A Gladiator Theme Park for Rome

Officials in Rome, Italy, have announced plans to build a theme park in the Eternal City. The yet unnamed attraction will depict life in Rome 2,000 years ago, from the open-air forum to the raucous Colosseum. Deputy Mayor Mauro Cutrufo says they are using Euro Disney as their model.

With the number of tourists to Rome down by 5 per cent this summer, city fathers are looking for new ways to lure visitors. The city's new administration plans to build the $735 million Ancient Rome theme park on 988 to 1,235 acres. Cutrufo says the aim is to have the “family friendly entertainment park” open for customers within three to four years.

Instead of Pirates of the Caribbean, visitors would be offered rides through a replica of the Colosseum where they could watch gladiators fighting each other or wild animals as the Emperor looks on. The park would offer attractions based on life both in republican Rome, ending with the murder of Julius Caesar and civil war, and the power and might of the Roman Empire. Some regional officials have already come out against the "Americanization" of Roman history. (Sydney Morning Herald)

FAA Fines American Airlines $7.1 Million

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced $7.1 million in civil penalties against American Airlines for improperly deferring maintenance on safety-related equipment and deficiencies with its drug and alcohol testing programs and exit lighting inspections. In one instance, the FAA claims that in December 2007, American used the wrong provisions of its Minimum Equipment List (MEL) to return two MD-83 aircraft to service after pilots had reported problems, and flew the planes 58 times in violation of FAA regulations. The MEL contains components and systems without which the aircraft may operate safely under specific limitations, as proven by the operator or manufacturer.

The FAA also says on December 11 and 12, American operated the first MD-83 on eight flights in airspace it should have been restricted from after maintenance on part of the autopilot system was improperly deferred. An FAA inspector discovered the improper deferral and informed the airline, however American flew the plane on 10 more flights until the problem was fixed on December 17.

In a statement, American called the fine excessive and said they intend to contest it. The FAA says the large fine is appropriate because American Airlines was aware that aircraft repairs were needed and instead deferred maintenance. In intentionally continuing to fly the aircraft, the carrier did not follow important safety regulations intended to protect passengers and crew. (AP)

Toilet Troubles Force Qantas Landing

A run of bad luck for Qantas overflowed yesterday when a fully loaded 767 flying from Sydney to Perth was forced to make an unplanned landing in Adelaide so its toilets could be emptied. The passengers of the 767 were told that that Sydney ground staff had forgotten to empty the toilets. The flight originated in Honolulu.

By the time the flight had been in the air for an hour, three of the toilets had ceased to function. "They told us that under any reasonable calculation, the rest of them would go pretty quickly," said one passenger who added that passengers were "exasperated" but otherwise responded well to the delay. "All this discussion of toilets triggered an urgent need to go in just about everyone," he said. "We did ask for more red wine to be brought on board, but it was felt not to be a priority."

The unscheduled Qantas toilet stop comes only hours after Australia's national carrier was forced to delay a Sydney bound flight for more than 15 hours due to a problem with its rudder. Both incidents are the latest in a string of problems that have beset the Qantas fleet since an explosion tore a hole in the side of an aircraft flying from Hong Kong to Melbourne on July 25. (The Age)

British Travelers Behaving Badly

The British government said Tuesday that an increasing number of their citizens vacationing abroad are being arrested or hurt in alcohol-fueled melees. The number of British citizens arrested in Spain jumped 33 percent to 2,032 between April 2006 and March 2007. Arrests were also up in Cyprus, where two Britons were recently sentenced to three years in prison for a road crash that killed one teenager and injured another.

Officials blamed the culture of binge drinking in Britain, where the pub culture historically has put an emphasis on drinking and not dining as in other European countries. "We are concerned that drink does play a part in a number of these situations," junior foreign minister Meg Munn told the BBC. Britain is one of the hardest-drinking countries in Europe, with an alcohol-related death rate that nearly doubled between 1991 and 2005, according to the British Medical Association. The rise of low-cost airlines may also contribute to the number of people traveling and partying abroad.

Spanish newspapers regularly run stories about Britons arrested for unruly or drunken behavior. Although Spain had the highest number of hospitalizations, Thailand was proportionally the most dangerous destination for British tourists, with 324 hospitalizations and 269 deaths during the same period. The British government said there were 3 million visits by Britons to Greece from 2006 to 2007, resulting in 230 arrests, 602 hospitalizations, 131 deaths and 28 reported rapes. Most arrests were for drunken and disorderly behavior and public indecency. (Yorkshire Post)

Singapore Airlines Again Voted World's Best

Singapore Airlines has once again been named the world’s “best” air carrier, according to a recent survey. The carrier has won first place in this survey three times over the past decade and the airline was also deemed to offer passengers the highest level of service in business class cabins.

The poll was conducted by British company Skytrax, which asked 15 million passengers to rank their favorite airlines. Hong Kong based Cathay Pacific came in second followed by Australia’s flag carrier Qantas in third. Skytrax polled passengers over an 11-month period and included categories for catering, in-flight entertainment and airport lounges. Thai Airways was voted fourth best followed by Korea's Asiana Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air New Zealand, Dubai's Emirates airline and Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways.

Skytrax is one of the largest analysts of the international commercial air travel industry. While their annual surveys form a key part of Skytrax’s mission, the company also offers passengers a wealth of information on nearly all airlines operating anywhere in the world. (Reuters)

Beijing Welcomes the World

With 2,008 drummers pounding in unison to thousands of flashing colored lights, fireworks, dancing and acrobatics, Beijing welcomed the world to the Games of the 29th Olympiad. Athletes from 205 nations marched into the stadium and celebrated what is being touted as China's emergence as a cultural, political and economic power. "For a long time, China has dreamed of opening its doors and inviting the world's athletes to Beijing for the Olympic Games," said Jacques Rogge, the president of the International Olympic Committee. "Tonight that dream comes true."

The crowd chanted, "Jaiyou, jaiyou" inside the "Bird's Nest" stadium that pulsated with waving red flags. The word, pronounced "jie yo," literally means gas or fuel, but in China it is the equivalent of "go, go." The Chinese consider the number 8 lucky, so the ceremonies began precisely at 8:08 local time on 8/8/08. The elaborate spectacle lasted four hours and 10 minutes.

Chinese gymnast Li Ning lit the Olympic cauldron after being lifted up 300 feet to the top of the stadium by an invisible wire. From there, he ran around the lip of the stadium, finally lighting a fuse that sent fire snaking up the giant cauldron, which erupted in flame. The Olympic slogan, "One World, One Dream," represents, in essence, an extended hand from this 5,000-year-old nation of 1.3 billion people to the rest of the world. (CCTV)

Group Lists Top 10 'Ethical Destinations'

During the past few years, the term "Ethical Travel" has entered the globe-trotter's lexicon. Ethical travel is simply mindful travel, an awareness of our impact as we explore the world. Travel is now the biggest industry on Earth. Each year millions of travelers pack their bags and head for the usual destinations. While Ethical Traveler sees all travel as a potentially positive force, they encourage people step off the beaten path.

In their efforts to woo travelers, many developing countries are making noble attempts to preserve their natural assets, create a user-friendly infrastructure, and build an economy where their citizens share the benefits of tourist revenue. Bringing our commerce to those areas encourages their efforts and inspires neighboring countries to support the same values.

To compile the list, Ethical Traveler conducted a study of the world's 70+ developing nations, from Albania to Zimbabwe. They looked at three general categories: Environmental Protection, Social Welfare, and Human Rights. The most ethical destinations selected by Ethical Travel are: Argentina, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Estonia, Namibia, Nicaragua and South Africa. (USA Today)

American Protester Paints Beijing Hotel Rooms

An American pastor and activist, Eddie Romero, check into two upscale hotels in Beijing earlier this week and filmed himself painting the rooms with anti-Beijing slogans and then disappeared into the night without paying. Pictures and videos of the unusual protest is now making its way around the world via websites. Romero has been a part-time philosophy professor at Mt. San Antonio College, east of Los Angeles, for 8 years.

Romero's daughter, 32-year-old Los Angeles resident Sarah Yetter, says, "What he's doing is trying to bring attention to the plight of people of faith in China, as well as highlighting the deficiencies of human rights in China." Yetter says her father's actions are, "An act of nonviolent civil disobedience. He created two artistic murals in two Beijing hotel rooms." Yetter calls it "an effigy."

Yetter said her father "felt a call to do something about it. ... He's always been about justice and action for people who don't have a voice." When asked if her father has done anything like this before, Yetter said, "No, he hasn't. But I'm proud of him for taking a stand, taking this risk." Romero is said to be in hiding until after the Games end. At which point, Romero will reportedly turn himself in to the police.

Bob Fu, a leader of Texas-based China Aid Association, says he's known Romero for years. "He is a deeply sincere man who is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation on religious freedom in China. He is trying to use the most nonviolent, nondisruptive way to get the media attention to highlight the grave situation in China." (AP)

Which Airline is the Stingiest?

Airlines are adding new fees faster than you can say "JetBlue". Free meals are largely gone, and there are new or increased charges for checked luggage, pillows, blankets, coffee and soda. They're also raising the fees for changes to nonrefundable tickets. Jet fuel prices are increasing, and the airlines need to make up some of that cost somewhere. US Airways spokeswoman Michelle Mohr says, "Customers understand the cost of doing business with these fuel prices. They don't expect a free hot dog at the ballpark."

Time magazine has surveyed the nine major U.S. carriers and determined which is the friendliest and which is the stingiest. They ranked Southwest as the friendliest because they still doesn't charge any fees for the first two checked bags. They also don't charge for blankets or to make flight changes. They've even launched a new ad campaign - "Fees don't fly with us."

On the other end of the spectrum, Time rated US Airways as the stingiest airline because they've begun to charge $2 for a soft drink or a bottle of water and $1 for coffee or tea. The first checked bag costs $15 and the second costs $25. Changes to a US Airways flight now costs a whopping $150.

Here is a link to Time's full article: (Time)

JetBlue Charging $7 for Pillow & Blanket

In another example of airlines charging for items that used to be free, JetBlue announced Monday it will begin charging $7 for a blanket and pillow on its flights. Travelers can keep the blanket and pillow after the flight. The move again casts a spotlight on airline fees and new fees that customers think is "nickel-and-diming." ABC News says on their web site, "the fee is the latest in a long series as the airlines struggle to find ways to offset rising costs. Some airlines have already removed all the pillows and blankets from their flights to save weight. But JetBlue, known best for its free live satellite TV, will now actually charge for the once-free amenity."

"Great, so now I'm gonna starve AND not sleep," said Audrey Morris, 56, of Wantagh, Long Island. Kunal Kadakia, a 22-year-old financial consultant at IBM, says the fee is "ridiculous," noting it comes against the backdrop of other fees throughout the industry. "These airlines have dropped the bar so low, I can't imagine what would be another step lower." JetBlue says customers can bring their own pillows and blankets if they don't want to pay the $7. US Airways said Tuesday that they also have a pay-for-pillow plan on the horizon.

All of the new fees are bringing in hundreds of millions in revenue for the airlines. JetBlue said they expect to make $20 million from their $15 second checked bag fee and $40 million from a fee that passengers can pay for extra legroom. (New York Daily News)

Women-Friendly Hotel Floors Returning

Women-friendly floors are making a comeback after almost 3 decades on the outs. The new Crowne Plaza Milwaukee-Wauwatosa has one and so does the Millennium chain’s Premier Hotel in Times Square. There's also one at the downtown Hampton Inn in Albany. The difference now is that women-only floors allow some men to stay on those floors too. They're women-friendly rather than women-only. While many women still want their privacy, they're not necessarily looking for isolation.

Women-only hotels were popular at one time. After World War II, most women entering the work force were neophytes, and safety on the road was their first priority. Out of that concern grew measures to protect women, like not assigning guest rooms for women along dark hallways and not announcing names and room numbers out loud at check-in counters. But Bjorn Hanson, hotel analyst and faculty member at the Tisch Center says, “By the mid-’80s, separate floors in hotels offended many women who were traveling on business. They were trying to be C.E.O.’s but were looked on as the weaker sex. Women’s floors became a kind of sexist thing instead of a polite offer.”

Still, women-friendly floors remain a delicate issue among business travelers. In a survey of women’s attitudes last September, the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids, Michigan, found that 90 percent favored the women’s floor concept while 10 percent panned the idea. (New York Times)

Hard Rock Park Off to Rough Start

The good news is that the waiting lines aren't long at the new Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach these days. The bad news is that it may be a sign that all is not well at the world’s first rock-and-roll theme park. "It is a really tough summer," said Steven Goodwin, CEO of the $400 million theme park. "We're seeing people cutting their vacations from seven days to five days to three days, spending less money."

The park doesn't release its attendance numbers, but experts say the slumping economy and cautious consumer spending habits are taking a toll on traffic at Hard Rock and other theme parks around the country this summer. Experts now say that Hard Rock Park's original expectations of 3 million visitors a year were too high. But in a glimmer of hope, the people who actually do go through the park’s front gates are spending money.

Theme parks in general aren't doing well this summer. Analysts awaiting the quarterly earnings for Six Flags and Cedar Fair Entertainment later this week aren't expecting to see encouraging numbers. Even at Disney theme parks, which are less prone to fluctuations from high fuel prices, the company said attendance would have been flat if Easter fell in April instead of March.

Critics say Hard Rock Park was too narrow in its marketing scope, primarily trying to use free media coverage to get the word out. Park officials are rethinking their marketing strategy and looking at other ways to market the attraction. "They need to figure out exactly how to market themselves, where to do that and to what groups of people," says Don Schunk, a research economist with Coastal Carolina University. "Once they get all of that stuff squared away, I think they can do very well in this area. By and large they've got a nice product out there."

Hard Rock Park, which opened April 15, features six “rock environs” celebrating rock’s culture, lifestyle, legends and irreverence. These rock environs are the All Access Entry Plaza, Rock & Roll Heaven, British Invasion, Lost in the 70's, Born in the USA and Cool Country. All of the park's roller coasters are all set to rock music, including the 150 foot tall Led Zeppelin - The Ride set to "Whole Lotta Love". (Myrtle Beach Online)