Vaccine Passports Need to Be Paired With Testing to Be Effective, New Data Shows

The truth hurts sometimes: Vaccine passports would be a relatively convenient way to boost international travel, but Israeli data suggest that requiring PCR testing, as well, would be prudent. -Dennis Schaal

International Visitors Return to New York But Full Recovery Could Take Four Years

New York City tourism recovered after the horrific attacks of 9/11, and it will do so again after the pandemic. Perhaps the current four-year forecast for the bounce back of international travel is too conservative. -Dennis Schaal

Europe on a plate: foodie holiday itineraries in France, Spain and Belgium

Make the local cuisine the highlight of a trip, with perfect pintxos in San Sebastián, great galettes in Saint-Malo, and brilliant beers in Ghent Continue reading...

Where Flight Bookings Have Recovered the Most

While the airlines can be encouraged that flight bookings made in several parts of the world are nearing pre-pandemic marks, the low figure recorded in the Asia-Pacific region is a sign that China's tight outbound restrictions are putting a major dent in the aviation's recovery worldwide. -Rashaad Jorden

Singapore Reemerges as a Major Events Destination Unlike Hong Kong

If Hong Kong doesn't heed the advice of business leaders and follow the lead of countries like Singapore that are allowing quarantine free travel for visitors from numerous nations, its economy will suffer enormously as corporate executives will take their events elsewhere. -Rashaad Jorden

10 of the worlds biggest superyachts

The title of world's biggest yacht was once held by the same vessel for over a century, but it's changed hands far more frequently in the years since as more of these vast floating status symbols appear.

A great walk to a great pub: the Tiger Inn, East Sussex

Stroll over the Seven Sisters cliffs, then refuel in a quintessential English pub on a pretty village green Start The Tiger Inn, East Dean, near Eastbourne Distance 7½ miles Time 3½ hours Total ascent 370 metres Difficulty Easy to moderate Continue reading...

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Sacks 3 Pilots Infected With Covid on Germany Layover

Hong Kong has some of the strictest Covid restrictions anywhere, making it even more shocking that three pilots on Cathay were dismissed after it was discovered they were infected with coronavirus. Expect tighter compliance checks at overseas hubs going forward. -Tom Lowry

Qatar in Rush to Offer Enough Hotel Rooms for Soccer Fans Ahead of World Cup

World Cup 2022 is not far off, and Qatar has a lot riding on the event as a catalyst for tourism in the future. Not having enough hotel rooms to house visitors to Doha could be a disaster ahead of the showcase event. -Tom Lowry

5 Takeaways From Skift Aviation Forum

Have airlines passed an inflection point and will 2022 be the year demand recovers more fully? Airline executives at the Skift Aviation Forum believe so, although they warn that the road to recovery will be bumpy. -Edward Russell

‘The greats are all here’: readers’ favourite UK permanent exhibitions

From impressionists in Wales to pre-Raphaelites in Yorkshire, a huge wealth of culture is on tap across the UK – and entry to museums and galleries is often free The ceramics collection at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent must be among the best in the world – I would say even better than that held by the V&A. It’s free and easily accessible if you’re in the Midlands. The collection covers everything from prehistoric jugs, the history of household names, such as Royal Doulton and Wedgwood, to studio potters of the 20th and 21st century. My favourite pieces have to be the huge collection of cow shaped cream jugs, which have their own section, and viewing them is a suitably random way to spend an afternoon. Given how central they are, the galleries are quiet and never seem to get the numbers of visitors they deserve. Matt Continue reading...

15 of the best food and drink experiences in Northern Ireland

Seafood straight from the boat, a cooperative brewery, community hubs – these daring food and drink producers are proof that necessity is the mother of invention Continue reading...

KLM Chief Realistic About Long-Haul Travel After U.S. Reopening Pop

Pieter Elbers thinks the world is on its way to recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, but he tempers his optimism by saying the road ahead will be "bumpy." Transatlantic travel may have surged after the U.S. reopened to vaccinated travelers on November 8, but long-haul travel will take some time to return to its pre-pandemic levels, he said. -Madhu Unnikrishnan

American CEO Says Airline Will Coexist, Not Compete, With Zoom

Drawing parallels with the 1990s internet boom may seem odd, but Doug Parker thinks history will repeat itself, and more relationship building on virtual meeting platforms will only encourage more meetings in person. -Matthew Parsons

Americas, Europe Giving Airlines Biggest Boost: New Skift Recovery Index

There is still some weakness in the recovery of the airline sector, particularly in flight search levels and the pricing power of airlines. However, data from the Skift Recovery Index shows that flight bookings and capacity are making major strides toward pre-pandemic levels. -Wouter Geerts

6 amazing Asia train journeys for food, scenery and culture

The Covid-19 pandemic has derailed many family reunions, destination weddings and long-awaited trips. And while some would-be globetrotters miss the hyper pace of travel circa 2019, others plan to adjust their travel style completely.

It can feel like the world’s most spectacular wilderness; the savage beauty of Connemara

Connemara has inspired film crews, writers and maharajahs with its wild mountains and endless expanses of sky and sea When I was 20 and straight out of teacher training college I took a job in a school in Connemara for a year. My friends were heading for the bright lights of Dublin, but after a childhood of caravan holidays along Ireland’s west coast I was drawn to the “wild mountainous country” of west Galway beloved of Oscar Wilde and countless other artists and untamed spirits. Instead of the indoor excitement of city life, I spent the year knee-high in bogs, scrambling up the Twelve Bens, island-hopping to Inishbofin and Inishark and pedalling along deserted roads to the show-stopping beaches at Glassilaun and Rossadillisk. A sign on the road for Rossadillisk beach read “Welcome to Paradise”. I learned to ride on Connemara ponies at Errislannan and on weekends I’d hitch lifts to random events in Letterfrack, involving local poets, map makers and sculptors who breathed life into this quiet corner of Ireland. With no advance planning, I’d find myself at the summit of Diamond Hill or spotting porpoises at Renvyle beach with a gang of newfound friends. Continue reading...

What airplane business class will look like in 2025

It may feel like 2025 is a long way away, but for airlines' luxurious new business class seats -- which can take years to design and install -- it's right around the corner.

U.S. Bancorp to Buy Will Smith-Backed Travel Platform TravelBank for $200 Million

Banks see that integrating travel and expense products is an effective way to enhance their own credit card offering to customers, corporate or otherwise. Expect more deals before the year's out. -Matthew Parsons

Tell us about your favourite place in Lisbon for a chance to win a holiday voucher

Whether it’s a hidden bar or a locals’ market, we want your tips on where to go in the city – the best wins £200 towards a Sawday’s stay With its vibrant cultural life, dynamic foodie scene, winding cobbled lanes and hilly coastal setting, Lisbon is a city that’s hard not to love. We want to hear about your favourite place in Portugal’s capital – from a lesser-known gallery to a traditional cafe, from a B&B that’s a cut above the rest to a chic bar with the best ocean views. Tell us about the places you love and why for your chance to win. If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words that will be judged for the competition. Continue reading...

Spain Tourism Will Hit 66% of 2019 Levels This Quarter Says Minister

What have tourism-dependent countries such as Spain done to address the pre-pandemic overtourism issues made explicit during 2019's highs? We haven't seen much, and worry for a return of some big lows amidst the rising optimism. -Jason Clampet

Busy beavers: up close with Cornwall’s furry eco-warriors

From flood defence to strengthening biodiversity, the ecological benefits of rewilding with beavers are beyond doubt. Meet the people making it happen ‘Reintroducing beavers is like throwing petrol on to the bonfire when it comes to nature recovery – it really speeds things up,” says Chris Jones, farmer and communities director of the Beaver Trust. We’re on a tour of Woodland Valley Farm, near Ladock, his home and the site of the Cornwall Beaver Project, where a family of the semi-aquatic mammals live in a five-acre woodland enclosure. Dressed in wellies, camouflage jacket and floppy hat, Chris speaks with the enthusiasm of the late David Bellamy, pointing out how the landscape has been reshaped. Impressive dams made of wood, stone and mud have slowed the flow of water, new channels have created large pools and new wetland habitat. It feels wild and alive, with signs of recent beaver activity seen in the odd felled tree and piles of woodchip. Continue reading...

Pandemic travel news: the US opens its borders as more European destinations added to the CDC's highest risk travel category.

Examining Accor’s Vision for Branded Residences

With robust growth even through the pandemic, Accor’s residential offerings across brands like Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, SLS, and many more have a bright future ahead — and an edge over competitors in the market. -Accor Group

Trump Organization to sell Washington DC hotel in $375m deal – reports

Hotel, which opened in 2016, lost $74m between that year and 2020 according to documents, and will likely be renamed The Trump Organization has reportedly agreed on a $375m deal to sell its hotel near the White House in Washington DC. The Wall Street Journal first reported the long-in-the-offing deal, with CGI Merchant Group, a real estate investment firm from Miami. Continue reading...

China’s Choppy Hotel Recovery Sounds Warning Alarm for Global Developers

Even though the hotel industries in the U.S. and Europe have outperformed China in recent weeks, developers in these stronger markets should consider how their projects will be impacted by China’s closed borders remaining walled off. -Cameron Sperance

From Plymouth to Edinburgh: a walker’s guide to six British cities

Swap identikit high streets for the pedestrian thrill of discovery and drifting in these six flâneur-friendly cities It’s a truism that so many of Britain’s high streets look alike, but often, a few steps away from the main shopping areas the particular character of a town or city can still be discerned. Manchester is ringed by canals and railways built in the 18th and 19th centuries. Liverpool slopes down to the sea via streets lined with old shipping agents’ offices and chandlers’ workshops. In Edinburgh you just have to look up and around to see history bursting out of the bedrock. We still tend to think Paris owns flâneur-ing – the art of strolling and observing urban life. But wandering our cities and towns is just as rewarding – here are six of our favourites. Continue reading...

Trump’s Money-Losing D.C. Hotel Will Sell to Firm That Will Rebrand

It's hard to imagine the Trump brand surviving in the hotel space beyond any current contracts. As a brand it added nothing lasting and certainly won't be missed. -Jason Clampet

Greece’s Economy Gets an Enormous Boost From Strong Visitor Numbers

The Greek government's optimism about tourism rebounding was definitely not misplaced, and the good news for the country's economy will likely continue as this fall should see the country welcome a large number of visitors. -Rashaad Jorden

Ancient burial site unearthed in Peru

The site, containing 25 skeletons, is believed to be from the era of the Chimú, who​ ruled Peru ​between the 12th and 15th centuries AD.

Airbus 20-Year Jet Delivery Forecast Is Hardly Dented by Pandemic

Greener planes and extra freighters understandably are in demand, but it's still hard to believe its forecast has dipped by just 0.5 percent compared to before the crisis. -Matthew Parsons

Tripadvisor CEO Is Leaving and 9 Other Top Travel Stories This Week

In Skift's top stories this week, Tripadvisor CEO Steve Kaufer announces he will leave the post in 2022, numerous hotel executives express optimism about the industry's recovery, and a large number of U.S. travel agencies struggle to serve customers due to a shortage of advisors. -Rashaad Jorden

U.S. Now Faces Push for Domestic Air Travelers to Show Proof of Vaccine or Negative Test

Some lawmakers say they want to avoid a "devastating winter surge" of coronavirus, but it's doubtful there'll be enough support that reverses Americans' freedom to fly. -Matthew Parsons

The towers and the glory: Simon Jenkins’ favourite cathedrals in Europe

Surviving bombs, fires and even secularism, Europe’s great cathedrals stand defiant. Here are 11 ‘masterpieces of art and architecture’ Europe’s cathedrals are its wonders of the world. From Salisbury to Seville, Moscow to Palermo, Trondheim to Istanbul, they tower over its cities, masterpieces of art and architecture whose popularity increases by the generation. Even as religious worship continues to decline, attendance at cathedral services has risen by a third in 20 years. What is it that still draws people to these places? To me the answer transcends faith. It lies in a quest for spiritual and emotional meaning that is found, quite simply, in the beauty of buildings and their decoration. The medieval imagination has an undying appeal today. Everyone should see Europe’s 100 greatest cathedrals before they die. I offer 11 easily reachable ones. Continue reading...

Claridge’s to part ways with chef after rejecting plan for all-vegan menu

Mayfair hotel says it respects Daniel Humm’s plant-based vision but it ‘is not the path we wish to follow’ The five-star Claridge’s hotel in Mayfair has lost its chef after it rejected his vision for an all-vegan menu at his restaurant. Daniel Humm, 45, will leave Davies and Brook at the end of the year after talks with management about transforming the kitchen in his London restaurant at Claridge’s hotel to serve only plant-based dishes. Continue reading...

Disney Doesn’t Expect to See Benefits of Returning Global Visitors to U.S. Until Mid-2022

It will be a while longer before America's theme parks see international visitors returning in larger numbers. But it's not that far off either. -Lebawit Lily Girma

A great walk to a great pub: the Pheasant, Wellington, Shropshire

Hike up mini-mountain the Wrekin for eye-popping views, then enjoy a pint in an honest, old-school inn Start Forest Glen car park, near Little Wenlock Distance 4 miles Time 1½ hours Total ascent 308 metres Difficulty Easy to moderate Continue reading...

Italian ski resorts get ready to open after two seasons lost to Covid

Operators greet reopening with cautious optimism with bookings coming in mainly from Italy * Coronavirus – latest updates * See all our coronavirus coverage Enrico Rossi was among the protesters in Bardonecchia when the Italian government decided in February to maintain a Covid shutdown on ski resorts just hours before the slopes were due to reopen. Rossi described the loss of the ski season as a tragedy for the small town and others in the Susa Valley, Piedmont, especially after the 2020 season had also been cut short. Continue reading...

The Mersey eat: Liverpool’s 10 best restaurants and food halls

Scousers’ globetrotting history and streetwise energy are combining to inspire a vibrant new food scene in Liverpool Music, football and nightlife have historically been Liverpool’s big draws, but it is no slouch on the food front. Its restaurant and street-food scene is one of the UK’s most exciting. Here are 10 vibrant and creative picks. Continue reading...

The 'floating hotel' rusting away in North Korea

It was once an exclusive five-star resort floating directly over Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Today, it sits dilapidated in a North Korean port, a 20-minute drive from the Demilitarized Zone, the restricted area that separates the two Koreas.

What the $600M 'world's biggest yacht' will look like inside

It's set to be one of the largest private residence yachts in the world when it launches in 2024, but what does a luxury apartment on board the 728 foot Somnio actually look like?

Tourists having sex in the dunes is ruining a Spanish beach

Maspalomas beach is a nature reserve in Gran Canaria, Spain. But tourists having sex on its famous shifting dunes is destroying the environment, says a new report.

Uncertainty, expense and recurring goodbyes: The life of a US Foreign Service family

US Foreign Service Officers are a special kind of crazy.

‘You’ll be changed forever by this journey’: readers’ favourite rail trips

From Corsica’s narrow gauge trains to Scotland’s West Highland line, our tipsters take a window seat and enjoy a kaleidoscope of landscapes We’ve visited Corsica a few times. As penniless students sleeping on the beach, as new parents with travel cot and buggy in tow, and as newly retired tourers with hire car. But our best-ever Corsican trip was with a seven-day Pass Libertà for the 230 miles of the Chemins de Fer de la Corse, which costs just €50. The Y-shaped network links the coastal towns of Bastia, Ajaccio (both accessible by train and ferry via mainland France), Calvi and hilltop Corte, showcasing Corsica’s unbelievable mountain scenery and spectacular coasts. Hard to pick the best leg of the journey, but pulling in to Calvi station at dusk along the sweeping sandy beach takes some beating. cf-corse.corsica Alison Continue reading...

10 of the best UK cottages for seeing in the New Year

With country houses perfect for large groups of friends and cosy boltholes for couples, our picks take in rural idylls from the Romney Marsh to the Highlands All of the accommodation on this list had some availability between 27 December and 3 January at the time of publication Continue reading...

Ultra long-haul flights from London to Sydney? They're still in the works, says Qantas CEO

As Australia reopens to international travel for the first time in nearly 20 months, resulting in some emotional reunions, the country's flag carrier is setting its sights on recovery.

Lonely Planet names the best destinations for 2022

In 1973, young British couple Tony and Maureen Wheeler published a guidebook entitled "Across Asia on The Cheap." Little did they know that one humble guidebook would lay the foundation for a worldwide travel brand called Lonely Planet.

'World's best' cheese for 2021 revealed

A soft goat's cheese from Spain won first place at the World Cheese Awards on Wednesday, besting the field of 4,079 entries from more than 40 countries on five continents.

Peak District railway restoration plan divides local opinion

The Monsal Trail is a much-loved walking and cycling route, but pressure is building for trains to return, restoring a direct link between Derby and Manchester Meandering across spectacular viaducts bridging limestone cliffs that drop into the River Wye, the Monsal Trail is considered one of the most scenic walking and cycling routes in the UK. With slopes covered in purple orchids and cowslips in May, and ox-eye daisies, bloody cranesbill and a lilac dusting of small scabious later in the year, the trail rewards walkers with stunning scenery across the Peak District. Continue reading...

‘Fire pits and frosty walks’: readers’ top UK winter cabin and glamping stays

Our tipsters’ favourite places to stay in the country and seaside are bound to add a certain frisson to out-of-season UK breaks Hole up in one of two cosy, wooden glamping pods, on Alistair’s beef and sheep farm in the tranquil Devon countryside not far from Launceston, Cornwall. Despite a relentless late-October downpour, we stayed warm, snug and smug inside the pod thanks to a heater and clever insulation. Having an en suite shower room spared us the usual torch-lit scramble across a field, and the heated towel rail felt indulgent. The firepit was a hit on dry nights, as we enjoyed the warmth as well as a visit from Alistair’s flock of rare-breed sheep. From £65 a night for up to four Clare Lawrence Continue reading...