Wow: The First Scheduled Service Between Dublin & Reykjavik

Icelandic carrier WOW has launched a new year-round service between Dublin and Reykjavik beginning on June 2, 2015. The service – the first scheduled one between the two cities - will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, taking roughly two hours and 20 minutes. Iceland has grown in popularity in recent years – annual visitors increased by 20% to a record 807,000 in 2013 – thanks to a devalued currency and a sustained international marketing campaign. Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison said "we're sure there will be strong demand for this new route, as Iceland has been growing in popularity as a leisure destination in recent years and Dublin has a long track record as a popular charter destination for Icelandic visitors." Fares start at €72 one way; the booking service is open at wowair.co.uk.

Electronic Tagging For Tourists?

Thailand’s tourism minister is considering identity wristbands and curfews as a way of safeguarding over-indulgent tourists from trouble. In the wake of the brutal murders of two British backpackers on the island of Koh Tao on September 15, Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul has suggested giving tourists wristbands with a serial number that matches their ID and the contact details of their resort “so if they're out partying late and, for example, get drunk or lost, they can be easily assisted.” The minister also mooted the possibility of electronic tracking devices but admitted it had not been discussed in great detail. Other ideas, included pairing visitors with a local minder at popular tourist destinations and the introduction of a curfew on popular beach parties like the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, have also been discussed as the Thai government looks for ways to protect its tourism industry, which brings in 28m visitors annually and accounts for nearly 10 per cent of GDP.