Monthly Archives: July 2021

Chippewa County International Airport to receive $ 5.2 million in federal funds

By in Airport Service

DETROIT (WLUC) – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) announced on Friday that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will allocate $ 5,271,043 to Chippewa County International Airport, near Sault Ste. Married.

This funding will be used for the reconstruction and expansion of the airport terminal building to improve operations and the efficiency of travelers and baggage moving throughout the airport.

“I am pleased to welcome this funding which will help Chippewa County International Airport expand its operational capacity as well as increase efficiency for travelers,” said Senator Peters, member of the Senate Trade Committee, science and transport. “As we strive to recover from this pandemic, Michigan airports play a critical role in keeping communities and businesses in northern Michigan and the UP connected to important economic opportunities and destinations. With new terminal improvements, Chippewa County International Airport can continue to provide safe and reliable air travel. “

“Having reliable and safe air service is important to Michigan’s tourism, commerce and economic development,” said Senator Stabenow. “This grant is a significant investment in our airport infrastructure and will help our communities recover from the pandemic.”

More information about the USDOT grant can be found in the grant award notice.

Copyright 2021 WLUC. All rights reserved.


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Body of Arlington firefighter found in hotel bathroom window, Mexican police say – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

By in Airport Hotel

Arlington firefighter Elijah Snow was found dead in a Cancun hotel about 10 miles from the hotel where he was staying with his wife, Mexican prosecutors said in a tweet.

The tweet offered few details, but stated that his body was discovered in a bathroom window at a hotel in the Benito Juarez neighborhood, located about a 30-minute drive from the Cancun hotel zone where most tourists stay. .

Mexican authorities said the death was under investigation. Snow’s cause of death has not been confirmed.

Meanwhile, Snow’s remains were flown back to North Texas on Friday on an American Airlines flight from Cancun.

The DFW Airport Fire Department greeted the plane by spraying water on it onto the apron.

According to family friends, Snow had gone to Cancun with his wife to celebrate a birthday. He stayed in a hotel bar and she went to bed. She woke up around 4 a.m., realized he wasn’t there, and started looking for him.

It is not known why he left the hotel or who may have been with him.

Snow’s funeral is scheduled for Tuesday in Arlington.



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Sonoma County tourism rebounds with increase in hotel stays, aerial lift

By in Airport Price

If anyone is optimistic about a rebound in tourism in Sonoma County, it’s Emily Glick.

Glick and her family investors bought the Applewood Inn late last year and since then she has spearheaded the renovation of the 21-bedroom Guerneville property due to open in August. It covers six acres amid groves of redwoods complemented by apple, quince and fig trees.

The site is now called Stavrand Russian River Valley, renamed after the maternal side of the family whose previous generations worked in the travel industry.

The pandemic presented an opportunity as Glick found herself running a boarded up hotel in San Francisco, and the price of accommodation properties became more affordable thanks to a loan from the Small Business Administration. The refurbished hostel includes a poolside bar cart, outdoor yoga and spa treatments, evening sundowners by the fireside, and outdoor lawn games.

“I’ve always wanted to run my own property,” said Glick, who will be the managing director. “It’s the perfect size in an amazing location.”

In mid-summer, his exuberance over the local tourism industry’s return from the pandemic is supported by recent increases in travel and hotel occupancy figures.

Air passenger traffic took off at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport. In June, the airport reported 49,186 arriving and departing passengers, surpassing 45,822 travelers a year ago during the pandemic doldrums.

With discount carrier Avelo Airlines adding flights between Sonoma County and Las Vegas starting September 16 and Alaska Airlines serving daily John Wayne Airport in Orange County and San Diego International Airport from From September 8, even more passengers could pass through the security gates of local airports. In the coming months.

“This summer is looking good,” said Claudia Vecchio, CEO of Sonoma County Tourism, the local agency responsible for promoting the industry.

The occupancy rates of hotels in the region are close to 90% on weekends. On weekdays it ranges from 70% to 75%, with those levels increasing on Wednesday and Thursday, Vecchio said.

“We are in many ways at pre-pandemic levels with hotel occupancy,” she said.

The increase in visitor activity has also been evident in short-term vacation rentals through websites such as Airbnb and Vrbo. There are about 2,000 vacation rental units in Sonoma County, compared to about 6,600 hotel rooms.

For the latest figures available for May, short-term rentals accounted for about 47% of overall accommodation revenue in the county. But vacation rentals had a much higher average daily rate of $ 490.79 compared to $ 194.68 for hotels. This means higher tax revenues for the county and local municipalities. As of May 2019, these short-term rental units accounted for 38% of the county’s overall accommodation revenue.

While summer travel and visitor numbers are important, those working in the county hospitality business take nothing for granted. They realize that things could change suddenly given the spread of the stubborn variant of the delta coronavirus, as well as the potential for more widespread wildfires in recent years.

For now, a deluge of visitors is returning to the downtown breweries of Russian River Brewing, Santa Rosa and Windsor, co-owner Natalie Cilurzo said. The wait for a table at the original Santa Rosa Brasserie can last up to an hour, though bar and service inside have resumed. Many people coming this summer are in large groups, suggesting a setting of family and friends vacationing together for the first time since the pandemic began in the spring of 2020, Cilurzo said.

“It’s quite interesting for me to see how many people show up with a group of 16 or 20 people wanting to be seated,” she said.

Another tourism barometer is Sonoma Raceway, host of the National Hot Rod Association’s Sonoma Nationals July 23-25. The event is the first on the racetrack since the lifting of public health capacity restrictions.

“The demand for tickets is close to 2019 which is great,” said Jennifer Imbimbo, spokesperson for the racetrack. “We’re really encouraged that people want to go out and have fun. “

Meanwhile, investors are investing in more local hotel development projects. Recent openings range from the luxury Montage Healdsburg resort, where rooms start at nearly $ 1,000 a night, to the budget La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Rosa Sonoma off Highway 101.

“I think the way Sonoma County came out of the recovery and the type of forward looking projections for Sonoma County are very positive,” Vecchio said. “It makes sense that developers and others looking for transformational projects… look into Sonoma County. “

A busy area is West County due to its proximity to various outdoor activities along the Russian River and the Sonoma Coast, while being a short drive to restaurants and tasting sites. of wine and beer, she said.

For example, Crista Luedtke, owner of Boon Hotel and Spa and Boon Eat and Drink, took over ownership of The Highlands in Guerneville on June 1. As part of a reboot, Luedtke added 11 glamping tents that rent for $ 159 a night. They are equipped with king size beds and charging ports for smartphones and other devices.

“It’s a bit like the good old days. That’s how the Russian River kind of started with these canvas huts that would be open for the summer season and then closed, ”Luedtke said.

Her team has redecorated the lobby as part of her property’s renovation, although like other owners of leisure and hospitality businesses, she is understaffed and looking to hire.

“We have a record season so far,” said Luedtke, despite the fight for the staff.

Innkeeper Glick said she has positioned her Stavrand overnight rates between AutoCamp Russian River with her novelty Airstream trailers and a luxury stay at the Farmhouse Inn in Forestville. Prices at his inn start at $ 446 on a property that dates to the early 1920s. It was originally owned by Ralph “Rooster” Belden, president of the former Bank of Guerneville.

“There’s only a million things to do here,” Glick said. “In my mind, that makes Sonoma more dynamic than Napa.”

One of the challenges for the county’s tourism operators will be attracting more visitors during the off-season, from mid-November to Memorial Day. Glick plans to woo corporate retreats, as well as couples looking to get married in the spring, when the schedule is less booked and the cost is cheaper than in the summer and fall.

“It’s a seasonal challenge in Sonoma, especially in the Russian River (area),” Glick said.

You can contact Editor-in-Chief Bill Swindell at 707-521-5223 or [email protected] On Twitter @BillSwindell.

Banff ready to welcome tourists again with border opening

By in Airport Transfer

“We are seeing things accelerate, but we know that the domestic market is really not enough to supply the summer income that we will need to survive next winter.”

BANFF – The local tourism industry has had a boost with the federal government’s plan to welcome US visitors again this summer and international travelers in the fall.

Provided vaccination rates continue to rise and COVID-19 cases continue to decline, the Canada-U.S. Border will open to fully vaccinated Americans on August 9 and to fully vaccinated international visitors on September 7.

“I cannot stress how excited we are,” said Leslie Bruce, President and CEO of Banff and Lake Louise Tourism.

“The ability to have a line of sight through August 9 and September 7 is so necessary for us to take a leap of faith to truly rekindle ourselves.”

The Canada-U.S. Border was closed to non-essential travel on March 21, 2020 as the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis began to be felt around the world.

As a result, the tourism industry, including Banff where tourism is the sole economic driver, has been particularly affected.

Bruce said many Americans who had previously booked vacations to Banff and Lake Louise have already transferred them once or twice.

“A lot of companies that have reservations in the US are finally going to be able to say ‘OK, come back’, so that’s really positive,” she said.

“We are seeing things accelerate, but we know that the domestic market is really not enough to supply the summer income that we will need to survive next winter.”

While Banff is crowded, especially on weekends, the lack of international visitors leaves many businesses struggling as they have different spending habits.

According to the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta, international travelers spend about $ 1,180 per visitor per visit, Americans spend $ 900 per visit, and Albertans pay $ 157 per visit.

Hotels have had to deal with bookings below pre-pandemic levels when occupancy was full, as many regional visitors to Calgary and surrounding areas typically take day trips rather than staying multiple nights.

Officials from the Banff and the Lake Louise Hospitality Association (BLLHA) said hotel occupancy rates in June almost quadrupled from the number of rooms sold in June 2019 before the pandemic.

In addition, they say that May, as another example as summer approaches, was about a seventh of the registered occupancy for the same period in 2019.

“Without the presence of international visitors at this time of year, the destination sees most of its bookings squeeze on weekends,” said Darren Reeder, executive director of BLLHA.

When the pandemic hit Canada in March 2020, around 80% of Banff’s workforce was laid off, forcing Australians, New Zealanders, Brits and workers from other countries to return home.

As workers from Ontario and Quebec showed up for summer jobs this year, Bruce said the destination is also excited about the prospect of once again welcoming some of its international workforce. .

“It is a very important element to revive the economy,” she said.

“People have been able to find manpower, but as things develop and accelerate we are like everyone else in this country and short of adequate manpower. “

With Canada’s borders reopening, all travelers, regardless of their vaccine status, will still need a COVID-19 molecular test prior to entry.

However, as of August 9, fully vaccinated travelers will not need testing after arrival, unless they have been randomly selected by border officials to take a Day 1 COVID-19 test.

The three-night government-authorized hotel stay requirement will be waived for all travelers arriving by air on August 9.

To support the new measures, five additional airports will open for international flights – Halifax Stanfield, Quebec Jean Lesage, Ottawa Macdonald – Cartier, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport; and Edmonton International Airport.

“Border measures also remain subject to change as the epidemiological situation evolves,” said the federal government’s statement of July 19.

Reeder said a predictable path to reopen the border and re-invite international visitors is key to the survival of Canada’s tourism industry.

“The announcement is an important step, putting the visitor economy back on the path to economic recovery and allowing our destination to resume its important role of presenting this special place to the world,” he said.

“It’s important for our tourism industry to have clear dates to welcome back customers from all over the world. We are an area that needs time to prepare, although tourism operators in Banff National Park have been safely welcoming regional guests for some time.

Meanwhile, Bruce describes the past 16 months as unlike anything you’ve ever imagined.

“It was pure devastation for all aspects of our industry, all aspects of the supply chain and demand – it completely broke, and I was so concerned with how people are doing. get out of that experience, ”she said.

“It is unimaginable that people have literally shut down or shut down their businesses for a year, which has happened to some people to get out of it and try again this summer.”

While extremely grateful for government financial support such as wage subsidies, rent relief, and loan programs, businesses are beginning to worry that these programs are ending.

“I take that from a number of people, who are feeling, ‘oh my God, am I going to make it? Are we going to do enough this summer and will we get there if those supports are gone? Bruce said.

“We had the third wave, and so for May and June we haven’t seen any improvement over last year, so it now all boils down to July, August and September – and that’s really a high pressure. “

While Destination Canada and Tourism Economics don’t expect Canada’s tourism economy to rebound to pre-pandemic levels until 2025, Bruce said she is confident Banff could rebound sooner.

She said Banff and Lake Louise have what a lot of people are looking for – great outdoors, a safe and secure destination, travel and wellness activities such as hiking, biking, meditation, water sports. consciousness and nature.

“Due to the nature of the place, we are really hoping that the rebound will happen in two two three years, more like 2023-24,” she said.

Read more about RMOToday.com


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This new hotel in Oaxaca is a mezcal lover’s dream

By in Hotel Tour

There are elements of Oaxacan life that are wonderfully intrinsic: tlayudas (large flatbreads with blue corn); calendars (joyful and impromptu street parades); and the region’s iconic black pottery. And then there is the mezcal. The tangy and slightly sweet spirit is a mainstay of Oaxacan culture. Walk into any family home and you’ll find a bottle (or three) on the dinner table. It is even served at religious events, such as funerals and baptisms. In Oaxaca, drinking mezcal is not just about getting drunk. It’s quite a state of mind.

“You get a great mole plate with grated chicken and rice; maybe quesillos, tortillas, tlayudas. And you sip mezcal, ”says Fausto Zapata, co-owner of Casa Silencio, a new six-room boutique hotel on the outskirts of Oaxaca city. “It’s just heaven.” Zapata and I sit at his hotel’s outdoor dining table, nestled in a lush valley prone to frequent rainstorms. For now though, the sun is breaking over the valley floor and I can see dark silhouettes of distant mountains illuminated under bright, fluffy clouds. We just finished lunch: a simple spread of pan amarillo tlacolula sandwiches, green salad and tostadas with creamy guacamole. On the table, a few bottles of his own “rare agave” spirits, which surprise me with aromas of chocolate, spices and fresh papaya. I’m generally a whiskey drinker, if I drink at all, but this alcohol is more subtle and more floral than its corn-based cousin. It also helps that I’m sitting a few feet from the room where they make the stuff.

Zapata is a fan of the Mexican concept of sobremesa. There is no direct English translation, but it does refer to the act of lingering at the table long after a meal, talking, sharing stories, laughing, and (yes) sipping mezcal. It’s a perfect ritual for a hotel that also serves as a production site for Zapata’s international mezcal line, El Silencio. Right next to the dining room is the palenque (distillery), where a tahona, or half-ton stone grindstone, crushes the agave hearts into a vinegar pulp; the fibers are then placed in giant wooden barrels to allow the sugars to turn into alcohol. The process, like anything worth doing, takes patience. And eating next to these slow-fermenting plants reminds me of how good it feels to linger in one place. After all, I am in Mexico. What is the rush?


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Lagardère consolidates its luxury position at two of China’s busiest airports

By in Airport Price

French Lagardère Travel Retail has extended its luxury reach at Chinese airports with a series of store openings at the new Tianfu Airport in Chengdu, while upgrading an existing luxury boulevard at Shenzhen Bao’an Airport.

The all-new $ 10 billion Tianfu Gateway began operations at the end of June. In the first phase, it can handle 60 million passengers, but is expected to handle half of them while international travel remains prohibited. Its predecessor welcomed 55.8 million passengers in 2019, making it the fourth busiest gateway to the country.

Lagardère’s contribution to the commercial offering includes around ten high-end fashion and accessories brands, some of which are opening for the first time in a domestic airport terminal in China. Brands include Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Burberry, Gucci, MaxMara, Moncler, Omega, Saint Laurent and Valentino.

All stores are positioned in a smart airside area after security, with a private VIP lounge highlighting the shopping experience and target audience of the duty-free and travel-retail operator.

In addition, the retailer is opening food and beverage (F&B) units, including a Costa Coffee, the first of several as part of a partnership between the two companies; a Godiva Café and Ajisen Ramen from Japan. The F&B elements are part of Lagardère’s multisectoral strategy, which reduced the collapse in its turnover last year to 60% compared to competitors in the travel retail sector such as Heinemann (-67% ) and Dufry (-71%).

Master concession of 18 shops

Alongside Shenzhen Bao’an, which carried 52.9 million passengers in 2019, Lagardère completed the renovation of its existing luxury fashion and accessories offering in the domestic terminal.

New brands have been added to the modernized master-concession which now consists of 18 stores covering over 18,300 square feet. In addition to the brands mentioned above (at Tianfu), retail concepts include Cartier, Chanel (beauty and accessories), Coach, Emporio Armani, Ermenegildo Zegna, Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo, Kenzo, MCM, Rimowa, Salvatore Ferragamo, Stuart Weitzman and Tory Burch.

As in Tianfu, a private lounge is also available to VIP guests. Through a partnership with the airport, a team of concierges provide passengers with services such as curbside greetings, express check-in and limousine transportation for an ultra-indulgent shopping experience.

Catering with demanding tastes

Eudes Fabre, Managing Director North Asia of Lagardère Travel Retail, said: “The expectations of domestic travelers in China are different from those of the duty-free circuit and the High Street, so we have developed a tailor-made approach to serve this market. China has emerged as the most important market for most luxury brands, so we constantly strive to meet the ever-changing expectations of discerning Chinese travelers.

So demanding in fact that domestic airport passengers do not expect to see major differences in product offering or shopping experience compared to downtown when it comes to luxury brands. Sabrina Wang, Luxury Operations Director of Lagardère Travel Retail in Asia, said: “Travelers in China are sophisticated and demanding. A good understanding of trends and a responsive approach to merchandising are key success factors.

In its spring 2021 update on the global luxury sector, Bain said China continues to “bounce back across all channels, categories and prices.” This comes on top of the 48% growth of the luxury goods market in mainland China last year to nearly $ 54 billion.

The inability of Chinese to travel abroad has resulted in domestic travel and more spending on premium products at the airport’s domestic terminal than in the past. Shenzhen Airport, for example, has seen a strong upturn in traffic after last year’s Covid-19 crisis.

Bain also highlights the arrival of a new customer force – the alpha woman – playing a central role in both the purchase and the influence of a purchase. And while major luxury centers such as Shanghai and Beijing lead the recovery with the best growth rates, the consulting firm says Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and local resort sites like Hainan are becoming increasingly popular. more relevant.

This is good news for Lagardère, who has widely spread his wings. After launching retail operations in China in 2007, it is now present in 28 airports and 30 high-speed train stations through a network of more than 400 stores covering luxury and duty-free, travel essentials. and catering.

Understaffed hotels find ways to be creative to meet demand

By in Airport Hotel

NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) – Concerts, festivals and more take place in Nashville as we continue our rebound from the pandemic.

While it’s great that people are coming back to town, hotels are struggling with multiple shortages.

Leesa LeClaire is the general manager of Hilton Nashville Airport and says the pandemic has brought hard times for the hospitality industry.

“It’s a stretch for everyone right now.”

Hotels around Nashville are welcoming more and more guests as concerts and live events return to Music City.

“March was a bit painful because we really had a faster occupancy rate than we saw it happen faster than expected,” said LeClaire.

Many hotels face a shortage of employees, but they also find themselves in another predicament.

“We’re really struggling with human resources and with supply chain resources, things like getting chlorine for the pool and soaps and shampoos for the room amenities.”

LeClaire says that in order to be accommodating, they have to be creative.

“People don’t change their sheets every day at home. And so, we don’t do that here too and I think people are okay with that,” LeClaire said.

Hilton offers its guests the option of turning housekeeping services on or off.

“We have been able to get creative with our staff, we have room attendants who clean the rooms later in the day,” said LeClaire.

The Hilton, like many others, is hiring and in desperate need of workers.

Until then, they ask everyone to be patient.

“It’s always easier to manage when you’re still not full or always full. It gives stability to the number of hours you can give to the people and the supplies you need to buy, so I think it does. there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I am very hopeful, ”said LeClaire.

There are more than 1,600 hotel vacancies in Nashville according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association.


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Rishabh Pant returns with Indian team for England tour after COVID-19 fear

By in Hotel Tour

Indian cricket team wicket keeper batsman Rishabh Pant is back with the team for the next round of testing in England on Thursday after recovering from COVID-19.

Pant was due to undergo COVID-19 and cardiac tests on Monday after completing his 10-day isolation period under UK guidelines. Pant tested positive for the virus during the team’s 20-day break after the World Testing Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton.

“Hello @ RishabhPant17, nice to see you again #TeamIndia,” BCCI tweeted with a photo of Rishabh Pant.

Pant, who had not stayed at the team’s hotel during the 20-day break, tested positive on July 8. He was under close surveillance by the BCCI medical team and was on the verge of recovery.

“He will be able to join the team in Durham after making two negative RT-PCR tests,” BCCI said in a statement.

The BCCI medical team had also identified Bharat Arun, bowling coach, Wriddhiman Saha and Abhimanyu Easwaran as close contacts of Dayanand Garani (masseur projection specialist), who was at the team’s hotel when ‘he tested positive following RT-PCR testing on July 14.

The four staff members are undergoing 10-day isolation and will stay in their respective rooms at the team’s hotel in London. The entire Indian contingent, including traveling family members and guards, received the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine earlier this month in London. To mitigate any additional risk, the Indian contingent passes the lateral flow test daily.

(ANI)

Also read: India on the verge of setting world record, aim for win over SL to overtake Australia and Pakistan


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Barbados to reduce 50% tax on airport services

By in Airport Service

Barbados to reduce 50% tax on airport services


Barbados has declared a 50% reduction in airport taxes for interregional travelers. The announcement was previously made by the President of CARICOM and Prime Minister Gaston Browne to reduce taxes on airline tickets by 50% for the same cause in order to encourage interregional travel.

Tourism and International Transportation Lisa Cummins said Cabinet had agreed there should be a 50 percent reduction in airport service charges for regional travelers. This would bring them roughly closer to what they had heard from other markets, and in particular from Antigua, which had wanted to reduce taxes on interregional travel. The Cabinet had also accepted “this significant reduction.

Tourism and International Transport Lisa Cummins said that later this month the Cabinet will also discuss the issue of reducing taxes on full-price intra-regional travel from the competitor’s analysis for Barbados.

Tourism and International Transportation Lisa Cummins said the analysis will focus on a comprehensive review of the industry.

Lisa Cummins said she had to admit that she always told people she was from the public sector. She specialized in international trade, she came from the international community and the private sector, so she tends to try to combine all of these things into one, and so what they started to do is to consider the tourism sector as globally as they could structurally as well as their price competitiveness.

Previously, Prime Minister Gaston Browne reduced the tax on airline tickets by 50%. Prime Minister Browne said they believed in the days when regional travel was relatively weak, extremely flat, that there was very little to lose and although that might not be the best condition for analyze the elasticity of ticket prices, this would give them an indicative indication of the impact of a reduction in prices on demand without creating financial pressure.


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Covid cases at the Olympics raise tough questions about testing

By in Airport Transfer

In addition, questions about the transmission remain unresolved. Vaccinated people with asymptomatic or breakthrough infections may still be able to pass the virus on to others, but it is not yet clear how often this occurs.

Until this science is more definitive, or until vaccination rates increase, it’s best to err on the side of safety and regular testing, many experts have said. At the Olympics, for example, frequent testing could help protect the wider Japanese population, who have relatively low vaccination rates, as well as support staff, who may be older and more at risk.

“These are the people that worry me the most, really,” said Dr. Lisa Brosseau, a research consultant at the Center for Infection Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.

Not only can they contract the virus, adding pressure on the Japanese health system, but they can also become sources of transmission: “Everyone is at risk, and everyone could potentially be infected,” he said. she declared.

According to the Tokyo 2020 press office, all staff and volunteers at the Olympics were given the opportunity to be vaccinated, although officials did not provide data on the number of vaccines.

Instead of testing less frequently, officials could rethink their reaction to positive tests, Dr Binney said. For example, if a vaccinated and asymptomatic person is positive, they still need to be isolated – but maybe close contacts could just be monitored, rather than quarantined.

“You are trying to balance the disruptive nature of what you do when a vaccinated person tests positive against any gain in slowing or stopping the spread of the virus,” Dr Binney said.


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