SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) announces a strengthened partnership with the Dominican Republic to enhance cruise tourism and generate long-term benefits for the country’s economy, communities, and cruise guests.

During a series of high-level meetings between FCCA leadership and the Dominican Republic’s tourism and port authorities, both parties committed to a shared vision: to position the Dominican Republic as a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean by delivering exceptional guest experiences, supporting local communities, and driving sustainable growth.

FCCA President Adam Ceserano.

“This partnership goes far beyond cruise calls,” said Michele Paige, CEO of FCCA. “It’s about creating long-term opportunities for the people of the Dominican Republic. Together, we’re identifying actionable ways to improve the guest experience, increase economic benefits, and support infrastructure development that will position the country as a regional leader.”

The collaboration includes plans for improving the quality and consistency of shore excursions, integrating more locally made products and cultural experiences into the cruise offering, enhancing workforce training, and addressing key port and operational improvements.

FCCA also emphasized the importance of cost containment to ensure continued growth, including competitive port pricing and sustainable tourism development strategies that will encourage more cruise lines to invest in long-term deployment.

“This alliance will help the Dominican Republic harness the full economic potential of cruise tourism,” added Paige. “By working hand-in-hand with the government, ports, and private sector, we are building a model of collaboration that benefits everyone – from cruise lines and passengers to local vendors and communities.”

Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism David Collado.

The strengthened partnership forms part of the FCCA’s Strategic Partnership Program, which works with destinations to identify needs, match opportunities, and build long-term relationships between the cruise industry and local stakeholders.

With this strengthened alliance, the Dominican Republic is clearly emerging as a powerhouse in cruise tourism. By partnering with FCCA, the country now has a strategic path forward to achieve its goals – from enhancing the visitor experience to maximizing economic opportunities and promoting sustainable tourism development.

As a testament to this growing relationship, the Dominican Republic will also host FCCA’s prestigious PAMAC Destination Summit, which will take place in June 2026 and join key cruise executives with destination and tourism leaders to further strengthen ties and explore new opportunities for growth.

The article FCCA and Dominican Republic strengthen partnership to boost cruise tourism first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

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WASHINGTON – Starting Thursday, Aug. 28, customers can travel on Amtrak’s NextGen Acela – America’s high-speed train – connecting the  Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston.

This historic launch introduces:

• More trains: 28 brand-new trains entering service through 2027
• More seats: 27% more seats per departure
• More service: Expanded weekday and weekend schedules

“NextGen Acela is more than a new train—it’s an evolution of travel,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “In just a few weeks, history will be made with the debut of NextGen Acela as we  launch a new standard for American train travel.” 

What to expect

• How to book your seat: Amtrak offers a simple and flexible approach to booking, seat  selection, itinerary management, and even changes in the event of disruptions through  the Amtrak mobile app, Amtrak website, and at station kiosks. As the official launch date  approaches, customers should look for more information from Amtrak about how to  locate and select the NextGen Acela train options. In the coming months, Amtrak will be  operating both the current Acela equipment and the NextGen Acela trains as the new  trains transition into the fleet.
• Premium onboard features: The new NextGen Acela offers an elevated experience,  with features and amenities that today’s savvy travelers expect, plus everything they need to be productive along the way: free, high-speed 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, as well as  individual power outlets and reading lights.
• More trains on the way: Five sleek new trainsets will be in service initially, with more trains joining the fleet through 2027.

 Built in America, for America

• The NextGen Acela fleet was assembled at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, NY by skilled  Machinists Union workers, using components from over 180 suppliers across 29  states – creating approximately 15,000 U.S. jobs.*

 Part of a bigger transformation

• NextGen Acela is a key component of Amtrak’s broader fleet modernization plan,  which includes:
  – New Amtrak Airo trains debuting on the Amtrak Cascades, Northeast Regional,  and East Coast routes
  – New, more efficient Long Distance locomotives
  – Upgraded interiors in Coaches, Dining Cars, Sleepers, and Sightseer  Lounges—featuring new seat cushions, upholstery, lighting, and finishes

Amtrak plans to introduce all 28 new NextGen Acela trains by 2027 – broadening travel  opportunities throughout the Northeast Corridor.

*Calculation based on the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 2020 analysis, “Economic Impact of Public  Transportation Investment” which estimates that $1 billion of public transportation spending creates 12,600 jobs. Total estimate  adjusted for inflation and provides general scale of impact. 

The article Amtrak NextGen Acela debuts on August 28 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

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Following more than a year of preparatory work, American Airlines has announced that it will resume its non-stop flight between Budapest and Philadelphia from May 2026. The flight, suspended during the pandemic, was very popular with both American and Hungarian passengers., The service quality of the daily Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners satisfies the needs of both leisure and business travelers, so the new connection can further strengthen Budapest’s position in the business tourism market.

From 21 May 2026, there will once again be a direct flight to North America from Budapest, as, after a 6-year hiatus, American Airlines will resume its direct Budapest-Philadelphia service in the summer schedule. One of the largest carriers in the world will thus reconnect Hungary with the United States. The launch of the flight is particularly significant, as American Airlines is the first US carrier to return and operate a direct flight to Budapest after the coronavirus pandemic. The decision is the result of more than a year of preparatory work, with the aim of reconnecting the Hungarian capital with major cities in the United States.

The flight will operate daily between 21 May and 5 October 2026 between Ferenc Liszt International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. The modern, 234-seater Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft will depart from Budapest at 11:25 a.m. local time and arrive in Philadelphia at 3:00 p.m., while the return flight will depart from the American city at 6:50 p.m. and land in the Hungarian capital at 9:25 a.m. the following morning. The aircraft will have business, premium economy and economy classes. With the resumption of the flight, American Airlines will offer 3200 seats per week between the two cities, as well as excellent connections for passengers departing from Budapest to more than 100 other destinations in North America and the Caribbean. Philadelphia is not only a city of historical significance in the United States, but also one of American Airlines’ most important hubs. The direct flight to Budapest was already operating with a high load factor before the pandemic, so its return is not only another milestone, but also the restoration of a long-awaited route.

François Berisot, the CEO of Budapest Airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, emphasized: “The direct flight to Philadelphia is of huge significance for tourism and trade, and I am proud to welcome American Airlines back among our airline partners. A lot of hard work and months of preparations preceded the resumption of North American flights. Budapest Airport is continuing to work hard to develop more and more destinations from Budapest, including transatlantic flights.”

“This new direct service further strengthens Budapest’s position as one of Europe’s fastest-growing and most exciting city destinations, where visitors can enjoy not only historical heritage, but also a vibrant, modern urban experience. A key asset in supporting the decision-making process was the availability of detailed market insights, based on data from the National Tourism Data Supply Center (NTAK) and other sources, while targeted, data-driven promotional efforts measurably increased demand from American travelers – helping to establish the attractiveness of the new route.” said Olivér Csendes, the CEO of Visit Hungary.

“The customer demand for flights to and from cities rich in culture continues to grow. We’re increasingly seeing customers flock to cities they can immerse themselves in centuries of heritage, exploring history and culture beyond anything experienced before,” said José A. Freig, Vice President – International and Inflight Dining Operations, American Airlines. “With this route, our customers in Hungary will also have access to one of our fastest growing U.S. hubs in Philadelphia, from where they can explore more than 100 destinations in the U.S and beyond.”

Tickets for the 2026 summer season will be available for purchase starting 11 August 2025 on the American Airlines website and mobile application, as well as through official travel partners.

The article American Airlines to resume Budapest-Philadelphia flight from May first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

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