The new service will run year round, with two departures a day, between Oslo and Berlin, with stops (in north to south order) in Moss, Fredrikstad, Sarpsborg, Halden, Trollhättan, Gothenburg, Halmstad, Helsingborg, Lund, Malmo, Copenhagen airport and Copenhagen H, Odense, Kolding, Padborg, Hamburg, and Berlin.

Crossing four countries, from Norway, to Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, the complete journey is expected to take between 14 and 15 hours but will be slashed by an hour and a half when the new Fehmarn Belt tunnel between Germany and Denmark opens. That’s set for 2029 at the earliest but is more likely to be sometime in 2031, meaning the train service, which is slated to launch in 2028, could operate for up to three years with the longer duration. Ahead of that, a shorter version of the trip between Hamburg and Copenhagen will start as soon as winter 2027.

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Публикация от Mr. Schwager (@scritti.trains)

The DSB, Deutsche Bahn, Vy partnership will mark the first time in two decades that passengers will be able to make this trip by rail with no changes. Boarding the ICE L trains, travellers will be able to take advantage of the “L” or “low” floor, giving step-free access, while the carriage configuration provides for a restaurant car and family section, as well as first class options if desired.

Gro Bakstad, CEO of Vy, said: “It is fantastic that we are now getting a new, fixed train route in place between Oslo, Copenhagen, Hamburg, and Berlin. The collaboration with DSB and Deutsche Bahn means that we will be able to connect Norway more closely to Europe, and in the long term, this could open up direct trains to more European cities.”

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Публикация от Philip (@trains.99)

Meanwhile, Michael Peterson, CEO of DB Fernverkehr, pointed to current oil costs and carbon emissions concerns as reasons why rail travel is becoming more and more popular. “If you want to experience Europe, jump on the train!” he said, noting: “With high fuel prices, long-distance trains are a good alternative to cars and planes. With the new, international route from Berlin via Copenhagen to Oslo, we are connecting Northern Europe and three capitals by train.”

And Flemming Jensen, CEO of DSB highlighted the record-breaking aspect of the connection. “We are proud that, together with Vy and DB, we will soon be able to offer one of the longest train routes in Europe,” he said. “This is not something we can achieve on our own – strong rail connections in Europe depend on strong partnerships between railway companies.”

L’article Oslo and Berlin direct train link to launch as soon as 2028 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The 195-metre-long Passerelle de Caster, also known as the Caster Footbridge, restores a direct link that was lost when the Albert Canal was dug in the 1930s. Construction was completed in 1939. The canal was designed to create a strategic domestic waterway, linking the industrial heartland of Liège directly to the port of Antwerp, thus avoiding Dutch territory. It also formed part of Belgium’s military defence strategy against potential invasions. History, of course, had other plans.

Long before the canal was cut through the landscape, the area was located along an important military and trade route between Liège and Maastricht. This border region was also renowned for smuggling, with gin, butter, and Belgian beers crossing borders under the cover of night.

Now the tallest pedestrian bridge in the Benelux region, it offers sweeping, 360-degree panoramic views of the Geer and Meuse river valleys and the surrounding Border Park. Stretching across the canal between Bassenge and Visé, it is located near the Flemish municipality of Riemst and just a short distance from Maastricht.

While the bridge itself is not exactly a tourist attraction, it forms part of several hiking and walking routes in the region, ranging from 6.5 to 17 kilometres. One of these even leads all the way to Maastricht.

“The Caster footbridge is not a destination in its own right but should be included as part of a wider tour of the region. That is why we have created four new circular walking routes that include it,” Jérôme Vandermaes, director of the non-profit organisation Vialta, told The Brussels Times.

Protecting nature was at the heart of the project launched by Vialta, a joint initiative formed by the Walloon municipalities of Visé, Bassenge and Oupeye. The bridge was designed to connect regions, communities and countries while preserving the exceptional environments of the Caster plateau and Montagne Saint-Pierre nature reserves.

Construction began in 2025, following the project’s initial proposal in 2022. The total cost amounted to €2.1 million, 80% of which was funded through the Walloon recovery plan, with the remaining 20% covered by the three municipalities.

Vandermaes also described the bridge as a “feat of engineering”. Designed by Servais et Partners, the structure is supported by a single cable attached to two pylons of different heights. Due to the steep terrain and highly protected natural surroundings, traditional heavy machinery could not be used to install the initial connecting cable. Instead, engineers relied on drones to fly it across the canal. The central walkway varies in width from 1.2 to 2.5 metres.

@highfliershahbaz Belgium just opened a breathtaking new adventure spot! Suspended 50m above the Albert Canal, the brand-new Passerelle de Caster takes you across dramatic limestone cliffs with unreal panoramic views over the Lanaye locks and surrounding nature. A perfect hidden gem for hikers, photographers, drone lovers, and anyone looking to discover another side of Belgium. And this is only the beginning ,more hiking trails are expected to open soon around the area Passerelle de Caster, Eben-Emael Parking du Fort d’Eben-Emael €3 online • €5 on-site Accessible with all-terrain wheelchair Would you walk across this bridge? #visitwallonia #visitbelgium #wallonie #visiteurope #creatorsearchinsights @Belgium ♬ Forever (From "Euphoria: Season 1" Soundtrack) – Labrinth

Crossing the bridge incurs a fee. Access costs €3 online or €5 on site. Daily capacity is currently limited to 600 walkers, though this could eventually rise to 1,000. Revenue generated from ticket sales will be reinvested in maintenance and conservation.

“We invite all visitors to enjoy the region and even to spend several days exploring it. Our border park is brimming with treasures that are far too little known”, adds Vandermaes.

Beyond the engineering feat, the wider ambition is to breathe new life into a region of striking landscapes and small towns that remains relatively untouched by overtourism. At a time when many Europeans are opting for shorter trips closer to home, the bridge may prove to be exactly the kind of quiet, cross-border getaway that travellers are looking for.

L’article Belgium opens Benelux’s tallest footbridge linking Wallonia and the Netherlands est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Performing her high-energy anthem “Bangaranga”, Dara secured a total of 516 points, ahead of Israel’s Noam Bettan, whose song “Michelle” reached 343 points. Romania’s Alexandra Căpitănescu came third.

Hosted at the Wiener Stadthalle by Austrian broadcaster ORF, the anniversary edition brought together 25 finalists and millions of viewers worldwide under the theme “United by Music”, with votes cast from 148 countries across participating nations and the rest of the world.

Bulgaria’s breakthrough moment

Dara’s victory marks a historic milestone for Bulgaria, whose national broadcaster BNT first entered the competition in 2005. It is the country’s first win in the contest’s 70-year history.

“Bangaranga”, written by Anne Judith Stokke Wik, Darina Yotova, Dimitris Kontopoulos and Monoir, topped both the jury and public vote. It is the first time since 2017 that a winning entry has achieved this double success.

With its infectious rhythm and tightly choreographed performance, the song stood out in a highly competitive final. Despite not being among the early favourites, Dara built momentum throughout the evening and ultimately secured one of the largest winning margins in Eurovision history.

Israel leads before final vote

Until the final public vote was announced, it appeared as if Israel’s Noam Bettan was set to win the contest.

Bettan was loudly cheered during his performance of “Michelle”, a rock ballad sung in Hebrew, French and English, although there was also a smattering of boos inside the arena. His entry received strong support across Europe and beyond, with many countries awarding high points.

The final public vote ultimately shifted the result in Bulgaria’s favour, delivering a dramatic conclusion to the night.

Strong performances across the board

Australia’s Delta Goodrem finished fourth with “Eclipse”, while Italy’s Sal Da Vinci placed fifth with “Per Sempre Sì”. Finnish favourites Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius ended up sixth.

The United Kingdom, represented by Sam Battle, finished last after receiving no points from the public vote for the fourth consecutive year.

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A politically charged edition

The 2026 contest was also marked by political tensions linked to Israel’s participation. Demonstrations took place in Vienna in the days leading up to the final, with protesters gathering near the venue.

Five countries, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia, chose to boycott the contest, raising concerns about the event’s political dimension and its potential impact on audiences and funding.

Despite the controversy, organisers emphasised the contest’s role as a global platform for cultural exchange, bringing together millions of viewers around a shared celebration of music.

A landmark anniversary

The 70^th edition of Eurovision showcased major advances in live production, including energy-efficient lighting systems and enhanced broadcast technology. Around 11,000 spectators attended the final inside the Wiener Stadthalle, with millions more watching worldwide.

As Eurovision marks seven decades on stage, Bulgaria’s breakthrough victory confirms once again that the contest remains unpredictable, competitive and globally influential.

L’article Bulgaria wins Eurovision 2026 with Israel finishing second in dramatic final est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

As of mid-June 2026, those who are travelling to the Mediterranean and are used to booking a ride via the Uber app will be able to enjoy yet another means of transportation. Uber and boat booking platform Click&Boat are joining forces, meaning Uber users will get to book a boat ride from their usual app just as easily as a normal taxi.

“For the first time, boating becomes part of everyday mobility. No license needed, no experience required. A skipper on board, the exact same prices as on Click&Boat, and the same high standards on every boat. It’s the ultimate shortcut to unforgettable memories on the water,” Click&Boat stated about the collaboration.

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With a fleet of some 55,000 ships, Click&Boat has quite the expertise when it comes to boat rentals. According to the company, the aim is to make sailing accessible to as many people as possible, even those without a license or technical knowledge, and to integrate boating into everyday mobility habits.

In 2024, Uber and Click&Boat already teamed up during the Olympics to offer free river cruises on the Seine River. At the time, customers could book a free 1-hour trip with a skipper on an electric vessel in order to see the city from a different perspective.

How does it work?

When booking through the Uber app, customers will be able to choose from a catalogue of themed experiences, such as sunset sails, water sports, appetisers at sea, or day trips to hidden coves. The collaboration will be launching across 23 coastal cities in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Croatia, including Split, Dubrovnik, Saint-Tropez, Nice, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Ibiza.

Through Uber, travellers will have access to a range of daily rentals with a skipper. Not only is the one-day format the most popular among boaters according to Click&Boat, but it is also the perfect way to enjoy the water peacefully.

Customers who book an Uber Boat through the app will get to enjoy the same prices as those applied by the Click&Boat platform, which currently shows fees starting from €250 to €3,000 per day. However, Uber One members get 10% worth in credits when booking a boat ride.

It is not the first time Uber has offered boat journeys through their app. In 2020, Uber and Thames Clippers launched the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers service. The river bus serves 24 piers across London and can be booked starting from £6.20 per ride, while the service is also available to Oyster Card users. Uber Yacht was previously available in popular destinations such as Ibiza, Greece, and Venice.

Uber Boat seems to be yet another way for Uber to expand the services offered through the Uber app, after having recently announced a collaboration with Expedia to also include hotel bookings.

L’article Uber launches boat bookings across Mediterranean destinations est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In April 2026, the European Tourism: Trends & Prospects report by the European Travel Commission already painted a record picture of arrivals and overnight stays in Europe. Since the beginning of the year and despite a difficult global situation, Europe has seen a 5.6% increase in international tourist arrivals and a 5.5% increase in overnight stays.

The European airport trade body ACI EUROPE has confirmed a positive trend on 13 May 2026 in its traffic report for March and the first quarter of 2026. According to ACI, passenger traffic across the European airport network increased by 3.8% in March compared to the same month in 2025. Despite the conflict in the Middle East, which started on 28 February, passenger traffic thus remained on a similar level as in February (4.2%)

“Overall, the first month of the Middle East war has once again highlighted the resilience of demand for air transport in the face of another major geopolitical shock. Many European airports lost direct connectivity to the region, but those traffic flows connecting onward to Asia rapidly adapted through alternative direct and indirect routings. To some extent, this even supported intra-European traffic flows, while the transatlantic market remained extremely dynamic,” said Olivier Jankovec, Director General of ACI EUROPE.

However, the ACI noted an important discrepancy between the so-called EU+ market (including the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the UK) and countries elsewhere in Europe. While the first group expanded by 4.1% in March (up from 3.9% in February), the second group only grew by 2.6% compared to the same month in 2025 (down from 5.9% in February).

Within the EU+ market, Slovakia (130.7%), Slovenia (17%), Denmark (13.8%), Malta (12.5%), and Croatia (10.8%) were the strongest growers in terms of passenger traffic performance. Outside the EU+, those with the best results were North Macedonia (36.3%), Moldova (25.3%), Bosnia & Herzegovina (21.3%), Uzbekistan (15.9%), Türkiye, and Serbia (11.3%). 

Some side notes on the growth

“Looking at the peak Summer months ahead of us, we do not – for now – expect a contraction of passenger volumes, unless we end up facing significant jet fuel shortages. Middle Eastern airlines are now restoring their European network while European ones have only made limited capacity adjustments – reflecting the protection afforded by fuel-cost hedging strategies and the continued resilience of demand. However, past the peak Summer months, the traffic outlook is effectively a black box for the industry. It all hinges on geopolitics and the fallout of the oil crisis – with the prospect of a cost-of-living shock testing demand resilience,” Olivier Jankovec added.

ACI’s report also mentions the contrasted case of small airports, defined as those welcoming fewer than 1 million annual passengers. Although the airport category achieved the best passenger traffic performance overall with an increase of 8.9% compared to March 2025, small airports’ passenger volumes are still far below (-32.1%) the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Córdoba ODB (4007.4%), Bucharest BBU (530.1%%), Vaxjo VXO (452.5%), Jönköping JKG (400.5%), and Stockholm BMA (286.4%) were the small airports reporting the most dynamic growth in passenger traffic compared to March 2025.

L’article European air passenger traffic grows in March 2026 despite ongoing Middle East conflict est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Presented as part of a broader mobility package, the initiative introduces the concept of a “single ticket” for journeys that combine services from different railway companies. The objective is clear: one journey, one ticket, and full rights for passengers across the entire trip.

Tackling fragmentation in Europe’s rail system

Despite growing demand for sustainable transport, booking cross-border rail travel in Europe remains complex. Passengers often face fragmented systems, limited transparency, and difficulties in comparing options, especially when journeys involve multiple operators.

The Commission’s proposal directly addresses these challenges by enabling travellers to search, compare and purchase combined rail services in a single transaction, either through independent ticketing platforms or directly via operators.

Ever missed a connecting train & been told it's not the operator's problem?

The EU is making rail travel simpler & fairer:

Single-ticket bookings across multiple rail operators
Full rail passenger rights for the whole journey
New obligations for ticketing platforms pic.twitter.com/VOjvsGKoru

— EU Justice (@EU_Justice) May 13, 2026

“Freedom of movement is one of Europe’s greatest achievements,” said Apostolos Tzitzikostas. “Today, we are taking it a step further by making travel across all 27 Member States simpler, smarter and more passenger friendly.”

The reform also aims to open up the market by requiring dominant rail operators to share their ticketing platforms with competitors, increasing visibility for smaller players and improving competition across the sector.

Stronger passenger rights across the entire journey

A key element of the proposal is the extension of passenger rights to cover the full journey when booked under a single ticket, even if multiple operators are involved.

In practical terms, this means that passengers who miss a connection due to delays or cancellations will be entitled to assistance, rerouting, reimbursement and compensation for the entire journey, not just individual segments.

The Passenger Package has been announced!

Today, the @EU_Commission has proposed new rules for a smoother travel experience for passengers: https://t.co/K1M9Iff93x

One journey, one ticket, full rights.#PassengerRights #ConnectingEurope @Transport_EU pic.twitter.com/EKvpnErMrk

— Europe's Rail JU (@EURail_JU) May 13, 2026

This marks a significant shift from the current situation, where protections are often limited when journeys are split across multiple tickets.

Passengers may also receive meals, accommodation if needed, and alternative transport solutions, ensuring continuity of travel even in disrupted scenarios.

Towards more transparent and sustainable travel choices

Beyond ticketing and passenger rights, the Commission is introducing new obligations for booking platforms to ensure fair competition and transparency.

Platforms with significant market presence will be required to display travel options in a neutral manner, based on objective criteria such as price, travel time, or greenhouse gas emissions, rather than commercial agreements.

This is expected to make it easier for travellers to identify more sustainable options, supporting the EU’s broader climate objectives.

At the same time, new rules will ensure that transport operators and ticketing platforms can enter into fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory agreements, addressing long-standing concerns about restricted access to ticket distribution.

Remaining challenges and next steps

Alongside the legislative proposals, the Commission published an implementation report on the existing Rail Passenger Rights Regulation, highlighting progress made since 2023, including improved rules on bicycle carriage and better passenger information.

However, the report also points to persistent gaps, particularly the limited availability of through-tickets for cross-border journeys involving multiple operators, an issue the new package seeks to resolve.

The proposals will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union for negotiation under the ordinary legislative procedure.

In parallel, Member States are expected to accelerate the implementation of rules under the Intelligent Transport Systems Directive, particularly those related to sharing multimodal transport data.

If adopted, the package could mark a decisive step towards a truly integrated European rail system, making cross-border travel not only more convenient but also more competitive and sustainable.

L’article European Commission proposes single-ticket system to simplify cross-border rail travel  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Rolled out across the 27 Schengen plus countries by 10 April 2026, the new Entry Exit System (EES) means that third-country nationals must register biometric information, including a facial image and fingerprints, as well as their passport details and trip intentions, when they enter the bloc. The data, intended to streamline EU border security, are stored for three years, meaning there is no need to repeat the exercise on every entry, but the initial registration process has caused significant delays and disruption at travel hubs since its introduction.

Despite special registration kiosks being installed at border points, long queues have occurred, including at the Port of Dover, where dedicated EES lanes are in place. At Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, the national guard had to be brought in to ensure public order, and at Milan, 122 passengers were left behind by an easyJet flight to Manchester when they failed to make it through airport security in time.

Fearing the impact on its tourism sector, which relies heavily on UK arrivals, Greece suspended EES controls for Brits after long waits at entry points developed in March and April.

Flying to Europe soon?
The EU Entry/Exit System (#EES) means a quick digital check when you enter & leave the EU

Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.

https://t.co/jRQXzKkygL

Find out more about how your data is processed https://t.co/PKd1qlTLbv pic.twitter.com/q5cOKv9k6D

— UK in Italy (@UKinItaly) May 12, 2026

The move appears to have worked in Greece’s favour. Since the EES suspension, travel agents report a surge in British bookings for the Hellenic Republic. “We have seen a clear and consistent uplift in demand for the destination,” said Julia Lo Bue-Said, the chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, describing an uptick in sales from 7.7 per cent in mid-April to 9.8 per cent by the end of the month, indicating growing consumer confidence and interest. In contrast, when looking at Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearics collectively, which are typically the most popular destinations, there has been a gradual softening in share over the same period.”

Though the EU has said all countries have some operational discretion over EES implementation until September, the Greek move risks causing ructions with fellow southern European destinations, which are in competition for the same source market. “We believe that this is an extra reason why somebody would choose Greece over Spain or Portugal,” Olga Kefalogianni, the Greek tourism minister, said, telling The Times her priority was to ensure people have “a good experience coming in and leaving the country.”

EES related chaos at Lisbon Airport today.

Two hour queues with around five officers letting through more than 300 passengers. Tempers fraying.

Unlike Greece, Portugal does not plan on exempting British nationals from the checks.

It is going to be a long summer for them… pic.twitter.com/W2mV8gnJcn

— Laurence Sleator (@laurencesleator) May 8, 2026

Responding to the situation, Portuguese border officials too have relaxed EES controls at Faro, Lisbon, and Porto, paving the way for other nations to start doing the same, which could potentially undermine the whole system.

As a result, Kefalogianni has said she believes there should be “a discussion on a European level when it comes specifically to British citizens,” The Times reports. “I think we should reconsider how Europe as a whole would deal with British passport holders. It’s about time that we make the distinction.”

L’article Greece calls for EES rethink for British holidaymakers amid inconsistent controls Schengen bloc est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Since 10 April 2026, the European Union has officially adopted its new Entry/Exit System (EES). Eliminating the need for manual passport stamping at borders, the system gathers biometric data from non-European, third-country arrivals to any of the 29 nations that are part of the Schengen Zone. A facial image, fingerprints, passport information, as well as entry and exit dates, are gathered upon arrival. The EES, which is completely free, applies to those without a residence permit or long-stay visa for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

@cheapholidayexpert How to use the new EES kiosks WATCH THIS before your next trip to Europe And don't forget to save and share for next time you travel! WHAT IS EES? EES stands for ‘Entry Exit System’ which is a new automated computer system that tracks when non-EU nationals (that includes us Brits) when go in and out of most of Europe. It’s set to replace stamps. WHEN DOES THIS COME IN? EES begins on 12th Oct but there’s a 6 month gradual rollout and so it’s likely that not many places will be up and running straight away. HOW WILL I KNOW IF IT’S AFFECTING MY JOURNEY? Some places have said it will be up and running on Sunday including Estonia, Czechia and Luxembourg but even there they haven’t confirmed whether it will be for every single flight. It's going to take a while to see how it plays out… WHAT’S AN EES KIOSK? To help speed things up, airports, train stations and ports have installed EES self service kiosks. This allows you to ‘pre-register’ so that when you get to border control, they’ll simply swipe your passport and all the needed info for EES will be come up. WHAT IF I DON’T USE AN EES KIOSK? If you can’t find one, it’s not working or need extra assistance, you would just go to border control as normal and they will do a manual EES check with you if it’s required. WHERE WILL I FIND AN EES KIOSK? Ask yourself: at what stage of your journey does your passport normally get stamped? Wherever that is, the EES kiosks are likely to be just before it. For flights from the UK, this would be after you land but before you go through to arrivals. For the Eurostar at St Pancras, the ferry at Dover and the Eurotunnel at Folkestone however, this would be done before you leave the UK. For all return journeys, you would do the checks before you board your transport home. LET ME KNOW… If you have any more questions!! I have tried my best to keep it as simple as possible!! Ultimately, the proof will be in the pudding so HIT FOLLOW as I’m gonna go try and test it out when it comes in on SUNDAY! #EES #EntryExitSystem #uktravel #uktoeurope ♬ original sound – Holiday Expert | Chelsea

However, although the EES had been in the making for a long time and even though everything was supposed to run smoothly by 10 April 2026, the system has been encountering several (practical) issues. Long queues have become a common sight at airports and other entry points to the Schengen Zone, even before the start of the high season.

Countries have therefore been known to adopt alternative strategies concerning the EES, even though the European Commission has not allowed its member states to do so. The only legal exception to the new system that has been included in the roll-out is the possibility to pause biometric collection for six-hour windows during exceptionally busy times, a flexibility that runs through July can be applied until September under certain conditions.

Flying to Europe soon?
The EU Entry/Exit System (#EES) means a quick digital check when you enter & leave the EU

Your digital EES record is valid for 3 years.

https://t.co/jRQXzKkygL

Find out more about how your data is processed https://t.co/PKd1qlTLbv pic.twitter.com/q5cOKv9k6D

— UK in Italy (@UKinItaly) May 12, 2026

“There has been no change to the EES regulation. Indeed, the EES regulation foresees flexibilities and fallback procedures that Member States can rely on when needed,” a Commission spokesperson said in a statement.

However, countries are deciding to take action on their own initiative. In France, for example, the EES has not yet been implemented at the Port of Dover, nor has it been applied to car travellers taking the Eurotunnel. In Spain, airports are choosing to switch between EES and manual stamping. And Greece announced it would be dropping the EES for British travellers.

“We would like to inform you that within the framework of the implementation of the new ESS as of 10 April 2026, British passport holders are excluded from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points,” a statement published by the Embassy of Greece in London read.

@jorazeneli this is vile #fyp #trending #viral #airport #internationalstudent #traveltiktok #passport #control #visa #europe ♬ zmeya.miss – 𝐊𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐀

Portugal and Italy continue EES

While reports previously suggested Italy and Portugal might be following in the footsteps of Greece, the European Commission has now officially denied those rumours.

“The Portuguese and Italian authorities confirmed that they do not intend to exempt any nationality,” the Commission stated.

Brits travelling to Portugal and Italy this summer should thus prepare themselves to undergo the biometric checks. Arriving on time at the airport is strongly advised, as long queues are to be expected over the busy summer season.

L’article Brits won’t be excused from digital border checks in Portugal and Italy est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Held from 11 to 13 May at the Golden Sands, the forum gathered representatives of European institutions, government officials, tourism experts, and healthcare professionals to discuss the future of sustainable health tourism, prevention, and longevity. Organised by the European Spas Association, the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and SPA Tourism and HTI Conference & Expo, the event highlighted Bulgaria’s growing role as a European hub for health, spa and medical tourism.

Destination award: redefining the European thermal model

The Destination award was presented to Domaine de Marlioz for redefining what a modern thermal destination can be through regeneration, prevention, and community impact.

Recognised for its visionary blend of ecological regeneration, public health innovation, and community-driven transformation, the destination stands as a model of how European spa destinations can reinvent their future with purpose and impact.

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Публикация от Mattéo Duc | ATHLETE (@matteo_duc)

The Special Jury Award went to Pamporovo, which has transformed a mountain resort into a health-focused destination where climate, nature, and medical expertise come together to support respiratory wellbeing and recovery.

Medical spa excellence: Lithuania sets a new benchmark

The Medical Spa Award was presented to Eglės Sanatorija for its transformation into a modern, evidence-based, personalised and digitalised medical wellbeing destination.

The jury highlighted its shift from traditional treatments to coordinated health programmes, combining advanced diagnostics, personalised care and digital follow-up to deliver measurable results and long-term health outcomes.

A Special Jury Award recognised MARE SPA by Gradiali for creating a wellness experience centred on personal guidance, smart technologies and long-term balance and wellbeing.

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Публикация от Sanatorija Gradiali (@gradiali_sanatorija)

Innovation awards: new models shaping the sector

In spa design, Kashmir Hotel received the main award, while The Five Elements Hotel was recognised with a Special Jury Award.

A major innovation award went to Addere Care for introducing a completely new model in Europe: a Wellness Nursing Hospital combining medical care, rehabilitation, palliative support and spa wellbeing under one roof.

The Special Jury Award in this category went to King’s Valley Medical and Spa Hotel.

Programmes and products addressing modern health challenges

The Innovative Health Spa Programme award was presented to Savoy Westend Hotel for its Diabetes Mellitus+ programme, combining medical diagnostics, personalised treatments and digital monitoring to support long-term disease management.

The jury also recognised Grand Hotel Bansko.

In the product category, GENTIQUE received the award for translating longevity science into a high-quality supplement line designed to improve vitality and well-being.

Education and science: shaping the future of wellness

The Innovative Spa Education award went to the Bled Water Forum and its Young Global Academy, recognised for redefining how water is understood as a scientific, sensory and health-giving resource.

In the Medical Spa Science category, Spirit Hotel Thermal Spa was awarded for its Sweet Dreams programme, which reimagines sleep environments by reducing electrosmog and combining medical expertise with thermal therapies to support deep, restorative sleep.

Bulgaria strengthens its position in European health tourism

Throughout the summit, speakers emphasised the growing importance of prevention, longevity and integrated care models. Bulgaria’s extensive mineral water resources, qualified medical professionals and favourable climate were repeatedly highlighted as key assets for future development.

As discussions in Varna concluded, the awards underscored a clear message: health tourism in Europe is evolving rapidly, moving beyond traditional spa treatments towards integrated, personalised and science-based wellbeing experiences.

L’article From France to Lithuania, HEALTHXCHANGE Summit 2026 crowns Europe’s spa leaders est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The U.S.-Israel war on Iran has had a big impact on the global tourism sector. Aside from tourists avoiding the region, the conflict has also caused numerous flight cancellations, reroutings, and a (jet) fuel crisis. As fuel represents a considerable part of an airline’s operating costs, the jet fuel crisis has led to cancellations and price increases. 

“Fuel accounts for a significant proportion of air carriers’ costs and is well known to be subject to considerable price volatility. For this reason, many carriers hedge against the risks of fuel price volatility. When fuel costs are high for longer periods, the additional cost is eventually passed through into higher air fares. Freedom of pricing under the Air Services Regulation allows airlines to adjust prices prior to selling a ticket to reflect changes in their operating costs, and to compete on that basis. Managing price volatility is a normal part of an airline’s business,” the European Commission writes.

Acting to protect your travel rights and support aviation.

We issued new guidance to ensure the transport sector remains stable amid the Middle East crisis.

Our priority is keeping you moving and ensuring airlines follow clear, fair rules ↓ pic.twitter.com/A9AkPu7vQO

— European Commission (@EU_Commission) May 8, 2026

Some carriers, such as KLM and Lufthansa, have responded to the rising costs by cancelling less-profitable flights. Over the next few months, global flight schedules will therefore be reduced. In that regard, the Commission reminds travellers that carriers are required to pay compensation for cancellations less than 14 days before the scheduled departure, unless the passenger was offered re-routing in good time.

“However, the operating air carrier can be exempted from paying compensation subject to proving that the cancellation is caused by “extraordinary circumstances” which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. The Commission is of the view that a local fuel shortage preventing the operation of a flight may be considered an “extraordinary circumstance”. However, cancellations caused by exceptionally high fuel prices, as opposed to local fuel shortages, cannot be considered as constituting “extraordinary circumstances”,” the notice specifies.

No post ticket sales fuel surcharges

Moreover, in its document, the European Commission specifically bans airlines from adding fuel surcharges post ticket sales.

“The rules on transparent pricing of air tickets in Regulation (EC) No 1008/200815 require that the final ticket price including all unavoidable and foreseeable price elements must be displayed at all times when offering or publishing air fares to the general public. As this obligation applies explicitly to the final ticket price to be paid, any retroactive change of the price is excluded,” the Commission explains.

The ban comes at a moment when Spanish low-cost carrier Volotea has been charging passengers fuel surcharges, amounting to up to €14.00, for weeks. The airline explained the move as a ‘Fair Travel Promise’ policy in its latest terms and conditions – after reviewing fuel market prices seven days before a flight departure, passengers are either charged a surplus or reimbursed in case of a jet fuel price drop.

“The legality of our system has been confirmed by three independent law firms specialising in air transport and consumer law. The measure is transparent, it is temporary, and it works both ways (up or down),” Gilles Gosselin, Volotea’s country manager for France, said about the measure in an interview with Agence France-Presse.

Spanish consumer protection organisation Facua has been calling the measure unlawful and has started an investigation into the mandatory fee. The European Commission now seems to agree with that position.

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