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