U.S. labor union Unite Here is urging travelers staying at California Marriott properties to demand a refund for “the company’s unpopular destination fee.” Noting that thousands of hotel workers are on strike at Marriott locations in San Francisco, Unite Here has provided a guide for hotel guests to attempt to receive a refund for these “unwanted” fees.
Unite Here is also asking regulators to investigate Marriott’s destination fees, “which are forcing consumers to pay for unsolicited goods,” such as “a fortune cookie, cable car tickets or a private showing with a magician.” Striking hotel workers are calling on the company to respect their guests and stop charging unfair fees.
In other, somewhat-controversial news, Mexico’s federal government says it is pushing back the planned cruise passenger tax from January 1, 2025, to July 1, 2025. This $42 fee per person would have to be paid regardless of whether the passenger disembarks in a Mexican port or not. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) said, “While the proposed postponement provides a temporary reprieve, FCCA stresses that more comprehensive measures are required to address broader concerns about the tax's devastating impact on cruise tourism, Mexico's economy, and the livelihoods of its coastal communities."
The cruise industry association said that even a 15 percent reduction in cruise ship calls to Mexican ports could negate the intended economic benefits of the tax.
Elsewhere in the cruise space, Lindblad Expeditions announced that Natalya Leahy—the former president of Seabourn—will join the company as CEO, effective January 1, 2025. She will take over for Lindblad Expeditions’ founder and current CEO Sven-Olof Lindblad, who will become co-chair of the board.
Along similar lines, Atlas Ocean Voyages this week announced that James A. Rodriguez will remain its president and CEO. In October, the line announced Rodriguez’s planned departure from his role at the end of 2024 and that it was beginning the search for a successor. It's unclear why Atlas Ocean Voyages and/or Rodriguez made the about-face.
Winter Travel Outlook Is Strong
Travelers seem to have no preference whether they head to warm-weather or cooler destinations this winter as they are taking advantage of lowered airfares. According to the “Expedia Winter Travel Outlook,” interest for wintertime travel is up 10 percent this year. While many of the season’s top and fastest-growing spots are warm-weather beach locales like Curaçao and Maui, cities and ski and snow getaways are also heavily in the mix. To that point, Christmas markets and festivals, the Northern Lights and “winter sun” are among the top three trends Expedia found in its report. Expedia also found many cities whose average airfare is down about 15 percent when compared to summer.
Wellness on the Rise
Five years after launching its nine-point list of assets and attributes that geographic regions of the world should possess before being marketed as "Wellness Destinations," the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) this week said Antigua and Barbuda has become the first country to fulfill the checklist. Now, the twin-island Caribbean country can tout itself as the world’s first “Wellness Destination.”
The WTA defines a “Wellness Destination” as a geographical area that fosters and promotes wellness as an integral part of life within the community and economics of the region.
Need to Know
Belize has launched a new online departure and arrival immigration and customs declaration system. This platform allows travelers to complete and submit the required immigration and customs information online in advance, “enhancing data accuracy and streamlining the travel experience.”
The system is currently available for travelers entering and exiting through the Philip Goldson International Airport. The implementation to all ports and full digitalization will occur in phases over a three-month span. During this test phase, both printed and digital forms will be accepted.
New in Asia
Sky Vacations has announced the expansion of its Japan portfolio with the launch of its “From Tokyo Towers to Kyoto Temples: Exploring Japan” program. This journey offers travelers an exploration of Japan, blending ancient traditions, natural landscapes and cutting-edge innovation. Designed specifically for first-time visitors, this immersive nine-day experience includes time in the metropolis of Tokyo, as well as the country’s natural beauty through Kyoto, Nara and more.
Also in Nara, Hyatt Hotels announced that an affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement to launch Hotel NEI Nara in downtown Nara. Situated in the historic part of the city, the luxury hotel will be at the entrance to Nara Park and overlook iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The property will be the first Unbound Collection by Hyatt hotel in western Japan and third overall in Japan. Hotel NEI Nara will be an ideal base for exploring Nara Park and its free-roaming deer, the distinctive Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the renowned Kofuku-ji Temple and the Todai-ji Temple, housing one of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues.
Tour operator Intrepid Travel has debuted 55 new trips for 2025, inclusive of several new Asian destinations. Among them are a new rail route through China and Mongolia, a trekking expedition in India’s Markha Valley and a family-inspired holiday in southern Thailand.
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