Travel news – Eire Now https://eirenow.news Sat, 10 Aug 2024 03:53:46 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://eirenow.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/eirenow-favicon.svg Travel news – Eire Now https://eirenow.news 32 32 Sri Lanka Halts New eVisa System Amid Controversy and Legal Challenges https://eirenow.news/travel-news/sri-lanka-halts-new-evisa-system-amid-controversy-and-legal-challenges/ https://eirenow.news/travel-news/sri-lanka-halts-new-evisa-system-amid-controversy-and-legal-challenges/#respond Sat, 10 Aug 2024 03:53:43 +0000 https://eirenow.ie/?p=1019 Sri Lanka has suspended its recently launched e-Visa system just three months after its introduction, following an interim order from the country’s Supreme Court. The e-Visa system, managed by a consortium including VFS Global, GBS Technology, and IVS Global Services, faced immediate backlash due to corruption allegations and protests from local tour operators.

The Supreme Court’s decision has led to the reinstatement of the previous Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, operated by Mobitel, a local telecommunications company. The suspension, effective from August 2, 2024, impacts travelers from 167 countries, who had been using the e-Visa platform for tourism, business, and medical purposes.

The e-Visa system had promised to streamline visa applications but quickly became embroiled in controversy. Allegations of corruption, involving over a billion dollars, and dissatisfaction among local tour operators fueled legal action, leading to the suspension. Travelers who had applied for e-Visas after the suspension have been assured refunds.As the country navigates these challenges, the previous ETA system is expected to resume operations soon, while visa-on-arrival remains an option for many international visitors, including Indian nationals.

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Tragedy at Spanish Airport: British Tourist Dies After Collapsing While Waiting to Board Ryanair Flight https://eirenow.news/travel-news/tragedy-at-spanish-airport-british-tourist-dies-after-collapsing-while-waiting-to-board-ryanair-flight/ https://eirenow.news/travel-news/tragedy-at-spanish-airport-british-tourist-dies-after-collapsing-while-waiting-to-board-ryanair-flight/#respond Thu, 25 Jul 2024 10:03:51 +0000 https://eirenow.ie/?p=803 In a tragic incident at Alicante-Elche Airport in Spain, a British tourist has died after collapsing while waiting to board a Ryanair flight. The unfortunate event occurred as the man, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was preparing to return to the UK.

Witnesses reported that the man suddenly fell to the ground, causing immediate concern among fellow passengers and airport staff. Emergency services were quickly summoned, and paramedics arrived on the scene within minutes. Despite their rapid response and efforts to revive him, the man was pronounced dead at the airport.

Airport authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the cause of the collapse. However, it has been noted that the tourist showed no prior signs of distress or illness while in the terminal. Local police have confirmed that they are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of death.

This tragic event has caused significant distress among other passengers who were at the airport at the time. Many have expressed their shock and sadness over the sudden loss of a fellow traveler. Ryanair has extended its condolences to the man’s family and is cooperating fully with the authorities in their investigation.

British Tourist Dies at Spanish Airport: A Grim Reminder for Travelers

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of being prepared for emergencies, even while traveling. It’s crucial for travelers to have up-to-date health information and emergency contacts readily available.

The British tourist’s death at the Spanish airport underscores the need for airports and airlines to be well-equipped to handle medical emergencies. Ensuring that staff are trained in first aid and that defibrillators and other medical equipment are easily accessible can make a significant difference in emergency situations.

As investigations continue, the travel community mourns the loss of a fellow tourist and reflects on the importance of health and safety while on the move. More details are expected to be released as the authorities conclude their investigation into this tragic event.

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Jet2 Expands with New Routes from Bournemouth Airport https://eirenow.news/travel-news/jet2-expands-with-new-routes-from-bournemouth-airport/ https://eirenow.news/travel-news/jet2-expands-with-new-routes-from-bournemouth-airport/#respond Sun, 14 Jul 2024 07:50:12 +0000 https://eirenow.ie/?p=638 Jet2 has announced a major expansion, introducing 16 new routes from Bournemouth Airport, marking the location as their 12th UK base. This strategic move is set to enhance travel options significantly, providing more destinations for holidaymakers and boosting local tourism.

Starting in summer 2025, the airline will operate flights to popular holiday destinations across Europe, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean. This expansion includes a variety of new routes aimed at offering greater convenience and more choices to travelers from the South Coast of England.

Jet2 New Routes Boost Travel Options

The new routes from Bournemouth Airport will connect travelers to diverse destinations, including Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Italy. This expansion is part of Jet2’s broader strategy to increase its footprint in the UK and meet growing demand for summer travel.

The introduction of these routes is expected to cater to both holidaymakers seeking sunny escapes and business travelers. With over 16 million seats available for summer 2025, Jet2 is poised to become a leading choice for those flying from Bournemouth.

Early Summer Seats and Extended Seasons

In addition to the new routes, Jet2 has added 10,000 early summer seats across five UK airports, responding to the high demand for early holiday bookings. Moreover, the airline has extended its season for popular destinations such as Crete and Rhodes, allowing travelers to enjoy these locations well into November 2024.

This move not only provides more travel flexibility but also helps to support local economies in these destinations by extending the tourist season. Jet2’s proactive approach in expanding seat availability and extending seasons underscores their commitment to customer satisfaction and market responsiveness.

Significant Expansion and Future Plans

The expansion at Bournemouth Airport is a critical component of Jet2’s long-term strategy. With Bournemouth becoming the 12th base, the airline continues to strengthen its presence across the UK. This growth aligns with their vision to provide comprehensive travel options and exceptional service to a broader audience.

Jet2’s dedication to expanding its route network and enhancing travel experiences ensures that passengers have access to a wide range of destinations, making it easier than ever to plan their perfect holiday.

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New Public Transport Fare Adjustments in Ireland Effective from 23rd June 2024 https://eirenow.news/travel-news/new-public-transport-fare-adjustments-in-ireland-effective-from-23rd-june-2024/ https://eirenow.news/travel-news/new-public-transport-fare-adjustments-in-ireland-effective-from-23rd-june-2024/#respond Sun, 23 Jun 2024 12:36:34 +0000 https://eirenow.ie/?p=307 Starting today, new fare adjustments for public transport in Ireland have come into effect. These changes are part of the first phase of the 2024 fares plan by Transport for Ireland.

Public Transport Fare Adjustments – Key Changes

Short Journey Fares: For TFI Leap Card users, short journey fares will increase from €1.30 to €1.50. Cash fares for the same journeys will rise from €1.70 to €2.
Regional Town Fares: A new flat fare of €1.50 for Leap Card users will be introduced on regional town bus services in Athlone, Balbriggan, Carlow, Drogheda, Dundalk, Navan, and Sligo. The cash fare for these services will change to €2.
Dublin 90-Minute Fare: The €2 TFI 90-minute fare in Dublin, which allows free transfers between Dublin Bus, Luas, and most DART, commuter rail, and Go-Ahead Ireland services, will remain unchanged.
These adjustments aim to make fares more equitable and consistent across the board. The second phase of the fare strategy, set to be implemented later this year, will further streamline fare structures and introduce new zones and caps for multimodal travel

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