Ukraine Tourism Chief Looks Beyond Tragedy of War to a Hopeful Tourism Future

If hope had a name, it could be called Ukraine. As the Russian aggression brought tourism development to a halt in the country, the industry's willpower to succeed is evident even amidst the war. -Peden Doma Bhutia

Washington Monument vandalized with red paint

United States Park Police say the Washington Monument is temporarily closed and a man is in custody for allegedly vandalizing the monument with paint on the evening of Tuesday, September 20.

Marriott Is Happy With Its Size

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at Marriott’s growth plans, American Airlines’ hopes for blended travel, and Expedia’s chairman’s thoughts about WFH. -Jason Clampet

Cork on a Fork: Ireland’s second city tucks into a foodie festival

Last month’s inaugural event, featuring Keralan, Palestinian and Italian treats, was inspired by a proud domestic culinary tradition County Cork has always enjoyed a reputation for serving the best food in Ireland. Buoyed by great local producers such as Ballycotton Seafood and the Jameson whiskey distillery, along with the city’s English market, its modern culinary scene started in the 1960s when Myrtle Allen pioneered field-to-fork dining at Ballymaloe House. In the 1970s, Arbutus Lodge in Cork city became the first Michelin-starred restaurant in Ireland. Over the years, the city’s food scene, influenced by an influx of international chefs, has evolved impressively, mixing traditional Irish food with something more innovative. Now in the English Market alongside seafood, butchers and poultry counters are Japanese food stalls, charcuterie and kombucha stands. On the city’s docks, the Marina Market (established during lockdown) is a container city of hipster booths serving smoothie bowls at Young Plant, Mexican food at Burittos & Blues, and Korean fried chicken at Poulet-Vous. Fifteen restaurants in the county are listed in the Michelin guide, among them the Turkish Dede in Baltimore, which has one star, while across the city diners battle for tables at Michelin-listed restaurants such as Ichigo Ichie (one star), Greenes, Da Mirco and Goldie, which has a Bib Gourmand award. Continue reading...

JetBlue’s Long Game Involves More International Flights

The airline’s planned takeover of Spirit will give it a bigger footprint in the U.S., but destinations including Africa are part of a bigger, bolder plan — one, however, that could take several years to materialize. -Matthew Parsons

Google Streamlines Search for Train Trips in Europe

Google made it easier to find train routes and booking options in Europe. Like it did for flights, hotels, vacation rentals, and things to do, the new feature improves Google's standing in the rail sector. -Dennis Schaal

The Uneven, Unreliable Return of Business Travel

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at the return of business travel, tipping in hotels, and OYO’s probably IPO in 2023. -Jason Clampet

In Search of Corporate Travel’s Elusive Recovery

Most industry forecasts point to an eventual recovery — even to the 2019 high of $1.4 trillion in annual spending — as business trips start to bounce back. But many underlying trends are emerging in a fragile global economy. How we travel, and for what purpose, is far from certain as we enter a new era of accountability. -Matthew Parsons

Surfing survivors, friendly sharks and Alaskan plastic: the 2022 Ocean Film festival

The latest UK tour of aquatic documentaries highlights the beauty and fragility of the blue planet – and human interaction with it This summer, many families had their first holiday abroad since the pandemic began. But as autumn sets in and the cost of living crisis deepens, that week or two by the sea may soon seem a distant memory. Perfect timing, then, for the Ocean Film festival’s UK tour. Nell Teasdale, the tour director, says audiences can “dive into a night of wild seafaring voyages and astounding marine life, without getting their feet wet”. An offshoot of the Banff Mountain Film festival, the Ocean Film festival started in Australia in 2012 with the hope of inspiring people to enjoy, explore and respect the sea. This is the ninth year the festival has been touring the UK; over the next two and a half months, there are screenings at venues from Inverness in the Highlands to Truro in Cornwall. The tour will raise money for two charities that help to protect the oceans: the Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage. Brendon Prince in Circumnavigate. Photograph: Will Reddaway Continue reading...

Baltic States and Poland Now Turning Away All Tourists From Russia

Finland remains the only neighboring country that still issues visas to Russian tourists, as Latvia, Poland, Estonia and Lithuania impose new restrictions. The opportunities Russians now have to fly from other countries is more restricted than ever. -Matthew Parsons

The Electrified All-American Summer Road Trip

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at a Tesla-fied summer road trip, Aegean Airlines’ recovery, and the appeal of select-service hotels. -Jason Clampet

A local’s guide to Lübeck, Germany: maritime gem full of history and club culture

This ancient Baltic port is the epitome of brick gothic. Local restaurateur Tristan Wilken shines a light on its many charms Schiffergesellschaft is the oldest restaurant in town, founded 500 years ago by captains of the Hanseatic League, who met there to debate, eat and drink. Soak up the maritime atmosphere at the long, weathered dining tables and try the famous northern dish Labskaus – beef stew with sweet-and-sour garnish, fried quail’s egg and chopped salted herring. It may look a bit strange but it tastes great. In the winter months, traditional pork and kale plates are a speciality. Continue reading...

U.S. Broker JLL Sees More Big Money Appetite for Select Service Hotels

Few people have the pulse of U.S. hotel dealmaking as does Kevin Davis of the advisory service JLL. So it's striking that he sees growing investor interest in hotels with limited amenities and staff. -Sean O'Neill

Flights canceled to turn skies silent for Queen's funeral

Flights to and from London's Heathrow Airport on the day of the Queen's funeral are being canceled or re-timed "as a mark of respect" to the late monarch.

Thailand’s Long-Awaited Tourism Rebound Boosts Economic Forecasts

Once the top tourist destination in Southeast Asia, Thailand this weekend offered a GDP forecast from its finance minister that certainly suggests the long pandemic slump may finally be ending. -Tom Lowry

10 of the best breaks in France easily accessible by ferry

From Boulogne to Brittany, these jewels within striking distance of the northern ports offer a total immersion into French culture One of the most picturesque spots on the Normandy coast, Honfleur’s picture-perfect harbour is lined with townhouses dating back to the 16th century. It’s just the place for long, sunlit lunches and dinners of fish and seafood pulled from the sea earlier in the day. Dip into the Eugene Boudin museum to discover the town’s rich artistic history, with works by artists including Monet, Dufy and Boudin, and take a walk across the breathtaking Pont de Normandie, a vast cable-stayed bridge, which reaches 7,000ft and has wonderful views across the Seine estuary. Stay at Le Manoir, a lovely 18th-century manor house with an excellent restaurant (doubles from £167 B&B, sawdays.co.uk). Ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe, dfds.com. Continue reading...

Brazil’s Gol Airline to Pay $41 Million to Settle Bribery Charges

Ouch. Still, it could have been a lot worse for one of Latin America's largest airlines, which is paying less than half of the original penalties that were subsequently waived. The airline, which reported a loss last quarter, made the case it did not have the money to pay all $87 million. -Tom Lowry

French Air Traffic Control Strike Disrupts Flights in Europe

Inflation is a contributing factor in strikes that have sewn havoc in European travel this summer. -Dennis Schaal

Wales’s foodie renaissance: on the trail of an extraordinary national cuisine

There’s more to the food of Wales than laverbread and cockles, great though they are. These four hiking and driving tours savour its broad range Traditional Welsh food has for some time suffered something of an image problem, even among the Welsh themselves. Despite Richard Burton calling laverbread the “Welshman’s caviar”, when Welsh patriot Annie Haden put on a traditional menu in a 2009 episode of Come Dine With Me in Dylan Thomas’s childhood home, the guests were distinctly unimpressed. Things are changing however, as Wales’s peasant foodways get rediscovered. From laverbread (seaweed) to ewe’s cheeses, oysters and cider to salted butter and saltmarsh lamb – and umpteen different ways with oats – the hallmarks of this peasant cooking are quality ingredients, prepared well. Continue reading...

Delta Air Lines Prepares Refinery to Process Biofuels to Cut Jet Fuel Costs

The airline industry's push to slash carbon emissions and reduce fuel costs is driving carriers such as Delta to take steps to increase their use of biofuels. -Rashaad Jorden

How Artificial Intelligence Is Influencing the Future of Work in the Airline Industry

Airlines aiming for total revenue optimization need intelligent solutions. While artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms promise better forecasting capabilities, those systems can only truly shine when coupled with the flexibility and human touch of a data analyst. -FLYR

Singapore Regains Title as Conference Hotspot for Dealmakers and Investors

Business travel is booming, and rival financial hub Hong Kong can only look on in frustration as the international banking community flies in for some long overdue networking. -Matthew Parsons

Remote Work May Win New Advocates Over Rising Energy Costs for Offices

Coronavirus threw traditional work and travel patterns into disarray last winter, forcing people to stay at home. But this time around concerns over sky-high energy bills could push people into co-working spaces to keep costs down. -Matthew Parsons

Star Alliance Calls for Half of Its Airline Members to Use Biometrics by 2025

Satisfying the growing demand for contactless travel will require more than airlines getting on board with biometrics because airports need to adopt the technology as well. -Rashaad Jorden

TGV unveils high-speed trains of the future

Welcome to the future of European high-speed rail travel.

She was only in Paris for three days. She met the love of her life on the Metro.

Andye was only in Paris for three days. On day one, she jumped aboard a Metro train and met Steven. Here's what happened next.

Disney Parks’ Digital Innovation

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at Disney Parks’ innovation, Airbnb’s marketing, and a superapp for the Middle East. -Jason Clampet

What If Sabre Put Its Hotel Software Unit in Play

An asset sale is unlikely. It would involve Sabre unnecessarily throwing in the towel on its diversification strategy. Yet stranger things have happened, and Oracle Hospitality could fill gaps in its offerings by acquiring the tech. -Sean O'Neill

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky Says Competitors Have the Travel Marketing Funnel All Wrong

The so-called travel marketing funnel for Booking Holdings and Expedia has indeed been a sieve. Domestic trips and remote work have propelled accommodations to a higher position in trip plans. -Dennis Schaal

Thai court orders repair of The Beach location 22 years after filming

Ruling on Maya Bay, on Ko Phi Phi Leh, comes decades after local authorities filed lawsuit over environmental harm More than two decades after the Hollywood film The Beach was shot at Thailand’s glittering Maya Bay, the kingdom’s supreme court has ordered officials to press ahead with environmental rehabilitation work. The 2000 adventure drama, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, drew criticism for the impact of the shoot on the once pristine sands of the bay, located on the island of Ko Phi Phi Leh in southern Thailand. Continue reading...

Disney’s Pandemic Recovery Is Bringing Digital Innovation to Forefront of Theme Parks

At the D23 Expo, Disney Parks boss Josh D'Amaro announced significant updates to the theme park experience. The changes will likely include bringing Disney+ content to the parks, delivering the online experience to their parks. -Allison Armijo

Hotel Marketing to the Over 50 Set

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at hotel marketing to over 50s, the UAE’s tourism rebound, and a U.S. assist for Tunisian tourism. -Jason Clampet

How Tunisia Is Using U.S. Funds to Broaden Its Tourism Branding

The sustainable planning phase of Tunisia’s destination marketing rebirth — the easy part — is done. Plan implementation is where the real work will begin. -Dawit Habtemariam

Hotels Cater to Travelers Over 50 With New Targeted Marketing

For too long, the golden rule in travel marketing has been to shy away from guests in their golden years. It's time to put age before beauty in travel marketing and reprioritize accuracy over the aspirational. -Rashaad Jorden

London Hotel Prices Soar Ahead of Queen’s Funeral

Sky-high airfares and hotel prices have been no deterrent for the thousands of travelers eager to pay their last respects to Queen Elizabeth II. -Rashaad Jorden

JetBlue Technology Ventures Joins Property Manager Frontdesk’s $13 Million Financing Round

JetBlue's corporate venture capital wing has already picked some winners in the short-term rental sector. That's some progressive thinking for an airline, and Frontdesk wouldn't mind bolstering that record. -Dennis Schaal

Intrepid Bets on Australian Expansion

Today’s edition of Skift’s daily podcast looks at Intrepid’s latest acquisition, a hostel takeover in New York, and Tijuana’s aviation edge. -Jason Clampet

Sail, swim, hike: a walking and boating adventure along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast

A new trip from Split makes the most of the stunning coastline and islands with regular stops for swimming, hiking and plenty of seafood In Trogir’s Benedictine monastery, I spotted a sculpture of the Greek god Kairos, one of the two words the ancient Greeks used to define time. Chronos – chronological – is the obvious one, but Kairos signifies a time in between, when something special happens. A critical or opportune moment to grasp before the opportunity slips away. I was about to be bombarded by such special moments. I had a day to spare before boarding the MS Emanuel in nearby Split for Sail Croatia’s seven-night hiking cruise in central Dalmatia. Rather than join the crowds in Split, I opted to spend time in this Unesco-listed island town, which is connected to the mainland by bridge. Wandering Trogir’s marble lanes, I could see Croatia’s many layers of history, from the ancient Greeks to the Habsburgs via the Venetians. The town’s Romanesque-gothic-Venetian-Renaissance cathedral was a good place to start, its magnificent portal demanding a lingering look at the sculptures’ extraordinary detail. Continue reading...

Generator’s Takeover of Paramount Hotel in Times Square Is Part of Broader Hostel Reboot

Generator makes an intriguing case that there's an opportunity to target well-off millennial travelers looking for distinctive places to stay in cities where budget hotels with buzzy bars are scarce. -Sean O'Neill

Intrepid Travel Makes Bigger Bet on Australian Tourism by Buying JOOB

Intrepid Travel expanding the scope of its Australia trips is a way-overdue step for a company that has failed to fully take advantage of one its most lucrative markets. -Rashaad Jorden

New Research: Sustained Traveler Enthusiasm Despite Headwinds Signals Opportunities for Destinations and Travel Brands

The new Q2 2022 Traveler Insights Report from Expedia Group Media Solutions features the latest research and key data on the current state of travel, with actionable insights to guide the industry as it captures consumer interest in growing trends like inclusive travel. -Expedia Group Media Solutions

A local’s guide to Rotterdam: secrets of the Netherlands’ second city

From the best kimchi to buzzing galleries and gardens, restaurateur Manuela Gonçalves Tavares shares his insider tips Dutch food was once all meat, veg and potatoes, but in the 1950s migrants from all over the world started arriving and created the food culture we now have. A popular tourist market is Markthal with about 100 vendors, including Natamania, which sells delicious Portuguese pastéis de nata. Continue reading...

Urban Hotel Owners May Look to Sell Over Property Upkeep, Swelling Debt

For hoteliers in slow-to-rebound U.S. markets, forced sales will be more likely as costs and debts rise. That's one of a few insights from the top boss of First Hospitality, which is an active owner and manager. -Sean O'Neill

Cathay Pacific to Add Flights as Hong Kong Eases Quarantine Rules 

Could the tide of bad news finally be turning for Cathay Pacific? -Edward Russell

Green and pleasant: 10 of the best places to stay near splendid gardens in the UK

Relax and draw breath close to some of the country’s loveliest cultivated spaces Fans of the great garden writer Christopher Lloyd will know his home here as a place of pilgrimage. It was conceived in partnership with the architect, Lutyens, 100 years ago, with the latter’s stone and tile framework giving each garden “room” its own dynamic. A fanfare of blossom, foliage and scents, Great Dixter reflects Lloyd’s natural exuberance and dislike of naked soil. This romantic garden remains an inspiration for many. Stay at the George Inn, a former 18th-century coaching inn four miles away in Robertsbridge, from £99. Refuel at the onsite Loggia Café. The garden is open until 30 October, £13; greatdixter.co.uk Continue reading...

London Flight Searches Jump After Queen’s Death

Anglophilia is strong among Americans after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. -Edward Russell

Rising Costs Fuel Worries About U.S. Airlines’ Heavy Debt Loads

Some U.S. airlines are at risk of breaking the corporate credit card. They've loaded up on debt that they'll struggle to pay off. They face rising costs for pilot wages and fuel. Meanwhile, future demand is uncertain. -Sean O'Neill

Hopper and JetBlue Partner and Other Top Stories This Week

In Skift's top stories this week, Hopper partners with JetBlue to expand its reach, Google cuts back on business travel, and Cambodia digitizes its tourism industry. -Allison Armijo

The most scenic railway in Europe: how an old Welsh mining line became a world beater

A Which? survey has found that Wales has the best scenic railway, the Ffestiniog, plus two more in the top 10, which beats Switzerland and Norway The train steams across the Cob embankment: on the right are the peaks of Snowdonia and on the left glitter the waters of Tremadoc bay. The smartly painted locomotive, Merddin Emrys, built in 1879, puffs towards the undisputed European capital of scenic railway journeys: Porthmadog. “It’s a stunning panorama,” says local resident David Jones, “The best possible start or finish to any railway journey.” Jones is chair of Great Little Trains of Wales, a group that promotes a dozen heritage lines around the country. It comes as no surprise to him that, according to a new survey by consumer body Which?, Wales is home to three of the 10 most scenic railway lines in Europe. “I think we could have filled the entire top 10,” he says. The survey sampled the opinions of Which? members on aspects of Europe’s most picturesque lines, from views to comfort, cleanliness and value for money. The result is a star-studded array of Europe’s finest, including Switzerland’s spectacular Glacier Express and Norway’s vertiginous Flam Railway, which climbs 867 metres from fjord to mountaintop on one of the steepest standard-gauge tracks ever constructed. Continue reading...

‘We provide whatever is asked for’: a night at the country’s top hotels, 1988

If you need a pair of rubber gloves at the Ritz they will ask you, pink or yellow? Observer reporters tried a night in ‘five top London hotels’ – the Ritz, Savoy, Claridge’s, the Dorchester and the Hilton – ‘as well as the Britannia Adelphi in Liverpool’ (and others). Ouch. (‘Are you being served?’ 15 May 1988.) First up, Ritz general manager Julian Payne gave the inside story: ‘You get all sorts of requests and the mark of a good hotel is to provide whatever is asked for without sounding surprised. If a client asks for rubber gloves, you don’t ask why. You say, “No problem, pink or yellow?”’ Continue reading...