Travel Guides

Recently, it was announced that the United States is to create a $10 visa surcharge for all visitors to the United States in their efforts to fund a program that boosts tourism. It would seem that they want to ‘boost’ tourism by making people that don’t need a visa pay another $10.

The Travel Promotion Act is supposedly going to raise around $200 million dollars annually that will be spent on boosting tourism. Senate has now passed the bill which will apparently help the much battered American tourism industry, which has yet to recover since the devastating attacks of 9/11.

With the economic crisis also having a rather devastating impact, many people are under the impression that these new changes will rescue the much ailing tourist industry. Opinion is divided though as it also encourages that everyone who is entitled to a free visa on arrival should be forced to pay a $10 surcharge. Compared to the $131 visa that other nations have to pay, surely it’s a bargain.

The United Arab Emirates has been doing a great deal lately to become known as the ultimate country on earth for luxury tourists. With Palm islands and countless other luxury hotels, it would seem that the U.A.E is the place to be.

But it’s their latest idea that’s got everyone up in a storm as their new hotel has the potential to change the face of luxury hotels forever. If you’ve not heard of the Hydropolis then you’re certainly in for a shock when we tell you about this strange but fascinating hotel.

Continental airlines recently announced that they are to add a number of flights in-between Maui and Las Vegas as well as commencing services to Honolulu flying from Orange Country. It would seem that the premier American airline is trying their best to remain the Pacific’s largest domestic flyer.

Tese new flights commence on the 7th of March 2010, and tourists will get even more opportunities to visit the stunning island archipelago which is famous throughout the world.

A new hotel has recently opened in the heart of Thailand. Located in the ever-popular tourist destination of Pattaya, the Centara Grand Beach Resort is Pattaya’s and perhaps Thailand’s first ‘theme hotel’.

After much deliberation, the International Olympics Committee has finally decided on the location of the 2016 Olympic Games and to everyone’s surprise they will not be held in Chicago.

African Penguins

The award-winning domestic airline, Etihad Airways has recently announced that it is to start flying to its second destination in South Africa – Cape Town.  Explaining an increase in demand for holiday and business travel, the airline’s chief executive also stated that the move was in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup starting on the 11th June next year.

New York

According to hotels.com, American hotel prices have dropped sharply in order to compensate for the reduced tourist season and to attract customers by offering a range of discounts and other promotions.

Similarly, worldwide price drops have occurred, but at the minute, the USA is the worst affected, alongside Asia which also recorded drops of around 17% according to recent observations.

Universal Theme Park, Orlando

Fans of the ever popular Harry Potter now have another opportunity to rejoice as Universal has announced that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open in Spring next year at The Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park.

This high-tech mini-theme park will fully immerse fans in everything Harry Potter.  From Hogsmeade to Hogwarts, Universal is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this is a fully immersive ride and one of the best in the country.