“2024 is the year to embrace the allure of the island of Milos and the majesty of the Olympus Riviera – two new gems that will be added to the Olympic Holidays portfolio” comments Michael Vinales, MD Olympic Holidays. “ Being able to expand our offering in Greece and to continually bring new, exciting, and often ‘off the beaten track’ destinations on board is what makes Olympic Holidays the go-to operator for Greece and her islands” he continues. “Milos offers an unforgettable experience with its captivating blend of pristine beaches, rugged landscapes, and rich history whilst the Olympus Riviera is another spot just waiting to be explored. Olympic Holidays will also be expanding its Island-Hopping portfolio, with some new itineraries twinning Santorini & Milos, Athens & Poros and a multi-island hop combining Mykonos, Paros & Santorini. Cruise product, which was brand new this year is also set to expand in 2024 – more information on this to follow shortly.”
As West Maui Reopens, the Island Asks Travelers for ‘Patience and Grace’
04.11.2023 - 00:21 / cntraveler.com / Red Cross / Richard Bissen
After one of the most devastating wildfires in US history ripped through West Maui in early August, the island is preparing to fully reopen to tourists starting November 1.
On that date, the final sectors of the island, which were hardest hit by the disaster, will begin welcoming visitors once again. All of West Maui will be open, except for Lahaina Town, the most decimated area, which will remain off-limits until further notice.
The relaunch of tourism on the island has been met with confusion from travelers and mixed opinions from residents. Some Maui locals are criticizing the plan to reopen as happening too quickly, but others are eager to have travelers return and, hopefully, provide a much-needed jumpstart to the local job market.
“I know we are still grieving, and it feels too soon, but the reality is there are those in our community who are ready to get back to work,” Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said in a video message about the island’s reopening. “Bills need to be paid, keiki (children) have needs and our kupuna (elders) face continued medical care.”
Officials are encouraging travel as a way to bolster the island’s economy, which was in a free-fall over the weeks after the fires struck, losing more than $13 million a day in visitor spending. “While it may seem counterintuitive, Maui’s economy is dependent on a robust visitor industry and there is still plenty to see and do while here that is away from Lahaina,” the Hawaii Tourism Authority says on its website.
Hawaii travel specialists are giving similar advice to their clients. “The best way to support Maui today is by traveling to the island, traveling mindfully, respectfully, and generously,” says Judi Glass, a travel agent with McCabe World Travel, who adds that she has been getting fewer Maui trip requests recently. “Visiting Maui will avoid one catastrophe leading to another.”
Nonetheless, it’s a fraught situation, with many nuances for both Maui business owners and tourists alike to consider. One misconception is that arriving tourists will be booting displaced wildfire survivors from their temporary housing in hotels, Airbnbs, and other rentals. Bissen’s office says this isn’t the case. “The Red Cross has assured me that housing for displaced Lāhainā residents, including those staying in hotels, is not in jeopardy,” Bissen said in a statement. “Sheltering close to 7,000 survivors remains a critical focus of our efforts and their needs are our priority. I appreciate the help our hotels have provided these past several weeks, and we’ll continue to work together with the hotel properties and American Red Cross.”
For its part, the American Red Cross says that the nearly 6,800 survivors being housed in nearly 40 Maui hotels—also
Hotel Management Company Aqua-Aston Hospitality Announces Brand Updates for Fall 2023, Expands Footprint in North America
WHY IT RATES: Aqua-Aston Hospitality celebrates its recent expansions while also supporting its employees affected by the Maui wildfires and giving back to the local Maui community. — Lacey Pfalz, Associate Writer, TravelPulse
Alaska Airlines Just Launched 2 New Warm-weather Routes in Time for Winter
Alaska Airlines has launched a pair of warm-weather getaways just as the winter weather approaches.
Authentic Vacations Sees Growing Demand for Custom and Small Guided Vacations
Travel Advisors are experiencing growing demand from clients who want customized itineraries and experiences that meet their personal and changing travel tastes. Customized experiences that will give them a lifetime of memories and a few bragging rights at get-togethers with family and friends—that’s what they’re looking for.
How to travel to New Zealand with points and miles in 2023
This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy.
New Business Traveler: For Hotelier Ari S. Heckman, Baltimore Is a Playground
All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
This Is the Best European City for Expats
Whether it’s in pursuit of a new community, better weather, or a new adventure, there are many reasons people pack up their lives and become expats. And it seems like the idea of moving to a new country is more appealing than ever—and gone are the days when it was reserved for retired people. With remote work becoming a more viable option for people of all ages experiencing wanderlust in their hearts, the possibility of the expat lifestyle is now more within reach than ever.
Disney is suddenly and without warning cracking down on third-party tour guides, some of which have operated for decades and help curate park experiences for disabled visitors
Nicholas Deniz was waiting to enter Disney World in Orlando with his clients last month when a park manager pulled him out of line.
Is demand for premium and international travel here to stay? It depends on which airline you ask
After a summer of sky-high demand for international travel and premium cabins, the "Big Three" U.S. airlines — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines — all reported record profits.
I traveled without my husband for the first time in 10 years. I learned I'd been holding him back.
For the first time in a decade, I went away without my husband.
Will There Be a Travel-Stock Bear Market?
It’s been a wild ride for travel investors this year. After a strong rally to start the year, travel stocks are now on pace to close 2023 in a bear market. The Skift Travel 200, which tracks the stock market performance of the global travel industry, captures the whiplash shareholders have experienced.
Hawaii Travel Update: All West Maui Hotels Are Now Open. Here’s What To Know
Less than three months after a deadly wildfire destroyed the town of Lahaina, all hotels in West Maui are now back open to the public.