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Two new global viruses that could wreak havoc on travel economy
DestinationsTwo respiratory viruses in different parts of the world have captured the attention of global health officials — a novel coronavirus in the Middle East and a new bird flu spreading in China. Last week, the coronavirus related to SARS spread to France, where one patient who probably caught the disease in Dubai infected his [...]
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European airline shares drop amidst fears of fatal virus outbreak
TransportBritish Airways parent IAG SA and rival Air France-KLM Group fell 4.6 percent as evidence mounts that a fatal virus spreading in Europe can be transmitted among people, increasing the potential for disruption to air travel. Shares of International Consolidated Airlines Group SA dropped as much as 12.80 pence to 263.10 pence in London, the [...]
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Europe on alert after China’s bird flu spreads, but no cause of alarm
DestinationsHuman cases of a deadly new strain of bird flu that has killed 27 people in China are likely to crop up in Europe and around the world but that should not cause undue alarm, Europe’s leading flu expert said on Thursday. In his first media interview since returning from an international scientific mission to [...]
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Southwest apologizes to passenger hassled for being overweight
TransportA man claims he was asked to disembark a Southwest Airlines aircraft for being overweight. Matthew Harper, who weighs about 24 stone (154 kg), was reportedly asked to step off the flight from Chicago to Denver after being told it was overbooked. He alleged a cabin crew member asked whether the 34-year-old was aware of [...]
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Asian airports start screening flyers to prevent China’s bird flu from spreading
TransportSeveral governments in Asia have ordered tougher screening of air travelers from China in an effort to contain a possible spread of a new strain of bird flu that has killed 23 people in the mainland and infected one visitor from Taiwan. The H7N9 virus has infected 109 people in China since it was first [...]
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Asia-Pacific aviation leaders begin gathering with avian flu concerns
TransportA conference of executives from aviation regulatory agencies, airports and airlines in the Asia-Pacific region is scheduled to open in Manila on Monday with discussions on collaboration in medical emergency situations such as the avian flu on top of its agenda. The 6th International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management [...]
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With virus under control, cruise ships can return to Turks and Caicos on April 8
TransportThe Turks and Caicos Tourist Board has announced that cruise ship calls to the Grand Turk Cruise Centre will recommence on April 8, 2013. Some three weeks have elapsed since cruise ships discontinued berthing at the facility, which is owned by the Carnival Corporation, for fear of passengers disembarking on the island contracting the gastroenteritis [...]
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The new hotel brand EVEN is the face of the healthy travel trend
GalleryHoliday Inn’s parent company, IHG, is taking the healthy travel trend one step further with its brand new EVEN brand. Built on the the back of a global trend that saw hotels, airports, and cruises offering healthier cuisine, exercises facilities, and wellness retreats; EVEN is offering wellness amenities seen at high-end hotel for mid-range rates. [...]
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April Fools’? Samoa Air is first airline to charge by passengers by weight
DestinationsThe world’s first airline to charge passengers by their weight rather than per seat says the policy has helped to raise obesity awareness and improve public health. Samoa Air, the Pacific national airline which flies domestically and last week began connecting Samoa to American Samoa, allows passengers to nominate their weight and then measures them [...]
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10 years later, tourism survived the New York City smoking ban
DestinationsNew York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg marked the tenth anniversary on Wednesday of his ban on smoking in bars and restaurants with a report saying the ban and subsequent anti-smoking measures had prevented 10,000 premature deaths. “Ten years ago when New York City prohibited smoking in restaurants and bars, many predicted the end of the [...]
