ABO

150 Years of Holiday Camps: A French Exception Worth Preserving [ABO]

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La « colo » devrait avoir de beaux jours devant elle. A condition que le pouvoir politique admette la nécessité de ne pas détruire un « jouet » qui a mis 150 ans à se développer… - DepositPhotos.com, gpointstudio

Costa Rica


Que s’est-il passé ? Depuis une époque douloureuse où les villes asphyxiées par l’installation d’usines, d’ateliers et de transports divers, ne recelaient plus un air respirable, des âmes sensibles suivant le modèle mis en place en Suisse (voir encadré) eurent l’idée d’envoyer à la campagne des enfants malingres, chétifs, désœuvrés et livrés à eux-mêmes dans un espace urbain ouvert à tous les dangers, donc risquant de « mal tourner » !

Reçus soit dans des familles d’accueil, soit dans des centres collectifs histoire de se faire une santé physique, ces jeunes profitèrent aussi des valeurs prônées par les mouvements d’éducation populaire qui, au fil des années, tentaient de façonner un tourisme accessible et profitable à tous.

La machine était lancée.

Répondant à la vocation hygiéniste de l’époque, l’Etat et la collectivité participaient au financement de tels séjours qui, dans les années soixante, accueillaient plus de 4 millions de jeunes Français. Un record jamais égalé depuis!



A Continuing Decline

Au contraire ! L’histoire glorieuse des « colos » n’est pas linéaire.

Entre 2018-2019 et 2024-2025, près de 132 000 départs de mineurs ont été rayés des listes des jeunes vacanciers. Soit une baisse de 9%.

Sur la seule année passée observée, le nombre de départs en séjours avec hébergement recule de 4%, soit de 50 000 départs, alors que la population augmente. Mais, pourquoi cette hémorragie ?


A Chronic Financial Problem

Une récente enquête Ifop concernant des enfants de 5 à 19 ans, comme tant d’autres au fil des années, invoque cette fois encore, le coût des « colos » !

Pour 52% des parents d’enfants, c’est bel et bien le cas.

Et cela d’autant plus que le paradoxe de la formule réside dans le fait que les classes les plus modestes sont aidées financièrement en fonction des quotients familiaux, alors que la classe moyenne supérieure, en particulier celle qui ne dispose pas de Comités d’entreprise, ne l’est pas.

Une singularité qui fait baisser drastiquement le nombre de partants, surtout quand on sait qu’un séjour qui s’appuie sur une activité nécessitant équipements et personnels très qualifiés (voile, équitation, ski, golf… et séjours linguistiques) avoisine les 400 à 500 euros la semaine, voire plus !

Une somme que peu de familles peuvent débourser, surtout quand elles ont deux ou trois enfants à envoyer en vacances ! Et qu’elles ont ensuite les séjours familiaux à payer.

Quand on sait que le budget moyen pour un foyer pour les vacances estivales se situe autour de 2 000 euros, le calcul est vite fait.

On sacrifie la « colo » et l’on se dépanne comme on peut pendant une partie des vacances avant de s’offrir quelques jours ensemble.

Ainsi, depuis 2020, on enregistre 7% de départs supplémentaires en famille. Une bonne nouvelle confortant la nécessité pour parents et enfants de se retrouver dans un cadre délivré de contraintes.

Mais, dans le même temps, un tiers des enfants et des jeunes âgés de 5 à 19 ans ne sont pas partis du tout en vacances en 2025. Une mauvaise nouvelle qui représente 4,2 millions d’enfants et de jeunes et souligne les inégalités sociales d’un pays comme le nôtre.

Lire aussi : Les colonies de vacances menacées par le budget 2026 ?


Safety under Question

Autre frein à l’envoi d’enfants en « colos », celui concernant la sécurité en général.

Sécurité sanitaire et sécurité liée à des risques de maltraitance de la part de l’encadrement. Une crainte intensifiée par le climat dans lequel est plongée la France à l’heure actuelle.

Certes, les cas sont rares. A moins qu’ils ne soient pas encore révélés. Mais, l’anxiété est réelle et pénalisante pour une formule qui est pourtant soumise à des règles drastiques en matière d’encadrement, activités de loisirs et éducatives.

Autre obstacle au départ, le rejet des séjours collectifs par certains enfants. Généralement les plus jeunes qui, soit ont fait une mauvaise expérience, soit ont entendu leurs proches en parler, soit préfèrent rester chez eux ou chez leurs grands-parents. Lesquels ne l’oublions pas, offrent une solution de « gardienage » très utile aux jeunes couples ne disposant pas d’autant de temps libre que leurs enfants.

N’oublions pas non plus que les 5 semaines de congés ne suffisent pas à prendre en charge des enfants dont les congés sont de 16 semaines !


The “Tour of the Colos”: a Summer Initiative of the JPA


The Invention of Summer Camps

« Les colonies de vacances sont nées à la fin du XIXe siècle. Si certains chercheurs proposent différentes origines aux « colos » en s’appuyant sur des structures existantes auparavant, c’est souvent le pasteur Bion qui en est présenté comme l’inventeur. Ce serait d’ailleurs lui qui leur a donné leur nom, « Ferienkolonien ».

En 1876, ce pasteur de Zurich constate que des enfants de la ville étaient en mauvaise santé alors que les enfants de la campagne étaient en meilleure santé. Il décide alors d’amener 68 enfants de Zurich sur le plateau d’Appenzell durant les mois d’été et continue sur sa lancée les années suivantes, impulsant un mouvement imité dans de nombreux pays d’Europe.

Très vite, il a existé deux types de colonies : le placement familial, par groupes de deux ou trois enfants dans une famille, le plus souvent paysanne et la colonie collective où les enfants logent tous dans la même structure.

Organisée en 1881 par le pasteur Lorriaux, la première colonie de vacances française (de type placement familial) a été soutenue par des Caisses des Écoles, notamment Parisiennes sous le nom de colonies scolaires. Elles étaient laïques, puis se sont diversifiées parmi les pratiquants des autres religions… »

Extrait de « Enfances et jeunesse infos »



Josette Sicsic - DR

Journaliste, consultante, conférencière, Josette Sicsic observe depuis plus de 25 ans, les mutations du monde afin d’en analyser les conséquences sur le secteur du tourisme.

Après avoir développé pendant plus de 20 ans le journal Touriscopie, elle est toujours sur le pont de l’actualité où elle décode le présent pour prévoir le futur. Sur le site www.tourmag.com, rubrique Futuroscopie, elle publie plusieurs fois par semaine les articles prospectifs et analytiques.

Contact : 06 14 47 99 04

Mail : [email protected]

Kid-Friendly: A Guaranteed Future [ABO]

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Kid Friendly : un futur garanti - Depositphotos.Com Auteur mac_sim

Costa Rica


It takes time for everything. In 1991, I had created the Kid Label aimed at coastal and mountain resorts that knew how to welcome families with children.

A vast topic and the first promotion: 44 resorts ranging from La Grande Motte to Le Grand Bornand. A second promotion: 20 additional resorts where accommodation, restaurants, skiing, activities, transportation… were tailored to families with children.

Transformed into the Family Plus Label, the Kid label became a trigger.

At the same time, the Austrians were moving from conference to seminar to explain how they had built the voluntary chain of Kinder Hotels. Hotels obviously dedicated to family clients seeking specific services for their offspring.

As for North American and Scandinavian tourism professionals, they did not wait to offer family rooms, children’s menus and stroller loans!

Meanwhile, French associative tourism did not wait to establish a family offer consisting of baby, mini, teen clubs… wonderfully imitated by Club Méditerranée and its range of “family” villages where GMs would drop off their children early in the morning to pick them up again in the evening after a day during which they and their children had fun. But, each on their own.

A good way to unwind before gathering for the evening in particularly refined productions.

Perfectly adapted by other vacation village brands, camps, and tourist residences… these equipments and activities have proved stubborn because, despite the changing behavior of our children, the basic model has not moved much.

Some new sports and games, of course. A more flexible timing allowing parents to choose their schedules and especially to shorten them.

Even cruises joined in and made their child-friendly receptions a strong selling point for family clients who can shed the burden of running from one deck to another, from one pool to another… to entertain the little ones.

The little ones’ requests diversify according to age, and we try to keep them as far from screens as possible in favor of physical activities.



An Age-Based Segmentation

There are indeed children of all sorts. From the youngest to teenagers, the range is particularly wide and must be respected to satisfy both parents and children.

Knowing that the loveliest age of childhood sits around eight years old and the most challenging around pre-adolescence and adolescence. A period where one should be “monitored” but in the most discreet and informal possible way.


It’s Mom Who Chooses!

But, let us now see what the Family Barometer tells us in its recent study conducted by the Voyage-Family media outlet.

In terms of vacation preparation, attitudes change little.

Mother is regarded as 72% the primary organizer of family vacations whereas 17% of fathers contribute to this task. And yet, the new family leave should allow fathers to undertake more research, bookings, date choices and price considerations.

The survey also notes that the dominant family model (63%) is the traditional model: two parents and children.

But it should be noted that single mothers who have custody of the children in 80% of cases are increasingly numerous and have specific requirements.

They often form with their children a kind of two-person couple that makes decisions together. “I consult my daughter before deciding on a destination,” confesses a mother who knows this is the only way for her to have acceptable holidays. And who also tries to think of herself to enjoy a few good moments.

About 11%, these mothers are complemented by 11% of families extended by grandparents and by 5% of tribes.

Pet-owning families: as for families traveling sometimes with their pets, they are estimated at 15% and those who do so occasionally are 6%. But beware, 6% of requests for stays with animals are not satisfied.


The Budget, a Sacred Budget!

Although the Barometer estimates only 33% of families prioritizing the budget when making choices, it seems to us that this percentage is underestimated.

In these times and in general, the family vacation budget weighs heavily in their expenditures.

The choice of lodging, above all its location is decisive for the success of the stay (71%). Hotels, apartments, gîtes, campsites, and unusual accommodations are favored.

But contrary to assumptions, mobile travel by motorhome attracts only 17% of respondents.

As for the proximity of activities, it is imperative, especially for families. After all, reunions are important for family units where the parents are overwhelmed by their professional activities.



The Dream of Elsewhere Remains Tenacious


Nature Is Still a Priority

If reunion, sharing, and relaxation largely dominate expectations for family vacations, note that nature and culture remain at the top of desired experiences. This is not surprising.

But sporting activities and hiking are sought by more than half of the interviewed families, while adventure and outdoor activities in general account for 40% of expectations.

Theme parks, for their part, attract 35% of requests. As for the swimming pool, it remains a definite must.

And further, if needed, the sea remains the favorite destination for families, in summer (41%) but also in winter (26%). The mountains on their side collect only 14% of requests during the summer season…


A Market of 8 Million Families

Finally, and to conclude, note that the “No Kid” will not win the game against the “Kid Friendly”!

On the contrary, at a time when birth rates are falling sharply, the child is more than ever an important member of French society whose consumption and prescribing power are decisive.

The aim is to safeguard their integrity and to make vacation time a moment that is both playful and educational. And this, regardless of the family budget.

For those who do not travel, everything must be done to help them pack their backpack!

Source: Voyagefamily.pro



Josette Sicsic - DR

Josette Sicsic, journalist, consultant, speaker, has been observing for over 25 years the mutations of the world to analyze their consequences for the tourism sector.

After developing the Touriscopie journal for more than 20 years, she remains at the forefront of current events where she decodes the present to forecast the future. On the site www.tourmag.com, in the Futuroscopie section, she publishes several times a week forward-looking and analytical articles.

Contact: 06 14 47 99 04

Mail: [email protected]

Does Climate Tourism Exist? [ABO]

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Berck-sur-Mer a été troublé par les canicules mais bien moins que la façade atlantique ou la Méditerranée. - Photo JS

Costa Rica


Follow me: oppressive heat lingers over Paris while the nearby Fontainebleau forest endures one of the fiercest fires in its history.

Clearly, the grand bonfire long sought by the German armies no longer requires their vengeful madness. “Paris is not burning yet” but almost.

And the handful of tourists wandering slowly along the asphalt find it hard to carry out their plans for discovery. Beyond pharmacies, cinemas, department stores and luxury hotels… it cannot be said they are enjoying their stay.

By contrast, a few dozen kilometers to the north, along the shores of the North Sea, vast wind-swept beaches carved by tides and battered by winds offer visitors exceptional freshness.

In Berck-plage, for example, a resort whose reputation has grown around its medical facilities and its annual kite festival, children bounce on white sand and challenge the waves in ideal weather that, this year, was also troubled by heat waves but far less than the Atlantic coast or the Mediterranean.



Between dunes, kites and freshness


Comme toutes ses consœurs de la Côte d’Opale, Berck a bel et bien d’autant plus une carte à jouer qu’elle se situe comme Le Touquet, Hardelot, Fort Mahon… à deux petites heures de la capitale et dispose d’un parc d’hébergement de mieux en mieux loti. - Photo JS

For the resort director, it is clear that beyond the usual local vacationers, the northern shores become an unexpected asset that will need to be promoted.

And especially promoted to a somewhat farther clientele (the Paris Basin) who often has little knowledge of the region and clings to outdated clichés that feature mussel-eaters and people undergoing rehabilitation.

Like all its Opal Coast sisters, Berck indeed has an even greater card to play as it lies near Le Touquet, Hardelot, Fort-Mahon… just two hours from the capital and boasts an increasingly well-equipped housing stock.

Rentals, high-end campsites, hotels… dot the brand-new seafront esplanade, making not only a stroll but entertainment easier. Living up perfectly to its Family-Plus label, the resort has put in place substantial efforts to welcome both young vacationers and local youth…

Yet, as some professionals note, one must be careful not to promise too much because, here as elsewhere, climate uncertainty reigns.


Climate Tourism: An Old Story

With the potential to trigger storms, droughts, rains, etc., is weather a new determinant in choosing destinations, especially for the summer season? That’s what many say.

But for the moment, it is clear that no one can forecast with 100% certainty. We speak with emphasis and confidence of urban temperatures rising by as much as 50% by 2050. Yet we do not know what tomorrow will bring.

Controversies about artificial cooling are being fed without undertaking the necessary steps to reintroduce a genuine climate tourism policy as it existed at the beginning of the century. All across France.

Across the world, particularly in colonies, let us recall that the “gentry” used to spend summers in the leafy shade of high-altitude resorts. In Vietnam, Laos, the Himalayas, Algeria, Morocco… summers were thus tolerable.

But, at a moment when the concept of climate stations should regain momentum, “climate tourism” has been erased in favor of a rush toward sports and cultural activism.

Unless it makes a comeback through a different angle, that of well-being.


Polar tourism, luxury tourism, last-chance tourism

Whatever the case, this form of tourism clearly states its purpose of offering spectacular journeys to regions still partly escaping drought.

Thus, the travel agency Connaisseurs du voyage, specialized in aerial cruises, promotes “A world tour in the unprecedented High North, amid untouched nature.” For 23 days, a private plane carries a small group of travelers from Iceland to Alaska, via Greenland, for the modest sum of 27,000 euros.

Greenland, in particular, boosted by the expansion of Nuuk’s international airport, its capital, is starting to captivate those seeking new destinations.

Meanwhile the Faroe Islands, whose exact location remains unknown to many, promise French travelers three weekly flights from Paris/CDG on the Air-Baltic airline. Leveraging a particularly cool climate, the Danish islands envision a tourist future akin to Iceland but with fewer missteps. Only about 3 hours by plane from Paris. A real windfall.

Another example: according to estimates from the U.S. travel agency AdventureSmith Explorations, which offers expeditions to the North and South Poles, the number of travelers opting for a cruise with a flight has risen by more than 4,400% in twenty years, from 230 in 2004 to over 10,000 in 2024!

For that matter, on the southern continent as well, the number of cruises is rising rapidly. From 22,000 travelers at the start of the 2000s, it has climbed to more than 120,000 today, according to data from the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).



A Climate Tourist at Three Speeds



Josette Sicsic - DR

For more than 25 years, journalist, consultant, and speaker Josette Sicsic has been observing the world’s changes to analyze their implications for the tourism sector.

After developing the Touriscopie journal for over 20 years, she remains at the forefront of current events, decoding the present to forecast the future. On the site www.tourmag.com, in the Futuroscopie section, she publishes predictive and analytical articles several times a week.

Contact: 06 14 47 99 04

Email: [email protected]

Denied Boarding: Overbooking and Gate Delays — Who Has to Prove What? [ABO]

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Refus d'embarquement : surbooking, retard à la porte... qui doit prouver quoi ? - DepositPhotos.com Auteur Nataliia2910@gmail.com

Costa Rica


Four passengers were denied boarding on their Paris – Porto flight in July 2025. They sought reimbursement of their tickets as well as coverage for several expenses incurred following the incident.

The travelers had a confirmed booking on a flight to Portugal. They stated they arrived at the boarding gate at 20:10, citing an unusually long queue to access it.

According to them, boarding was refused due to an overbooking situation. They also indicated that a replacement flight had been proposed for the next day, at an additional charge of more than €1,200, an offer they declined.

The passengers also claimed reimbursement for ancillary expenses, notably a car rental they could not use at the destination, as well as parking, fuel and toll costs incurred for their rerouting.

On its side, the airline contested any overbooking and argued that the passengers had not presented themselves at the boarding gate in time.



What the texts say:

Legally, European Regulation No. 261/2004 provides for compensation when a passenger is denied boarding against their will.

Yet this denial must be established. Indeed, under Article 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, it is up to each party to provide the necessary evidence to support their claims.

In this case, no element of the file could establish the existence of an overbooking. Furthermore, the boarding passes indicated that the doors closed at precisely 20:10.


What the Tourism and Travel Mediation recommends:

The Mediation concluded that by arriving at that exact time, the passengers had not presented themselves within a window enabling actual boarding.

The airline’s general terms of carriage also specify that a passenger who does not present themselves at the gate in time may be refused carriage.

Finally, regarding car rental, parking or toll costs, the Mediation notes that Article 1231-3 of the Civil Code limits compensation to damages foreseeable at the time the contract was formed. These ancillary expenses could not be regarded as foreseeable by the carrier.

No legal basis was therefore found to require the airline to reimburse the tickets or the claimed fees.


Find all practical cases from the Tourism and Travel Mediation by clicking HERE.


Italy, West Bank, Puerto Rico: This Week’s International News [ABO]

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La revue de presse internationale de la semaine - Depositphotos.com, serezniy

Costa Rica


In the weekly press review for the week of July 6, 2026:

Israel aims to revitalise tourism in the West Bank

Literary tourism opens a new chapter with a hotel dedicated to Icelandic narratives

Turkey accelerates on rail to boost its tourist appeal

Artificial intelligence and digital technology at the heart of the airport of tomorrow

The “Alpine Summer,” the fresh new escape against heat waves

In Doha, a face becomes the new passport for paperless travel

Italy toward a record summer, driven by the North and new mobility

A new label to reassure travelers facing the risk of bed bugs

Odd! When a TikTok clip becomes the most entertaining tourism office in Puerto Rico!



Israel aims to revitalise tourism in the West Bank


Israël veut relancer le tourisme en Cisjordanie - DepositPhotos.com, lucidwaters

The Israeli government announced a 27 million shekels (about 6.65 million euros) investment aimed at strengthening the hotel sector and supporting the revival of tourism in the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, an occupied territory where these settlements are deemed illegal by international law.

The stated objective is to attract more visitors and bolster local economic activity, as tourism in Israel has fallen sharply since the start of the war in October 2023.

This initiative has sparked strong criticism: NGOs denounce increased support for colonization and for land restrictions affecting Palestinians, while some Israelis choose to avoid these areas for security or ideological reasons.

Read an article on thetimes.com


Literary tourism opens a new chapter with a hotel dedicated to Icelandic narratives


À Akureyri, dans le nord de l’Islande, un nouvel hôtel Hilton s’attaque au tourisme littéraire - DepositPhotos.com, Dudlajzov

In Akureyri, in northern Iceland, a new Hilton hotel is betting on the power of literature to attract travelers seeking immersive experiences.

The Skáld Akureyri, Curio Collection, draws on Icelandic tradition of poets and storytellers, with decor that blends literary references, Nordic craftsmanship and local landscapes.

Following festivals, author circuits and themed journeys, hotels are tapping into the rise of literary tourism, a trend that is bringing more visitors to places linked to writers, works and cultural imaginaries.

Source euronews.com


Turkey accelerates on rail to strengthen its tourist appeal


La Turquie veut relier 27 provinces par le train d’ici 2028 - DepositPhotos.com, ifeelstock

Turkey continues developing its high-speed rail network with the aim of linking 27 provinces by 2028, up from 11 currently served.

This ambitious programme seeks to facilitate travel for passengers across the country.

In the longer term, the objective is to enable traversing Turkey in just 48 hours by 2053, thereby strengthening connections between major cities and tourist destinations.

More to discover on fvw.de


The Alpine Summer, the new refreshing escape against heat waves


In Doha, the face becomes the new passport for paperless travel

Doha’s Hamad International Airport takes a new step in the digitisation of travel with the launch of the biometric “Fast Pass” service.

Thanks to facial recognition, Qatar Airways passengers can now pass through several checkpoints and board with fewer documents to present.

Deployed at more than 700 touchpoints, the technology helps save time and streamline the experience.

More to read on euronews.com


Italy toward a record summer, driven by the North and new mobility


L’Italie devrait vivre un été record, avec une fréquentation en hausse du nord du pays - DepositPhotos.com, Alexmit

Italy is preparing to experience an exceptional summer season, with strong attendance and hotel occupancy rates higher than those of several competing European destinations.

Travelers are gradually moving away from the traditional hotspots to prefer the northern regions, lakes and spa towns, while the growth of direct flights makes access to the country easier.

This dynamic confirms a shift in tourist habits toward more diversified destinations and away from concentrating solely on iconic sites.

Source: lefigaro.fr


A new label to reassure travelers facing the risk of bed bugs


Le label « Bed Bugs Project » vise à renforcer la confiance des touristes face à la menace des punaises de lit dans les hébergements - DepositPhotos.com, jareynolds

As the summer holidays approach, a new label aims to strengthen traveler confidence in the face of bed bug threats in accommodations.

Launched by Bureau Veritas in partnership with industry experts, the “Bed Bugs Project” certification supports hotels, campsites, tourist residences and holiday clubs in prevention and management of infestations.

With an uptick in interventions during the summer season, this approach aims to become a seal of sanitary quality and reassurance for travelers.

A piece on geo.fr


Insolite ! When a TikTok clip becomes Puerto Rico’s most entertaining tourism office!

In Puerto Rico, a song that originated spontaneously on social media gained unexpected momentum… to the point of becoming the island’s official tourism anthem!

Discover Puerto Rico rode the wave by turning this viral buzz into a vibrant music clip filmed across the destination.

Between beaches, gastronomy, culture and friendly locals, the message is simple: after singing it online, you just have to come and experience it in real life.

Sometimes, the best tourism ambassador lies in a few notes and a catchy chorus!

Read on sanjuandailystar.com

Characterful Hospitality: How to Turn Uniqueness into a Performance Driver [ABO]

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L'hôtellerie de caractère gagne en performance le jour où elle transforme sa singularité subie en singularité assumée. Ici, l'établissement Relais & Châteaux de La Bretesche à Missillac, France - DepositPhotos.com, jqnoc

Costa Rica


In characterful establishments, from French castles to island lodges, including golf resorts and wine estates, it is not uncommon to hear the owner of a distinctive place speak of its particularities as much as an advantage as a challenge: a limited number of rooms to optimize, spaces that resemble one another little, and a heritage architectural fabric that complicates day-to-day operations.

These particularities, however, form the foundation of solid performance, capable of being structured around three levers that strengthen each other.



Pricing the Difference, Measuring Beyond the Room

The first lever touches the revenue strategy, and it rests on a widely documented conviction: in a competitive market, product differentiation yields more durable revenues than chasing the bottom prices.

The rarity and heterogeneity of the rooms become the arguments, since a restricted inventory, made up of spaces that stand out for their history, view, and size, allows a pricing grid where each room represents a product in its own right.

The value-creation phase is essential because the sector is gradually moving away from RevPAR, which centers on the room alone, in favor of indicators that incorporate the value created per guest and actual profitability, from TRevPAR to GOPPAR.

A characterful property, whose dining, experiences, and ancillary services often carry as much weight as the nightly rate, benefits from thinking this way, and its pricing grid is built as an overall strategy.

Consequently, hoteliers might place less emphasis on price based on sleep quality and more on the guest journey.


The service and the human, the most difficult advantage to copy

The second lever is the one that large brands find the hardest to replicate.

A small establishment potentially benefits from a higher personnel-to-guest ratio and a relational proximity that enables a level of attentiveness that mass scale dilutes.

Harvard Business School has formalized this mechanism under the name of the “service-profit chain”, where employee satisfaction fuels client satisfaction, which in turn underpins financial performance.

This effect of internal climate always translates into the client’s lived experience. The advantage of human intervention therefore bears fruit once organized, when training, the quality of procedures, and the smoothness of internal communication turn hospitality intentions into measurable loyalty.

In this era of AI, the quality of human service remains a condition for the value of hospitality, and we now have the tools to devote the necessary time to it.


The narrative, turning heritage into experience

The third lever extends the first two by giving them meaning.

The experience economy, theorized by Pine and Gilmore, established that travelers seek memorable moments and judge offerings by the level of authenticity they perceive.

For a characterful property, heritage and territory constitute an asset ready to become a story, because the history of a building, its regional anchoring, and local know-how form what luxury hospitality calls the soul of a house, a differentiating source that underpins loyalty as well as recognition.

The narrative proves its value when it leaves the brochure to take shape in lived experience, from a staged arrival to partnerships with regional artisans, and it fully aligns with the principles of regenerative tourism.


Markets: Middle East Conflict Boosts the Dollar and Fuels Inflation Fears [ABO]

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Economic Situation

Marchés : le conflit au Moyen-Orient renforce le dollar et relance les craintes inflationnistes - Depositphotos.com Auteur JackFotografo

IFTM prenez RDV avec TourMaG


The Middle East conflict has escalated to a broader scale. On Sunday, Iran struck for the first time six Gulf states (United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan) in retaliation for American strikes.

Until now, the confrontation had been confined to Washington and Tehran around the Strait of Hormuz. By targeting directly the Gulf monarchies, Iran widens the scope of the conflict, far beyond a mere escalation.

Everything accelerated since July 8, when Donald Trump declared the ceasefire terminated after the attack on three ships near Hormuz. Since then, U.S. strikes have followed one another (four in a week) and Tehran says it has closed the strait, which Washington denies.

The numbers speak for themselves: barely six ship passages between Thursday evening and Friday morning, compared with about twenty per day at the start of July. The United States has also reinstated sanctions on Iranian oil from July 17.

Markets reacted calmly but clearly. Brent crude rose to around $79, about 9% above its pre-war level. The dollar strengthened against all major currencies, and yields rose: the 2-year U.S. yield reached 4.23%, the highest since February 2025. In other words, investors no longer expect rate cuts, but higher rates for a long time.

The timing could not be worse: this oil shock comes just as inflation was easing. In the euro area, inflation fell from 3.2% to 2.8% in June thanks to relief from oil, now jeopardized again.

The ECB, which raised rates in mid-June for the first time since 2023, refuses to commit to further moves, but the market prices in about a 70% chance of another hike in September. In the United States, several Federal Reserve officials already see a need for a rise.

Concretely, as long as traffic through Hormuz remains disrupted, the dollar is likely to stay strong and the euro under pressure, given Europe’s heavy energy import dependence. But there is no panic: Iranian strikes remain limited, Brent is far from the $120 levels reached in past crises, and many analysts expect the barrel to stay between $70 and $80 this summer.

A return to diplomacy (a Qatari delegation has already visited Tehran) could bring tensions down as quickly as they rose.



Exchange Rates: The Technical Update

The euro/dollar traded around 1.1404 on Monday’s open, down slightly from Thursday’s 1.1435. The euro sits in a paradoxical position: it should benefit from the ECB’s policy (a further rate hike in September is priced in at about 70%), yet that support is overwhelmed by two forces—the dollar’s status as a safe haven and high American rates (2-year at 4.23%). Since January, the euro has fallen about 2.8% against the greenback.

The next major event is the U.S. inflation release on Tuesday: if it surprises to the upside, the dollar will strengthen further ahead of the Fed meeting on July 29; if it comes in as expected (around 3.8%), the euro could catch a bit of a break.

Against the Swiss franc, the euro remains near its lows for the year, around 0.922. As long as geopolitics dominates, a rebound seems unlikely: even the calmer moments in June produced only small and short-lived gains.

Notably, the yen is not playing its usual safe-haven role. EUR/JPY sits near 184.4 and USD/JPY around 161.7. Japanese government bonds were even sold on Monday, signaling that the rate gap with the United States weighs more than risk aversion. Good news for companies paying suppliers in yen: current levels remain historically advantageous.

The Canadian dollar benefits from higher oil: EUR/CAD trades around 1.615, vs 1.62 on Thursday. The Bank of Canada will announce its decision on Wednesday, and keeping the rate at 2.25% is the consensus. It is caught between a slowing economy and energy-driven inflation. Canada, being a net oil exporter, sees oil’s rally support its revenues and therefore its currency.

Finally, the British pound is advancing quietly but surely: EUR/GBP has fallen back to around 0.852, from about 0.862 at the end of June. The pound benefits from attractive British rates for investors. The UK’s upcoming activity data this week will indicate whether this advantage remains.


WEEKLY SUPPORTS WEEKLY RESISTANCES
S2 S1 R1 R2
EUR/USD 1.1180 1.1290 1.1520 1.1630
EUR/GBP 0.8350 0.8430 0.8600 0.8690
EUR/CHF 0.9035 0.9125 0.9310 0.9400
EUR/CAD 1.5830 1.5990 1.6310 1.6470
EUR/JPY 180.70 182.55 186.25 188.10


The weekly supports and resistances shown below indicate, respectively, the low and high points within which prices are expected to move during the week.



The information presented in this publication is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer to sell, or an invitation to buy; it should in no case be used as a basis or be considered an incentive to engage in any investment.


Mondial Change is a French financial institution, founded in 2015, specializing in the management of international payments and exchange-rate risk.

Mondial Change supports numerous players in tourism, travel agencies, tour operators, handling incoming groups…

www.mondialchange.com

Contact: [email protected]


Breakdowns: Travel Remains Resilient as Tensions Drive Tourism [ABO]

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Défaillances : le voyage résiste encore, mais les tensions gagnent le tourisme - Depositphotos.com Auteur Dwara Art

IFTM prenez RDV avec TourMaG


Altares a recensé 17 486 procédures collectives au deuxième trimestre 2026, soit une hausse de 5,4 % sur un an. Depuis le début de l’année, 37 700 entreprises ont fait défaut, près de 1 500 de plus qu’au premier semestre 2025.

Si le rythme ralentit légèrement, le niveau des défaillances demeure près de 40 % supérieur à celui observé avant la crise sanitaire.

Les très petites entreprises restent les plus exposées (+8,3 % de défauts chez les entreprises de -3 salariés), tandis que les services figurent parmi les secteurs les plus touchés.

A noter également, que les défaillances des entreprises de -3 ans progressent de 12,7%.



Le voyage continue de mieux résister

Dans ce contexte, le secteur du voyage fait figure d’exception relative.

Au deuxième trimestre, les agences de voyages enregistrent un niveau de défaillance identique à celui de l’an dernier, avec 12 procédures ouvertes. Les services de réservation et activités connexes font même légèrement mieux, passant de 10 à 8 défaillances (-20 %).

Seule ombre au tableau : les voyagistes voient le nombre de procédures passer de 1 à 6. Au total, les activités liées au voyage recensent 26 défaillances contre 23 un an auparavant.

La photographie est toutefois plus favourable lorsqu’on observe le premier semestre dans son ensemble. Les activités de voyage totalisent 54 défaillances, contre 59 sur les six premiers mois de 2025, soit un recul d’environ 8,5 %.

Pour Thierry Millon, directeur des études Altares, cette résilience s’explique aussi par la capacité d’adaptation des professionnels. « Le secteur subit malgré tout une situation qui doit l’amener à être très à l’écoute du client. Mais pour y arriver, il faut évidemment être en capacité de pouvoir résister financièrement », souligne-t-il.


L’hébergement décroche, le transport reste contrasté

Thierry Millon estime toutefois que cette résistance du secteur ne doit pas masquer les fragilités qui apparaissent dans d’autres activités touristiques. « Le tourisme présente plutôt des indicateurs de résistance sur les voyages en particulier. Mais cela ne concerne pas encore les activités de l’hébergement-restauration », observe-t-il.

En effet, tous les métiers du tourisme ne suivent pas la même trajectoire.

Altares souligne une forte dégradation de l’hébergement, avec 133 défaillances au deuxième trimestre (+41,5 %). Les hôtels sont particulièrement touchés avec 91 procédures, en hausse de 54 %, tandis que les structures d’hébergement touristique de courte durée progressent également de 50 %.

« L’hôtellerie classique souffrait déjà de la concurrence des hébergements de courte durée. Désormais, c’est à peu près tout le monde qui se retrouve dans la même situation », constate le directeur des études Altarès. Selon lui, les établissements positionnés sur le milieu de gamme sont aujourd’hui les plus exposés, tandis que les offres premium et les établissements les plus économiques résistent davantage.

Du côté du transport, la situation demeure contrastée.

Le transport routier de marchandises reste sous tension, même si les défaillances reculent légèrement (-2 %).

En revanche, les difficultés persistent dans le transport routier de voyageurs, où les défaillances restent concentrées chez les taxis. Altares rappelle que leur niveau demeure plus de deux fois supérieur à celui observé avant la crise sanitaire.


Altares · Corporate Insolvencies
Insolvencies in the Travel & Passenger Transport Sector
Safeguard, receivership and judicial liquidation filings · Q2 2026
Q2 2026
vs Q2 2025

National Context
Altares Study — Paris, July 16, 2026
Nearly 17,500 insolvencies in Q2 2026 (all sectors combined) (+5.4%)
With 17,486 open procedures, the second quarter confirms the high level of insolvencies in France. Since the start of the year, 37,700 companies have defaulted, two-thirds directly in liquidation, i.e. 1,500 more than in the first half of 2025. Difficulties hit especially very small and young firms, moderating the social impact of the rise: the number of jobs at risk falls by 9.5% year on year to 58,830 staff.
17 486
Q2 Procedures

37 700
in 6 months

58 830
jobs at risk (−9.5%)

+1 500
vs 2nd half 2025

Key Figures · Q2 2026 – Travel & Transports

Travel — All Travel Sub-sectors
26
insolvencies
▲ +13,0 % vs Q2 2025

Travel Transports
270
insolvencies
▲ +1,5 % vs Q2 2025

Combined Total
296
insolvencies
▲ +2,4 % vs Q2 2025



Focus
Travel Sector
26 insolvencies in Q2 2026

Travel Agencies
7911Z

12
= 0,0 %

vs 12 in Q2 2025 · 18 in Q2 2024

Q2 22Q2 23Q2 24Q2 25Q2 26

Tour Operators
7912Z

6
▲ +500 %

vs 1 in Q2 2025 · 8 in Q2 2024

Q2 22Q2 23Q2 24Q2 25Q2 26

Booking Services
7990Z

8
▼ −20,0 %

vs 10 in Q2 2025 · 11 in Q2 2024

Q2 22Q2 23Q2 24Q2 25Q2 26

Ensemble Voyages — Annual Insolvencies History
Travel Agencies + Tour Operators + Booking Services

96

93

97

94

72

90

103

120

104

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025

Analysis : After a peak at 120 insolvencies in 2024, the travel sector returned to 104 in 2025 (−13.3%). In Q2 2026, the trend reverses with 26 insolvencies versus 23 in Q2 2025 (+13.0%). The rise is driven by tour operators (6 versus 1 in Q2 2025), while travel agencies remain stable (12) and booking services retreat (8 vs 10, −20%).



Distribution of the 26 Travel Insolvencies · Q2 2026
Agencies 46,2 %
Tour Operators 23,1 %
Booking Services 30,8 %

Travel Agencies (12)
Tour Operators (6)
Booking Services (8)



Transports
Passenger Transport
270 insolvencies in Q2 2026

⚠
Taxis & VTC — Sector under intense strain
4932Z
254
insolvencies in Q2 2026
▲ +1,6 %

Taxis and VTC account for 94.1% of the insolvencies in the passenger transport sector. The rise has been ongoing since 2021 (305 → 859 in 2025). In Q2 2026, it cools slightly: 254 insolvencies vs 250 in Q2 2025.

319

515

571

339

305

395

470

648

859

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025

Other Transport Sub-sectors · Q2 2026

Sub-sector
Q2 2025
Q2 2026
Change

Maritime Transport
4
3
−25 %

Inland Water Transport
0
0
—

Air Transport
0
1
n.s.

Regular Road Transport
7
4
−42,9 %

Other road transport
9
11
+22,2 %



Summary
Yearly Evolution — Comparative

Travel Sector
Annual Insolvencies 2017–2025
2017
96
2018
93
2019
97
2020
94
2021
72
2022
90
2023
103
2024
120
2025
104

Passenger Transports
Annual Insolvencies 2017–2025
2017
453
2018
650
2019
669
2020
413
2021
341
2022
454
2023
543
2024
726
2025
927

Source : Altares — Corporate insolvency statistics
Safeguard, receivership and judicial liquidation filings · Q2 2026
NAF codes : 7911Z, 7912Z, 7990Z (Travel) · 5010Z, 5030Z, 5110Z, 4932Z, 4939A, 4939B (Passenger Transport)



Une économie qui manque toujours d’élan


Ce qu’il faut retenir du baromètre Altares au 2e trimestre 2026

  • 17 486 défaillances d’entreprises ont été enregistrées au 2e trimestre, soit +5,4 % sur un an. Le premier semestre totalise 37 700 procédures, un niveau toujours très élevé.

  • Les défaillances restent près de 40 % supérieures à leur niveau d’avant-Covid, malgré un ralentissement de leur progression depuis plusieurs mois.

  • Les très petites entreprises demeurent les plus fragiles : les structures de moins de trois salariés représentent 75 % des procédures et voient leurs défaillances progresser de 8,3 %.

  • Les jeunes entreprises sont particulièrement exposées : les sociétés de moins de trois ans enregistrent une hausse de 12,7 % des défaillances, majoritairement sous forme de liquidations judiciaires.

  • L’impact sur l’emploi recule : malgré la hausse des procédures, le nombre d’emplois menacés baisse de 9,5 %, à 58 830 salariés.

  • Les services aux entreprises décrochent (+13,9 %), tout comme les services aux consommateurs (+15,7 %), tandis que l’agriculture (+21 %) connaît une forte dégradation.

  • La construction résiste globalement (-0,8 %), grâce au recul des défaillances dans le gros œuvre et le second œuvre, même si la promotion immobilière reste en grande difficulté.

  • Le tourisme présente un visage contrasté : les activités de voyage restent relativement résilientes, mais l’hébergement se dégrade fortement avec une hausse de 41,5 % des défaillances, dont +54 % pour les hôtels.

  • La moitié des régions françaises repasse dans le vert, notamment la Bretagne, la Normandie, la Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, le Centre-Val de Loire, la Corse et la région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. À l’inverse, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes enregistre une envolée des défaillances (+22,9 %).

  • Pour Altares, le reflux des défaillances n’est pas encore en vue. Avec une croissance attendue limitée à 0,7 %, une consommation atone et des coûts d’exploitation toujours élevés, le cabinet anticipe 34 000 à 35 000 nouvelles procédures collectives au second semestre 2026.

Eurostar, Heatwave, ETIAS… The Week’s Essential Tourism News [ABO]

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La revue de presse internationale de la semaine - Depositphotos.com Auteur serezniy

IFTM prenez RDV avec TourMaG


Au sommaire de la revue de presse de la semaine du 13 juillet 2026 :

Eurostar adapts its future trains to extreme heatwaves

In Italy, the tourism sector calls for tougher rules against fake reviews

An NGO advocates for a fairer tax regime for cruises in Europe

Hotel guest satisfaction is rising in North America

In Spain, heatwaves are undermining the loyalty of international tourists



Five trends reshaping the employment market in events

Sports tourism is emerging as the new engine of holidays

ETIAS launch postponed to 2027?

Did you know? Summer scams are targeting travelers more and more



Eurostar adapts its future trains to extreme heatwaves


Les futurs trains Eurostar seront capables d'opérer par des températures atteignant 55 °C.@depositphotos/packshot

In response to the intensification of heat waves across Europe, Eurostar has revised the specifications for its upcoming two-level train fleet, dubbed “Celestia.”

Initially designed to operate up to 45 °C, the new trains will ultimately be equipped with air conditioning capable of functioning at temperatures reaching 55 °C.

Expected from 2031, they are intended to remain in service until the 2060s. An investment of 2 billion euros is earmarked to modernize the fleet, increase capacity by 20%, and better prepare the rail network for the challenges of climate change.

A DailyMail.com article


In Italy, the tourism sector calls for tougher rules against fake reviews


En Italie, les organisations du tourisme italien veulent renforcer la lutte contre les faux avis en ligne un @depositphotos/NiroDesign

The main Italian tourism organizations deem the guidelines proposed by the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) to combat online fake reviews to be insufficient.

They call for identical rules across all platforms, a complete ban on paid or incentivized reviews, greater transparency about ranking algorithms, and stronger controls against fraud.

According to them, online reviews directly impact the reputation and activity of tourism businesses, justifying a stricter regulatory framework to ensure fair competition and better consumer protection.

An article to be found on ttgitalia.com


An NGO advocates for a fairer tax regime for cruises in Europe


Selon une étude de Transport & Environment (T&E), les croisières bénéficient d'un régime fiscal plus avantageux que les hôtels. @depositphotos/IgorVetushko

According to a study by Transport & Environment (T&E), cruises enjoy a more favorable tax regime: a night onboard is taxed on average twice as little as a night in a hotel, despite a significant environmental impact.

The NGO notably proposes a €15 per passenger per port of call tax, which could generate €335 million per year in France, Spain, and Italy.

It also calls to align cruise VAT with hotel VAT and to strengthen environmental rules to better account for the costs associated with pollution and overtourism.

More at transportenvironment.org


In Spain, heat waves undermine the loyalty of international tourists


Five trends reshaping the employment market in events


L'expérience terrain est désormais plus valorisée que les diplômes dans l’événementiel. @depositphotos/ANDRANIK2017

Despite a challenging job market, event recruiters are now prioritizing specialized profiles capable of demonstrating concrete results and return on investment.

Hands-on experience is now valued more than degrees, even if certifications remain a salary asset.

Another takeaway: companies are rethinking their skill needs and are increasingly turning to freelancers and contract workers rather than permanent hires.

More on skift.com


Sports tourism is emerging as the new engine of holidays


Randonnée, surf, vélo, stages multisports ou bien-être deviennent des critères déterminants dans le choix des destinations. @depositphotos/ArturVerkhovetskiy

According to an analysis by Le Figaro, vacations centered on rest are gradually giving way to active getaways. Hiking, surfing, cycling, multisport camps or wellness programs are becoming decisive criteria in destination choice, driven by the search for convivial experiences and more immersive tourism.

This trend, particularly pronounced in summer 2026, pushes travel players to develop offerings ever more focused on sports activities and nature-based experiences.

Read on lefigaro.fr


ETIAS system launch postponed to 2027?


L'entrée en vigueur de l'ETIAS devrait être reportée à 2027. @depositphotos/Triumph0828

The implementation of ETIAS, the future €20 paid travel authorization for nationals of visa-exempt countries looking to travel to the Schengen area, is expected to be postponed to 2027.

This new timeline would be linked to difficulties encountered in deploying the biometric control system EES, essential for ETIAS to operate. Transport and tourism stakeholders welcome the delay, saying it will help avoid new disruptions at European airports, while the European Commission has not yet officially announced a new launch date.

An article from thetimes.com


Did you know? Summer scams are targeting travelers more and more


Les touristes, sont la cible d’arnaques au faux QR codes. @depositphotos/ArtVibe

Holidays are a prime time for scammers. This summer, travelers should especially beware of “quishing,” a scam using fake QR codes, as well as fake SMS requesting toll payments in transit or fraudulent listings of vacation rentals.

Before booking or paying for a service, it is essential to verify the authenticity of sites, never click on suspicious links, and favor official platforms. A few simple precautions can prevent vacations from turning into a nightmare.

An article from liberation.fr

Advertising, AI, and Word-of-Mouth: What Really Makes CSP+ Customers Book [ABO]

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96% des voyageurs ultra-luxe continuent de passer par un conseiller humain pour organiser leurs séjours, malgré les outils de réservation en ligne - DepositPhotos.com, Milkos

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In the United States, Resonance Consultancy has tracked the spending habits of affluent travelers since 2007, in partnership with the Leger Institute.

According to its 2026 Future of Luxury Travel study, the wealthiest 10% of American households will spend $544 billion on leisure travel in 2026, with the average per-trip budget rising from $5,100 to $7,900 between 2022 and today.

A McKinsey study specifies that a third of this market now comes from clients with a net worth between $100,000 and $1 million, a profile closer to senior executives or small-to-midsize business leaders than to ultra-wealthy clients.



Trust Comes First, Not Price

According to ColorWhistle’s compilation of 2025-2026 industry studies, 96% of ultra-luxury travelers continue to rely on a professional to organize their high-end trips, despite the growing availability of online booking tools.

TravelAge West interviewed clients with budgets of at least $25,000 on why they choose this route: 84% believe that a recognized advisor provides more value than a prolonged Internet search.

Time savings tops the motivations cited, ahead of itinerary personalization and the reduction of planning-related stress.

These two studies position the travel professional as a buffer against the mental burden of planning, rather than merely a booking intermediary.

Also read: Travel agencies: how much should you invest in Google Ads to acquire a client in 2026?


AI informs, it does not decide

A Skift survey, cited by AltexSoft, shows that 93% of travelers trust artificial intelligence to obtain information about a destination.

Only 2% would entrust AI to handle a booking or a modification to a trip entirely autonomously, without human validation.

This gap marks a clear boundary between using AI as a source of information and its role in the final booking decision.

Also read: Google search evolutions: what a travel agency must anticipate for 2027


The United Kingdom Confirms the Trend

Virtuoso, which surveyed more than 2,400 advisors worldwide for its Luxe Report 2026, notes a similar shift among British and American clients: luxury is defined less by the price tag and more by authenticity and the depth of the connection to a destination.

This same definition is driving agencies like Not Just Travel, which launched in July 2026 an internal certification program to train its advisors in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, encouraging investment in education rather than solely in the media budget.

The British luxury travel market, valued at $2.81 billion in 2025 according to Market Data Forecast, owes part of its growth to this emphasis on personalization.


What I Take Away for Advertising


In Summary

1. In the United States, wealthy households are spending more per trip, with the average budget rising from $5,100 to $7,900 between 2022 and 2026, on a market valued at $544 billion.

2. 96% of ultra-luxury travelers continue to rely on a human advisor to organize their stays, despite online booking tools.

3. Time savings motivates this choice more than access to exclusive experiences, ahead of itinerary personalization and reducing stress.

4. Travelers trust AI to inform themselves (93%), but rarely to book on their own without human validation (2%).

5. In the United Kingdom, luxury is defined more by authenticity and personalization than by the displayed price, prompting some agencies to invest in advisor training.

6. Referrals remain the sector’s most effective conversion channel at 9.5%, ahead of search and email.


Sources

– Resonance Consultancy, 2026 Future of Luxury Travel (January 2026).

– McKinsey, cited by AltexSoft, Luxury Travel Market (November 2025).

– ColorWhistle, Luxury Travel Consumer Statistics (June 2026).

– TravelAge West, Why Luxury Travelers With $25K+ Budgets Are Turning to Travel Advisors (May 2025).

– Skift, cited by AltexSoft, Travel Advisors Market (January 2026).

– Virtuoso, 2026 Luxe Report (November 2025).

– Not Just Travel, press release (July 2026).

– Market Data Forecast, UK Luxury Travel Market Size & Share Report (June 2026).

– Ruler Analytics, Travel Marketing Statistics (August 2024).

– OpinionWay for American Express, Lifestyle Trends Observatory, 4th Edition (April 2026).



Photo : A. Houizot

Adrien Houizot is a Google Ads consultant who has specialized exclusively in the travel and tourism sector for eight years.

After working with several digital marketing agencies, he now supports travel agencies (B2C & B2B), hoteliers and providers of tourism activities.

He is the founder of Monsieur Travel Marketing.


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