Travel News – 30 January 2012
Here’s our weekly roundup of some of the recent travel news stories.
Experts Predict Airline Ticket Sales Slowdown
Last week we mentioned the new rules to promote more transparency in air travel prices for consumers. That story has continued to promote discussion especially since the rules came into force last Thursday. However, an article in the LA Times suggests that the rules may result in a reduction in ticket sales because of ‘sticker shock’ – the sudden increase in prices. This view is held by a number of travel industry experts. There is still a pending lawsuit to stop the rules from going into force, brought by Southwest, Spirit and Allegiant.
LA Visitor Numbers Rocket
The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau has released figures showing a 4.2% increase in overnight visitors to LA during 2011. The influx of 26.9 million people had a resulting 8% increase in spending by tourists to $15.2 billion. One of the largest sections of growth was in the international visitor sector, where visitor numbers increased by 7% and spending increased by 12%. One of the factors driving the growth was increased traffic from Asia, as well as Canada and Mexico but there was also a 2% increase in domestic travel to LA. The airport is undertaking an expansion of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, to cost $1.5 billion and Los Angeles is to host the US Travel Association’s International PowWow in April, resulting in an influx of international visitors. If you are planning to visit LA in 2012, check out our recommendations for things to do in LA.
Brazil Boom Brings Travel Woes
If you’re planning a trip to Brazil in the near future to attend any of the major sporting events to be held there, don’t be surprised if the trip leaves you feeling underwhelmed. The country is due to host the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics and ahead of that the country is experiencing a travel boom. That means headaches for passengers in terms of higher ticket prices and lots of delays. Brazil’s airport infrastructure just isn’t ready to cope with the boom and airport upgrades scheduled to be ready by the June 2013 start of the Confederations Cup, are unlikely to be complete. More on this in the Washington Post.
Relax at SFO
If you happen to be visiting San Francisco, you might find your trip through San Francisco International Airport quite … peaceful. Though that’s not a word often associated with air travel, the airport now has a Yoga Room in terminal 2, reports Time. Low lighting and sound protection should keep the noise of the terminal at bay, and you can sit on one of the many available yoga mats between 4.30am to 12.30am daily and rediscover your bliss!
Visiting SFO, LAX or another airport? Don’t forget to use our Happy12 coupon and save on off airport parking.
Tags: Airport Parking, lax airport parking, lax attractions, sfo airport parking, travel, Travel News
February 1st, 2012 at 9:51 am
Thanks for a great weekly travel roundup, I look forward to reading it every week. I’m not surprised to see a prediction of a reduction in ticket sales alongside price increase, but I’m surprised that there has been a great increase in travel (both domestic and international) to Los Angeles. I think the yoga room at SFO is a great idea for stressed travelers. I always find myself full of anxiety when at airports, worried about things like delays, missed flights, being late, or lost baggage. Nothing like a little downward dog to calm the nerves!
February 1st, 2012 at 3:00 pm
I’m more of a cat stretch girl myself, but I know what you mean, Briana.