Latest news with #Viator
New York Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Rick Hurst, Cletus Hogg on ‘The Dukes of Hazzard,' Dies at 79
Rick Hurst, who portrayed the friendly but bumbling deputy sheriff Cletus Hogg on the comedy series 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' died at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday. He was 79. His death was confirmed by Alma Viator, the wife of his friend and former colleague Ben Jones, who played Cooter on 'The Dukes of Hazzard.' Mr. Hurst had been scheduled to appear at a meet-and-greet on July 3 at the Cooter's Place in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., a shop and museum dedicated to the TV show run by Ms. Viator and Mr. Jones, but Mr. Hurst had canceled because he was not feeling well. Ms. Viator said in a phone interview on Friday that Mr. Hurst's death was 'shocking to all of us, even though we knew he wasn't feeling well.' Mr. Hurst appeared as Cletus, the cousin of Boss Hogg, the commissioner of the fictional Hazzard County, in 55 episodes of 'The Dukes of Hazzard' from 1979 until 1982. The show ran for seven seasons on CBS. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Geek Vibes Nation
5 days ago
- Business
- Geek Vibes Nation
Viator: The Smart Side of Travel That Most People Overlook
Image by freepik Let's be honest—most people don't think about how the tours they book are powered. You click a few buttons, pay online, and show up at the pickup spot. Simple, right? But behind that smooth experience is a smart system working quietly in the background. That's where Viator stands out. While many travel sites throw out offers and deals, Viator is doing something different. It's quietly using smart technology to completely change the way we explore the world. And most people don't even notice it happening. Not Just Another Booking Site When you land on the homepage of this platform, it might look like just another platform offering city tours, day trips, and adventure packages. But dig a little deeper, and you'll see that it's running on some pretty advanced tools. For example, ever notice how the suggestions you get actually make sense ? Like if you were recently looking at food tours in Italy, and then Viator shows you cheese tastings in Tuscany? That's not a coincidence. That's data-driven personalization doing its job. Unlike static platforms that serve the same results to everyone, Viator's system adjusts based on your past clicks, your travel preferences, and even what time of year it is. Viator's Tech Works in the Background, But It's Brilliant This platform uses machine learning to recommend the most relevant experiences. It doesn't just rely on actually understands what kind of traveler you are. Let's say you are someone who likes quiet nature getaways. If you have booked a forest walk in Vancouver before, It is likely to recommend a scenic hike in New Zealand instead of a nightclub crawl in Berlin. That's the kind of intelligent logic behind the scenes. And yes, it learns as you go. So the more you use it, the smarter your suggestions become. The technology becomes your digital travel buddy—without being annoying about it. Booking in Real-Time Is a Game Changer Here's something that most people underestimate: real-time availability. This platform syncs with tour operators so you can book instantly and confidently. There's no 'we'll get back to you' or awkward cancellations. Tour slots update in real time, so if a sunset boat tour fills up, it disappears from search results. That's made possible through cloud-based syncing and connected dashboards that tour companies use behind the scenes. It sounds simple, but this avoids tons of customer frustration and missed experiences. It's like having a live concierge working for you, without the need to call anyone. Travel Meets Wearables and Voice Commands Viator is also moving into the smart assistant space. If you've got Alexa or Google Assistant at home, there's potential to use your voice to find tours and even start the booking process. For example, 'Hey Google, what are some Viator tours in Barcelona this weekend?'—that's the direction things are going. Some smartwatches also allow booking notifications, reminders, or even ticket QR codes to show right on your wrist. That means less printing, fewer emails to scroll through, and a cleaner travel experience. Augmented Reality: Coming to a Destination Near You? Okay, this one's not available everywhere yet—but it's on the way. This platform has begun exploring,Augmented Reality to make certain tours more immersive. Imagine pointing your phone at a historical monument and seeing overlays that explain its background or show old photos of what it looked like 100 years ago. That's not just cool—it's useful, especially for visual learners or curious travelers. Viator's API: The Backbone You Didn't Know Existed This is the tech part most travelers never see. The platform provides an API (basically a way for other platforms to plug into its database). Travel blogs, local tour websites, hotel booking pages all of them can pull real-time tour listings directly. So even if you're booking a scuba dive through your hotel's website in Thailand, This platform might be the silent engine making that possible. It's one of the smartest moves the brand has made—being everywhere without needing to be seen everywhere. How Viator Helps Local Businesses with Tech Tour operators aren't always tech-savvy. This application offers them a user-friendly dashboard to manage their listings, adjust prices, block out unavailable dates, and see customer feedback in one place. Even small tour guides who barely know how to use a spreadsheet can handle this platform. That's a win-win: travelers get updated, accurate info, and locals don't need a tech degree to run their business. Payments, Safety, and Flexibility Viator supports multiple payment options, depending on your country—credit cards, mobile wallets, and sometimes even regional services like UPI or PayPal. But it's not just about paying easily. It's about doing it securely. The platform uses modern encryption and fraud protection, so you're not left hoping your payment went through safely. You also get instant confirmation, which helps eliminate stress. In many cases, you can even cancel or modify bookings easily. For travelers who like flexibility, that's a relief. Tech That Promotes Greener Travel Here's something really cool— This system is using tech to push people toward more eco-friendly experiences. It marks tours that follow sustainability practices and highlights operators that care about the planet. It's not just about booking a trip—it's about booking a better one. Tour companies are also getting data on their environmental impact, helping them make smarter choices about waste, fuel, and crowd control. What the Future Looks Like for Viator What's next? If current trends are any clue, This application may soon dive deeper into virtual previews, smart alerts, and even more predictive tools. Imagine booking a trip and having your Viator app say, 'Rain is forecasted for your outdoor hike tomorrow. Would you like to switch to an indoor museum tour nearby?' That kind of real-time AI adjustment is where travel is heading. And this interface seems like one of the few companies genuinely preparing for that. Conclusion In a world flooded with travel apps, Viator is doing something quietly impressive. It's not just a platform for booking tours—it's a smart travel assistant that improves every time you use it. The tech is there, but it doesn't get in the way. It simply helps you travel better. Whether you're exploring a city for the first time or rediscovering your favorite destination, Viator gives you the tools to make every experience smoother, smarter, and more memorable.
Travel Weekly
10-06-2025
- Travel Weekly
Dispatch, Taj Mahal: Wonder and delight on an impromptu visit
AGRA, India — India, or at least the small portion of it that I saw this week on a trip to New Delhi for IATA's Annual General Meeting, is an intense place. It's a cacophony of noises and smells. The glorious scent of curry for a few steps, the smell of sweat a few steps later. Garbage, too. Horns blare perpetually. For the pedestrian, cars, motorbikes, tuk-tuks, hand-wheeled carts carrying goods and even the occasional goat come at you from all directions. Often, at least in central parts, there's a sea of people as well. And always in early June, there's the heat. The Taj Mahal in Agra, India. A fellow journalist told me I had to visit the monument. It would be a long day, he said, but one I would cherish. Photo Credit: Robert Silk But inside the walls of the Taj Mahal compound, mostly there is just tranquility. I hadn't planned to make the approximately three-hour journey from New Delhi to Agra to see this iconic monument when I arrived in India. But during the IATA conference, a fellow journalist told me I had to. It would be a long day, he said, but one I would cherish. So, after my work in the capital wound down, I booked a last-second tour through TripAdvisor's Viator network (better planning should have involved a travel advisor), paying less than $100 for a private round-trip ride to and from Agra and a private guide to show me the Taj Mahal and other Agra sites, most notably Agra Fort, itself a Unesco World Heritage site. My Taj Mahal entry fee of approximately $13 wasn't included. To be brief, the Taj Mahal was magnificent. We all know this from photographs. And in the midday light, it was as extraordinary in person as I would have imagined. I'm told it's even more so at sunrise and sunset, when the horizontal light plays most strikingly against the thousands upon thousands of semiprecious gemstones inlaid into the mausoleum's white, crystalline marble. Intricate stonework inlaid in marble near the entrance to the Taj Mahal. Photo Credit: Robert Silk Especially vital to the Taj's gleam, as I learned from my guide, Suraj, and later during a demonstration at a local artisanal marble works, is its orange carnelian stone, which is particularly luminescent. Near the entrance to the mausoleum, Saraj made sure I carefully examined the detailed work of the gemstone inlaid in floral pattens. Cuts of stone, tiny sometimes, are fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Workers still do this meticulous work today to repair and maintain the nearly 400-year-old monument, which was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and eventually his own remains as well. The 42-acre, walled Taj Mahal complex was busy enough during my Wednesday afternoon visit, though not overly crowded. To my surprise, there were very few Western or East Asian tourists to be seen. It was a happy revelation. It's rare for me these days to visit an iconic attraction and find it largely peopled by the local population. As for me, I made a rare decision that day. I'm normally averse to posing for pictures. A handful of posed shots over the course of even an exotic trip feels like more than enough. But encouraged by Suraj, I hired a local photographer just outside the Taj Mahal compound entrance for a short photo shoot. On the long drive back to Delhi that evening, I looked over the photos, both print and digital. Even the corny one where it looks like my finger is touching the top of the Taj Mahal dome made me smile. I think it's because I know I'm lucky; lucky to have made it to this grand and singular edifice.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RetailMeNot's Summer Checklist Is Back June 5-9, Featuring Stackable Savings from Top Brands to Maximize Summer Budgets
Returning for its second year, RetailMeNot's Summer Checklist brings exclusive cash back offers and top deals on summer essentials and activities - helping shoppers stretch their budgets for the season ahead Summer Checklist 2025 features deals from leading retailers like Viator, Old Navy, Ray-Ban, Elf Cosmetics and more New this year: RetailMeNot teams up with Expedia to give one lucky shopper the chance to create their dream summer experience AUSTIN, Texas, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, RetailMeNot, a Ziff Davis company, announces the return of Summer Checklist, a savings event running from June 5-9. Shoppers can take advantage of exclusive deals and cash back on everything they need to gear up for summer - from travel essentials like hotels and flights to fashion, accessories, home entertainment and more. With top retailers like Expedia, Ray-Ban, Elf Cosmetics, Old Navy, Viator and others participating, Summer Checklist is the ideal time to save on all your summer plans. With prices rising across many shopping categories, consumers may find it difficult to stretch their budgets this summer. That's where RetailMeNot's Summer Checklist comes in - offering a seamless way to stack promo codes and cash back from nearly 3,800 brands. With no extra effort or deal-hunting required, RetailMeNot automatically combines savings to help shoppers get more for less on everything from travel to seasonal essentials. "As prices climb, many consumers are feeling the effects," said Stephanie Carls, Retail Insights Expert at RetailMeNot. "Our recent survey found that over half of consumers feel more pressure on their household budgets, and nearly a third are concerned about affording summer essentials and plans. That's why Summer Checklist is so valuable - it makes stacking savings easy, helping shoppers save effortlessly and enjoy summer without overspending." Several Summer Checklist deals are available starting now, while offers last, including: Amazon - 15% Cash Back on Amazon Devices - 16% Cash Back Canon - 10% Cash Back Cole Haan - 20% Cash Back Cricut - 16% Cash Back Crocs - 10% Cash Back CVS - 25% Cash Back Elf Cosmetics - 14% Cash Back Expedia - 8% Cash Back on Flights and Hotels + RetailMeNot Exclusive! 8% Off Hotels HOKA - 4% Cash Back - 10% Cash Back + RetailMeNot Exclusive! Get 8% Off Hotels! Kate Spade - 4% Cash Back LG - 20% Cash Back Lucky Brand - 8% Cash Back Old Navy - 6% Cash Back + Up to 50% Off Almost Everything PrettyLittleThing - 16% Cash Back + RetailMeNot Exclusive! 50% Off Everything + Extra 15% off Princess Polly - 6% Cash Back + 20% Off Sitewide Ray-Ban - 14% Cash Back Ulta - Up to 10% Cash Back Viator - 16% Cash Back VRBO - 10% Cash Back Shoppers can find the complete list of Summer Checklist offers at Alongside Summer Checklist, RetailMeNot has partnered with Expedia for its exclusive Roam or Home Giveaway. One lucky shopper will get the chance to create their dream summer experience - whether it's an unforgettable getaway or a memorable staycation close to home. Visit to learn more and enter. About RetailMeNot: RetailMeNot is a leading savings destination bringing people and the things they love together through savings with retailers, brands and restaurants. RetailMeNot makes everyday life more affordable through online and in-store coupon codes, cash back offers, and the RetailMeNot browser extension. To learn more, visit or follow @RetailMeNot on social media. About Ziff Davis: Ziff Davis (Nasdaq: ZD) is a vertically focused digital media and internet company whose portfolio includes leading brands in technology, entertainment, shopping, health, cybersecurity, and martech. For more information, visit Press Contact:media@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE RetailMeNot, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Citi Initiates Coverage of Tripadvisor (TRIP) Stock With Neutral Rating
On May 28, analysts at Citi initiated coverage on Tripadvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRIP)'s stock with a 'Neutral' rating and a price target of $16.00. The firm's analysts highlighted the growth in its Viator brand and the favourable changes in revenue trends at Brand TripAdvisor. A family boarding an airplane with their suitcases, symbolic of the company's reach into the global travel industry. It also acknowledged a more efficient ownership structure after the deal with Liberty TripAdvisor. That being said, the analysts remain cautious because of the economic uncertainty and investments in Brand TripAdvisor. The analysts hinted at double-digit revenue growth rates at Viator and mentioned the improved engagement and conversion rates at Brand TripAdvisor in Q1 2025. During the quarter, Viator saw 10% YoY revenue growth to $156 million. Its Gross bookings value (GBV) reached $1.1 billion during Q1 2025, demonstrating YoY growth of ~10%. Moving forward, the focus of analysts will be on the performance of Viator and Brand TripAdvisor, the impact of strategic investments, and Tripadvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRIP)'s ability to navigate broader economic uncertainties. For Q2 2025, the company expects consolidated revenue growth of between 5% - 8% and an adjusted EBITDA margin of ~16% - 18%. At Viator, Tripadvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRIP) anticipates mid-teens growth in the number of experiences booked, revenue growth of ~9% - 11%, and adjusted EBITDA margin in mid- to high-single digits. While we acknowledge the potential of TRIP to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TRIP and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: 13 Cheap AI Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Unstoppable Growth Stocks to Invest in Now Disclosure: None. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten
