UK & US Travel Headlines - Mar 24, 2023
Heathrow Hails ‘Strong Performance’ on Punctuality and Security Queues?
London Heathrow has said its improved operational performance in recent weeks should give travellers confidence about their plans for forthcoming peak travel periods.?
The UK hub airport said that it catered for 5.2 million passengers last month and had produced a strong performance over the February half-term, school holiday period.?
Manchester to Introduce City Visitor Charge??
Manchester will commence with a new City Visitor Charge (ABID Levy), similar to hotel tax seen when staying in hotels in Europe, the US and other parts of the world. The charge will be collected by 73 accommodation providers in the Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District (Manchester ABID) and will take the form of ￡1 per room, per night. This will be payable by every guest upon checkout. The payment will be identified as the City Visitor Charge on bills, receipts, and invoices and on all booking terms and conditions.??
The charge will apply to all arrivals from 1 April 2023, including all bookings confirmed prior to this date.??
Saudi Arabia to Launch New Carrier Riyadh Air?
Saudi Arabia is to launch a new airline called Riyadh Air which aims to serve more than 100 destinations globally by the end of the decade.?
The new carrier will use the Saudi capital, Riyadh, as its hub. It will be owned by the country’s sovereign wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund), which is looking to diversify the economy by opening up to travel and tourism through its Vision 2030 initiative.?
United Invests $5M in Algae-Based Fuel Producer?
The first investment in United Airlines' new Sustainable Flight Fund is $5 million for the algae biofuel company Viridos, the carrier announced Monday. The investment will support the production of sustainable aviation fuel made from algae.?
Qantas Is Giving Customers More Time to Use COVID Credits?
Qantas is giving customers an extra 12 months to use their COVID credits, which are a carry-over from the unprecedented upheaval to borders and travel during the pandemic.?
Soaring Hotel Prices Push up Cost of London Business Trips?
The cost of a business trip to London has risen by 15% over the past year, with the average price of hotel rooms increasing by 20% per night in the city.??
The UK capital is now ranked as the third most expensive business destination in Europe with an average cost of ￡497 per day. London ranks just behind the Swiss cities of Geneva (￡597 or €700 per day) and Zurich (￡546 or €640), according to figures from mobility specialist ECA International.?
Heathrow Security Guards to Strike Over Easter?
Security guards at London Heathrow are set to go on strike for 10 days over the busy Easter holiday period.?
Around 1,400 members of the Unite union, who are employed as security staff at Terminal 5 (solely used by British Airways) are due to walk out from 31 March until 9 April. The reason for the strike is a dispute regarding pay with Heathrow Airports Ltd (HAL).?
领英推荐
Brazil's New Visa Rules for Australia, Canada, Japan & US?
Beginning 1 October, 2023, nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States must apply for visitor visas to enter the country of Brazil.
Previously, nationals of the aforementioned countries were allowed to travel to Brazil without obtaining visitor visas since 16 March, 2019.
Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States have all reinstated visitor visa requirements for Brazilian nationals; as a general rule, Brazil does not grant visitor visa exemption without reciprocity.
Featured Hotel Partners
Discover breathtaking properties hand-picked for TAG's high-calibre clients.
Arizona Biltmore
Experience the lasting legacy of Arizona Biltmore. Since 1929, the most influential powerhouses of the time have retreated to the property, longing for luxury and unrivalled privacy. Transform your spirit at Tierra Luna Spa + Sol Garden, voted Forbes 2023 4-Star Spa Award Winner; afterwards, discover blooming citrus trees across the 39-acre property. Your visit to Arizona Biltmore is sure to be sweet!?
Dream Hollywood
Buzzing with glamour and style, Dream Hollywood is sure to exceed your expectations. As the west coast flagship for Dream Hotels, a stay at Dream Hollywood guarantees unparalleled views and unconventional dining that leaves you wanting more.
Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle
Feel inspiration from Seattle's music scene at The Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel. Near Seattle's breathtaking waterfront, this historic 1901 hotel will have you indulging in stunning city views and conveniently meandering to local Seattle attractions. Bringing charm and sophistication to Seattle, don't miss your chance to experience the Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel Seattle.
COMO Metropolitan London
Flooded by natural light and uncluttered design, COMO Metropolitan London brings an inevitable sense of calm to the daily grind. Step into COMO Metropolitan London and experience the ultimate weekend haven in Central London.
COMO The Halkin London
COMO The Halkin London feels like a home away from home, no matter how far you are. Located on a quiet street in Belgravia, escape from the hustle and bustle of London and dive into the peacefulness of COMO The Halkin London today.
COMO Uma Ubud Bali
Surround yourself with hillsides of coconut palms and plant yourself at COMO Uma Ubud for a relaxing retreat. Bringing you an unrivalled tropical escape, COMO Uma Ubud Bali overlooks the Tjampuhan Valley and River Oos in the heart of Bali. Take one step on the gorgeous property and you won't ever want to leave.
For more VIP travel inspiration, ???follow TAG on Instagram.