-
Travel2020: Take the horse, leave the pig at home
Lark Gould Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementThe phrase "when pigs fly" could become a reality in the near future, but for now, flying livestock will be restricted to miniature horses, according to one airline's new service animal policies that will go live on April 1. American Airlines announced the new policies in light of an increasing trend of passengers who prefer to fly with their support pets. To that end, fully trained service animals and emotional support/psychiatric service animals may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements.
-
Are you being served? What about your customers?
Linda Popky Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWho do you know who would purposely understaff an airport rental car location at a major resort locale so customers are kept waiting for two hours for pre-reserved, prepaid rental cars? When would you set up an interactive voice-response system so confusing that customers are forced to spend long periods of time to navigate their way into the right queue — only to then be disconnected? Not many of us would ever want those things to happen to the customers of our businesses. And yet, much too often, they do.
-
Sint Maarten traffic bouncing back after hurricanes, but finances are precarious
Matt Falcus Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementThe Caribbean island airport at Sint Maarten, popular for its low-flying aircraft over the neighboring beach, is slowly returning to normalcy following devastation from hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, with more routes returning. However, a tricky financial situation is putting further pressure on operations. The two hurricanes wiped out much of the infrastructure on the twin-nation island, with Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) seeing its terminal out of action for months and the airfield in disarray. When flights tentatively resumed, passengers were forced to use tents as temporary arrivals and departures zones, and many of the airport's regular airlines suspended flights for a number of months.
-
Virginia’s picturesque Skyline Drive is for lovers
Steve and Diane Owens Recreation & LeisureIs it true when people say, "Virginia is for Lovers"? Perhaps! I believe Virginia is for anyone who admires natural beauty with rolling hills, sandy seashores and majestic mountains. It is a land that possesses hospitable colonial charm in an age that has "gone with the wind." It is a land where people appreciate the memoirs of great men who formed our republic. Old Virginia is rich in the annals of America’s most turbulent years.
-
Visiting energy sites on your travels
Cindy Belt Recreation & LeisureFrom water wheels to solar power, we are constantly adapting our energy sources in today’s world. Traveling allows you to see where the energy you use every day is produced and where scientists and engineers are studying new methods to produce energy. Even the old methods of energy production are fascinating. Many areas have museums or tours available to see energy production behind the scenes.
-
How to protect yourself from blood clots during business travel
Lisa Mulcahy Medical & Allied HealthcareHow much do you know about deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)? Both of these conditions can result if you develop a blood clot — a risk for business travelers who sit for long periods on a plane, train, or in a car. The CDC reports that as many as 900,000 Americans will suffer a blood clot this year. Also according to the CDC, DVT can form in your legs during travel because you are sitting still in a confined space for long periods of time — specifically, four hours or more. Life-threatening problems can occur when a part of the blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, becoming a PE, which can cause a fatal blockage. What other essential information do you need to know about protecting yourself from clots while you travel?
-
Caution urged for several popular spring destinations
Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementIt has been a cold and unreasonably long winter. Americans are ready to shed the cumbersome winter layers and head to out picture-perfect destinations to enjoy some sun and sand. Mexico and the Caribbean are popular choices, but this year they might not enjoy the same patronage from U.S tourists. The U.S. government has issued travel advisories for areas of both destinations. With spring breaks already underway in some areas of the country, this has impacted travel plans in some cases.
-
Airbnb acquires HotelTonight amid transition to a travel enterprise
Linchi Kwok Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementAirbnb made headlines again last week. The company is set to acquire HotelTonight, an online travel agent (OTA) that focuses on last-minute bookings through its website or a mobile app for hotel stays. Even though Airbnb is commonly known for its dominant position in the room-sharing market, the company has been aiming to become a massive travel enterprise. Besides hotels, Airbnb also competes directly with OTAs. According to The Wall Street Journal, adding more hotels to Airbnb listings has become a key strategy to boost growth before the company's initial public offering (IPO).
-
Travel2020: Travel trends downward as worldwide visits decline, per new…
Lark Gould Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementAnnual international visitation to the U.S. began to decline in 2015 — and has yet to stop that trajectory. Concurrently, Americans are traveling less frequently and are returning to attractions less and less, possibly often in search of something new and welcoming. The results of PGAV Destinations' fourth annual "Voice of the Visitor: Outlook on the Attractions Industry," which tracks Americans' travel behavior and forecasts future plans, revealed a dramatic shift in the demographics of attraction visitors, and a deep desire to visit places that make them feel welcome and relaxed.
-
10 US dark-sky parks worth a visit
Dave G. Houser Recreation & LeisureSince the dawn of time, the mysteries and splendors of a starry night sky have been filling us with wonder. As Vincent van Gogh once said, "I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." Today, however, when we look up into our galaxy from most areas of the country, we are lucky to see but a handful of stars. Fortunately, there’s a group of dedicated conservationists who are trying to preserve our view of the heavens and protect this natural resource for present and future generations. To mark International Dark Sky Week — March 31-April 7 — here are 10 of the nation's finest stargazing spots.
All Travel, Hospitality & Event Management Articles