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

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