A Hong Kong walking tour company that introduced online tours to survive the coronavirus pandemic says it is now planning to expand its customer base overseas and adopt virtual tours as part of its permanent business.

Walk from home: HK tour company moves online to survive pandemic

New COVID-19 clusters are disrupting the peak summer vacations across Europe. The authorities in some countries are reimposing restrictions. Watch report.

Lockdown reimposed in some European countries due to 2nd COVID-19 wave

SpaceX is considered one of the most ambitious companies of modern-day! The company have gone even further than anybody’s expectations.

An advertisement for job hiring for the company published on Tuesday revealed how the company is planning to develop floating spaceports to be used as launch sites for SpaceX’s “Super Heavy” launch vehicles.

Tech Crunch first reported how these rockets will be used to move large payloads to Moon, and probably to Mars. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk pointed that these would also be used for travelling on Earth.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/spacex-confirms-putting-60-new-starlink-internet-satellites-into-orbit-303249" hreflang="en">SpaceX confirms putting 60 new Starlink Internet satellites into orbit</a>

Musk pointed out that the purpose behind the job posting, originally spotted by Dan Paasch will be to induct new people to help the company achieve this mission.

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SpaceX is building floating, superheavy-class spaceports for Mars, moon &amp; hypersonic travel around Earth <a href="https://t.co/zLJjz43hKw">https://t.co/zLJjz43hKw</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1272972228326379520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The upcoming Super Heavy rocket boosters, intended to be worked with its Starship spacecraft, will allow hypersonic travel on Earth, which would cut travelling time tremendously. Take this - flights that took over a day will now take only a couple of hours.

The basic goal of SpaceX, which was to put humans on Mars and the Moon, are primarily why such heavy machines are being developed. No official work seems to have begun yet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/spacex-confirms-putting-60-new-starlink-internet-satellites-into-orbit-303249" hreflang="en">SpaceX confirms putting 60 new Starlink Internet satellites into orbit</a>

Musk has reiterated his plans to “make humans an interstellar species”, with the idea to colonise multiple destinations, with Mars and Moon first on the list.

If the plan materialises, not just space but travelling on the planet might become a lot easier! The rationale is to enable travel at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere, which will cut down both on the duration and the fuel cost for the flight. If that happens, one may be able to travel from New York City to Paris in under an hour.

SpaceX is considered one of the most ambitious companies of modern-day! The company have gone even further than anybody’s expectations. An advertisement for job hiring for the company published on Tuesday revealed how the company is planning to develop floating spaceports to be used as launch sites for SpaceX’s “Super Heavy” launch vehicles.

SpaceX is considered one of the most ambitious companies of modern-day! The company have gone even further than anybody’s expectations. An advertisement for job hiring for the company published on Tuesday revealed how the company is planning to develop floating spaceports to be used as launch sites for SpaceX’s “Super Heavy” launch vehicles. Tech Crunch first reported how these rockets will be used to move large payloads to Moon, and probably to Mars. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk pointed that these would also be used for travelling on Earth. Also read: SpaceX confirms putting 60 new Starlink Internet satellites into orbit Musk pointed out that the purpose behind the job posting, originally spotted by Dan Paasch will be to induct new people to help the company achieve this mission. SpaceX is building floating, superheavy-class spaceports for Mars, moon & hypersonic travel around Earth https://t.co/zLJjz43hKw — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 16, 2020 × The upcoming Super Heavy rocket boosters, intended to be worked with its Starship spacecraft, will allow hypersonic travel on Earth, which would cut travelling time tremendously. Take this - flights that took over a day will now take only a couple of hours. The basic goal of SpaceX, which was to put humans on Mars and the Moon, are primarily why such heavy machines are being developed. No official work seems to have begun yet. Also read: SpaceX confirms putting 60 new Starlink Internet satellites into orbit Musk has reiterated his plans to “make humans an interstellar species”, with the idea to colonise multiple destinations, with Mars and Moon first on the list. If the plan materialises, not just space but travelling on the planet might become a lot easier! The rationale is to enable travel at the edge of Earth’s atmosphere, which will cut down both on the duration and the fuel cost for the flight. If that happens, one may be able to travel from New York City to Paris in under an hour.

SpaceX's envisioned machinery will not only take us to Mars, but reduce travel time on Earth tremendously!

In this video, watch WION's special series- Hard Reset.

Hard Reset: Travel & tourism in a post-COVID world

One of the fondest memories of my childhood were the early morning inter-school cricket matches at Mumbai's iconic Cross Maidan. This venue was special for me as a budding cricketer because the square boundaries were short on either side and it was a batsman's paradise. It would generally mean that if the wicket was good, any team batting first would pile on the runs. But piling on all those runs meant that one would need to fill up the old gas tank to its capacity. In maidan cricket lingo, the gas tank would refer to one’s tummy. Fortunately, the Khau Galli, Mumbai's very own eat street, was right next to the ground. 
 
I distinctly remember this old man who would place a humble wooden table and sell nothing but soft buns sandwiched with fresh butter and jam. As I passed the entrance of the maidan, where he would usually set up his stall, a smile from him was like an entry ticket on the field, without which my day would be incomplete. His routine while setting up his bun maska stall, was much like a batsman prepping himself mentally to go out in the middle to fend off a spell of hostile fast bowling. A tall lanky figure, he would walk briskly with a spring in his step, which hid his age, otherwise clearly visible in the wrinkles on his face. He would take out his foldable wooden stool, which looked like it would give away any moment. But perhaps it had carried the weight of this man’s life and livelihood for a long time. Then he would reach into his huge cloth bag, and out came the freshly baked buns! 
 
<img alt="BUn Maska" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c87759d9-6059-424d-89c4-05057fcd6866" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mumbai1.jpg" />

At times, the batsman batting nearest to his stall would get distracted at the aroma of the freshly baked bread, which mingled well with the moist maidan essence. And then like a skillful batsman negotiating a battery of pace bowling, the man would use his butter knife with precision, to create a work of culinary art – perfectly sliced buns with the right amount of Amul butter and some jam. Not too little, not too much! For only five rupees, any batsman eating the bun maska, could lead the charge against the opposition till the lunch break.

The bun maska, though humble, is a culinary icon which is an integral part of the old city's food culture. A piping hot cutting chai and a bun maska to start the day is a routine without which many Mumbaikars would have a restless day, almost as if something was missing. One can easily find small tables set up outside most Mumbai railway stations selling the bun maska for a humble sum. But none of these have the character and grace of the bun maska that you get at the city's traditional Irani cafes. The aroma of freshly baked buns with melting butter and the Irani chai was enough is enough to kick start the day on an optimistic note. A good Irani chai can actually make your worries disappear and an unassumingly sumptuous bun maska with it is just the push one needs to get the day going.

Mumbai's romance with Irani cafes goes back to the 19th century when Zoroastrian immigrants from Central Asia opened up bakeries and cafes, marking the start of a never-ending romance with Mumbaikars. There were around 200 notable Irani cafes across Mumbai in the 50s, and now only a handful remain. Breathing their last, these colonial joints known for their unique bun maska, kheema pav, mutton samosas, pastries and other mouth-watering delicacies were the talk of the town. One such Irani joint was Grant Road's B Merwan &amp; Sons. Their mawa cakes are to die for. I remember my father getting up as early as six in the morning during summer vacations to make sure that he got to the bakery all the way from Kandivli so that he could manage to get me fresh cakes by the time I was up. 
 
<img alt="Cafe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1b641f7-198a-4375-bdbf-7c8441f09b48" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mumbai3.jpg" /> 
 
The term 'to sell like hot cakes' would perhaps have started from the Merwan bakery because those cakes with their soft spongy interior and christmasy cardamom after taste would sell out by nine. One can still grab a chai and mawa cake or a mutton puff at the bakery, but the glory days have been over for a long time. The hustle and bustle of the 20th century that gave these Irani joints its identity is long lost in today's coffee shop culture. Simplicity, perhaps, has no takers. I still pass the bakery whenever I am in the old city and one glimpse of it's crumbling pre-independence architecture still woos me. The Victorian-style carvings at the entrance, the century-old wooden gates are still a tease. The typical 60s advertising with posters on the bakery's exterior and the large font announcing the menu are all there, but it's not the same anymore. Something seems a miss

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .&nbsp;

One of the fondest memories of my childhood were the early morning inter-school cricket matches at Mumbai's iconic Cross Maidan. This venue was special for me as a budding cricketer because the square boundaries were short on either side and it was a batsman's paradise.

One of the fondest memories of my childhood were the early morning inter-school cricket matches at Mumbai's iconic Cross Maidan. This venue was special for me as a budding cricketer because the square boundaries were short on either side and it was a batsman's paradise. It would generally mean that if the wicket was good, any team batting first would pile on the runs. But piling on all those runs meant that one would need to fill up the old gas tank to its capacity. In maidan cricket lingo, the gas tank would refer to one’s tummy. Fortunately, the Khau Galli, Mumbai's very own eat street, was right next to the ground. I distinctly remember this old man who would place a humble wooden table and sell nothing but soft buns sandwiched with fresh butter and jam. As I passed the entrance of the maidan, where he would usually set up his stall, a smile from him was like an entry ticket on the field, without which my day would be incomplete. His routine while setting up his bun maska stall, was much like a batsman prepping himself mentally to go out in the middle to fend off a spell of hostile fast bowling. A tall lanky figure, he would walk briskly with a spring in his step, which hid his age, otherwise clearly visible in the wrinkles on his face. He would take out his foldable wooden stool, which looked like it would give away any moment. But perhaps it had carried the weight of this man’s life and livelihood for a long time. Then he would reach into his huge cloth bag, and out came the freshly baked buns! At times, the batsman batting nearest to his stall would get distracted at the aroma of the freshly baked bread, which mingled well with the moist maidan essence. And then like a skillful batsman negotiating a battery of pace bowling, the man would use his butter knife with precision, to create a work of culinary art – perfectly sliced buns with the right amount of Amul butter and some jam. Not too little, not too much! For only five rupees, any batsman eating the bun maska, could lead the charge against the opposition till the lunch break. The bun maska, though humble, is a culinary icon which is an integral part of the old city's food culture. A piping hot cutting chai and a bun maska to start the day is a routine without which many Mumbaikars would have a restless day, almost as if something was missing. One can easily find small tables set up outside most Mumbai railway stations selling the bun maska for a humble sum. But none of these have the character and grace of the bun maska that you get at the city's traditional Irani cafes. The aroma of freshly baked buns with melting butter and the Irani chai was enough is enough to kick start the day on an optimistic note. A good Irani chai can actually make your worries disappear and an unassumingly sumptuous bun maska with it is just the push one needs to get the day going. Mumbai's romance with Irani cafes goes back to the 19th century when Zoroastrian immigrants from Central Asia opened up bakeries and cafes, marking the start of a never-ending romance with Mumbaikars. There were around 200 notable Irani cafes across Mumbai in the 50s, and now only a handful remain. Breathing their last, these colonial joints known for their unique bun maska, kheema pav, mutton samosas, pastries and other mouth-watering delicacies were the talk of the town. One such Irani joint was Grant Road's B Merwan & Sons. Their mawa cakes are to die for. I remember my father getting up as early as six in the morning during summer vacations to make sure that he got to the bakery all the way from Kandivli so that he could manage to get me fresh cakes by the time I was up. The term 'to sell like hot cakes' would perhaps have started from the Merwan bakery because those cakes with their soft spongy interior and christmasy cardamom after taste would sell out by nine. One can still grab a chai and mawa cake or a mutton puff at the bakery, but the glory days have been over for a long time. The hustle and bustle of the 20th century that gave these Irani joints its identity is long lost in today's coffee shop culture. Simplicity, perhaps, has no takers. I still pass the bakery whenever I am in the old city and one glimpse of it's crumbling pre-independence architecture still woos me. The Victorian-style carvings at the entrance, the century-old wooden gates are still a tease. The typical 60s advertising with posters on the bakery's exterior and the large font announcing the menu are all there, but it's not the same anymore. Something seems a miss (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) .

Mumbai's romance with Irani cafes and bun maska is fading away

The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday issued guidelines for airlines, airports, air passengers and other stakeholders ahead of the resumption of domestic passenger flight operations from May 25 amid the coronavirus lockdown.

According to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), passengers must have the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones which has to be verified by CISF or airport staff at the entry gate. However, Aarogya Setu app is not mandatory for children below 14 years of age.

Social distancing, usage of authorised taxis for commute and more usage of digital payments are some of the norms laid out by the ministry.&nbsp;

Following is the detailed list of guidelines by the&nbsp;civil aviation ministry:&nbsp;

 
Do's

<ul>
	<li>Social Distancing and Minimum touch</li>
	<li>Agreeing to the self-declaration form</li>
	<li>Registering on the Aarogya Setu App</li>
	<li>Digital payments</li>
	<li>Use of authorized taxis</li>
	<li>Baggage limitations- Only one check-in bag and one cabin bag allowed</li>
	<li>Ensure web check-in and obtain a boarding pass</li>
	<li>Passenger to download the baggage/tag baggage identification number, print it and affix it on the bag at a prominent place</li>
	<li>In case the passenger is not able to print the baggage tag, then he/she should mention the PNY number, and his/her name on a thick piece of paper and affix it or tag it with a strong string.</li>
	<li>Before entering the terminal, passenger to ensure that he/she is wearing a mask</li>
	<li>Airlines to inform passengers reporting time at the airport is at least two hours before the scheduled time for flight's departure.</li>
</ul>

Dont's

<ul>
	<li>Passenger should not travel if he/she is staying in a containment zone</li>
	<li>Passenger should not travel if he/she has been tested positive for COVID-19</li>
	<li>Vulnerable persons such as pregnant women, very elderly, passengers with ailments are advised to avoid travel</li>
	<li>Passenger to board the aircraft in a sequential manner</li>
	<li>Passenger advised minimizing the use of the lavatory</li>
	<li>No queuing on planes for bathrooms, only one companion with children and elderly</li>
	<li>No meals to be served, passengers cannot bring their food. &nbsp;Water bottles kept on every seat</li>
	<li>No newspapers/magazines allowed on board</li>
	<li>Upon arrival, passengers to wait with social distancing for baggage to arrive</li>
</ul>

Other important instructions for air passengers

<ul>
	<li>If a passenger who is not permitted to fly, undertakes an air journey he/she shall be liable for penal action</li>
	<li>The airlines shall ensure that the boarding pass is issued only after the passenger confirms to all required declarations</li>
	<li>In case of a PNR having more than one passenger, the declaration would be deemed to be covering all the passengers mentioned in the PNR</li>
</ul>

The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday issued guidelines for airlines, airports, air passengers and other stakeholders ahead of the resumption of domestic passenger flight operations from May 25 amid the coronavirus lockdown.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Thursday issued guidelines for airlines, airports, air passengers and other stakeholders ahead of the resumption of domestic passenger flight operations from May 25 amid the coronavirus lockdown. According to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), passengers must have the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones which has to be verified by CISF or airport staff at the entry gate. However, Aarogya Setu app is not mandatory for children below 14 years of age. Social distancing, usage of authorised taxis for commute and more usage of digital payments are some of the norms laid out by the ministry. Following is the detailed list of guidelines by the civil aviation ministry: Do's Social Distancing and Minimum touch Agreeing to the self-declaration form Registering on the Aarogya Setu App Digital payments Use of authorized taxis Baggage limitations- Only one check-in bag and one cabin bag allowed Ensure web check-in and obtain a boarding pass Passenger to download the baggage/tag baggage identification number, print it and affix it on the bag at a prominent place In case the passenger is not able to print the baggage tag, then he/she should mention the PNY number, and his/her name on a thick piece of paper and affix it or tag it with a strong string. Before entering the terminal, passenger to ensure that he/she is wearing a mask Airlines to inform passengers reporting time at the airport is at least two hours before the scheduled time for flight's departure. Dont's Passenger should not travel if he/she is staying in a containment zone Passenger should not travel if he/she has been tested positive for COVID-19 Vulnerable persons such as pregnant women, very elderly, passengers with ailments are advised to avoid travel Passenger to board the aircraft in a sequential manner Passenger advised minimizing the use of the lavatory No queuing on planes for bathrooms, only one companion with children and elderly No meals to be served, passengers cannot bring their food. Water bottles kept on every seat No newspapers/magazines allowed on board Upon arrival, passengers to wait with social distancing for baggage to arrive Other important instructions for air passengers If a passenger who is not permitted to fly, undertakes an air journey he/she shall be liable for penal action The airlines shall ensure that the boarding pass is issued only after the passenger confirms to all required declarations In case of a PNR having more than one passenger, the declaration would be deemed to be covering all the passengers mentioned in the PNR

Domestic flights resume from May 25: Here are the dos and don'ts for flyers

The travel industry has borne the brunt of the damage wrought by lockdowns to contain the novel coronavirus as nations have sealed borders and planes have been grounded.

While some expect the COVID-19 shock to last around year, the lasting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-to-target-high-spending-tourists-to-revive-tourism-297463">impact on travel</a> is unclear.

The UN forecasts&nbsp;that the world economy will shrink by 3.2 per cent this year, the sharpest contraction since the 1930s Great Depression.

However, as the realisation dawns that the world will have to learn to live with the virus, governments are keen on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-governments-banking-on-tourism-for-economic-revival-298732">kickstarting tourism </a>for economic revival.

European Union&nbsp;is planning to salvage the summer tourist season and is asking member nations to throw open their borders. It has called for&nbsp;unrestricted movement across member states,&nbsp;albeit with safety measures, such as face masks on aeroplanes and social distancing. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-coronavirus-impact-on-the-tourism-industry-277803">Also read:&nbsp;Explained - Coronavirus impact on the tourism industry</a>

The tourism sector accounts for about 10 per cent of the BLOC's economy.&nbsp;Europe’s museums, beaches and plazas have been virtually empty since mid-March under a near-blanket travel halt that has destroyed jobs, pulverised the airline and hospitality sectors and undermined Europe’s cherished principle of free movement in a bid to contain the virus.

Austria and Germany are planning&nbsp;to fully reopen their border on June 15. That will particularly help Austria’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on German visitors. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that the aim is to eliminate border controls from June 15 across the Schengen region.

Furthermore, governments are working on individual plans too. The Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have opened their borders to one another, creating a coronavirus "travel bubble".&nbsp;This is the first "travel bubble" in Europe since nations began shutting their borders earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
India too is keen to restart tourism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to tourism said that he saw the potential for domestic tourism "but we need to think of the contours of the same".

He&nbsp;said, "We can now focus our strategy in this battle against coronavirus, as should be the case. We have a twofold challenge –- to reduce the transmission rate of the disease, and to increase public activity gradually, while adhering to all the guidelines. We will have to work towards achieving both these objectives."

Social-distance travel

Under the European Commission’s proposals, airlines and airports would insist passengers wear masks and reorganise check-ins, dropoffs and luggage pickups to avoid crowds. 
 
The Brussels-based Commission also wants vouchers for cancelled flights or holidays to be valid for at least a year, with protection against bankruptcies, so people would accept them instead of demanding refunds from cash-strapped airlines and travel firms.

It said people should be able to stay in hotels, eat in restaurants or go to beaches - though it stressed the situation would have to be monitored to prevent a new surge in infections. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

The travel industry has borne the brunt of the damage wrought by lockdowns to contain the novel coronavirus as nations have sealed borders and planes have been grounded.

The travel industry has borne the brunt of the damage wrought by lockdowns to contain the novel coronavirus as nations have sealed borders and planes have been grounded. While some expect the COVID-19 shock to last around year, the lasting impact on travel is unclear. The UN forecasts that the world economy will shrink by 3.2 per cent this year, the sharpest contraction since the 1930s Great Depression. However, as the realisation dawns that the world will have to learn to live with the virus, governments are keen on kickstarting tourism for economic revival. European Union is planning to salvage the summer tourist season and is asking member nations to throw open their borders. It has called for unrestricted movement across member states, albeit with safety measures, such as face masks on aeroplanes and social distancing. Also read: Explained - Coronavirus impact on the tourism industry The tourism sector accounts for about 10 per cent of the BLOC's economy. Europe’s museums, beaches and plazas have been virtually empty since mid-March under a near-blanket travel halt that has destroyed jobs, pulverised the airline and hospitality sectors and undermined Europe’s cherished principle of free movement in a bid to contain the virus. Austria and Germany are planning to fully reopen their border on June 15. That will particularly help Austria’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on German visitors. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said that the aim is to eliminate border controls from June 15 across the Schengen region. Furthermore, governments are working on individual plans too. The Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have opened their borders to one another, creating a coronavirus "travel bubble". This is the first "travel bubble" in Europe since nations began shutting their borders earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic. India too is keen to restart tourism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi while referring to tourism said that he saw the potential for domestic tourism "but we need to think of the contours of the same". He said, "We can now focus our strategy in this battle against coronavirus, as should be the case. We have a twofold challenge –- to reduce the transmission rate of the disease, and to increase public activity gradually, while adhering to all the guidelines. We will have to work towards achieving both these objectives." Social-distance travel Under the European Commission’s proposals, airlines and airports would insist passengers wear masks and reorganise check-ins, dropoffs and luggage pickups to avoid crowds. The Brussels-based Commission also wants vouchers for cancelled flights or holidays to be valid for at least a year, with protection against bankruptcies, so people would accept them instead of demanding refunds from cash-strapped airlines and travel firms. It said people should be able to stay in hotels, eat in restaurants or go to beaches - though it stressed the situation would have to be monitored to prevent a new surge in infections. (With inputs from Reuters)

What's the importance of tourism to the world's economy?

United States of America has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in the world. The number of cases have been rising rapidly, and so has the death toll. Despite the rapid increase in number of infections, Americans have not been in favour of lockdown.&nbsp;

Canada, on the other hand, has had a strict lockdown in place but has not been able to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Keeping this in mind, both countries are now deciding to extend the travel ban till June 21.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-zoo-is-sending-two-pandas-back-to-china-because-it-cant-get-enough-bamboo-to-feed-them-298500">Also read:&nbsp;Canada zoo is sending two pandas back to China because it can't get enough bamboo to feed them</a>

"It's too early to lift the restrictions, so we're working toward an extension," said one Canadian government source to a media house.

Earlier, on April 18, Canada and the US had agreed to extend border restrictions until May 21. Considering the rise in number of cases, Canada is now hoping to extend the travel ban&nbsp;for another month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/justin-trudeau-starts-canadahomeworkhelp-asks-kids-to-reach-out-to-him-298079">Also read:&nbsp;Justin Trudeau starts #CanadaHomeworkHelp; asks kids to reach out to him</a>

The restriction will be in place only for non-essential travel plans. All trade travels will be allowed across the border as US takes 75% of all Canadian good exports.&nbsp;

The chief Canadian public health officer, on Tuesday, talked to the media about US being a risk for Canadians, if the travel ban is lifted.

The same travel ban will be proposed for US-Mexico border too.&nbsp;

United States of America has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in the world. The number of cases have been rising rapidly, and so has the death toll.

United States of America has been one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus in the world. The number of cases have been rising rapidly, and so has the death toll. Despite the rapid increase in number of infections, Americans have not been in favour of lockdown. Canada, on the other hand, has had a strict lockdown in place but has not been able to contain the spread of coronavirus. Keeping this in mind, both countries are now deciding to extend the travel ban till June 21. Also read: Canada zoo is sending two pandas back to China because it can't get enough bamboo to feed them "It's too early to lift the restrictions, so we're working toward an extension," said one Canadian government source to a media house. Earlier, on April 18, Canada and the US had agreed to extend border restrictions until May 21. Considering the rise in number of cases, Canada is now hoping to extend the travel ban for another month. Also read: Justin Trudeau starts #CanadaHomeworkHelp; asks kids to reach out to him The restriction will be in place only for non-essential travel plans. All trade travels will be allowed across the border as US takes 75% of all Canadian good exports. The chief Canadian public health officer, on Tuesday, talked to the media about US being a risk for Canadians, if the travel ban is lifted. The same travel ban will be proposed for US-Mexico border too.

Canada-US to extend travel ban till June 21

A tiny Austrian lakeside village so picturesque it had to limit throngs of tourists is now longing for visitors to return to its empty lanes.

Do you wanna go to Hallstatt? 'Frozen' village deserted as coronavirus restrictions bite

Aldo and Vera left their lucrative jobs, sold everything, to pursue their dream of travelling the world in a car. The embarked on this journey 4 years back, and just when they were about to hit their final leg, coronavirus pandemic strikes. Now the couple is stuck in Florida. Here is their story.

They planned to travel the world - then Coronavirus happened | WION Exclusive

Visiting Thailand or Dubai was cheaper than flying to Goa or Kerala a few months ago. The ultra-low or the budget airfares resulted in&nbsp;a travel boom and it helped in turning the dreams of foreign holidays into reality for many.&nbsp;

From Mauritius to Malaysia, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-mulls-up-to-16-billion-rescue-plan-for-aviation-sector-after-coronavirus-287453">budget or low airfares</a> enticed many to explore the new holiday destinations with millions in India and overseas flying for the first time. But with the coronavirus pandemic striking travel and aviation world, the dreams of many for foreign holidays may be over for now or delayed indefinitely.&nbsp;

From low-cost pocket-friendly carriers to full-service airlines, no one in the aviation world was prepared for a global crisis of this scale. Coronavirus pandemic has broken the backbone of the aviation industry and with this, it may be a long-lasting goodbye to the popular super saver airfare schemes or pocket-friendly budget airfare schemes.

Analysts point out with the global travel and tourism industry taking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/banking-systems-may-need-help-if-handicapped-by-disruption-from-coronavirus-lockdowns-imf-289804">a massive hit</a>, the aviation industry might be limited to the essential air or business and need-based travel for some time to come. The low-cost airfares are a result of competition among the airlines to fill seats fast. With many airlines ceasing to exist in future as a result of coronavirus pandemic, low competition can result in airlines resorting to collusion to charge high fares for high margins.&nbsp;

The low-cost airfares were also the result of budget travel that has also taken a massive hit with low-cost holiday destinations like Thailand and Dubai locking down the cities. Also, expensive loans taken for aircraft purchase or high lease costs of the planes won't allow many low-cost airlines to keep flying. Low-cost airlines that started in the US and Europe were quite popular among bag packers or budget holiday goers and the model has been replicated worldwide. But with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-badly-is-the-indian-e-commerce-sector-going-to-be-hit-by-the-coronavirus-pandemic-289640">coronavirus pandemic</a>, everything can change. Sydney-based CAPA Centre for Aviation estimates that many carriers might go bankrupt by the end of May 2020 itself. &nbsp;

A Bloomberg estimate says the airline that are in danger of going under are Pakistan International Airlines, Spicejet, Norwegian, American airlines, Skywest, Air Asia, Asiana Airlines, Virgin Australia, Korean Air, China Eastern, and China Southern airlines.&nbsp;

"In short to medium term, the demand for air travel will remain low. Many airlines will go out of business. But the remaining ones will be more sustainable in the long term as there will be a capacity rationalisation. Some fare models will have to be reworked", said a veteran of the aviation industry who has served at managerial positions in both low cost and full-service carriers.&nbsp;

Based on the assumption that the airlines are not grounded beyond April 15, when the current lockdown ends, estimates suggest the Indian airline industry including companies providing auxiliary services like airports and ground handlers could suffer losses ranging from 3.3 billion to 3.6 billion dollars in the first three months of fiscal 2021 ending in June.&nbsp;

But the situation can change if governments across the world go for massive bailouts for the aviation and tourism sector including one in India.

"Advance cheap airfares could still come even after the Covid-19 crisis is over. After all it is an easier way to raise cash much in advance and many airlines will be in dire need of cash going forward", said another aviation industry executive.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Visiting Thailand or Dubai was cheaper than flying to Goa or Kerala a few months ago. The ultra-low or the budget airfares resulted in a travel boom and it helped in turning the dreams of foreign holidays into reality for many.

Visiting Thailand or Dubai was cheaper than flying to Goa or Kerala a few months ago. The ultra-low or the budget airfares resulted in a travel boom and it helped in turning the dreams of foreign holidays into reality for many. From Mauritius to Malaysia, the budget or low airfares enticed many to explore the new holiday destinations with millions in India and overseas flying for the first time. But with the coronavirus pandemic striking travel and aviation world, the dreams of many for foreign holidays may be over for now or delayed indefinitely. From low-cost pocket-friendly carriers to full-service airlines, no one in the aviation world was prepared for a global crisis of this scale. Coronavirus pandemic has broken the backbone of the aviation industry and with this, it may be a long-lasting goodbye to the popular super saver airfare schemes or pocket-friendly budget airfare schemes. Analysts point out with the global travel and tourism industry taking a massive hit, the aviation industry might be limited to the essential air or business and need-based travel for some time to come. The low-cost airfares are a result of competition among the airlines to fill seats fast. With many airlines ceasing to exist in future as a result of coronavirus pandemic, low competition can result in airlines resorting to collusion to charge high fares for high margins. The low-cost airfares were also the result of budget travel that has also taken a massive hit with low-cost holiday destinations like Thailand and Dubai locking down the cities. Also, expensive loans taken for aircraft purchase or high lease costs of the planes won't allow many low-cost airlines to keep flying. Low-cost airlines that started in the US and Europe were quite popular among bag packers or budget holiday goers and the model has been replicated worldwide. But with coronavirus pandemic, everything can change. Sydney-based CAPA Centre for Aviation estimates that many carriers might go bankrupt by the end of May 2020 itself. A Bloomberg estimate says the airline that are in danger of going under are Pakistan International Airlines, Spicejet, Norwegian, American airlines, Skywest, Air Asia, Asiana Airlines, Virgin Australia, Korean Air, China Eastern, and China Southern airlines. "In short to medium term, the demand for air travel will remain low. Many airlines will go out of business. But the remaining ones will be more sustainable in the long term as there will be a capacity rationalisation. Some fare models will have to be reworked", said a veteran of the aviation industry who has served at managerial positions in both low cost and full-service carriers. Based on the assumption that the airlines are not grounded beyond April 15, when the current lockdown ends, estimates suggest the Indian airline industry including companies providing auxiliary services like airports and ground handlers could suffer losses ranging from 3.3 billion to 3.6 billion dollars in the first three months of fiscal 2021 ending in June. But the situation can change if governments across the world go for massive bailouts for the aviation and tourism sector including one in India. "Advance cheap airfares could still come even after the Covid-19 crisis is over. After all it is an easier way to raise cash much in advance and many airlines will be in dire need of cash going forward", said another aviation industry executive. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Coronavirus impact on aviation industry: Low-cost airfare schemes could be halted for a long time

The global tourism industry is already reeling under the impact of China's economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions between some countries.

And now, the Coronavirus outbreak has dealt another blow to the once-booming industry, which is known as the key driver of growth for any economy.

Travel stocks are among the biggest losers in global markets - hotels, luxury shops and tourist places around the world depend heavily on Chinese tourists.&nbsp;

The Coronavirus outbreak has forced many to cancel travel plans, China has barred its citizens from leaving the country. 10,000 Chinese tourists have cancelled their trip to Bali - earlier every fourth person to visit the vacation island was from China.&nbsp;

The Thai Baht, which was Asia's best-performing currency last year, is the worst performer since the start of 2020.&nbsp;

More than a dozen airlines have cancelled flights to China. Nearly every country has issued an advisory against travelling to China. Russia has closed its border with China and suspended e-visas for its nationals; Philippines and Vietnam have stopped the issue of visas on arrival for Chinese nationals.&nbsp;

Hong Kong has suspended direct train and ferry services, Macau is not open to individual visitors from mainland China. Nepal has sealed its border with China for two weeks; North Korea too has closed its border to all foreign tourists,&nbsp;

The death toll due to Coronavirus has crossed 200 and is continuing to rise, while the number of those infected has increased to more than 9000, exceeding the 2003 SARS outbreak.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the deadly SARS virus infected a total of 8,098 people globally and claimed&nbsp;774 lives. 
&nbsp; 
Coronavirus is rapidly spreading across the world with cases confirmed in 23 countries, and its&nbsp;economic effects are expected to be long-term.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The global tourism industry is already reeling under the impact of China's economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions between some countries. And now, the Coronavirus outbreak has dealt another blow to the once-booming industry, which is known as the key driver of growth for any economy.

The global tourism industry is already reeling under the impact of China's economic slowdown and geopolitical tensions between some countries. And now, the Coronavirus outbreak has dealt another blow to the once-booming industry, which is known as the key driver of growth for any economy. Travel stocks are among the biggest losers in global markets - hotels, luxury shops and tourist places around the world depend heavily on Chinese tourists. The Coronavirus outbreak has forced many to cancel travel plans, China has barred its citizens from leaving the country. 10,000 Chinese tourists have cancelled their trip to Bali - earlier every fourth person to visit the vacation island was from China. The Thai Baht, which was Asia's best-performing currency last year, is the worst performer since the start of 2020. More than a dozen airlines have cancelled flights to China. Nearly every country has issued an advisory against travelling to China. Russia has closed its border with China and suspended e-visas for its nationals; Philippines and Vietnam have stopped the issue of visas on arrival for Chinese nationals. Hong Kong has suspended direct train and ferry services, Macau is not open to individual visitors from mainland China. Nepal has sealed its border with China for two weeks; North Korea too has closed its border to all foreign tourists, The death toll due to Coronavirus has crossed 200 and is continuing to rise, while the number of those infected has increased to more than 9000, exceeding the 2003 SARS outbreak. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the deadly SARS virus infected a total of 8,098 people globally and claimed 774 lives. Coronavirus is rapidly spreading across the world with cases confirmed in 23 countries, and its economic effects are expected to be long-term.

Explained: Coronavirus impact on the tourism industry

If you're planning a trip? Then, Here are some tips to make your travel better.

Your Story: Planning a trip? Here are some tips to make your travel better

Afraid of returning to the Capital's fumes, Meraj and Johan extend their traipse into the hills and find the remotest place they can find to lay their hats--the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. With no mobile connectivity and cocooned in a 150-year-old mansion, the two have an inadvertent digital detox that they desperately needed.

WION Traveller S3 Episode 16 - Into the Wild at Binsar

After a long delay, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-cabinet-to-decide-on-nawaz-sharifs-ecl-issue-261618">Pakistan government</a> on Tuesday granted "conditional" approval for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment on the assurance that he signs surety bonds and commits to return after his treatment and face charges against him. 
 
Addressing a news conference after the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government's chief spokesperson Firdous Ashiq Awan said that about "85-90 per cent" participants of the meeting were of the opinion that Nawaz should be allowed to go abroad for medical treatment provided he meets certain conditions, reported Dawn. 
 
After this, the cabinet approved to remove Sharif's name from the Exit Control List (ECL). 
 
The relief is not unconditional and is a one-time waiver. Sharif would be legally bound to surety bonds, indemnity bonds, security and fines imposed on him by courts. 
 
Awan said Law Minister Farogh Naseem shared the recommendations given by the 14-member medical board examining Nawaz, the opinion of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and his own view with the cabinet regarding allowing the former prime minister to proceed abroad. 
 
Following which, Imran Khan asked to conduct a vote, in which a "majority" of the cabinet members favoured removing Nawaz's name from the ECL, Awan revealed. 
 
The development comes after the cabinet sub-committee on ECL convened earlier in the day. However, the meeting ended without any decision, with Law Minister Farogh Naseem terming the issue of striking Nawaz's name off the Exit Control List (ECL) "a bit complex" as some documents that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had to produce were missing. 
 
Nawaz is required to travel to London for treatment as his health deteriorated in the Kot Lakhpat jail where he was serving seven-year imprisonment in a corruption case. 
 
Nawaz was rushed to hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail last month after his personal physician Dr Adnan raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. Doctors have been struggling to bring his platelet count, that had dropped to dangerous levels,&nbsp;back to normal. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif-to-be-removed-from-exit-control-list-today-261382">Sharif was expected to leave Pakistan</a> on Sunday. However, his ticket had been cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the ECL list. 
 
The federal government and National Accountability Bureau were both hesitant to take off Nawaz Sharif's name from the ECL, sources told Geo News.

After a long delay, Pakistan government on Tuesday granted "conditional" approval for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment on the assurance that he signs surety bonds and commits to return after his treatment and face charges against him.

After a long delay, Pakistan government on Tuesday granted "conditional" approval for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment on the assurance that he signs surety bonds and commits to return after his treatment and face charges against him. Addressing a news conference after the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government's chief spokesperson Firdous Ashiq Awan said that about "85-90 per cent" participants of the meeting were of the opinion that Nawaz should be allowed to go abroad for medical treatment provided he meets certain conditions, reported Dawn. After this, the cabinet approved to remove Sharif's name from the Exit Control List (ECL). The relief is not unconditional and is a one-time waiver. Sharif would be legally bound to surety bonds, indemnity bonds, security and fines imposed on him by courts. Awan said Law Minister Farogh Naseem shared the recommendations given by the 14-member medical board examining Nawaz, the opinion of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and his own view with the cabinet regarding allowing the former prime minister to proceed abroad. Following which, Imran Khan asked to conduct a vote, in which a "majority" of the cabinet members favoured removing Nawaz's name from the ECL, Awan revealed. The development comes after the cabinet sub-committee on ECL convened earlier in the day. However, the meeting ended without any decision, with Law Minister Farogh Naseem terming the issue of striking Nawaz's name off the Exit Control List (ECL) "a bit complex" as some documents that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had to produce were missing. Nawaz is required to travel to London for treatment as his health deteriorated in the Kot Lakhpat jail where he was serving seven-year imprisonment in a corruption case. Nawaz was rushed to hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail last month after his personal physician Dr Adnan raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. Doctors have been struggling to bring his platelet count, that had dropped to dangerous levels, back to normal. Sharif was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday. However, his ticket had been cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the ECL list. The federal government and National Accountability Bureau were both hesitant to take off Nawaz Sharif's name from the ECL, sources told Geo News.

Pakistan strikes Nawaz Sharif's name off Exit Control List, permits him to go abroad for treatment

Hundreds of tourists formed long queues to climb Australia's Uluru soon after dawn on Friday (October 25), the day before a permanent ban on the climb takes effect following a decades-long fight by indigenous people to close the trek.

Tourists line up to scale Australia's Uluru hours ahead of climb ban

More than half of of the 150,000 holidaymakers left stranded abroad after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-shrugs-off-thomas-cook-collapse-amid-booming-investment-252448">collapse of travel firm Thomas Cook</a> have been repatriated to Britain, the Civil Aviation Authority regulator said Saturday.

The CAA said 76,000 people had been returned in the first five days of Operation Matterhorn -&nbsp;Britain's biggest peacetime repatriation.

Debt-plagued Thomas Cook, which struggled against the fierce online competition for years and blamed Brexit uncertainty for a drop in bookings, declared bankruptcy Monday after failing to secure fresh funds.

The CAA said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/thomas-cook-france-declares-insolvency-252278">95 per cent of passengers were coming home on the day</a> they were originally scheduled to return.

The operation will continue until October 6, with more than 1,000 flights planned in total.

Some 76 flights were scheduled Saturday, bringing 16,700 people back to Britain.

"After five days, Operation Matterhorn has now flown home over half of the 150,000 customers who were abroad at the time Thomas Cook stopped trading," said CAA Chief Executive Richard Moriarty.

"We aim to bring home the rest at the end of their holiday," he said.

"An operation of this scale and complexity will inevitably cause some inconvenience and disruption and I would like to thank holidaymakers for bearing with us as we work around the clock to bring them back", he added.

The CAA said it was processing hundreds of payments to hotels <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-repatriate-16000-people-on-fourth-day-of-thomas-cook-collapse-252153">hosting Thomas Cook customers</a> to ensure they could stay on and complete their holidays.

Monday's bankruptcy followed a lengthy period of chronic financial turmoil after a disastrous series of mergers left it burdened with soaring debt, a large branch network and high costs.

More than half of of the 150,000 holidaymakers left stranded abroad after the collapse of travel firm Thomas Cook have been repatriated to Britain, the Civil Aviation Authority regulator said Saturday.

More than half of of the 150,000 holidaymakers left stranded abroad after the collapse of travel firm Thomas Cook have been repatriated to Britain, the Civil Aviation Authority regulator said Saturday. The CAA said 76,000 people had been returned in the first five days of Operation Matterhorn - Britain's biggest peacetime repatriation. Debt-plagued Thomas Cook, which struggled against the fierce online competition for years and blamed Brexit uncertainty for a drop in bookings, declared bankruptcy Monday after failing to secure fresh funds. The CAA said 95 per cent of passengers were coming home on the day they were originally scheduled to return. The operation will continue until October 6, with more than 1,000 flights planned in total. Some 76 flights were scheduled Saturday, bringing 16,700 people back to Britain. "After five days, Operation Matterhorn has now flown home over half of the 150,000 customers who were abroad at the time Thomas Cook stopped trading," said CAA Chief Executive Richard Moriarty. "We aim to bring home the rest at the end of their holiday," he said. "An operation of this scale and complexity will inevitably cause some inconvenience and disruption and I would like to thank holidaymakers for bearing with us as we work around the clock to bring them back", he added. The CAA said it was processing hundreds of payments to hotels hosting Thomas Cook customers to ensure they could stay on and complete their holidays. Monday's bankruptcy followed a lengthy period of chronic financial turmoil after a disastrous series of mergers left it burdened with soaring debt, a large branch network and high costs.

After disruptions, Thomas Cook holidaymakers back in UK

Thomas Cook , the world's oldest travel firm, collapsed on Monday, stranding hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers around the globe and sparking the largest peacetime repatriation effort in British history.

The firm runs hotels, resorts, airlines, and cruises for 19 million people a year in 16 countries. It currently has 600,000 people abroad, forcing governments and insurance companies to coordinate a huge rescue operation.

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority said Thomas Cook has now ceased trading and it would work with the government to bring the more than 150,000 British customers home over the next two weeks.

Hurt by high levels of debt, online competition and geopolitical uncertainty, Thomas Cook needed to find 200 Million Pounds (Rs. 17,76,26,00,000) on top of a 900 Million Pound package it had already agreed to see it through the winter months when it needs to pay hotels for their summer services.

More than 20,000 jobs are at risk.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association, which represents Thomas Cook staff, had appealed to the government to step in with "real financial support".

Thomas Cook , the world's oldest travel firm, collapsed on Monday, stranding hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers around the globe and sparking the largest peacetime repatriation effort in British history.

Thomas Cook , the world's oldest travel firm, collapsed on Monday, stranding hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers around the globe and sparking the largest peacetime repatriation effort in British history. The firm runs hotels, resorts, airlines, and cruises for 19 million people a year in 16 countries. It currently has 600,000 people abroad, forcing governments and insurance companies to coordinate a huge rescue operation. The UK's Civil Aviation Authority said Thomas Cook has now ceased trading and it would work with the government to bring the more than 150,000 British customers home over the next two weeks. Hurt by high levels of debt, online competition and geopolitical uncertainty, Thomas Cook needed to find 200 Million Pounds (Rs. 17,76,26,00,000) on top of a 900 Million Pound package it had already agreed to see it through the winter months when it needs to pay hotels for their summer services. More than 20,000 jobs are at risk. The Transport Salaried Staffs Association, which represents Thomas Cook staff, had appealed to the government to step in with "real financial support".

British travel firm Thomas Cook collapses

World War II veteran Lawrence Brooks was serenaded and showered with kisses during a celebration of his 110th birthday at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans Thursday.

WWII veteran celebrates 110th birthday in NOrleans

General Motors is recalling nearly 3.5 million vehicles because of a brake problem that increases the risk of a crash, according to documents published by a US safety agency.

The issue is with the vacuum pump, which can diminish vacuum over time, affecting braking and "extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash," according to a letter to GM from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

GM will notify owners of the issue, NHTSA said in the letter, which was dated September 10 and available Wednesday on the agency's website.

The issue affects nearly 3.5 million pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado (2014-2018), the GMC Sierra (2014-2018), the Chevrolet Suburban (2015-2018) and the Cadillac Escalade (2015-2017).

The company also is recalling around 180,000 Chevrolet Malibu cars over disabled fuel injectors; 91,000 Chevrolet Express models and GMC Savanas, from 2019, over a problem with the seatbelt light; and 3,400 Buick Enclaves and Chevrolet Traverses, from 2020, over a crack in the engine compartment.

General Motors is recalling nearly 3.5 million vehicles because of a brake problem that increases the risk of a crash, according to documents published by a US safety agency.

General Motors is recalling nearly 3.5 million vehicles because of a brake problem that increases the risk of a crash, according to documents published by a US safety agency. The issue is with the vacuum pump, which can diminish vacuum over time, affecting braking and "extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash," according to a letter to GM from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. GM will notify owners of the issue, NHTSA said in the letter, which was dated September 10 and available Wednesday on the agency's website. The issue affects nearly 3.5 million pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado (2014-2018), the GMC Sierra (2014-2018), the Chevrolet Suburban (2015-2018) and the Cadillac Escalade (2015-2017). The company also is recalling around 180,000 Chevrolet Malibu cars over disabled fuel injectors; 91,000 Chevrolet Express models and GMC Savanas, from 2019, over a problem with the seatbelt light; and 3,400 Buick Enclaves and Chevrolet Traverses, from 2020, over a crack in the engine compartment.

General Motors recalls 3.5 million vehicles over brake issue

Visitors to New Orleans who want to learn more about cocktails will soon have a new place to go. No, it's not another bar. The Sazerac Company, a Louisiana-based spirits maker, is opening the Sazerac House on Oct. 2.

Sazerac House celebrates NOLA's cocktail culture

The United States raised its travel warning for Hong Kong, urging increased caution by visitors to the Chinese territory in the face of what it described as civil unrest after months of sometimes violent street protests.

The United States raised its travel warning for Hong Kong, urging increased caution by visitors to the Chinese territory in the face of what it described as civil unrest after months of sometimes violent street protests. The protests in the Asian financial hub began with opposition to a now-suspended extradition law and have evolved into a direct challenge to the city's government and calls for full democracy. "The protests and confrontations have spilled over into neighbourhoods other than those where the police have permitted marches or rallies," said the advisory, posted on the website of the U.S. state department on Wednesday. "These demonstrations, which can take place with little or no notice, are likely to continue," it added. The advisory was raised to level two on a four-point scale. Australia also warned its travellers in an updated advisory. The protests pose a grave popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. Xi is also grappling with a debilitating trade war with the United States and a slowing economy. China's Foreign Ministry lodged stern representations with the United States, urging U.S. officials to stop sending wrong signals to the "violent separatists" in Hong Kong. The protests have left Hong Kong facing its worst crisis since it returned to China from British rule in 1997, the head of China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs office said. More protests are planned in several districts across the city this weekend, starting on Friday, with demonstrators also planning a three-day rally at the city's international airport. Police warned activists to protest peacefully and said they had detained three more people, raising the number arrested to nearly 600 since protests began in June, the youngest aged 13. Protesters want the city's embattled leader Carrie Lam to categorically withdraw the extradition bill and an independent inquiry into the government and the police handling of the controversy. Lam, who says the bill is dead but has not withdrawn it, visited some districts on Wednesday to speak with residents and inspect a police station recently targeted by protesters. The government would put forward measures to improve people's livelihoods, she said in a statement after the visit. Further demonstrations Young people are at the forefront of the protests, worried about China encroaching on Hong Kong's freedoms. The city is already battling problems such as sky-high living costs and what people see as an unfair housing policy favoring the wealthy. The normally efficient and orderly city has seen its transport network besieged and shut down by demonstrators, while protests have shut big-brand stores and popular shopping malls. Three masked activists, who did not give their names, held a news conference on Thursday, their second this week and broadcast on domestic television channels, to criticize what they called arbitrary arrests and police use of tear gas. "The continuation of such attempts at spreading fear and suppressing the freedom of press will eventually backfire on the government itself," one activist told the Citizens' Press Conference, a platform protesters are using to voice concerns over the situation in Hong Kong. "The ultimate victim of these tactics will be the police force's crumbling public image," said the activist, who spoke in English. The comments came after plainclothes police arrested a student leader from Baptist University, Keith Fong, because laser pointers he bought were offensive weapons. On Wednesday night, hundreds of protesters held a rally and shined lasers on the dome of the city's Space Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui, demanding Fong be released, and mocking the police's description of the pointers as "laser guns". Several thousand Hong Kong lawyers, dressed in black, marched in silence on Wednesday to call on the government to safeguard the independence of the city's department of justice. They fear the justice department's prosecutions of arrested protesters are taking on an increasingly political slant. Many of those arrested have been charged with rioting, which carries a 10-year jail term. Protesters have started to use increasingly diverse tactics to evade capture, shifting quickly from place to place and using online platforms such as Telegram to direct thousands of people. They also circulated brightly colored pamphlets online ahead of the airport demonstrations, aiming to help tourists understand events, in which they vowed never to surrender. "Dear travellers, please forgive us for the 'unexpected Hong Kong'. You arrive in a broken, torn-apart city, not the one you have once pictured. Yet the city you imagined is exactly what we are fighting for," the pamphlets said.

More Hong Kong protests planned as US raises travel warning

Saudi women now free to drive and travel, along with driving rights, they also get equal travel rights.

WION Dispatch: Saudi Women get Equal Travel rights

Detecting and disrupting terrorists and other high-risk criminals prior to them carrying out an attack is a high priority for the international community, according to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday at the launch of the UN Countering Terrorism Travel Programme.

UN launches Countering Terrorism Travel Programme

In this episode of WION Traveller our Swede had a long awaited visit home coming up. No stopping him telling us what Sweden is like, even in 25 degrees below freezing! The Swede quickly realized he left his heart in India and return after a mere week with family. Could it be because Meraj had taken the opportunity to ride the largest Harley he could find all the way from Delhi to Goa on an epic road trip? Watch this weeks episode to catch up with what happened next...

WION Traveller S2 Episode 21 – From Sweden to Goa

This week Meraj and Johan go into the deep dark recesses of Goa, with none other than Mrinmayee Thakur, an architect who has spent years exploring the little known caves in the area. The team of WION Traveller also engage the local residents of Chopdem in a football match, and make it obvious to the locals that they don't stand a chance. Meraj also meets up with an old friend and rolls away to a secluded corner of Baga beach, soaking in the views of the setting sun...

WION Traveller S2 Episode 23 – The Bat Caves of Goa

While reading about Stand up paddle boarding, and the serene experience of paddling with dolphins on calm morning waters not long after sunrise, it is easy to start dreaming... And that is exactly what bold adventurers do best, Kaat Vanderstappen, our teacher if you will, quickly burst our bubbles and realized we were no match for her. Reaching the shore, alive but if barely, Johan decides to make amends to his self-esteem by meeting an old friend from his Yogi days...

WION Traveller S2 Episode 22 – Stand up Guys in Goa

By Freya Higgins-Desbiolles

Japan’s Nanzoin Temple is famous for its huge statue of a reclining Buddha. Its custodians are less laidback about the hordes of tourists the temple attracts. Signs in 12 languages now warn foreign visitors they may not enter in large groups.

It’s part of anti-tourist sentiment, driven by “the bad manners and abhorrent actions” of some visitors from abroad, reportedly growing all over Japan – and elsewhere in the world.

In Amsterdam, for example, city authorities have put a halt on new hotels and souvenir shops, and are cracking down on private rental platforms.

Tourism brings many benefits to communities around the world. But tourism hotspots are feeling the strain as tourist numbers increase. Locals resent being crowded out of restaurants and parks. They resent paying inflated prices. Most of all they resent tourists behaving badly.

The increasing prevalence of the badly behaved tourist, either in reality or simply as a cultural meme, presents a serious issue for the tourism industry. In cities at tourism’s bleeding edge, such as Venice, resentment has boiled over into anti-tourism protests. In Barcelona, the cause against foreign visitors has been embraced by left-wing nationalist activists. Their view is expressed in graffiti around Barcelona: “Refugees welcome; tourists go home.” 
 
Unless the tourism industry does something to address underlying aggravations, such sentiments are likely to spread. There’s danger tourism, instead of building bridges for cross-cultural understanding and friendship, will add to the stereotypical walls that separate people.

When in Rome

Sometimes bad behaviour is a matter of perception and comes down to cultural differences. There are places in China, for example, where it’s perfectly acceptable to leave your restaurant table, and the floor around it, an absolute mess. Two Chinese women visiting Japan, however, became the focus of international criticism due to a video that appeared to show them being asked to leave an Osaka restaurant because of their “disgusting eating habits”.

The question arises as to why tourists don’t make more effort to understand and follow local customs.

Then there’s the question of why tourists behave in ways they wouldn’t dream of at home. Maybe it’s wearing a lime-green mankini while wandering through Krakow. Or nothing at all at Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most holy shrine.

The evidence suggests there’s something about being on holiday that simply seems to lower people’s inhibitions.

Otherwise ordinary people commit stupid acts like attempting to steal a propaganda poster in the world’s most totalitarian state. Or spray-painting grafitti on a wall of a site where millions were murdered. Or brawling for a prime selfie spot at Rome’s Trevi Fountain.

Sustainable tourism rests on a number of pillars. One of those is the need for the tourist to respect local people, cultures and environments.

The problem now, as other tourism scholars have pointed out, is that tourism is promoted as an activity of pure hedonism. Rather than being encouraged to see themselves as global citizens with both rights and responsibilities, tourists are sold an illusion of unlimited indulgence. They are positioned as consumers, with special privileges.

Is it any wonder that encourages indulgent behaviour and an attitude of entitlement?

The Tiaki promise

We know about some of the incidents mentioned because the perpetrators themselves recorded their crimes for posterity. On other occasions, an offended local has done the filming.

Such is the case of the “pig” British tourists who created a media storm on their holiday to New Zealand in January. A video showing the rubbish they left behind at a beachside park turned them into a media sensation. More than 10,000 people signed a petition for them to be deported.

It’s a classic case study in how a local event can now so easily become a national or international incident.

But I believe New Zealand also provides a case study in how the global tourism industry can deal with antitourist sentiment by encouraging tourists to show greater respect.

To deal with multiple problems associated with tourists – including bad driving, damaging camping practices and to ignorance of safety in the outdoors, New Zealand’s tourism authority and operators are promoting “The Tiaki Promise”. 
 
Tiaki is a Maori word meaning to guard, preserve, protect or shelter. An associated principle is Kaitiakitanga, an ethic of guardianship based on traditional Maori understandings of kinship between humans and the natural world.

The Tiaki campaign thus asks tourists to look after New Zealand, “to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home”. In exchange, it promises a warm welcome to those who care to care.

Such a principle of reciprocity is an inviting code for responsible tourism. The tourism industry’s challenge is to develop effective strategies to bring tourists and locals into better alignment.

The key is in communicating the priceless experiences that emerge from being with the locals rather than imposing on them.

 
(Freya Higgins-Desbiolles is Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management, University of South Australia)

 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/tourists-behaving-badly-are-a-threat-to-global-tourism-and-the-industry-is-partly-to-blame-112398">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
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By Freya Higgins-Desbiolles Japan’s Nanzoin Temple is famous for its huge statue of a reclining Buddha. Its custodians are less laidback about the hordes of tourists the temple attracts.

By Freya Higgins-Desbiolles Japan’s Nanzoin Temple is famous for its huge statue of a reclining Buddha. Its custodians are less laidback about the hordes of tourists the temple attracts. Signs in 12 languages now warn foreign visitors they may not enter in large groups. It’s part of anti-tourist sentiment, driven by “the bad manners and abhorrent actions” of some visitors from abroad, reportedly growing all over Japan – and elsewhere in the world. In Amsterdam, for example, city authorities have put a halt on new hotels and souvenir shops, and are cracking down on private rental platforms. Tourism brings many benefits to communities around the world. But tourism hotspots are feeling the strain as tourist numbers increase. Locals resent being crowded out of restaurants and parks. They resent paying inflated prices. Most of all they resent tourists behaving badly. The increasing prevalence of the badly behaved tourist, either in reality or simply as a cultural meme, presents a serious issue for the tourism industry. In cities at tourism’s bleeding edge, such as Venice, resentment has boiled over into anti-tourism protests. In Barcelona, the cause against foreign visitors has been embraced by left-wing nationalist activists. Their view is expressed in graffiti around Barcelona: “Refugees welcome; tourists go home.” Unless the tourism industry does something to address underlying aggravations, such sentiments are likely to spread. There’s danger tourism, instead of building bridges for cross-cultural understanding and friendship, will add to the stereotypical walls that separate people. When in Rome Sometimes bad behaviour is a matter of perception and comes down to cultural differences. There are places in China, for example, where it’s perfectly acceptable to leave your restaurant table, and the floor around it, an absolute mess. Two Chinese women visiting Japan, however, became the focus of international criticism due to a video that appeared to show them being asked to leave an Osaka restaurant because of their “disgusting eating habits”. The question arises as to why tourists don’t make more effort to understand and follow local customs. Then there’s the question of why tourists behave in ways they wouldn’t dream of at home. Maybe it’s wearing a lime-green mankini while wandering through Krakow. Or nothing at all at Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most holy shrine. The evidence suggests there’s something about being on holiday that simply seems to lower people’s inhibitions. Otherwise ordinary people commit stupid acts like attempting to steal a propaganda poster in the world’s most totalitarian state. Or spray-painting grafitti on a wall of a site where millions were murdered. Or brawling for a prime selfie spot at Rome’s Trevi Fountain. Sustainable tourism rests on a number of pillars. One of those is the need for the tourist to respect local people, cultures and environments. The problem now, as other tourism scholars have pointed out, is that tourism is promoted as an activity of pure hedonism. Rather than being encouraged to see themselves as global citizens with both rights and responsibilities, tourists are sold an illusion of unlimited indulgence. They are positioned as consumers, with special privileges. Is it any wonder that encourages indulgent behaviour and an attitude of entitlement? The Tiaki promise We know about some of the incidents mentioned because the perpetrators themselves recorded their crimes for posterity. On other occasions, an offended local has done the filming. Such is the case of the “pig” British tourists who created a media storm on their holiday to New Zealand in January. A video showing the rubbish they left behind at a beachside park turned them into a media sensation. More than 10,000 people signed a petition for them to be deported. It’s a classic case study in how a local event can now so easily become a national or international incident. But I believe New Zealand also provides a case study in how the global tourism industry can deal with antitourist sentiment by encouraging tourists to show greater respect. To deal with multiple problems associated with tourists – including bad driving, damaging camping practices and to ignorance of safety in the outdoors, New Zealand’s tourism authority and operators are promoting “The Tiaki Promise”. Tiaki is a Maori word meaning to guard, preserve, protect or shelter. An associated principle is Kaitiakitanga, an ethic of guardianship based on traditional Maori understandings of kinship between humans and the natural world. The Tiaki campaign thus asks tourists to look after New Zealand, “to act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home”. In exchange, it promises a warm welcome to those who care to care. Such a principle of reciprocity is an inviting code for responsible tourism. The tourism industry’s challenge is to develop effective strategies to bring tourists and locals into better alignment. The key is in communicating the priceless experiences that emerge from being with the locals rather than imposing on them. (Freya Higgins-Desbiolles is Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management, University of South Australia) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Tourists behaving badly are a threat to global tourism

Various initiatives in the interim budget such as tax rebates for the middle class will benefit the travel and tourism sector, industry players said.&nbsp;

"On the whole, the interim budget is promising for the travel industry, complemented by further tax rebate for the middle-income group more savings, more travel," said FCM Travel Solutions MD Rakshit Desai.

Expressing similar views, EaseMyTrip Co-Founder &amp; CEO Nishant Pittie said the budget announced promising initiatives that will definitely augur well for the Indian travel and tourism industry.&nbsp;

The focus on tax rebates for the middle class has brought a sigh of relief for them and now they will be able to spend more on vacations.

The government has increased the funds for the tourism ministry to Rs 2,189.22 crore for 2019-20.

"The exemption of income tax for middle and lower class segment of the society will increase the disposable income, which in line will trigger demand across consumer focused industries," Royal Orchid Hotels MD Chander Baljee said.

Highlighting that tax exemptions will provide a boost to the sector, Cox &amp; Kings Group CEO Peter Kerkar said the move will lead to additional savings thereby leading to more discretionary spends and travel and tourism can be one of the beneficiaries.

Thomas Cook India ED and CEO Mahesh Iyer said: "While the interim budget 2019 has seen no direct mention of the travel and tourism sector, focus on tax breaks for the middle class will result in increased disposable income and a cascading boost to consumption- offering the sector an opportunity for increased travel and tourism spends."&nbsp;

Sambhav Rakyan, Head of Talent and Rewards Consulting, India at Willis Towers Watson said measures on taxation front will have a positive impact on disposable income and savings, which in turn can increase domestic expenditure and enhance the sense of security amongst salaried class.

L Badri Narayanan, Partner, Lakshmikumaran &amp; Sridharan attorneys said the tax exemptions will go a long way in providing relief. At the same time, the tax mop-up may not be affected too severely as the total contribution as percentage of overall tax may be low.

Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Drip Capital, Pushkar Mukewar said the finance minister has announced a few steps that could prove beneficial to MSMEs, including lower interest rates and tax changes.

Various initiatives in the interim budget such as tax rebates for the middle class will benefit the travel and tourism sector, industry players said. "On the whole, the interim budget is promising for the travel industry, complemented by further tax rebate for the middle-income group more savings, more travel," said FCM Travel Solutions MD Rakshit Desai.

Various initiatives in the interim budget such as tax rebates for the middle class will benefit the travel and tourism sector, industry players said. "On the whole, the interim budget is promising for the travel industry, complemented by further tax rebate for the middle-income group more savings, more travel," said FCM Travel Solutions MD Rakshit Desai. Expressing similar views, EaseMyTrip Co-Founder & CEO Nishant Pittie said the budget announced promising initiatives that will definitely augur well for the Indian travel and tourism industry. The focus on tax rebates for the middle class has brought a sigh of relief for them and now they will be able to spend more on vacations. The government has increased the funds for the tourism ministry to Rs 2,189.22 crore for 2019-20. "The exemption of income tax for middle and lower class segment of the society will increase the disposable income, which in line will trigger demand across consumer focused industries," Royal Orchid Hotels MD Chander Baljee said. Highlighting that tax exemptions will provide a boost to the sector, Cox & Kings Group CEO Peter Kerkar said the move will lead to additional savings thereby leading to more discretionary spends and travel and tourism can be one of the beneficiaries. Thomas Cook India ED and CEO Mahesh Iyer said: "While the interim budget 2019 has seen no direct mention of the travel and tourism sector, focus on tax breaks for the middle class will result in increased disposable income and a cascading boost to consumption- offering the sector an opportunity for increased travel and tourism spends." Sambhav Rakyan, Head of Talent and Rewards Consulting, India at Willis Towers Watson said measures on taxation front will have a positive impact on disposable income and savings, which in turn can increase domestic expenditure and enhance the sense of security amongst salaried class. L Badri Narayanan, Partner, Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan attorneys said the tax exemptions will go a long way in providing relief. At the same time, the tax mop-up may not be affected too severely as the total contribution as percentage of overall tax may be low. Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Drip Capital, Pushkar Mukewar said the finance minister has announced a few steps that could prove beneficial to MSMEs, including lower interest rates and tax changes.

Tax rebates for middle class to benefit travel, tourism sector: Industry

With little hops and jumps, 'flying cars' are becoming a reality

The European Union's executive proposed on Tuesday (November 13) that Britons be allowed to visit the bloc without visas after Brexit and stepped up preparations in case of a no-deal divorce.

The Commission said Britons would need no visas for stays of up to 90 days.

This would need to be approved by the European Parliament and EU member states to take effect.

Timmermans was speaking after EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier updated the European Commission on divorce negotiations with Britain, which British Prime Minister Theresa May said were "in the endgame" but remain stuck over the Irish border.

EU diplomats did not have high hopes for a breakthrough this week that would allow for a summit of national leaders to rubber-stamp a Brexit deal this month.

While a deal is possible in December, delays raise the risk of the most damaging scenario of Britain leaving the EU next March without agreements in place to mitigate its impacts.

The European Union's executive proposed on Tuesday (November 13) that Britons be allowed to visit the bloc without visas after Brexit and stepped up preparations in case of a no-deal divorce.

The European Union's executive proposed on Tuesday (November 13) that Britons be allowed to visit the bloc without visas after Brexit and stepped up preparations in case of a no-deal divorce. The Commission said Britons would need no visas for stays of up to 90 days. This would need to be approved by the European Parliament and EU member states to take effect. Timmermans was speaking after EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier updated the European Commission on divorce negotiations with Britain, which British Prime Minister Theresa May said were "in the endgame" but remain stuck over the Irish border. EU diplomats did not have high hopes for a breakthrough this week that would allow for a summit of national leaders to rubber-stamp a Brexit deal this month. While a deal is possible in December, delays raise the risk of the most damaging scenario of Britain leaving the EU next March without agreements in place to mitigate its impacts.

EU proposes visa-free travel for Britons after Brexit

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