The retail sector in Hong Kong has been hit hard by the ongoing pandemic, with analysts predicting that it could take years for the industry to bounce back. Data from the government shows that retail sales in the city have plummeted by 7.3% in the first seven months of the year compared to the same
Travel
The Bank of America research indicates that travel spending among American households is still exceeding pre-pandemic levels, with international trips playing a significant role in this trend. According to the economists at the Bank of America Institute, the demand for vacationing abroad remains strong, with travel spending up by 10.6% per household compared to 2019.
In today’s world, where information is readily available at our fingertips, travelers are becoming more conscious of the aircraft they are flying on. Recent surveys have shown that one in five travelers are now researching the planes they may be flying on before booking their flights. This shift in behavior is largely due to the
Thailand is exploring a new avenue to enhance foreigner arrivals and elevate tourism spending by considering the development of casinos. This shift follows the successful models demonstrated by Macao and Singapore, both thriving gambling hubs in the global arena. With the potential passage of Thailand’s casino bill, it aims to position itself as a formidable
The hotel industry is currently going through a significant transformation, with many hotel chains opting to replace traditional plastic room keys with digital alternatives such as Apple Wallet and Google Wallet apps. The push towards digital options has been largely influenced by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has accelerated touchless trends due to concerns over
Airlines, once eager to expand their fleets with new aircraft, are now facing financial constraints that are causing them to rethink their growth strategies. Cash-strapped low-cost and budget carriers, such as Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Frontier Airlines, are postponing billions of dollars worth of new aircraft orders in an effort to save money and
Manhattan, New York has long been known for its exorbitant cost of living, with the median price per square foot reaching a whopping $1,500. Purchasing a modest 500-square-foot condo in the city can set you back a staggering $750,000, according to research by My Dolce Casa. However, there are alternatives that allow you to trade
Japan, despite its efforts to make the country a top travel destination through pro-tourism initiatives, is now facing the consequences of its own popularity. With more than 3 million international travelers visiting each month since March, well above 2019 levels, Japan is battling “overtourism.” This issue is especially evident in Kyoto, where crowds pack the
Many travelers may not be aware that ignoring a large tax bill could result in the federal government revoking their passport. In recent years, the enforcement of this consequence has become more frequent, leaving individuals stranded without the ability to travel overseas. Federal law requires the IRS and Treasury Department to inform the State Department
The era of traditional spa treatments may be coming to an end as artificial intelligence makes its way into the wellness industry. Recently, a unique experience was had at ila Only Spa at the prestigious Lotte New York Palace hotel, where instead of being greeted by a human massage therapist, a machine executed the massage.
The wine harvest on the Greek island of Santorini is facing a significant threat due to extreme temperatures affecting the production of the indigenous Assyrtiko grape. Local winemaker Yiannis Paraskevopoulos has reported a drastic decrease in output, with this year’s harvest estimated to be as low as one-sixth of 2022 levels. The Assyrtiko grape, critical
The idea of combining work with travel, known as a “workcation,” has gained popularity in recent years, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic forced many businesses to shift to remote and hybrid work arrangements. As a result, more individuals are seeking locations where they can work and enjoy leisure activities simultaneously. According to a report by
The World luxury liner offers a one-of-a-kind living experience that blurs the lines between a floating apartment complex, residential yacht, and a globe-trotting holiday home. Resident Jim Minarik aptly pointed out that referring to The World as a cruise ship is a vast oversimplification. While traditional cruise ships have thousands of passengers, The World caters
Boeing announced on Monday that it has halted flight tests of its 777X aircraft after uncovering damage in a structure of one of the wide-body planes. The damage was found in a custom part located between the engine and the airplane structure during scheduled maintenance. As a result, the company has grounded the three other
Alaska Airlines has successfully cleared the U.S. Justice Department’s scrutiny in regards to its plan to acquire Hawaiian Airlines. This follows the expiration of the antitrust regulators investigation period without any lawsuits being filed to block the $1.9 billion merger that was announced eight months ago. The next step for the two airlines is to
Travelers are reevaluating their summer travel plans, with many opting to take fewer trips or even skip vacations altogether. Deloitte’s summer travel report revealed a decline in the number of Americans planning leisure trips this year compared to previous years. This shift is a stark contrast to the revenge travel trend that was seen earlier
When it comes to luxury accommodations in Singapore, there are several options that cater to the discerning traveler. Marina Bay Sands offers an exclusive Chairman Suite, reserved only for those who receive a special invitation. Capella Singapore, located on Sentosa Island, is known for its tranquility and is a popular choice for hosting high-level international
In 2023, the magnificent 255-foot superyacht Malia was sold for an impressive $120 million, making it one of the most luxurious vessels in the world. However, if you wish to experience the opulence of this yacht, you can charter it for the hefty price of $930,000 per week. But as with many large yacht charters,