3 Big Upsides for Travel From President Biden’s Infrastructure Plan

Edward Russell  / Skift

President Biden wants to invest $621 billion in everything from bridges to trains and airports over the next eight years. Edward Russell / Skift

Skift Take: The years of infrastructure week memes are finally over with President Biden’s $2 trillion proposal to upgrade and green America’s infrastructure. But with battle lines already forming, can he get the package over the line in Congress?

— Edward Russell

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Pandemic Leaves Prague Tourist-Free Yet Again for Easter Break

David W Cerny  / Reuters

A bartender drafts a plastic bottle of beer as the Deminka pub remains closed due to the coronavirus restrictions in Prague, Czech Republic. David W Cerny / Reuters

Skift Take: The latest peaks in Covid-19 cases are dealing a blow to thousands of small businesses. Without tourists over Easter in Prague, how long can they hold on for?

— Matthew Parsons

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Europe Gears Up for Sweeping Digital Health Passport Coordination to Spur Travel

John Walker  / Getting Images

EU member countries are getting closer to a decision on implementing a green vaccination passport in time for summer travel. John Walker / Getting Images

Skift Take: After a year of impasse on unified Covid protocols and corridor agreements, European Union members are close to a consensus in implementing a green vaccination passport in an effort to save the summer vacation season.

— Lebawit Lily Girma

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Airline Bookings Trend Up With Vaccinated Grandparents Eager to Fly

Tony Webster  / Flickr

Delta and Spirit are among airlines reporting an uptick in bookings this spring. Tony Webster / Flickr

Skift Take: Flowers are not the only thing sprouting as the weather warms up. Airline bookings are also showing some green shoots but most hesitate to call it a recovery yet with eyes focused on sustained improvements this summer.

— Edward Russell

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European Airlines Want EU to Relax Passenger Refund Rules

Romain Mathon  / Unsplash

Passengers at Frankfurt International Airport in Germany. European airlines want the EU to permit them to issue vouchers rather than refunds for cancelled flights. Romain Mathon / Unsplash

Skift Take: For years Europe has led the way in passenger refund rights. If the EU bends, it is safe to assume the airlines would find away to continue the relaxation beyond the end of the pandemic.

— Jason Clampet

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This Ghost Kitchen Boss Makes Sure Hotels Thrive in a New Era of Room Service

Butler Hospitality

Sam Feigeles (pictured), vice president of food and beverage at hotel ghost kitchen platform Butler Hospitality, makes sure operations succeed at these spaces and the hotels depending on them. Butler Hospitality

Skift Take: The hotel kitchen is the latest spot for industry disruption. Sam Feigeles plays a key role in reshaping the future of the hotel food and beverage experience.

— Cameron Sperance

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Orlando and Disney Deliver Contrasting New Tourism Messages

Thomas Evraert  / Unsplash

Disney World’s marketing videos show safety protocols, unlike Visit Orlando’s new campaign. Thomas Evraert / Unsplash

Skift Take: Destinations are not out of the woods yet with vaccines — but you wouldn’t know it from Visit Orlando’s new marketing campaign, unless you watched Walt Disney World’s ads instead. What’s behind the polar opposite messaging?

— Lebawit Lily Girma

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