story travel agency

Chef Mickey's

Snow White's First Kiss

Child with Bubbles

There's no better story than Your Story  

Where will your next chapter begin?  

Memorable and Magical Vacations  

Planning the perfect family vacation can be a long and tedious process. Sure, you can ask your friends and family for advice but how will you know that the vacations they've taken are the ones you want to experience? Is their idea of a memorable and magical vacation the same as yours?

You could also purchase a vacation from the same place you purchase your household supplies but how do you know that the advice you're getting is the advice you need? Will they be there for you if you need them? How many different people will you have to speak with throughout the planning process?

Get the personal advice you need to get the unique vacation your family wants and deserves.

A Plan for the Perfect Vacation  

Like so many of the other families we've helped, you want the best for your family but you don't know where to start. This is where a Your Story Travel Story Guide can help you. After our initial consultation where we will learn  your desires, we will develop a customized plan for your perfect vacation

Only Plan for the Memories  

You shouldn't have to stress about getting all the details figured out and you shouldn't have to worry about your itinerary. The only thing you need to plan for is making the memories you and your family deserve. We'll do the rest.

"Fill your life with adventures, not with things... Have stories to tell, not things to show"

-unknown   .

What our Guests Say

"Our Story Guide™ made the process super easy!! I have already contacted her about another trip!"

"We LOVE our Story Guide™! She booked us a fabulous trip!"

"We were so glad to have someone support the trip and will utilize her services for our return trip next year!"

"Our Story Guide™ knows everything you would ever need to know for a fabulously wonderful Disney experience!"

Rundreise i Marokko

Yorkshire og «Aidensfield» fra «Med hjartet på rette staden»

Kunst- og litteraturreise til Sverige

Langtidsferie i Albir, på leilighetshotellet Albir Hills

Langtidsferie i Fuengirola, på strandhotellet Playa

Langtidsferie i Fuengirola, på boutique-hotellet Caleyro

Vin og mattur til Piemonte

Vinvandring i Porto og Dourodalen

Yogareise til Marokko

Opera i Verona

Inspirerende reise til Halland

Hagereise til Sveriges vestkyst

Opplev det autentiske Italia, i Puglia

Inspirerende garn- og strikkereise til Island

Innholdsrik reise til Budapest

Matreise med Trond Moi

Vandretur til Cinque Terre og Portofino

Bli med på gruppereise til Albania

Vandretur på Den franske riviera

Opplev historiske Roma

Fargerik strikketur til Italia og Kari Hestnes

Opplev magiske Amalfi

Kulturreise til Krakow

Bli med til blomsterøya Madeira

Vidunderlige Andalucia

Vandring på Algarvekysten

Reis med oss til Carcavelos og Lisboakysten

Sjarmerende Garda

Perfekte Toscana

Bli med i vår reiseklubb og få gode tilbud først!

Vinn gavekort* verdt 3000,-

• +44(0) 207 523 5858

• CALL ME BACK
• MAKE AN ENQUIRY

Untold Story Travel creates bespoke luxury travel experiences and life-enhancing journeys, opening doors to fascinating people and places around the world. Whatever your requirements and goals, each Untold Story Travel experience is carefully crafted to provide a deeper connection with your destination.

Untold Story  is about establishing a relationship with the potential to last for more than  one trip. Our first interaction with you will be all about getting to know you, understanding your needs and any areas of particular focus. 

After the initial meeting, Untold Story will  put together a proposal based on your wishes and desires. When you travel our team are there from arrival to departure, wherever in the world you may be  to ensure a smooth, seamless and incredible holiday experience

BROWSE BY DESTINATION

Anything, anywhere – the choice is yours

Private Travel

Ditch the schedules and travel seamlessly on your own terms.

Beautifully crafted luxury family holidays

Pushing the boundaries

Dream beach experiences

Couples/Honeymoons

Elegant and bespoke trips for two

Wildlife & Safari

Experience the wild

Inside Stories

A collection of our most extraordinary travel experiences 

History & Culture

Discover the past

Food & Drink

Appreciating the finer things

City Slickers

A new perspective on the world's greatest cities

Design Your Own Adventure

Contact us to personalise your journey

Adventures on your Doorstep

Thinking of staying closer to home?

Whether you reside in the USA or UK, we can create your perfect staycation

The Best Seats in the House

Access all areas at the most sought after events on the planet.

Anticipation is half the fun!

Welcome to Second Story Travel!

Anticipation is half the fun

Destinations

Why consider booking your family’s vacation through a travel agency like this one?

We take the stress out of planning any vacation.  Vacation planning can be complicated & overwhelming for many people, which is why there’s serious value in booking through us.  We take away the stress.  We make it fun.  

We offer knowledgable, enthusiastic service & apply it to your particular circumstances, preferences, and needs. We are passionate about what we do.  We know Disney, Universal, cruising, and Sandals/Beaches inside & out.  We are an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner agency and a U-Preferred Universal travel agency. We are eager to share our love of vacations with our clients & friends.  

We answer all questions, give detailed advice, problem solve, are IT support, prioritize celebrations, and more!  We are happy to be as hands-on with your planning process as you want us to be.

Best yet?  There’s no cost to you to utilize our services.

We get to know you & are responsive to your requests & questions, and have a vested interest in making sure you have a magical trip. 

So the real question is:   Why not us?

Second Story Travel is proud to be an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

Planning a vacation?

• Diversity Inclusion
• Advisory Panel
• Our Audience
• Private Tourism Academies
• Tourism Ambassador Training
• Destination Training
• Tourism Keynote Speakers
• Sponsorship
• Business Class Podcast
• Skill & Knowledge
• Product Training
• Our Technology
• Become An Instructor
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Product Training & Promotion
• Hire Us To Speak

The Evolution of Travel Agencies: A Historical Perspective

The history of travel agencies is a compelling narrative that has witnessed significant transformations over the years. This article explores the evolution of travel agencies from their early beginnings to the present day, highlighting key milestones and shifts in the industry.

Early Travel Arrangements:

Before the establishment of travel agencies, individuals took charge of their travel arrangements directly with transportation providers and accommodations. This process was often cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring considerable effort from the traveler.

Emergence of Travel Agencies:

In the 19th century, the concept of travel agencies began to take shape. Thomas Cook & Son, founded in 1841 by Thomas Cook, is recognized as one of the earliest travel agencies. Initially focusing on organizing railway outings, the agency later expanded its services to include international travel.

Growth and Globalization:

As transportation infrastructure grew and global travel became more accessible, the role of travel agencies expanded. They became intermediaries between travelers and various service providers, offering packaged tours and simplifying the booking process.

Technology and Online Booking:

The late 20th century witnessed a transformative shift with the advent of technology. The rise of the internet allowed travelers to research and book their trips online, reducing dependence on traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies.

Specialization and Niche Markets:

As the travel industry diversified, agencies began specializing in specific niches such as adventure travel, luxury vacations, or eco-tourism. This specialization enabled agencies to cater to the unique preferences of different traveler segments.

Challenges and Adaptation:

The advent of online booking platforms and direct-to-consumer options presented challenges to the traditional travel agency model. However, many agencies have adapted by leveraging technology to enhance customer service, offering personalized experiences and providing expertise in complex travel arrangements.

Conclusion:

While the travel agency landscape has undergone significant changes, agents continue to play a crucial role, particularly for complex or customized trips. Their expertise and personalized service add substantial value, contributing to a resurgence in specific segments of the industry. The role of travel agencies continues to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements, ensuring their relevance in the dynamic world of travel.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this article The opinions and viewpoints expressed in this article are intended to provide an insightful exploration of the history and evolution of tourism ambassadors. However, it is essential to note that these opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the author or the Tourism Academy. The article aims to present a comprehensive overview of the topic based on available information and research, but individual perspectives may vary. Please consider multiple sources and viewpoints when you understand the subject matter.

Leave a comment

Related articles, us travel's geoff freeman on leadership and industry transformation, family travel association: transforming travel agent accreditation with the tourism academy, unveiling the spirit of travel with bud geissler, 2024 american bus association marketplace chair.

Let Us Make Your Trip Magical!

Let us pair you with the perfect agent to make your trip magical!

Want to Choose Your Own Agent?

We have Agents Specializing in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and so much more! Pick the perfect one for your needs!

Want to Get Informed?

Get the inside tips and learn about all things Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and so much more!

What People Are Saying …

Disney Cruise Spotlight: Cruising on the Disney Magic

Article by Storybook Guide Holly Averette. Being the original Disney cruise ship, the Magic propelled Disney into new territory and officially introduced the world to the magic of Disney Cruises. Facts: Ship Class: Magic Birthplace: Fincantieri Margherha, Italy Maiden...

Every Destination Has A Story

Featured trips

• Ethical Travel Agent
• Mexico Travel Specialist
• Hawaii Travel Specialist
• Family Travel Specialist
• All-Inclusive Resorts Specialist
• Travel Interest Form
• Advanced Travel Search
• Privacy Policy
• Terms Of Service
• Family Vacations
• Romance and Honeymoons
• Destinations

• Travelstoryvacations@gmail.com

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page - Saint Augustine

The country arguably most affected by Europe’s bitter 20th century bloodshed, Poland has by no means let go of its…

The often overlooked Qatar is a burgeoning spot for world-class tourism, and its traditional Bedouin roots contrast perfectly with its…

Of the three Baltic states Latvia is, perhaps, the one that carries most Soviet heritage – a large chunk of…

India has a lot to offer in terms of nature, culture and cuisine. In between exploring the snowy peaks of…

Indonesia, the fourth most populous country in the world, is hard to compete with in terms of diversity in landscape,…

A trip to Cuba constitutes a veritable time-warp, a journey into a postcard world of classic cars, dilapidated colonial buildings,…

Cape Verde is a small group of islands located off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. It…

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a country in the Persian Gulf, spread over an archipelago of 33 natural islands, as…

Welcome To Travel Story Vacations!

We are a full service travel agency ready to help you plan your Family Vacation, Romantic Getaway, Adventure Travels and more! We work with all the major suppliers so you can be sure we will find the right fit for you!

Need help choosing the right vacation? Why not complete our Quick and Easy    Travel Interest Form

For inspiration check out our Destinations or Scroll down and check out what fabulous trips our featured travel partners have to offer. 

Let us help with all the details so all you have to worry about is whether you want a Mai Tai or Piña Colada.

... every vacation has a story

Featured Cruises

Featured tours, certification.

In order to provide you with the best possible travel recommendation we have completed advanced training and are certified as:

Travel News

• DUI Convictions and International Travel
• Utah Valley’s Nickname is “Happy Valley” – With Good Reason
• The Majestic Windmills of Amsterdam
• Clothing Optional Vacations: Nothing to Hide

Send To A Friend

{{offertitle}}.

• Your Name *
• Your Friends' Name *
• Your Email *
• Your Friends' Email *
• Personal Message *
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Request A Quote

{{SupplierName}} | Starting {{LowAmount}} | Book From {{BookingDates}}

• Name * First Last
• Contact me by Both - Phone/Email Email Only Phone Only
• Best Contact Time Morning Afternoon Evening
• Desired Departure Date Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Trip Length Number of nights
• Departure City
• Number of Adults
• Number of Children Under 18 years of age
• Comments or Requests
• Please add me to your email list to receive promotions and travel news

OUR HISTORY Four Decades in the Travel Business

The travel agent’s story, second generation owner, mark moorhead:.

They were handling leisure travel for a lot of Carmel residents, many of whom were business owners or managers. Pleased with the agency, many of those clients requested The Travel Agent see to their corporate travel needs as well. We added on personnel and so forth; the agency continued to grow.

“As the city grew, so did the agency.”

In 1989, my folks asked me to come on board. The business was growing and they were excited about its future, but they were in their mid to late sixties by this point. So they brought me in and made me an offer. We were living in Phoenix at the time, and although we loved Arizona, we felt Carmel/Indy was an ideal place to raise the boys. And up we came.

Since I’d run and owned businesses in the past, I had some experience and familiarity. I came in and learned the trade. They slowly worked themselves out as I worked myself in and eventually took over.

“The key is to find the advisor and relationship that works for you.”

I believe that the concept of specialization in business has really come to fruition over the last two or three decades. The knowledge of our advsiors spans the globe; we build relationships with not only our clients, but locals around the world to help facilitate your travel dreams.

Our agents specialize in creating unique and custom itinerary’s built around your needs, desires and wishes on any of the 7 continents. We take the time to listen to your unique requests and bring those to reality by utilizing our partnerships and knowledge from around the world.

The key is to find the advisor and relationship that works for you. Once that is found, our customers don’t leave us. Even if they move to Colorado or retire to Florida, with today’s technology the relationship can continue. We are building our business as a result of our specialization and our relationships.

Let us put our experience to work for you. 

• Switzerland
• Galapagos Islands
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Extraordinary Journeys
• How This Works
• Helpful Links
• Our History
• Testimonials
• Corporate Travel

• +359 878 860 432 | [email protected]

My Story travel is an incoming tour operator and a destination management company (DMC) with a long experience in tourism, selected as The Best Creative Travel Agency for 2020 by Creative Tourism Network. The company was founded with the intention of bringing people from all over the world to Bulgaria and the Balkan area.We are specialized in travel design and can organize a variety of trips. Our mission is to let you discover and be mesmerized by the place by offering you an insight into local culture, local history, traditions and folklore. Our tours are designed to give you a travel experience that is inspiring, unique and deeply rewarding and to offer you fun, excitement, comfort and great memories.

Custom Travel Experiences

We are specialized in designing both – group tours and individual tailor-made tourism. Our A to Z personalized service offers accommodation, transportation and sightseeing, making sure that we meet all your needs and that every single element of our carefully planned holiday is in place.

Collecting Memories

MY STORY DESTINATIONS:

Bosnia and herzegovina, north of greece.

Willing to discover the Balkans? Do you need more information, or maybe you have special suggestions?

24 Travel Agency Success Stories (2024)

Are you a passionate traveler with entrepreneurial skills? Then starting a travel agency can be a great career choice for you.

As a travel agency, you'll be responsible for linking travelers to providers of all the travel and tourism-related services such as accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, tour guides, local adventure, etc.

Starting an online travel agency is a lot easier than you might think. You'll need to perform market research, get a few necessary certifications (such as your IATA number), study competition, build a website, and do proper marketing.

To maximize earnings, negotiate discounts from the industry service providers, and charge travelers within the market rate.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a travel agency:

1. Spread Your Wings Travel Agency ($84K/year)

Marissa Daniels, the founder of Spread Your Wings Travel, came up with the idea for her millennial travel agency while scrolling on Facebook and seeing vacation deals posted by her sponsor. Realizing that she could get paid for something she already loved doing, she started her travel agency and hit $100,000 in travel sales within a year. With plans to reach $200,000 in sales by the end of the year, Marissa offers all-inclusive vacations, cruises, luxury villas, and more, with a payment plan option to make travel accessible for all.

How much they make: $84K/year How much did it cost to start: $200 Current team size: 1

Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.

2. Luxpitality ($4.92M/year)

Patrick Burkhardt and Rigel Bitterman, co-founders of Luxpitality, came up with the idea for their business while working in the hospitality industry. They saw a shift in the market with new-age clients looking for more localized and authentic experiences, and decided to focus on connecting these clients with independent boutique hotels. Since their launch in 2015, they have grown their hotel portfolio to over 650 hotels worldwide and have become one of the top 5 representation companies in the US.

How much they make: $4.92M/year Current team size: 3

Luxpitality co-founders discuss how they grew their business to over 650 hotels around the world, generating $410,000 in monthly revenue by assisting new-age companies to set the perfect stage for their meetings.

So... can you actually make money with a travel agency?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

• Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
• Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
• Take action , because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

3. Flight Expert Bangladesh ($18M/year)

Salman Rashid, Founder & CEO of Flight Expert, came up with the idea for his business after realizing the potential of online travel agencies in Bangladesh. Seeing the decline in revenue in his family's offline-based travel agency, Salman suggested starting an OTA to his father. Despite initial skepticism, Salman recognized the need for better technology, service culture, and the value of brand trust in the industry, leading to the launch of Flight Expert in 2017.

How much they make: $18M/year How much did it cost to start: $80K Current team size: 60

How a first-time founder grew the first-ever online travel agency in Bangladesh to 700+ airlines and one million-plus hotels worldwide, with a 50% increase in revenue in October 2021 compared to pre-Covid sales and aiming to hit break-even by March 2022.

4. CuddlyNest ($2.8M/year)

Ritesh Raj, the co-founder and COO of CuddlyNest, came up with the idea for the accommodation booking platform after years of traveling to over 100 countries and realizing the pain points of finding diverse types of accommodations. Alongside his co-founder, they decided to create a centralized platform that offers all kinds of properties for all types of travelers. Since its launch, CuddlyNest has raised over $14 million in funding and has plans for continued growth and expansion.

How much they make: $2.8M/year Current team size: 72

CuddlyNest has become the only online travel agency that offers all types of accommodations in one platform, with inventory currently including over 4 million properties of all types in 80k+ cities, and is expecting to hire more than fifty new employees in the coming months.

5. Pack Up + Go ($6.6M/year)

Lillian Rafson came up with the idea for Pack Up + Go during her travels in Riga, Latvia, where she met two women on a surprise vacation with a European travel agency. Realizing there was no similar service in the United States, Lillian decided to become a surprise travel agent herself. With a $50 investment in the domain, Pack Up + Go was born and has since sent over 25,000 travelers to 100+ destinations across the US.

How much they make: $6.6M/year How much did it cost to start: $250 Current team size: 30

Find out how Lillian Rafson started a travel agency that plans surprise getaways around the United States and sent 25,000+ travelers to 100+ destinations nationwide since launching in 2016, with a business model that takes a 20% service fee for planning trips and earns commission on hotel reservations.

6. The Travel Secret ($1.2M/year)

David Adler, founder of TheTravelSecret, came up with the idea while on vacation in Puerto Vallarta. After attending a timeshare presentation for a $2,000 discount, he realized there must be other hidden travel discounts available and wanted to create a platform that would give people access to these exclusive deals. TheTravelSecret now serves a wide range of demographics and aims to help people travel more for less money.

How much they make: $1.2M/year Current team size: 2

TheTravelSecret provides a platform where members have access to pricing on travel that is not available to the public, booking hotels, cars, cruises, flights, and vacation rentals at a discount.

7. Whisked Away Surprise Travel ($180K/year)

Charlotte Curry McGhee, founder of Whisked Away Surprise Travel, came up with the idea while on a weekend trip in Savannah, GA. As a passionate trip planner, she realized that she could turn it into a business and provide stress-free surprise trips for clients who couldn't decide where to go. After researching and finding inspiration in a similar company, she launched Whisked Away and has seen exponential revenue growth since then.

How much they make: $180K/year Current team size: 1

Whisked Away Surprise Travel is a curated travel service for clients overwhelmed by the planning process, with revenue growth exponentially increasing each year since its launch in March 2017.

8. Rayna Tours ($6M/year)

Manoj Tulsani and Kamlesh Ramchandani, founders of Rayna Tours and Travels, started their business a decade ago with no experience in the travel industry. Despite the challenges, they grew their venture into one of the UAE's leading destination management companies, earning over $40 million per year. Their success is attributed to their focus on exceptional customer experience, strategic investments in their own infrastructure, and the use of advanced technology to provide convenient travel services.

How much they make: $6M/year Current team size: 670

Rayna Tours and Travels, founded by Kamlesh Ramchandani and Manoj Tulsani, began its journey as a small travel counter inside a Dubai hotel, and has now grown into one of the UAE’s leading destination management companies with earnings exceeding $40 million per year.

9. The Vacation Hunt ($480K/year)

Roshni and Jeffs' idea for The Vacation Hunt came about after they planned a surprise vacation for a friend who loved the concept. They decided to start a business around it, offering surprise vacation packages where travelers fill out a survey and receive clues to their destination over social media. Since launching in 2017, they have been featured in news outlets like the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal, and rely on word-of-mouth and customer referrals to attract new clients.

How much they make: $480K/year Current team size: 2

The Vacation Hunt, run by Roshni and Jeff, is a surprise travel service that has gained popularity through social media sharing and word of mouth, offering unique packages that are created individually for each traveler based on their survey responses.

10. Urban Hiker SF ($45K/year)

After leaving her job at Google, Alexandra Kenin took time off to explore San Francisco and realized that others might want to experience the city's hidden gems. With inspiration from local hiking groups, Airbnb experiences, and coupon promotions, she started Urban Hiker SF, offering urban hiking tours that have attracted thousands of tourists and corporate clients, generating up to $8,000 per month in revenue during the peak tourist season. Alexandra also established herself as an expert on hiking in San Francisco by writing a book and partnering with travel marketplaces and DMCs.

How much they make: $45K/year Current team size: 0

Alexandra Kenin started Urban Hiker SF in 2012, offering urban hiking tours around San Francisco and making $40,000 to $45,000 every year, with corporate tours being the biggest money maker, and has also written a book, Urban Trails San Francisco, which has sold over 8,000 copies since its launch in 2016.

11. Cubby Inc ($24K/year)

turn out to be a game-changer. Listening to feedback and constantly improving based on customer needs is crucial for the success of any business. Trusting your instincts and having the courage to take action is also key.

How much they make: $24K/year Current team size: 1

Cubby is an online luggage storage marketplace that launched in July 2019, storing 700+ bags and expanding to 10 cities in the US, with plans to be in major cities across the country by the end of the year.

12. SkyAlliance ($33.6K/year)

Andrew Norton, an airport security officer at Heathrow Airport, came up with the idea for SkyAlliance while witnessing passengers who had missed their flights and faced exorbitant fees to rebook. Recognizing the need for a solution, Norton built a travel search engine to help people find affordable flights and hotels. Despite facing setbacks and financial constraints, Norton persevered and launched the successful business, generating over £2,300 in monthly income.

How much they make: $33.6K/year Current team size: 1

An airport security officer built a successful travel search engine, SkyAlliance, generating an average income of £2,300/month and last month welcomed over 3,500 unique web visitors, all from starting with no knowledge of web design, coding, or software development.

13. HelpStay ($48K/year)

After working in various roles in the IT industry, Shay Gleeson had a passion for travel and noticed that many backpacker hostels offered free accommodation in exchange for help. He decided to create HelpStay, a subscription-based volunteering platform that connects travelers with hosts who need assistance. Since its launch in 2014, HelpStay has generated an average monthly recurring revenue of $4,000 and has built a community of travelers who can explore the world with purpose.

How much they make: $48K/year Current team size: 3

This case study details the success of HelpStay, a subscription-based volunteering platform, which currently has an MRR averaging approximately USD $4,000 and has utilized a Facebook group as a low-cost source of both traffic and paid signups.

14. Visa List ($264K/year)

Hari realized that the visa application process lacked a one-stop online resource for travelers. He decided to aggregate all relevant information and present it in a simplified format.

How much they make: $264K/year How much did it cost to start: $100 Current team size: 0

Visa List is a successful micro start-up that provides one-stop visa information for travellers, earning $5000/month on average with 350K monthly active users and has helped over 2 million users with their visa requirements, all starting from a personal frustration with visa processes.

15. Five Star Thailand Tours ($720K/year)

Nok, the co-founder of Five Star Thailand Tours, came up with the idea for his business after realizing the lack of quality choices for booking boat tours in the popular tourist destination of southern Thailand. He saw a demand for a mid-range boat tour option that focused on providing excellent service at a reasonable price. Starting from a rented beach shack, Five Star Thailand Tours has grown to generate over $750,000 in annual revenue and has welcomed customers from 119 countries worldwide.

How much they make: $720K/year Current team size: 9

Five Star Thailand Tours has grown from humble beginnings, selling boat tours from a rented wooden beach shack, to generating revenues in excess of $750,000 per annum, with room for further growth, by offering mid-range, semi-private boat tours for travelers seeking quality service at an affordable price.

16. Gifted Travel Network ($500K/year)

How much they make: $500K/year How much did it cost to start: $100K Current team size: 22

Gifted Travel Network generated $30 million in sales from travel reservations made using their credentials in 2019, promoting travel entrepreneurship through offering professional development programs, exemplary service and a supportive community.

17. Blue Sky Luxury Travels ($5M/year)

How much they make: $5M/year Current team size:

Blue Sky Luxury Travels is a multi-million dollar, ultra-luxury travel agency that offers worldwide services, including weekly rates ranging from $10,000 to more than $1 million for their network of luxury villas, private islands, and yacht charters.

18. Tripadvisor ($1.37B/year)

How much they make: $1.37B/year Current team size: 2956

Tripadvisor is a global travel advice network with over 1 billion reviews and recommendations from almost 8 million companies that generated 902 million U.S. dollars in global revenue in 2021, representing a 49% increase from the previous year.

• 51 Trending Travel Agency Businesses [2024] 1 of 12
• Travel Agency Business Plan (Why You Need One & How to Write It) 2 of 12
• 250+ Creative Travel Agency Slogans 3 of 12
• How Profitable Is A Travel Agency? (Updated for 2024) 4 of 12
• 1,000+ Catchy Travel Agency Names 5 of 12
• 13 Tips For Starting A Successful Travel Agency (2024) 6 of 12
• How To Finance A Travel Agency? [2024] 7 of 12
• 39 Pros & Cons Of Starting A Travel Agency (2024) 8 of 12
• 775+ Best Instagram Bios For Travel Agents 9 of 12
• How To Start A Travel Agency 10 of 12
• How Much Does It Cost To Start A Travel Agency? (In 2024) 11 of 12
• 51 Marketing Ideas For A Travel Agency (2024) 12 of 12

19. Total Travel Solution ($240K/year)

Nishan Rajakaruna, the CEO & Founder of Total Travel Solution in Sri Lanka, came up with the idea for his travel agency after reading a tea-export company's brochure that mentioned being a "total tea solution." He decided to create a company called Total Travel Solution and partnered with a leading travel agent in Spain, which changed his life and made TTS a successful company. Despite challenges in the tourism industry, TTS remains a leading travel agency in Sri Lanka.

How much they make: $240K/year How much did it cost to start: $1K Current team size: 5

Total Travel Solution is a 6-figure (USD) company that sells the best quality Sri Lanka and Maldives tour packages to tourists from all over the world, generating a sales revenue of about USD 2 million from 2012 to 2018 while maintaining their growth through honest, trustworthy, and high-quality services.

20. Captain Experiences ($1.2M/year)

Jonathan Newar, the Co-Founder and CEO of Captain Experiences, came up with the idea for the business while trying to book a fishing trip in Houston, TX. Frustrated by the lack of an easy, user-friendly platform for booking fishing charters, he decided to create Captain Experiences. Since its launch in March 2020, Captain has become the largest platform for booking fishing guides in the US, with over 1,200 guides partnered, 47,000 hours booked, and an average review score of 4.9/5 stars.

How much they make: $1.2M/year Current team size: 10

Captain Experiences, a platform for booking outdoor sports guides, has reported booking over 47,000 hours in outdoor sports and partnering with over 1,200 guides since launching in March 2020, with a 4.9/5 star review average.

• 4,818 founder case studies
• Access to our founder directory
• Live events, courses and recordings
• 8,628 business ideas
• $1M in software savings

Join our free newsletter to get unlimited access to all startup data. We just need your email:

Check your email

If there's a Starter Story account associated with that email you'll get an email with a link to automatically log in. The link will expire in 15 minutes.

Your existing password still works, should you want to log in with it later.

With Starter Story, you can see exactly how online businesses get to millions in revenue.

Dive into our database of 4,418 case studies & join our community of thousands of successful founders.

Join our free newsletter to get access now. We just need your email:

• Czech Republic
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America

Airline Tickets

We are here 24/7/365 for emergency assistance

Jets and Yachts Rental

One stop shop for all your transportation needs from a simple train to the most luxurious Jet or Yacht

Concierge Services

Let us book your restaurants and provide you with our recommendations all the way during your trip

Hotel Booking

Competitive with upgraded advantages especially within our Serandipians Partners

Who we are?

At Travel Story, we strive to redefine your notion of what is possible. Our Aim is to let you discover every destination through the eyes of its former resident.

We consistently go above and beyond the call of duty. Whether you are heading for a business trip, looking for a simple solo traveler journey or planning the most luxurious experience, from the smallest boutique hotel to the biggest hotel chain,

Our Featured Packages

Vietnam & Cambodia

Rio De Janeiro

See all offers

Corporate Events

Holidays at travel story.

Holidays at Travel Story are the result of a rigorous selection made to answer the most specific travel needs for families, Couples & Groups… customize your upcoming voyage and benefit from the expertise of our travel experts because our experience will make yours! From a breathtaking journey in Europe to an exotic gateway in Asia passing by a luxury stay over the Islands, Travel Story has gathered the most beautiful trips to experience in 2018 with the finest hotels & club resorts in the Mediterranean including also guided tours and safaris all over the globe.

“Travel Story has gathered the most beautiful trips to experience with the finest hotels & club resorts in the Mediterranean including also guided tours and safaris all over the globe.”

Luxury Travel Experience

Tcs world travel.

Our classic private jet journey offers a life list of destinations to some of the world’s most iconic places...

PRINTEMPS VIP EXPERIENCE

Printemps is the world leading department store for Fashion, Luxury and Beauty since 1865...

THE JAMESON DISTILLERY MIDLETON

Visit the workplace of Jameson to see for yourself where it all happens...

PRIVATE HELICOPTER TOURS

Taking a helicopter tour of the city of Dubai is a privilege that few get to enjoy...

DISNEY VIP EXPERIENCE

See Disneyland Paris like never before. With the VIP tours at Disneyland Paris...

AMBER LOUNGE

Amber Lounge Monaco 2019 will unite VIP race viewing and celebrity yachts... Show...

Testimonials

Nader and rim.

[email protected]

Our Contacts

+961 5 766 660

+961 71 004 002

+971 4 880 56 86

+971 58 58 18 013

Copyright © 2023 Travel Story Lebanon. All Rights Reserved.

Request a call back

Passenger Name:

Contact no.

Date of travel:

Powered by WP Popups

Auditor general slams travel-nurse contracts, says Vitalité withheld information

Paul martin’s report says private company’s deployment of nurses didn’t match staff absences.

Social Sharing

New Brunswick's auditor general is criticizing the Vitalité health authority for its handling of $123 million in travel-nurse contracts — and for its refusal to hand over key information about the agreements.

Paul Martin acknowledges in his audit that the health system was facing dire staffing shortages in 2022 when the authority signed its first contract with Canadian Health Labs.

But he says the deployment of travel nurses in Vitalité's hospitals "did not correlate with staff absences due to COVID-19" — one of the main rationales provided for the reliance on travel nurses — or with unplanned staff absences.

"The contracts with private nursing agencies were not reflective of best practices and did not demonstrate value for money," Martin said. 

What is "quite scary," he told MLAs Tuesday, is that the current Canadian Health Labs contract with Vitalité allows the company to deploy nurses "regardless of the actual need" and still be paid up to $85 million during the life of the agreement. 

"They're going to get paid money this year if you don't use them," he said.

At the same time, when the contract expires in 2026 it can be automatically renewed up to five times if the company meets bilingualism thresholds.

"I bet a lot of people would love to get a contract like this, and I would challenge government to do better — way better. This is not good."

'Lack of ownership' demonstrated, says AG

Vitalité said in a statement that most of Martin's recommendations are already standard practice, "while others will be implemented in the coming days."

The authority claimed, incorrectly, that Martin failed to mention "the emergency situation" in health care at the time the contracts were signed along with other "information and testimonials" not reflected in the audit.

In a response published as an appendix to his report, the health authority disputes many of Martin's findings — which Martin in turn rebutted during his appearance Tuesday at the legislature's public accounts committee.

He said given the health authority's pushback, his office was unable to reach conclusions about whether it agreed with the findings.

‘I’m shocked’: auditor general on Vitalité’s travel nurse contracts

"We are very concerned with the lack of ownership for the issues identified and unwillingness to clearly accept our recommendations," he said.

The health authority is a large organization spending huge amounts of money to provide health care to New Brunswickers, he said. 

"The oversight and accountability for those funds requires significantly more due diligence than what has been demonstrated to us during our work." 

In Question Period, Premier Blaine Higgs said he was "disappointed" with what Martin uncovered and called on both health authorities to follow the recommendations.

"I do take responsibility because it's not acceptable," Higgs said. 

"It's clear that the contracts that were signed were not the best value for the taxpayers of New Brunswick." 

Social Development Minister Jill Green said she and Health Minister Bruce Fitch have been working with government lawyers from the attorney general's office on "how we can extricate ourselves from these contracts."

At the end of Tuesday's public accounts committee meeting, MLAs from all three parties voted unanimously to call Vitalité, Horizon Health, and the departments of social development and health to testify before June 30 about the contracts.

Progressive Conservative MLA Jeff Carr called Vitalité's approach "an insult" to taxpayers.

"What I'm seeing here with the lack of accountability … flies in the face of what our government stands for," he said.

"I really worry about the signal it sends to the rest of the good people in the system." 

Liberal MLA Benoit Bourque, a former health minister, said Martin's audit was "by far the most scathing report" he'd seen during a decade in politics. 

"This is beyond words."

Green Party MLA Megan Mitton told Martin that Canadian Health Labs must be "laughing all the way to the bank. They have had quite a lucrative time in New Brunswick so far."

Martin also found no proper bidding process, no legal review of the contracts and no review before Canadian Health Labs was paid for its travel nurses in long-term care homes under a separate contract with the Department of Social Development, the audit says. 

His audit also criticized Horizon Health's travel-nurse contracts but said it did a better job ensuring that the services it was paying for were delivered.

He contrasted Horizon's approach with Vitalite's decision to hire Canadian Health Labs without a bidding process, noting Horizon was able to choose among proposals from 37 travel-nurse agencies and did not pick that company.

"It seems like there's some fish in the pond," he said.

Martin casts doubt on Vitalité's rationale for its heavy spending on travel nurses: that French-speaking nurses are harder to recruit, which created a more severe shortage at the health authority's facilities, which operate in French.

The auditor general says the contract required that Canadian Health Labs provide only "limited" service in French in some hospitals.

Won't rule out court action

He also says Vitalité refused to give his office three internal audits it conducted itself into its contracts with the company, a violation of the Auditor General Act which says the office is entitled to "free access" to all documents whether they're confidential or not.

"Due to the lack of co-operation from Vitalité, risks that they identified in the audit reports and to what extent those risks were addressed is not known," Martin's report says.

"It is critical that government organizations understand the powers of the Auditor General and comply with the Auditor General Act."

• Travel nurse costs help push Vitalité nearly $98M over budget
• Auditor general begins probe of travel nurse contracts in N.B.

Martin told MLAs that he wasn't ruling out going to court to force the health authority to turn over the three internal audits. 

Vitalité said in its statement it had been "irreproachable" in its co-operation with Martin's office and the three audits were withheld only because the health authority "is in the midst of a dispute with one of the companies targeted in this investigation" and sharing them might have hurt negotiations. 

In its rebuttal in the audit's appendix, Vitalité says its use of travel nurses allowed it to avoid:

The closure of the Campbellton Regional Hospital's emergency department.

A two-thirds reduction in emergency capacity at Moncton's Dr. Georges-L. Dumont University Hospital Centre.

The closure of the Restigouche Hospital Centre, the province's forensic psychology facility.

"The network had to act quickly to counter the nursing shortage," it says.

$98M in contracts with one company

Martin's audit did not include an examination of the Department of Health's role because it did not sign any travel-nurse contracts, he said.

He added that Tuesday's audit was only "a piece of this" but he wanted to get his findings out quickly, and his office may do more work on travel nurse issues in the future.

The total value of all travel contracts with 10 companies was $173 million, Martin said. 

The largest amount was $98 million for three contracts between Vitalité and Canadian Health Labs.

The company's CEO, Bill Hennessey, said in an email he was travelling Tuesday and would likely be unable to respond to questions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.

Related Stories

• Ghosts of Atcon affair haunt debate over travel-nurse contracts
• Sobeys lands untendered contract connected to Nova Scotia Loyal program
• Ottawa Hospital paid $500K to auditor for lawsuit that never went to trial
• Transparency lacking in implementation of N.B. housing strategy, auditor general says
• Province has no effective system to ensure school bus safety, says N.B. auditor general

• Asia - Pacific
• Middle East - Africa
• Apologetics
• Benedict XVI
• Catholic Links
• Church Fathers
• Life & Family
• Liturgical Calendar
• Pope Francis
• CNA Newsletter
• Editors Service About Us Advertise Privacy

Where are all the pilgrims? The current state of religious tourism in the Holy Land

By Marinella Bandini

Jerusalem, Jun 4, 2024 / 07:00 am

During the month of May in Jerusalem, the major holidays of the three major religions — Christian Easter, Jewish Passover, and the month of Ramadan — passed with an almost total absence of pilgrims from abroad.

The holy sites and the streets of the Old City are usually crowded with tourists and pilgrims at this time of year, but they have been empty for the past eight months due to the Israel-Hamas war.

Muslims orderly make their way to the entrances of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound for noon prayer, but otherwise, the Via Dolorosa is completely empty. There are no pilgrims ascending to the Holy Sepulcher. The Sanctuary of the Flagellation, maintained by the Franciscans at the starting point of the Via Crucis path, is always open — but that is empty, too.

Things aren’t any better at Gethsemane. 

“Before the war, we had more than a hundred groups a day. Today, we welcome two or three groups on a good day,” Brother Siniša Srebrenović, the guardian of the Franciscan Convent of the Agony (Gethsemane), told CNA. “They mostly come from Asia or South America. Some come from Eastern Europe, mainly Orthodox Christians.”

The absence of pilgrims also means the absence of income.

“We friars sustain ourselves with the offerings of the pilgrims. The charity of the pilgrims also helps cover the maintenance expenses of the sanctuary and some development projects,” Srebrenović explained. “Today, everything is at a standstill. Workers from the Palestinian Territories do not have permission to come, and the financial resources are only enough for the ordinary. Despite this, the custody continues to financially support its workers and has not laid off any of them.”

At the Holy Sepulcher, the waiting time to enter the edicule (where Jesus’ tomb is kept) is just a few minutes, compared with up to two hours last year. The daily procession of the Franciscan friars inside the basilica is attended by only a handful of faithful — mostly residents of Jerusalem.

Even Bethlehem is empty 

“Tourism in Palestine is effectively zeroed out. Every day we lose $2.5 million,” lamented Majed Ishaq, director general of the marketing department of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Palestine.

He described to CNA a dramatic situation: “Tourist facilities are closed; people working in the sector — including many Christians — have had no income for months. People are trying to sell houses, cars, furniture, to survive.”

“International tourism passes through Israel; they control our borders. We are under a kind of siege,” Ishaq continued. “Reaching Bethlehem is still possible, but cities in the north, like Nablus or Jenin, and also Hebron further south, are almost unreachable. Even local tourism and internal travel are severely affected due to attacks by settlers.”

Some groups arrive, especially via Jordan. The hope is that something will move at least by the end of the year, especially for the Christmas holidays.

According to data from the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, just over 80,000 people (tourists and pilgrims combined) entered the country in April — a decrease of 77% compared with April 2023 and 80% compared with April 2019, the peak year before the pandemic.

Cumulatively, from January through April, about 285,000 tourist arrivals were recorded, a decrease of about 78% in relation to the corresponding period in 2023.

More in Middle East - Africa

Jerusalem’s Marian procession: A call for peace in war-torn Gaza

“The decline is attributed to the impact of the ‘Iron Swords’ war [the name Israel has given to the campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip following the events of Oct. 7, 2023] although in the months that have passed since the outbreak of the war, there has been a certain increase in the number of tourist arrivals to Israel, but it is not yet possible to identify any trend.”

Dr. Yaron Ergas, director of research, statistics, and information management at the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, told CNA that “the Ministry of Tourism conducts a survey among incoming tourists, where they are asked several questions including the main purpose of their visit. Tourists choosing ‘pilgrimage/faith based tour’ are considered religious tourists. That percentage, in 2019, was 16.6%” out of about 5 million entries.

At the outbreak of the war, in October 2023, “we stopped the surveys,” Ergas explained, so there is no useful data on religious tourism since then.

“Recovery is not expected until late 2025,” he added.

Other statistics, focused on Christian pilgrims, were provided to CNA by the Christian Information Centre (CIC), sponsored by the Custody of the Holy Land. CIC has been providing information about Christianity and on the Holy Land, including shrines, holy places, and liturgies, for more than 50 years. Additionally, it is the only official channel for booking Masses in the holy sites.

From October to December 2023, approximately 2,800 groups (107,000 individuals) had booked at least one celebration through the CIC, and they all canceled as soon as the war broke out. Of these, 95% were Catholics and 4% were Protestants. Ninety percent were groups from abroad. From January to April of this year, the groups registered by the CIC ranged from 100 to 200 per month (averaging 5,000 to 6,000 individuals per month).

(Story continues below)

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The lack of Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land is especially due to the fact that many companies are unwilling to issue insurance policies for those heading to a territory considered dangerous and risky.

Arrivals from Southeast Asia and South America continue, however (while the United States remains the top country for entries, the second group surprisingly comprises Indonesians). This is largely due — as the pilgrims themselves admit — to the fact that agencies do not refund prepaid trips, which many have invested their life savings in. This compels people to travel despite everything.

“We want to encourage Jews and Christians leaders to push their believers to come on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We assume, and I think it is correct, that there’s a desire to come and visit,” Pini Shani, deputy director general and head of marketing administration of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, shared with CNA.

Hopes for the 2025 Jubilee

In 2025 there will be two interesting events for religious tourism in the Holy Land.

“A special exhibition of the Isahia scrolls will be held in 2025 at the Israel Museum to commemorate its 60th anniversary. We are confident that many people will show interest. We will try to engage people who come on pilgrimage to the Holy Land to visit this special exhibition,” Shani said.

Furthermore, in 2025, Catholics will celebrate a jubilee year.

“We were very encouraged by the pope’s call for the jubilee,” Shani said. “The churches of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the Annunciation in Nazareth, and the Nativity in Bethlehem will be jubilee places; people will be encouraged to visit them, and we’re sure it will help to recover tourism.”

The main Christian religious leaders in the Holy Land have never stopped issuing appeals to pilgrims to return to the holy places. “Do not be afraid, return to Jerusalem and to the Holy Land! Your presence is always a presence of peace, and we sincerely need peace today; may you come and bring us your peace,” said the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, at the end of the Palm Sunday procession.

An echo of those words is found in the message released by the Dicastery for Evangelization on May 28, on the occasion of the 45th World Tourism Day, to be held on Sept. 27 on the theme “Tourism and Peace.” 

“The interest that moves millions of tourists can easily be linked with the commitment to brotherhood, so as to constitute a network of ‘messengers of peace’ who speak to the entire world to invoke the end of all war and the reopening of territories full of history, culture, and faith. ... Being peace-builders is not only possible; it is required of those who embark on a journey,” the dicastery’s message said.  

• Catholic News ,
• Pilgrimage sites ,
• Israel-Hamas war ,
• Christians in Holy Land

Our mission is the truth. Join us!

Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.

You may also like

Archaeological discovery sheds light on Christian pilgrimages to Holy Land 1,500 years ago

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have discovered a Byzantine-period church in the northern Negev desert with wall art displaying ships.

Cardinal Pizzaballa: Peace in Holy Land built on dialogue, action

“Peace needs the testimony of clear and strong gestures on the part of all believers, but it also needs to be announced and defended by equally clear words.”

Palestinian Christians carried a statue of Mary through the streets of Jerusalem to ask Our Lady of Palestine to intercede for peace in the Holy Land.

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

CDC updates and simplifies respiratory virus recommendations

Recommendations are easier to follow and help protect those most at risk

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 1, 2024 Contact: Media Relations (404) 639-3286

CDC released today updated recommendations  for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers. CDC is making updates to the recommendations now because the U.S. is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV.

“Today’s announcement reflects the progress we have made in protecting against severe illness from COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen. “However, we still must use the commonsense solutions we know work to protect ourselves and others from serious illness from respiratory viruses—this includes vaccination, treatment, and staying home when we get sick.”

As part of the guidance, CDC provides active recommendations on core prevention steps and strategies:

• Staying  up to date with vaccination   to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
• Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
• Taking steps for cleaner air , such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.

When people get sick with a respiratory virus, the updated guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others. For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.

Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems. CDC’s updated guidance reflects how the circumstances around COVID-19 in particular have changed.  While it remains a threat, today it is far less likely to cause severe illness because of widespread immunity and improved tools to prevent and treat the disease.  Importantly, states and countries that have already adjusted recommended isolation times have not seen increased hospitalizations or deaths related to COVID-19.

While every respiratory virus does not act the same, adopting a unified approach to limiting disease spread makes recommendations easier to follow and thus more likely to be adopted and does not rely on individuals to test for illness, a practice that data indicates is uneven.

“The bottom line is that when people follow these actionable recommendations to avoid getting sick, and to protect themselves and others if they do get sick, it will help limit the spread of respiratory viruses, and that will mean fewer people who experience severe illness,” National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Director Dr. Demetre Daskalakis said. “That includes taking enhanced precautions that can help protect people who are at higher risk for getting seriously ill.”

The updated guidance also includes specific sections with additional considerations for people who are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses, including people who are immunocompromised, people with disabilities, people who are or were recently pregnant, young children, and older adults. Respiratory viruses remain a public health threat. CDC will continue to focus efforts on ensuring the public has the information and tools to lower their risk or respiratory illness by protecting themselves, families, and communities.

This updated guidance is intended for community settings. There are no changes to respiratory virus guidance for healthcare settings.

### U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC’s world-leading experts protect lives and livelihoods, national security and the U.S. economy by providing timely, commonsense information, and rapidly identifying and responding to diseases, including outbreaks and illnesses. CDC drives science, public health research, and data innovation in communities across the country by investing in local initiatives to protect everyone’s health.

To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:

• Data & Statistics
• Freedom of Information Act Office

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Eastern Europe
• Moscow Oblast

Elektrostal

Elektrostal Localisation : Country Russia , Oblast Moscow Oblast . Available Information : Geographical coordinates , Population, Area, Altitude, Weather and Hotel . Nearby cities and villages : Noginsk , Pavlovsky Posad and Staraya Kupavna .

Information

Find all the information of Elektrostal or click on the section of your choice in the left menu.

• Update data

Elektrostal Demography

Information on the people and the population of Elektrostal.

Elektrostal Geography

Geographic Information regarding City of Elektrostal .

Elektrostal Distance

Distance (in kilometers) between Elektrostal and the biggest cities of Russia.

Elektrostal Map

Locate simply the city of Elektrostal through the card, map and satellite image of the city.

Elektrostal Nearby cities and villages

Elektrostal weather.

Weather forecast for the next coming days and current time of Elektrostal.

Elektrostal Sunrise and sunset

Find below the times of sunrise and sunset calculated 7 days to Elektrostal.

Elektrostal Hotel

Our team has selected for you a list of hotel in Elektrostal classified by value for money. Book your hotel room at the best price.

Elektrostal Nearby

Below is a list of activities and point of interest in Elektrostal and its surroundings.

Elektrostal Page

• Information /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#info
• Demography /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#demo
• Geography /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#geo
• Distance /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#dist1
• Map /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#map
• Nearby cities and villages /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#dist2
• Weather /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#weather
• Sunrise and sunset /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#sun
• Hotel /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#hotel
• Nearby /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#around
• Page /Russian-Federation--Moscow-Oblast--Elektrostal#page
• Terms of Use
• Copyright © 2024 DB-City - All rights reserved
• Change Ad Consent Do not sell my data

Israel-Gaza latest: Hamas responds to ceasefire proposal - as Netanyahu casts doubt on deal

Joe Biden announced a surprise plan with three phases: the first would be a six-week ceasefire, the second the return of remaining hostages, and the third a reconstruction plan for Gaza. We'll be bringing you all the reaction to this throughout the day.

Sunday 2 June 2024 07:16, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• US President Joe Biden announces new ceasefire and hostage deal proposal
• Hamas views latest proposed deal 'positively'
• Israel's conditions for ending the war have not changed, Netanyahu's office says
• Chances of ceasefire 'not that realistic', expert says  
• Egypt making 'intensive efforts' to resume negotiations - report
• Israeli opposition leader urges Netanyahu to take deal - and says he will prop up government
• Explained: What is in Biden's three-phase plan?
• Analysis: Israel seemed blindsided by Biden announcement
• Live reporting by Emily Mee

We will be focusing on our general election coverage tomorrow, but we'll be back with more live updates on the Israel-Hamas war next week. 

Models Bella and Gigi Hadid are collectively donating one million dollars (£785,000) to support relief efforts, according to their agent. 

The money will go to Heal Palestine, Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), World Central Kitchen (WCK), and United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

The sisters have frequently been vocal in their support for Gaza, and their father Mohamed Anwar Hadid is himself Palestinian. 

After Hamas's 7 October attack on Israel, Gigi, 29, offered her condolences to those affected.

"My thoughts are with all those affected by this unjustifiable tragedy, and every day that innocent lives are taken by this conflict - too many of which are children," she wrote on Instagram.

"I have deep empathy and heartbreak for the Palestinian struggle and life under occupation, it's a responsibility I hold daily."

She added: "While I have hopes and dreams for Palestinians, none of them include the harm of a Jewish person."

Bella, 27, said in May that she was "devastated at the loss of the Palestinian people and the lack of empathy coming from the government systems worldwide".

The United Nations food agency has said it is unable to feed most civilians in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. 

Only 27,000 people in Rafah are currently being reached by the World Food Programme (WFP), according to its local director Matthew Hollingworth. 

Roughly one million Palestinians are living in the area, many of them displaced from other parts of Gaza. 

"The sounds, the smells, the everyday life are horrific and apocalyptic," Mr Hollingworth told journalists. 

"People sleep to the sounds of bombing, they sleep to the sounds of drones, they sleep to the sounds of war, as now tanks roll into parts of central Rafah, which is only kilometers away. And they wake to the same sounds." 

A ceasefire proposal consisting of three phases has been outlined by Joe Biden. 

What do those phases entail, what have Israel and Hamas said about the plan and how does it compare to the last proposal?

Read more below...

The French president has backed the ceasefire proposal set out by Joe Biden last night. 

Emmanuel Macron said he supported the proposal for "a durable peace" and that the war "must end". 

France is also working with partners in the region on "peace and security for all", he said. 

A high-level official has said Egypt is undertaking "intensive efforts" to "resume negotiations" for a ceasefire and hostage deal, according to a report. 

The official, quoted by Al-Qahera TV, said this was "in light of the recent American proposition". 

Last night, Joe Biden detailed a ceasefire and hostage deal proposal that he said Israel had put to Hamas. 

However, Israeli officials have told our correspondents they were "blindsided" by the announcement. 

If it works, then this will be a smart and cunning diplomatic move.

If it doesn't then President Joe Biden will look foolish.

He knows the huge risk of once again being taken for a ride by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Few knew that he was due to make this announcement.

Read more from our US correspondent Mark Stone below...

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has said 33 of its employees have been killed in Gaza since the war began. 

Of those, it said 19 were killed "while performing their humanitarian duties". 

The organisation today buried Mohammed Jihad Abed, an employee in the disaster risk management department. 

He was killed in an Israeli attack on his home in Rafah last night. 

American, Egyptian and Israeli officials will be meeting tomorrow in Cairo to discuss the reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing, according to a report. 

Egypt is insisting that Israel withdraw its forces from the crossing, a high-level source told Egypt's state-linked Al Qahera TV. 

Israel seized the Gaza side of the crossing last month during its offensive in the city of Rafah. 

Earlier this week, a member of Egypt's security forces was killed in a shooting incident near the Rafah crossing.

An Egyptian soldier stationed on a watchtower had reacted to seeing an armoured vehicle carrying Israeli troops cross a boundary line near the border while the soldiers pursued and killed several Palestinians, two Egyptian security sources told Reuters news agency. 

The soldier opened fire and Israeli forces fired back, killing him, the sources said, sparking an exchange of gunfire between the two sides. 

The British prime minister has praised the proposed ceasefire deal set out by Joe Biden, saying it is "welcome news". 

Rishi Sunak said he hopes Hamas "takes this opportunity to take this deal that is on the table, [and] that would ensure hostages can be released and be back with their families". 

He also expressed hopes to "flood Gaza with far more aid than has been getting in" and to "use that pause in the fighting to build a sustainable and lasting peace". 

Mr Sunak joins a growing group of world leaders expressing support for the deal, which will only put more pressure on Israel and Hamas. 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free