California's new workplace laws: COVID-19 safety, family leave and more

Laws taking effect in 2021 will make California businesses offer employees more help to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Other topics include gig workers, minimum wage, and diversity on corporate boards.
http://dlvr.it/RpgKbW

Tourism, entertainment, events and celebrations to light up the UAE’s skies on New Year's Eve

Wide array of celebratory events and display of fireworks are scheduled to take place as part of ‘World's Coolest Winter’ campaign.
http://dlvr.it/RpfXSZ

'He's dying, aren't you going to help him?' Hospitals serving poor, nonwhite L.A. hit hardest by COVID-19

COVID-19 surge: Hospitals serving lower-income, nonwhite communities in Los Angeles County have been hit hardest
http://dlvr.it/Rpc5Vg

PBS’s award-winning Travelscope host invites readers to savor life’s journey

The stories cover decades of Joseph’s enlightening travel observations, plus a lifetime of reflections related to his personal journey. 
http://dlvr.it/Rpb7mg

L.A. County hospitals, at the breaking point, turn away ambulances

The number of people with COVID-19 inside ICUs has broken records for 16 consecutive days.
http://dlvr.it/RpXkkg

Tourism on agenda for renewed Jamaica-Nigeria bilateral talks

The Tourism Minister identified marketing through the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) as well as product development and destination assurance strategy developed by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), presented to the world as a new way of dealing with post-Covid tourism, as possible points of collaboration for which a technical corporation agreement can be arrived at.
http://dlvr.it/RpWrxF

From COVID to curbside, 2020 changed our vocabulary too

World events influence language, and words once reserved for science or academia — think "social distancing" and "pandemic" — are used all over.
http://dlvr.it/RpTSrC

Comfort Suites Paradise Island reopens with a splash

In keeping with guidelines from the Ministry of Health of The Bahamas and regulations set forth by Choice Hotels International, the popular all-suite resort has discontinued its signature buffet breakfast service. Instead, a hot à la carte breakfast selection is being offered.
http://dlvr.it/RpSTPy

Christmas Day in an O.C. ICU: Not many miracles but plenty of pain

COVID-19: On Christmas Day in the intensive care unit, there were no carols — just a chorus of beeps that signaled trouble
http://dlvr.it/RpQgbX

Some Asian Americans and immigrants wore masks readily. In a brutal election year, it made them heroes, targets, prophets

COVID-19: Many Asian Americans and immigrants in the San Gabriel Valley wore masks way ahead of others out of courtesy
http://dlvr.it/RpNHNH

Letters to the Editor: You have COVID 'fatigue' on Christmas? Try being a nurse or doctor

It's a lot less fatiguing to follow public orders than it is to find ways around the rules on Christmas.
http://dlvr.it/RpKf9M

Letters to the Editor: Eggnog in June, anyone? Let's move Christmas to a less deadly time of year

Readers detail their plans for observing Christmas Day during a pandemic, including celebrating in the summer and quiet contemplation.
http://dlvr.it/RpGpSG

Carnival Cruise Line’s new Mardi Gras Docks in Rotterdam for first LNG refueling

Mardi Gras, set to begin sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla., next year, will be the first cruise ship in the Americas to be powered by LNG.
http://dlvr.it/RpGDSY

Letters to the Editor: Anti-Newsom 'maskholes' are putting people's lives at risk

The juxtaposition of a story on recalling Gov. Gavin Newsom with a column on a cancer patient's death during the COVID pandemic was telling, say readers.
http://dlvr.it/RpCHsH

Renfe-SNCF en Cooperation high-speed trains turn 10

More than 6 million travellers have used the high-speed services between Spain and France during 10 years of operation.
http://dlvr.it/RpBgT2

WTTC says closing countries are counterproductive and will seriously delay the economic recovery

“People should not be deterred from travelling because they simply can't find or arrange to get tested at a local testing centre or lab. We need to make it much easier for travellers to get a test prior to their journey" says WTTC President & CEO.
http://dlvr.it/Rp6sbq

More than 10% of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department personnel in coronavirus quarantine

More than 10% of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department employees are currently in quarantine due to the coronavirus, a number officials attribute to the explosion of cases in the county.
http://dlvr.it/Rp6nrt

BAC achieves ISO recertification for quality and safety standards

Further to its efforts to prioritize staff and passenger safety during the COVID-19 situation, BIA also received Airport Health Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI) World.
http://dlvr.it/Rp3FyX

British scientists find worrying changes in the coronavirus that put UK Christmas in jeopardy

British scientists have found a version of the coronavirus with a cluster of genetic changes that make it more transmissible and perhaps more dangerous.
http://dlvr.it/Rp34F5

USC chooses not to play in bowl game, bringing season to a close

A day after losing to Oregon in the Pac-12 title game, USC announced it will not play in a bowl game because of the risks associated with COVID-19.
http://dlvr.it/Rp0P1f

State attorney general seeks immediate halt to judge's order reopening San Diego County restaurants

State lawyers say the stay is needed to protect public health as the COVID-19 pandemic surges in the county
http://dlvr.it/RnxJZ8

EDITION announces sweven new hotel openings across the globe in 2021

With 11 hotels worldwide currently, 2021 will underscore the brand’s exponential growth with a total of 18 properties globally.
http://dlvr.it/RntcXr

L.A. County appeals court's order barring renewal of outdoor dining ban

Los Angeles County on Wednesday appealed a judge's decision blocking extension of its temporary ban on outdoor dining, calling it "plainly erroneous."
http://dlvr.it/RnsffN

Portugal named Europe’s Best Tourist Brand and third best in the world at Country Brand Awards

The judges' evaluation took place in September and October and considered tourism promotion campaigns for the last three years but also the health management of COVID-19, during the first wave.
http://dlvr.it/RnpZH8

Column: Admit it, it felt good to hear Tom Cruise get angry about COVID-19 safety

Tom Cruise's rant at crew members who violated COVID-19 safety measures on the set of "Mission: Impossible 7" was profane and a little over the top. But he said what many of us are thinking. All the time.
http://dlvr.it/RnnpHL

visit.brussels Awards 2020: nine Brussels initiatives are recognised

The purpose of the visit.brussels awards is to encourage and reward the projects that have contributed most to the promotion of Brussels.
http://dlvr.it/RnkvlX

California expects 1 million more COVID-19 vaccine doses this month

The vaccines will do little to stem the new infections flooding California. Initial supplies will be steered toward healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities.
http://dlvr.it/Rnk1Rq

2020 Competitive Index offers advanced tools for destination competitive analysis

This year’s report further advances the discussion it began last year with two powerful benchmarking approaches, “fair share” analysis of a destination’s business levels and “ratio analysis” meant to help destinations focus in on their most important competitive issues based on the cities with which they are actually competing with.
http://dlvr.it/Rng4f4

L.A. Unified will not give F's this semester and instead give students a second chance to pass

Citing pandemic hardships, Los Angeles school officials on Monday extended their "no fail" policy through Jan. 29 to give students a chance to pass classes in which they are receiving an F.
http://dlvr.it/RnfJcM

Bench Events partners with the Trusted Executive for third episode of Hospitality Tomorrow

The virtually global conference’s final episode of 2020 will focus on innovation, leadership and finding your mojo as the hospitality industry gears up for 2021.
http://dlvr.it/RnbSHM

COVID-19 vaccine clears key hurdle in California and across much of the West

A scientific review team representing California, Oregon, Washington and Nevada has endorsed the safety of the COVID vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.
http://dlvr.it/RnZYNr

Fate of new COVID-19 relief legislation may hinge on business liability protection

The fate of congressional COVID-19 relief legislation may hinge on whether Democrats and Republicans can agree on business liability protection.
http://dlvr.it/RnWx3Z

L.A. County at 'catastrophic' COVID-19 levels, with 13,815 new cases, more than 500,000 total

As of Thursday, there were 3,850 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in L.A. County, including 856 in ICU beds — both records.
http://dlvr.it/RnT7V9

Screenlyy selects Acuant to provide its most comprehensive customer verification solution to date for guest screening

Acuant helps screenlyy keep users, their property, and their community secure with identity verification technology.
http://dlvr.it/RnQbVr

Organizers make tentative plans for a scaled-back 2021 Orange County Fair

Orange County Fair organizers are tentatively planning a modified event for July 16 through Aug. 8, with capacity limited to 30,000 visitors per day.
http://dlvr.it/RnPV9M

WTTC warns a no-deal Brexit could risk hundreds of thousands of Travel & Tourism jobs

COVID-19 pandemic already puts 2.4million at risk.
http://dlvr.it/RnLlqq

Op-Ed: Wishing Giuliani well just because he has COVID-19 is a crazy form of self-censorship

Skip the public good wishes for Rudolph W. Giuliani, who has COVID-19. It's healthier to allow yourself to process your negative emotions and move on.
http://dlvr.it/RnKGBR

US airports / airlines with COVID-19 testing (current and coming soon) for Christmas travel

With it being harder than ever to schedule and receive timely COVID-19 test results, more airports and airlines are offering testing for travelers.
http://dlvr.it/RnGxMx

Late-night TV hosts bash Rudy Giuliani, COVID-19's 'least surprising victim yet'

"Yes, Rudy Giuliani has tested positive for the coronavirus," Trevor Noah said on "The Daily Show." "Although he is suing to have that result overturned."
http://dlvr.it/RnFRmv

Bridgestone ME and Nile Projects launch new promotional campaign to help revitalize Egypt’s tourism market

‘Rediscover Egypt, Keep Exploring with Bridgestone’ promo seen to urge more travelers to embark on exciting but safe road travels.
http://dlvr.it/RnC8By

What's open and closed in SoCal amid state's stricter stay-home rules

The L.A. Zoo, campgrounds and playgrounds closed are again.
http://dlvr.it/Rn9rzm

Holland America Line retains title as top Alaska cruise line in the 2020 AFAR Travelers’ Awards

Bookings are open for 2021 and 2022 Alaska cruises and Land+Sea journeys.
http://dlvr.it/Rn7TPT

Need to cancel your holiday rental or travel plans amid COVID-19? Here's the latest on changes and refunds

With the COVID-19 pandemic worsening and a California stay-at-home order about to go into effect, many families are rethinking holiday travel plans.
http://dlvr.it/Rn6NRD

Stay-at-home order expected Sunday for Southern California as COVID-19 hits new highs

The earliest a stay-at-home order could take effect is Sunday, and officials were not expected to make that call until sometime Saturday.
http://dlvr.it/Rn3mmP

Staffing shortages feared at some California hospitals as COVID-19 fills up beds

Hospitals are bracing for another surge in COVID-19 cases. This time, they're worried about whether they'll have enough staff.
http://dlvr.it/Rn0BP8

ITB Berlin and IPK International: High travel satisfaction in summer despite COVID-19

ITB Berlin publishes new results of the second COVID-19 study of IPK international; Increase in travel intentions abroad for the next 12 months, travel security remains a central topic.
http://dlvr.it/RmytqR

Confused about COVID-19 vaccines? Here's your guide to vaccine vocabulary

When people talk about COVID-19 vaccines, they can sound like they're speaking a foreign language. Don't worry! Here's your guide to vaccine vocabulary.
http://dlvr.it/RmwTNZ

Dr. Stefan Kreuzpaintner new Head of Sales of Lufthansa Group

Dr. Stefan Kreuzpaintner succeeds Heike Birlenbach as Head of Sales, who takes over the newly created resort Customer Experience Lufthansa Group Airlines on January 1, 2021.
http://dlvr.it/Rmv3ns

California stay-at-home order looms as COVID-19 cases explode

California averages 14,120 COVID cases a day with more than 8,200 hospitalized, both records, as state and local officials weigh lockdown measures.
http://dlvr.it/Rmrr9B

Chatham Lodging Trust completes opportunistic sale of Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley

Sale highlights portfolio value, liquidity position among top lodging REITs.
http://dlvr.it/RmqFXM

California is failing to provide free and equal education to all during pandemic, suit alleges

California has failed during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a free and equal education for all California students, violating the state Constitution, according to a lawsuit.
http://dlvr.it/RmmfKv

ASAP announces winners of 2020 ASAP Serviced Apartment Industry Awards

Entries were received from 17 different countries - a reflection of the global reach of the Association, its members and the wider industry – and new categories were included for sustainability, industry newcomer and industry impact.
http://dlvr.it/RmlT4T

Op-Ed: How do you welcome home a college student in a pandemic?

My daughter is home for winter break. She tested negative and then retreated to her room to quarantine.
http://dlvr.it/RmhRsJ

Lamda Development and TEMES announce strategic cooperation agreement to develop a world-class tourism destination

The Hellinikon project investment will reach 300 million euros.
http://dlvr.it/RmgnNB

Letters to the Editor: Right-wing media have turned Huntington Beach into Angrytown

In the right-wing media, liberals are lazy and dangerous, and Gov. Gavin Newsom is destroying the Constitution instead of battling a pandemic.
http://dlvr.it/RmdZYD

Letters to the Editor: Readers don't want to see your unmasked face in the L.A. Times

Photos in the L.A. Times of Snoop Dogg and of a happy grandmother, both unmasked, drew howls of protests from readers.
http://dlvr.it/Rmb47Y

Letters to the Editor: We need a full-blown lockdown, not just an outdoor dining ban

This time, let's do a shutdown right: no trips to stores, takeout food only, and picking up groceries. Then, we can control the pandemic.
http://dlvr.it/RmX2Fk

WTTC hosted first virtual AGM with over 120 members and WTTC ambassadors in attendance

In its first ever virtual AGM, the meeting was chaired by Chris Nassetta, President & CEO of Hilton and WTTC Chair, and saw contributions from Members around the world and WTTC’s Vice Chairs.
http://dlvr.it/RmWWBs

Letters to the Editor: Your selfish behavior is spreading COVID-19 and killing innocent people

Readers echo points made by an emergency physician: 'Harmless' get-togethers and mask refusal are needlessly putting people at risk.
http://dlvr.it/RmSh8Q

Cruise industry to lose almost $20bn. in revenue amid COVID-19 outbreak, a 71% plunge YoY

The United States, as the world's largest cruise industry, is expected to lose almost $10bn in revenue due to coronavirus outbreak, with revenues falling by 71.3% YoY to $3.8bn in 2020.
http://dlvr.it/RmS89X

Letters to the Editor: Vaccinate middle-age Americans against COVID-19 first

Seniors can already avoid many risky activities. Therefore, middle-age workers should be vaccinated against COVID-19 first.
http://dlvr.it/RmNwwS

Millennium & Copthorne prepares for post-COVID-19 recovery of hotel operations

M&C recognises that in this 'new normal' hygiene is much more important when a customer chooses a hotel, restaurant or consider events; and that brands must look beyond 'personal touch' and ambience to include the promise of safety and to emphasise value for money.
http://dlvr.it/RmNHKy

Editorial: It's not outdoor dining that worries us, but human nature

Could shutting down outdoor dining have the unintended consequence of driving people inside and lead to more cases? We're worried it will.
http://dlvr.it/RmK9CL

Aimilia Papachristou appointed as MedCruise's new Secretary General

Aimilia Papachristou replaces Mr Jordi Caballe who has served MedCruise as Secretary General, since February 2018.
http://dlvr.it/RmJRnC

Newsom family under quarantine after exposure to infected CHP officer

The governor's office said the family learned about the potential exposure to the coronavirus Friday and was tested Sunday morning. Their results came back negative.
http://dlvr.it/RmDlgC

Qatar Airways to launch three weekly flights to Abuja, Nigeria from 27 November 2020

Launch of Abuja flights will increase Qatar Airways’ network in Africa to over 65 weekly flights across 20 destinations.
http://dlvr.it/RmDlFB

L.A. County on brink of additional restrictions with more than 4,500 new coronavirus cases

Another round of distressing COVID-19 case numbers has Los Angeles teetering on the brink of further restrictions to slow the spread of the virus — including the likely shutdown of outdoor restaurant dining.
http://dlvr.it/Rm9txp

California employers bring back workers, but recovery worries linger

California's economy perked up in October, as employers brought back tens of thousands of furloughed workers. But the state has regained less than half the jobs it lost in the spring's catastrophic coronavirus downturn.
http://dlvr.it/Rm6skw

Frontier Airlines set to lift off for St. Thomas

Starting in February 2021, Frontier will serve St. Thomas (STT) with flights twice each week from Orlando International Airport (MCO), Florida’s busiest airport based on volume of passengers.
http://dlvr.it/Rm3rBs

COVID-19 update: Vaccine progress, health officials' biggest worries and which countries are hit hardest

The United States, India and Brazil have the most infections and the most deaths.
http://dlvr.it/Rm387l

BlueZoo launches Party Squasher Pro for professional property managers

The Party Squasher occupancy monitoring service consists of a small sensor connected to a proprietary cloud service.
http://dlvr.it/Rm01pJ

Review: The brilliant, infuriating Romanian healthcare documentary 'Collective' is a COVID-era must-see

Alexander Nanau's devastating film will represent Romania in the Oscar race for international feature.
http://dlvr.it/RlzKfk

Alpine Investors' ASG acquires ProfitSword, market leading hospitality software

This deal marks the 30th acquisition for ASG and the 2nd in the ASG Hospitality Technology vertical.
http://dlvr.it/Rlw8Yv

Dolly Parton is also surprised she helped fund Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine

"I'm just happy that anything I do can help somebody else," Dolly Parton said upon finding out she helped fund research for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine.
http://dlvr.it/RlvFYy

LXR Hotels & Resorts to debut Island Oasis in the Seychelles

Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts to open in early 2021 on Mahe’s beachfront.
http://dlvr.it/RlrHY1

Newsom apologizes for French Laundry dinner, says he will practice what he preaches on COVID-19

Newsom acknowledged his decision to visit the Michelin-starred restaurant with other families may diminish his moral authority on COVID-19.
http://dlvr.it/RlqBVm

Ryanair announces additional domestic flights this December

The student ‘travel window’ states that universities should revert to online teaching to allow students to travel home between 3rd – 9th Dec and Ryanair is to facilitate students returning to their families during this period.
http://dlvr.it/RlmRlc

Delayed start to transition of power hurts coronavirus-fighting effort, Biden team says

With Trump still balking at conceding and health experts forecasting a new phase of the pandemic, calls intensify for the start of a formal transition to Biden.
http://dlvr.it/RllWGT

USC will continue mostly online classes in spring due to coronavirus surge

USC officials had hoped to bring 5,000 students back into campus housing, but a surge in L.A. County coronavirus cases has dashed those plans.
http://dlvr.it/Rlhm38

San Diego County reports single-day coronavirus case record

The higher totals come as San Diego County plunges backward into the most-restrictive purple level of the state's COVID-19 reopening system.
http://dlvr.it/RldYdC

HS LATAM and eRevMax bring TRAVEL TECH to EMEA

Invites hoteliers to participate in the week-long virtual conference.
http://dlvr.it/Rlb5Hm

Santa Cruz boardwalk reopens for a weekend, then promptly closes rides again as COVID surges

Santa Cruz County slipped back into California's more restrictive red tier this week, forcing the closure of the state's oldest amusement park.
http://dlvr.it/RlYknW

Midas Hospitality promotes Nora Harris

Nora Harris to serve as Director of Sales at Courtyard by Marriott St. Peters.
http://dlvr.it/RlWD1x

New coronavirus surge pushes California to the brink of 1 million cases

With California's COVID-19 case count up, officials are concerned about what may come next: Hospitalizations and deaths are lagging indicators of coronavirus spread.
http://dlvr.it/RlTrXl

Tregulland & Co adds a luxury narrowboat to the collection

Coming soon to a secret lake on the North Devon/Cornwall border is as a cosy off grid ‘boat-hole’ for two with luxurious boathouse boudoir.
http://dlvr.it/RlRKqk

As coronavirus surges in California, more counties expected to restrict reopenings

Gov. Gavin Newsom warned that some California counties will likely slide back to more restrictive tiers in the state's reopening system Tuesday.
http://dlvr.it/RlPgG4