In travel news for May 5th, 2023 we talk about Hawaii’s tourism fee, Viking’s Great Lakes cruises, and United.
Discovering the Wonders of the Great Lakes Aboard Viking's Expedition Vessels
Viking embarks on its second season in the Great Lakes region, introducing two purpose-built expedition vessels, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis, and doubling the capacity for travelers. Six diverse itineraries explore the Great Lakes, Atlantic Coast, and eastern Canada. Viking's partnership with NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory offers unique scientific enrichment programs on these expeditions. Additionally, Viking offers grand voyages connecting the Great Lakes to Antarctica, providing unparalleled travel experiences.
United Airlines Ramps Up Hiring for a Busy Summer Travel Season
United Airlines is planning to hire 15,000 new employees ahead of the busy summer travel season, aligning with their goal to add 50,000 workers by 2026. To support the training of new staff, the airline has opened an expanded inflight training center in Houston, Texas. This facility will help train the 4,000 flight attendants and 2,300 pilots the airline aims to hire throughout the year. The airline industry faced significant challenges during the pandemic, with many employees leaving due to early retirement or reduced demand for travel. As travel begins to bounce back, United Airlines is committed to expanding its workforce to accommodate the anticipated increase in passengers. This move demonstrates United's commitment to providing quality service and a seamless travel experience for its customers during the summer months and beyond.
Hawaii's Proposed Tourism Fee Stalls in Legislature, Aims for Reconsideration Next Year
The Hawaiian state legislature's proposed tourism fee, which would require tourists to purchase a yearlong license or pass to access state parks and trails, has stalled after lawmakers failed to finalize financial details during this year's legislative session. The fee was initially set at $50, but the House of Representatives removed the dollar amount. Despite this setback, the idea of a tourism fee received widespread support from the governor, members of the House and Senate, and local residents. State Senator Chris Lee and Governor Josh Green remain optimistic that the bill will be up for consideration again next year and expect it to pass. The proposed tourism fee aims to alleviate costs for Hawaii's residents and reduce the environmental and economic impact of the estimated 10 million visitors that the islands welcome annually.