Category - Feature

Russian MP: Halloween “draws children to mysticism, Satanism and suicide” Zany pro-Christian Russian MP has urged Russia’s Education Minister to forbid celebrations of “pagan Satan-worshiping holiday” Halloween in Russian schools and severely punish those, who violate the ban. In his address, Vitaly Milonov said had been receiving numerous complaints from parents, who are “alarmed” by plans to stage Halloween celebrations at schools and colleges where...

FAA restricts drones operating near DOD and USCG mobile assets At the request of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is using its existing authority under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations § 99.7 – “Special Security Instructions” – to address concerns about potentially malicious drone operations over certain, high-priority maritime operations. The FAA, in cooperation with DOD...

Home of the Hawaiian Monk Seal and Green Sea Turtles, a Hurricane and Climate Change are responsible for an entire Island in the State of Hawaii to vanish. This Hawaiian Island, part of Honolulu County was wiped out after hit this month by Category 5 Hurricane Walaka. Formed on September 29, Walaka was one of the most intense Pacific hurricanes on record. By minimum pressure, Walaka is the second-strongest tropical cyclone in central Pacific, alongside Hurricane Gilma in 1994, and is only...

Hawaii Global Tourism Summit Hawaii Overtourism and Charting the Course of Hawaii Tourism. The 2018 Hawaii Global Tourism Summit concluded on October 3 despite the management challenges at the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The remaining HTA staff rose to the occasion and produced a stellar annual event. With a theme of Charting the Course, the event presented a variety of exceptional national and international keynote speakers who addressed “the ever-present need of destinations and travel...

Officials with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Thursday highlighted the agency’s Passenger Screening Canines (PSCs), a key asset used to enhance security and keep passengers safe and secure when departing Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). PSCs are trained to detect explosives and explosive materials in a busy transportation environment. They work with a handler searching travelers and their belongings in the security checkpoint and assist with the...

eTN was contacted by Mr. Biswajit Guha, Group Head of Life Sciences at Taman Safari Indonesia, in response to our article, “World Association of Zoos and Aquariums investigating Indonesia zoo for abuse claims.” Here, we publish Taman Safari Indonesia’s response: I am writing from Taman Safari Indonesia regarding the article that was published in eTurbonews on 23 October 2018. We are shocked and disappointed that such a false and inaccurate report was published by eTurbonews...

Luxury international trips are increasing among Millennials After Baby Boomers and Generation X, Millennials are the next big key market and the largest age group for international travel. Usually defined as people born between 1980 and 2000, they are technology-savvy, highly educated and grew up with internet and digital communication. Millennials love going on city trips, and (at least some) are willing to spend big on traveling, with now half of all luxury trips being made by Millennials...

China will become world’s largest aviation market According to the latest International Air Transport Association’s report, the shift of China’s economy towards consumption will support strong passenger demand over the long term. Its 20-year Air Passenger Forecast showed the Asia-Pacific region will drive the biggest growth with “more than half the total number of new passengers over the next 20 years coming from these markets.” Growth in the Asia-Pacific market is...

SMART, SOCIO-CULTURAL, SKILLS, SAFETY and STATISTICS are the Five “S” matching the NECSTouR regions’ vision and renewed strategy, which will be implemented by its newly elected Executive Committee, to prepare European Regions for embracing the tourism of the future. The “Tourism of Tomorrow” reception was the occasion for the NECSTouR General Assembly to celebrate and network around this concept in the presence of representatives of the European Parliament, as well...

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for urgent action by the UK and the European Union to put in place contingency planning for the continuation of air services in the event of a ‘no-deal Brexit’, and to move much faster to bring certainty to three critical air transport issues: The uninterrupted continuation of air connectivity The framework for regulating safety and security, and The policies and processes needed for efficient border management...

In the United States a terror attack against CNN, the Clinton’s and Obamas was stopped this morning by US Secret Service and other law enforcement. Hillary Clinton said it’s troubling time of deep divisions in the United States. “We have to do everything we can to bring our country together and elect candidates that will do the same. ” What inspired a person to be motivated to start such an attack? US President Trump keeps calling CNN to be the enemy of the people and...

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) convened its Asia Leaders Forum, hosted by the Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF), in Macau, SAR. “We welcome Asia’s tourism leaders’ focus on connectivity, collaboration and commitment as they continue to develop the benefits of economic growth. China and Asia’s tourism sectors are bigger than their challenges,” said WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara. The Forum saw 150 Travel & Tourism CEOs, government...

Arranging a vacation is often categorized as a stressful activity – from the planning process to the booking and traveling, enjoying the “holiday of a lifetime” can be disrupted by a number of factors. Some factors are out of customers’ control, while others can be addressed by companies responsible for ensuring that your customers’ experiences match their expectations. Often the infrastructure, support and services relating to the provision of customer service can...

Waikiki shooting The search for a gunman continues in Sunday’s Waikiki shooting. Honolulu police are still on the hunt for a gunman who shot an 18-year-old in Waikiki. That man went to the hospital in serious condition on Sunday night after police and emergency medical technicians responded at around 9:30 p.m. The island of Oahu and Waikiki is becoming a more dangerous tourism destination with more frequent shootings and murders in Waikiki and the popular North Shore. Read the full...

Luigi Di Maio, vice premier promoting Alitalia nationalization- The last of thousands of Italian press reports regarding the endless saga of Alitalia indicates that it could land comfortably in the efficient administration of the Italian State Railways Company (Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane S.p.A. – FS). A plausible hypothesis, it is said, studied by the Italian government to shorten the time for the sale of Alitalia scheduled for October 31, 2018, the last date to present binding offers...

Last month, the Cape High Court ruled that the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries’ (DAFF) 2017/2018 TAC of 1 924 tons of lobster did not comply with the South African Constitution, the National Environmental Management Act and the Marine Living Resources Act. DAFF is planning to appeal the recent Western Cape High Court ruling against fishing quotas for West Coast Rock Lobster thereby incurring further legal costs. The court ruled in favor of the World Wide Fund for...

Closing beach parks may become a reality in popular tourist destinations like in Hawaii, Thailand, Indonesia, Italy or elsewhere in the world. Travelers hoping to visit the famous “Maya Bay” in Thailand may never be able to enjoy the beach and its creamy white shores and towering limestone cliffs. However, after closing the beach indefinitely the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to clarify that while the world famous Maya Beach is closed, stunning views of the Bay...

Today, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) released its annual Cities Report at the WTTC Asia Leaders Forum in Macau, SAR. The Report covers 72 of the world’s most important tourism cities, which together generated over $625bn contribution to GDP last year (24.3% of global Travel & Tourism GDP). The world’s top ten cities in terms of tourism market size are: Shanghai (US$35bn), Beijing ($32.5bn), Paris ($28bn), Orlando ($24.8bn), New York ($24.8bn), Tokyo ($21.7bn)...

Starbucks and MGM Resorts remain speechless after a conspiracy between MGM Resorts and Starbucks may victimize ten thousands of tourists in Las Vegas every single day. To make it more surprising, most consumers are ok with it or may even expect it. When eTurboNews reached out to Starbucks and MGM both giants seemed to be speechless. Have you stayed at an MGM managed resort in Las Vegas recently? Do you need your coffee and pastry in the morning? Are you buying water or other items in the...

A witness said a train didn’t even sound its whistle as it sped past a site where hundreds were watching the burning of an effigy of demon Ravana during the Hindu festival of Dussehra. The speeding train ran over the crowd watching the fireworks during this religious festival in northern India today, killing at least 58 people and injuring dozens more, police said. The train failed to stop after the accident on the outskirts of Amritsar, a city in Punjab state, said the state governing...

IMEX America Designed for an industry that never stops, IMEX America 2018 was brimming with opportunity and learning to the last. Buyers and exhibitors swapped excitement Hosted buyers found the largest ever IMEX a great opportunity to see and meet with people, places and services from around the world. “This is a terrific place to find out what’s new in the industry because everyone is here and it’s easy to meet, face-to-face under one roof,” said Kristin Gibson, SVP at...

IMEX The eighth IMEX America which closes today set a series of new records. The largest ever IMEX, expanding into an additional hall, created space for over 3,500 exhibitors representing 150 countries. A significant factor in this growth was the arrival of more than 60 new booths while 81 booths took larger spaces. Extending into a third hall has benefited the show in many ways. Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group said; “It’s allowed the investment made by exhibitors in colorful...

As workers at Marriott hotels across the country continue to strike over pay and working conditions, a new report by Demos reveals how Marriott International is holding down workers’ pay, cutting hours and promoting high fee loans through its affiliated financial institution. The report states: All of us—people of all races and in communities of every description across America—work hard to sustain our families, pay the bills, and gain some financial security. When employers cut hours and hold...

Half a million Dollars in losses of revenue for the U.S. travel and tourism industry from scared off potential Chinese Tourists are becoming a sad reality. Chinese visitors to the United States are getting less and the reason is a growing concern about safety in time of the ongoing trade war and overall relationships between the two superpowers. “I’m not sure when we’ll go to America, but I still want to get the visa first,” said Deyi Zhao, a beer critic who was queuing...

Israel tour Religious travel is big business, but what to do when a religious destination is dangerous? Although Israel is regarded by Jews, Christians, and Muslims as the biblical Holy Land, travel to the country is questionable, including perhaps the country’s most famous tourist destination of Jerusalem. According to a travel advisory at the US Embassy in Israel website, travelers are advised to exercise increased caution due to terrorism and that some areas have increased risk. The...

imex america Business continues apace during the second day of IMEX America currently taking place in Las Vegas. “This has been our best IMEX so far – we already have some very good opportunities for groups to come to Guam in 2019 and 2020. The show is a great place to cultivate relationships and develop good business,” confirms Pilar Laguana, director of global marketing at Guam Visitors Bureau. Susan Koczka from Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau says: “All of...

IMEX run Ready, set, #IMEXrun! More than 700 registered runners put their best foot forward early this morning at the #IMEXrun – the popular 5k run along the Las Vegas Strip which has been fully booked every year since its launch. This year’s team sponsors are: Hilton, LVCVA, Simpleview, Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau and GES. The early morning fun run is one of many health and wellbeing initiatives at the show including guided meditation sessions led by...

IATA just released their final second Quarter 2018 airline financial data. The report confirms a decline in airline profitability compared to the same quarter a year ago. Industry-wide cash flows are better than a year ago, but this masks considerable regional differences. Global airline share prices eased lower in September, despite a 1.0% gain in the North American sub-index and notwithstanding a small gain in global equities overall. Over the past year, North American airline shares...