NEWS

Around the world in seven stories…

LANDMARKS

A GRAND NAME

TO RIGHT A historical wrong, a location in the Grand Canyon National Park is changing its name from Indian Gardens to Havasupai Gardens to avoid further offence.

The Havasupai tribe was removed from the inner rim canyon area by the National Park Service’s policies nearly 100 years ago, after living there for generations. Signs and markers are already changing along the popular stop on the park’s Bright Angel Trail, and a rededication ceremony is planned for spring 2023.

The announcement came in November, coinciding with National Native American Heritage Month.

TRAVEL TRENDS MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR

IN A MOVE away from traditional tourism models, travel operators are now offering mystery trips in a new trend that sees clients specifying how long, active, expensive, and far-flung they want their holiday to be. The rest is left up to the travel operator, from the destination to the number of stops and daily activities.

Norwegian travel specialist Up Norway has joined the trend and announced it is now selling surprise trips to Norway. Although part of the mystery element has been removed regarding the destination country, customers will remain in the dark about the region, hotels, and sights. It follows a Norwegian concept called blåtur, meaning into the blue.

TECHNOLOGY NO LANDING LINE

PASSENGERS FLYING IN the European Union (EU) will be able to make phone calls whilst in the air from 2023. The European Commission has ruled that carriers will be able to provide 5G technology on board, as of 23rd June next year.

Passengers will no longer be required to put their phones on airplane mode, as they can make calls and use all their phone’s features in flight, including streaming music and videos.

Airplane mode was originally used due to concerns that mobile devices could interfere with the flight control systems. The specifics of how the 5G plan will be implemented are unclear for the moment.

TOURISM FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES

MELBOURNE IN AUSTRALIA has been voted the friendliest city in the world, mate! A study by UK insurance company, William Russell, concluded that Melbourne stands out for its forward-thinking attitude. It is not the first time that Melbourne has been crowned the top city.

The criteria met included the city’s inclusivity of the LGBTQ+ community, happiness of the residents, safety, and top attractions. The city is rapidly growing, competitive, and a welcoming place. It has been assessed on its stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure.

All these things combine to make Melbourne a magnificent city to live and work in.

HOSPITALITY JUNGLE BAUBLES

THE ANANTARA GOLDEN Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province has transformed its transparent two-bedroom bubbles, where guests can sleep amongst nature, into snow globes for the Christmas holidays.

The memorable experience at the Jungle Bubble Lodge is already magical with its starlit skies and gentle elephants roaming past the sleeping quarters, but the festivities add another layer which includes a Christmas brunch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

It is also known as one of the most ethical elephant rescue places.

COVID-19 CRUISING INTO COVID-19

A CRUISE SHIP with 800 COVID-19 positive passengers has docked in Sydney. The Majestic Princess was halfway through a 12-day voyage when an outbreak of cases was identified. The infected were escorted off the ship and put into a five-day isolation period, along with a small number of the crew who were hit by the COVID-19 wave.

All the cases were mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic, but the New South Wales Ministry of Health has reported an uptick in new cases of COVID-19.

The stricken ship is part of the Carnival Australia fleet, with three of the company’s other ships also affected earlier in the pandemic – the Ruby Princess, Diamond Princess, and Grand Princess.

AIRLINES DECK THE HOMES WITH LOADED TROLLIES

IT IS ALL aboard the fun plane this festive season, as easyJet is taking its trolley service on the road. The cabin crew are aiming to bring Christmas cheer to local retirement homes in the UK in Bristol, Manchester, and Glasgow with the ‘Jolly Trolley’.

Recent research shows that 1.4 million older people feel lonely at Christmas, so easyJet is taking the chance to give back to the community and spark some joy by delivering mince pies and mulled wine. The crew will also be singing carols, with the residents joining in.