In travel news for August 23rd, 2022 we talk about Vikings Egypt expansion, we have an update from Japan, and good news from Ben Gurion Airport.
Viking Expands River Cruising in Egypt
Viking, the popular Cruise company best known for their river cruises has just named their newest ship. Known as the Viking Osiris, this state of the art, purpose built ship was built to exclusively sail the Nile River. The debut of the Viking Osiris coincide with the the 100th Anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamuns tomb. Sailing the best selling viking itinerary,‘Pharaohs & Pyramids’, the ship will accommodate 82 guests across 41 staterooms. This is a continuation into Vikings Egyptian expansion, the Osiris will be joined by it’s sister ship Viking Aton in 2023, and later by the Viking Hathor and Viking Sobek in 2024 and 2025.
Japan Considers Relaxing Entry Restrictions
Travel to Japan has been difficult, travelers are required to apply for a Travel Visa, submit a negative covid test, wear masks while in all public spaces, receive frequent temperature checks, and be restricted to an approved travel group for the duration of the journey. But that might be changing. It’s being reported that Japan is planning on revising their health and safety protocols for travelers. The first change to expect is a raising of the daily tourist limit from 20,000 to 50,000 visitors followed by a gradual easing of testing requirements. One item currently being discussed is a removal of testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers. While nothing has been officially announced, companies, such as Delta Airlines, have been positioning to take advantage of Japans eventual reopening.
Ben Gurion Airport Goes Digital
Israel’s Ben Gurion airport has announced that starting in 2023 the airport will be entirely digital. After a summer of travel chaos caused by staff shortages the airport is moving to modernize and simplify the travel experience. Ben Grunion is the busiest airport in the middle easy with an estimated 22 million travelers passing through this year, and 24 million expected in 2024.