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Volume 6, Issue 48, December 03, 2008 |
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Mumbai, India was the scene of terror attacks last week — two 5-star hotels, the train station, a movie theater and a hospital were hit with machine-gun fire and grenades. The shocking attacks targeted Indian civilians, Western tourists and Jewish people. More than 170 people were killed in the attacks and hundreds were injured.
In response to the attacks, local hotels, like the Leela Kempinski Mumbai, have beefed up security. Updates and statements have been released and posted on the Web sites of affected properties, the Taj Resorts and Palaces and Oberoi Hotels and Resorts. The Ministry of Tourism also released statements assuring that Indian Security forces are in control and monitoring the situation at the highest level. Security has been enhanced countrywide. The ministry is assuring visitors this is an isolated incident and the country, on a whole, is a safe place to travel.
The recent events in India may deliver a devastating blow to the tourism industry. Australian, New Zealand, British, French, Canadian and American governments have issued statements warning against all non-essential travel to Mumbai and other travel advisories. A 5 percent decline in tourism is expected as a result of the attacks.
The two hotels besieged by the attacks will see significant profit declines as they are forced to shut down for renovations at the country’s busiest tourist season.
The recent events have also brought international travel security into question. Hotels are currently considered a soft target — full of potential causalities and a venue that will guarantee publicity. The recent attacks have highlighted a need to enhance security in hotels worldwide.
Global Traveler is thinking of all those in India, Mumbai and of the families of all the victims. 
Last week, the People’s Alliance for Democracy anti-government protesters jammed entry to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), effectively shutting down the airport, forcing the cancellation of flights, stranding and trapping thousands of tourists and dealing a serious blow to Thailand’s tourism industry. The PAD protests were in response to the country’s newly-elected prime minister. Reports state that this has been “the biggest blow the country’s tourism industry has ever had to face.” The Thai government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand reacted quickly to the situation by opening alternative routes and operating taxi and bus shuttle services.
The U.S. Air Transport Association is angered over a recent decision regarding Great Britain’s air passenger duty (APD). Britain’s Revenue and Customs announced that in November 2009 the APD will replace a flat-rate airline tax with a four-band system in which fees will be based on distance traveled to and from U.K. airports, with those traveling the furthest paying the highest fees. Environmental protection is cited as the reason for the new taxes, but the U.S. ATA has decried the move as a government revenue raiser disguised as environmental protection. The ATA has also stated the move is counterproductive to environmental progress currently being made and is in violation of rules outlined at the Convention on International Civil Aviation. Both U.S. and U.K. airlines are opposed to the changes. Passengers traveling one way in economy class from U.S. to U.K. airports will now be paying a $90 duty, an increase of $30.
Lufthansa announced the launch of Lufthansa Italia last week. The new airline promises to deliver a blend of “traditional Lufthansa values, notably reliability and high quality, with Italian flare.” The new carrier, with an initial fleet of six aircraft, will offer connections from northern Italy throughout Europe. Flights will begin in February 2009, with initial routes including flights to Barcelona (BCN) and Paris (CDG). Flights to Brussels (BRU), Budapest (BUD), Bucharest (OTP) and Madrid (MAD) will be added in March 2009, followed by London (LHR) and Lisbon (LIS) in summer 2009. The airline will feature business and economy classes with Italian flight attendants and an Italian menu. Flights can be booked through Lufthansa’s usual distribution channels.
With the price of oil rapidly declining, two airlines have announced plans to reduce fuel surcharges. Japan Airlines has filed an application to decrease the surcharges for international cargo on flights departing from Japan only. The airline is hoping to offer the reduced surcharges beginning Jan. 1, 2009. Qantas plans to reduce surcharges on Australian domestic flights by up to $5. These changes began with tickets purchased on or after Nov. 28.
Many skiers find themselves facing a dilemma as more and more domestic carriers add checked bag fees. Airline fees are boosting the cost of ski vacations by hundreds of dollars. As skiing is already an expensive hobby, many skiers must now reconsider vacation plans. Some are cutting back on the number of trips taken or cutting back in other areas of vacation planning (lodging, meals and other activities) to offset the cost of traveling with all their ski equipment. But, alas, the ski industry seems to be thriving as more people are also opting to rent ski equipment from the resorts.
Fish ’n Fins
P.O. Box 142
Koror, Palau 96940
tel 680 488 2637
www.fishnfins.com
I squinted anxiously at the drops of rain spitting under the roof of our dive boat in Palau. It was an overcast, slightly cold day for the tropics. I was eager to scuba dive again, the first time since my certification. A dark, round Palauan wearing a Fish ‘n Fins staff t-shirt stepped onto the boat and greeted us with “Welcome to Palau, where it’s always sunny and never rains!”
Tim, the dive master and boat captain, resembled the head chief of a Palauan tribe. Because it had been three years since my last dive, I was given a brief, but specific overview. Tim reminded me that I was in good hands and had nothing to worry about.
Fish ‘n Fins is a family-owned business that offers diving, snorkeling, certification courses and live-aboard dive cruises (where you can dive up to five times a day for up to two weeks on 60- to 90-foot vessels). It is the only dive shop in Palau that offers tech diving (really deep dives).
Tova, an Israeli woman, has owned Fish ‘n Fins for about 10 years, but has been in the business for 25 years. She is extremely proud of her shop and also offers good eats with a distinct and delicious vegetarian menu (she wrote a Palauan cookbook). Her five children live unique lives — they were each certified at the age of 10, but knew how to dive at age 5.
Fish ‘n Fins offers a very laid-back, comfortable experience for divers. The company will appeal to those who are passionate about the sport and have a deep love for nature. I was only scheduled for two dives that day, but was offered a third. I felt very well taken care of throughout the entire experience.
Score: ••••• Courtney Centeno
Looking for a warm, sunny getaway this holiday season? Visit the Hilton Santo Domingo or the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort for great island savings! From Dec. 12 through Jan. 11, 2009, the Hilton Santo Domingo is offering a discounted rate of $110 per night, including breakfast. For reservations, email reservations.santodomingo@hilton.com. Through Dec. 15, enjoy the Family Package at the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort. The package includes accommodations, a buffet breakfast for two, welcome drinks, a complimentary pizza, souvenir t-shirts and a welcome gift for children. Call 787 259 7676 for reservations.
The Dolder Grand, in Zurich, Switzerland, is offering three tempting seasonal packages. Through Dec. 23, the Ready For Christmas package offers two nights’ accommodations, continental breakfast, three ladies’ spa treatments and three gentlemen’s spa treatments, available at a 15 percent discount. On Dec. 24 and 25, the Christmas At The Dolder Grand package offers one night’s accommodation, a gala dinner, brunch and one spa treatment per person, available at a 25 percent discount. And, finally, on Dec. 31, celebrate New Year’s Eve At The Dolder Grand with one night’s accommodations, limo transfers, a gala dinner, brunch and one spa treatment per person, available at a 20 percent discount. Call 800 745 8883 or visit the Web site.
Beginning this month, OpenSkies and L’Avion are introducing new customer benefits. The airline’s codeshare relationship will offer an expanded flight schedule, including three daily flights between Paris (ORY) and New York (JFK)/Newark (EWR). OpenSkies also operates between Amsterdam (AMS) and New York (JFK). L’Avion passengers will now be able to earn British Airways Executive Club miles. OpenSkies PREM+ and L’Avion passengers will earn 125 percent of the miles flown and OpenSkies BIZ passengers will earn 150 percent of the miles flown. All L’Avion planes will be upgraded beginning in 2009 and both Web sites will be updated to display both airlines’ respective fares to customers. For more information, visit the OpenSkies Web site or the L’Avion Web site. Call 866 581 3596 or 866 692 6759.
Iberia Airlines is offering special rates for round-trip travel between the United States and Europe. Flights from Boston (BOS) to London (LHR) start at $499, while flights from Washington, D.C. (IAD) to 13 European destinations start as low as $589. Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Barcelona (BCN) are available for $660. The rates do not include taxes. The offer is available for travel through Jan. 31, 2009, but all tickets must be purchased online by Jan. 1, 2009.
Sightseeing in New York City has been known to put a dent in the wallet, but not anymore. The New York Pass, available for only $69, includes admission to over 45 top attractions in the city. Some attractions include The Met, MOMA, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The pass also includes shopping and helicopter ride discounts. Purchase your pass online.
