Massport approves Flynn Cruiseport passenger arrival fee for 2026

The Massachusetts Port Authority this week approved the introduction of a cruise passenger arrival fee to fund a $105M upgrade to the Flynn Cruiseport in South Boston.

The new fee will be $3/person in 2026, rising at the rate of $3/year to $15/person in 2030.

Centerpiece of the upgrades will be shore power connection facilities that are expected to significantly reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide at the seaport by replacing electricity now being generated onboard ships.

In 2026, Flynn Cruiseport is expected to host more than 160 ships carrying an estimated 483,000 passengers from 20+ cruise lines, and put $256M into the economy of Boston and Massachusetts.

Flynn Cruiseport is named for South Boston native Ray Flynn who served as Mayor of Boston 1984-1993. and as US Ambassador to the Holy See 1993-1997 during the Clinton administration.

India was #2 US overseas tourism market in 2024

Brand USA reports that India is now the fastest-growing US tourism market, with 2.19M visits in 2024, up 24.3% from 2023 and displacing Germany as #2 overseas market - second only to the UK - and up 49% from pre-pandemic 2019.

Nonstop air capacity from India to the US was also #1 in growth between 2019 and 2024.

Traditionally, visa wait times have been the #1 obstacle to India-US travel, but in 2024 the US opened 250,000 visa appointments in India, and this month a new consulate opened in Bengaluru that will soon have visa processing available. The US issued more than 1 million non-immigrant visas in 2024.

Meet Boston CEO Martha Sheridan has reported that her city received 106,000 visitors from India in 2024, making the country Boston's #3 overseas market after the UK and China.

JetBlue to offer direct flights from Boston to Madrid and Edinburgh in summer 2025

JetBlue has announced the addition of 2 new seasonal direct flights to Europe from Boston Logan for summer 2025: Madrid and Edinburgh, to begin 22 May and run through 24 October. Both flights will leave Boston at around 1030 PM, with return flights landing afternoons.

In addition to year-round service from Boston to London Heathrow and Paris, in 2025 JetBlue will continue to offer other summer seasonal European destinations: Amsterdam, Dublin and London Gatwick.

Round-trip bookings for Madrid and Edinburgh are now available at an introductory rate of $499 for a limited time.

JetBlue begins daily BOS-PQI service

JetBlue has begun a new daily service between Boston Logan and Presque Isle (ME) International Airport, using 100-seat Embraer 190 aircraft.

If the route proves to be profitable, plans are to upgrade to 140-seat Airbus A220 aircraft for 2025.

BOS-PQI Flight #206 leaves Boston at 8:45 PM and arrives in Presque Isle at 10:10 PM. Return flight #207 leaves Presque Isle at 5:45 AM and arrives at Logan at 7:10 AM.

Google Flights just now quoted me a price of $97 round trip for 10-14 October.

MA Gov. Healey kicks off Massachusetts 250 celebration in Boston

Beginning event in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution was held yesterday in front of the State House in Boston, presided over by MA Gov. Maura Healey.

Gov. Healey said, in part, referring to the state's innovation in education, health care and technology:

"Massachusetts — where the revolution began, and where the revolution continues. We honor that history and every day, we're also making history. Just as we led America's revolution, this state, Massachusetts, will lead this country in celebrating our great nation. We'll do that over the next two years, by lifting up and promoting the revolutionary greatness of every community in our state."

A Massachusetts 250 banner was unfurled for the first time, and a historical re-enactment was presented that included Paul Revere's ride (pictured) and a fife and drum corps.

The Massachusetts 250 initiative is managed by MOTT, which is headed by Executive Director Kate Fox.

The first round of a Massachusetts 250 Grant Program will support 37 independence-themed projects across the state.