Cruise Week Europe 2025 Unites Industry Leaders in Brussels to Drive Sustainability and Innovation
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced a dynamic lineup of government officials, cruise industry leaders, and international institutions for Cruise Week Europe 2025, taking place from March 12-14 in Brussels.
The event, hosted in collaboration with Cruise Port Rotterdam, the Port of Rotterdam, and the City of Rotterdam, will highlight sustainability, innovation, and resilience within the European cruise sector.
This year’s CLIA European Summit will feature a first-of-its-kind dialogue between European shipyard CEOs and cruise industry executives, reinforcing the strategic importance of shipbuilding and maritime technology to the continent’s economy.
Discussions will also explore the investment requirements for achieving...
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Coastal Mississippi 2025 Expands with New Eateries, Attractions and Luxury Stays
Coastal Mississippi, renowned for its breathtaking sixty-two miles of shoreline, vibrant culture, and timeless Southern charm, is set to elevate its status as a premier travel destination with an exciting array of new attractions, eateries, and accommodations. From innovative dining experiences to world-class hospitality and inclusive public spaces, these developments aim to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the region’s unique character.
Adding to the celebration, Coastal Mississippi proudly honors the 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists, further solidifying its place on the culinary map.
Barracuda Taco Stand (Bay St. Louis, MS) – A laid-back eatery serving fresh tacos on house-made flour tortillas...
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Six Senses Crans-Montana Welcomes Families to a Unique Wellness Retreat with Ben Greenfield
Six Senses Crans-Montana is thrilled to present the Boundless Family Retreat, taking place from May 28 to June 1, 2025. This exceptional five-star experience will be led by Ben Greenfield, a leading biohacker and longevity expert. Designed with families in mind, the retreat focuses on strengthening family connections, improving health, and enhancing wellness practices, all while immersed in the stunning natural beauty of the Swiss Alps. Greenfield describes the retreat as a rare opportunity to unite families in a profound and meaningful way, something few programs can offer.
Greenfield’s retreat offers a unique adventure that combines nutrition, exercise, a holistic wellness...
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Southern Europe’s Hospitality Sector Thrives Amid Overtourism Challenges
In 2024, Southern Europe’s hospitality industry experienced remarkable growth, driven by major events and a resurgence in international travel.
However, this success brought challenges, notably over-tourism, prompting local governments to implement measures to balance economic benefits with community well-being.
Paris Olympics Boost French Hospitality
The 2024 Paris Olympics significantly elevated France’s tourism profile. During the Games, Parisian hotels maintained occupancy rates exceeding 80%, peaking at 90.5%.
The Average Daily Rate (ADR) in Paris soared to an impressive €781 during this period, reflecting the heightened demand.
This influx not only benefited Paris but also had positive ripple effects on surrounding regions, as visitors...
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Avinor Reaches New Heights in 2024 with a 4.8% Increase in Passenger Traffic, Strengthening its Financial Position and Growth Prospects
Passenger Traffic Surge Fuels Revenue Growth in 2024
Despite these obstacles, Avinor experienced a strong rebound in passenger traffic in 2024. A total of 51.4 million passengers traveled through its airports, a 4.8 percent increase compared to 2023. The fourth quarter alone saw 12.5 million passengers, reflecting a 5.7 percent increase from the same period in 2023. International travel was the primary driver of this growth, with international passengers accounting for 43 percent of total traffic in 2024, up from 41 percent the previous year. International traffic saw an 8.9 percent increase, while domestic traffic grew by a modest 1.9 percent....
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IIHM Unites Fifty Countries With Global AI Declaration in Hospitality Pioneering the Future of Industry and Education 2025
The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), in collaboration with the International Hospitality Council (IHC), has launched the Global Knowledge Sharing Declaration on AI in Hospitality, uniting fifty countries in a groundbreaking initiative to integrate artificial intelligence into hospitality education and industry practices.
Led by Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder of IIHM and CEO of IHC UK, this declaration establishes a global collaboration framework among fifty hospitality institutions, fostering the exchange of AI-driven insights, best practices, and innovations. As part of this effort, hospitality colleges across these nations will be encouraged to adopt and expand AI-powered teaching methodologies and operational strategies. IIHM...
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Mysterious 'doomsday fish' shocks beachgoers as it approaches shallow waters
A group of beachgoers encountered an interesting-looking fish as it surfaced in shallow waters on a beach in Mexico.
The silvery, iridescent oarfish was captured on video washing onto the shores of Playa El Quemado in Baja California Sur, making a rare appearance in broad daylight.
"The fish swam straight at us, lifting its head above the water about two inches," Robert Hayes, the beachgoer who recorded the fish, told Storyful.
SPOOKY DEEP-SEA FISH RARELY SEEN BY HUMANS CAUGHT ON CAMERA IN SHALLOW WATER: 'NIGHTMARE FUEL'
"We redirected it three times out to the water, but it came back each time."
The...
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Rare police cases from 1904 found in thrift shop reveal crimes like drunk horseback riding
It is said to not judge a book by its cover and staff at a thrift shop in Casper, Wyoming, can attest to that saying.
While rummaging through donations, staff at the Rescued Treasures Thrift Store with the Wyoming Rescue Mission came across a 315-page, red leather-bound book.
Upon opening the book, the staff at the realized it was a police docket dating back to 1904.
MISSING ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS WRITTEN BY FAMOUS MATHEMATICIAN DISCOVERED BY SCIENTISTS
The police docket documented different crimes in Casper, noting the different fines after court costs.
Some of the crimes, which were committed a century ago, mentioned an assailant...
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American Express Global Business Travel Accelerates Growth With Pivotal UK Competition Ruling
American Express Global Business Travel, a leading software and services company specializing in travel, expense management, and meetings & events, has announced that the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally determined that no competition concerns have been identified regarding its proposed acquisition of a global business travel and solutions provider. The CMA’s final decision is expected by March 9, 2025.
The company continues to contest a lawsuit filed in January 2025 by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which seeks an injunction to block the proposed transaction.
According to the company, the updated provisional conclusions from...
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Qantas Airways postpones Airbus A220’s international debut to Singapore
Qantas Airways has announced a seven-month postponement of the international debut of its Airbus A220-300 aircraft, originally slated for the Darwin to Singapore route.
The service, initially scheduled to commence on March 30, 2025, will now begin in October 2025.
This delay is attributed to the extended timeline required for comprehensive pilot training programs.
Operational Adjustments
In the interim, Qantas will continue to operate the Darwin International Airport (DRW) to Singapore-Changi International Airport (SIN) route using the larger Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The Boeing 737-800 accommodates 174 passengers, compared to the Airbus A220-300’s 137-seat capacity.
Flights will operate four times per week between...
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Maryland Housing Sales Edge Up 2.1% in January 2025 Amid Rising Prices and Tight Inventory
Maryland’s housing market saw a 2.1% increase in home sales in January 2025, reaching 3,968 units, compared to 3,866 units in January 2024, according to the latest Maryland REALTORS® Housing Statistics. Meanwhile, home prices continued their upward climb—the average sales price jumped 7.1% to $480,542, while the median price rose 5.5% to $406,000.
Despite this sales growth, pending transactions declined 2.7% to 4,637 units, signaling a potential slowdown in future closings. Active inventory also fell 10.9% to 9,338 units, while new listings plummeted 16.2% to 4,980 units, further tightening supply.
Mortgage rates remain a key factor in the market’s dynamics. The 30-year...
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SIXT USA Accelerates North American Growth with New Tulsa Office, Opening March 2025
SIXT USA, the American arm of global premium mobility leader Sixt SE, is strengthening its foothold in North America with a new office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Set to open in March 2025, the office will be strategically located in the heart of downtown Tulsa’s central business district at One Technology Center, 175 E 2nd St.
As part of SIXT’s global growth strategy, the Tulsa office will play a key role in supporting the company’s rapid expansion across North America—its fastest-growing market—while reinforcing its commitment to exceptional customer service.
Initially spanning approximately 15,000 square feet and employing 70 people, the office is expected...
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Avianca Launches New Nonstop Route from Fort Lauderdale to Managua Starting May 2025: New Update You Need To Know
Avianca is expanding its network with a new direct route between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Managua (MGA), offering daily service beginning May 10, 2025. This latest addition enhances connectivity between South Florida and Nicaragua’s capital, providing seamless travel options for both business and leisure passengers.
With this new route, Avianca strengthens its presence in Fort Lauderdale, complementing its existing flights to Bogotá and its recently introduced service to MedellÃÂn, Colombia. The airline’s expansion into Nicaragua offers travelers a convenient gateway to explore Managua’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant history, and growing business landscape.
This move underscores Avianca’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity, ensuring...
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European Tourism Thrives Amid Economic and Environmental Challenges in 2024
In 2024, European tourism demonstrated remarkable resilience, overcoming economic pressures and environmental challenges to achieve record numbers in overnight stays.
According to Eurostat, the European Union (EU) recorded an estimated 2.99 billion nights spent in tourist accommodations, marking an increase of 53.4 million nights, or 2%, compared to the previous year.
Economic Pressures and Inflation
The tourism sector faced significant economic headwinds, notably high inflation rates.
The European Commission’s Winter 2024 Economic Forecast projected a decline in the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) inflation from 6.3% in 2023 to 3.0% in 2024, with a further decrease to 2.5% anticipated in 2025.
Despite...
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Why Caribbean and Asia Are the Top Alternative Destinations for American Travelers as They Ditch Europe for St. Lucia, British Virgin, Cayman Islands, Barbados, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and India
American travelers are ditching Europe in favor of the Caribbean and Asia, drawn by visa-free access, lower costs, and unique travel experiences that outshine overcrowded European destinations. With rising frustrations over soaring prices, overtourism protests, and strict regulations in cities like Paris, Venice, and Barcelona, more U.S. tourists are choosing destinations like St. Lucia, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Barbados, Thailand, Japan, Korea, and India. These locations offer pristine beaches, diverse cultures, and more affordable luxury, making them the new top picks for American travelers looking for stress-free, immersive vacations.
But why the sudden move away from Europe? Rising...
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KTO unveils its K-Incentive Scheme 3.0 to attract Indian tourists
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has introduced the K-Incentive Scheme 3.0, a strategic initiative aimed at increasing the influx of Indian tourists to South Korea in 2025.
This program seeks to engage Indian travel agencies in promoting customized travel packages that showcase both Seoul and other captivating regions such as Busan, Gangwon-do, Jeollanam-do, and Jeollabuk-do.
By offering performance-based rewards and direct visa support, KTO aims to strengthen tourism ties between India and South Korea.
Program Objectives
The K-Incentive Scheme 3.0 is designed with three primary objectives:
Program Details
Customized Package Development
Participating travel agencies are required to develop bespoke Korea travel packages that include at...
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Maryland Real Estate Market Faces Uncertain 2025 as Home Sales Climb 2.1% in January, but Rising Prices, Declining Inventory, and Mortgage Rate Pressures Challenge Affordability
Maryland real estate market showed a measured start to 2025, with home sales increasing 2.1% in January compared to the same period last year. According to Maryland REALTORS®, 3,968 properties changed hands last month, slightly up from 3,866 in January 2024. However, rising home prices and dwindling inventory continue to shape market conditions, making affordability a growing concern for buyers.
The average home price surged 7.1% to $480,542, while the median price climbed 5.5% to $406,000, reflecting ongoing competition in the market. Meanwhile, pending sales—a key indicator of future closings—declined by 2.7% to 4,637 units, suggesting that buyer enthusiasm may be...
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Avianca expands US-Latin America connectivity with new direct routes
Avianca, a leading Latin American airline, is set to enhance its connectivity between the United States and Central America with the introduction of several new direct routes in 2025.
These strategic expansions aim to meet the growing demand for travel between these regions, offering passengers more convenient options and strengthening economic and cultural ties.
Fort Lauderdale to Managua Service
Commencing on May 10, 2025, Avianca will launch a daily direct flight between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Florida and Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua, Nicaragua.
This new route is designed to facilitate travel for both business and leisure...
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Archaeologists uncover ancient 'city of the dead' in Italy: 'Perfectly preserved'
Archaeologists recently discovered an ancient "city of the dead" in Italy, dating back nearly 3,000 years.
The Italian province of Trentino said in a news release that a "monumental necropolis" from the Iron Age was found in the city of Trento. It dates back to the 9th century B.C. and was used through the 6th century B.C.
Trento sits on the Adige River in northern Italy, near the Italian Alps. The necropolis was developed at a time when "a wide bed of the Fersina stream [basin] crossed by a network of torrential canals that intertwined with...
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Flight passenger says 'bold seat thief' refused to budge after rightful seat owner approached her
One passenger is calling out a seat squatter as a flight out of Houston sparked a discussion on social media.
In the "r/unitedairlines" forum on Reddit, a user titled a post, "First bold seat thief."
"I have had my first interaction with a seat stealer," the post reads.
The flyer said he was on a regional flight in a 1-2 configuration and witnessed a woman trying to sit in a different passenger's seat.
FLIGHT PASSENGER'S AWKWARD SEAT ASSIGNMENT HAS TRAVELERS SOUNDING OFF
"She gathers up her three personal items and moves back 4 row to the A exit row across from...
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