WEEKLY TRAVEL NEWS ROUNDUP

"Southwest Airlines Shares Plan to Ensure Smooth Travel During Holiday Season!”

Southwest Airlines' plan to avoid a holiday travel meltdown, as the airline has faced significant operational issues in recent months. Southwest has had to cancel thousands of flights since October 2021 due to various factors, including weather, staffing shortages, and technology issues. Southwest's stock price has been negatively affected by its recent operational issues, with the company losing billions of dollars in market value.

The airline is implementing several measures to avoid a similar situation during the upcoming holiday season, including hiring additional staff, adding backup planes and crews, and improving communication with customers. Southwest's on-time arrival rate has been below 70% for the past few months, which is well below the industry average. The airline is currently operating with a reduced flight schedule, which has helped improve its operational performance somewhat.

"Riyadh Takes Flight with New Airline, HRH Crown Prince Announces Launch of Riyadh Air!”

The Public Investment Fund (“PIF”) has launched a new world-class airline, "Riyadh Air," that will operate from Riyadh as its hub and connect passengers to over 100 destinations worldwide by 2030. The airline is expected to add $20 billion to the non-oil GDP growth of the region and create over 200,000 job opportunities.

As part of its plans to achieve this goal, Riyadh Air announced a multi-billion dollar deal with Boeing for the purchase of up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes. This move highlights the increasing importance of the aviation industry in the region and the potential for growth and development in the sector.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said: “The new airline reflects the ambitious vision of Saudi Arabia to be at the core of shaping the future of global air travel and be a true disrupter in terms of guest experience. Riyadh Air’s commitment to its guests will see the integration of digital innovation and authentic Saudi hospitality to deliver a seamless travel experience.

By positioning the airline as both a global connector and a vehicle to drive tourist and business travel to Saudi Arabia, our new 787-9 airplanes will serve as a foundation for our worldwide operations, as we build the wider network and connect our guests to Saudi Arabia and many destinations around the world.”

Riyadh Air aims to enhance customers’ journey while connecting them to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030.

"Sip, Savor, and Celebrate the Best Tasting Coffee in the World at Jamaica's Blue Mountain Coffee Festival!”

The 6th annual Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival is set to take place on March 25th at the Newcastle Parade Grounds in St. Andrew, Jamaica this year. The festival will showcase various coffee-related products, food stalls, tastings, demonstrations, and workshops, along with cultural presentations, a panel discussion, and live entertainment. In addition to the festival day, the festival will include culinary trails, farm tours, and hiking and biking in the Blue Mountains throughout March.

The Blue Mountain Culinary Trail, located over 3,000 feet above sea level, will offer visitors a chance to indulge in Jamaica's delicious cuisine at various restaurants, cafes, and hotels.

From 1st April, "Nepal's New Travel Restrictions: No Solo Trekking for Foreigners!”

The government recently declared that solo hikers are no longer allowed and must hire a licensed guide or join a group to explore the beautiful and remote landscapes of the country.

In an effort to mitigate risks for the tens of thousands of adventurers who visit Nepal annually, the country's national parks will soon prohibit solo hiking in the region.

According to the New York Times, Mani R. Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board stated that numerous cases have been reported where tourists have gone missing in Nepal. Furthermore, the deaths of solo trekkers have contributed to a false perception of the country being unsafe among some tourists.

"The decision, however, will not be applicable to Nepali trekkers,” Lamichhane told The Kathmandu Post.

Texas Issues Travel Warning for travelers going to Mexico

Texas Department of Public Safety is cautioning residents against visiting the country, particularly during spring break this year. The warning comes in light of the ongoing drug cartel violence and other criminal activities in Mexico.

U.S. government is advising Americans to be cautious when traveling to certain parts of Mexico. They're recommending people either avoid trips to Mexico altogether, reconsider their travel plans, or exercise extra caution if they do decide to go.

“Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico,” reads the advisory from the U.S. Department of State. Currently, a travel advisory is in place for 30 of Mexico’s 32 states. WARNINGS

On the Contrary President Andrés Manuel López Obrador “Mexico is safer than the United States,” said at his morning news briefing. “There is no problem in traveling safely in Mexico.” READ

💡 TIPS FOR TRAVEL

Staying Safe while traveling

01: Covid-19 Precheck
Make sure to check the current Coronavirus restrictions in the country you are visiting and the isolation rules for your return. Get them done months before leaving, as this will help your body prepare. Its also a good idea to get a routine check with your friendly doctor.

02: Your Food & Water,
Maintain a healthy balance, between junk street food (can’t ditch them completely right ?) & healthier snack options like protein bars etc. Stick to drinking filtered water, if you’re unsure of the quality of water, especially in 3rd world countries. And you don’t know what works & doesn’t work for you.

03: Your Money,
Before embarking on your adventure, make sure to inform your bank about your travel plans and destinations. I recommend exchanging some money for local currency beforehand. Also, It is unnecessary to carry all of your money while sightseeing on your travels, only take what you need and securely store the rest in a safe in your accommodation.

TRAVEL & BEYOND

1. "Don't Get Caught in the Dark: A Comprehensive Look at Daylight Savings 2023 in the US!” READ

2. Oscars 2023 - Everything Everywhere All at Once wins big at the 95th academy awards

3. Aaron Rodgers Reveals His Free Agent Wish List for the Jets!”

4. From Madrid with Love: Real Madrid Advances to Quarterfinals in Thrilling Victory Over Liverpool.

5. "Google's Doodle Showcases the Savory Delights of Filipino Adobo

6. Tech industry's go-to bank SVB faces bankruptcy under mounting losses and risky investments.

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