Q&A with Francis X. Gallagher, Publisher and CEO
Many travelers appear to be favoring international trips over local beach getaways this season. Popular domestic beaches such as the Hamptons in New York and the Outer Banks in North Carolina have reported rental declines of 10 to 20 percent this summer. Have you taken an overseas vacation that led you to skip your usual beach destination this year?
Tell us. Email us at [email protected]
MARRIOTT REQUIRED TO SHOW RESORT FEES
In the May 17 issue of eFlyer, we reported on a lawsuit that requires Marriott to include resort fees in published rates. We asked readers whether all hotel companies should be transparent about resort and destination fees and whether resort fees should be eliminated entirely. One reader responded:
Not just hotels—every business should disclose the full cost of the customer interaction up front. It’s straightforward to list all applicable fees, and there should be a clear reason for any additional charge instead of it being an arbitrary markup, as is often the case with auto dealers. If you rent me a hotel room, the advertised price should cover all core services (including housekeeping) and reflect genuine business costs at that location. Do not add a fee simply because the property is in Boston or Omaha, and do not charge me for amenities I won’t use, like the room safe. When guests feel overcharged, some respond by taking items, which can increase losses for the hotel.
The article did not address another issue: businesses that underpay staff while charging customers prices that imply full labor costs are included. I will willingly pay for a product if I believe its price is fair; that is the essence of a willing buyer/willing seller exchange. What I won’t accept is seeing businesses prosper by undercompensating employees, bundling labor into prices, and then asking customers to cover that labor through tips. Labor costs that are part of providing a service should be included in the cost of goods sold and fairly paid to staff.
M.J. Weisner, via email
EU COUNTRIES TO BEGIN CHARGING FOR ENTRY
Previously in eFlyer, we covered the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), launching in 2024, which will require non-EU passport holders to obtain authorization before traveling to many European countries. One reader clarified who will need this authorization:
I believe this additional information helps clarify who requires ETIAS. The referenced list (schengenvisainfo.com/etias/who-needs-etias/) outlines the non-EU nationals who must secure ETIAS approval prior to travel in Europe. Keep up the good work.
Driton Hulaj, via email
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO FRANCE RIGHT NOW?
In our July 5 issue of eFlyer, we wrote about recent protests in France and asked whether readers planned to travel to France or Paris in the coming weeks. One reader shared their plans:
Yes, we still plan to visit France. Our family of ten was in Annecy last week, and tomorrow we’ll fly into Paris. We’ll be cautious about late-night activities, but we’ll absolutely visit one of our favorite cities in the world.
Jim Gregory, via email
FROM THE EDITOR
In our May 2023 issue, while covering Athens’ sustainability initiatives, we misspelled Lamda Group. We apologize for the error.
NEW INTERNATIONAL ROUTES, SERVICES IN TIME FOR SUMMER
In the June 28 issue of eFlyer, we highlighted new routes and services from airlines including Qantas, British Airways, Etihad and LATAM, and asked which route readers were most excited about. One reader responded:
As someone who has long wanted to visit Italy, I’m thrilled by United Airlines’ new Newark (EWR) to Naples (NAP) route. I plan to explore this option for a trip later this summer or early fall—Naples has been on my bucket list for years.
Herman Mack, via email
WHAT’S HAPPENING ONGTBLOGS?
Our blogs are updated daily and offer readers a behind-the-scenes look at the travels and interests of the GT staff. Recent posts included a trip to Stockholm; Fourth of July celebrations with friends, family and fireworks; a visit to a new rooftop bar in Northeast Florida; a day at Brickworld; a staff member celebrating Turkish Airlines’ 90th anniversary; and a personal account of time spent in Madeira, Portugal.