Money

Airbnb forecasts weaker Q2 revenue despite robust demand for international travel

Airbnb ABNB.O reported a higher quarterly profit on Wednesday but forecast second-quarter revenue below Wall Street expectations, sending shares of the vacation rental company down 8% after the bell. Accommodation companies in the first quarter have seen the demand for travel in regions outside of North America boost earnings as travel accelerates in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. […]

Air India Express crew returns to work after mass sick leave, service to be normal by May 14

The airline union added that a glitch in the company's scheduling software mistakenly indicated that staff were on sick leave.

Dream weaving: The art of banig making in Pilar, Camotes

CAMOTES ISLAND, Cebu — On a Saturday morning, a delegation from the Provincial Government’s flagship tourism program gathered at Pier 1 in Cebu City to depart for an island off the eastern part of mainland Cebu. At 10 a.m. the delegates of ‘Suroy Suroy Sugbo: Enchanting 1 Camotes Island’ arrived at the first stop of the two-day trip. They were greeted with the vibrant smiles and warm welcome of the residents of Pilar town on Ponson Island,...

Vatican Museums staff start unprecedented legal action over labour conditions

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Forty-nine Vatican Museums employees have started an unprecedented labour dispute over what they say are unfair and poor conditions at their workplace, which could lead to an embarrassing lawsuit against Pope Francis' administration. The workers, mostly museum attendants, have sent a petition to the Vatican's "Governatorato", the body that administers the Vatican City

EasyJet summer holiday travel chaos looms as pilots reject pay rise and threaten to strike

After pilots turned a pay offer down in a ballot, representatives for Balpa union and easyJet bosses were forced back to the negotiating table to try and hash out an agreement

Taylor Swift may attract more U.S. luxury travelers to Paris for Eras Tour than Olympics

The superstar brought her Eras Tour to Paris for a four-night stint. She may draw more Americans to France than the upcoming Olympics.

Tighter visa rules may deter Chinese tourists, investments - PTAA

The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) said that tighter visa rules for Chinese nationals visiting the Philippines could have a negative impact on the country's economy. "Chinese tourists are a major source of income for the Philippines, so making it harder to visit could discourage tourism and hurt businesses. They might even be the ones to give travel advisories not to go to the Philippines," said PTAA president Evangeline...

Dual world records marked on Mount Everest

Kami Rita Sherpa scaled the world's tallest mountain for a 29th time while a Briton marked his 18th.

SpiceJet announces Delhi-Phuket non-stop service; stock up 2%

This new service will complement the airline's existing operations to Bangkok from Kolkata and Delhi, SpiceJet said.

Fast-flying PH-based execs add lift to bizjet demand in Southeast Asia

KUALA LUMPUR—Taylor Swift personified the jet-setter lifestyle when she traveled fast—and in style—aboard her private jet during the Eras Tour. The Dassault Falcon 7X gave Swift the flexibility to arrive and depart at her choice of time, while avoiding busy airports. This ultra long-range jet that is capable of flying almost 6,000 nautical miles, escorted the global pop star to multiple intercontinental destinations without the need to stop and...

A millennial couple invested in a $143,000 vacation home in Bali. It's become the crux of their early retirement strategy.

The couple wanted to invest in a tangible asset, and settled on the idea of building a villa in Bali. They hope to retire there within six years.

Often-ridiculed city with UK’s cheapest beers set to be one of best staycation destinations

Hull is unlikely to be one the list of many Brits' staycation options, but the East Yorkshire seaside city has risen in many people's estimations thanks to its affordability and cultural offerings

Former visitor centre in the Cotswolds to be sold

The centre closed its doors in February, having been a visitors centre since 1996.

Remembering the fishermen who never came home

Services are being held around the UK coast to honour the fishermen who lost their lives at sea

8 Ways To Spend Less on Your Daily Cup of Coffee

America is a country that heavily relies on coffee. Coffee is the most popular beverage in America, beating tap water, tea, soft drinks and juice. According to Drive Research, nearly 3 in 4 Americans...

Gabii sa Kabilin 2024: Must-visit cultural and heritage sites in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The much-awaited Gabii sa Kabilin (GSK) 2024 offered participants of all ages an immersive experience of Cebu’s vibrant history, which has influenced the identity of its people over the years. This year’s event, held on Friday, May 10, celebratee the theme “Beloved Bisaya.” This theme commemorated the 350th death anniversary of Jesuit missionary Fr. Francisco Ignacio Alcina, who affectionately called the Visayans “my...

How Frugal People Use Credit Cards: 6 Tips for Thrifty Credit Management

Credit cards are a great way to rack up rewards such as cash back on purchases and travel benefits. They also offer a lot of convenience. But because of credit cards' high interest rates, these...

20 Visa-Free Countries Outside of Asia for Filipinos

Including countries from Africa to South America.

Old World meets new in captivating Iloilo City

Melding modernity with heritage has been the goal for many cities all over the world. The challenge of fully embracing the contemporary way of life while honoring one’s past and cultural identity is no easy feat. Iloilo City has been a success story in this regard. Dubbed the “Heart of the Philippines” due to its geographical location, this Visayan capital is rich in heritage structures, gastronomical delights, and modern designs. Conducive...

American Airlines union seeks Biden support in contract fight

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dozens of American Airlines flight attendants demonstrated on Thursday in front of the White House as they seek to be allowed to strike during protracted contract negotiations. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants organized the Washington rally along with parallel events at about a dozen US airports. "Flight Attendants are the only employees at American Airlines who have not had a raise in the past five years,"...

British Airways owner slashes first-quarter loss

LONDON – British Airways parent IAG slashed net losses in the first quarter thanks to growing travel demand, the group said on Friday. Losses after tax totaled 4 million euros ($4.3 million) in the first three months of 2024, sharply down from 87 million euros a year earlier, the aviation conglomerate said in a results statement. IAG, which also owns Spanish carrier Iberia, added that sales jumped 9.2 percent to 6.4 billion euros in the...

Why Can't We See the Northern Lights in the Philippines?

Everyone seems to have caught glimpse of the phenomenon except us.

Inside £1 billion abandoned 'paradise' built on stunning coast that was supposed to house 1million

Chinese developers had high hopes for luxurious "paradise" Forest City in Malaysia - but high debt and visa restrictions mean that its now become a "ghost city."

Central Luzon tour guides receive free insurance coverage

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 51 tour guides in Central Luzon received free insurance coverage and tour guide kits during the 51st founding anniversary of the Department of Tourism. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco personally handed over the tokens of appreciation during a ceremony at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga on Saturday. Frasco emphasized the role of tour guides as frontline ambassadors of the Philippine tourism industry. “I...

Taxpayers spend £3.5m on salaries for delayed ferry crew - despite it never carrying passengers

Despite racking up costs, endless delays, and not carrying a single passenger, taxpayers have spent a huge amount on the crew of a Scottish Ferry

Asador Alfonso Is The First Phase of A Dream Destination

Also a family vacation home, it's architect Carlo Calma's love letter to his 94-year-old dad.

Island remembers fishermen lost at sea

The family of Michael Michieli, who died at sea in 2022, joined a remembrance service in Jersey.

Emergency at major Australian airport after plane malfunction

A passenger planes landing gear has failed at Newcastle Airport, with emergency services rushing to the scene.

Lawyer who exploited loophole to claim 58 free flights locked in legal battle with airline

Mr Tyrone Barugh has taken the matter to a tribunal after he found a loophole in an airline promotion - which meant he was able to book nearly 60 flights with Jetstar for free

Record number of wild swimming spots designated as bathing sites

Record number of wild swimming spots designated as bathing sites - The Environment Agency will immediately start monitoring the water quality at 27 new sites from Devon to North Yorkshire.

Nepal’s ‘Everest Man’ beats own record by climbing summit for 29th time

Kami Rita and fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa have been competing for the title of most climbs of Everest.

30 places where you can find peace and meditate

Do you need some time and space to just get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? A place where the stress and anxiety of the mundane seem to melt away? Well, you’re in luck! This beautiful world is full of simple yet wonderful places where you can go and relax or meditate. If you’ve been running to the point of exhaustion lately, take a moment for yourself. Finding places for peace and quiet is easier than you might think! Which location sounds the best to you? Click through to explore more.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Splash Mountain's replacement, will open at Disney World in June

Splash Mountain’s highly anticipated replacement is the first Disney attraction inspired by “The Princess and the Frog.”

Heathrow Airport accuses Government of 'curtailing UK's global connectivity'

The west London airport criticised measures such as introducing a £10 fee for some transiting passengers

World’s first hydrogen-powered superyacht worth £515m to set sail - but there's one major drawback

The world’s first-ever hydrogen-powered superyacht has hit the waves and will cruise between harbours and anchorages to operate as a hotel - but it cannot carry enough liquid hydrogen to power an entire crossing

The 10 worst French aircraft

France has produced some excellent planes over the years, but its share of duffers too – including these ones

Turner masterpiece makes first North East visit

It is the first time the artwork has been displayed in the North East.

British Museum could repatriate more contested artefacts

a landmark deal over the return of Asante gold to Ghana is unlikely to be repeated for the Egin marbles which remain problematic for the UK and Greece.

The enduring magic of Hong Kong

Hong Kong consistently ranks as one of the most popular destinations for Filipinos traveling abroad. Its appeal lies not just in its proximity — a mere two-hour plane ride from the Philippines — but also in its diverse array of attractions. From shopping to outdoor adventures, sampling local cuisine to vibrant nightlife and thrilling theme parks, there's something for everyone. For those exploring beyond the Philippines for the first time, Hong...

Climate change is making it harder to have a smooth flight

Cedar Point's Top Thrill 2 roller coaster closed less than a month after opening

Once the coaster, a renovated version the Top Thrill Dragster, is modified and tested, it should reopen at an undetermined date.

Eight more Chinese cities join Hong Kong solo travel scheme

HONG KONG— Eight more Chinese cities have joined a scheme allowing their residents to travel to Hong Kong on their own, rather than as part of a tour group, as part of efforts to boost Hong Kong’s economy. Hong Kong is battling to revive its economy following a national security crackdown and COVID-related controls, which led to many […]

World's 50 Best Beaches 2024 List Includes 2 from the Philippines

Surprisingly, Boracay isn’t one of them.

‘Central Luzon airports can co-exist’

MANILA, Philippines — Will the Clark International Airport manage to survive and thrive once the largest gateway in the Philippines located in nearby Bulacan is built? Its operator believes that yes, it will persist. The Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD) Corp. stands by the viability of its airport as a gateway to the Philippines in the face of growing competition in Luzon. In particular, LIPAD president and CEO Noel...

Japan to introduce online booking for Mount Fuji trail

An online booking system for Mount Fuji's most popular trail was announced on Monday by Japanese authorities trying to fight overtourism on the active volcano. The system will guarantee people entry through a new gate, "allowing them to plan ahead," Katsuhiro Iwama, an official from the Yamanashi regional government, told AFP. Online bookings open on May 20 for the July-September hiking season.

Commuter rail service in northeast Spain has been disrupted by theft of copper cables near Barcelona

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Commuter rail service serving Barcelona and northeastern Spain has suffered major disruption because of the theft of copper cables from a train installation, Spanish rail authorities said Sunday. Thousands of commuters were stranded at train stations in and around Barcelona after trains couldn't run on several commuter lines. The disruption to local transport came while more than 5.7 million voters were eligible to...

What lurks beneath: Treasures, wrecks and curios

More than 300 items found at sea were reported last year including an elephant tusk and human bones.

Legal ways to enter and stay in the US

IN March 2024 alone, the US State Department issued 967,731 non-immigrant visas in its 271 diplomatic posts worldwide. The US Embassy in Manila issued 20,718 non-immigrant, temporary visas, with B1/B-2 visitor visas leading the way at 10,319, followed by C-1 seafarers (7,656), F and J student and exchange visitors (588), H-2B non-agricultural temporary workers (164), H-1B (121) and H-2A (12). There were 134 visas issued to derivative...

Wild swimmers celebrate bathing water status

The sites will be monitored for pollution during the bathing season, which runs from May to September.

Aurora Light Shows Could Brighten Up Skies All Week: Where to Watch Them

Viewers thrilled by the Northern Lights over this weekend may get more brilliant displays tonight and this week.