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Editor’s Note — TRO wants to remind its Travelgram readers the articles presented here are meant to assist you in remaining informed and prepared to discuss travel news of the day with clients.
Destinations
China To Lift Travel Restrictions—From April 8 Residents In Wuhan Will Be Allowed To Travel Again
Residents in China have been subject to strict restrictions on movement for several weeks, and for nearly two months in the Hubei province. Wuhan was the epicentre of the COVID-19 virus outbreak and was locked down entirely, with barriers that prevented movement in the city now being dismantled. In Asia, several countries were quick to restrict movement for anyone holding a…
— Forbes
African Travel Grows Harder By the Day With Virus Curbs
Africa is inching toward a shutdown of its sea, land and air borders. A majority of its 54 nations have banned flights from countries with at least 100 coronavirus cases or temporarily closed their domestic and international airports. Most sea ports still allow cargo vessels, but passengers and crews from cruise ships are barred. Key regional carriers such as South African Airways, Royal…
— Bloomberg
Take a Virtual Trip to Puerto Rico to Salsa Dance, Mix Cocktails, and Master Your Cooking Skills
Let’s not beat around the bush: Your weekends have been looking a little lackluster these days. Us too. And as of late, your version of a trip entails traveling from the kitchen to the living room and back again. Us too. Thankfully, all of that is about to change. Discover Puerto Rico is inviting those confined to their home to spend this weekend on the island — virtually, of course. From…
— Travel+Leisure
Tours and Activities
Watch These Relaxing 360-videos for a Moment of Waterside Zen
It’s easy to feel like the idea of travel is a distant memory. We get it, sitting inside is particularly difficult for travelers like us. However, while sitting at home for the betterment of the world, we’ve all quickly realized that the world is actually a lot closer than it seems. And that’s all thanks to technology. In mere weeks, we’ve all discovered the true power of the internet to bring travel…
— Travel+Leisure
Is this the world's best Indian restaurant?
On Asia's 50 best restaurants list, updated annually, most of the top spots are usually awarded to upscale restaurants in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. And this year was no exception. On March 24, the Oscars of fine dining in Asia saw swanky Singaporean restaurant Odette clinch first place for the second year running. But edging its way toward the top 10 is New…
— CNN
Cruise
Cruise ship with 42 people experiencing flu-like symptoms headed to Florida
Three cruise ships carrying more than 100 sick people with flu-like symptoms are heading to South Florida. According to CNN, the Costa Favolosa and Magica are heading toward Miami. Between the two ships, there are about 30 people aboard with "influenza-like symptoms." Roger Frizzell, a spokesman for parent company Carnival cruises, told CNN that there are more than 1,000…
— ABC 27
'Stranded at sea': cruise ships around the world are adrift as ports turn them away
Ports around the globe are turning cruise ships away en mass amid the corona pandemic, leaving thousands of passengers stranded even as some make desperate pleas for help while sickness spreads aboard. A Guardian analysis of ship tracking data has found that, as of Thursday, at least ten ships around the world – carrying nearly 10,000 passengers – are still stuck at sea…
— The Guardian
Transportation
Japanese airline lets female flight attendants ditch high heels and wear trousers for the first time
A Japanese airline is finally letting female flight attendants wear trousers and flat shoes instead of skirts and high heels following a nationwide campaign. Japan Airlines announced the changes on Thursday, confirming they will come into force from 1 April. “This will be the first time to introduce trousers and to provide additional options for footwear,” an airline spokesperson told Reuters.…
— The Independent
American Airlines flight attendant dies of coronavirus, elevating fears in the industry
Paul Frishkorn, a Philadelphia-based American Airlines flight attendant and union representative, died Monday from coronavirus, the airline confirmed Thursday. "Earlier this week, we lost a respected, longtime member of the American Airlines family, who tested positive for COVID-19," a statement from American Airlines released Thursday read. "Our hearts go out to Paul’s loved ones,…
— USA Today
Lodging
When We Can Travel Again, This Hotel Is On The Right Path To Sustainability
A lot can happen in a month. Before the borders closed and the world stopped traveling due to the COVID-19 pandemic I visited Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Since then world has changed as we know it and travel will likely look a little different in the future. But one thing is certain, hotels that are making a difference in the world, reducing their carbon footprint and…
— Forbes
Airbnb Is Offering Free Stays to Coronavirus-Fighting Doctors & First Responders
In times of disaster—hurricanes, wildfires, refugee crisis—Airbnb has asked its hosts to open their homes for free, waiving fees and payments to give displaced travelers somewhere to stay in its Open Homes program. Now, the company is turning its sights on the coronavirus pandemic. Starting today, Airbnb plans to offer free or subsidized housing to 100,000 first responders,…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Other and Odd
Will the coronavirus pandemic cost the travel industry its most loyal customers?
Did coronavirus kill travel loyalty? If you ask someone like Joan Skerritt, the answer is "yes." Last week, she asked United Airlines to refund an award ticket she'd booked for her daughter to Europe next month. The airline demanded a $125 fee to return the miles. "United is penalizing its most loyal customers," says Skerritt, a grant writer from Oak Hill, Virginia. It's hardly an isolated…
— USA Today
From Housing to Food Donations, the Travel Industry Is Stepping Up
Sweeping travel restrictions and advisories. Grounded planes and canceled cruises. Pitch-dark casinos. And a completely locked-down Italy, a much-loved destination for travelers all over the globe. There’s no denying that the coronavirus outbreak has changed, and will continue to change, how we travel. But even in light of the bleakest news—like the potential loss of 4.6…
— Conde Nast Traveler
Today in History
Great Alaska Earthquake
On March 27th, 1964, it was life as usual in the city of Anchorage, Alaska. At 5:36:14 p.m. local time, the ground shook violently. Reaching a magnitude of 9.2, the ensuing earthquake remains one of the most devastating on record. The earthquake and ensuing tsunami took 128 lives (tsunami…
— Travel Research Online
Mike’s 1-Minute Marketing Memos
Do Not Ever Count Yourself Out
 The Olympics are truly special times every few years. I was once watching an event that resembled cross-country skiing. And, as it is only fair, when you take a group of international, world-class athletes, you put the bumper crop of superior athletes in the front – so the second tier of world-class athletes do not screw things up.
The gun sounds, and like it is often the case when you have a group of world-class athletes trying to accomplish their life-long dream, somebody errs, and then more err until you have one giant err.
The guy wearing Bib #4 was one of the favorites and competitors from all over the globe were trying to ski over him, through him, under him, and around him. This was not…
— Travel Research Online
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