alvaro algarra is a journalist based in Caracas, Venezuela.
I am a journalist born in Caracas Venezuela in 1980, I graduated from Santa Maria University in Caracas. I trained as a professional from the first year of my career as a Social Communicator on the television channel Radio Caracas ...

Russians find Venezuela a perfect place to vacation

28 Dec 2022  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Travel

Margarita Island in Venezuela has become a popular destination for thousands of Russians seeking sunny vacations amidst visa and flight restrictions due to the Ukraine war. The recent direct flight between Moscow and Margarita Island, which resumed on October 2 after a seven-month hiatus, has brought about 3,000 Russian tourists in the last two months. This influx has revitalized the local economy, benefiting trade, tourism, restaurants, and taxi services. Tourists also visit popular areas in Caracas, including the resting place of former president Hugo Chávez.

Tags:

International Relations Travel

A determined, passionate and hard- working journalist. I enjoy running, hiking and exercising and often take on challenges to raise money for charity. I’m an avid traveller, home cook and bookworm.

PPA Accredited Journalist
– Shorthand 100 WPM
– Media Law
– Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, ...

Low-cost holiday hotspot with Brit-loved seaside resort to join Schengen Area next month – here’s what you need to know

31 Mar 2024  |  The Sun  |  English  |  Travel

Bulgaria and Romania are set to join the Schengen Area on March 31, 2024, allowing passport-free travel with other European countries in the zone. Despite being EU members since 2007, they had remained outside the Schengen Area. Land border controls are yet to be finalized. UK travelers will still need passports to enter Bulgaria. Bulgaria will continue using its currency, the lev, until it adopts the Euro, planned for January 1, 2025. Bulgaria offers affordable tourism with attractions like Sunny Beach and the city of Sofia, and is known for its underrated beaches and historical sites.

Tags:

International Relations Travel

Informative

Factuality Scale

Rebecca Bundhun is a British journalist based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She writes for publications including The International New York Times and The National newspaper, Abu Dhabi. She focuses on business, economics, and social issues in India.

Natalie Chalk is a UK-based journalist who works on the news desk of the Daily Mail. She also works as Late Breaking News Editor at inews on weekends. Prior to this she has contributed articles to The Mail on Sunday, The Big Issue, The Guardian, Daily Express, Sunday Mirror, Women’s Health, TNT ...

What's happened to the Amalfi Coast? It's the bargain package holiday of 2024!

19 Apr 2024  |  Chalkmarks  |  English  |  Travel

Tourism has surged post-pandemic, with tourists flocking to previously quiet neighborhoods and popular destinations, causing tensions with locals. The Amalfi Coast is now a top bargain destination for 2024, according to Which?. Dubai Airport faced disruptions due to heavy rain. Flights are being rerouted around the Middle East due to the Israeli-Gaza conflict, with easyJet suspending flights to Israel. The Civil Aviation Authority seeks more power to fine airlines for delays. Paris gears up for the Olympics, with ticket sales causing website crashes. Croatia is highlighted for its zip lines, national parks, and coffee culture. The Lake District tops UK camping spots. The government considers more open access train services. Heathrow will host a Whisky Festival. Prince Harry calls for responsible tourism at a Travalyst conference.

Tags:

International Conflicts Travel Tourism Trends Weather Events Transportation Sports Events

Informative

Factuality Scale

Manyang David Mayar is a journalist based in Juba, Central Equatoria, South Sudan. Current reports to the Voice of America. He has been a jpurnalist in South Sudan since 2007 reporting on political, econcomic and Social affairs of the country

South Sudan Finance Minister Plans Cutback on International Travel Spending

03 Oct 2023  |  www.voaafrica.com  |  English  |  International Travel

South Sudan's Finance Minister, Bak Barnaba Chol, announced plans to reduce excessive spending on international travels by cutting down on the number of officials and expenses. Analysts highlight potential challenges for the minister due to possible opposition from high-ranking officials.

Tags:

International Travel Government Spending

Informative

Factuality Scale

Tom Grundy is the editor-in-chief and founder of local newspaper Hong Kong Free Press, *******.

China to trial visa-free travel for French, German, Italian, Spanish, Malaysian, Dutch travellers

25 Nov 2023  |  hongkongfp.com  |  English  |  Travel

China will trial visa-free entry for travelers from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, and the Netherlands starting in December, allowing ordinary passport holders to visit for up to 15 days without a visa. The trial will last until November 30, 2024. Germany's ambassador to China, Patricia Flor, noted that visa-free travel for Chinese citizens to Germany would require approval from European Schengen Agreement members. This move comes as China seeks to boost its economy, which has been struggling due to prolonged zero-Covid policies and a weak property market.

Tags:

International Relations Travel

Informative

Factuality Scale

Melinda Healy is a journalist based in Sydney, Australia. She has 20 years of industry experience and has worked within the Australian and Middle Eastern media.  
Mel is a contributor for Conde Nast Traveler, Culture Trip and a destination expert for Telegraph Travel. She has written for ...

Italy's ITA Airways launches non-stop Dubai-Rome flights

31 Oct 2024  |  www.connectingtravel.com  |  English  |  International Travel

ITA Airways has launched its first non-stop flight route between Dubai and Rome Fiumicino, marking its inaugural service to the UAE. The daily flights aim to boost tourism and trade between Italy and the UAE, leveraging the strategic importance of the Fiumicino hub for connecting various destinations. The launch was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by key figures from ITA Airways and Dubai Airports. The route is serviced by the Airbus A321neo, offering three classes of service. This expansion complements ITA Airways' existing services to Riyadh and Jeddah, reflecting the airline's growing presence in the Middle East.

Tags:

International Travel Aviation

Informative

Factuality Scale

With ten years of experience, Ghanaian freelance journalist Zubaida Mabuno Ismail covers environmental, climate change, and gender issues. She is a media trainer, brand marketing consultant, ZAMI Reports managing editor, and Reporters Without Borders reporter in Ghana.

She has written articles ...

The Grand COVID-19 Testing Scam in West Africa

01 Apr 2023  |  CENOZO  |  English  |  COVID-19 testing for travelers

The article is an investigative report on the alleged extortion by the governments of Ghana and Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. It details how both countries, in contrast to Sierra Leone, exploited international travelers by enforcing mandatory COVID-19 tests at exorbitant prices, often in partnership with private companies. The report references the World Justice Project's 2020 findings on corruption risks during the pandemic and highlights the violation of International Health Regulations, which prohibit charging travelers for public health measures. It includes personal accounts from travelers who faced these exploitative practices and provides insights from officials like the Director General of the NCDC. The article also touches on the ECOWAS directive capping COVID-19 test fees and how Nigeria and Ghana ignored this, charging much higher rates. The piece is part one of a two-part series and is a collaborative effort by journalists from Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.

Tags:

Travel restrictions and policies during COVID-19 International Health Regulations COVID-19 testing for travelers COVID-19 pandemic Government corruption and extortion

Isaac Kaledzi is an experienced and award winning multi media journalist from Ghana. He has worked for several media brands both in Ghana and on the International scene including DW, VOA, TRT World and Africa Feeds.

Here are the 10 most powerful African passports in 2024

12 Jan 2024  |  africafeeds.com  |  English  |  International Travel

The 2024 ranking of the world’s most powerful passports, utilizing data from Henley & Partners and the International Air Transport Association, shows Japan and Singapore at the top globally. In Africa, Seychelles ranks highest at 26th globally, followed by Mauritius at 30th. The list for Africa includes South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, eSwatini, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and Somalia, which has the weakest African passport at 99th globally.

Tags:

International Travel Passport Rankings

Factual

Factuality Scale

Tim Leffel is a journalist and travel writer based in Tampa, FL, United States.

Driving in a Foreign Country: 9 Questions and Answers

22 Aug 2023  |  www.cheapestdestinationsblog.com  |  English  |  Travel

The article provides answers to nine common questions about driving in a foreign country, covering topics such as the need for an international driver's license, insurance coverage, rental car insurance, credit limits for rentals, dealing with car damage, rental costs, driving across borders, and handling traffic tickets. It emphasizes the importance of being prepared and informed to avoid common pitfalls and scams, particularly in relation to rental car insurance and cross-border driving.

Tags:

International Driving Travel Car Rental

Jonathan Lis is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Israel Issues Travel Warnings to Muslim-majority Countries - and the Eurovision

28 Mar 2024  |  flipboard.com  |  English  |  Travel Warnings

Israel's National Security Council has issued new travel warnings for Israelis, advising against visits to Turkey, Morocco, and Egypt. The warnings also extend to the Eurovision Song Contest, urging caution and advising against flaunting Zionist symbols.

Tags:

International Relations Travel Warnings

Informative

Factuality Scale

Margaret López is a journalist based in Caracas, Venezuela.

Direct flights between Venezuela and the United States have been suspended for four years

15 May 2023  |  Efecto Cocuyo  |  Spanish  |  International Relations

Direct flights between Venezuela and the United States have been suspended since May 15, 2019, due to safety concerns cited by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This has significantly impacted the Venezuelan air travel market, forcing passengers to use alternative routes through countries like Panama and the Dominican Republic, which have increased travel costs and time. Airlines such as Copa Airlines, Laser Airlines, and Avior Airlines have adapted by offering connecting flights, although these options come with their own set of challenges and costs.

Tags:

Travel Restrictions International Relations Aviation

Informative

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Marlon Alexander Luistro is a journalist based in Lipa, Philippines.

NAIA expansion necessary amid influx of international passengers

29 Jun 2023  |  Hong Kong News  |  English  |  International Travel

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has called for an expansion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to accommodate the increasing number of international passengers. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco highlighted the unprecedented volume of foreign travelers at Terminals 1 and 3, leading to the deployment of additional immigration officers and mobile counters to ease long queues. The daily passenger volume at both terminals has significantly increased, with Terminal 1 seeing a 48.1% rise and Terminal 3 a 19.58% rise. The transfer of Philippine Airlines' international flights to Terminal 1 and the shift of all domestic flights to Terminal 2 have also contributed to the surge in passenger numbers. The BI advises passengers to check in at least three hours before their flights to avoid delays.

Tags:

International Travel Airport Expansion Immigration

Informative

Factuality Scale

My name is Edgar Maciel and I'm 30 years old. I have my major in Journalism at Pontifice University Catolic of Rio Grande do Sul. My mother tongue is Portuguese and I also speak Spanish and English fluently. I started my career in radio. I worked at Rádio Gaúcha and, recently, at Rádio CBN, the ...

Brazil to Reinstate Visa Requirement for Tourists, Including Americans

09 May 2023  |  Voz de América  |  Spanish  |  Travel Policy

The Brazilian government under President Lula da Silva has announced the reinstatement of visa requirements for tourists from the United States, Canada, Japan, and Australia. Edgar Maciel provides details on the policy change.

Tags:

International Relations Travel Policy

I'm a passionate journalist with a multimedia approach to news reporting and storytelling. I believe that news content must be direct, accurate, and informative. 

With experience across digital, print, and broadcast media, I strive to engage and inform diverse audiences through compelling ...

Mzansi is hitting the road this festive season

14 Dec 2023  |  The Citizen  |  English  |  Domestic Travel

South Africans are not letting economic challenges dampen their festive season travel plans. The Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) has observed an increase in domestic tourism, with CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa aiming to reach pre-pandemic levels of international tourist arrivals. TBCSA's campaign with Trevor Noah has garnered significant attention, and Sun City reports high occupancy rates with a mix of domestic and international bookings. The tourism sector is still recovering from the impact of COVID-19, but there is a positive outlook for the festive season, with a resurgence in domestic travel and a commitment to job recovery in the industry.

Tags:

International Travel Domestic Travel Tourism Economic Recovery COVID-19 Pandemic

Andrew Maramwidze is a Freelance journalist based in Gaborone, Botswana, a diamond rich country in Southern Africa. Have worked with several editors across the globe on various projects.

Botswana pens biometric passport deal with SADC

08 Jun 2022  |  itweb.africa  |  English  |  International Relations

The SADC Secretariat has signed an agreement with Botswana to produce biometric travel documents for its officials, enhancing security and facilitating seamless travel within the region and globally. Botswana's Labour and Home Affairs Minister, Anna Mokgethi, confirmed the country's capability to print these documents, aligning with ICAO directives. SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Magosi, highlighted the benefits of the new laissezpasser travel document, including visa-free entry for holders and improved regional integration.

Tags:

Travel International Relations Biometric Technology

Informative

Factuality Scale

Stephen McGrath is a Romania-based correspondent. His work appears regularly in the international press, for publications including BBC, The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Spectator, New Statesman, Forbes, and others. 

In 2019, he was shortlisted in the Human Trafficking Foundation's ...

Romania and Bulgaria partially join Europe’s Schengen travel zone, but checks at land borders remain

01 Apr 2024  |  www.wsoctv.com  |  English  |  International Travel

Romania and Bulgaria have partially joined the Schengen Area, allowing free access for air and sea travelers but maintaining land border checks due to Austrian concerns over illegal migration. The EU Commission President celebrated the event, while officials from both countries expressed their commitment to full accession. The move is expected to benefit the economy and ease operations at Bulgaria's international airports. However, concerns about border queues and their impact on trade and health remain.

Tags:

International Travel European Union Schengen Area

Factual

Factuality Scale

Alastair Newport is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

I am an experienced travel trade journalist, reporting on development in the hospitality and tourism industry for the last 10 years, specialising in MICE, Aviation and Hotels.

Thai Industry holds breath on China visa-free travel impact

10 Jan 2024  |  www.ttgindia.travel  |  English  |  Travel

Thailand has made visa-free travel for Chinese tourists a permanent feature following a successful trial period that began in September 2023. The reciprocal agreement, effective from March 1, aims to boost Chinese tourist numbers by 57%. Despite efforts by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, including hosting top Chinese influencers, industry experts are skeptical about reaching the 8.2 million Chinese arrivals target for 2024. Concerns include reduced flight capacity, the struggling Chinese economy, and high airfares. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn of the Association of Thai Travel Agents and an independent travel agent named Lek provided insights on the challenges and the need to observe travel patterns during the upcoming Chinese New Year before making further predictions.

Tags:

International Relations Travel Tourism Policy

Faten Omar is a freelance journalist, works for several Arabic and English news agencies.Currently, she works for Xinhua, Chinese news agency. Previously she was a reporter at Kuwait-based daily English newspaper Kuwait Times, daily Arabic newspaper Al-Kuwaityah, senior editor at Al-Mustagbal ...

Kuwait to receive Eurofighter planes

01 Oct 2023  |  kuwaittimes.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Kuwait is set to receive three to four Eurofighter aircrafts in October as part of a bilateral agreement with Italy. Italian Undersecretary Maria Tripodi will visit Kuwait to explore further collaboration. The Italian Ambassador to Kuwait, Carlo Baldocci, announced the opening of a new visa office to streamline Schengen visa applications, anticipating a doubling of visas issued this year. The new office features Italian cultural exhibits and designer furniture. Italy has seen a significant increase in Kuwaiti visitors and student visas, with expectations for more direct flights by summer 2024.

Tags:

Travel International Relations Defense

Informative

Factuality Scale

Julian Ryall is a journalist based in Tokyo, Japan.

Why the next big Asian medical tourism destination could be Osaka, Japan

05 Dec 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  International Travel

Osaka, Japan, is positioning itself as a major destination for medical tourism, working with government ministries and private companies to attract individuals seeking advanced medical treatments combined with a holiday. Initiatives are also underway in other Japanese cities such as Sapporo, Okinawa, Minokamo, and Sendai. The Osaka International Medical Contribution Promotion Committee, formed with travel giant JTB, aims to connect patients with medical services, while the Japan Medical and Health Tourism Centre has seen increased interest from various Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Japan boasts advanced medical technologies, particularly in cancer treatments and iPS cell therapies, with Osaka University recently achieving a corneal cell transplant breakthrough. The weak yen has also made Japan more financially attractive for medical tourists. JTB is promoting these services globally, and Osaka plans to leverage its medical excellence and tourism offerings to appeal to potential medical tourists.

Tags:

International Travel Medical Tourism Healthcare Technology

Factual

Factuality Scale

Gurvinder Singh is a journalist and fixer based in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. I have worked as a fixer for CNN International, Daily mail and other publications who need my services. 

As a journalist, I am able to help International correspondents and production houses in a better way as I have ...

Brazilian travel vlogger demands justice after alleged India gang rape

15 Mar 2023  |  inews.co.uk  |  English  |  Travel

A Brazilian travel vlogger named Fernanda and her Spanish husband Vincente were allegedly gang-raped by a group of men in eastern India. Fernanda, who has a significant following on Instagram, and her husband were on a world tour and had stopped in the village of Kurmahat in Jharkhand state when the incident occurred. Eight men have been arrested, and local authorities have compensated the couple. The Brazilian and Spanish embassies are involved, and the incident has sparked condemnation in India, highlighting concerns about safety for foreign tourists and the country's justice system, which has a low conviction rate for rapes.

Tags:

International Relations Travel Crime

Factual

Factuality Scale

Salah UdDin is a journalist based in Islamabad.

PIA announces reduction in airfare

15 Dec 2024  |  arynews.tv  |  English  |  International Travel

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a reduction in international airfare following the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) waiver of the Federal Excise Duty on international tickets. This move, requested by the Pakistani government, is expected to result in significant savings for travelers, particularly those flying to the USA, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Far East. The waiver does not apply to domestic flights. Additionally, the IMF has approved a sales tax exemption for new aircraft purchases or leases. Efforts are underway to resume PIA flights to the United States, with a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to settle financial obligations, potentially leading to a reclassification to 'Category One' status and the resumption of direct flights.

Tags:

International Travel Airfare Reduction

Informative

Factuality Scale

Mu Lin Zhang is a journalist based in Los Angeles, United States of America.

I have over ten years of experience working in Chinese media and I am passionate about providing in-depth coverage of various aspects of news, including politics, education, and tourism in both China and the United ...

US travel agencies send teams to China to attract business, Chinese tourists' spending power not as strong as before

14 Jul 2023  |  美国之音  |  Chinese  |  Travel

California and New York City Travel Bureaus are planning trips to China in August and September to attract Chinese tourists, marking the first such efforts since the pandemic outbreak. Despite high demand, limited flight capacity between the US and China, which is currently at 24 weekly flights compared to pre-pandemic levels of around 350, poses a challenge. The US-China relationship and concerns over using Russian airspace contribute to the reduced flights. Chinese tourists, once the fifth-largest market for US tourism, are expected to visit at a rate of only 30% of pre-pandemic levels this year. Visa scheduling is backlogged to September, and group tours can only be formed upon arrival in the US. Chinese tourists express a desire to visit the US, but concerns over high costs, strict entry checks, and negative perceptions are deterrents. Travel agencies in Los Angeles are eager for the return of tourists but face obstacles such as visa issues and high ticket prices. The decline in Chinese visitors has been ongoing since the 2018 trade war, and the pandemic has further impacted the tourism industry and consumer spending habits.

Tags:

International Relations Travel Economy