October

Violence on October 17: Tourism and Hospitality Professionals Demand Action

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Violences du 17 octobre : les professionnels du tourisme et de la restauration réclament des mesures - photo prise en 2023 à Paris - Depositphotos.com Auteur Ale_Mi

Attitude Hotels


ADN Tourisme, l’ANETT, la Confédération des Acteurs du Tourisme (CAT) et INNTO France condemn the looting and the destruction that affected several French cities.

They cite in particular the fire at the Lyon tourist information office, the damage to shops, and the attacks on public buildings.

In their joint statement, the organizations warn about the economic consequences of these violences and their repercussions on France’s image abroad.

« Premier destination touristique mondiale, la France ne peut accepter que la répétition d’images de violences et de pillages compromette la confiance de ses visiteurs et son rayonnement international. »

They call on the President of the Republic and the Government to take « without delay, all necessary measures to put an end to these violences, guarantee the safety of people and property and durably restore republican order. » The statement continues: « Beyond material damages, these events directly threaten the tourism economy. »

« Attacking a place dedicated to welcoming visitors, to the discovery of our territories and to our heritage, is a blow to the very values of hospitality, openness and sharing that underpin the tourism vocation of our country. »

The organizations add: « It is unacceptable that in France, independent professionals and often family-owned businesses can see in a few hours the efforts of a lifetime and their working tools destroyed. »


UMIH and GHR Call for Support for Victims

On the hospitality sector side, UMIH also condemns the vandalism and recalls that the right to work, to undertake and to welcome customers in safety must be protected just as much as the right to demonstrate.

The organization calls the affected professionals to contact their UMIH departmental offices in order to inventory the damages and facilitate the compensation procedures. Its confederal president, Franck Chaumes, believes that establishments cannot be, “protest after protest, those footing the bill for the violence.”

The GHR also expresses its solidarity with the victims and asks the Government to specify the emergency aid planned, notably for cash flow, compensation and the maintenance of employment. It stresses that the facilities forced to close continue to bear charges despite the stoppage of their revenue.

October 17 Seen From Abroad: French Tourism Put to the Test [ABO]

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Rue Saint-Ferréol, Marseille, 17 octobre 2026 - Photo : RS, TourMaG

PONANT


The demonstrations of October 17, 2026 gave rise to scenes of violence and vandalism in several French cities.

Fires, looted shops, shattered storefronts, clashes with law enforcement… The images quickly circulated on social media and in the international press.

With the year-end holidays approaching, a crucial period for urban stays and travel, this media coverage raises a question: could these images affect the perception of France among foreign visitors and, ultimately, their travel decisions?



In France, a Tourism Landmark in Flames


Le bureau d'information touristique de Lyon, avant les dégradations - DepositPhotos.com, zhukovsky

In the French press, the fire at the Lyon Tourism Office became one of the day’s defining images on October 17. The building, dedicated to welcoming and guiding visitors, was vandalized and then burned outside of the violence.

The symbol is particularly powerful for the tourism sector.

Le Monde thus placed the blaze within the narrative of a day described as “chaotic,” while Euronews aired a video of the flames on the facade, and TF1 Info emphasized an antenna “vandalized and burned.”

Le Temps also returns to these scenes in an article focused on “a France facing its own chaos.” 

Des angles, des mots différents, mais des images qui montrent la même chose : not only clashes between protesters and police, but damages affecting shops, urban spaces… and facilities linked to welcoming tourists.

In a Parisien article that gives voice to foreign tourists confronted with weekend violence in the capital, the testimony of these visitors reveals another dimension of the events. Beyond material damage, it is the very experience of the stay that can be affected, with disrupted itineraries, compromised visits and concern about what was witnessed.

On social networks, another narrative circulates with a trend titled: “What the media won’t show.”

Alongside videos of violence and vandalism, there are images of mutual aid, solidarity, and peaceful demonstrations. These contents offer a more nuanced portrayal and remind us that events are not limited to chaotic scenes.

This diversity of images could help preserve the confidence of travelers to France, a country whose appeal heavily rests on its heritage, city centers, shops and its image as a cultural destination. According to INSEE, in 2025, resident visitors accounted for about 65% of overnight stays in hotels and campsites in metropolitan France.

Yet there remains a limit… These images of mutual aid and peaceful mobilizations, though widely circulated on platforms, do not necessarily enjoy the same visibility with foreign audiences.


Abroad, the Language of Violence Dominates

To discuss these riots, the international press has opted for harsher headlines.

In Germany, the public broadcaster Tagesschau headlines “Schwere Ausschreitungen – Rathaus in Flammen”, i.e. “Serious violence – a town hall in flames”. The wording underscores the severity of the clashes and the buildings affected.

The flames and damage place the question of keeping order at the forefront.

In the same vein, in the United Kingdom, The Guardian speaks of a “weekend of chaos”.

In Spain, El País chose to head with “Francia prende fuego al macronismo”, literally “France sets Macronism on fire”. The article goes beyond describing the damage; it assigns a political meaning to it.

In Italy, Corriere della Sera focuses on clashes, fires and vandalism. The paper notably links student protests to the return of the Yellow Vests. This framing places the events in a “broader period of social unrest in France.”

In the United States, the Associated Press highlights the President’s address, the scale of the unrest and its economic consequences.

But it also emphasizes photography. Here, the power of the images lies in their immediacy. Facades ablaze, dark smoke, shopfronts torn apart and streets littered with debris are understandable without prior knowledge of the context. Images, without the necessary details about exact locations, the duration of the incidents, and the true extent of the affected areas…

For a destination like France, whose appeal rests in large part on its heritage, its city centers, its shops, and its image as a cultural destination, this media treatment represents a risk.


“Since this weekend and since this morning, cancellations are being observed”

Reactions did not take long to surface. Beyond international headlines and images, tourism professionals report rising anxiety and early cancellations.

Pierre-Jean Romatet, president of Great France, says he has received numerous messages, notably from American operators. “They worry first about us—the team, the staff—then about our business and about safety in France,” he notes.

“All the messages I’ve received start by asking for news about our families, about ourselves, to know if we are safe.” For him, these reactions reveal how the violence is perceived from afar. “It really feels like civil war, like urban guerrilla warfare,” he adds.

The concerns are already translating into commercial consequences. “Since this weekend and since this morning (Monday, October 19), we are seeing cancellations.” He mentions stays planned in Paris, as well as in Champagne and Provence. He also notes Louvre visits canceled, in the context of the museum’s blockage.

Romatet also points to “a paradox between what tourists and visitors feel on the ground and the image conveyed by the media, which triggers cancellations and worry.”

This gap between sentiment and reality is also at the heart of ADN Tourisme president Christelle Chassagne’s concerns, who warns about the consequences of this media coverage on France’s international image. “Today, we are in a state of astonishment, but we also understand that international media coverage will be catastrophic.”

For her, the priority is a response from public authorities: “We must act now. First the State must protect its residents, its tourists,” she insists. “Without these conditions, we cannot operate under the best conditions, whether as hoteliers, restaurateurs, souvenir sellers, a destination, or a destination promoter…”

Foreign authorities, for their part, have reacted to the events.

The German Foreign Office updated its travel advice to flag the October 17 violence and to warn that new outbreaks could not be ruled out. Italy also issued a specific advisory urging its nationals to avoid gatherings and to exercise caution.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in France urged Chinese nationals on the territory to “follow closely the evolution of the local situation, strengthen security measures and avoid demonstration zones”, according to the state broadcaster CCTV.

Desti’Durable in the Azores: Registrations Extended Through October 22

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© Alexandre Delmar

CroisiEurope


From November 17 to 21, Desti’Durable will bring together 20 travel agencies in the Azores.

For five days, participants will meet local actors, discover on-the-ground initiatives, and take part in collective intelligence workshops. The objective is to question tourism practices and explore ways to develop a travel offering that takes ecosystems and the territory’s specific characteristics into account.

This edition will revolve around a question: how to develop tourism without exhausting ecosystems?


Des ateliers pour faire évoluer les pratiques

Aurélie Berthet Orengo, spécialiste de l’écotourisme animalier et de la biodiversité, et Marjorie Cousyn-Maugeais, fondatrice de PAZAPA et facilitatrice, apporteront leurs expertises tout au long de cette édition.

“Guilt freezes, cooperation mobilizes”, résume Marjorie Cousyn-Maugeais. Les ateliers d’intelligence collective permettront aux participants de partager leurs observations, sans jugement, de confronter leurs points de vue et de réfléchir ensemble aux évolutions possibles de leurs pratiques.

Avec un seul objectif, faire le lien entre ce qui aura été observé sur le terrain et les réalités du métier, pour aboutir à une offre de séjour engagée et à un plan d’action concret.


Derniers jours pour candidater

La participation est réservée à 20 agences de voyages sur mesure et productrices maximum. Le tarif est de 750 € par agence, auquel s’ajoutent 900 € de formation, potentiellement finançables par l’OPCO selon les critères applicables et sous réserve d’acceptation du dossier.

Les candidatures sont désormais ouvertes jusqu’au 22 octobre 2026.


ESCAET: It’s Still Possible to Hire an Apprentice in October

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Journée des Recruteurs du Travel : l'ESCAET accompagne entreprises et étudiants dans la recherche d'une alternance dans le tourisme © ESCAET

CroisiEurope



Business development needs to be accelerated, communications to be relaunched, an event to be organized, a new offering to be created… The start of the school year sometimes brings to light needs that were not anticipated a few months earlier. And contrary to a common belief, there is still time to recruit an apprentice: ESCAET students, in the Bachelor and MBA Tourism programs, are many who are still looking for the company that will guide them as they grow their skills. A topic all the more important as the sector questions how to prepare its next generation.


“Everything Happens Before Summer”: Really?

Every year, apprenticeship campaigns begin in the spring and a large portion of new hires are completed before the summer. Yet, at the start of the new academic year, not all meetings have taken place yet.

A need may have emerged later than expected. A recruitment may not have come to fruition. A job offer might fall through at the last moment. And some motivated students who are admitted later may start their courses without yet having found the company where they will grow. Autumn thus remains an active period, where candidates and recruiters can still meet.


Too late? No: three months to sign and aid up to 31 December 2026

Under certain conditions, an apprentice can start their training at a CFA such as ESCAET without an employer, for up to three months, before signing an apprenticeship contract. For a start in October, the window therefore runs until early January. A company that opens a position in October or November is still within the deadline, and reaches the moment when candidates are actively seeking.

On the funding side, the decree of 6 March 2026 renewed the exceptional hiring aid for apprentices for contracts that begin before 1 January 2027. For a diploma at Bac+3 to Bac+5 level, it amounts to 2,000 euros in the first year for companies with fewer than 250 employees (750 euros beyond that, subject to conditions). A contract that begins in December benefits from it; the same contract beginning in January does not.


Welcoming an apprentice means training a future professional

Apprenticeship should not be viewed as simply replacing a paid position with a student who becomes autonomous immediately. The logic is different: to integrate a young professional still in training, to impart a profession to them and to enable them to progressively build their skills.

This requires genuine on-site mentoring, tasks aligned with their level, and responsibilities that evolve as their apprenticeship progresses.

It is also what makes apprenticeship valuable for the company: for several months, it transmits its methods, its tools, its culture, and its knowledge of the sector to a student who, in parallel, continues to acquire new skills at school. The apprentice gradually gains autonomy, and the company actively contributes to training the tourism professionals of tomorrow.


Profiles trained for the realities of tourism

At ESCAET, apprenticeship students follow six training days per month, from November to April, and devote the rest of their time to their host company. From May to September, their presence in the company is nearly full-time. Across the year, they spend about 75% of their time in the company.

On the training side, the pedagogy relies notably on concrete projects, real-world company cases, and deep knowledge of the tourism ecosystem, to enable students to put their learning into practice quickly.

Two levels of apprentices can be recruited:

• The Travel Specialization Bachelor (Level 6) prepares students for operational roles in tourism and events: communications, marketing, sales, production, or project management.

• The MBA in International Travel Management (Level 7) develops skills more oriented toward strategy, leadership, and management: offer development, marketing, CRM, revenue management, project management, and events.

Another advantage: thanks to SAMII, its hybrid classroom, ESCAET enables its apprentices to attend live courses remotely. Only the start of the academic year, exams, and defenses take place in person in Aix-en-Provence. The host company can thus be located anywhere in France.


Do you have a recruitment need?


Dominican Republic: Sublime Samana Reopening October 8, 2026 After Renovation

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Le Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences, en République dominicaine, ferme temporairement ses portes - Depositphotos.com @Robertobintti70

CroisiEurope


The Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences 4*, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is evolving its offering as part of a renovation and enhancement program.

Located on the Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic, the property with 40 suites and casitas will be closed from September 1 to October 7, 2026.

Its reopening is planned for October 8, 2026, with several novelties aimed notably at expanding its guest base.

Executive Chef Patricio Mardones, who has previously worked at Mandarin Oriental in Santiago, New York and Miami, will lead the kitchen at the property. He will be accompanied by Chef Luis Maier.

The two chefs will develop a cuisine built on the “producer-to-table” principle in the La Palapa and Le Bistro restaurants, relying in particular on local fishing and the hotel’s organic garden.


Sublime Samana: a new offering for families

The Sublime Samana also launches Nido Azul, a program for children inspired by the local ecosystem.

The program includes treasure hunts, nature-oriented activities, kayaking, paddleboarding, creative workshops, and cooking classes using local products. The hotel thus aims to strengthen its positioning in the family segment, in addition to its offering for groups.

The wellness offering will also be developed with the Coconut Whisper Spa, which provides treatments inspired by local traditions. Weeks dedicated to wellness and nutrition are also planned for 2027.

The destination also represents an experience axis with several activities accessible from the hotel, including humpback whale watching from mid-January to the end of March, exploring Los Haitises National Park, and the Salto del Limón waterfall.


Distribution through French tour operators

In France, the property is distributed by several tour operators, including Soléa, Alma Latina, Turquoise TO, Secrets de Voyages, Elux Travel, Makila Voyages, NG Travel Boomerang Directours, Ultra Marina, Spots Évasion, FRAM Signature and Privilèges Voyages.

This distribution enables travel agencies to offer the establishment to their clients through various marketing channels.


Amelia Brille Written by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com editor
See all articles by Amelia Brille

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AnimaWings Suspends All Operations from October 2 to 24, 2026

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AnimaWings engage une procédure de restructuration judiciaire - Despositphotos.com, Photo by Boarding2Now

CroisiEurope


AnimaWings, the airline owned by brothers Cristian and Marius Pandel, founders of Christian Tour in Romania, filed a petition with the Bucharest court to initiate insolvency proceedings, according to Romanian press.

The dossier was registered on September 30, 2026 with the 7th Civil Chamber of the Bucharest Court.

In a press release, the company announced that it had launched a judicial reorganization procedure to protect its activities, stabilize its operations and restructure its financial obligations.

Although initially the company had stated it would continue operating with only two A320s, it has ultimately temporarily suspended all of its operations from October 2 to 24, 2026, according to a letter sent to its partners.

“ This period will be used to reorganize our activity and recalibrate the flight schedule. Beginning on October 25, with the start of the winter season, AnimaWings will operate according to a new flight program, which will be updated and announced in the coming days. ”

“ Financial restructuring does not mean that AnimaWings is ceasing its activity. The objective of this procedure is to reorganize the airline’s operations and to create the necessary conditions for the durable continuation of its operations. ” adds the company in its letter.


The Priority: “Maintaining as Many Flights as Possible”

On Tuesday, September 29, the airline announced the grounding of six of its eight aircraft, citing technical issues with the A220-300, according to Romanian press.

AnimaWings explains this decision by the recurring technical problems affecting its fleet, which have weighed on its operational, commercial, and financial activities. The company also cites a difficult economic backdrop, the decline in purchasing power, political instability, and rising oil costs.

“This is a difficult decision, but necessary to protect what we have built in recent years and, above all, to ensure our durability. (…) We have chosen to act proactively and responsibly by using the legal framework that allows us to safeguard the company, our operations, and AnimaWings’ long-term prospects. Our immediate priority is the well-being of our passengers and the maintenance of as many flights as possible. AnimaWings will continue to operate in an adapted form. This is a delicate step we must navigate to build the company’s future on solid and sustainable foundations,” said Marius Pandel, CEO of AnimaWings in the press release published on the airline’s website.

The airline operates from France, with departures notably from Paris and Nice, as well as from Geneva in Switzerland.


AnimaWings is progressively handling the cancellations of flights from October 2 to 24, with confirmation by e-mail followed by refunds, it states.

The airline asks partner travel agencies and corporate clients to please wait before submitting any new requests, and not to send duplicate inquiries by email and/or phone.

Best European Destinations to Visit in October

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What if autumn is one of the best seasons for traveling in Europe? In October, the scorching heat of summer gives way to milder temperatures, while beaches, cultural sites, and cities regain a bit of calm after the summer crowds. From the Mediterranean to Central European capitals, certain destinations still offer sunny days. Here are ten getaway ideas to enjoy All Saints’ Day holidays without traveling far.

Malta, the Mediterranean archipelago that extends summer into October

Renowned for its numerous beaches and coves, the Maltese archipelago can reach temperatures of around 26°C in October.

Several sites not to miss on the island of Malta:

  • Valletta and its many historic monuments;
  • The garden island of Gozo;
  • The islet and the lagoon of Comino;
  • The towns of Mdina, Rabat and Mosta;
  • The Blue Grotto;
  • The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.

Feet in the Water in Greece

Greece is the ideal sunny destination for October vacations. Temperatures most often reach around 23°C and rarely drop below 20°C. It is the perfect time to enjoy the seaside resorts of the many Greek islands while avoiding the heavy tourist crowds of the summer.

Among the places to visit in Greece in October one can cite :

  • Paros;
  • Sifnos;
  • Corfu;
  • Mykonos;
  • Santorini;
  • Rhodes;
  • Creta.

Portugal in October: a favorable climate

Popular with travelers for couples, families or solo trips, Portugal enjoys warm temperatures, reaching up to around 24°C. Outside of the very touristy Lisbon, the country is also a dream destination for a nature-filled stay such as :

  • Cape Saint-Vincent in the Algarve;
  • The Douro Valley in Porto;
  • Porto Santo in Madeira.

Where to go in Spain in October?

Depending on the region, temperatures in Spain in October can climb above 30°C.

A destination ideal for All Saints’ holidays with family, Spain and its islands — Menorca, Tenerife, Mallorca, Ibiza, Lanzarote — offer numerous cultural visits and/or beautiful beaches to enjoy a last swim before winter.

Among the cities to visit in Spain in October one can cite :

  • Barcelona;
  • Córdoba;
  • Granada;
  • Madrid;
  • Málaga;
  • Seville;
  • Palma;
  • San Sebastián.

An Indian Summer in Italy

In October, temperatures in Italy are generally mild, often exceeding 20°C. Autumn is an ideal time to visit Italian cities, away from the tourist crowds and the summer heat. If you wish to swim in the crystal-clear waters of one of southern Italy’s islands, such as Sicily, Ischia or Sardinia, the water may, however, be a little cool.

Budapest’s Autumn Charm

October temperatures in Budapest are not very high, but the Hungarian capital is a European city that can be explored over a weekend or even a week, given its rich history.

Begin by wandering the streets of the capital, then discover Buda Castle as well as the Fisherman’s Bastion. Enjoy the view of the Danube and Pest, and continue on to one of the city’s many monuments and museums. Budapest’s baths, true institutions, promise a moment of relaxation in a sublime setting.

Our top 10 European countries to go to for All Saints’ Day in October:

  • Greece;
  • Italy;
  • Portugal;
  • Spain;
  • Southern France;
  • Croatia;
  • Malta;
  • Hungary;
  • the Netherlands;
  • Albania.

France: National Aviation Strike Announced for October

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Un préavis de grève nationale déposé du 17 au 21 octobre 2026 - Depositphotos

Climats du Monde


For months now, the issue has been on the table of all the unions in the French aviation sector.

Despite numerous meetings with the various ministries and proposals laid out by the administration, the plan does not meet the expectations of the personnel representatives of the airlines operating in France.

They condemn a reform of the earn-and-retire rule that is punitive for all players in the sector.

As indicated in the leaflet, the industry faces its own specificities, such as strict medical follow-up that could lead to an early end to a career, as well as a legally imposed retirement age for flight crew.

The cross-union demanded a firm exclusion of the technical and commercial flight crew from the reform.

Until now, “we have obtained only limited promises“. After threats, the workers’ representatives have moved to action.

SNPL, UNSA PNC, SNGAF, SPNC and UNAC have decided to file a national strike notice, which will affect all airlines operating from France.


Aviation: National strike notice from October 17 to October 21, 2026

Already, last July, we reported on the tensions between the unions and the government.

The cause of this discontent, as we explained, lies in the reform of the employment-retirement cumulation law (CER). It is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

It provides that all earned income, including unemployment, could be deducted from the pension paid by the Caisse de retraite complémentaire du personnel navigant professionnel de l’aéronautique civile (CRPN).

Before this reform, a retiree could combine their retirement pension with the salaries they earned if they chose to work because their pension was too low or for personal reasons.

Let us remind that the CRPN is a private pension fund.

To read : Aviation: Sébastien Lecornu under pressure to avoid a national strike!

Moreover, up to 67 years old, if the income from resuming professional activity exceeds 7,000 euros gross, then, as explained on the government website, “your retirement pensions will be reduced by an amount equal to 50% of the excess amount.”

And before 64, the deduction will be even total.

The unions fear siphoning of the CRPN, regularly attacked by governments because of its comfortable financial cushion.


Aviation: Will the national strike notice be followed?

The discontent, according to the unions, is very real and the base seems to be heated to a fever pitch.

Social movements have continued since the return from holidays, notably among low-cost carriers. Some employees, particularly the younger ones, do not feel truly involved.

It remains to be seen whether the strike notice will have a strong impact. The main objective, however, is to push the government to move.

The unions decry that they have obtained only a partial exemption for flight crew, with commitment only via a circular, i.e., the equivalent of an “internal service notice“, they grumble.

“We therefore have no reliable guarantee, unlike other groups which, themselves, are already excluded in the law, or in the future implementing decree, such as civil security PNT and air medical transport personnel.”

According to the staff representatives, the government’s objective would be to take control of the CRPN reserves, which exceed 5 billion euros.

“The organizations composing the PNC/PNT inter-union have no choice but to call on all flight personnel of transport and air work companies, under French law, to completely cease work on flights operated from Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 00:01, Paris time, to Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 23:59, Paris time“, states the leaflet.

Although this strike notice is aimed at bending the government’s position, dialogue remains possible, according to the document.

Thailand: What We Know About THIM, the New Travel App Set for October 2026

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Thaïlande : que sait-on de THIM, la nouvelle appli pour les voyageurs annoncée pour octobre 2026 ? - Photo Appli ios

Top of Travel


Thailand continues the digitization of its entry procedures.

According to several Asian media, including The Straits Times, the Thai Immigration Bureau is preparing the deployment of THIM (Thailand Immigration Management System), a new mobile application designed to simplify and speed up the entry formalities for international travelers.

Presented at the AWS Summit Bangkok 2026, the application should enable travelers to input their information before arrival, notably through automated passport reading and the creation of a reusable digital profile. According to The Straits Times, THIM is part of the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) system, which has become mandatory for foreign visitors.

« The THIM app would complement the TDAC portal, which until now did not have a mobile app version. It would serve to optimize immigration procedures in Thailand », also explains Nicolas Lepage, head of Sales and Communications at Action-Visas.


The THIM app already available on Android and iOS

The app is already available on the Thai Immigration Bureau’s iOS and Android stores. Descriptions published on these platforms highlight the management of digital arrival cards, traveler registration, and the reception of travel-related notifications.

For now, Thai authorities have not published a detailed deployment schedule. Several local media, however, mention an experimental phase starting on October 1, 2026.

At this stage, no official communication suggests that the TDAC web portal will disappear in favor of the mobile application. Observers instead expect the coexistence of the two channels to allow travelers to choose between a traditional online process and smartphone-based usage.

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