Brazil, Spain, Rail Travel: This Week in Tourism News [ABO]


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

Hurtigruten


Au sommaire de la revue de presse de la semaine du 24 août 2026 :



Eurostar bientôt concurrencé sur le tunnel sous la Manche

Brésil : le voyage d’affaires accélère

Thaïlande, Australie, Japon : les choix de voyage varient selon les générations

European Sleeper met le cap sur la Scandinavie

EF World Journeys courtise enfin les agences de voyages

Israël : le tourisme international reprend de la hauteur

En Espagne, le « flex living » séduit aussi les plus de 50 ans

Voyages d’affaires et réunions : la frontière s’efface

Insolite ! À Los Angeles, bientôt des taxis pour éviter… les bouchons



Eurostar soon facing competition on the Channel Tunnel


D’ici 2030, la concurrence devrait se développer sur la liaison ferroviaire entre Londres et l’Europe pour atteindre jusqu’à 55 allers-retours quotidiens. @depositphotos/jonkempner

La liaison ferroviaire entre Londres et l’Europe pourrait fortement se développer d’ici 2030, avec jusqu’à 55 allers-retours quotidiens, soit environ un train toutes les 15 minutes.

Eurostar devrait faire face à l’arrivée de Virgin Trains et de Trenitalia, qui prévoient respectivement leurs premiers services en 2030 et 2029.

Un troisième acteur, Gemini Trains, ambitionne également de se lancer. Cette concurrence pourrait accroître l’offre et faire baisser les tarifs, mais plusieurs obstacles restent à lever, notamment les autorisations réglementaires et la capacité des gares et infrastructures.

Plus à lire sur politico.eu


Brésil : le voyage d’affaires accélère


Le Brésil connaît un fort développement du voyage d’affaires. @depositphotos/iveklitch.gmail.com

Le Brésil s’impose comme l’un des marchés les plus dynamiques du voyage d’affaires.

Selon la GBTA, les dépenses corporate devraient atteindre 35,8 milliards de dollars en 2026, soit une croissance de 13,8 %, la plus forte parmi les 15 principaux marchés mondiaux.

Une dynamique qui accompagne celle du tourisme international : les recettes des visiteurs étrangers ont progressé de 12,1 % au premier semestre, à 5,6 milliards de dollars.

Plus à lire sur abouttravel.ch


Thailand, Australia, Japan: travel choices vary by generation


Les attentes des jeunes voyageurs diffèrent d’une génération à l’autre. @depositphotos/luckybusiness

Une étude basée sur plus de 4 700 réservations met en évidence des différences entre Gen Z et Millennials. La Thaïlande arrive en tête chez les plus jeunes, devant l’Australie, l’Indonésie et le Vietnam, tandis que les Millennials privilégient l’Australie, la Thaïlande et le Japon.

Budget, réseaux sociaux, recherche de destinations moins fréquentées et dispositifs comme le visa vacances-travail expliquent en partie ces écarts.

Plus d’informations sur le site euronews.com


EF World Journeys finally courting travel agencies


Israel: international tourism rebounds


En Israël, les hôtels ont enregistré 395 000 nuitées de touristes en juillet 2026, soit une hausse spectaculaire de 139 % sur un an.@depositphoto/VeronikaGorBO

Le tourisme international en Israël semble retrouver des couleurs : les hôtels ont enregistré 395 000 nuitées de touristes en juillet 2026, soit une hausse spectaculaire de 139 % sur un an.

Sur les sept premiers mois de l’année, le nombre de nuitées atteint 1,7 million, contre 1,5 million en 2025.

La reprise semble également s’accélérer, avec une moyenne mensuelle de 247 000 nuitées sur les trois derniers mois, contre 181 000 auparavant.

A lire sur traveldailynews.com


In Spain, the “flex living” also appeals to those over 50


En Espagne, les plus de 50 ans, séduits par les logements flexibles.@depositphotos/marimar8989

Le logement flexible change de cible en Espagne : longtemps associé aux étudiants et jeunes actifs, il attire désormais aussi les plus de 50 ans, séduits par l’autonomie, les services et les espaces partagés.

Selon Cando Living, le parc espagnol devrait doubler d’ici 2028, passant de 19 000 à près de 39 000 logements. Madrid concentre une grande partie des nouveaux projets, tandis que le secteur attire de plus en plus d’investisseurs.

Un article du site hosteltur.com


Business travel and meetings: the boundary is blurring


La frontière entre voyages d’affaires et réunions s’estompe. @depositphotos/kasto

Les voyages d’affaires et les réunions d’entreprise pourraient bientôt se gérer sur une même plateforme. Avec l’acquisition de TROOP, spécialiste de la planification de réunions, Spotnana veut réunir déplacements individuels, événements, réservations et dépenses.

Une tendance qui se confirme : plus de 60 % des responsables voyages et achats supervisent désormais à la fois les voyages et les réunions, contre 50 % en 2025. De quoi donner aux travel managers un terrain de jeu encore plus vaste !

Plus à lire skift.com


Insolite ! À Los Angeles, bientôt des taxis pour éviter… les bouchons


Les Américains feront-ils mieux que les Français ? Parviendront-ils à transporter les visiteurs en taxis volants pendant les JO de 2028 ? @depositphotos/rikitikitao@gmail.com

Pour les JO de 2028, Los Angeles pourrait proposer une solution très californienne aux embouteillages : prendre les airs !

Un premier « vertiport » accueillera des taxis volants électriques d’Archer Aviation, capables de transporter quatre passagers.

Le trajet entre Burbank et le SoFi Stadium passerait ainsi d’environ une heure en voiture à 14 minutes dans les airs.

Une idée qui rappelle les JO de Paris 2024 : la France avait elle aussi prévu des taxis volants, mais le projet s’était finalement soldé par un échec et 2,9 millions d’euros de dépenses publiques. À Los Angeles, les taxis volants auront donc une petite revanche à prendre !

Une info à lire sur euronews.com

Spain, Thailand, AI, Mexico: Global Tourism News Roundup [ABO]


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

TAP Air Portugal


From the week’s press review dated August 31, 2026:

Spain: Europe’s leading destination for overnight stays in the first half of the year

Thailand: visa-free stays reduced to 30 days

The battle for Chinese tourists now unfolds in AI responses

Istanbul: hair transplant tourism is now focusing on the experience

Mexico accelerates its hotel expansion

Ryanair trims its ambitions amid soaring fuel prices

Southwest Airlines accelerates its premium shift

Odd! Cruises: long-haul travel scales up



Spain: Europe’s leading destination for overnight stays in the first half of 2026


L’Espagne, première destination d’Europe en terme de nuitées sur les six premiers mois de 2026. @depositphotos/halfpoint

Spain tops the European ranking for tourist overnight stays in the first six months of 2026, just ahead of Italy, according to Eurostat data.

The European Union logged 1.321 billion overnight stays between January and June. The data also measure the dynamics of domestic and international visitors by country.

A note: hosteltur.com


Thailand: visa-free stays reduced to 30 days


À compter du 15 septembre 2026, la Thaïlande réduira à 30 jours la durée des séjours sans visa pour les ressortissants de 60 pays, dont la France. @depositphotos/empty_vectorist

From September 15, 2026, Thailand will cut visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days for nationals of 60 countries, including France.

The measure aims to curb abuses of the scheme and visa runs. Land entries will also be limited to two per year for most of the affected countries.

Source: bangkokpost.com


The battle for Chinese tourists now plays out in AI responses


Le référencement dans les réponses de l’IA, nouveau défi des acteurs du tourisme pour séduire la clientèle chinoise. @depositphotos/encrier

A study conducted on five major Chinese chatbots shows that AI could profoundly reshape the competition between destinations. The challenge is no longer merely to be chosen by the traveler, but to be cited by AI in its initial selection.

For tourism offices, airlines, hotels and agencies, a new challenge thus emerges: to optimize their visibility with AI so as not to disappear from the “shortlists” generated before the traveler even starts their search.

More information on the site skift.com


Mexico accelerates its hotel expansion


Ryanair trims its ambitions amid soaring fuel prices


Ryanais revoit ses objectifs de trafic 2027 à la baisse. @depositphotos/route66

Ryanair lowers its 2027 traffic target from 216 million passengers to 214 million and will broadly maintain capacity this winter to limit losses.

The airline, whose 80% of fuel needs are hedged through March 2027, warns that the sustained rise in oil could weaken less-protected competitors and lead to a noticeable increase in European fares.

More information can be found on the Reuters website


Southwest Airlines accelerates its premium shift


Southwest Airlines inaugurera ses premiers salons premium fin 2027. @depositphotos/jhansen2

Southwest Airlines will open its first premium lounges by the end of 2027, with at least 11 deployments planned.

Linked to a new premium credit card, these lounges illustrate the carrier’s pivot as it seeks to attract a more affluent clientele and gradually distance itself from its historic low-cost model.

Read on nytimes.com


Odd! Cruises: long-haul travel scales up


371 jours, 220 ports, 62 pays : la plus longue croisière du monde part de Rome. @depositphotos/NANCYPAUWELSPHOTO

The Regatta kicks off a record-breaking 371-day cruise, with 220 port calls in 62 countries, offered at around €65,700 per person.

An ultra-premium product offered by Explorations by Norwegian that illustrates the growth of long-duration cruises and new offerings targeting a high-spending clientele.

An article from euronews.com

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


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

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


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

Meliá, Kenya, World Cup: This Week’s Must-Read Tourism News [ABO]


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

CroisiEurope


In the weekly press review for the week of July 20, 2026:

River cruises: low waters in Europe force companies to adapt

Cuba: Meliá withdraws permanently from the island

World Cup 2026: a mixed tourism outlook for North America

The United States reopen the way for commercial flights to Lebanon

The EU seeks to tighten the ownership rules for airlines

Kenya aims for 5 million international tourists per year

Tourism: Saudi Arabia and Morocco at the forefront of the global rebound

The “Wolf Trail” connects six European countries over nearly 3,500 km

Odd: an airplane for sale… for the price of two coffees!



Croisières fluviales : les basses eaux en Europe obligent les compagnies à s’adapter


La baisse du niveau du Danube et du Rhin, conséquence de la sécheresse et des fortes chaleurs qui touchent l’Europe, perturbent les croisières fluviales - Depositphotos.com, sasimoto

The drought and heatwaves affecting Europe are driving down the water levels of the Danube and Rhine, disrupting certain river cruises.

Rather than canceling their trips, several operators (AmaWaterways, Scenic, Tauck, Viking, Riviera Travel) are prioritizing alternative solutions: ship exchanges, changes to embarkation ports, coach transfers or itinerary adjustments.

Thanks to these measures and daily monitoring of navigational conditions, disruptions remain limited and operators strive to maintain the travelers’ experience.

More to read on travelweekly.com


Cuba : Meliá se retire définitivement de l’île


Le groupe hôtelier espagnol Meliá a annoncé mettre fin à l’ensemble de ses activités à Cuba à partir du vendredi 24 juillet 2026 - Depositphotos.com, kmiragaya

Meliá Hotels International mettra fin, le 24 juillet, à l’ensemble de ses activités de gestion hôtelière à Cuba.

Le groupe espagnol invoque un environnement devenu intenable sur les plans opérationnel, juridique, économique et financier.

Cette décision intervient dans un contexte de durcissement des sanctions américaines visant le secteur touristique cubain et alors que la destination traverse une crise profonde, marquée par une chute de près de 56% des arrivées internationales sur les quatre premiers mois de 2026.

Meliá promet d’assurer une transition progressive afin de limiter les conséquences pour ses salariés, ses clients et ses partenaires.

Une info hosteltur.com


Mondial 2026 : un bilan touristique contrasté pour l’Amérique du Nord


Bilan touristique contrasté pour la Coupe du Monde de football 2026 en Amérique du Nord - Depositphotos.com, kashesn

If the 2026 World Cup allowed hotels and short-term rentals in host cities to raise their rates, the tourism fallout is more limited than expected.

American airlines did not see a significant uptick in activity and the number of international visitors remained below expectations.

After eight years of preparation and substantial investments, the tournament therefore yields a mixed result: local benefits for lodging, but a more modest impact on the broader travel industry.

An article to read on skift.com


L’UE veut renforcer les règles de propriété des compagnies aériennes


Le Kenya vise 5 millions de touristes internationaux par an


Le Kenya ambitionne d’accueillir quasiment le double de visiteurs internationaux par an, en passant de 2,7 à 5 millions de visiteurs internationaux - Depositphotos.com, dmussman

The Kenya aims to almost double its tourist traffic, rising from 2.7 to 5 million international visitors per year.

The government is counting on tourism to increase foreign exchange earnings, create jobs and support local SMEs.

According to authorities, each visitor spends on average $3,000 and generates about ten jobs, making tourism one of the main drivers of the country’s economic development strategy.

Read on traveldailynews.com


Tourisme : l’Arabie saoudite et le Maroc en tête du rebond mondial


L’Arabie saoudite affiche la plus forte progression des arrivées internationales entre 2019 et 2025 (+67%), devant le Maroc (+53%) et l'Égypte (+47%) - Depositphotos.com, happyalex

According to an analysis by Visual Capitalist based on OECD data, Saudi Arabia shows the strongest growth in international arrivals between 2019 and 2025 (+67%), ahead of Morocco (+53%) and Egypt (+47%).

In Europe, Norway signs the best rebound (+28%), while the Portugal, the Spain and the France also exceed pre-pandemic levels.

Conversely, several destinations remain lagging, notably Israel (-71%), Ireland (-32%), the United States (-14%) and Italy (-5%).

Source : euronews.com


Le « Wolf Trail » relie six pays européens sur près de 3 500 km


Le Wolf Trail, un parcours de 3 493 km reliant la Pologne à l'Italie via l'Allemagne, l'Autriche, la Suisse et la Slovénie - Depositphotos.com, Artish

Long-distance hikers have a new route: the Wolf Trail, a 3,493 km journey linking Poland to Italy via Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia.

Imagined by Jack Wolfskin from existing trails, this route requires between four and six months of walking and is aimed at experienced hikers.

Accessible free of charge, it is recommended between April and September and represents an estimated budget of 8,000 to 12,000 euros for a full crossing.

A lire sur lefigaro.fr


Insolite : un avion à vendre… pour le prix de deux cafés !

Avis aux collectionneurs : l’aéroport de Séville met aux enchères un ancien Piper PA-23 Apache abandonné depuis au moins 2018, avec une mise à prix de… 10 euros.

Avant de rêver à un vol à petit prix, mieux vaut savoir que l’appareil, officiellement déclaré abandonné après plusieurs années sans nouvelles de son propriétaire, est en trop mauvais état pour reprendre les airs.

Une occasion originale d’acquérir un morceau d’histoire aéronautique… à défaut d’un moyen de transport.

A retrouver sur euronews.com

Global News You Can’t Miss: Ebola, Airbnb, ESTA


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

CroisiEurope


Au sommaire de la revue de presse de la semaine du 18 mai 2026 :

Ebola : the United States tightens border controls

Riyadh Air opens its first commercial flights to London

The United States aims to ease its traveler social media screening project

Thailand: visa-free stays reduced to 30 days to curb abuses

American airlines oppose airport security privatization

Cruises: demand remains strong despite health alerts

Airbnb expands into car rentals and encroaches on Expedia and Booking

Toward a single European train ticket and strengthened passenger rights

Did you know? The “grief tourism,” when travel helps you grieve



Ebola: the United States tightens border controls


Les États-Unis durcissent les contrôles sanitaires pour les voyageurs en provenance d’Ouganda, de République démocratique du Congo et du Soudan du Sud, touchés par le virus Ebola. @depositphotos/motortion

The United States has announced a tightening of health screenings for travelers arriving from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan, countries affected by an Ebola outbreak.

Authorities also plan to temporarily restrict certain visas for people who have stayed in these countries within the last 21 days.

This decision comes after the infection of an American citizen in the DRC and the World Health Organization’s declaration of a public health emergency of international concern.

According to U.S. officials, the risk to the general population remains “low” at this stage.

An info from france24.com


Riyadh Air opens its first commercial flights to London


La compagnie Riyadh Air reliera officiellement Riyad et Londres-Heathrow au 1er juillet 2026. @depositphotos/VanderWolf Images

The airline Riyadh Air officially launches its commercial services on July 1, 2026, between Riyadh and London Heathrow, after a staff-only testing phase.

It then plans connections to Manchester, Madrid and several major cities in the Middle East, with the ambition of reaching more than 100 destinations by 2030.

Positioned in the premium segment, the airline aims to compete with operators like Emirates and Qatar Airways, while developing codeshare agreements with major international carriers.

Source: euronews.com


The United States wants to ease its traveler social media screening project


Les États-Unis envisagent d’alléger leur projet de contrôle des réseaux sociaux des voyageurs. @depositphotos/brainpencil1

The Customs and Border Protection are considering a more targeted version of their project requiring foreign travelers to provide several years of social media history to enter the United States via ESTA.

Facing criticism from the travel industry and the public, the agency is now studying a “cascade approach”: the amount of information requested would depend on the answers given on the travel authorization application.

No implementation is expected before the end of 2026 at the earliest.

Read more on travelweekly.com


American airlines oppose the privatization of airport security


Cruises: demand remains strong despite health alerts


La demande mondiale de croisières continue de progresser en 2026. @depositphotos/ml12nan

Despite several recent outbreaks of norovirus and hantavirus aboard ships, global cruise demand continues to rise in 2026. Industry professionals say these incidents have only a limited impact on bookings, as passengers remain relatively insensitive to current health news.

The Cruise Lines International Association projects around 38.3 million passengers this year, setting a new record.

Bookings, often placed well in advance, limit the effect of health alerts on demand. Industry insiders also emphasize that case numbers remain a tiny fraction relative to the total number of passengers.

See the full article on euronews.com


Airbnb enters car rental and encroaches on Expedia and Booking


Airbnb propose désormais la location de voitures sur son application. @depositphotos/Primako

Airbnb markedly expands its business by now integrating car rental directly into its app.

The company also extends its services to other travel segments, such as airport transfers, experiences, grocery delivery, and baggage storage.

With these developments, Airbnb moves closer to the model of major OTAs like Expedia and Booking, which already offer comprehensive packages to keep travelers within their ecosystems.

The aim is notably to capture a portion of travelers, given that about a quarter of Airbnb guests already rent a car during their stay through other platforms.

See it on skift.com


Towards a single European rail ticket and strengthened passenger rights


La Commission européenne souhaite simplifier l’achat de billets de train entre les différents opérateurs. @depositphotos/rabbit75_dep

The European Commission proposes a major reform to simplify rail travel across the European Union. The goal is to allow the purchase of a single ticket that covers multiple rail operators, including cross-border journeys.

Travelers will be able to compare and book their trips more easily via a single platform, while benefiting from better protection in case of missed connections (assistance, refunds, rerouting).

The reform also imposes greater transparency on booking platforms and a neutral presentation of offers, notably by considering their environmental impact.

More information at rance.representation.ec.europa.eu


Did you know? The “grief tourism,” when traveling helps you grieve


Selon des études récentes, le marché du “tourisme de deuil”est en forte croissance. @depositphotos/CITAlliance

Travel is no longer solely about escaping; it can also help with bereavement. Grief tourism is a new wellness travel trend where people who have lost someone close to them undertake dedicated retreats to better manage their emotions.

These stays take various forms: therapeutic retreats, group sharing circles, healing experiences, and cruises focused on emotional support. The aim is to experience grieving within a structured, communal setting, far from everyday life.

According to recent studies, this market is growing strongly, driven by greater awareness of mental health issues and the need for psychological support.

Specialized organizations now offer these trips as spaces for rebuilding and emotional resilience.

Read on euronews.com

Spain, Amadeus, Sri Lanka: This Week’s Travel News


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

CroisiEurope


In the week’s press review for May 25, 2026:

Alpitour delays its IPO while WeRoad attracts Airbnb

The hotels along the German coast slash prices despite strong demand

Sri Lanka waives visa fees for 40 countries

YouTrip launches a travel card for children and adolescents

International flights to Spain surge for the summer of 2026

HomeToGo unveils an index of destinations accessible with a single tank of fuel

Universal Kids Resort: an amusement park entirely dedicated to children opens in Texas

Amadeus hit with a record €18 million fine in Spain

Did you know? Amid a heatwave, not all French hotels are air-conditioned


Alpitour delays its IPO while WeRoad attracts Airbnb


Le groupe italien Alpitour retarde son entrée en bourse, quand la startup milanaise WeRoad lève 58 millions de dollars auprès d’Airbnb. @depositphotos/Ai825

The Italian group Alpitour has pushed back its initial public offering to 2027 due to ongoing uncertainties in the travel market. Despite solid financial results, its main shareholder believes the current climate is not conducive to a listing.

Conversely, the Milan-based startup WeRoad, focused on community-based travel for Millennials and Gen Z, has just raised $58 million from Airbnb. Its model, built around small group trips sharing common interests, continues to attract investors even though profitability remains uncertain.

This situation illustrates how the tourism sector is evolving, with digital and community-driven models gaining ground against traditional tourism.

An article to be found on ttgitalia.com


Hotels along the German coast cut prices despite strong demand


Malgré un contexte favorable, de nombreux hôtels de la mer du Nord et de la mer Baltique réduisent leurs tarifs. @depositphotos/aldorado

Despite a promising summer season and healthy occupancy rates, many hotels along the North Sea and Baltic Sea are cutting their prices.

According to a Kohl + Partner study, these establishments, particularly on the Baltic coast, are reacting to later and more unpredictable bookings by adopting defensive pricing strategies.

Experts caution, however, about the risks of such a policy, which could undermine long-term profitability and the positioning of hotels. In the face of a more volatile market, professionals are encouraged to adopt more flexible pricing strategies.

Read more on reisevor9.de


Sri Lanka waives visa fees for 40 countries


Depuis le 25 mai, les visas pour 40 pays, dont la France, sont gratuits. @depositphotos/fits21

Since May 25, Sri Lanka offers 30-day free visas to tourists from more than 40 countries, including France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

This measure aims to attract more visitors to a destination known for its beaches, UNESCO-listed sites and rich wildlife. Travellers must still obtain an electronic travel authorization before arrival.

Source: euronews.com


YouTrip launches a travel card for children and adolescents

The Singapore-based fintech YouTrip unveiled « YouTrip Family », a card and multi-currency mobile wallet geared toward young travelers aged 7 to 18. The service is free, with no conversion fees, and offers real-time exchange rates for international use.

Parents can manage top-ups, set spending limits and monitor their children’s transactions through the app.

According to YouTrip, this under-18 segment remains largely overlooked by Asian fintechs, despite a strong potential to foster financial education from an early age.

Read more on skift.com


HomeToGo reveals an index of destinations reachable with a single tank of fuel


Universal Kids Resort: a park fully dedicated to children opens in Texas

The Universal Kids Resort amusement park will open on July 1 in Frisco, Texas.

Designed specifically for children, this eight-hectare park will feature seven themed universes drawing on popular franchises such as Shrek, Jurassic World, SpongeBob SquarePants, Minions, Trolls, Puss in Boots and Gabby’s Dollhouse.

Tickets, hotel packages and annual passes are already on sale, with prices starting at $54.99. Visitors will also have the option to stay at the park’s hotel, which offers 300 rooms and family suites, plus a restaurant and an outdoor pool.

An article from travelweekly.com


Amadeus fined a record €18 million in Spain


L’autorité espagnole de protection des données (AEPD) a infligé une amende de 18 millions d’euros à Amadeus pour deux violations du RGPD. @depositphotos/modesto3

The Spanish data protection authority (AEPD) has levied an €18 million fine against Amadeus for using the personal data of millions of travelers in an internal pilot project without a valid legal basis or user consent.

The project aimed to create detailed traveler profiles from booking data to develop personalized offers for airlines, hotels and travel agencies. The AEPD accuses the company of two GDPR violations: lack of legal consent and insufficient transparency to customers.

Amadeus contests the decision and plans to appeal, arguing that the project did not involve any personal data and was limited to aggregated statistical analyses.

A report from reisevor9.de


Did you know? In the middle of a heatwave, not all French hotels are air-conditioned


Souvent considérée comme un standard du confort hôtelier, tous les établissements français ne sont pas équipés de climatisation. @depositphotos/OlezzoSimona

While France basks in a spell of extreme heat, many travelers are discovering that air conditioning is not mandatory in French hotels, even during heatwaves.

Some standards align with star ratings, but a number of establishments, particularly independents or those pursuing eco-friendly practices, choose to operate without air conditioning.

Yet with increasingly hotter summers, the lack of air conditioning is becoming a more important consideration for guests when booking.

Read more on lefigaro.fr


Bali, Cuba, USA, Egypt: Tourism News Roundup [ABO]


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

CroisiEurope


In the May 2026 press review overview for the week starting June 1, 2026:

Global tourism continues to grow despite geopolitical tensions

Bali: the “taxi war” makes life harder for tourists

Egypt: tourism keeps advancing strongly in 2026

Madrid bets on tourism intelligence to manage its growth

United States: international flight prices are starting to come down

Cuba: major Spanish hotel groups retreat under American pressure

Tokyo: Shibuya now fines for street littering

A new 1,300 km railway line will connect Germany to the Ukrainian border

Hotels see an edge over booking platforms thanks to AI

Oddity! Off to “hell”: the 666 bus to Hel makes a grand return to Poland



Global tourism remains on the rise despite geopolitical tensions


Le tourisme international a progressé de 2 % au premier trimestre 2026, avec environ 307 millions de voyageurs dans le monde, selon ONU Tourisme. @depositphotos/potowizard

International travel grew by 2% in the first quarter of 2026, totaling around 307 million travelers worldwide, according to UNWTO.

Although the year began with solid momentum, the conflict in the Middle East slowed growth in March, triggering flight disruptions, higher oil prices and increased transport costs.

Europe and Africa posted the strongest results, while the Middle East saw a steep drop in arrivals (-14%).

Facing geopolitical uncertainty and rising travel costs, experts suggest tourists may favor closer destinations and seek better value for money. Despite these challenges, the industry continues to show global resilience.

Read more on untourism.int


Bali: the “taxi war” complicates life for tourists


Une bataille invisible entre VTC et conseils de village traditionnels fait gonfler les prix des courses des taxis. @depositphotos/OlgaGauri

In Bali, a long-standing conflict pits ride-hailing drivers using apps like Grab against the banjar, village councils that regulate traditional taxi activity. As a result, in some areas, VTC drivers refuse to pick up customers for fear of intimidation or assault.

Tourists are left with no option but to use local taxis, which are often much more expensive, with fares set by the banjar. According to the South China Morning Post, a large portion of the fare goes to these village councils. This situation also reflects growing economic tensions on the island as tourism slows in 2026.

More to read on the South China Morning Post site


Egypt: tourism continues its strong growth in 2026


L’ouverture du Grand Musée Égyptien au Caire a boosté l’activité touristique du pays. @depositphotos/Tamer_Soliman

Egypt welcomed 6.1 million tourists from January to April 2026, a 7% increase compared with the same period in 2025.

The country’s success is partly explained by the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the appeal of the Red Sea coastal resorts, and prices deemed competitive by international travelers.

Backed by substantial international promotion, Egypt now targets an ambitious goal: to reach 30 million visitors per year by 2030.

An article from traveldailynews.com


United States: international flight prices are starting to come down


Cuba: major Spanish hotel groups retreat under American pressure


Les groupes espagnols Meliá et Iberostar ont annoncé l’arrêt d’une partie importante de leurs activités hôtelières à Cuba.@depositphotos/sepavone

The Spanish groups Meliá and Iberostar have announced the closure of a large portion of their hotel activities in Cuba, in response to the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.

This withdrawal comes amid a grave tourism crisis in Cuba. The country recorded nearly a 56% drop in tourist arrivals at the start of 2026, while several airlines have reduced or suspended flights to the island.

An article from euronews.com


Tokyo: Shibuya now fines for street littering


L’arrondissement de Shibuya, au cœur de Tokyo, verbalise les personnes qui jettent des déchets dans les espaces publics.@depositphotos/sepavone

The Shibuya ward, at the heart of Tokyo, has begun imposing fines on people who discard waste in public spaces. Since June 1, 2026, offenders face a 2,000-yen fine (about $12.50) as part of a campaign to curb illegal dumping.

Authorities say the problem has worsened with rising tourist numbers and street-level consumption around Shibuya’s busy railway hubs. Around fifty officers will patrol to issue fines. Meanwhile, take-away food and beverage shops must now provide trash bins for customers.

Read on nhk.or.jp


A new 1,300 km railway line will connect Germany to the Ukrainian border


La compagnie tchèque Leo Express lancera le 25 juin 2026 une nouvelle liaison ferroviaire directe de plus de 1 300 kilomètres, qui reliera la ville polonaise de Przemyśl, à la frontière ukrainienne, à Francfort et son aéroport.@depositphotos/jonnysek

The Czech company Leo Express will launch on June 25, 2026 a new direct rail link of more than 1,300 kilometers, one of the longest in Europe.

The train will connect the Polish city of Przemyśl, near the Ukrainian border, with Frankfurt and its airport, passing through Krakow, Prague, Dresden and Leipzig.

This daily line aims to strengthen links between Western and Eastern Europe while facilitating access to Ukraine.

Passengers will have on board Wi‑Fi, power outlets, air conditioning and dining services on this nearly 19‑hour night ride.

An article from euronews.com


Hotels see an edge over booking platforms thanks to AI


Selon des experts, les groupes hôteliers pourraient mieux tirer parti de l’intelligence artificielle que les agences de voyages en ligne (OTA).@depositphotos/Jirsak

At the IHIF hotel conference in New York, several analysts highlighted that hotel groups could leverage artificial intelligence more effectively than online travel agencies (OTAs).

According to Barclays, hotels enjoy a major advantage thanks to their loyalty programs, their customer data, and the strength of their brands — areas where AI could boost personalization and customer relations.

Even though excitement around AI remains measured in the hotel industry, professionals already see significant potential to improve operational efficiency and commercial performance. Analysts, however, caution that the real impact of AI on traveler spending and the hotel sector is still in its early stages.

A Skift.com briefing


Insolite ! Off to “hell”: FlixBus brings back the 666 bus to Hel, Poland


FlixBus relance la mythique ligne de bus 666 vers la station balnéaire de Hel, en Pologne. @depositphotos/philipus

Good news for travelers who enjoy dark humor and unusual selfies: the legendary bus route 666 to the seaside town of Hel, Poland returns this summer thanks to FlixBus. This link of more than 1,300 km will connect Krakow to the Hel Peninsula on the Baltic coast, passing through Warsaw and several popular vacation stops.

Known for years as “the bus to hell” due to the wordplay between Hel and hell, the route had become a real tourist and social media magnet.

Discontinued in 2023 after religious protests, bus 666 is revived today with an explicit wink from FlixBus, which bets on humor as much as on the appeal of this highly popular summer destination.

Read on euronews.com