In 1910, a new and grandiose building was added to New York City’s growing skyline. Penn(sylvania) Station was designed in the then-popular Beaux Arts style by Charles McKim of McKim, Mead & White, who found inspiration in the Roman Baths of Caracalla.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Penn Transformation Partners (@penntransformation)

Although allegedly 100,000 people came to wonder at the new landmark on its opening day, the building didn’t last as long as initially intended. In 1963, just 53 years after its inauguration, the station was demolished. The entertainment arena Madison Square Garden took its place, while the actual Penn Station went underground.

“Through Pennsylvania Station one entered the city like a god. One scuttles in now like a rat,” architectural historian Vincent Scully reportedly said about the transformation.

With 600,000 commuters passing through every single weekday, however, Penn Station remains of great importance for New York and its citizens. Therefore, plans to renovate and upgrade the transport hub have been in the making for years, but have had little to no success due to the multitude of parties and administrative hurdles involved in the process.

Fast forward to 2025, when Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy put Amtrak and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in charge of the project, which was previously managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Since then, the Trump administration has effectively been overseeing the plans for the future station.

On May 19 2026, Amtrak and the DOT selected Halmar and Skanska to be the lead developers of the building site, designed by architects PAU and HOK. Days later, the first renderings of the building were released, showing a station defined by grand stone columns, high ceilings, and endless window parties.

According to lead design architect and founder of PAU Vishaan Chakrabarti, the design draws inspiration from the Beaux Arts-style Grand Central Terminal as well as Art Deco buildings across New York, including the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. The ultimate goal? Restoring the grandeur of Penn Station.

“There was this fearless embrace of ornament and decoration that in some ways we’ve lost. We want to bring some of that sense of craftsmanship back,” Chakrabarti said.

Earlier in 2026, several White House officials referred to the possibility of renaming the transportation hub ‘Trump Station’, both as a branding stunt for the president and as a potential way of raising more funds for the building. However, the first renderings still show the name ‘Pennsylvania Station’, along with the presidential seal and Trump’s name written in the southwest corner of the building’s new entrance.

As per the new plans, Madison Square Garden (MSG) will be able to remain in place. Only a theatre owned by MSG and located directly above the tracks will need to be demolished, the final terms of which are still being negotiated.

The building project is estimated to cost some $8 billion. Construction should start before the end of 2027 and should be completed in different phases over six years, with Penn Station remaining operational throughout. Several people and organisations have already raised their concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the project and the high costs, as it is yet unclear who exactly is expected to pay for the station.

L’article New $8 billion project aims to transform NYC’s Penn Station into new landmark est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to court documents obtained by People, 32-year-old Cody James Maluck of Indianapolis was charged with interference with flight crew members or attendants following the incident aboard Delta Flight 800 on 9 May. The flight had departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and was bound for Los Angeles before it was diverted to Atlanta.

The incident occurred shortly after flight attendants began complimentary beverage service. A flight attendant identified in court records as “P.L.L.” told investigators that she passed by Maluck because she believed he was asleep.

After serving another passenger nearby, the flight attendant alleged that she “felt a slap to her buttocks area with sufficient force to cause her body to move forward,” according to the complaint.

Another flight attendant witnessed the encounter and confirmed that she heard P.L.L. yell and saw her body move “as if she had been struck or pushed,” the court filing said. 

The pilot was informed of the situation and decided to divert the aircraft to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where local law enforcement officers boarded the plane and took Maluck into custody.

During an interview with a federal air marshal, Maluck admitted that he “did touch” P.L.L.’s buttocks area but claimed not to “slap her” hard enough to push her forward. According to the complaint, he claimed he didn’t hear anyone asking if he wanted a beverage because he was wearing headphones.

“Maluck further stated it was not his intention to harm or disrespect [her], but rather that he was attempting to get her attention,” the court documents say.

Federal prosecutors allege that Maluck’s conduct interfered with the duties of the flight crew, resulting in the unscheduled landing. He was initially booked into the Atlanta City Detention Center and made his first court appearance on 11 May.

A federal grand jury indicted Maluck on 3 June, according to court records. The charge of interference with flight crew members and attendants is a felony offence.

Delta said in a statement to People that it maintains a strict policy regarding disruptive passenger behaviour.

“Delta has zero tolerance for disruptive or unruly behavior on our flights. We will always cooperate with law enforcement to address such conduct and protect our people,” the airline said.

The case is the latest in a series of incidents involving alleged assaults against airline employees, as carriers and federal authorities continue to emphasise the legal consequences of disruptive conduct aboard commercial flights.

The UK government is considering the introduction of a nationwide airline blacklist that could prevent disruptive passengers from flying with any carrier, rather than allowing them to switch airlines after being banned by one operator. The proposal, which is expected to be discussed with the aviation industry later this month, would target travellers involved in serious incidents such as violence, harassment of cabin crew and alcohol-related misconduct. A government source told the BBC: “Everyone should be able to enjoy a pint at the airport, but anti-social behaviour on flights is completely unacceptable. It puts the safety of passengers and crew at risk and disrupts holidays.” The plans would require airlines and the government to work together on a shared database of banned passengers, although current data protection laws present a significant obstacle to such a proposal.

Ryanair has stepped up its efforts to tackle disruptive passengers by introducing fines of at least €500 for travellers removed from flights due to unruly behaviour, with further civil damages if the misconduct results in extra costs for the airline. In one high-profile case, the airline sued a passenger for €15,000 after their alleged behaviour forced a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote to divert to Porto, causing overnight delays and additional expenses for more than 160 passengers and crew. Ryanair has also called on European airports to limit passengers to two alcoholic drinks before boarding, arguing that stricter controls on alcohol sales would help improve safety and reduce disruptive incidents on flights.

L’article Delta passenger faces charges after slapping flight attendant’s buttocks over missed drink service est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Gondola rides have long been a practical attraction in mountainous regions but are becoming increasingly sought-after for their high level of entertainment, offering an unusual way to look at the world from above. At the end of 2025, even Paris unveiled a new urban cable car system, which also turned out to be the longest of its kind in Europe.

On 22 May 2026, at the other end of the world, a whole different kind of cable car was inaugurated at the mountaintop adventure park Anakeesta in Tennessee. The Crystal Express, as the attraction is named, is the world’s first all-glass gondola ride, offering visitors previously unseen sights over the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anakeesta (@anakeesta)

During a four-minute ride, visitors who embark on the ride at Anakeesta’s Parkway station are transported over 600 feet (182 meters) up the mountainside to the Anakeesta summit. All 56 panoramic cabins feature glass floors and walls, guaranteeing an almost immersive ride and 360-degree views.

“The Crystal Express represents a major step forward at Anakeesta. From the moment visitors leave the Parkway, we want them to feel the magic of this mountain. This new lift enhances that experience with incredible views, greater comfort, and the efficiency needed to welcome even more families to the Smokies,” Bob Bentz, one of the founding partners of Anakeesta, said in a statement.

The Parkway station at the base of the gondola ride was also renovated as part of the building works, resulting in better accessibility. According to the adventure park, strollers now roll directly into the cabins without folding, while the system operates at triple the capacity of our previous gondola, thus limiting waiting times.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Melissa and Wes (@melissa_and_wes)

The Crystal Express is part of a $100 million expansion of Anakeesta, a project called Making More Magic. Aside from the gondola ride, this includes a makeover of the park’s Firefly Village, described as “a whimsical storybook escape”, an elevated treetop walk reaching new heights, and a nighttime firefly experience during the first phase of the project.

“Most visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains never get to see the synchronous fireflies that appear for two or three weeks each summer. During this short window, crowds often descend on the Smokies, but depending on when they arrive during the event, they might only see a few flashing fireflies. Anakeesta is changing that. Starting this May, the park’s new Firefly Experience brings the wonder of one of the Smokies’ most extraordinary natural events to life year-round, with no seasonal window required,” the park explains.

Visitors purchasing a $39.99 general admission ticket for the mountaintop adventure park can enjoy unlimited access to the Crystal Express, as well as a visit to the AnaVista observation tower, the aviary-inspired adventure zone BirdVenture, and the Treetop Skywalk. Some of Anakeesta’s other attractions require an additional fee.

L’article World’s first all-glass gondola ride opens in Great Smoky Mountains adventure park est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The proposal, made in September 2025, would have introduced a charge aimed at applications for the country’s H-1B visa programme, which for over 35 years has allowed US-headquartered firms to hire foreign specialists in certain fields. The annual number of H-1B visas issued is capped at 85,000.

A score of US states had challenged the Trump plan to bring in a $100,000-levy or “penalty” (amounting to a 20-to-50 fold increase on existing rates). In court, they argued that the huge hike in the fee would severely impact recruitment at academic and research institutions and medical facilities, putting a price and a disincentive on foreign expertise.

President Donald Trump, on the other hand, has been a long-term critic of the H-1B programme, which he claims suffers “abuses” that “present a national security threat by discouraging Americans from pursuing careers in science and technology, risking American leadership in these fields.”

With around two-thirds of H-1B visas snapped up by specialists in computing, the move would represent a significant potential financial burden for America’s highly international tech sector. But members of the Trump team, such as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have claimed that Silicon Valley supports the move. Whether or not that’s the case, U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin’s decision that the increased visa cost is a tax that Trump does not have the power to impose has let them off the hook for now.

Experts immediately predicted that Trump would appeal the decision. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers later said in a statement that the administration is confident Sorokin’s ​order will be reversed, saying: “President Trump has clear legal authority to restrict entry of any class of aliens he determines is not in America’s best interests, and ‌that is ⁠exactly what he did.”

The H-1B visa is not the only area of immigration policy in which Trump wants changes. In spring 2025, he expanded the B1 and B2 visa bond to apply to citizens of 50 countries, imposing a deposit of up to $15,000 on their visits to the States. In addition, in December 2025, he officially launched a new fast-tracked immigration scheme offering high-net-worth foreign nationals a direct route to United States residency and eventual citizenship in exchange for a minimum payment of $1 million.

L’article U.S. court blocks Trump’s $100,000 foreign worker visa fee est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has announced eight consecutive Saturdays of synchronised fireworks displays running from 6 June through 25 July, transforming the city’s skyline into a tribute to America’s semiquincentennial. According to KTNV, each show will begin at 9:00 pm and last approximately 8 minutes, with fireworks launched from multiple locations across the Las Vegas Strip and downtown.

The celebrations began on 6 June with displays from Caesars Palace, Treasure Island and The Venetian Resort, accompanied by pop music broadcast on local radio stations. Subsequent weekends will feature different venues and musical themes, ranging from jazz and rock to country, hip-hop and electronic music.

The weekly celebrations will continue according to the following schedule:

• Saturday, 13 June – MGM Grand, ARIA Resort & Casino, and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – featuring jazz music.
• Saturday, 20 June – The Plaza Hotel & Casino, Binion’s Gambling Hall, and Fremont Street Experience parking garages – featuring rock music.
• Saturday, 27 June – Resorts World Las Vegas, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower – featuring R&B music.
• Saturday, 4 July – Fireworks will be shot off from nine rooftops across the Strip, with coordinated red, white, and blue lighting and a 30-minute marquee takeover across the city.
• Saturday, 11 July – MGM Grand, ARIA Resort & Casino, and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino – featuring country music.
• Saturday, 18 July – Resorts World Las Vegas, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower – featuring hip-hop music.
• Saturday, 25 July – Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, and The Venetian Resort – featuring electronic music.

The music will be broadcast on KOMP 92.3 FM, 97.1 FM The Point, and 98.9 HANK FM, featuring the soundtracks to which the fireworks are choreographed throughout the eight-week series.

Independence Day itself is expected to be the highlight of the festivities, as organisers anticipate the event will create one of the largest Fourth of July fireworks spectacles in the United States.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Caesars Palace (@caesarspalace)

“Las Vegas is always a hot ticket for summer travel, and this year, the celebrations will reach new heights,” Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA, said in a statement. “It’s shaping into a summer celebration only Las Vegas can deliver.»

According to the press release, the celebrations will extend beyond the fireworks displays. Complementary programming will be featured on the Exosphere at Sphere every Saturday throughout June and July.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Sphere (@spherevegas)

Among the festivities commemorating the 250^th anniversary, LVCVA have launched a new summer marketing initiative titled “Pack For Vegas,” aimed at encouraging visitors to plan trips during the city’s peak entertainment season. 

“The new ‘Pack for Vegas’ campaign taps into that anticipation and imagination that takes over when people start planning their trip. These spots are playful, unexpected and unmistakably Vegas,” said Kate Wik, Chief Marketing Officer for Visit Las Vegas. 

The playful campaign positions Las Vegas as a high-energy summer destination and is designed to reinforce the city’s appeal through a mix of major events and immersive experiences.

The celebrations come at a time when Las Vegas continues efforts to attract visitors amid shifting travel patterns and concerns over rising costs affecting tourism demand.

In 2025, Las Vegas tourism has weakened, with a 7% drop in the first half of the year following a post-COVID rebound that pushed 2024 visitor numbers above 41.6 million. In June 2025, visitor volume fell to 3.09 million, an 11.3% decline compared with the same period in 2024. Hotel occupancy also slipped to 78.7%, down 6.5%. 

Analysts and commentators have pointed to shifting travel and spending habits among younger adults. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck told Fox News Digital that under-40s are increasingly choosing online gambling and, in general, drink less, which he said could affect Las Vegas’ long-term business model.

According to the US International Trade Administration, tourism to the United States declined by around four million visitors in 2025, highlighting concerns that the sector has been flagging for more than a year. The downturn, sometimes referred to by industry observers as the “Trump Slump,” has been linked by critics to President Trump’s foreign policy stance and stricter border measures, which some argue have discouraged international travel. 

Over the same period, tourist spending reportedly fell by about $8 billion, underscoring the financial impact. Analysts note that the scale of the decline suggests 2025 was even more challenging for the US travel industry than the 2008 recession.

L’article Las Vegas launches fireworks series for America’s 250th anniversary est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Jet fuel Prices jumped by 26% from March to April alone, eventually reaching $4.11 per gallon, an increase of $1.81 year-on-year, and putting further strain on an industry already grappling with mounting operational costs.

Airlines have been trying to absorb the impact by adjusting fares, reviewing baggage fees, reducing frequencies on some routes and consolidating flights to avoid flying with empty seats. However, reducing services comes with its own risks, including losing valuable airport slots on competitive routes.

This pressure is particularly significant in a market dominated by four major carriers: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, which together account for around 80% of the US domestic passenger market.

In its latest annual report, released last Sunday, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global trade organisation which represents around 370 airlines and over 85% of global air traffic, warned that the outlook for the industry has worsened.

It now expects combined airline net profits to reach $23 billion in 2026, which is well below its previous projection of $41 billion, and significantly lower than the $45 billion recorded in 2025.

According to IATA, the industry’s fuel bill is expected to reach $350 billion this year, up from $252 billion in 2025.

Speaking at the association’s 82^nd annual summit in Rio de Janeiro, IATA warned that, while a fuel shortage remains unlikely, rising prices alone could add almost $100 billion to the aviation sector’s costs.

“Smaller carriers that started the year with weak balance sheets are certainly struggling”, Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, said.

Flights inside the US have risen by about 31% this year, while international flights departing from the US are up by 22%, according to KAYAK price comparisons between 2025 and 2026.

In addition to higher prices, regional tensions and airspace closures have forced some airlines to cancel or reroute flights, creating longer journeys and increasing fuel consumption.

Fuel accounts for roughly a third of airline operating costs.

Walsh said that the conflict in Iran and rising fuel costs “have worsened the outlook for airlines”.

He added that part of the additional cost had been recovered “by adjusting prices and improving efficiency”, but warned that this would not be enough to maintain previous levels of profitability.

The war started on 28 February 2026 with a joint US-Israeli attack targeting Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure. It quickly expanded across the region after the Islamic Republic retaliated against Israel and several Gulf countries, forcing airlines to avoid large parts of Middle Eastern airspace. The situation worsened as Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic maritime routes and a vital passage for oil supplies, adding further pressure on fuel markets.

Washington and Tehran are currently negotiating a possible end to the conflict. However, the outcome remains uncertain, with sporadic fighting continuing between the various parties involved.

Profits are now expected to shrink from $45 billion in 2025 to $23 billion in 2026, while margins are forecast to fall from 4.2% to 2%.

With summer travel approaching and the United States preparing to welcome millions of visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the challenges posed by higher fares, volatile fuel prices and geopolitical uncertainty are becoming increasingly apparent.

L’article Middle East conflict sends US airline fuel costs soaring to $6.5 billion est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Jet fuel traditionally represents a big part of an airline’s operating costs – approximately 25 to 30%  according to the International Air Transport Association. Since the start of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and the spike in fuel costs it has caused, however, that percentage has dramatically increased.

“War-related disruptions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs have shifted the outlook for airlines for the worse. Profits will shrink from $45 billion in 2025 to $23 billion this year. And margins will shrink from 4.2% to 2.0%,” explained Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Airlines have been taking different kinds of measures to deal with the cost increase. From raising ticket prices to applying fuel surcharges and reducing flight routes, many carriers have been combining all three in order to stay afloat.

American Airlines applies temporary flight cuts

American Airlines has now announced it will be cancelling a number of flight routes throughout August and September to manage its increased costs. Six routes will not be operating over the two-month period: Los Angeles to Cleveland, Los Angeles to Columbus, Los Angeles to Pittsburgh, Los Angeles to Washington Dulles, Charlotte to Ontario, and Charlotte to Sacramento.

“American is not suspending any routes indefinitely as part of this adjustment,” an American Airlines spokesperson explained in a statement.

The late-summer cancellations are thus to be considered as a temporary measure, not as a definitive flight route cut. The airline has also mentioned that passengers affected by the measure will be offered two options: they will be able to either rebook their flight or get a refund.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by American Airlines (@americanair)

Los Angeles International Airport and the jet fuel crisis

American Airlines is not the first airline to suspend (a selection of) its flights to and from Los Angeles International Airport. Norse Atlantic Airways already cancelled its LAX-Europe flights over the summer months in April, and Allegiant Airlines rerouted its flights to Hollywood Burbank Airport.

The reason Los Angeles International Airport was particularly hit by flight cancellations during the jet fuel crisis is mainly due to the fact that the American West Coast is not connected by pipelines to the rest of the country. According to United Airlines Chief Executive Scott Kirby, this means fuel has to be brought in by ship, which has reportedly led to a 40% increase in jet fuel prices since the start of the conflict in the Middle East.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (@flylaxairport)

“Fuel price is more susceptible to supply weakness on the West Coast than anywhere else in the country,” Scott Kirby said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times in March 2026.

Although Los Angeles International Airport still offers a wide selection of flights, passengers scheduled to fly through or from LAX should keep an eye on their flight details.

L’article American Airlines cancels routes in August and September amid jet fuel crisis est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Abdulrahman Oriyomi, 25, managed to pass through security and board a flight to Los Angeles before an attentive passenger, concerned by his repeated trips back and forth to the restroom, alerted a flight attendant. The plane was subsequently taxied back to the gate.

The incident happened on 18 May, and Oriyomi was charged with felony impairment or interruption of a critical infrastructure facility, according to court records filed last week in Harris County, Texas.

According to the complaint, CCTV footage shows Oriyomi seemingly having trouble with his boarding pass before being escorted to another TSA booth. There, his picture is taken and he is allowed to go through security into the terminal.

Later, he is reportedly turned away at different gates after his boarding pass does not work until he spos a busy gate where attendants are occupied with other passengers.

“As Defendant Oriyomi approaches he intentionally waits for the United employees to be preoccupied with other passengers. He then pretends he is going to show his boarding pass, walks past the United employees, then proceeds down the jetway while the two United employees are still distracted,” the complaint states.

Once on board, Oriyomi reportedly took a seat but rapidly disappeared into the restroom. When he came out, he found the rightful passenger occupying the seat he had been using, so he picked another one and repeated the same scenario several times, as the plane was full.

He was in the restroom as the plane began to pull away from the gate when a passenger alerted a flight attendant. After repeatedly failing to return to his seat and identifying himself as “M. Lopez”, flight attendants checked the passenger list and found nobody on board under that name.

After he was removed from the aircraft, the plane underwent a thorough search for explosives by the Houston Police Department’s K-9 unit.

According to the complaint, Oriyomi had apparently tried to make a booking, but the reservation was cancelled due to non-payment.

As he left the airport, Oriyomi received a trespass warning, which he filmed on his phone.

The flight ended up being delayed by three hours. Oriyomi was arrested a few days after the incident for allegedly intentionally impairing or interrupting the operation of a critical infrastructure facility. He is due to appear in Harris County Court for a bail review.

United Airlines referred questions to the Houston Police Department, while Houston Airports referred CNN to the TSA for security screening information, adding that “all security screening measures are implemented by federal and local authorities”.

The TSA told CNN in a statement that “the individual in question presented a valid boarding pass at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The individual did go through standard screening and did not possess any prohibited items.”

However, according to the complaint, the boarding pass later used by Oriyomi appeared to be fake, as it was “missing key information and the QR code appeared to be forged”.

It is not the first stowaway case reported in recent years. In February, a passenger without a ticket or ID managed to pass through security at Nashville International Airport and travel on an American Airlines flight to Los Angeles before being discovered.

In March 2024, a man boarded a Delta Air Lines flight using someone else’s ticket and was discovered hiding in the aircraft’s toilets just before take-off, in a case bearing similarities to last month’s incident.

L’article Another US airport security breach as man sneaks onto United Airlines flight est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Upper East Side establishment is offering a million-dollar World Cup package (over €860,000), including tickets to see the 19 July final at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, a helicopter to get you there, four nights’ penthouse suite accommodation for six people, two guest rooms for staff or company, and a private 24-hour butler.

In a press release, “The Mark World Cup Extravaganza” promises an “extraordinary stay designed for those who expect every moment to unfold at the highest level of luxury, privacy, and access.”

Additional amenities that come as part of the 16-21 July package are an on-call massage therapist, a private New York harbour cruise buzzing past the Statue of Liberty, and exclusive use of the hotel’s top two floors.

The suite will allow its football-mad guests to watch every match during their stay from the comfort of a luxury lounge, waited on by dedicated service staff, equipped with oversize screens for reviewing all the controversial refereeing decisions. For those who need to let off steam, a private gym awaits, and if things get too heated, there’s a cold plunge pool with Manhattan vistas, too. When evening comes, martinis will be served on a panoramic private terrace accompanied by Caviar Kaspia.

But what about the final? While there’s no news yet, of course, on who the contenders will be, we do know that The Mark will arrange a private helicopter to the venue, where Extravaganza guests will benefit from a dedicated entry point to dodge the queues, midfield premium seats, pitch-side views, plus premium hospitality and souvenirs. And no matter who wins, the Mark guests will be well taken care of. They will be whisked back to the hotel, where a final after-party will take place to commemorate the occasion.

The Mark World Cup Extravaganza is an offer that ties in with news that the premium segment has been shown to be propping up demand in US travel, where concerns are growing about attendance and atmosphere at what is one of the sporting calendar’s most beloved fixtures.

Amid an ongoing US travel slump, low take-up of tickets, and pressure from FIFA officials, the Trump administration recently eased some requirements on inbound passengers in a bid to encourage bookings, including lifting the visa bond payment of up to $15,000 on citizens of some nations.

But the hand that giveth, also taketh away. Recent days have seen the Department of Homeland Security threaten to withdraw customs services from international airports in so-called “sanctuary cities” where critics oppose current Immigration and Customs Enforcement methods.

If that goes ahead, millions of inbound passengers could be affected, as airlines scramble to reroute flights and adjust schedules to fly to international gateways where customs processing is available. Hubs such as Boston, Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, Newark, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle could all be potentially out of action for inbound international traffic.

Travel stakeholders, including Airlines for America, the US ​Chamber of Commerce, the National Retail Federation, and US Travel, have jointly warned of the “devastating effects” on the industry and “unnecessary chaos throughout the nation’s air transportation system.”

L’article Luxury New York hotel unveils $1 million FIFA World Cup final package with penthouse, helicopter and VIP tickets est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

First announced in January 2023, Universal Kids Resort will officially open to the public on 1 July in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area, marking the opening of Universal’s first park designed specifically for young children and families.

It will offer immersive experiences where children can play, sing, dance and explore alongside some of their favourite characters, including Shrek, SpongeBob SquarePants, Puss in Boots and the Minions.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to bring these iconic stories to life for kids and families to experience, interact with and play together,” Sarah Gibbon, Vice President and Executive Producer at Universal Creative, said in a statement in February 2025. “At each point, we considered how we could design a place especially for kids where they could explore, imagine and adventure with their families and friends.”

Seven “lands” will be featured inside the park. One of the most eagerly awaited attractions is the Isle of Curiosity, where visitors can dance with Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse at her “cat-tastic” dance party.

In DreamWorks’ Shrek’s Swamp, children can explore wet and dry play areas inspired by the famous ogre’s world, which were built for Shrek and Fiona’s triplets. Meanwhile, in Illumination’s Minions vs. Minions: Bello Bay Club, yellow and purple Minions face off, with guests finding themselves caught in the middle while aboard their boats.

Dinosaur enthusiasts can experience Jurassic World at the Jurassic World Adventure Camp, which features a family rollercoaster full of twists and turns, as well as the Pteranodrop, which offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the park.

Of course, SpongeBob SquarePants’ Bikini Bottom in Nickelodeon will also boast several attractions. Guests can board the Jelly Angler at the Jellyfish Fields Jamboree, take a tour of Bikini Bottom on the Barnacle Bus, have a splash at the Bobbing Barrels or try out Mrs Puff’s Boating School.

The fun continues at DreamWorks’ Trolls Fest with the King Troll Techno Dance Party and an entertaining Trolls-themed stage show. Those looking for a quieter but no less enjoyable experience can visit DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots Del Mar, where they can soar through the air on Swings Over Del Mar or sit back and enjoy a puppet show.

“Beyond the highly-engaging attractions and shows, families will find ample areas to rest and also enjoy themed food and beverages and shop for fun character souvenirs. Each of these areas elicits wonder with a lush, colourful environment”, said Dan Cuffe, Universal Kids Resort Vice President and General Manager.

Take center stage and join Princess Poppy, Branch, and others at the most colorful, wacky and glittery music festival of Troll time! Opening 2026. https://t.co/9ra7yagmCG pic.twitter.com/6WfBUWgbqy

— Universal Kids Resort (@universalkidstx) April 4, 2026

A number of sensory gardens will also be available throughout the resort, offering calmer spaces for guests who want to take a break between adventures.

Families can visit for the day or extend the fun by staying overnight at the on-site hotel alongside their favourite characters. The 300-room hotel is located within the resort’s 39-hectare site, with the initial 8-hectare theme park footprint allowing plenty of room for future expansion.

The park currently sells 1- or 2-day passes, an annual pass, and customisable packages that include 1.5-day passes.

L’article Universal Kids Resort opens this summer in Texas featuring Shrek, SpongeBob and Minions est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.