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A virtual Oregon travel experience – in a Sydney warehouse!

A converted warehouse space in Rosebery (The Studio) was transformed into a little slice of Portland, Oregon on Wednesday night when guests gathered in Sydney to meet and greet a contingent of eight delegates, representing Travel Oregon and Travel Portland, here for their annual sales mission with trade and industry.

Guests were introduced to a virtual travel experience on ‘the streets of Portland’, [watch video here] created by artists, tattooists (of the temporary kind!), donut makers, baristas, and t-shirt printers. Drinks provided by Portland distillery – Aviation Gin, Kombucha Wonder Drink and Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley – were served with an Oregon-inspired menu including Rogue Cheeses from Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley, and Red Duck hot sauces.

Street Artist, Dallas Clark, from Work-Shop, a creative space in Sydney’s inner city Redfern, crafted a live street art-style mural throughout the event capturing the essence of Portland, while guests created their own piece of Oregon with an interactive painting class. Work-Shop will take its creative concept studios based across Australia to the city of Portland in the near future.

Oregon’s year round skiing and outdoor lifestyle was also on show with representation from Mt Hood which is located 90 minutes from Portland and is home to three of the state’s popular ski resorts – Timberline, Mt Hood Meadows and Ski Bowl.

Belinda Condon. United Airlines; Al Munguia, Jupiter Hotel; <br />Verina Phillett, United Airlines; Jennifer Morkert, Oceanfront Suites

Belinda Condon. United Airlines; Al Munguia, Jupiter Hotel;
Verina Phillett, United Airlines; Jennifer Morkert, Oceanfront Suites

“We wanted guests to live and breathe the Portland and Oregon experience to complement our product training sessions and further engage the trade and industry we’ve been meeting with this week,” said Heather Anderson International Tourism Manager, Travel Portland.

The Oregon delegates held B2B meetings and product training sessions with key travel agents while in the country and, in Melbourne, also hosted a VIP dinner with 30 travel trade partners at Roxborough restaurant in St Kilda, chosen for its Portland-esque vibe and cuisine.

“We are excited to see the growing number of Australian travellers to Portland and Oregon and look forward to capitalising on the US being the number one long haul travel destination for Australians,” said Petra Hackworth, Travel Oregon Vice President Global Sales.

The trip to Oceania also included Auckland where similar training sessions and a makers event took place.

Travel Portland and Travel Oregon delegates to Australia

  • Petra Hackworth – Travel Oregon, Vice President Global Sales
  • Ajay Date – Travel Portland, Vice President of Marketing
  • Lisa Itel – Travel Oregon, Global Sales Manager
  • Heather Anderson – Travel Portland, International Tourism Manager
  • Aaron Liersemann – Mt Hood Territory, Tourism Development
  • Al Munguia – Jupiter Hotel Portland, General Manager
  • David Penilton – America Hub World Tours
  • Jennifer Morkert – Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites, Oregon Coast
Ajay-Date-Travel-Portland-Corey-Marshall-Travel-Oregon-Al-Munguia-Jupiter-Hotel-Petra-Hackworth-Travel-Oregon-Jennifer-Morkert-Oceanfront-Suites

Ajay Date, Travel Portland; Corey Marshall, Travel Oregon; Al Munguia, Jupiter Hotel;
Petra Hackworth, Travel Oregon; Jennifer Morkert, Oceanfront Suites

13/10/2017
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Gate 7 retains Brand USA marketing for Australia and NZ

Sydney-based tourism marketing agency, Gate 7, has successfully retained the account to deliver all Australian and New Zealand marketing activity for Brand USA, the national marketing organisation for the United States, following a ‘competitive pitching process’.

Additionally, Gate 7 has added Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau to its roster of retainer clients, and will be working with Travel South, Choose Chicago and Tennessee Tourism & Memphis Travel on a range of projects.

Jo Palmer, Managing Director of Gate 7, said that Australia and New Zealand, combined, make for one of the top international market sets for US inbound long haul visitation.

“The opportunity to promote the depth and breadth of America since launching Brand USA in Australia and New Zealand five years ago has been incredible,” said Palmer.

“Our goal of transforming the perception of the U.S. from ‘the holiday of a lifetime’ to the understanding of the U.S. as representing a ‘lifetime of holidays’ is progressing well. We are excited to continue developing the interest and diverse visitation from this market into the future.”

11/10/2017
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Lindblad releases new 2018 Alaska brochure

Lindblad Expeditions has launched its 2018 Alaska brochure; with each National Geographic ship uniquely adapted to five expedition itineraries.

Guests can experience Alaska onboard the National Geographic Venture as it officially sets sail in 2018, increasing the opportunity for unique expeditions in the region, and onboard the other three ships – National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Sea Bird and the National Geographic Quest.

Alaska Catalogue Cover 2018. Lindblad Expeditions

The dedicated brochure details the five in-depth diverse itineraries including British Columbia, Alaska’s coastal wilderness as well as Haida Gwaii. The itineraries are complete for active explorers to enjoy an array of options from energising hikes through towering old-growth forests, to slower walks via the unique wonders of the native flora, whilst veteran naturalists reveal the vivid and surprising undersea life and a visit to ancestral First Nation villages.

With over 35-years’ experience of explorations in Alaska, Lindblad has fostered an authentic and meaningful experience for guests, as well as equipping them with the tools such as zodiacs, kayaks and paddle boards. Plus, hydrophones and bow cams have also been included to make whale watching even more remarkable.

In addition to a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor on every departure, Lindblad Expeditions is the only company in the Alaska also with an undersea specialist aboard.

09/10/2017
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Carnage and chaos in Las Vegas shooting

Police expect the death toll to rise after a 64-year-old man opened fire on a crowd of 30,000 concert-goers in Las Vegas, from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on Sunday night [10.10 pm local time].

More than 50 people have been confirmed dead, and over 200 injured, after the lone shooter’s rapid-fire barrage into the crowd at the sold-out 3-day Route 91 Harvest Festival, during country artist Jason Aldean’s set.

Despite reports on social media of shots fired elsewhere, Las Vegas Police say they are confident that the attacker was a ‘lone wolf’. The Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino was put into lock down, and floors 29 to 32 were evacuated by SWAT teams, who found the gunman, who had apparently taken his own life. No motive for the shooting has yet been confirmed.

Australia’s Consulate General in LA is making urgent inquiries with local authorities to determine if any Australians have been injured or killed. DFAT advises those concerned about loved ones to attempt direct contact in the first instance.

People unable to make contact with loved ones should phone the DFAT emergency hotline on 1300 555 135 or +61 2 6261 3305.

IMAGE: Las Vegas – Steve Marcus/Reuters

03/10/2017
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Breaking News: US updates travel ban

The White House has this morning [Sunday local time] issued an updated travel ban for the USA, effective 18 October 2017. The current travel ban expired on Sunday and the Government has wasted no time drafting a replacement.

From 18 October 2017, the US will deny entry to the country to citizens from North Korea, and restrict entry to citizens of Iran, Chad, Libya, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen and Somalia. The Venezuela restrictions apply only to that country’s leaders and their family members.

The new restrictions will not affect anyone who already holds a US visa.

25/09/2017
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Olympic colours shine across the city to celebrate LA 2028 win

Los Angeles let out a big, collective ‘Woot Woot’ with the news of The City of Angels’ appointment to the 2028 Olympic Games, and lit up iconic locations across LA with Olympic colours – from the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall to Griffith Park and even LAX.

In addition, L.A. 2028 will have an 11-year partnership with the IOC that provides even more resources – up to USD $160 million – to invest in youth sports in the years leading up to the games.

​This will be the third time Los Angeles has hosted the world’s greatest sporting event, and they’re ready, with infrastructure in place and the support of Angelenos.​

​”We’re thrilled to have been granted the opportunity to host the world’s most iconic sporting event in the city of Los Angeles for a third time,” said Discover Los Angeles ANZ Regional Director, Craig Gibbons.

“Sports and the outdoors are deeply embedded in L.A. culture and with over 300 days of sunshine each year, L.A. is perfectly positioned to welcome the many thousands of Olympians, officials and fans from around the world in 2028.

“As L.A.’s second overseas market for visitor arrivals, and with a similar affinity for sports, we anticipate Aussies will jump at the chance to experience the Olympics in the City of Angels.”

LA lights up for Olympics 2028

Los Angeles, particularly Downtown and Hollywood, has been undergoing a revitalisation in recent years with the redevelopment of L.A. Live and 32 new hotels currently under construction.

With plenty of time to prepare, highlights will include:

L.A. Memorial Coliseum – to host the Summer Olympics for the third time, the Stadium is undergoing a $270-million renovation that will be completed in time for the 2019 USC home opener.

Local public transportation – greatly expanded by 2028. Three major Metro Rail projects will be completed by the 2028 Summer Olympics, including the Crenshaw/LAX Line between the Expo Line and Green Line (2019). An additional station, the Airport Metro Connector Transit Station at Aviation Blvd/96th St, will connect to the future Automated People Mover (APM).

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art – designed by award-winning architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, the $1 billion Lucas Museum will join the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, California African American Museum, California Science Centre and the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park.

21/09/2017
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Iconic Downtown LA railway reopens after state-of-the-art modernisation

Los Angeles Mayor, Eric Garcetti, has announced that Angels Flight, the iconic Downtown Los Angeles railway, has reopened to the public after a three-year closure.

Renowned as the world’s shortest railway, the 116-year-old funicular takes passengers on a scenic ride between Hill and Olive Streets on Bunker Hill. It reopens after a full-scale modernisation with state-of-the-art safety upgrades made possible through a unique public-private partnership.

In March 2017, Mayor Garcetti announced an agreement with the Angels Flight Railway Foundation and ACS Group to recondition, operate, and maintain the funicular for the next 30 years.

“Angels Flight is so much more than a railway — it’s a bridge to our history, and a window into countless moments of joy and wonder that have helped shape L.A.’s story for more than century,” said Mayor Garcetti.

“I am grateful to our partners, who had the vision and persistence to bring this treasure back to the people of our City, and I look forward to sharing it with the world for generations to come.”

In addition to being an iconic tourist attraction, the funicular will serve as an important transit connection between the Metro station at Pershing Square and the top of Bunker Hill — an area that includes Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Broad Contemporary Art Museum, MOCA, and the Los Angeles Music Center, among other cultural institutions.

Angels Flight is open to the public 365 days a year for US $1 per ride. Metro Tap Card holders will receive a 50% fare discount for the next three years.

06/09/2017
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It’s National S’mores Day in California … so what exactly is S’mores?

Today – 10 August – California celebrates National S’mores Day and, if you haven’t been to the US, or paid close attention when mention of these sweet treats crops up in your favourite American sitcom, police drama or feature film, we’re here to help!

Growing up with US cultural references means even if you haven’t ventured to America, or you have but missed out on a taste test, you may still seek the definitive answer.

S’mores are part of a campfire ritual and particularly synonymous with California – S’mores are also typically a signature dessert in many Californian eateries around the state, particularly during summer months.

S’mores = roasting marshmallows between two Graham crackers (Aussies would liken them to digestive biscuits) and a layer of chocolate is something Californians take very seriously. In fact, California set a Guinness World Record for having the most amount of people making s’mores at one time. (The record still stands at 423, set April 21, 2016, in Huntington Beach).

Traditionally, Californians make s’mores around the camp fire with friends and family, everywhere from camping sites in national and state parks to luxury beachfront resorts. Huntington Beach, in Southern California, has permanent fire pits dedicated to the s’mores cause and many hotels have s’mores kits for sale in their gift stores and mini bars for guests to make on site.

So where should you go to test your S’more-making abilities when find yourself in the Golden State?

  • Huntington Beach, Orange County – Ask your hotel for a s’mores kit upon check-in and reserve your very own personal beach bonfire for the ultimate SoCal experience
  • Hotel del Coronado, San Diego – An iconic destination at the Pacific Ocean’s edge and minutes, from downtown San Diego, Hotel del Coronado is a playground by the sea for all ages
  • The Village at Northstar, Lake Tahoe – Northstar California Resort combines California cool with high-end luxury and a sophisticated alpine village atmosphere
  • Yosemite Village, Yosemite – Just a four hour drive north of San Francisco, summer nights in Yosemite national park include the glow of the Milky Way rising over your campsite and plenty of opportunity for stargazing – an ideal balance between luxury and adventure
  • Farmhouse Inn, Sonoma County – The rising trend of do-it-yourself projects is something Farmhouse Inn loves to provide; s’mores kits are a very popular turn down item every evening!
  • Lakehead Campground, Shasta Cascade – Nestled among the Shasta Trinity National Forest, Shasta Cascade region is your gateway to outdoor adventure – hiking, fly fishing, kayaking and more
  • Serrano Campground, Big Bear Lake – This campground is just a stone’s throw from Big Bear Lake, where most campers take advantage of the prime location to take stroll along the shoreline, fish for trout, launch a kayak and roast late-night s’mores over the open camp fire
  • Pinnacles National Park, Central Coast – Home to cliffs, crags, and cave formations that were formed by an ancient volcano, a little over 2 hours’ drive from San Francisco
  • Joshua Tree National Park – Joshua Tree’s beauty shines around the clock, with vibrant sunsets melting into nights filled with uncountable stars – all within a 2 and a half hour drive south of Los Angeles!

S'mores visit california

09/08/2017
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New ‘extraordinary’ experiences just announced for Disney around the world

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts took the opportunity of the D23 Expo 2017, held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Los Angeles over the weekend (14-16 July), to announce an ‘extraordinary line-up of experiences’ coming to Disney Parks around the globe.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek welcomed nearly 7,000 fans as he unveiled more than a dozen new experiences coming to Disney parks and resorts, and offered a sneak peek at the much-anticipated projects in development. Several Imagineers joined the presentation by providing details of the creativity, imagination and innovation in development around the world. Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter also shared his enthusiasm for plans to include a larger Pixar presence at Disneyland Resort.

“On the heels of the many new and incredibly popular experiences that just debuted this year, the best is yet to come. We have ambitious plans for our parks and resorts around the world,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We’re investing in the guest experience like never before, and we’re doing it all in way that is only possible at Disney!”

From new lodging and transportation options that make getting around more fun, to original storytelling and immersive experiences based on guests’ favourites, Disney continues to provide unparalleled holiday destinations for guests across the globe in even more exciting ways than ever before.

IMMERSIVE THEME PARK EXPERIENCES & ATTRACTIONS

An Unprecedented First Look at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Fans were elated to hear their Star Wars stories will come to life in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the newly announced name for the Star Wars-themed lands. Chapek shared exciting new details and a glimpse inside the two anchor attractions, including one that puts guests right in the middle of a battle between the First Order and the Resistance where guests will feel like they are inside a hangar bay on a Star Destroyer. Guests will also have the chance to fly the Millennium Falcon, where each guest is critical to the mission’s success. Chapek also revealed many characters that guests will meet, including BB-8, Chewbacca, Rex and Kylo Ren. Representing the largest single-themed land expansion at 14 acres each, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in 2019, with the first land debuting at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, then at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando.

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Model Credit Michael Cassis

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Model /Credit: Michael Cassis

Pixar Fun at the Happiest Place on Earth

In addition to announcing the US Summer 2018 opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Chapek was joined by Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter to unveil plans for Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park. The pier will take on a brand new look as more favourite Pixar characters and stories come to life, from The Incredibles, to Inside Out to even more Toy Story. Chapek also announced there is more Pixar in store during Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort. Starting in 2018, this limited-time offering will include a new fireworks spectacular as well as special characters and entertainment moments.

As part of the celebration, the Pixar Play Parade will return to Disneyland Resort – this time at Disneyland Park and the fan favourite Paint the Night Parade will move to Disney California Adventure Park, one of Disney’s longest parade routes.

Timeless Transformation of Epcot Revealed

Looking ahead to the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, there are grand plans to complete the transformation that started with the debut of New Fantasyland in 2014. Chapek announced exciting plans across Epcot to realise the original vision of the park while making it more timeless and relevant than ever before. Patterned after the number one family attraction at Disneyland Paris, Ratatouille will be added in an all-new space in the France pavilion at World Showcase. Epcot will also see the addition of a brand new E-ticket attraction based on the rockin’ and action-packed world of Guardians of the Galaxy, the next step in how guests can encounter these characters at Walt Disney World Resort. In Future World, a new Green Mission at Mission: SPACE will take guests on a stunning tour around the Earth, and an updated Orange Mission will make the trip to Mars even more spectacular. Adjacent to Mission: Space will be a new restaurant that will invite guests to travel high above the earth for an unforgettable dining experience.

More Thrills than Ever Planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom

Disney remains at the cutting edge of deeply immersive, creative storytelling that draws guests into new worlds, and it is a legacy that lives on in every new Disney Parks experience. The first-ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will come to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With a new original story and lovable attraction theme song, this new state-of-the-art ride-through attraction will take guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts using new technologies that transform the flat cartoon world into an incredible dimensional experience.

Chapek also announced that the highest rated attraction at Shanghai Disneyland is coming to Walt Disney World Resort. A thrilling, Tron-themed attraction will be added in a new area near Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom. Additionally, a new live entertainment theatre coming to Main Street, U.S.A., based on the iconic Willis Theater in 1920s Kansas City, will bring world-class entertainment to the world’s most popular park.

IMMERSIVE HOTEL CONCEPTS

Among the announcements were projects that infuse even more exciting experiences for resort hotel guests in ways that are only possible at Disney. To the delight of fans, Chapek confirmed ambitious plans to create the most experiential concept ever in an immersive Star Wars-themed hotel at Walt Disney World Resort. Dedicated entirely to the galaxy of Star Wars, it will be a one-of-a-kind experience where a luxury resort meets a multi-day adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

Adding to the immersive resort hotel slate, Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel at Disneyland Paris will transport guests to the action-packed world of Super Heroes, including Iron Man, The Avengers, Spider-Man and more. Guests will be able to explore the Marvel Universe through its comic art, films, Super Hero costumes and more, displayed in the style of a contemporary art gallery.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE – to Double the Size of its Fleet by 2023

Chapek surprised the crowd by announcing that Disney Cruise Line will add one more ship in its expansion to take family cruise vacations to a whole new level. Joining the other two new ships that were announced just last year, all three ships will be powered by one of the cleanest-burning fuels available, liquefied natural gas. When all three ships are completed by 2023, Disney Cruise Line will have nearly doubled the size of the fleet.

18/07/2017
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Review: Long haul luxury with Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand Business Premium and its Premium Economy offering and are now both available on most of its trans-Pacific fleet; including the 777-300, 787-9 and 777-200 planes, and if you’re looking for a bit of long haul luxury, I can give you several reasons to splurge.

First of all, there are some great deals for both being promoted at the moment well worth looking out for, and depending on your budget, you’ll be pretty happy with your choice.

I recently flew SYD to SFO via AKL, Premium Economy for most of the way, with one very happy stint in Business Premium and I’m pretty impressed with both.

Oh – and if you’re concerned about that stopover in Auckland making the trip too long to bear, fear not: Koru Club is here.Air New Zealand Lounge Sydney InternationalI’d already sampled the Air New Zealand hospitality at the Sydney lounge, arriving a couple of hours early so I could have breakfast before my flight, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine – the best way to start a long-haul journey.

The Auckland stopover en route to SFO is less than two hours, barely enough time to sample all the fine New Zealand wines, cocktails and craft beer in the Koru Club lounge. I could happily sit here for several hours, nibbling on the frequently rotated hot and cold food at the buffet bar, while streaming Netflix on the (FAST) free Wi-Fi.

So, what’s Premium Economy like?

Long haul is a lot easier with loads more leg room (the largest seat pitch in its class) on luxury leather seats, but what’s really special (apart from the friendly Kiwi service) is the food. Gourmet dishes like Harissa lamb shank with sumac yoghurt dressing and seared hapuka in miso coconut broth.

Air NZ 777-200 Refub PE Cabin Rear ViewIn fact, this is what Business Class used to be like not so long ago, and on older fleets, what it is like still. The selection of entertainment on your LARGE seat back TV is extensive – movies, documentaries and TV shows, certainly a greater choice most airlines I’ve flown.

Air NZ 777-200 Refub PE ReclineThe seat reclines, the windows (on some fleets) can be dimmed to your suiting, and we’re given real pillows, so you can expect to get a fair few hours of sleep on the way, but be sure not to sleep through breakfast because it’s seriously good food.

If you really want to travel in luxury, you have to try Business Premier.

Each spacious Business Premier capsule transforms from armchair to a lie-flat bed that promises ‘the best sleep in the sky’ and again, the menu is better than a lot of 5-star restaurants. Your menu may include dishes like za’atar wood roasted chicken with saffron-soused onions, or beef short rib with mashed mascarpone potatoes, cumin roasted carrots and radishes with parsnip chips.

Boeing_787-9_BusinessPremier_Lie_Flat_Bed_Lady_SleepingI didn’t get to try out the lie-flat bed as my only experience was a lucky upgrade from AKL to SYD on my return flight, but I did recline to an almost horizontal position so I could curl up and watch a movie on my enormous TV (even bigger than Premium Economy), snuggled under my doona.

Air NZ 777-200 Refub BP IFEThat is, after eating my second breakfast for the day, ancient grains-muesli with organic yoghurt and fruit salad accompanied by a berry smoothie, followed by a delicious breakfast quesadilla with smoked bacon, melted cheese, avocado and crème fraiche.

Business-Premier-Breakfast-AIRNZ_0468But then there’s the service…

The Air New Zealand inflight crew provided excellent service in both Premium Economy and Business Premium. Drinks (and snacks if you could possibly fit them in after the enormous inflight meal servings), are ordered via the seat back menu and delivered promptly. Service is always with a smile, quite often a joke (particularly from the captain) and an update on the rugby results on landing.

Only failing. Lounge access at San Francisco International for Koru Club members and Business Premium passengers is provided by Singapore Airlines, and the lounge has seen better days. The standard is nowhere near the level normally provided by Air New Zealand. If you have club access to an alternative lounge, take advantage of it.

Airnewzealand.com.au

10/07/2017
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US lifts Etihad laptop carry-on ban

The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that the ban on in-cabin laptops and electronic devices on Etihad Airways flights from Abu Dhabi to the US has now been lifted.

Department spokesman David Lapan has confirmed that the additional security measures put in place by the airline has facilitated the reversal of the ban.

Lapan said that TSA officials verified the new measures with “visual confirmation,” and that Etihad is a “model for both foreign and domestic airlines looking to adopt the new measures.”

“We would like to thank our guests for their understanding and loyalty while the ban was in place,” Etihad said in a statement.

05/07/2017
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LAX modernisation program includes Westfield retail partnership

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and Westfield have partnered to refresh LAX Terminal 3 with seven new dining and retail concepts as part of the airport’s modernisation program due for completion at the end of 2017.

The new dining collection will give Aussie travellers a taste of L.A., with four L.A. based restaurants, including the “nuanced and delicious” Ashland Hill, the iconic L.A. gastro pub, The Parlour, earthbar and Panda Express.

Shopping upgrades will feature a wide selection of accessories, electronics and travel essentials from retailers including Hudson LAXpress, Moshi and Soundstage by Hudson.

Helping Australian passengers speed through security is the new identity platform, CLEAR – that transforms your fingerprints or a scan of your eyes into a secure biometric key – is now available in Terminals 2 and 3.

IMAGE: via Huffington Post

05/07/2017
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US Dept of Homeland Security imposes new screening measures on foreign airlines and airports

Passengers travelling on foreign airlines into the US may face some short-term delays at departure check points, following The US Department of Homeland Security announcement that all foreign airlines operating flights to the US, and the airports that are the last departure point for entry into the US, must now comply with new security measures that bring their security procedures in line with the standards for US airlines and airports.

Foreign airlines must demonstrate that they are carrying out these new security measures, including interviewing passengers as part of the security check, bomb-sniffing dogs, and explosives detection, and more rigorous screening of baggage and electronic devices.

The new edict out of the US is expected to impact about 180 airlines in 105 countries, and approximately 280 airports outside the US.

John F. Kelly, US Secretary of Homeland Security, on making the announcement, said security is his No. 1 priority, that foreign airlines and airports would be given sufficient time to implement the new security measures, and that airlines who comply may have the ban on carry-on electronic devices lifted, while those who did not comply would face fines and run the risk of restrictions on flying into the US.

“Lifting the ban on bringing laptops and other personal electronic devices on board will be good news for travellers flying into the U.S.A.,” Emirates said in a statement.

“We look forward to working with the authorities and Dubai airport stakeholders to implement these measures as soon as possible for our U.S. flights.”

03/07/2017
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Legal pot stores now open in Nevada – the 5th US State to make marijuana purchase legal

Nevada has become the 5th US State – after Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Alaska – to make the purchase of recreational marijuana legal. Pot can only be consumed in a private home in Nevada and its consumption remains illegal in public, including on the Las Vegas Strip and in hotels. The law says adults over 21 years of age with a valid ID can buy up to an ounce of pot. Breaking the consumption law attracts a USD$600 fine.

From midnight [local time] on Saturday 1 July, there were long lines of tourists and locals in Las Vegas queuing to buy pot from Essence Vegas Cannabis Dispensary and, given the millions of annual visitors to Las Vegas – both national and international – the new law is expected to see the State of Nevada rapidly outstrip all of the other States in legal recreational marijuana sales.

For Vegas tourists, buying pot will be the easy part. Finding somewhere to ‘consume’ their purchases legally might prove trickier!

IMAGE: Customers line up outside Essence Vegas Cannabis Dispensary, as they wait for the midnight start of recreational marijuana sales. Photograph:Ethan Miller/Getty Images/theguardian.com

03/07/2017
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Trump sets out new travel ban criteria effective from today

The new White House rules regarding visa applicants and the latest version of the Trump Administration’s so-called ‘travel ban’ were released yesterday and come into effect today (Thursday 30 June, 20:00 Washington time), after the US Supreme Court ruling on Monday that ‘partially restored’ the Trump ban.

Trump Tweet 27 June 2017

The citizens of six Muslim countries are affected by the new criteria -Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

The BBC reports that:

… for the next 90 days those … without a close relationship – defined as a parent, spouse, child, son or daughter-in-law, or sibling – will not be able to enter the US. The definition of “close” relationships excludes grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family and grandchildren.

Those who already hold valid visas are not affected. Dual nationals who travel on their passport from the unaffected country will also be allowed entry.

CNN says:

The test for foreign nationals under the Supreme Court’s ruling is whether one has a “credible claim of bona fide relationship” with either an entity (like a school or a job) or a person living in the US (such as a spouse).

A hotel reservation, for example, will not constitute a “bona fide relationship” under the executive order, but an academic lecturer invited to speak in the US will be exempt.

If you can’t sufficiently establish such a close relationship, you are banned for 90 days if you are from Libya, Syria, Iran, Somalia, Yemen and Sudan, and 120 days if you are a refugee from any country.

Travellers exempt from the new criteria

  • US citizens
  • Legal permanent residents (aka green card holders)
  • Current visa holders
  • Any visa applicant who was in the US as of June 26
  • Dual nationals
  • Anyone granted asylum
  • Any refugee already admitted to the US
  • Foreign nationals with “bona fide” family, educational or business tie to the US

IMAGE: Credit ABC7 Chicago

30/06/2017
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