Michelle Baran
Travel Weekly
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Past articles by Michelle:
Viking River Cruises adopts adults-only policy:
Viking is the first river cruise line to exclude kids. → Read More
Tour operators provide answers to challenges of overtourism:
From finding back-door entrances into famous sights to encouraging extra-early wake-up calls, tour operators are trying to alleviate overcrowding and create pleasant experiences for clients. → Read More
Universal Orlando considering fourth park:
"Another gate in Florida would have the advantage of turning Florida from a two- or three-day destination to potentially a week-long destination," said NBCUniversal CEO Stephen Burke. → Read More
Russia generating much interest and increased U.S. bookings:
As President Donald Trump faced a backlash last week over his handling of Russian president Vladimir Putin at the Helsinki summit, Russia specialists reported that the current, not always flattering spotlight on U.S.-Russia relations has not hindered U.S. travelers' desire to visit the country. → Read More
Tourism industry contemplates Mexico election results:
Will left-wing populist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his incoming administration be aligned with sustaining the sector's recent growth? → Read More
As homeless people turn off visitors, San Francisco tourism senses threat:
The increasingly visible homeless problem, coupled with an epidemic of drug use and the resulting blighted streets, are threatening the city's reputation as one of the most desirable business and leisure destinations in the country. → Read More
Expanding experiences: Nontraditional players in the tours market:
The tours and activities market, traditionally the domain of travel advisers and tour packagers, is evolving, with OTAs, hotels and others claiming bigger shares of their customers' travel dollars by bringing often-complex products in-house and online. → Read More
New pricing policies at national parks could push operators to reduce tours:
Commercial use authorization fees will require operators to pay a $300 annual application fee for each park they use as a tour destination. → Read More
Trafalgar's Africa expansion highlights increased interest in continent:
A lot more solo travelers and families are looking at Africa as an option. → Read More
Travel industry mourns Anthony Bourdain, godfather of foodie travel:
Celebrated chef and travel series star Anthony Bourdain, a man who arguably propelled the foodie travel movement into the mainstream, has died. → Read More
Trafalgar doing tours to sub-Saharan Africa:
Starting this December, travelers will for the first time be able to book a Trafalgar trip to the countries of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania. → Read More
International Hawaii bookings fell nearly 10% in May:
Five of the six top international markets were down -- by a lot. But the Japanese kept on coming. → Read More
Classic Vacations partners with DMC dropped by Mark Travel:
Classic has tapped Lomas Travel to serve as one of its providers of airports transfers and guided tours in the Mexican Caribbean, and it appears that Lomas' reputation among travel agents is one reason why. → Read More
Universal Orlando puts focus on the budget-conscious:
When the Endless Summer resort opens in 2020, 62% of the hotel inventory will fall into its two budget tiers, offering what one Universal executive called "unprecedented value" in the competitive Florida theme park sector. → Read More
Disney and Universal see healthy growth in park attendance:
While Disney still dominates, Universal is also on a healthy growth path fueled by the popularity of Harry Potter and efforts to transform Universal Orlando into a comprehensive, multiday experience. → Read More
U.S. increases entrance fees for popular national parks:
The charge for most seven-day vehicle passes will be increased by $5. → Read More
AmaWaterways brings wellness program and iPad-controlled thermostat to new ship:
The AmaLea was christened in Germany over the weekend. → Read More
Citing challenges, some tour operators drop Eiffel climbs:
A new group booking process has made it harder to secure tickets in advance. → Read More
Kilauea eruption affecting tourism throughout Hawaii:
Packagers say some clients have canceled trips even though the the eruption is affecting just a small area on the Big Island. → Read More
Attendance at Disney's Animal Kingdom surges in 2017:
Even though Pandora -- The World of Avatar was only open for seven months in 2017, the attraction boosted attendance by a whopping 15%. → Read More