Here are some key news briefs that could affect Wise Travellers now and in the future:
British Airways has added three new routes to Italy for summer 2025. The exciting news will see flights to Rimini in the Adriatic, Salerno on the Amalfi Coast, and Olbia in Sardinia, from next May.
The expansion not only strengthens BA’s Italian network but will also provide an excellent opportunity for travellers to explore new areas of the country. The additions bring the total number of destinations served by British Airways in Italy to 19.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: “Italy continues to prove hugely popular with our customers, which is why it’s our biggest European destination and second globally behind the US.”
The Maldives has announced plans to double the green tax it collects from tourists visiting the country. As of January 1, 2025, the tax will rise from $6 to $12 per night per tourist.
The increase does not cover reservations made so far, but those to be made in the future. With the rise, a family of four on a one-week holiday to the Maldives will pay $336 in environmental tax/green tax.
Delta Airlines has announced plans to resume its Los Angeles to Shanghai Pu Dong route from June 1, 2025. The transpacific route, which was suspended during the pandemic, will operate three times a week.
The service resumption is an indicator of the long-haul market’s comeback and Delta’s renewed commitment to maintaining connections between the U.S. and China.
Indonesia’s national airline, Garuda Indonesia, is set to boost travel options to various parts of the world following a codeshare agreement with Oman Air for the winter 2024/25 season.
New routes will see Muscat linking with flights from Muscat to Amman, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, and Riyadh. It is a crucial air bridge for travellers journeying between the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Hilton has expanded its reach in Thailand, with the opening of two new properties under its Hilton Garden Inn brand.
The Hilton Garden Inn Rayong and Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Riverside demonstrate its ongoing commitment to providing upscale, affordable accommodations in Southeast Asia.
Hilton Garden Inn Rayong features over 200 well-appointed rooms, and offers a perfect balance for business travellers and holidaymakers. Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Riverside, launched in September, is located on the Chao Phraya River with easy access to the capital’s attractions.
Alexandra Murray, area vice president & head of Southeast Asia at Hilton, said: “Thailand is a remarkable destination. These openings highlight our commitment to expanding our presence in Thailand and underscores our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences that cater to the evolving needs of travellers in the region.”
Australians planning to enter the UK will now have to pay £10 upon entry following a change in travel conditions. The Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) will come into effect on January 8, 2025.
Previously, Australians entering the UK have enjoyed three months visa-free travel across the UK.
Australians will also have to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System visa waiver allowing entry to Europe from early 2025.
Vietnam has launched a new portal for travellers to apply for an electronic visa.
The Immigration Department of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security said the new portal would make things easier for applicants.
“In particular, the new interface will be upgraded, greatly improved and will include answers to frequently asked questions, in both English and Vietnamese,” says Pham Dang Khoa, Director of the Immigration Department.
The current portal - will remain active alongside the new site, which is available at the simplified address.
Turkish Airlines has added two new flights to its global network.
The flights to Sydney, Australia, and Santiago, Chile, as revealed by Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, are aimed at enhancing the airline’s route map.
Turkish Airlines connection between Istanbul and Sydney, with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, will operate four times weekly. A fifth weekly flight will be added in June 2025.
From December 18, 2024, the carrier will begin flights to Santiago, marking its debut in the South American country. The flight will be operated four times a week.
Andy Probert is an independent PR writer and journalist who writes about travel experiences, airlines, airports, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph, The Sun, Daily Mirror, as well as many newspapers/magazines globally.
