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July 18, 2025

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July 18, 2025

New York City invites you to the summer edition of Restaurant Week 2025

Belinda Borg July 18, 2025 11:39

New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization for the five boroughs, has kicked off NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2025. From Monday, July 21, to Sunday, August 17, this biannual program invites foodies to explore the city's diverse dining scene. Nearly 600 restaurants in over 70 neighborhoods, featuring more than 50 different cuisines, will offer prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus. Participating restaurants offer two-course lunch or three-course dinner menus priced at $30, $45, or $60, excluding tax and gratuity. The promotion is not valid on Saturdays, and participation is optional on Sundays. Julie Coker, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions, emphasized the importance of Restaurant Week: "This week showcases what makes dining in NYC so special – diversity, culture, and the joy of discovering something new on a summer evening – all at an unbeatable price." Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the central role of restaurants in the city: "Restaurants are the heart of our city: they employ over 300.000 people and create places of togetherness." He invited both tourists and locals to explore and support New York's culinary diversity. New this year is the "Founded By NYC" filter on the website, which highlights restaurants with special dishes or drinks as part of the city's 400th anniversary celebration, including a special for $16,25 in homage to the year the city was founded in 1625. Interested parties can also search for restaurants by categories such as "Classic Restaurants," "Summer Vibes," "Best of

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Klagenfurt: Significant passenger growth and strategic investments

Jan Gruber July 18, 2025 11:13

Klagenfurt Airport is experiencing a remarkable comeback and is presenting a positive performance for the first half of 2025. With the highest passenger volume in over a decade and strategic investments in infrastructure, the Carinthian airport is repositioning itself as a versatile aviation hub and an important gateway for business and tourism in southern Austria. The increase in passenger numbers, the development of new flight connections, and increased use by military and civil aviation services underscore the airport's positive development and ambitious future plans. Klagenfurt Airport looks back on a highly successful first half of 2025. A total of 78.593 passengers were counted between January and June, representing a significant increase of around 28 percent compared to the same period last year. Particularly noteworthy are the months of May and June, when the airport registered its highest passenger volume in 21.000 years, or more precisely since 12, with almost 2013 monthly travelers each. These figures demonstrate an impressive recovery and strong growth in air traffic in the region. There was also a significant increase in flight movements, which include takeoffs and landings. In scheduled air traffic, the number of flight movements rose by around 22 percent. A total of 8.229 flight movements were recorded, including general aviation, reflecting the increased activity at the airport. Maximilian Wildt, Managing Director of Klagenfurt Airport, is delighted with the positive development: "More destinations, more flights, more passengers – new connections to Hanover and Cologne as well as additional flights to Palma are the basis for this positive development." He also emphasized the importance of the classic Vienna connection: "And our classic

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Vienna Tourism CEO Norbert Kettner appointed to the Board of Destinations International

Belinda Borg July 18, 2025 11:07

Norbert Kettner, Managing Director of the Vienna Tourist Board, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Destinations International (DI). This is a significant step for the Austrian tourism representative, as DI is one of the world's largest networks of destination organizations, with over 8.000 members and partners from more than 750 destinations. Kettner is one of 25 members elected to the board for the next three years and will contribute his European expertise to this international body, led from the USA. Kettner emphasized the need for a global approach to destination management. "Destination management today must be thought of globally. Therefore, transnational discourse and an international approach are essential," he explained. He looks forward to the intensive exchange between destinations and to bringing the European perspective to Destinations International's transnational network. This underscores the growing importance of international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the tourism industry to overcome common challenges and shape future developments. Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International, warmly welcomed Norbert Kettner. He emphasized that Destinations International thrives on the commitment of experienced tourism professionals who contribute with dedication to its boards and committees. Welsh acknowledged Kettner's outstanding expertise and thanked him for his time, advice, and passion in advancing the industry. This appointment is a token of recognition for Kettner's many years of experience and his contribution to the development of Viennese tourism, which has gained international prominence under his leadership. Destinations International is one of the world's leading organizations in destination marketing and management, headquartered in Washington, USA.

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Austria's wine industry celebrates its best: The Salon 2025 selects 275 top wines

Jan Gruber July 18, 2025 10:49

The awards ceremony for Salon 2025, a competition widely regarded as the toughest wine competition in the country, recently took place in the heart of the Austrian capital, in the venerable Palais Niederösterreich. From thousands of submissions, 275 wines were selected to bear the title of "Salon Wine," and 29 of these received the coveted "Salon Winner" award. These results once again demonstrate the outstanding quality of Austrian wines and the innovative strength of both established wineries and up-and-coming newcomers. The diversity of award-winning wines, spanning all wine regions and styles, underscores the dynamic development of the domestic wine industry. The Salon: A Rigorous Selection Process for Top Wines For over 35 years, the Salon has established itself as the definitive wine competition in Austria. Its reputation as the "toughest wine competition" is no coincidence; rather, it is the result of a rigorous selection process that puts thousands of wines through their paces each year. Chris Yorke, Managing Director of Austria Wine Marketing GmbH (ÖWM), was enthusiastic: "We warmly congratulate all the Salon award winners. This year, too, only the best wines from thousands of submissions made it." This statement underlines the exclusivity of the award and the high quality standards that are set for the award-winning wines. The Salon wines are selected in a multi-stage process. The majority of the submitted wines initially qualify through the state awards held in the respective wine-growing regions. This pre-selection ensures that only wines with proven quality advance to the final round. In a concluding blind tasting, an independent and top-class jury decides on

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Study reveals large price differences for drinks in Styrian restaurants

Jan Gruber July 18, 2025 10:08

A recent study by the Styrian Chamber of Labor (AK) has uncovered significant price differences for beverages in Styria's restaurants. The study shows a price range of over 60 percent for common beverages. As in previous years, AK market research examined the costs of coffee, beer, spritzers, fruit juices, and spritz drinks in Graz city center establishments and this year expanded the survey to include the Styrian districts for the first time. In total, prices from 43 establishments – 22 in Graz and 21 in the districts – were recorded using over 600 individual data points. The collected data reveals significant price differences between the individual restaurants. For a cappuccino, you pay between 3,5 and 4,9 euros in Graz, while the price outside the state capital is between 3,1 and 4 euros. A half liter of beer costs between 4,6 and 5,9 euros in Graz, but between 4,2 and 5,3 euros in the districts. For a small beer (0,3 liters), guests in Graz must pay between 3,9 and 4,9 euros, while outside of Graz the price is between 3,7 and 4,4 euros. Non-alcoholic beer (0,5 liters) is available in Graz for between 4,20 and 5,60 euros, and in the districts between 4,1 and 5,2 euros. The price range for a white spritzer (0,25 liters) is particularly striking, varying between 2,4 and 4,6 euros throughout Styria. For a fruit juice or nectar, diluted with tap water to make half a liter, the prices range between 2,2 and 5,1 euros, depending on the brand. Andrea Büdenbender, AK market researcher, emphasized that it is worthwhile to choose carefully where to drink something, as the price ranges between the most expensive and cheapest options

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Gulf Air returns to North America

Amely Mizzi July 18, 2025 09:41

Bahrain's national airline, Gulf Air, plans to resume non-stop flights between Bahrain International Airport (BAH) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) starting in October 2025. This announcement was made during a visit by Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalif and the Kingdom's Prime Minister to the United States, where they met with President Trump on July 16, 2025. The planned resumption of service, which last operated in 1997, marks a strategic step for Gulf Air, which has undergone a major transformation in recent years to strengthen its competitiveness in the Gulf region and expand its global route network. Historic Return: Gulf Air's Connection to the United States The planned resumption of non-stop flights between Bahrain and New York marks a significant development for Gulf Air, as the airline last offered scheduled service to the United States in 1997. At that time, Gulf Air used an Airbus A340 for this long-haul connection. Interestingly, the flight continued from New York-JFK to Houston (IAH), indicating a more extensive route network in North America. The suspension of these services over two decades ago was a result of several factors, including increasing competition in the Gulf region and strategic reorientations within the airline. The resumption of US flights had been on the horizon for Gulf Air for some time and is part of a comprehensive reorganization of its operations under the leadership of current Chief Executive Jeffrey Goh. In recent years, Gulf Air has focused on strengthening its more profitable routes and developing its brand

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Ryanair criticizes high costs and slow recovery of German air traffic

Stephen Steiner July 18, 2025 09:00

Ryanair has published its German traffic update for June, once again criticizing high access costs in Germany as the main reason for the sluggish recovery in air traffic. According to Ryanair, the figures confirm Germany's position as the slowest-growing aviation market in Europe, impacted by excessive taxes, air traffic control fees, security fees, and high airport charges. These cost factors are hindering the recovery and slowing growth. Berlin Airport, affected by the night flight ban, is only reaching 71 percent of pre-COVID traffic levels, according to the report. Other major German airports, such as Stuttgart (77%), Cologne (78%), Hamburg (84%), and Düsseldorf (85%), also remained well below their pre-crisis levels. Ryanair attributes this to the German government's failure to reduce the enormously high access costs. The already struggling and cost-intensive regional airports of Dresden (62%) and Leipzig (72%) have seen further declines since Ryanair ceased operations, underscoring the dependence of many regional airports on low-cost carriers. Following Ryanair's decision to restrict flight operations in Germany for the summer of 2025, German air traffic collapsed even further, reaching a recovery rate of only 87 percent of pre-COVID levels. This figure makes Germany the worst aviation market in Europe in terms of recovery. Eddie Wilson, Ryanair's CEO, emphasized that the government's inaction continues to harm major German airports and is hindering their recovery and growth. He drew a clear comparison with other EU countries such as Ireland, Hungary, and Poland, which have reduced access costs and abolished air travel taxes to stimulate traffic after the pandemic. These countries thus achieved

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Dangers: Correct reaction to snake bites, insect bites and tick infestations

Belinda Borg July 18, 2025 08:31

The beauty of Austria's nature entices visitors to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. However, it also harbors dangers in the form of animals whose bites or stings may require an immediate response. Whether snakes, insects, or ticks – knowledge of proper first aid and preventative measures is crucial to avoid serious health complications. Every year, around 40 people in Austria are hospitalized after a snake bite, while insect bites, particularly in the mouth and throat, or tick bites can carry the risk of disease transmission. Experts from the Austrian Red Cross and other medical professionals emphasize the importance of staying calm, acting quickly, and contacting emergency services in an emergency. Snake bites in Austria: Keeping calm is paramount. Although the likelihood of a snake bite in Austria is low – around 40 people end up in the hospital each year – the correct response is crucial in the event of an emergency. Native venomous snakes such as the adder or the sand viper are generally not life-threatening, but medical consultation is always advisable. A widespread misconception, often fueled by films, is suctioning or tying off the bite wound. Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, chief physician of the Austrian Red Cross, expressly warns against this: "Suctioning does not remove venom from the body. Even tying off does not prevent the venom from spreading throughout the body." In the worst case, such measures can do more harm than good. The correct steps after a snake bite are instead based on rest and immobilization. The first step is to remain calm in order to prevent the venom from spreading in the

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Memmingen Airport expects record summer and optimizes processes

Jan Gruber July 18, 2025 08:01

Memmingen Airport is preparing for a record-breaking summer. Over half a million passengers are expected to take off and land during the coming weeks of the summer holidays. This represents a further ten percent increase in passenger traffic compared to the same period last year. Airport officials believe they are well prepared to successfully handle the upcoming busy holiday season. Last year, 490.000 passengers used Memmingen Airport during the holiday season. This summer, officials are now expecting around 540.000 passengers, a ten percent increase. "We have the largest offering since our airport was founded," reports Airport Managing Director Ralf Schmid. Currently, 60 destinations are scheduled for the coming weeks. These will be served primarily by the two major partner airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air. In addition, other holiday airlines, acting on behalf of tour operators, connect Memmingen with popular destinations such as Corsica, Crete, and Rhodes. The most extensive offering this summer is for flights to Mallorca. The airport expects around 230 departures per week, 20 more than last year. Mediterranean resorts are particularly popular this year. Flights to the holiday regions of Spain, Greece, and Italy are very popular. However, so-called insider tips such as Montenegro or Varna on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast are also enjoying increasing popularity. In terms of city breaks, alongside classics such as London, Dublin, and Rome, attractive newcomers such as Budapest, Krakow, and Riga are also in high demand. Airport Managing Director Ralf Schmid emphasized that a significant proportion of passengers are also using the holiday months to visit their homeland.

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Despite order reduction: Wizz Air Malta has taken delivery of its first A321XLR

Jan Gruber July 18, 2025 07:34

Wizz Air has reached a significant milestone in its corporate history: it has taken delivery of the first Airbus A321XLR registered in mainland Europe and flying the Maltese flag. This delivery, which marks a new chapter in its long-standing partnership with Airbus, underscores Wizz Air's commitment to continuous innovation and the combination of extremely cost-effective travel with the latest aviation technology. The new aircraft will open up expanded network options for the airline and promise passengers greater comfort on longer routes. However, just a few days ago, Wizz Air Holdings announced the closure of its Abu Dhabi branch and the associated reduction in its XLR order. The Airbus A321XLR: A Technical Advance for Wizz Air The entry into service of the Airbus A321XLR represents a significant technical advance for Wizz Air. As the latest development in the Airbus A320neo family, the A321XLR is specifically designed for extended range. This enables the airline to offer non-stop connections to destinations that were previously beyond the reach of its existing fleet or could only be reached with stopovers. The A321XLR combines greater range with industry-leading economics, which is crucial for the business model of an ultra-low-cost carrier. For Wizz Air, which focuses on a low operating cost business model, the efficiency features of the A321XLR are of great advantage. The aircraft promises a 30 percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous generation aircraft used by competitors. This results in lower operating costs per seat and allows Wizz Air to continue offering low fares. Passengers flying on the

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