In Travel News for March 8th, 2023 we talk about strikes across Europe and the UK, JetBlue now fly's to Paris, and Royal Caribbean gets approval for a new beach club in the Bahamas.
Transport Workers' Strikes to Cause Disruption in France, UK, and Spain Ahead of Easter Holidays
Travel plans for visitors heading to France, the UK, and Spain in the weeks leading up to Easter could face significant disruption as transport workers in these countries prepare for strikes.
In France, unions are battling against the government's plans to raise the legal retirement age from 62 to 64. The strikes have affected airport staff and railway workers, causing disruption to the transport system. This week, unions are planning the most significant day of action yet, with 1.4 million people expected to take part in Protests. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has asked airlines to reduce their flight schedules by up to 30% at several airports, including Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle and Paris-Orly, on Wednesday 8 March. Ferries and rail connections are also likely to be affected, and Eurostar is running a reduced timetable.
In the UK, more than 3,000 security guards, engineers, and firefighters working at Heathrow Airport are currently voting on whether to Strike over low pay. Members of the Unite union will take industrial action if they vote in favour of the strike, which could coincide with the busy Easter holiday period. This would inevitably cause significant disruption throughout Heathrow, leading to delays, disruptions, and cancellations of flights.
Moreover, the Public and Commercial Services union is organising targeted strikes, including Border Force staff who will take part in a day of mass action on Wednesday 15 March. This action will coincide with the government’s Spring Budget and could affect airports and sea ports across the country.
Meanwhile, in Spain, unionised workers at ground services and cargo handling company Swissport have planned a series of 24-hour walkouts every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday between 27 February and 13 April at 17 airports across the country. Swissport Handling provides services at airports such as Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, and Malaga, among others. Unions will have to provide minimum services as required by Spanish law, so it remains unclear what impact the strikes will have on passengers.
Travellers who are planning trips to France, the UK, or Spain during this period are advised to check with their airlines, ferry companies, and Train operators for the latest information and to allow extra time for travel in case of disruption. Additionally, purchasing Travel Insurance that covers any unexpected costs or cancellations is recommended.
JetBlue Announces Non-Stop Service from New York to Paris
JetBlue, the American low-cost carrier, has announced its much-awaited entrance into Continental Europe with non-stop flights from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). The airline's new route will begin from June 29, 2023, and tickets are already available for purchase.
The launch of this new service to Paris comes on the heels of the successful launch of JetBlue's London service in August 2021. This marks the airline's second transatlantic market debut, and it aims to continue disrupting the transatlantic market and offer business and leisure travelers low fares without compromising on great service.
JetBlue's Paris-bound flight will leave JFK shortly after 5 p.m. local time and, because of the six-hour time difference, arrive in Paris just before 7 a.m. the next day. The return flight will depart CDG just before 9 a.m. local time, arriving at JFK just before noon the same day.
Robin Hayes, the CEO of JetBlue, said in a statement, "We are excited to offer business and leisure customers traveling to and from Paris an opportunity to experience our highly acclaimed Mint and core products in a market that has suffered from high fares by legacy carriers for far too long."
To celebrate the new route, JetBlue is offering limited round-trip fares starting at $1,899 in Mint, the airline's business class, and $479 in core. These fares are available for purchase on JetBlue's website.
The addition of JetBlue's non-stop service to Paris is a welcome development for travelers looking for more options for travel to Europe. The airline's competitive pricing, excellent service, and extensive route network make it a desirable choice for travelers flying to and from North America.
JetBlue's entry into the European market has been highly anticipated, and its new route to Paris offers exciting possibilities for travelers looking for low-cost, high-quality Air Travel to Europe.
Royal Caribbean International to Open New Beach Club in the Bahamas
Royal Caribbean International has received the green light from the Bahamian government to proceed with the development of the 17-acre Royal Beach Club at the western end of Paradise Island in Nassau. The Royal Beach Club is a public-private partnership that will allow Bahamians to own up to 49% equity in the club, with local businesses managing most of the experience.
The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island, which is expected to open in 2025, will not be a private island like Perfect Day at CocoCay. However, it will offer guests a beach day with access to pools, private cabanas, and other amenities while in Nassau. The beach club will feature local architecture, Bahamian fare, including island-style barbecues, live music, and local artisans.
According to the agreement, the Cruise line will own 13 acres of the land, while four acres will be state-owned. The Bahamian government has described the deal as the first of its kind in the country.
Michael Bayley, president, and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said in a statement, "The Royal Beach Club will deliver a truly unique beach club experience to our guests, and we are thrilled to bring it to the beautiful shores of Nassau."
The Royal Beach Club is part of the Cruise line's strategy to offer exclusive experiences to guests beyond traditional port-of-call visits. The project is expected to attract tourists to Nassau, contributing to the local economy and providing job opportunities for the Bahamian people.
The beach club will be a welcome addition to the already existing attractions in Nassau, which include the famous Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, world-class beaches, and vibrant local culture. Visitors will have the chance to explore the capital city of the Bahamas, experience the vibrant Junkanoo festival, and indulge in local cuisine.
Royal Caribbean's decision to partner with local businesses and provide equity ownership opportunities for Bahamians is a positive move towards sustainable tourism that benefits the local community.
The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island is set to become a premier attraction in Nassau, offering tourists an exclusive beach club experience. The partnership between Royal Caribbean and local businesses is a testament to the Cruise line's commitment to sustainable tourism and supporting local communities. Travelers can look forward to enjoying Bahamian fare, live music, and local artisans, among other attractions.