Tuesday, 20 October 2026

Tech Tourism: Travelling Through the World of Tomorrow

Published: Saturday, May 09, 2026
Tech Tourism: Travelling Through the World of Tomorrow
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As global travel trends evolve, technology enthusiasts are no longer limiting their journeys to beaches, mountains or historical landmarks. Major tech corporations are now emerging as tourist attractions, offering visitors a glimpse into the world behind some of the planet’s most influential innovations.

For decades, technology firms were associated with highly restricted office environments and strict security. That image is gradually changing. Companies including Google, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Intel and Tesla are partially opening their campuses and facilities to the public through visitor experiences, exhibitions and guided tours.

Google: An Open Space for Innovation

Although access to Google’s internal offices remains restricted, visitors can freely explore the famous Googleplex campus in California. The sprawling complex has become known for its creative atmosphere and open design, allowing guests to experience a workplace built around collaboration and innovation.

Nearby Shoreline Lake Park also offers visitors a combination of nature and technology-focused surroundings.

Tourists can see Android-themed sculptures, colourful Google bicycles and environmentally conscious architectural designs across the campus.

Meta: Experiencing Social Media in Real Life

Meta’s headquarters offers public access to selected outdoor areas, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the environment behind platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

Guests often visit the site to take photos and create social media content around the company’s iconic branding. Entry to interior office spaces, however, requires an invitation from a Meta employee.

Among the main attractions are the well-known “Like” thumb sign, modern open-office architecture and, for invited guests, a closer look at the company’s workplace culture.

Apple: Design Meets Technology

Apple’s visitor centre in California has become a major attraction for technology fans and iPhone users alike. Visitors can enter during scheduled hours and explore the company’s futuristic campus experience.

One of the centre’s highlights is its augmented reality presentation, where special iPads allow users to digitally explore Apple Park, including interior building layouts, lighting changes throughout the day and surrounding landscapes.

Exclusive Apple merchandise is also available at the venue.

Microsoft: A Journey Through Computing History

Located inside Building 92 at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, the Microsoft Visitor Center showcases the company’s history, products and latest technological developments.

The centre includes interactive displays featuring Windows, Xbox and Surface devices, alongside exhibits tracing the evolution of Microsoft’s software and hardware innovations.

The facility remains open to the public during office hours.

Intel Museum: Understanding the Microchip Revolution

The Intel Museum in Santa Clara, California, introduces visitors to the history of semiconductor technology and processor manufacturing.

The museum highlights more than five decades of Intel innovation, including live demonstrations, chip-production stages and the evolution of transistor technology. Entry is free of charge.

Computer History Museum: Preserving the Digital Age

Situated in Mountain View, California, the Computer History Museum documents the development of computing, artificial intelligence and the internet era.

Visitors can explore vintage computers, historical technology artefacts and guided exhibitions explaining the rise of Silicon Valley and the information age. Tickets are required for entry.

Tesla’s ‘Factory of the Future’

Tesla also offers limited factory tours through advance reservations. Visitors can observe robotic vehicle manufacturing systems and assembly-line operations, providing insight into modern automotive production.

Travel Advice for Visitors

Travellers are advised to check official websites before visiting, as some locations may require reservations or prior approval. Visitors should also follow company regulations and respect photography restrictions inside designated areas.

Tech tourism is increasingly becoming more than a photo opportunity. For many travellers, these destinations offer a rare chance to witness how future technologies are being developed in real time.

FG Reviews Nigeria-Germany Aviation Deal as Eurowings Eyes New Route

Published: Saturday, September 05, 2026
FG Reviews Nigeria-Germany Aviation Deal as Eurowings Eyes New Route
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Nigeria and Germany are working to modernise their aviation relationship through a review and planned ratification of their existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), as Lufthansa Group prepares to broaden its operations in the country.

The development followed a meeting in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and representatives of Lufthansa Group.

The delegation included Alexandra Dietzen-Zill, Senior Manager for Aeropolitical Relations and Traffic Rights at Lufthansa Group, and Walid Mahmud, Sales Executive at Lufthansa Technik, Aero Alzey. Discussions centred on the BASA signed by Nigeria and Germany in 2010.

Lufthansa representatives said the agreement now requires updating and ratification to reflect changes in the aviation relationship between the two countries.

Dietzen-Zill praised the Nigerian government for reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation sector. She specifically pointed to Nigeria’s accession to and implementation of the Cape Town Convention, saying such measures, alongside other reforms, were helping improve confidence in the Nigerian aviation market and reinforce its importance in the global aviation system.

She said Lufthansa Group was interested in establishing a stronger and more up-to-date aviation framework between Nigeria and Germany.

According to Dietzen-Zill, Germany’s Ministry of Transport is reviewing the existing BASA and working towards completing the revision process before its eventual ratification.

The Lufthansa delegation also outlined plans to bring Eurowings, another airline within the Lufthansa Group, into the Nigerian market. Operations are expected to begin next year, with the carrier planning to use Boeing 737-series aircraft. The move would add to air connectivity between Nigeria and Germany.

The meeting also covered wider opportunities for cooperation and measures that could create a more supportive environment for long-term investment and international airline operations in Nigeria.

Keyamo welcomed the Lufthansa delegation and acknowledged the group’s long-standing presence and established operations in the Nigerian market.

He said the Federal Government remained committed to policies designed to support legitimate aviation investment, improve connectivity and encourage international airlines to expand their presence in Nigeria.

Keyamo also assured Lufthansa Group that his ministry was prepared to support the carrier within the scope of his responsibilities. He said the government remained open to engagement with international aviation stakeholders seeking to expand their operations and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The minister added that the administration would continue pursuing policies aimed at improving investor confidence, strengthening bilateral aviation ties and advancing Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading aviation hub in Africa.

Discover Airlines Unveils First UK and Ireland Routes for Summer 2027

Published: Monday, August 31, 2026
Discover Airlines Unveils First UK and Ireland Routes for Summer 2027
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Discover Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, will expand its European network in summer 2027 with new nonstop routes connecting Germany to destinations in the UK and Ireland.

The carrier will begin operating flights between Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Glasgow (GLA) six times a week from March 2027. Additional routes from Frankfurt will follow over the subsequent months, with weekly flights to Shannon (SNN) in the Republic of Ireland starting in April, twice-weekly services to Bristol (BRS) from May, and weekly flights to Inverness (INV) from June.

Discover Airlines will also introduce a twice-weekly route between Munich (MUC) and Glasgow from May 16, 2027. The service was previously operated by Lufthansa's mainline operation.

All five new services will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft and are expected to operate primarily during the summer season.

The expansion will mark Discover Airlines' first-ever operations to destinations in the British Isles.

The German leisure carrier has traditionally focused on destinations offering warmer climates in southern Europe and tropical regions. Its move into the UK and Ireland reflects a growing focus on leisure travel opportunities in areas such as the Scottish Highlands and the countryside of southwest England, with German tourists expected to form a key target market.

Discover Airlines was renamed in 2023 after previously operating as Eurowings Discovery, a separate brand from Lufthansa Group's low-cost subsidiary Eurowings.

The airline is currently pursuing a broader expansion programme and plans to grow its fleet to 40 aircraft by 2028. The planned fleet will consist of an equal split between widebody aircraft and Airbus A320 family aircraft.

Source: QCAA

Thai Airways Restarts Bangkok–Amsterdam Flights After 28 Years

Published: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Thai Airways Restarts Bangkok–Amsterdam Flights After 28 Years
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Thai Airways International is set to relaunch nonstop daily flights between Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport (AMS) on July 1, 2026, marking the carrier's return to the Dutch market after nearly 28 years.

The service will utilize modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft as part of Thai Airways' Northern Summer 2026 schedule, with bookings now open following an announcement in early 2026.

This revival restores a historic long-haul link between Southeast Asia and Europe, last operated by Thai Airways in 1998 before the airline withdrew from the Netherlands.

The move aligns with Thai Airways' strategy to expand its European network amid post-restructuring growth, boosting tourism, business travel, and cultural ties between Thailand and the Netherlands while enhancing competition on the route.

By adding this daily connection, Thai Airways aims to strengthen overall Thailand-Europe connectivity, complementing partnerships like codeshares with carriers such as TAP Air Portugal for broader reach.

The resumption reflects confidence in demand from the Benelux region and supports the airline's long-haul ambitions.

flydubai to Launch Double-Daily Flights from Dubai to Bangkok

Published: Thursday, February 19, 2026
flydubai to Launch Double-Daily Flights from Dubai to Bangkok
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flydubai has announced the launch of a new double-daily service to Bangkok, further strengthening its footprint in Thailand and increasing its total operations to the country to 28 weekly flights.

The new route will commence on 15 September 2026, operating from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). The addition of Bangkok marks the airline’s second destination in Thailand, complementing its existing service to Krabi.

With this expansion, flydubai continues to enhance its network in Southeast Asia, which also includes destinations such as Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia. The carrier’s growing regional presence reflects sustained passenger demand for travel between Dubai and key leisure and business markets across Asia.

Don Mueang International Airport, located north of central Bangkok, serves as one of the Thai capital’s two international gateways. Its strategic location provides convenient access for both corporate and leisure travellers visiting Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

Commenting on the launch, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said:

“Thailand continues to be a highly popular destination for both leisure and business travel. The introduction of our double-daily Bangkok service reflects strong and consistent demand across our network. Operating from Terminal 3 at Dubai International and under our codeshare partnership with Emirates, passengers will benefit from seamless connections via Dubai to destinations across the GCC, Europe and other international markets.”

The new service further reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading global aviation hub. flydubai’s network now extends to more than 135 destinations, offering customers expanded travel options and convenient one-stop connectivity.

Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at flydubai, added:

“We are pleased to expand our presence in Thailand with the launch of double-daily flights to Bangkok. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board and providing a comfortable and reliable travel experience in both Economy and Business Class.”

As part of its continued investment in customer experience, flydubai offers thoughtfully designed cabins across both classes. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating, internationally inspired dining options and a wide selection of inflight entertainment available through the airline’s onboard system.

Flight Schedule (All Times Local)

From 15 September 2026, flydubai will operate the following services between Dubai and Bangkok:

  • FZ1335: DXB 11:00 – DMK 20:45

  • FZ1336: DMK 23:50 – DXB 03:20

  • FZ1345: DXB 01:20 – DMK 11:10

  • FZ1346: DMK 12:10 – DXB 15:40

Fares

  • Return Business Class fares from DXB to DMK start from AED 9,000, while Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 2,500.

  • From DMK to DXB, return Business Class fares start from THB 64,000, and Economy Class Lite fares from THB 22,000.

Flights are available for booking via flydubai.com, the official flydubai mobile application, the UAE Contact Centre, flydubai travel shops and authorised travel partners.

Xiamen Airlines to Resume Quanzhou–Cebu Direct Flights from 29 March

Published: Monday, February 16, 2026
Xiamen Airlines to Resume Quanzhou–Cebu Direct Flights from 29 March
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Xiamen Airlines will resume its direct flights between Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport in Fujian and Mactan–Cebu International Airport in the Philippines starting 29 March 2026. The twice-weekly service will operate every Tuesday and Saturday using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, featuring eight business-class and 162 economy seats. The flight takes just under three hours.

The move, announced on 14 February, follows recent bilateral talks that granted new traffic rights and improved ground-handling support ahead of the summer season. The reinstated route reconnects Quanzhou—a major manufacturing hub for shoes, garments, and stone products—with Cebu, the commercial heart of the Visayas region. It’s expected to make business travel and supply-chain visits much easier for companies that previously relied on indirect routes via Xiamen or Manila.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the restart, calling it a “new chapter” in people-to-people exchange. The Chinese Embassy in Manila also confirmed that Xiamen Airlines plans to increase flights on its Xiamen–Manila route to meet stronger demand. The announcement comes after the Philippines introduced a one-year visa-free entry scheme allowing Chinese citizens to stay up to 14 days for tourism or business.

For corporate travelers, the renewed direct link offers a more convenient route between Fujian’s export clusters and Cebu’s logistics, repair, and electronics sectors. It also supports greater accessibility to Mindanao, where several Chinese companies are currently involved in infrastructure projects. Filipino travelers should note that China has yet to introduce a reciprocal visa-free policy, so visas remain required except for short transits of up to 24 hours.

The service will also provide around five tonnes of cargo space per flight, which is expected to benefit e-commerce and high-value shipments like electronics and fashion samples. Freight forwarders are advised to secure space early, as the route typically maintains load factors above 80% during peak export periods.