international travel show

International Travel Show 2023 - The HUB That Connects the World

May 9, 2023

The INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SHOW 2023 to activate enhanced technology and programming to meet market needs of Business and Consumer audiences.

NEW YORK, NY – May 8, 2023 – The INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SHOW 2023 (ITS2023) , to be held in New York City, the #1 travel-buying market in the country, is scheduled at Javits Center for Thursday, October 26 – Saturday, October 28, 2023. Serving the broadest spectrum of Travel Advisors, Travel Media and frequent Consumer Travelers, this year’s show incorporates Meetings & Event Planners for a first of its kind industry showcase of business to business and business to consumer events to meet the interests of travel buyers and travel sellers.

ITS2023 – The Hub that Connects the World , will bring a wide range of travel suppliers including global and domestic destinations, hotels & resorts, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators and other travel providers to meet face-to-face with an expanded audience of travel buyers. The new show format is designed to stimulate business exchange as travel recovery continues at an encouraging pace.

Travel + Leisure GO will join again as a Presenting Sponsor of the International Travel Show , along with over a dozen significant travel industry associations and media sponsors, including Destinations International, PCMA (Professional Convention Managers Association), IAEE (International Association of Exhibitors and Events) and IATA https://www.iata.org/ (International Air Transport Association). “The time is right for a new approach to business building and consideration across industry categories and audiences,” according to Travel + Leisure.

Don Welsh , President and CEO, Destinations International explained that “We are excited to partner with the INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SHOW to help create a unique opportunity for our members to meet multiple markets at one time to strengthen transaction opportunities in an efficient and cost-effective format.   ITS2023 participants from Destinations International will benefit from best-in-class programming, a global exhibitor base and the opportunity to set appointments with all attendees.”

Paul Muir , President of ITS , explains “ ITS2023 has targeted each day of the Exhibition for specific buyers and suppliers through Conferences, Receptions and the Exhibition on days that are dedicated to their category of interest. Thursday focuses on Meetings and Event Planners; Friday focuses on Travel Advisors/Agents, Group Travel and Meeting Incentive professionals and Travel Media; Saturday is reserved for frequent Consumer Travelers.”

According to Mike Fiorentino, ITS Director & Partner “Adding Meetings & Event Planners to the show will create a vital opportunity for destinations and others to meet face-to-face with a key category of buyer due to the sheer number of travelers that attend domestic and worldwide conferences. This is an ideal format for both sides to come together.”

Shaping ITS2023 for Travel Buyers

Thursday, October 26: devoted to important issues for Meetings and Event Planners. Major associations developing these new conference sessions that will appeal to Planners/Buyers include Destinations International , PCMA (Professional Convention Managers Association), and IAEE  (International Association of Exhibitors and Events).

Friday October 27: will include major conference sessions and programming for travel and tourism industry professionals with panel and keynote sessions featuring travel industry leaders.

Saturday, October 28: Prominent travel personalities will participate in issues-driven sessions for frequent consumer traveler attendees.

ITS2023 will also present a Cultural Pavilion for leisure travelers to explore the cultural wonders from around the world to help inform and inspire vacation choices.

New Tools for Exhibitors

Travel suppliers and buyers can now make the most efficient use of networking and one-to-one meetings through technology and an expanded attendee base:

• Exclusive among travel shows, ITS2023 features an Electronic Lead Retrieval System that will allow exhibitors to gather leads from attendees via the ITS2023 App.
• ITS2023 will launch an unprecedented Appointment System for both exhibitors and attendees to use throughout the Exhibition! With appointments secured ahead of time, the ITS2023  Appointment System will enable exhibitors to prioritize, and prepare for, meetings with attendees.
• ITS2023 Featured Innovation Areas will offer time, space and opportunity for exhibitors to spotlight their most innovative travel offerings to visiting travel buyers. From cutting-edge sustainability tools and technology solutions to new wellness programming and up-and-coming destinations, ITS2023 Featured Innovation Areas will offer valuable insights into where the travel industry is now and where it is headed.
• The expansion of the range of attendees to include Meetings and Event Planners who are major travel buyers, will increase business opportunities for exhibiting suppliers.

About the International Travel Show

The International Travel Show (ITS2023) , with presenting sponsor Travel + Leisure GO, is a world-class travel industry trade and consumer travel event in New York City. ITS2023 has expanded the traditional range of travel buyers by adding support from Destinations International, IATA, PCMA, IAEE with marketing support from MPI Westfield Chapter, Connecticut River Valley Chapter and Greater NY Chapter. This new support will help attract Meetings and Event Planners to attend dedicated conference sessions, keynotes, networking receptions and the Exhibition. In addition, ITS2023 will feature educational seminars and activations, and a major exhibition with cultural and regional pavilions showcasing hundreds of travel companies and destinations from around the world. ITS2023 brings together the travel industry to address issues that are key to the future of travel and tourism, provide educational and informational seminars to travel professionals and the traveling public and serve as a platform for emerging solutions for the global tourism marketplace. For more information, visit  www.nyInternationalTravelShow.com   

About Travel + Leisure GO

Travel + Leisure GO is the must-have subscription travel club for adventure-seekers and savvy travelers. This members-only travel club provides exclusive travel deals, unforgettable experiences, and expert advice, all from the most trusted authority in travel. The club offers savings on resorts, hotels, car rentals, flights, cruises, activities and so much more. Start your journey at go.travelandleisure.com .

Media Contact

Virginia Sheridan, FINN Partners Virginia.Sheridan@finnpartners.com, (917) 349-8290

Asmaa Ally, FINN Partners Assmaa.ally@finnpartners, (646) 238-4924

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International Travel Show 2023 Returns to New York City October 26-28

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SEPTEMBER 10-12, 2024  |  JAVITS CENTER, NYC

Ny its 2022 has been created by the same team that produced the new york times travel show for 17 years., this team will provide you with the most cost-effective way to reach thousands of tourism professionals, travel media professionals and qualified consumer travelers., its2022 industry sponsors, our thanks to the following industry associations, and organizations for their support., discounts available for members, when submitting a 2023 exhibitor application., its2024 exhibitors receive:.

Booth space begins at 10' x '10' and includes pipe and drape walls, carpet, 6 feet table, 2 chairs, waste basket, booth ID sign.

Extensive pre-show marketing promotion of exhibitors to potential trade attendees. Participate in Trade Receptions to create increased business opportunities. Attend any of our B2B Conference Sessions at no extra cost and enjoy targeteds education and meet travel professionals.

The ITS Appointment System provides all show participants the opportunity to create appointments in advance of ITS2024. Appointments can be made between attendees as well as between attendees and exhibitors. Badge technology generates trade leads and Reports for everyone visiting a booth.

All exhibiting and sponsoring organizations can participate in the ITS Consumer Leads Program. This exclusive program provides all exhibitors and sponsors with complimentary access for a period of time, to several marketing opportunities. The program will generate consumer traveler leads at no additional cost, prior to, during and post ITS2024.

There are multiple opportunities to increase your brand visibility during the show.

Assistance to help you secure visa invitation letters. Special discount hotel rates are available in NYC for exhibitors.

ITS2024 is a Business-To-Business (Trade-Only) conference and exhibition created to provide issues-based solutions for tourism, travel and meetings professionals. The Exhibition Hall comprises exhibit displays from 200+ destinations, tour operators, cruise lines and other travel suppliers from around the world.

Press Releases

Travel + Leisure GO Launches 2022 New York International Travel Show as Presenting Sponsor

Attendees Can Interact with the Iconic Brand’s New Travel Club October 28-30 in New York City

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Travel + Leisure GO , the eponymous subscription travel club of the iconic magazine, has been named presenting sponsor for the New York International Travel Show (NYITS), the world-class travel industry trade and consumer travel event featuring educational seminars and a major exhibition floor showcasing global travel companies.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221028005359/en/

Travel + Leisure GO Launches 2022 New York International Travel Show as Presenting Sponsor (Photo: Business Wire)

Taking place Friday, Oct. 28 to Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, the show will bring the new travel club to the mainstage of a travel event for the first time, offering a chance for consumers to learn about the benefits of membership.

“We are delighted to bring the most trusted brand in travel to New York City for the first major post-pandemic consumer travel show at the Javits Center,” said Fiona Downing, Chief Membership Officer, Panorama and Travel + Leisure Clubs. “With travel’s resurgence over the last year, it is clear consumers are seeking a trusted authority delivering value; they’ll find all that and more in the Travel + Leisure GO experience.”

Featuring bookable itineraries inspired by the pages of the magazine, Travel + Leisure GO distinguishes itself as the must-have travel membership for adventure-seekers and savvy travelers. Travel + Leisure GO members receive great discounts on hotels and resorts, along with preferred pricing on excursions, activities, car rentals, and the services of a personal travel concierge. To access the exclusive perks, Travel + Leisure GO has both monthly and annual membership options. Travelers can learn more at go.travelandleisure.com .

NYITS attendees visiting the Travel + Leisure GO booth, located in the entrance of the event’s tradeshow floor, will have the opportunity to learn about membership and sign-up for a free trial. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn about top travel trends from Travel + Leisure executives, including during a keynote panel on Saturday and Sunday entitled “How Top Travel Experts See Travel in 2023.”

The three-day ITS event, themed around ‘The Future of Travel,’ will include an opening day dedicated to travel professionals and the media, continuing with two-days of consumer activations including an exhibition floor of exciting international destinations, hotels and resorts, travel companies, cruise lines, and travel products. To register for or to learn more about ITS, please visit https://www.nyinternationaltravelshow.com/ .

About Travel + Leisure Co.

Travel + Leisure Co. is the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, with nearly 20 travel brands across its resort, travel club, and lifestyle portfolio. The company provides outstanding vacation experiences and travel inspiration to millions of owners, members, and subscribers every year through its products and services: Wyndham Destinations, the largest vacation ownership company with more than 245 vacation club resort locations across the globe, and the world’s foremost membership travel business that includes the largest vacation exchange company and subscription travel brands, featuring top travel content and travel services including the brand’s eponymous travel club. We put the world on vacation. Learn more at travelandleisureco.com .

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221028005359/en/

Melissa Landy Travel + Leisure Co. [email protected] 407-626-3830

Source: Travel + Leisure Co.

Released October 28, 2022

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Contact our media contacts regarding any press related questions or needs.

NEW YORK--( BUSINESS WIRE )-- Travel + Leisure GO , the eponymous subscription travel club of the iconic magazine, has been named presenting sponsor for the New York International Travel Show (NYITS), the world-class travel industry trade and consumer travel event featuring educational seminars and a major exhibition floor showcasing global travel companies.

Taking place Friday, Oct. 28 to Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, the show will bring the new travel club to the mainstage of a travel event for the first time, offering a chance for consumers to learn about the benefits of membership.

“We are delighted to bring the most trusted brand in travel to New York City for the first major post-pandemic consumer travel show at the Javits Center,” said Fiona Downing, Chief Membership Officer, Panorama and Travel + Leisure Clubs. “With travel’s resurgence over the last year, it is clear consumers are seeking a trusted authority delivering value; they’ll find all that and more in the Travel + Leisure GO experience.”

Featuring bookable itineraries inspired by the pages of the magazine, Travel + Leisure GO distinguishes itself as the must-have travel membership for adventure-seekers and savvy travelers. Travel + Leisure GO members receive great discounts on hotels and resorts, along with preferred pricing on excursions, activities, car rentals, and the services of a personal travel concierge. To access the exclusive perks, Travel + Leisure GO has both monthly and annual membership options. Travelers can learn more at go.travelandleisure.com .

NYITS attendees visiting the Travel + Leisure GO booth, located in the entrance of the event’s tradeshow floor, will have the opportunity to learn about membership and sign-up for a free trial. Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn about top travel trends from Travel + Leisure executives, including during a keynote panel on Saturday and Sunday entitled “How Top Travel Experts See Travel in 2023.”

The three-day ITS event, themed around ‘The Future of Travel,’ will include an opening day dedicated to travel professionals and the media, continuing with two-days of consumer activations including an exhibition floor of exciting international destinations, hotels and resorts, travel companies, cruise lines, and travel products. To register for or to learn more about ITS, please visit https://www.nyinternationaltravelshow.com/ .

About Travel + Leisure Co.

Travel + Leisure Co. is the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company, with nearly 20 travel brands across its resort, travel club, and lifestyle portfolio. The company provides outstanding vacation experiences and travel inspiration to millions of owners, members, and subscribers every year through its products and services: Wyndham Destinations, the largest vacation ownership company with more than 245 vacation club resort locations across the globe, and the world’s foremost membership travel business that includes the largest vacation exchange company and subscription travel brands, featuring top travel content and travel services including the brand’s eponymous travel club. We put the world on vacation. Learn more at travelandleisureco.com .

Melissa Landy Travel + Leisure Co. [email protected] 407-626-3830

Release Summary

• #TravelLeisureGO

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NY International Travel Show is Coming Soon and You’re Invited!

Written by Family Travel Association

Exclusive Trade Only Day is Friday, October 28.

Open to trade and public saturday, october 29 and sunday, october 30..

Admission to the Exhibition and Travel Industry Reception on Trade Only Day, in addition to the two Days open to the public, is free for Travel Industry professionals.

Admission to the Travel Industry Conference, Travel Industry Reception and all 3 days of exhibits and events is $69 .

As an FTA Member you qualify for $5 off . Use code FTA20 at registration.

Registration is open now!

Visit https://www.nyinternationaltravelshow.com/trade-attendees

ITS2022 is currently the only major travel show of its kind with representation from 176 countries across the globe

The Friday Trade Conference Program is designed for the travel industry to explore the theme of “The Future of Travel” from every angle. Scheduled from 9am to 5pm offers an engaging day of presentations featuring multiple “tracks” and 22 “trade-only sessions”:

• Cruise Track  with panels of cruise industry experts weighing in on how to sell the right ship to the right client, small ship and expedition cruising, and river cruising in Europe and beyond.
• Destination Track  with top destination leaders offering timely sales strategies for Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda.
• Luxury Track  with top tour executives enlightening trade on the “New Breed of Tours” and “How to Sell Luxury Travel Today”.
• Hotels & Resorts Track  with sales strategies for all-inclusive resorts and for luxury hotels & resorts at a time of rising costs.
• Resources Track  on how to prepare travelers for the road, including resources available from the U.S. Department of State.

The program will feature a Keynote Panel of industry leaders who will address key issues affecting the future of travel and will examine “What’s the Future of Travel: Marrying Sustainability and Profitability”.

Keynote panelists include Ivan Eskildsen, Minister of Tourism of Panama; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group; Shannon Guihan , Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of the TreadRight Foundation ; Terry Dale, President and CEO of the USTOA; and Asta Lassesen, CEO of Hurtigruten Expeditions .   

In the Exhibition Hall you’ll meet hundreds of destinations conveniently organized by Exhibition Pavilions including the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, Central & South America, USA, and Cruises, as well as a special “Spotlight On New York” pavilion featuring destinations and attractions across New York City and throughout New York State.

The Taste of The World Theatre in the Exhibition Hall will be a must-visit with four sessions on culinary travel and cooking school trips around the world scheduled from 3pm to 5pm.

During Saturday, Oct. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 30, chefs from around the world will make culinary food presentations.

The Government Resources Center sponsored by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will present a time-saving opportunity for all attendees to enroll in the TSA Pre-Check Program by attending the International Travel Show and is promoted in advance to all pre-registered attendees.

Join us! Click here to register now https://www.nyinternationaltravelshow.com/trade-attendees

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U.S. Travel Association’s IPW is the leading international inbound travel trade show, driving $5.5 billion in future travel to the United States.

It is a national showcase of America, where U.S. travel exhibitors connect with travel buyers and media from more than 70 countries to promote their product, negotiate future business and build relationships. IPW secures America’s position as a foremost global travel destination by increasing international visitation and showing the world the best of what the U.S. has to offer.

Learn more about  The Value and Economic Impact of IPW

For more information or to register for IPW, visit www.ipw.com

About Brand USA 

As the premier sponsor of IPW, Brand USA looks forward to welcoming travel professionals from around the globe to IPW. As the nation’s destination marketing organization, Brand USA’s award-winning consumer campaigns inspire millions of people worldwide to visit the United States and experience its diverse destinations and attractions.

Brand USA works in close partnership with the travel industry to maximize the economic and social benefits of travel, including creating jobs essential to the U.S. economy and fostering understanding between people and cultures. According to studies by Oxford Economics, over the past eight years Brand USA's marketing initiatives have helped welcome 7.7 million incremental visitors to the United States, benefiting the U.S. economy with more than $56 billion in total economic impact and supporting, on average, more than 45,000 incremental jobs a year.

Information about Brand USA and its award-winning campaigns and partner resources is available at  www.TheBrandUSA.com .

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'Conan O'Brien Must Go' is side-splitting evidence of life beyond late night TV

Eric Deggans

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway. Conaco/Max hide caption

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway.

To be honest, when I first heard Conan O'Brien was ending his TV talk show in 2021, I assumed news that he might turn to variety shows and online programs to continue his career was some combination of face-saving and wishful thinking.

But after watching the four episodes of his new Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , it's now obvious — even to a thickheaded critic like me — that leaving late night TV really was liberating for O'Brien. He's leveraged his unique sensibility into several different podcasts, a deal with Sirius XM , specials featuring other stand-up comics and now this travel series for Max — which resembles jokey specials he did for cable channel TBS back in the day.

And as the late night TV genre crumbles under sagging viewership and the decline of traditional media, O'Brien's renaissance also provides an example for the future — where fertile comedy minds and talented performers can spread their work over a much larger canvas.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Is conan o'brien the best 'hot ones' guest ever discuss., learning a lesson from 'hot ones'.

O'Brien already made a splash recently with his brilliantly maniacal appearance on the interview-while-eating-hot-wings show Hot Ones , slobbering over hot sauces while claiming, as he was checked over by a fake doctor, that "I'm fine! I'm perfectly f*****g fine!"

This is the place where O'Brien shines — he's called it "this strange phantom intersection between smart and stupid" — and it's on full, freakish, super silly display in every episode of Conan O'Brien Must Go .

The conceit of the show is pretty simple. O'Brien heads overseas to visit average folks in Norway, Argentina, Thailand and Ireland who had once Zoomed in to speak with him on the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan . Sometimes the visits seem like a surprise — he catches one aspiring Norwegian rapper in shorts and Crocs after popping up on his doorstep — and others seem a bit more planned, including his visit to a radio show with about four listeners in Buenos Aires.

Each episode begins with a solemn monologue which sounds like it is delivered by the film world's most eccentric voice, German filmmaker and actor Werner Herzog (he's not credited in the show and when asked, a publicist at Max shared a quote from O'Brien: "I can neither confirm nor deny the voice in question.")

The torturous accent by "Herzog" makes every line sound absurdly hilarious, describing O'Brien as "the defiler ... with dull, tiny eyes ... the eyes of a crudely painted doll ... he scavenges in distant lands, uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie."

Now that's smart. And oh so stupid.

A funhouse mirror version of a travel show

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway Conaco/Max hide caption

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway

Fans of O'Brien's Conan Without Borders specials on TBS already know what his style is when he tackles a travel show — throwing himself into outrageous reactions and situations while working his quirky brand of improvised conversations with hapless bystanders.

In the Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , that includes O'Brien offering screechy vocals onstage during a performance of a Norwegian emo/rap band. Or asking provocative questions of a couple therapist/sex expert. Or getting beat up in a "fight" with a 10-year-old boy in a bar.

It's all an excuse for O'Brien to unleash his energetic wit, taste for silly absurdity and skill at drawing laughs from sympathetic — if often befuddled — strangers. Whether you enjoy this special will depend on how you feel about O'Brien's style, which can feel a bit like the world's best class clown doing everything possible to make you crack a smile.

(Rent a family in Norway so they can say goodbye when he gets on a SeaCraft? Check. Get local artists to paint a mural of O'Brien, a soccer star and The Pope on the side of a building in Argentina? Double check.)

'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of

But what amazes in a larger sense is how O'Brien has turned his sensibility into a comedy brand to fuel work on many different platforms. And, at age 60, with more than 30 years as a comedy star, he's been released from the shackles of any genre to shine wherever he chooses — whether it's an episode of Hot Ones or a streaming service which sometimes looks like a collision between True Detective and 90 Day Fiancé .

Leaving late night TV as late night left him

I'm old enough that I started covering TV not long after O'Brien made his first move from the shadows of life as a comedy writer – he worked on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons — to succeed David Letterman in 1993 as host of NBC's show Late Night (now hosted by Seth Meyers). Back then, NBC gave O'Brien years to figure out the show, honing his smartly serious comedy in a way that would inspire then-teenage fans like Seth Rogen and Bill Hader .

O'Brien left NBC after a disastrous deal where the network tried to make him host of its venerated late night program The Tonight Show and also keep its former host Jay Leno at the network. He moved to a late night show on TBS in 2010, but even then, there was a sense that his creativity was a bit hemmed in by the format.

After 28 Quirky Years, Conan O'Brien Is Leaving Late Night

By the time he left his TBS show Conan for good, it seemed O'Brien was already caught in a trend which would hobble other late night shows — as young viewers consumed his content online and ratings on cable dropped.

Now, with a podcast and digital media company worth many millions and growing status as a TV comedy legend still willing to do almost anything for a laugh, O'Brien is proving there is a successful life beyond late night.

Particularly, if you have the talent to play the fool while leaving little doubt you're also the smartest person in the room.

What will happen to Tank with Forrester's exit in FBI: International?

I t was surprising to hear that Luke Kleintank was leaving FBI: International after three seasons at first. It is his decision, though, and I do respect that. It just leads to one question about another character on the series. What does this mean for Tank?

Kleintank’s last episode as Scott Forrester is on Tuesday, May 7 . We know that Tank is going to be in the Season 3 finale. So, it does seem to suggest that Tank is going nowhere. That doesn’t make sense considering how we know that Tank is Forrester’s dog and not one “issued” by the FBI.

However, there are a couple of things that could happen. This will depend on how Forrester is written out of the series.

Does Forrester have to leave Tank behind?

There are theories that Forrester’s mother is coming back into the series but as another actress. If this does happen, it’s possible that Forrester is pulled into the conspiracy even more, and he could end up having to leave the team to protect his mother and himself.

If this happens, it could meant that Forrester isn’t able to take Tank with him. He could choose to leave Tank with Vo, Raines, or Smitty.

We could also see that Forrester only has to leave Tank behind temporarily. Maybe he leaves during the May 7 episode to head back to the States. He then makes arrangements for Tank to follow him in the finale. This allows everyone a chance to say goodbye to Tank as well. That doesn’t seem all that likely though.

Will Forrester be killed off in FBI: International ?

We know that the Fly Team put their lives on the line with every case that they take. While lives have been at risk, none of the major characters have been killed off yet. Kleintank’s exit could change that. It’s possible that Forrester’s exit is the same as Jess LaCroix’s exit in FBI: Most Wanted . This could mean that Forrester is killed off.

If that happens, it would make more sense for Tank to be left behind with the rest of the Fly Team. Tank has become like family to Vo and Raines, so he would be more comfortable with them after the loss of his best friend and human.

To be honest, I’ll be happy with either way of working Tank’s story in with Forrester’s exit. The only thing I don’t want to see if Tank killed off. Do not hurt the dog!

FBI: International airs on Tuesdays at 9/8c on CBS.

This article was originally published on precincttv.com as What will happen to Tank with Forrester's exit in FBI: International? .

Protect Your Trip »

Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

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Hot Oceans Worsened Dubai’s Dramatic Flooding, Scientists Say

An international team of researchers found that heavy rains had intensified in the region, though they couldn’t say for sure how much climate change was responsible.

• Share full article

By Raymond Zhong

Scenes of flood-ravaged neighborhoods in one of the planet’s driest regions stunned the world this month. Heavy rains in the United Arab Emirates and Oman submerged cars, clogged highways and killed at least 21 people. Flights out of Dubai’s airport, a major global hub, were severely disrupted.

The downpours weren’t a total surprise — forecasters had anticipated the storms several days earlier and issued warnings. But they were certainly unusual.

Here’s what to know.

Heavy rain there is rare, but not unheard-of.

On average, the Arabian Peninsula receives a scant few inches of rain a year, although scientists have found that a sizable chunk of that precipitation falls in infrequent but severe bursts, not as periodic showers. These rains often come during El Niño conditions like the ones the world is experiencing now.

U.A.E. officials said the 24-hour rain total on April 16 was the country’s largest since records there began in 1949 . And parts of the nation had already experienced an earlier round of thunderstorms in March.

Oman, with its coastline on the Arabian Sea, is also vulnerable to tropical cyclones. Past storms there have brought torrential rain, powerful winds and mudslides, causing extensive damage.

Global warming is projected to intensify downpours.

Stronger storms are a key consequence of human-caused global warming. As the atmosphere gets hotter, it can hold more moisture, which can eventually make its way down to the earth as rain or snow.

But that doesn’t mean rainfall patterns are changing in precisely the same way across every part of the globe.

In their latest assessment of climate research , scientists convened by the United Nations found there wasn’t enough data to have firm conclusions about rainfall trends in the Arabian Peninsula and how climate change was affecting them. The researchers said, however, that if global warming were to be allowed to continue worsening in the coming decades, extreme downpours in the region would quite likely become more intense and more frequent.

Hot oceans are a big factor.

An international team of scientists has made a first attempt at estimating the extent to which climate change may have contributed to April’s storms. The researchers didn’t manage to pin down the connection precisely, though in their analysis, they did highlight one known driver of heavy rain in the region: above-normal ocean temperatures.

Large parts of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have been hotter than usual recently, in part because of El Niño and other natural weather cycles, and in part because of human-induced warming .

When looking only at El Niño years, the scientists estimated that storm events as infrequent as this month’s delivered 10 percent to 40 percent more rain to the region than they would in a world that hadn’t been warmed by human activities. They cautioned, however, that these estimates were highly uncertain.

“Rainfall, in general, is getting more extreme,” said Mansour Almazroui, a climate scientist at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and one of the researchers who contributed to the analysis.

The analysis was conducted by scientists affiliated with World Weather Attribution, a research collaboration that studies extreme weather events shortly after they occur. Their findings about this month’s rains haven’t yet been peer reviewed, but are based on standardized methods .

The role of cloud seeding isn’t clear.

The U.A.E. has for decades worked to increase rainfall and boost water supplies by seeding clouds. Essentially, this involves shooting particles into clouds to encourage the moisture to gather into larger, heavier droplets, ones that are more likely to fall as rain or snow.

Cloud seeding and other rain-enhancement methods have been tried around the world, including in Australia, China, India, Israel, South Africa and the United States. Studies have found that these operations can, at best, affect precipitation modestly — enough to turn a downpour into a bigger downpour, but probably not a drizzle into a deluge.

Still, experts said pinning down how much seeding might have contributed to this month’s storms would require detailed study.

“In general, it is quite a challenge to assess the impact of seeding,” said Luca Delle Monache, a climate scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif. Dr. Delle Monache has been leading efforts to use artificial intelligence to improve the U.A.E.’s rain-enhancement program.

An official with the U.A.E.’s National Center of Meteorology, Omar Al Yazeedi, told news outlets that the agency didn’t conduct any seeding during the latest storms. His statements didn’t make clear, however, whether that was also true in the hours or days before.

Mr. Al Yazeedi didn’t respond to emailed questions from The New York Times, and Adel Kamal, a spokesman for the center, didn’t have further comment.

Cities in dry places just aren’t designed for floods.

Wherever it happens, flooding isn’t just a matter of how much rain comes down. It’s also about what happens to all that water once it’s on the ground — most critically, in the places people live.

Cities in arid regions often aren’t designed to drain very effectively. In these areas, paved surfaces block rain from seeping into the earth below, forcing it into drainage systems that can easily become overwhelmed.

One recent study of Sharjah , the capital of the third-largest emirate in the U.A.E., found that the city’s rapid growth over the past half-century had made it vulnerable to flooding at far lower levels of rain than before.

Omnia Al Desoukie contributed reporting.

Raymond Zhong reports on climate and environmental issues for The Times. More about Raymond Zhong

US tourists face 12 years in prison for accidentally bringing ammo to Caribbean island

The u.s. state department is warning travelers about strict new laws in turks and caicos islands that carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 years for bringing guns or ammunition to the island: "if you bring a firearm or ammunition into tci, even inadvertently, we will not be able to secure your release from custody", by leslie gaydos • published april 23, 2024 • updated on april 25, 2024 at 8:56 pm.

An Oklahoma woman was reunited Tuesday with her young children after being detained for almost two weeks in Turks and Caicos Islands for allegedly violating their strict guns and ammunition law. Her husband is being held in the British Overseas Territory near the Bahamas.

Ryan and Valerie Watson, who live in Oklahoma, left for Turks and Caicos Islands on April 7 to celebrate the 40th birthdays of Ryan and two friends. When they went through security for their return flight, their carry-on was flagged and searched and officials found a Ziploc bag of bullets.

"They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer," said Ryan, "and I recognized them and I thought, oh man, what a bonehead mistake that I had no idea that those were in there."

The two shared their story virtually with NBC10 Boston last week before their first court hearing. They were stuck on the island, their passports confiscated, separated from their young son and daughter.

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"When I heard that, I immediately was terrified because I was like, we can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home. And this is such an innocent mistake that we didn't even know we weren't– we didn't even know it was there. So yeah, my immediate thought was our kids and them being, you know, parentless for, for that long," Valerie said.

The Watsons were questioned and charged with possession of ammunition. In 2022, Turks and Caicos passed an amendment with stiffer penalties for possession of weapons or ammunition, increasing the mandatory minimum prison sentence to 12 years.

This is something that we may never recover from Ryan Watson, American tourist charged with possession of ammunition in Turks and Caicos Islands

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Tourists' Caribbean arrests highlight value of US travel warnings, expert says

Virginia man is latest American charged with ammunition possession in Turks and Caicos

Last September, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a travel alert warning Americans after a tourist from Indiana got an eight-month prison sentence for possession of ammunition.

The alert says: "We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI [Turks and Caicos Islands] and will result in your arrest.

"We strongly encourage you to carefully check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing for TCI. If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody. You are subject to TCI laws and must follow local law enforcement procedures," the alert continued.

Bryan Hagerich was detained by Turks and Caicos authorities after a family vacation in February when hunting ammunition was found in his luggage before he boarded a flight home. He said the ammunition was found in a bag he frequently used for weekend hunting trips.

"I've been here for almost 70 days now after posting bail. I've been out, right now just waiting to go to the hearing. That's where my case would be heard, then following that would be sentencing," Hagerich said.

Hagerich, who played baseball professionally and was once drafted by the Florida Marlins, lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and two young kids. He spent eight days in prison before posting bail and is awaiting a May 3 court hearing.

"It's incredibly scary. You know, you just don't know what the next day may bring. You know, what path this may take. You know, you're in a completely different culture, a different country by yourself. You know, it's certainly a lot different than packing your bags and going away with your family for a few days. It's been the worst 70 days of my life," Hagerich said.

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He and the Watsons are also dealing with the financial strain of paying for an extended stay and being away from their jobs.

"We've already talked, and we're like, what if, you know, what if we lose our house? Which, when we moved to Oklahoma, we built a home that we thought was our forever home. And to think that this is going to ruin us..." said an emotional Valerie.

"This is something that we may never recover from," Ryan said.

"I'm just very anxious, eager to get home to my family," said Hagerich. "This has been too long. You know, it's just had so much irreparable harm to my family, that, you know, I just can't continue to see them struggle anymore. I just want to hug my family and start this healing process together."

After their hearing yesterday, Ryan was sent to jail; he was granted bail at a hearing on Wednesday. Charges were dropped for Valerie on Monday and she is now back in Oklahoma with her two children.

The judges in Turks and Caicos Islands are able to make exceptions to the mandatory minimum sentence if they determine there are "exceptional circumstances" in a case.

NBC10 Boston reached out to the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands' tourism bureau about the Watsons' situation and have not heard back. We contacted the State Department and a spokesperson told NBC10 Boston they are aware of the arrest of U.S. citizens in Turks and Caicos and that, "The U.S. Department of State and our embassies and consulates abroad have no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas."

The spokesperson added, "When a U.S. citizen is arrested overseas, we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance. In a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country's laws, even if they differ from those in the United States… As our security alert from September 22, 2023 states, in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), firearms, ammunition, and other weapons are not permitted. TCI authorities strictly enforce all firearms related laws. The penalty for traveling to TCI with a firearm, ammunition, or other weapon is a minimum custodial sentence of twelve (12) years. If a traveler brings a firearm or ammunition into TCI, the U.S. Department of State will not be able to secure their release from custody. Travelers are subject to TCI laws and must follow local law enforcement procedures."

The State Department said they are unable to provide the number of U.S. citizens charged with weapon/ammunition possession since the department is unable to track local arrests.

But law enforcement officials in Turks and Caicos Islands acknowledged Wednesday in a statement that three Americans are out on bail in such cases.

"The Firearms Ordinance applies to all persons present within the Turks and Caicos Islands regardless of status or origin," read the statement from the offices of the attorney general and the director of public prosecution.

pic.twitter.com/Kz31Ng5wJk — TCIG Communications Directorate (@TCIG_Press) April 24, 2024

Also Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a new statement urging all travelers to take care looking for weapons or ammunition when leaving the U.S.

" Carefully check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing from the United States ," the warning says in bold, going on to note that enforcement in Turks and Caicos Islands is strict, legally declared weapons aren't allowed in the territory and TSA screening may not turn up ammunition in baggage on the way out of the country.

" If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, even inadvertently, we will not be able to secure your release from custody. You are subject to TCI laws and must follow local law enforcement procedures," the statement said.

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