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The rate of inflation exceeded 10% during September which is likely to lead to more interest rate rises from the Bank of England.
The UK’s rail network is set to face more major disruption in early November after the RMT union called three more days of strikes.
Elsewhere, Thailand is expecting a weak currency to boost the recovery of its tourism industry and Carnival has raised another $2 billion through a cruise ship-backed bond.
And finally, United Airways’ passengers had a shock when they spotted a snake slithering around the business class cabin during a flight in the US.
Here are the headlines that the travel industry woke up to on Wednesday (19 October).
Inflation soars to 10.1% amid rising food costs
The UK’s rate of inflation rose to 10.1% in September, up from 9.9% in August, adding pressure on the Bank of England to continue raising interest rates to bring down prices. (The Times)
More rail strikes to take place in November
Rail workers are set to go on strike for another three days on 3, 5 and 7 November in the continuation of a long-running dispute between the RMT union and train companies over pay and conditions. (Sky News)
UK pensions U-turn leaves Truss in fresh peril
Prime minister Liz Truss has dropped her promise to increase state pensions in line with inflation, which is likely to trigger new rows with many Conservative MPs. Meanwhile opinion polls show Truss has now become the most unpopular UK leader on record. (Various)
Weak currency helps to boost tourism to Thailand
Thailand’s finance minister said that a weak baht would help the country’s crucial tourism industry to recover more quickly from the pandemic as the destination would be seen as “value for money” by international visitors. (Bloomberg)
Carnival borrows $2bn as investors clamour for cruise ship-backed bond
Cruise giant Carnival Corp has borrowed $2 billion through a bond that is using 12 of its newest ships as collateral. The company was able to raise more money than the $1.25 billion it had originally hoped to secure due to strong demand from investors for the bond. (Financial Times)
Snake on a plane: reptile causes emotional turbulence on United Airlines jet
Business class passengers had a shock when they spotted a snake onboard a United Airlines flight from Florida to New Jersey. The reptile, later identified as a harmless garter snake, was seen in the business cabin after the aircraft had landed at Newark. (The Guardian)
