Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silk-logic-travel-daily/id1842162269
Travel Daily Podcast 11/15/2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
Emirates expects 4.8M travelers this December
Source: dubaichronicle.com
By Not specified | Published: 2025-11-14
Emirates projects a major December surge with more than 2.3 million departures and 2.5 million arrivals, advising travelers to arrive three hours early and use online check-in, biometrics, and city or home check-in services to save time. The airline flags updated battery and smart-bag rules, plus a new Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub for support. Expect heavier road traffic, fuller car parks, and a busy DXB throughout the festive season.
Japan plans to triple and quintuple international departure tax in 2026
Source: loyaltylobby.com
By John Ollila | Published: 2025-11-14
Japan’s ruling coalition is backing a 2026 hike to the international departure tax: 3,000 yen for economy and 5,000 yen for premium cabins (up from 1,000 yen for all today). With support from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the modest increases are unlikely to dent demand, as these fees are typically bundled into ticket taxes and fees. The move comes amid strong inbound recovery and still-muted outbound travel from Japan.
Experts share their favorite winter birding destinations in Colorado
Source: denverpost.com
By Jamie Siebrase | Published: 2025-11-14
Colorado’s Front Range shines in winter for raptors, waterfowl, and sparrows—think Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Chatfield, Barr Lake, and reservoir hotspots where eagles and gulls gather. Pros recommend warm car birding, following prairie dog towns to find raptors, and keeping feeders clean and near cover at home. Mindful etiquette—keeping distance, using trails, and limiting playback—helps birds rest and refuel.
Austin contends for America’s best holiday lights display
Source: forbes.com
By Gary Stoller | Published: 2025-11-14
Austin’s Trail of Lights returns Dec. 10–23 at Zilker Park with 2 million+ lights, 90 lit trees, more than 70 displays, and the iconic 155-foot moontower “tree.” General admission tops out at $8, with select free nights and children under 12 free with a ticketed adult. Dress warm, wear comfy shoes for the 1.25-mile trail, and consider classic rides for skyline views.
Banyan Group’s inaugural Rainforest Festival expands with curated paid experiences from Mandai Wildlife Group and Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
By Not specified | Published: 2025-11-14
Running Nov. 27–Dec. 3, Singapore’s Rainforest Festival debuts alongside the opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, offering behind-the-scenes wildlife tours and discounts across Mandai parks. Ticket proceeds support the President’s Challenge, with matching contributions from Banyan Group and the government, and limited-availability experiences encourage early booking. The program blends sustainable design, biodiversity, wellness, and family-friendly activities.
Indonesia boosts tourism marketing in Malaysia and Singapore
Source: antaranews.com
By Not specified | Published: 2025-11-14
At the “Wonderful Indonesia Business Matching Johor Bahru 2025,” Indonesia convened 24 sellers with 55 buyers from Malaysia and Singapore to deepen regional ties and spur arrivals. With 2024 visits at roughly 2.2 million (Malaysia) and 1.4 million (Singapore), officials aim to expand partnerships and innovate products tailored to these key markets. The effort aligns with the “Jiran Istimewa” program to strengthen cross-border connectivity and people-to-people links.
Expansão das viagens corporativas redefine o papel das TMCs nas empresas
Source: valor.globo.com
By PressWorks | Published: 2025-11-14
With global business travel projected to top $1.5 trillion by end-2025 (about $30 billion in Brazil), Travel Management Companies are becoming strategic partners—not just ticket issuers. Key pillars include governance/compliance, integrated technology and ERP links, duty-of-care, and robust financial controls; Voetur highlights Payfly for automated reconciliation and tax validation. The takeaway: data-driven TMC models deliver visibility, savings, and traveler safety at scale.
Air travel disruptions continue despite government shutdown
Source: today.com
By Gabe Gutierrez | Published: 2025-11-14
Although the federal government is reopening, the FAA is still requiring airlines to cut about 6% of flights ahead of Thanksgiving, extending strain across U.S. airports. With some federal workers awaiting pay, travelers should anticipate continued schedule adjustments and plan for longer lines and delays. Build extra buffer time and monitor airline alerts closely.
