for March but was postponed to September amid large demonstrations in France, was a statement underlining the ties between the two countries.

BY SYLVIA HUI