Results for: Tourism

Delve into the forgotten histories of abandoned places that once teemed with life. From the gold rush frenzy of Bodie to the tragic massacre at Oradour-sur-Glane, these ghost towns offer a glimpse into our shared past. Explore the deserted streets of Houtouwan, reclaimed by nature; marvel at the desolate beauty of Kolmanskop, a former diamond hub; and witness the eerie silence of Pripyat, forever scarred by the Chernobyl disaster. Immerse yourself in these chilling tales of human existence, where nature and history intertwine to create captivating and haunting landscapes.

A FlySafair Boeing 737 made an emergency landing at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Sunday, April 21, after a wheel came off shortly after takeoff. The incident was captured on video, which showed smoke coming from the unprotected wheel hub. Passengers also reported hearing a loud bang as the plane touched down on the runway and screeched to a stop. Boeing referred inquiries to FlySafair, which has not yet commented on the incident.

Venice has implemented an entry fee of €5 for day visitors between 8.30am and 4pm, aiming to address the city’s excessive tourism and preserve its World Heritage status. The fee is primarily targeted at short- and medium-range daytrippers from neighboring regions of Italy, rather than foreign visitors. The scheme is not intended to generate revenue but to deter visitors on peak days and achieve a better balance between residents and tourists. The first day of implementation saw positive feedback from some visitors, who expressed support for measures to protect Venice.

Jet2 has announced the relaunch of flights and holidays to Bergen, Norway, after a 15-year hiatus. The new routes will operate from Manchester Airport and Newcastle International Airport, with flights starting today (April 25). Twice weekly flights will operate from Manchester Airport to Bergen, while flights from Newcastle International Airport will operate once a week. The new route is part of Jet2’s “Discover More” offering, which aims to cater to holidaymakers with a “sense of adventure”. Bergen is often described as being the gateway to the Norwegian Fjords, and there are plenty of attractions to visit in the city itself, including Bryggen, the city’s historic harbor district that’s been named a World Heritage Site.

Ryanair has been forced to cancel hundreds of flights today due to French Air Traffic Control (ATC) strikes. The walkouts affect not only French airports, where as many as 70% of flights have been grounded, but also routes flying over the country. The budget airline has announced more than 300 flight cancellations today, affecting as many as 50,000 passengers. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has called on the EU Commission to protect routes flying over France during such walkouts, while urging European citizens to pressure MEPs for a solution.

Labour plans to renationalise the railways, aiming to transfer rail networks to public ownership within its first term by folding existing private passenger rail contracts into a new body as they expire. The party claims this can be done without taxpayer compensation, as it proposes to establish a watchdog to hold the newly created public body accountable for delivering reliable, safe, and affordable services. Labour’s plan also includes cutting franchise bidding costs, reducing resource duplication, and integrating timetables, tickets, and fares. The move has received mixed reactions, with industry groups expressing concerns while unions and Labour supporters welcome the announcement.

Ryanair has canceled over 300 flights on Thursday due to a strike by French air traffic control workers, impacting around 50,000 passengers across Europe. The airline is calling on the EU to protect overflights during such strikes, allowing other controllers to manage flights in French airspace. Despite some unions calling off the strike, disruptions are still expected due to late withdrawals and ongoing negotiations with other unions.

In an effort to preserve its rich cultural heritage and manage the influx of tourists, Venice is initiating an admission fee for daytrippers venturing into its historic heart starting April 25, 2024. The measure aims to protect the city from excessive tourism, a concern highlighted by UNESCO. Visitors will need to pay €5 during peak season and register online to obtain a pass for entry.

Puneet Chhatwal, the Managing Director and CEO of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), recently shared his insights on the current state and future prospects of India’s tourism sector. He highlighted the country’s unique strengths, such as its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. He also discussed the challenges faced by the industry and suggested ways to overcome them.

Attendees can enjoy a summer of music and culture without the hefty price tag by opting for festivals in Europe. Benicàssim in Spain, Primavera Sound in Barcelona, Bout du Monde in France, Nuit Sonores in Lyon, and Rock en Seine in Paris offer an array of experiences at significantly lower costs compared to UK festivals.