In April, the cost of obtaining a short-term visa to visit Sri Lanka doubled from $50 to $100. The Ministry of Tourism in Sri Lanka attributed this price hike to a “technical issue” with the transition from internal Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) to an e-visa system managed by VFS Global, a visa processing company. The
Travel
Several major airlines, in conjunction with an industry trade association, have banded together to challenge a new Department of Transportation rule. This rule mandates earlier disclosure of add-on fees when booking flights. The trade group Airlines for America, along with Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and United airlines, have taken a stand against this regulation.
Emirates airline, based in Dubai, has announced a record annual profit of 17.2 billion dirhams ($4.7 billion) for the financial year 2023-2024. This marks a significant increase of 63% from the previous year, indicating a strong financial performance. The airline, known as the flag carrier of the UAE, has capitalized on the recovering travel sector
One of the most significant changes in the travel industry in recent years has been the transformation of all-inclusive resorts into a haven for luxury travelers. In the aftermath of the pandemic, there was a surge in demand for all-inclusive vacations, driven by the desire for stress-free and easy-to-plan getaways with a focus on wellness.
Boeing, one of the leading aircraft manufacturers in the world, is facing a safety crisis that has raised concerns among its customers. Emirates, one of Boeing’s biggest customers, expressed frustration with the safety crisis and the subsequent delays in order deliveries. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO of Dubai’s flagship Emirates airline,
Responding to customer complaints is often a challenging task for individuals working in the service industry. Finding the right words and conveying the appropriate level of contrition can be time-consuming and tedious. However, with the introduction of generative AI, this process has been revolutionized. Businesses can now leverage AI-powered tools like ChatGPT to automate the
Viking is not your typical cruise operator. Unlike many other cruise lines, Viking caters specifically to high-income baby boomers who are seeking a more upscale, adult-oriented experience. With a focus on attracting the “thinking person,” Viking sets itself apart by offering a more curated and intellectually stimulating onboard experience. This approach means no kids and
Dubai, known for its opulent lifestyle and futuristic architecture, is set to transform the aviation industry with a groundbreaking $35 billion plan. The leadership of Dubai has approved the construction of a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport, making it five times larger than the current Dubai International Airport. This ambitious project aims
In recent times, there has been a noticeable shift in the behavior of pandemic-era yacht owners who are now choosing to transition back to dry land. This shift comes on the heels of a surge in yacht sales brought about by the pandemic. According to Richard Allen, the chief operating officer of Simpson Marine, there
Moving from one country to another for work can be both exciting and daunting. As someone who recently relocated from the United States to Singapore, I can attest to the fact that the experience is filled with unique challenges and rewards. The opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture and focus on personal growth
Southwest Airlines’ CEO Bob Jordan recently disclosed that the company is exploring potential alterations to its single-class, open-seating cabins with the goal of enhancing revenue. This potential shift could be one of the most significant changes in the airline’s history. For years, Southwest has maintained a fleet consisting solely of Boeing 737 aircraft with a
American Airlines recently reported a loss in the first quarter of the year, but they are hopeful for a positive turnaround in the upcoming period. Their forecast for the second quarter has surpassed analysts’ estimates, with a projected earnings per share of $1.15 to $1.45. This outlook is significantly higher than the average estimate of
NASA recently shared shocking images of Dubai and Abu Dhabi before and after the United Arab Emirates experienced a historic deluge. The rainfall led to severe floods that paralyzed the country and left a trail of destruction in its wake. These images, captured by NASA Earth Observatory using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey,
As Airbnb’s freshly appointed chief business officer and former CFO, Dave Stephenson is not only crucial for the company’s future growth but also an active Airbnb host. His approach to hosting reflects his vision for the future of Airbnb, where he shares local knowledge and personal touch with guests at his mountain cabin near Seattle.
JetBlue Airways experienced a significant blow as its shares plunged more than 10% in premarket trading following the announcement of a lowered revenue forecast for 2024. The carrier projected a potential drop of up to 10.5% in second-quarter revenue compared to the previous year, which was more than double the decline anticipated by analysts. Struggling
Tim Clark, the CEO of Emirates airline, recently issued an apology letter to customers after historic rains in the United Arab Emirates caused chaos and mayhem at Dubai’s airport. Hundreds of flights were grounded, leaving thousands of customers stranded. In the letter published on the airline’s website, Clark expressed his sincere apologies to every affected
In the ever-evolving landscape of smart cities, Europe and Asia have taken the lead according to the 2024 Smart City Index released by the IMD World Competitiveness Center. The index, produced in collaboration with the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) based in Seoul, South Korea, ranks 142 smart cities worldwide based on extensive data
Unclaimed Baggage, a store that acquires lost items from airlines, recently released its “Found Report: A Look Inside America’s Lost Luggage,” showcasing some of the most bizarre discoveries in 2023. From live snakes to a mounted ram head, the list is nothing short of eclectic. CEO Bryan Owens described the report as a fun way