Travel
Refunds row escalates as airlines warn millions of jobs at risk
Global airlines warned that 25 million jobs across the world could be at risk from the coronavirus air travel downturn, and held out against offering refunds to passengers as cash runs out. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) issued the warning as part of a series of messages about the… Read
Etihad encourages FFP members to donate miles
Etihad Airways is encouraging members of its frequent flyer program, Etihad Guest, to donate their miles to support COVID19 prevention and response efforts in refugee settings. The initiative has been launched in collaboration with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) globally and with Emirates Red Cross and Red Crescent Society… Read
Inn in Ishikawa Prefecture opens its doors to travelers stranded in Japan due to COVID-19
During the month of April, Kaname Inn Tatemachi in Kanazawa is offering free accommodations to international tourists who are unable to return to their home countries through their crowdfunding project, “Room for Rescue.” Company president and food blogger Hiroshi Hosokawa recalls his first experience with an acquaintance in just such… Read
Tokyo hostel offers open-dated 'post-pandemic' pre-purchase plan
While the novel coronavirus has caused an unprecedented downturn in the tourism industry around the world, the postponement of the Olympic Games, combined with the pandemic, have doubly impacted Tokyo, where hotels are struggling to cope. According to NHK, Japan recorded a 60 percent drop in foreign visitors in February, with… Read
IATA: This is aviation’s darkest hour
IATA's global passenger traffic data for February 2020 shows that demand, measured in total revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), fell 14.1% when compared to February 2019. This is the steepest decline in traffic since 11 September 2001 and reflects collapsing domestic travel in China and sharply falling international demand to/from and… Read
Exploring the beautiful islands chain Goto Retto
Looking for a tranquil place full of nature, with both mountains and beaches? You are also looking for unique sceneries and a place where you can step out of the mundane routines and start a new journey? In the Goto Islands, you can spend your days in the traditional villages,… Read
A hidden gem in Japan: Mother Bokujo Farm in Chiba- A place for all ages
As spring has begun and I wanted to head outside and enjoy more of the beautiful nature our planet has to offer, I looked around places where I can relax, but also try out some new activities. While searching on the internet for something that would meet my conditions, I… Read
Hilton to take over Mandarin Orchard Singapore in 2022
The Mandarin Orchard Singapore is to become Hilton's flagship hotel in Singapore and the largest Hilton hotel in Asia Pacific. The property will begin major renovations in Q2 2020 and will be relaunched as the Hilton Singapore Orchard in 2022. The refurbishment, which will include adding new MICE facilities and… Read
Tourism industry gutted in virus-hit Japan
Cherry blossoms are in season and the ancient Japanese capital of Nara, with its majestic Todaiji Big Buddha temple and its herds of deer, would normally be packed. This year, it's almost deserted, as are most other tourist attractions in Japan as foreign visitors stay away and locals heed warnings… Read
Enjoy the views of Tateyama Kurobe alpine route through a new Panorama VR tour
One of the world’s leading mountain sightseeing routes that connects Toyama and Nagano Prefectures, the Tateyama Kurobe alpine route can now be enjoyed in a special panorama VR tour on the official website. The views on the VR website not only include a general tour of the route, but also scenes… Read
