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☆ Watch a hotel room transform into a $62,000 suite for the Singapore Grand Prix
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWatch a hotel room transform into a $62,000 suite for the Singapore Grand PrixFrom room transformations to housekeeping at night, hotels adjust to Singapore's F1 night race with "all hands on deck" staffing, reports CNBC's Monica Pitrelli.

Persons: CNBC's Monica Pitrelli Organizations: Watch, Singapore

☆ Wall, what wall? Two detained after leveling part of China's Great Wall
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Lisa Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

It may have seemed like a good idea at the time. In an apparent attempt to create a shortcut, two people allegedly used heavy machinery to remove a sizeable section of the Great Wall of China in Shanxi province, according to an online notice by local authorities. The duo used an excavator to widen a pre-existing gap so that their heavy machinery could pass through it, according to the notice issued by Youyu County security officials. The pair — a 38-year-old man named Zheng and a 55-year-old woman named Wang — removed the wall "to shorten a journey," according to a CNBC translation of the notice published on Aug. 31. The suspects are both from Inner Mongolia.

Persons: Zheng, Wang — Organizations: CNBC Locations: China, Shanxi, Youyu, Inner Mongolia

☆ People in Asia are getting less sleep than others. Here's why
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailPeople in Asia are getting less sleep than others. Here's whyA study that analyzed sleep data from 22,000 people wearing Oura rings shows Asia residents are not catching up on sleep on the weekends, reports CNBC's Monica Pitrelli.

Persons: CNBC's Monica Pitrelli Organizations: People Locations: Asia

☆ Want bigger seats on planes? Be prepared to pay more
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWant bigger seats on planes? Be prepared to pay morePassengers want more space on airplanes, but that's going to be "very, very expensive for everyone involved," said Boyd International Group's President Mike Boyd.

Persons: Boyd, Mike Boyd

☆ Your boarding pass and weight, please: Why airlines are asking passengers to step on the scales
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Marylou Costa | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Starting Monday, passengers flying on Korean Air may be asked to step on a scale before boarding their flight. Is it reasonable to weigh passengers? "Fuel is 20 times more than the passenger weight," he said. Where airlines weigh passengersAir New Zealand weighed passengers in June for reasons, it said, related to safety and fuel efficiency. Commercial airline seating is based on average passenger weight from the 1950s to 1970s, Hilderman said.

Persons: —, Vance Hilderman, Shem Malmquist, Hilderman, we're, Jose Silva, Finnair, Nick Gausling, Gausling, Tigress Osborn, Jodi Jacobson Organizations: Korean, Korean Air, CNBC, Gimpo, Incheon Airport, Bombardier, Embraer, Aviation, Istock, Florida Tech's College of Aeronautics, Transport & Health, RMIT University's School of Engineering, U.S . Federal Aviation Administration, New Zealand, Hawaiian Air, Samoa Air, Reuters, Flyers, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, International Civil Aviation Organization, Romy Group, National Association Locations: Honolulu, American Samoa, United States, Europe

☆ Airlines are weighing passengers, but not for the reasons many think
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailAirlines are weighing passengers, but not for the reasons many thinkWeighing passengers is about safety and fuel efficiency, airlines say, not because of ongoing issues surrounding how to accommodate plus-sized passengers on planes, reports CNBC's Monica Pitrelli.

Persons: CNBC's Monica Pitrelli Organizations: Email Airlines

☆ Is your hotel charging a 'junk fee?' Here's how to spot them
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

In this videoShare Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailIs your hotel charging a 'junk fee?' Here's how to spot themMandatory fees are on the rise in the hotel industry, especially in certain cities, reports CNBC's Monica Pitrelli.

Persons: CNBC's Monica Pitrelli

☆ I was charged ‘junk fees’ by a New York City hotel. Here’s what happened next
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

In this article HMARBKNG Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTMy hotel bill from a three-night trip to New York City included 21 charges. Nine were for "destination fees." Federal Trade Commission estimates show consumers paid around $2 billion in hotel fees before the pandemic, and mandatory fees have grown since then. The bill, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act, prohibits hotels from advertising rates without mandatory fees. Former presidential candidate and current Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., introduced the Hotels Fees Transparency Act to the U.S. Senate in late July.

Persons: Joe Biden's, I'd, Munir Salem, Rafat Ali, Joe Biden, Kent Nishimura, Ali, it's, Amy Klobuchar, Bill Clark, Park's Salem, Expedia, Chip Rogers, I'm Organizations: Thompson, Park, CNBC, Thompson Central, Newspapers, Federal Trade Commission, Los Angeles Times, Getty, U.S . Senate, U.S ., Cq, Inc, Biden Administration, United, Frontier, Texas, Holdings, Marriott International Inc, Marriott, American, Lodging Locations: New York City, North America, Joe Biden's State, Park New York, Hyatt, York, U.S, U.S . Senate, Pennsylvania

☆ Chances are you haven’t used A.I. to plan a vacation. That’s about to change
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Enter generative artificial intelligence — a technology set to simplify that process, and allow companies to better tailor recommendations to travelers' specific interests. The hope is that AI will not only plan itineraries, but communicate with hotels, draft travel budgets, even function as a personal travel assistant — and in the process fundamentally alter the way companies approach travelers. A typical home search on Airbnb, for example, produces results that don't take past searches into account. During an earnings call in May, CEO Brian Chesky discussed how AI could alter Airbnb's approach. He said: "Instead of asking you questions like: 'Where are you going, and when are you going?'

Persons: it's, —, Brian Chesky Organizations: Expedia Group

☆ The travel companies that are bringing A.I. to their customers
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

In this videoShare Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThe travel companies that are bringing A.I. to their customersMore travel companies are launching AI services to help travelers plan trips, reports CNBC's Monica Pitrelli.

Persons: CNBC's Monica Pitrelli

☆ A video led to a ban on the slaughter of dog and cats at a notorious meat market. Here's how activists did it
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailA video led to a ban on the slaughter of dog and cats at a notorious meat market. Here's how activists did itIndonesia's Tomohon Extreme Market will no longer kill dogs and cats, reports CNBC's Monica Pitrelli.

Persons: CNBC's Monica Pitrelli

The Tomohon Extreme Market was once a top tourist attraction in the Indonesian province of North Sulawesi — a live animal market filled with everything from fileted pythons to skewered bats and rats. Activists urged major travel companies to stop recommending the market as a tourism site, said Lola Webber, Humane Society International's director of campaigns. "Bali dealt with this issue by poisoning stray dogs, which ended up being just as bad, if not worse, than those that have been subjected to the dog meat trade." In a Tripadvisor post on March 5, a user discusses reading about Sulawesi's dog meat trade. The post states: "Well the next trip was going to be to Sulawesi, Indonesia ...

Persons: Lola Webber, —, you'll, Webber, Caroll Senduk, International's Lola Webber, Michael, Frank Delano Manus, We've, who've, Manus, Rahul Sehgal, Tripadvisor Organizations: Humane Society, Companies, Tripadvisor, Free, Friends, CNBC Travel, World Health Organization, Animal Welfare, Animal Friends, Humane Society International, Free Indonesia, CNBC, Soi Dog Locations: Indonesian, North Sulawesi, Sulawesi, Tomohon's, Free Indonesia, Indonesia, Bali, Karanganyar, Java, Medan, Jakarta, Asia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Vietnam

A new Indonesian private island, named ONE°15 Marina Nirup Island, opened in July nine miles south of Singapore. The hotel will have 94 rooms and 52 villas, according to the representative. Rendering of a hotel lobby and lounge on Nirup Island, Indonesia, set to open in late 2024. Fifty villas will be for sale, while an additional 30 will be managed by the island's Westin hotel, according to the representative. Arthur Tay, CEO of SUTL Enterprise, said the opening of the marina will ease demand for yachting berths in Singapore.

Persons: Sinar, Arthur Tay Organizations: Westin Hotels, Resorts, PT, SUTL, CNBC Travel Locations: Singapore, Indonesian, Nirup, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Philippines, Riau

☆ Burned by the European heat, travelers are seeking new destinations this summer
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

'Scandi summer' trendInterest in visiting the Mediterranean dropped by 10% from June to November this year, according to data published by the European Travel Commission. watch nowA "Scandi summer" trend is evident among summer home renters too, according to Expedia Group. Shifts in SpainSpain is the most popular travel destination in the European Travel Commission's poll of more than 6,000 European travelers. A spring poll of more than 6,000 European travelers showed the No. 1 reason for choosing a travel destination was "pleasant weather conditions," according to the European Travel Commission.

Persons: Tom Marchant, Marchant, Evia, Will Vassilopoulos, Cynthia Nerangis, Peter Tomlinson, Tomlinson, InsureMyTrip, hasn't Organizations: CNBC, European Travel Commission, Expedia Group, Expedia, Costa de Cantabria, Afp, Getty, National Parks, Swiss, Istock, Travelers, LemonLime, CNBC Travel Locations: Europe, London, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Scandinavia, Swedish, Skane, Blekinge, Edinburgh, Scotland, Riga, Latvia, Tallinn, Estonia, Smaland, Tenerife, Rimini, Spain Spain, Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, Mallorca, Costa Verde, Costa de, Basque, Greece, Rhodes, Corfu, Lofoten, Croatian, Canada, U.S, Slovenia, Italy, Puglia, Sicily, North Africa, Austrian, Lucerne, Solden, Switzerland, Morocco, Marrakech, France, Athens, Crete

The research found this was due to a perception that other accents thwart communication, to accent prejudices — or both. Are language courses a solution? But accent reduction courses that promise to get rid of a certain accent in a short period of time are more popular, she said. It horrifies me that companies would train people to anglicize their accent — that is a direct reinforcement of … racism. Elizabeth likens learning an American accent to "just one of the tools" in her arsenal — one she can deploy when needed.

Persons: Elizabeth, she's, they've, Jessica Spence, Jessica Spence The, Regina Kim, Tracey Derwing, Ritu, Brad Harris, Ritu Bhasin, Kim, who's, Bhasin, I'm Organizations: CNBC, The University of Queensland, Society, Personality, Jessica Spence The University of Queensland, Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business, University of Alberta, HEC Paris, York University, Brad Harris Management, HEC Paris Business Locations: Singapore, Asia, Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Malaysia, York

☆ An 'accent hierarchy' in the workplace? It's real, studies show
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailAn 'accent hierarchy' in the workplace? It's real, studies showAccent bias in the corporate rate is driving accent reduction classes, reports CNBC's Monica Pitrelli.

Persons: CNBC's Monica Pitrelli

Accent bias in the workplaceIt's not surprising that employees' accents play a role in determining business travel, said Regina Kim, an assistant professor of management at Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business. An 'accent hierarchy'Leadership specialist and author Ritu Bhasin said there's an "accent hierarchy" in today's globalized world. Kim agreed, saying studies show that the Standard British English accent has a "covert prestige," with speakers being perceived as more trustworthy, intelligent and attractive. "For example, having a French accent in a wine industry may be 'better' because there's an industry-accent fit," she said. Accent bias can be worsened by national stereotypes that listeners associate with the way their colleagues talk, said Kim.

Persons: they've, Shan, Tracey Derwing, Derwing, Regina Kim, Kim, Ritu Bhasin, it's, Bhasin, Elizabeth Elizabeth, she's, Elizabeth Organizations: SAP, CNBC, Employees, New Zealand, University of Alberta, Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business Locations: —, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Pacific, New, Indonesia, Vietnam, United States, American, New York, Britain, Canada, East Asia, South Asia, West Asia, China, Europe

☆ What happened to the Chinese travel boom everyone was waiting for? It stayed in China
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Lisa Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"However, another reason is that domestic tourism has won in prestige and also in quality," Arlt told CNBC Travel. Now, Chinese travelers may be looking to venture beyond the region. "This creates business need for increased flights but has also seen increased Chinese media coverage and general interest in the region which will have knock-on effects for more general travel interest." 3 on a list of expenditures where Chinese travelers said they would increase spending this year — after dining out, and fitness and wellness. Source: Morning ConsultThis mirrors Skift's report, which shows 50% of Chinese travelers say they plan to travel internationally in the next 12 months.

Persons: Wolfgang Georg Arlt, Skift, Arlt, Scott Moskowitz, Moskowitz, Zs Organizations: Tourism Research Institute, Domestic, CNBC Travel, Reuters, Morning Locations: China, Asia, Pacific, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Europe, Central America, Antarctica, East, Northern Africa, Egypt, United States, North Africa, North America, Canada, Ukraine

☆ From fainting to fleeing, travelers brave the heat at popular summer spots
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailFrom fainting to fleeing, travelers brave the heat at popular summer spotsMonica Pitrelli reports on heatwaves across the Northern Hemisphere.

Persons: Monica Pitrelli Organizations: Northern

☆ One of Asia’s most luxurious trains is returning to the rails with a new route
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Evelyn Chen | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

The Eastern & Oriental Express is heading back to the tracks. Services for the train service are restarting in February 2024, according to an announcement today by the train's owner, the luxury travel company Belmond. The passenger train, long considered one of the most luxurious rail rides in Asia, started operating in 1993, connecting Bangkok to Singapore. The Eastern & Oriental is returning with 15 carriages, including two restaurant cars, one piano bar car and an open-air observation car. Bookings for 2024 opened today with rates from $3,410 per person for a three-day journey, which includes all meals, beverages and scheduled activities.

Organizations: Oriental, Services, State Locations: Asia, Bangkok, Singapore, Pullman

☆ From Taylor Swift to the World Cup, travelers are paying big bucks to catch overseas games and shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Evelyn Chen | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

When Taylor Swift's Eras tour rolls into Singapore next year, Rjay Ignacio said he'll be there — whether he has a ticket or not. "If I'm not able to get a ticket, I'm still going to Singapore," he said. He said he would only travel "for Taylor … I'm a big fan." Swifties, or Taylor Swift fans, spend an average of $1,330 on tickets, food and travel, according to the research company QuestionPro. To avoid facing an "astronomical price surge," Jakarta resident Wid said one of his friends booked a hotel in Singapore before Swift's tour tickets even went on sale.

Persons: Taylor, Rjay Ignacio, he'll, Taylor Swift, I'm, Ignacio, Taylor …, Farhan Abrol, Kanyarat Teawprasong, Swift, Armando L, Sanchez, Lionel Richie, Harvey Cohen, Wid, Nan Palmero, I'd Organizations: Deloitte, Wimbledon, CNBC Travel, Austin City Limits Music, Chicago Tribune, Tribune, Service, Swift's, Qatar Airways, FIFA, Accor Locations: Singapore, Asia, Pasig City, Philippines, YOLO, Francisco, Bangkok, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Las Vegas, Chicago's Grant, Bahamas, United States, Navan, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Jakarta, Doha

☆ Taylor Swift mania shines a spotlight on rising interest in 'music tourism'
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-10 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailTaylor Swift mania shines a spotlight on rising interest in 'music tourism'More people are traveling for musical performances and sports competitions, spending millions on flights, hotels and tourist attractions before and after the events.

Persons: Taylor

☆ Serving 'lunch' before midnight — and other ways airlines can help reduce jet lag
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

They also kept a daily health log before, during and for two weeks after test flights, it said. It means you start reducing the jetlag straight away," he said in a statement after the first test flight was conducted. For now, Postnova said, travelers shouldn't wait until they land to combat jet lag — rather, they should start the process as soon as their flight departs. An onboard 'wellbeing zone'The jet lag research is being conducted while Qantas awaits 12 Airbus 350 aircraft it ordered in May 2022. Passengers exercise during a Qantas test flight from New York to Sydney on Oct, 19, 2019.

Persons: University of Sydney's Charles Perkins, David Gray, Svetlana Postnova, Postnova, Alan Joyce, James D, Peter Cistulli, Joyce Organizations: Qantas, University of Sydney's, University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre, Volunteers, Flight, Getty, CNBC, Morgan, University of Sydney, New, Flyers, Airbus Locations: Sydney, New York City, London, New York

☆ These workers take ‘hush trips.’ Here’s how they’re hiding them from the boss
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Helen Iatrou | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Hush trips may be getting harder to pull off. In the past year, nearly one in 10 workers embarked on a hush trip, according to a survey of 1,010 full-time workers by the vehicle rental website Price 4 Limo. watch nowMany workers keep mum about these trips to fend off productivity concerns and tax ramification questions from their employers. "I know people who have done [hush trips], and their manager calls for an in-person meeting with a client the day before," she said. Concerns about coworkersMaryland resident Ellie said she's taken two hush trips to Virginia's Shenandoah Valley in the past year.

Persons: it's, Price, Alicia, she's, isn't, I'm, Ellie Organizations: CNBC Travel, CNBC Locations: Singapore, Thailand, Asia, Shenandoah

In this article DIS Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTIt's been 17 years since my last trip to Disney World. But if you're an infrequent visitor, traveling with young kids or uninterested in diving into the world of Disney blogs, buying access to shorter lines is your best bet. You may be on vacation, but a trip to Disney World is no time for a digital detox. Jonathan Alder called VIP tours at Disney World "the greatest thing." Buy the bandsMagicBands are part of the ever-growing list of formerly free items that are now chargeable at Disney World.

Persons: Rafael Henrique, —, Peter Pan, Jonathan Alder Organizations: Disney, CNBC, Lightning, Jonathan's

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