According to Rategain’s latest Pulse report, international arrivals to the region will increase by 15% this summer, compared to the all-time high in 2019.

According to the travel tech company, the region’s recovery has been significantly influenced by its ability to adapt and innovate to changing circumstances.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the nations that has responded quickly in changing its policies. In particular, the UAE has made significant progress in expanding its tourism sector. For instance, it now permits entry to sanctioned Russian tourists to enter the country and signed the Abraham Agreement in September 2020, which led to the opening of borders with Israel.

In January, Russia overtook China as Dubai’s second largest source market for tourists. There were 115,000 more Russian tourists in Dubai compared to 2022. The fastest growing source market for tourists in Dubai is currently Israel. In the first two months of the year, the emirate has already received about 85,000 Israeli tourists.

In addition, Turkey has shown flexibility in welcoming Russian visitors to its ports. In the first two months of 2023, more than 500,000 Russians traveled to Turkey, an increase of more than 100% compared to the same period in 2022, when Turkey hosted 246,000 Russian tourists.

In the first two months of this year, this increase in Russian tourism accounted for 13% of total foreign visitor arrivals in Turkey.

According to Bhanu Chopra, founder of Rategain, a political shift in the Middle East in recent years has helped it become a center of activity and a major travel driver in the post-pandemic world.

Business Travel Spending

Rategain’s analysis demonstrates how corporate travel to the Middle East and Africa area is still on the rise using information from its recently acquired travel intent analytics platform Adara.

“In the upcoming quarter, we estimate that the Middle East and Africa region will maintain its growth pattern and exceed business travel spending levels seen before the pandemic,” the report noted.

According to Rategain, the growth is reflected in rising airfares from Asia-Pacific to Dubai and significantly higher average daily rates for hotel bookings in Egypt and Saudi Arabia compared to last year, which was fueled by the demand during Ramadan.

Turkey’s Tourism Rise

Turkey ranked as the top leisure location with the most bookings for the following quarter, while the United Arab Emirates leads the list for business arrivals.

According to the study, foreign arrivals in Turkey are expected to increase by 40-50% compared to the same period last year, which is well ahead of the upturn in international tourism.

The post Middle East To Become Fastest Growing Travel Region, Says Retagain appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

This is significant because there has never been a flight this long before. The airline will introduce this nonstop flight toward the end of 2025.

Qantas’ flight evidences that there have been a lot of improvements in airline travel over the past 25 years. In 1997, South African Airways offered the longest flight.

Then, the longest flight spanned from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (JFK) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. It clocked in at 7,973 miles, which is substantially shorter than the flight that Qantas is about to debut.

It is interesting to note that many long flights either begin or end in the United States. So, it is notable that Qantas is introducing a nonstop flight from Australia to Europe.

There have been other long-haul flights without stops in America, but these are few and far between. Emirates has a flight from Auckland, New Zealand to Dubai, which is 8,824 miles, and Qatar Airways has a flight from Auckland to Doha, Qatar, which is 9,031 miles.

When traveling on a long-haul flight, passengers run the risk of being set back if their flight is canceled. In the United States, President Biden is attempting to mitigate the losses passengers endure because of canceled flights.

His administration is in the process of proposing new regulations that would make it mandatory for airlines to compensate their passengers for food and hotel rooms if a flight is canceled. This could transform the traveling experience for passengers.

Of course, negotiations are still in process for these new American regulations, so for now, we can anticipate Qantas’ new long-haul flight with excitement.

The post This Airline Is Planning To Launch The New World’s Longest Commercial Flight appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Known as the “dirty weekend away,” the company offers guests a free stay in exchange for cleaning up the house with the brand-new Mach V1 Ultra vacuum.

However, the company said in a press release that this is a simple task, as the new cordless vacuum also has a built-in steam mop. And you only have to clean three areas, which, according to the terms and conditions, “will take you five to ten minutes to complete.”

“It’s a true innovation being able to vacuum and steam mop at the same time. It sets new standards and achieves the impossible,” Gaspar Xie, general manager at Anker Innovations ANZ, the parent company of Mach, said in a statement. “We wanted to let Aussies try this premium new technology in one of Australia’s most luxury houses by creating the ultimate Dirty Weekend Away. It’s a bit of fun, but the technology is no joke.”

The house is only available for a limited number of dates in May, and there is a limit of one extra guest despite the many rooms available. Additionally, all guests must be at least 18 years old, and a refundable deposit of $2,000 is required to confirm the reservation. If you are willing to clean up after your stay, and want to experience a unique vacation, visit dirtyweekendaway.com to register. 

The post You Can Stay At This Multimillion Villa In Australia For Free In Exchange For Cleaning appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Nilpena Ediacara National Park was established to protect these prehistoric remains and recently welcomed visitors on April 27. Visitors can learn about the work of renowned American paleontologist Mary L. Droser, who discovered one of Nilpena’s most amazing fossil beds, and tour the park’s fossil beds, which have attracted much attention.

“The fossils are about 550 million years old, which is well over half a billion years old,” explained Droser to Travel + Leisure reporters. “With these beds, which basically are snapshots of the seafloor during that time (that is, fossils are preserved in place) — we have demonstrated the oldest animal sexual reproduction, the oldest macroscopic organism in the water column, the advent of mobility, and a number of other firsts.”

The ongoing work at Nilpena has led to the discovery of nearly 40 fossil beds. Tourists visiting the park can enjoy a top-notch fossil experience, complete with guided tours that provide a closer look at the fossil beds and the fossils themselves, as well as an audiovisual presentation that brings these ancient remains to life.

To ensure the protection of the important discoveries at Nilpena and the continued research efforts of Droser and her team, it is mandatory for visitors to the park to book a guided tour to view the fossils. Currently, Prairie Hotel owner Ross Fargher is the only tour operator authorized to conduct tours to the fossil site.

Despite the fact that the Ediacara biota have been discovered all over the world, Droser claimed that Fargher’s discoveries in South Australia are the best record of this group of fossils, and Fargher’s findings are “significant because of the nature of preservation. It has allowed us to excavate sandstone beds covered with fossils. This is absolutely unique and has provided unprecedented insight into the early history of animal life on Earth.”

The drive from Adelaide to Nilpena Ediacara National Park in the Australian state of South Australia takes about six hours. Admission to the park is free, but guided tours must be booked in advance and cost from $160.

The post Australia Opens A National Park With The World’s Oldest Animal Fossils appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

The travel and tourism sector has recovered 95 percent, according to the latest Economic Impact Report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). In addition, the WTTC forecasts that the industry will generate $9.5 trillion in 2023. That’s just 5% less than before the 2019 pandemic when tourism was at its peak.

Additionally, according to the WTTC, 34 nations have already surpassed 2019 levels.

The new information is based on joint research with Oxford Economics. The study also reveals that the industry is anticipated to regain 95% of its employment levels from 2019 in the coming year.

This optimistic forecast for the travel sector for 2023 follows a long period of consistent growth in 2022. According to the WTTC, the travel and tourism sector rose by 22% year over year to reach a healthy $7.7 trillion in 2022, despite the numerous economic and geopolitical challenges present worldwide..

The industry recovery’s final contribution to the global economy was 7.6 percent, which was its highest level since 2019. Even so, the worldwide GDP for travel and tourism is still 22.9 percent below its pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Another encouraging finding from the new data is that foreign visitor expenditure increased by a record 82 percent to $1.1 trillion in 2022, demonstrating that international tourism is once again back on track.

“By the end of the year, the sector’s contribution will be within touching distance of the 2019 peak. We expect 2024 to exceed 2019,” Julia Simpson, WTTC president & CEO, said in a statement. “The travel and tourism sector continues to recover at pace, demonstrating the resilience of the sector and the enduring desire to travel.”

Additional highlights from the WTTC report:

• According to the international tourism organization, the industry’s GDP contribution will increase to $15.5 trillion by 2033, or 11.6% of the world economy.
• By 2033, 430 million people will work in the travel business globally, accounting for about 12% of all employed persons.
• In terms of GDP contribution, 34 of the 185 nations examined for the study have now reached pre-pandemic levels.
• By the end of 2023, WTTC predicts that 95 percent of the 185 nations will have either fully returned to pre-pandemic levels or be close to doing so.

The post Global Tourism Is Reaching Its Pre-Pandemic Level From 2019 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

“For this carefully curated itinerary, we hand-selected the destinations that have most inspired us during our many journeys into the high latitudes and the Arctic,” says Jón Olafur Magnussen, The North’s co-founder, in an interview with Travel + Leisure. Magnussen, an avid Arctic adventurer, founded the business with his wife, Johanna Eyjolfsdottir; the couple also operates the travel company HL Adventure.

The journey starts and ends in Reykjavik, Iceland, and includes stops in Ilulissat, Greenland, Sonora, Canada, Anchorage, Alaska, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, and Alta, Norway. Guests will spend several days in luxury hotels at each stop, experiencing the highlights of the location.

This includes observing wildlife such as polar bears, eagles and humpback whales, as well as learning about the indigenous culture in the region. A celebratory champagne toast aboard the private jet flying over the North Pole is also included in the itinerary.

“To experience the sheer number of unique sights that the Arctic offers, there is no one destination that includes all the iconic highlights of these northern landscapes and habitats,” Magnussen says. “By private jet, we can cover huge distances with the new eco-technology and efficiency of modern fuels.”

Guests will be transported in a privately chartered Icelandair Boeing 757-200 aircraft with a maximum capacity of 50 passengers in lie-flat seats. The trip will be catered by private chefs.

“By expanding one’s horizon of experience to these outer edges of our world, we hope guests will take away a profound sense of awe, wonder, and responsibility, and the feeling that belonging in the world enables us to care for it with stewardship and diligence,” Magnussen says. “We hope that our guests will share their new knowledge and experiences with their friends and family members when they return home.”

Magnussen plans to expand The North’s offerings to include destinations throughout northern Asia, including Mongolia, as well as routes on smaller private jets with smaller groups to destinations that would not be accessible on a larger jet.

“Together, we will experience this world of unimaginable space and beauty, where nature helps us to understand the fragility of the entire biosphere and its inhabitants, and perhaps a pathway to a new way of thinking about our role and impact on its future,” Magnussen says.

The first Arctic Horizons private jet voyage will take place from July 16 to Aug. 4, 2024; prices start at $187,000 per person and can be booked at thenorth.is.

The post This Converted Boeing Private Jet Will Take You On A 21-Day Arctic Trip appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

OpenAI announced on Thursday that it is gradually rolling out ChatGPT plugins to Expedia and Kayak, as well as non-travel companies Instacart, Klarna, and OpenTable. According to the statement, OpenAI will employ plugins to “study their real-world use, impact, and safety and alignment challenges,” as well as to investigate the use cases of ChatGPT.

Expedia Group (which owns Hotels.com, VRBO, Travelocity, Hotwire, and Orbitz) and Kayak plugins will allow travelers to communicate with ChatGPT regarding travel information obtained from their websites. The plugin allows travelers to organize every part of their trip, including flights, hotels, vehicle rentals, and activities. ChatGPT plugins will initially be available only to ChatGPT Plus members, but will gradually be made available to all users “over time,” according to OpenAI.

The plugins are compatible with the existing ChatGPT platform. “By simply typing in natural language queries, like ‘Where can I fly to from NYC for under $500 in April’, users will receive personalized recommendations based on their search criteria and Kayak’s historical travel data,” Kayak stated in its announcement.

The introduction of OpenAI’s ChatGPT plugin has essentially provided a template for the future of travel. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, travel companies have embraced new technologies to meet a new surge in demand and adapt to the new way people now function. Biometric security checks at airports, contactless check-in at hotels, and faster and more convenient online bookings are just a few examples.

It’s a perfect fit for travel booking sites like Expedia and Kayak to add a conversational AI tool to help users manage the often stressful and time-consuming task of organizing a vacation. Travel aggregators may have lacked the personal touch and attentive customer service once provided by local, independent travel companies. ChatGPT, as your personal assistant, can now take over this task.

The same idea applies to other businesses introducing OpenAI plugins. The Instacart plugin helps you search for recipes and create a shopping list, the OpenTable plugin gives you restaurant recommendations as well as links to make reservations, and the Klarna plugin gives you customized shopping recommendations and helps you find the products you need.

Plugin developers who want to integrate ChatGPT into their own products can join the OpenAI queue. This is just the beginning, but it’s easy to imagine a personal ChatGPT personal assistant for each application you use.

The post ChatGPT Introduces AI-Powered Plugins For Expedia and Kayak, Making Travel Planning Effortless appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Jeju, South Korea, a beautiful volcanic island often referred to as the Hawaii of South Korea, was just named one of TIME Magazine’s 50 World’s Greatest Places 2023. With its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine, Jeju Island is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

One of the most popular attractions on Jeju Island is Hallasan National Park, which is home to South Korea’s highest mountain, Mount Halla. Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain for breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding ocean. Another popular natural attraction is the Manjanggul Cave, one of the world’s largest lava tubes. The cave features unique rock formations and is home to a colony of rare bats.

Jeju Island is also known for its unique culture and history. The island has a long tradition of female divers, known as haenyeo, who harvest seafood from the ocean without the use of modern equipment. Visitors can watch these skilled divers in action and even try some of the fresh seafood they catch. The island is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Dolmen Sites and the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes.

InsideAsia Tours, a leading provider of guided tours of Asia, has added three new itineraries to the nation in response to popular demand, including a low-cost itinerary and one ideal for families with teenagers. This comes ten months after the company unveiled its special South Korea brochure and the first itineraries.

“The Korean Wave, also known as Hallyu, is the phenomenon that has seen interest in contemporary Korean culture, and has continued to grow all over the world through the spread of K-pop and K-drama. As a result, InsideAsia Tours has seen an increase in the desire to travel and explore South Korea too and looks forward to showcasing this amazing destination with its travelers,” said Jason Martin, InsideAsia Tours’ US Branch Manager.

Airlines are doing the same. Delta Air Lines, for example, increased its nonstop flights to South Korea in December, adding a new service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Seoul-Incheon International Airport three days a week, offering fifteen flights a week between the country and the United States.

“Korea travel demand has strongly rebounded since the reopening in April, leading recovery in Asia,” Delta Vice President Matteo Curcio said during the initial announcement.

In addition to current trends in pop culture, music, and television shows, travelers are drawn to South Korea for a variety of reasons. Similar to Japan, the country offers easy access to a long history and rich culture thanks to extensive train, bus and air connections.

It is a terrific destination for people who have traveled to other parts of East Asia, as well as international tourists on a budget, as it is significantly cheaper to visit than Japan.

Travel agents who want to learn more about organizing travel to South Korea might consider signing up for the Travel Agent Academy’s free South Korea Travel Specialist course.

The post This Hidden Island Is Becoming One Of The Trendiest Destinations In Asia In 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

This area is like a little secret that hasn’t gotten out yet. Nestled along the border of NY state, it’s not quite upstate but has similar vibes with more activities. The house is in a private lake community on top of the state’s 2nd highest mountain. There’s a lot of untouched nature here where you’ll probably see bald eagles, bears, and foxes.

The inside of the house is cozy, comfortable, and peaceful. The furnishings and decor elevate this place to a higher level and everything about it screams.. well thought out and homey. It’s a great place to get some work done, and then go have an outdoor adventure, no matter the season. Within 15 minutes, you can hit the slopes, go apple picking, or enjoy some of the best golf around. You won’t feel isolated and probably won’t have enough time to do it all.

The owner’s made sure the island can be used not just for dinner, or a bonfire… but also as a place to work and get creative.

The island has great wifi so you can sit out on a swinging daybed overlooking the water and still get some work done or host a call without a hiccup. You can even host an off-site on the island and still be back in the city for dinner.

There are so many things about this place we love and while the term ‘experience’ gets thrown around a lot, the Highland Island Lakehouse truly is an experience for those living their best traveling lifestyle. 

The post You Can Book This Lakehouse With Private Island 1 Hour From NYC On Airbnb appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

There are still many unfinished tasks on Sun Princess, which need another 10 months of work before it is ready to sail. Richard Parker, Princess’ director for newbuild guest experience and product development, gave a group of cruise reporters a nearly three-hour tour of the ship’s main public areas, and this is what they got to see firsthand.

The exterior of the Sun Princess and the scaffolding for the interiors are largely complete, as is usual at this stage in the construction of a new ship, but more work is needed. There were many empty space hulls with only partially completed installations and wiring.

Finally, some appreciation for suite guests

Princess lags decades behind its competitors when it comes to offering a premium selection of suites aboard its ships and all the associated amenities that suite-loving cruisers appreciate – from dedicated restaurants for suite guests to private sundecks. But as the saying goes, better late than never.

New Cabana mini-suites

Sun Princess offers a unique new cabin type with a built-in “cabana” as part of the room amenities, in addition to a wider selection of suites. It also has exclusive access to a shared private sundeck located just beyond the balcony, as well as a separate private balcony space.

No more buffet on the pool deck

Sun Princess will be the first Princess ship (and one of the few ships of any line) without a buffet restaurant on its main pool deck.

Fear not, fans of buffets: Sun Princess will also have a place that resembles a buffet. It’s just eight floors below the pool deck, putting it closer to the ship’s central piazza and other interior amenities.

“There’s many reasons why we did it,” Parker said of moving the location. “One is the [greater] amount of space [available], but also it gives us instant access to the promenade deck,” Parker said.

The buffet-style restaurant, called World Fresh Market, will be located on Deck 9, where the ship’s outdoor promenade is also located. The dining area may therefore overflow onto the promenade deck.

“Outside, we will have additional food outlets, details to come in the future,” Parker said.

Adding the outdoor venues, which have yet to be disclosed, it will be a massive space with numerous separate “storefronts” offering various dining options. Parker suggested

“One of the feedbacks that we got from our guests is that they want more choice. They want more options. We’re going to give them more choice and more options,” he said.

The post This Cruise Line Is Getting Creative In Re-Designing The Ship And Adding Cabanas appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.