The recent call for Indian travelers to boycott the Maldives has inadvertently led to a boost in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. The Maldives, which saw a significant drop in Indian visitors this year due to a social media row, has now slipped to 6th place in terms of tourist arrivals. In contrast, Sri Lanka has
Travel
Corporate travel planning is often a complex and fragmented process. Companies have to deal with booking flights, car rentals, and hotels through various platforms, along with managing payments through company cards or employee reimbursements. This traditional approach to travel management can result in inefficiencies, lack of visibility, and challenges in controlling expenses. However, Navan, formerly
Recently, the cost of obtaining a short-term visa to visit Sri Lanka saw a significant increase from $50 to $100. This sudden price hike has been surrounded by controversy, with conflicting explanations being provided for the change. Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister, Harin Fernando, attributed the spike in visa fees to a “technical issue,” stating that
Recently, major airlines and an industry trade association have come together to challenge a new Department of Transportation (DOT) rule regarding the disclosure of add-on fees during flight booking. This rule, introduced by the Biden administration in September 2022, requires airlines and online travel agencies to disclose fees for seat selection, checked baggage, and other
In a remarkable feat, Dubai-based carrier Emirates airline has announced a record annual profit of 17.2 billion dirhams ($4.7 billion) for the 2023-2024 financial year. This figure represents a significant 63% increase from the previous year, showcasing the airline’s impressive growth and financial performance. The success can be attributed to the recovering travel sector and
The travel industry has seen a significant shift towards luxury all-inclusive resorts in recent years, especially after the pandemic. According to a report by JLL Research Hotels & Hospitality, there has been a surge in demand for stress-free and easy-to-plan vacations with a wellness component. This sudden increase in travelers seeking all-inclusive experiences has led
Emirates, one of Boeing’s largest customers, has expressed frustration with the safety crisis facing the American planemaker and the subsequent delays in order deliveries. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO of Dubai’s flagship Emirates airline, voiced his concerns at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. With 245 passenger planes and five 778
Dealing with angry customers in the hotel industry is undoubtedly challenging, especially when it comes to crafting the right responses that convey genuine concern and empathy. However, the emergence of generative AI has provided a game-changing solution for professionals like Natasha, the director of a prestigious five-star resort. By leveraging ChatGPT, Natasha can now streamline
Viking Cruises sets itself apart from traditional cruise operators by catering to a specific niche market – high-income baby boomers. This luxury cruise line is focused on providing a more upscale and refined experience, with no children on board and a distinct lack of amenities like casinos. The company’s CEO, Torstein Hagen, emphasizes their target
Dubai’s leadership has recently approved a massive 128 billion dirham ($35 billion) plan to build a new passenger terminal at the emirate’s Al Maktoum International Airport. This expansion project will make the airport five times bigger than Dubai’s main international airport, and ultimately the largest airport in the world. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
As the world slowly emerges from the grip of the pandemic, some yacht owners are turning their sights back to dry land. The surge in yacht sales that was witnessed during the height of the pandemic is now showing signs of tapering off, with more boats hitting the brokerage market for sale. Richard Allen, the
Moving from one country to another to work abroad is not an easy decision to make. The idea of leaving your familiar surroundings, being thousands of miles away from your family, and immersing yourself in a completely new culture can be daunting. However, the opportunity to work overseas also brings a sense of fulfillment and
Southwest Airlines is in the process of evaluating potential changes to its single-class, open-seating cabins in order to boost revenue, according to CEO Bob Jordan. This potential shift could be one of the most significant changes in the airline’s history. Jordan mentioned that they are exploring new initiatives, specifically focusing on the way they organize
American Airlines faced a challenging first quarter, reporting a loss, but the company’s forecast for the current period has exceeded analysts’ expectations. The airline anticipates earning between $1.15 and $1.45 per share in the second quarter, on an adjusted basis, well above the $1.18 average estimate compiled by LSEG analysts. Additionally, American reiterated its full-year
NASA recently released before and after photos of parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates after the country was hit by record rainfall. These images, captured by NASA Earth Observatory using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey, showcase the drastic transformation that occurred due to the dangerous floods that paralyzed
Dave Stephenson, the recently appointed chief business officer at Airbnb, is not only playing a crucial role in the company’s future growth plans but also serving as an Airbnb host. Hosting a mountain cabin outside of Seattle, Washington, Stephenson shares his love for skiing and hiking with his guests. His approach as a host reflects
JetBlue Airways shares plummeted over 10% in premarket trading after the airline announced a lower revenue forecast for 2024. The carrier anticipates a sharp drop in second-quarter revenue, more than double the decline predicted by analysts. This setback comes as JetBlue strives to regain profitability, with full-year sales projected to decrease in the low single
Emirates airline recently faced a major crisis due to historic rains in the United Arab Emirates which caused record flooding and chaos at Dubai’s airport. As a result, hundreds of flights were grounded and thousands of customers were left stranded. In response to this situation, the CEO of Emirates, Tim Clark, issued an apology letter