Considering Quintana Roo for an upcoming meeting? The destination’s Tourism Promotion Council has just unveiled a new campaign that may seal the deal. Have you or your attendees dealt with delays while flying to a meeting via JetBlue? The Department of Justice took note—and has levied a hefty fine on the airline. Nervous for your upcoming event in Park City after seeing those viral videos of crammed lines for lifts? Several union officials have some potentially encouraging news.
As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest can’t-miss travel news headlines.
Africa’s New High-Speed Rail Network to Revolutionize Travel
One of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Africa’s history, the African Integrated High-Speed Railway Network (AIHSRN) is set to transform the continent’s travel and tourism sectors. Egypt is leading the way by launching the first segment of this vast system and has begun initial steps on an over $8 billion project with Siemens Mobility, a key player in the rail industry. Central to this initiative is Siemens’ Velaro high-speed train, specifically engineered to withstand the region’s harsh climate.
Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, told the press, “The presentation of the first Velaro high-speed train is a significant milestone as we work to deliver sustainable rail travel for the Egyptian people. The Velaro is one of the most advanced high-speed trains in the world, incorporating the operational experience of over three billion kilometers. This Velaro will be one of 41 high-speed trains, 94 Desiro regional trains and 41 Vectrons to operate in Egypt as part of creating the sixth largest high-speed network in the world.”
The AIHSRN project aims to achieve several key milestones by 2033, including linking landlocked countries, connecting African regions and establishing Trans-Africa beltways. Once completed, AIHSRN will connect 16 landlocked nations to major seaports and neighboring countries, ensuring seamless railway interoperability across various regions. It will also create East-West and North-South land bridges while linking African capitals. These efforts will enhance the integration of major commercial and economic hubs, driving economic growth, promoting intra-African trade and supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council Unveils ‘Luxury Experience’ Campaign
A new campaign has been launched by the Quintana Roo Tourism Promotion Council to appeal to travelers in search of top-tier luxury and gorgeous vistas. The campaign, titled the Luxury Experience by the Mexican Caribbean, will focus on bespoke offerings such as private arrivals, grand accommodations, culinary excellence and curated experiences. Featured venues range from five-star resorts like Atelier Playa Mujeres and Banyan Tree Mayakoba to tranquil retreats such as Habitas Bacalar and Be Tulum Beach & Spa Resort.
“Luxury is a deeply personal experience, and each of our destinations provides travelers the freedom to define luxury on their own terms, whether that means having the luxury of time, exclusivity or extraordinary experiences,” said Andres Martinez, director of the CPTQ. “From designer shopping to pristine, white-sand beaches, cutting-edge spa treatments and globally recognized golf courses, the Mexican Caribbean is unlike any other luxury destination in the world, and our transformative offerings will provide lifelong memories for all who visit.”
JetBlue Fined $2 Million for Chronically Delayed Flights
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is demanding a hefty fine from JetBlue after the airline operated chronically delayed flights in 2022 and 2023. The reprimand follows four flights that arrived more than 30 minutes late more than half of the time over five or six consecutive months; under DOT regulations, such results may be cited as evidence of unrealistic scheduling, which the agency has the authority to penalize as an unfair, deceptive and anticompetitive business practice.
The $2 million sum was reached after a negotiation between DOT and JetBlue, and comes with a symbolic asterisk, as the airline is placing blame on air traffic control staffing shortages in the Northeast and Florida, where its largest markets are. The company also cites $10 million spent over the past two years to reduce flight delays as evidence of its commitment to customer service.
JetBlue told the press in part, “The U.S. should have the safest, most efficient and advanced air traffic control system in the world, and we urge the incoming administration to prioritize modernizing outdated ATC technology and addressing chronic air traffic controller staffing shortages to reduce ATC delays that affect millions of air travelers each year.”
Progress Reported in Park City Ski Patrol Union Strike
You’ve likely seen the snow-blasted images of skiers packed like sardines on the Park City’s peaks. A strike by the Park City Ski Patrol Union has reached its eighth day—but progress may be imminent. Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association President Kate Lips has told the press that this week’s meetings with Vail Resorts and federal mediators “have resulted in large steps towards an agreement.”
The union is calling for entry-level pay of $23 per hour, up from the current $21, along with better overall pay packages and improved benefits. Many, such as Nik Smith, vice president of Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association, are surprised that negotiators for Vail Resorts haven’t reached a deal yet. Smith said, “Given the major impacts our work stoppage has had on resort operations, we are surprised the company’s counterproposal is still far from what we feel is acceptable.”
As of today, only 24 of the Park City Mountain Resort’s 41 lifts are operating, and just 75 of the ski area’s 346 runs are open. COO Deirdra Walsh took to Instagram to address the rising tide of social media backlash, citing a combination of the strike as well as poor weather conditions that led to massive lines of waiting skiers. She said in part, “There are a couple of factors at play. First, we have not had the snowfall that we usually have by this point in the season…Even with fresh snowfall, the lower snowpack makes opening terrain more challenging. Also, it is obviously very disappointing to have members of our ski patrol on strike. We have plans in place to safely operate—but there have been operational impacts from the union’s action. Each day we are opening the terrain that is safe to open with the people we have.”
Grupo Mirgor and Meliá Hotels International Announce Plans for Luxury Hotel in Ushuaia, Argentina
Argentine technology company Grupo Mirgor has announced its expansion into the hospitality sector, starting with plans for a new luxury hotel in partnership with Spanish hotel company Meliá Hotels International. Grupo Mirgor, whose interests also include the automotive, electronics, agribusiness, and logistics and services industries, will debut its first hotel in Ushuaia, Argentina, as part of its diversification strategy. Gran Meliá, Meliá Hotels International’s luxury brand, will operate the property, which will include 200 rooms, two restaurants, an auditorium, indoor and outdoor pools, and exclusive spaces such as a gazebo and winter garden.
“This is a project that was created from a collaborative vision, and having Meliá Hotels International involved in it is a fundamental milestone. We are committed to expanding the economy of Tierra del Fuego. To this end, we are convinced that it is necessary to be able to integrate capacities and wills that allow us to develop projects framed within this objective,” said José Luis Alonso, CEO of Grupo Mirgor.
