The announcement by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives visa-free entry to Spain for citizens of Botswana, Cape Verde, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, and the Seychelles, with eligible passport holders permitted to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, subject to standard requirements, at a cost of €90.

While the African Folder on Instagram said the move is intended “to make travel easier while strengthening tourism and cultural ties between Spain and the eight African nations,” critics have pointed out that most African countries are not included, and that major African populations, such as those in Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, and Tunisia will still require a Schengen visa to visit Spain.

Meanwhile, France has included South Africa as the only African country among 13 whose citizens can travel visa-free to several French overseas territories under an expanded entry policy. The rest of the list includes China, India, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, while citizens of most African nations, including Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, will still require visas to visit the territories.

Germany still only allows two African countries (Mauritius and the Seychelles) visa-free entry in 2026.

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By comparison, citizens of 27 African nations are permitted to enter Canada without a traditional visa.

Back to Spain, and the CARICOM countries gaining visa-free short-stay access are: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, the Grenadines, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and St Vincent. Again, citizens of other CARICOM member states, including Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and Suriname, will continue to require visas before travelling to Spain.

Visa waivers and visa-free access are usually negotiated as under bilateral agreements between countries, yet major upcoming travel and tourism stakeholders such as Angola, which has granted visa-free access to Spanish citizens, do not yet benefit from the same in kind from Spanish counterparts.

Spain is managing a tourism boom, having received record numbers of visitors over the past years, accompanied by significant anti-tourism sentiment that has manifested itself in civil disobedience and demonstrations.

Visa requirements are often seen as a disincentive to travel, since would-be travellers must complete an application, provide supporting documents, and undergo approval processes before their right to entry is confirmed. Spain’s Schengen visa application requires a valid passport and recent photographs, insurance, proof of accommodation and flight bookings, and bank statements.

Spain has also launched a migrant regularisation programme that some estimates by the National Police say could result in around three million additional legal residents through family reunification, far exceeding the government’s original projections of around 500,000 applicants.

L’article Spain extends visa-free travel to citizens of eight African nations est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The outlook for the peak summer season remains particularly strong. Spanish authorities expect around 43 million international visitors between June and September, a 6% increase compared with the same period last year. Tourism is also expected to generate around €64 billion for the economy during those four months, up 10% year-on-year. The sector remains one of Spain’s main economic pillars, contributing around 13% of the country’s economy and supporting millions of jobs.

Las previsiones de turismo internacional para este verano reafirman que las políticas del @minturgob van en la dirección correcta:

Se prevé que el gasto de los visitantes crezca con más intensidad en destinos tradicionalmente menos turísticos

Hacia un modelo más sostenible https://t.co/GOFD0xlzUG

— Jordi Hereu (@jordihereub) July 6, 2026

Part of this year’s growth has been linked to changing travel patterns. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have prompted some travellers to choose destinations perceived as more stable, benefiting countries across Southern Europe, including Spain. “Three months ago, we thought the conflict in the Middle East could slow tourist arrivals, but the data shows remarkable resilience despite the circumstances,” said Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu.

Another factor attracting visitors this summer is the total solar eclipse that will take place in August. The rare event will be visible across large parts of northern and inland Spain, drawing astronomy enthusiasts and travellers hoping to experience the eclipse under favourable viewing conditions. According to the tourism minister, many rural accommodations in these regions are already fully booked because of the event. The increased interest is also bringing visitors to destinations that are less familiar to international tourists, helping spread tourism beyond the country’s busiest coastal resorts.

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Rather than focusing solely on increasing visitor numbers, the Spanish government is using the expected record year to promote a different tourism model. Authorities want to encourage travellers to discover inland regions, cultural destinations and nature areas while also extending tourism beyond the traditional summer season. The strategy aims to reduce pressure on the country’s most visited coastal areas and distribute the economic benefits of tourism more evenly across Spain. “We favour what I call calm growth, in other words, growth that can be easily managed,” Hereu said.

The government has been promoting lesser-known destinations through campaigns that highlight Spain’s historic towns, gastronomy, national parks and rural landscapes instead of focusing only on beaches. Officials say travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that combine relaxation with culture, local food and outdoor activities. At the same time, more people are travelling during the spring and autumn, helping to extend the tourism season. That shift gives businesses a longer operating period and provides more stable employment for workers in the tourism sector.

El turismo internacional sigue siendo un pilar de nuestra economía.

En mayo, España recibió 10,3 M de turistas internacionales (+9,5%), que realizaron un gasto de más de 13.500 M de euros, un 10,9% más que en el mismo mes del año anterior.

https://t.co/rHYcaFzbZi pic.twitter.com/mZCmVYavHm

— Ministerio de Industria y Turismo (@minturgob) July 2, 2026

The move towards a more balanced tourism model also comes as Spain continues to face criticism over overtourism. In recent years, demonstrations have taken place in cities including Barcelona, where residents have protested against rising housing costs, overcrowding and the growing number of short-term holiday rentals. Several Spanish cities and regions have responded by tightening regulations on tourist accommodation and limiting new holiday rental licences. According to Hereu, managing tourism more carefully is essential as visitor numbers continue to grow, arguing that “the old formulas no longer work.”

With international demand remaining strong and new attractions such as the August eclipse drawing visitors beyond the country’s traditional beach destinations, Spain appears set for another record-breaking year. At the same time, authorities hope the milestone of 100 million visitors will also mark a turning point in how tourism is managed. By encouraging travellers to explore different regions and visit throughout the year, the government aims to ensure that future growth benefits both visitors and local communities alike.

L’article Spain on track to welcome 100 million international tourists in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Following protests about overtourism on the islands, and months of debate about the creation of an ecotax ranging between €1 and €3.5 per night, a new scheme is on the table. The Canary Islands Tourism Regeneration and Nature Restoration Fund (REGNEXT) is an initiative from the Canary Islands government and UK Spanish Tourist Office, that “aims to make tourism a direct contributor to environmental restoration and community wellbeing through voluntary contributions,” a statement said. Officials explained that the financing system will be “voluntary, traceable, and transparent” and “allow resources to be directly and specifically allocated to regeneration projects.”

While some municipalities on the islands (such as Mogán on Gran Canaria, where a daily tourist tax of €0.15 per person, collected on hotel stays, is in place) have already introduced local fees to fund tourism services and infrastructure, the new scheme is intended to be different.

Coming into effect on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, the idea is to enable visitors to make donations directly online to their chosen pilot schemes, with affordable housing, biodiversity, climate adaptation, conservation, habitat restoration, landscape improvement, and lowering emissions, all among the schemes supported by REGNEXT.

 A range of commercial travel stakeholders, such as easyJet holidays, Jet2.com, Jet2holidays and Tui, are lined up to support the venture. Describing the programme as turning tourism into “an active force for environmental and social regeneration,” Jessica de León, Minister of Tourism for the Canary Islands, said voluntary contributions from “visitors, businesses and climate foundations” would “ensure that part of the value tourism generates is reinvested directly into restoring ecosystems, strengthening climate resilience and improving the communities that make our destination so special.”

The Spanish tourist office noted that the initiative would protect the basic cost of a holiday for UK visitors but allow those who could afford to do so to give back to the places they love. It “offers a new way to support the destination they visit without increasing the cost of their holiday through a compulsory tax, while giving travel companies a transparent mechanism for investing in measurable environmental and social outcomes,” the office said.

Meanwhile, Manuel Butler, director of the Spanish Tourist Office UK, pointed to the circular nature of the scheme, saying it will provide a “tangible” way for visitors to “protect and restore natural spaces, reduce emissions, improve quality of life for residents and enhance the visitor experience.”

The Canaries are not the only destination taking an alternative “give back” approach to tourism levies. Copenhagen and Berlin have introduced reward schemes for visitors who take part in responsible tourism actions; Fiji has invited guests to give an hour of their vacation time to sustainable projects; and the “Mālama Hawaiʻi” programmebrings together “opportunities for visitors to pay it forward, like beach clean-ups, native tree planting, and more,” via the GoHawai‘i website which urges guests to “Engage in some of our volunteer opportunities … and in exchange, experience Hawaiʻi on a much deeper and connected level.”

L’article Canary Islands new voluntary tourist tax invites visitors to fund sustainability projects est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Almonte Council is piloting a water-saving project on Matalascañas beach in Andalusia, a Spanish region for which 2023 was the driest year in the last three decades, and the fifth driest ever recorded. Though rainfall and reservoir levels improved somewhat over 2024 and 2025, overall, the region has been in a six-year drought period, severely affecting agriculture, olive groves, and the wider economy. Water scarcity is at crisis point in well-known holiday spots such as Huelva, Cadiz, and Malaga, where most of the regional population is concentrated.

Against that background Malaga has restricted some of its beach showers, though critics maintain that such facilities represent only around 0.24% of water consumption and are an important offer within the tourism sector. Now, the Matalascañas scheme is also causing controversy, as some fear the currently free-to-use smart metered shower is a precursor to more widespread charges for people to clean off after enjoying la playa.

Though showering is complimentary during the trial, the new facility at Matalascañas is designed to be activated through coins or a paid-for QR code, at a price of €1 per minute.

@tactica_aerea otro rinconcito de estas playas de la costa de Huelva #DronEspaña #EspañaDesdeElAire #VistasAéreasEspaña #FotografíaAéreaEspaña #DronMadrid #DronBarcelona #DronValencia #DronSevilla #DronBilbao #DronGranada #DronMálaga #DronToledo #ExploraEspaña #RutasAéreasEspaña #DescubreEspaña #VisitaEspaña #EspañaEnImágenes #TurismoEspaña #PaisajesDeEspaña#parati #seguidores#huelv#almonte #RutasAéreasEspaña #matalascañas ♬ PLAYA J JÓSE EL NUEVO PROSPECTO – Jjose el nuevo prospecto

Complainants on social media say that large families could see a chunk of their holiday budget disappear down the drain if the shower charges go ahead, making them less likely to spend money on snacks or beach attire at local businesses. Others question the practicality of a system that is operated by mobile phone, pointing out that water and mobile phones are not typically a good combination.

Another potentially controversial aspect of the paid-for showers could be their impact on etiquette. With many resorts and holiday spots now issuing fines for improper attire or toplessness in the streets, taking away a facility that allows people to wash down and put on a clean T-shirt seems counterproductive.

However, more eco-conscious commentators acknowledge that free beach showers can encourage unnecessary water consumption. One Instagram user wrote: “Every year in the summer, there’s a lot of unnecessary water waste by kids and adults alike. Paying for water makes you think twice about wasting it.” Others insist that a family of four, for example, could easily have a quick rinse for one euro by sharing their time in the shower.

In a country where tourists have been blamed by some for a cost-of-living crisis, and many Spaniards say they cannot afford a holiday at their own beaches any more, the row over paid-for showers appears to be symptomatic of more general concerns about the changing face of beach culture.

L’article Spanish beach to tackle water shortage with controversial paid-for shower est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The proposed levy, advanced by the left-wing Barcelona en Comú (BComú) and the pro-Catalan independence Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), with the backing of the governing Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC), would raise Barcelona’s cruise tourist tax to €30 a day, a clear sign that local politicians are looking to curb the impact of the thousands of tourists who disembark from ships during the busy summer months and who, critics argue, contribute relatively little to the local economy compared with the disruption they cause.

The tax currently stands at €11 a day for stays of 12 hours or less, made up of a €5 municipal surcharge and a €6 regional levy. Under existing regional law, Barcelona’s city council cannot charge more than €8 of its own; the new agreement would lift that ceiling to €24, taking the combined tax to €30 once it clears parliament.

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The increase would apply only to cruise ships stopping at the port for less than 12 hours and would not affect cruises beginning or ending in Barcelona, as these are considered to have a more positive economic impact on the city.

The parties behind the rise have differing visions of what the tax should achieve in the longer term. Marc Serra, of the left-wing BComú, said the increase should not be aimed solely at raising revenue but should also act as a deterrent to this type of tourism and send a clear signal about the role the city wants cruise tourism to play.

BComú councillor Carol Recio announced at a press conference last Monday that her party and ERC had reached an agreement with the PSC-led municipal government.

“Collboni says a lot, but does little or nothing,” Recio said, criticising the mayor for decrying the city’s overcrowding while simultaneously striking a deal with Junts on a Usage Plan for Ciutat Vella that, in her view, favours tourism-oriented businesses.

Other parties would prefer Barcelona to impose a hard cap on the number of ships it receives. The council, however, has so far rejected setting an annual passenger limit, considering it more complicated to implement than raising the tax, a position that saw the pro-Catalan independence Junts, the conservative People’s Party (PP) and far-right Vox vote against the increase.

The measure now needs to clear the Catalan parliament as an amendment to the law accompanying the Generalitat’s 2026 budget, with a vote expected on 2 July.

Cruise tourists make up just 2.5% of the city’s daily visitors off-season, a figure that climbs to 7.5% during peak season. They typically spend an average of 5.7 hours in the city.

In its push to capture more value from a tourism sector it says is overwhelming Barcelona, the city has introduced several measures in recent years, from phasing out short-term rentals such as Airbnb to increasing overnight tourist taxes. Both the regional tourist tax and the municipal surcharge were raised again in April this year, putting Barcelona among the highest-taxed cities in Europe for visitors.

Last year, plans were also unveiled to cut the number of cruise terminals at Barcelona’s Adossat wharf from seven to five, reducing the port’s simultaneous cruise capacity from 37,000 to 31,000 passengers by 2030.

The three oldest terminals will be demolished and a new terminal built in their place as part of a wider reorganisation of the port.

Passengers travelling this summer should not be affected by the changes, which are expected to take effect from late autumn or early 2027.

L’article Barcelona plans to triple cruise tourist tax to €30 to tackle overtourism est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The visit, which runs from 6 to 12 June and includes stops in Madrid, Barcelona, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, has attracted enormous public interest. On Sunday alone, an estimated 1.2 million people gathered near Madrid’s iconic Cibeles Square for an open-air Mass celebrated by the Pontiff, making it one of the largest public events in Spain in recent years.

Addressing the crowd, Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics to support society’s most vulnerable members, saying that God “identifies with the poor, the downtrodden, those who are alone and forsaken”. The Mass followed a vigil attended by approximately 600,000 young people the previous evening and came after meetings with migrants and homeless communities during the first days of the visit.

Five euros returned for every euro invested

According to estimates from the Spanish Bishops’ Conference (CEE), the total cost of organising the papal visit is expected to reach around €25 million. Yet organisers believe the overall economic return could exceed €150 million, effectively generating five euros for every euro invested.

The budget covers event production, logistics, communications, transport, accommodation for the papal entourage and volunteer operations. Around 85% of spending is directed towards the events themselves.

Funding comes from a combination of Church resources, donations from companies and benefactors, support from local authorities and contributions from faithful through fundraising initiatives.

While Church officials have repeatedly stressed that financial returns are not the purpose of the visit, the figures illustrate the scale of economic activity generated by large-scale religious events.

Tourism sector already seeing the benefits

Evidence of the tourism boost emerged even before Pope Leo’s arrival.

According to tourism intelligence company Data Appeal Mabrian, Madrid alone was expected to generate approximately €73.8 million in additional visitor spending during the first days of the visit, driven by an estimated 1.8 million attendees.

Restaurants and food services account for the largest share of spending, representing roughly 78% of the economic impact, followed by transport and accommodation.

Spain is now the world's third-largest destination for international visitor spending – and the number one in Europe.

In 2025, international visitors to Spain spent €115.1BN – with each traveller spending an average of US$1,344, well above the European average of US$1,068.… pic.twitter.com/CcrX5ywzPw

— WTTC (@WTTC) May 18, 2026

Hotel demand has also risen significantly. Data from online travel agencies showed average hotel prices in Madrid increasing by 4.5% compared with the same weekend last year, while occupancy levels were running several percentage points above 2025 levels.

In Barcelona, which will host the Pope later this week, hotel occupancy is also tracking well ahead of last year. Booking platforms reported accommodation searches rising by more than 50% in some destinations along the papal route.

Bars, restaurants and holiday rental operators in both Madrid and Barcelona have reported exceptionally strong demand, with many establishments fully booked during key events.

The value of the ‘showcase effect’

Tourism analysts caution that the true impact of the visit may only become apparent in the months and years ahead.

ObservaTUR, a tourism monitoring organisation, estimates the immediate economic impact at between €90 million and €125 million. However, researchers emphasise what they describe as the “showcase effect” — the long-term promotional value generated by extensive international media coverage.

With hundreds of accredited journalists covering the visit and images of Spain being broadcast around the world, destinations such as Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands are benefiting from unprecedented exposure.

The expectation is that increased visibility will stimulate future demand for religious, cultural and heritage tourism, encouraging visitors to explore Spain’s churches, pilgrimage routes and historic cities long after the Pope has returned to Rome.

Lessons from previous papal visits

Historical examples suggest that these expectations are not unrealistic.

According to data cited by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Barcelona in 2010 generated almost €30 million in economic impact for the city.

The last time a pope visited Spain, a massive World Youth Day took over Madrid. It was 2011, and Benedict XVI made history. Fifteen years later, a pope has returned, and tonight Pope Leo is leading a huge youth vigil with an estimated 600,000 people. It’s hard not to think of… pic.twitter.com/umYdGYHjmM

— EWTN Vatican (@EWTNVatican) June 6, 2026

Even more significant was World Youth Day in Madrid in 2011, which produced more than €200 million in direct visitor spending and contributed to a 29% increase in overnight stays during the event. Surveys conducted afterwards found that 90% of international pilgrims intended to return to Spain.

Globally, papal visits have also demonstrated their economic value. Pope Francis’ visit to Bogotá in 2017 attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors and generated more than US$61 million for the local economy.

Madrid benefits from a unique convergence

An additional factor strengthening tourism performance this week is the overlap between Pope Leo XIV’s visit and a series of concerts by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny.

The simultaneous arrival of pilgrims, international media, concertgoers and tourists has created an unusual concentration of demand for accommodation, transport and hospitality services.

Industry observers say the combination is reinforcing Madrid’s position as one of Europe’s leading destinations for major international events.

More than a religious event

For the World Travel & Tourism Council, the visit demonstrates the broader value of faith based tourism.

“Major religious tourism events such as papal visits clearly demonstrate the powerful ability of Travel & Tourism to generate immediate economic impact while also delivering long term value for destinations,” said WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara.

As Pope Leo XIV continues his journey through Spain this week, final economic figures remain uncertain. Yet with more than a million people already gathering in Madrid and tourism businesses reporting increased demand across multiple regions, the visit is already proving to be far more than a religious occasion.

Whether the final impact reaches €100 million or €150 million, Spain is once again demonstrating how major faith based events can deliver both spiritual significance and tangible economic benefits.

L’article How Pope Leo XIV’s visit could boost tourism and turn €25 million into €150 million est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

One of Spain’s defining characteristics is its vibrant outdoor lifestyle, epitomised by its bustling terraces where people of all ages socialise throughout the day and late into the night. This way of life, long taken for granted, may now change due to rising temperatures.

On 13 April, an addendum to the agreement was introduced by trade unions FeSMC-UGT and CCOO Servicios, and was agreed with industry bodies Hostelería de España and CEHAT. The new rules are primarily aimed at protecting workers.

This change comes against a backdrop of intensifying heat. Last summer, temperatures reached 45.8 °C in Jerez de la Frontera during a heatwave that swept across the country, while Spain’s national average for the month was 25 °C, equalling the record set the previous year. The period from 8 to 17 August marked the ten hottest consecutive days recorded in Spain since at least 1950. Such extremes are unlikely to ease as global temperatures continue to rise.

Under the new framework, whenever an official weather alert signals danger from extreme heat, heavy rain or snow, businesses must take protective measures for their employees. In practical terms, this means that staff working outdoors must be brought inside if conditions are deemed unsafe.

Waiters are now explicitly covered by these protections, moving between sun and shade with loaded trays. Service will shift indoors during extreme weather events. This already happens during heavy rain or when it is cold, when terraces empty and activity moves inside. The same logic will now apply to heat, unless the terrace has adequate shade or cooling systems.

Weather alerts are issued by AEMET, Spain’s national meteorological service, and these will trigger action. Businesses that fail to comply could face fines of up to €50,000 from labour inspectors.

Trade unions have praised the agreement as a significant step forward, with the FeSMC-UGT describing it as a “milestone that highlights the progress made through social dialogue and reaffirms the commitment to strengthening a model that guarantees rights, stability and progress for workers and companies”.

New rules in Spain mean some bar and restaurant terraces could close during red or orange heat alerts unless they have proper cooling measures.
Do you think this will change how you spend summer afternoons out here?#SpainNews #HeatwaveSpain #LivingInSpain #HospitalitySpain pic.twitter.com/CpqlD1n3As

— Spanish News Today (@MurciaToday) April 29, 2026

Beyond regulation, the measure carries a certain cultural resonance. Spain has long been associated with its unshakeable siesta tradition, during which activity would pause for several hours in the hottest part of the day, not only on terraces.

While this midday break has disappeared in many urban areas due to modern working patterns, air conditioning and tourism demands, it still exists in smaller towns and rural areas. The temporary closure of terraces during the hottest hours of the day may reflect this older rhythm, suggesting that taking a break during the hottest part of the day is not only a cultural tradition but also an increasingly necessary practice.

For travellers, however, the change is unlikely to be significant. Closures apply only during extreme heat events, and bars, cafés and restaurants will not shut entirely; rather, outdoor service will be temporarily unavailable. Activity is likely to shift towards the morning and evening, reinforcing a pattern already familiar in southern regions.

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Rather than imposing blanket closures, the rules require businesses to act when official alerts signal risk, with implementation dependent on local conditions.

Spain’s terrace culture is not disappearing but adapting. Even its most emblematic social spaces are being reshaped as climate pressures intensify, striking a balance between tradition and the realities of a warming world.

L’article Spain adds climate rules to hospitality sector as terraces face closures est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The tax will not be applied all at once but will instead be introduced gradually. From October 2026 until 1 July 2027, visitors will only pay the charge for the first two nights of their stay. After that date, the tax will apply to a maximum of five nights per visit. Cruise passengers will also be included, although their contribution will only come into force from July 2027. This phased approach is designed to ease the transition for both tourists and the local tourism sector.

@daremapp Explore Vigo like never before! Here are the must-see places you can't miss: Jardín das Avenidas: An ideal green space to relax in the heart of the city. Church of Santiago: A historical treasure full of art and spirituality. Port of Vigo: The maritime heartbeat of the city, with its life and breathtaking views. Iglesia de la Victoria: Architectural beauty that tells stories of centuries past. Pazo Quiñones de León: A palace of art, history and lush gardens. Casco Viejo: Charming streets, full of history and tradition. Rande Bridge: Majestic structure that connects Vigo with the Atlantic and offers spectacular views. Vigo has it all! Are you ready to experience it? #Vigo #DescubreVigo #RinconesDeVigo #ViajeVigo ♬ sonido original – DareMapp

The amount visitors pay will depend on where they stay. Guests in five-star hotels will pay the highest rate of €2 per night, while those staying in three- and four-star hotels will be charged €1.60. Visitors choosing one- or two-star accommodation, as well as cruise passengers, will pay €1.20 per night. The lowest rate of €0.80 will apply to hostels, campsites, tourist apartments and rural accommodation. This system means that the cost is linked to the level of comfort and services provided.

Not everyone will have to pay the new tax. Residents of Vigo will be exempt, as well as children and people with disabilities. There are also plans to allow exemptions for visitors travelling for health reasons or those taking part in certain social programmes. Local authorities have indicated that some of these details are still being finalised.  

Vigo is a popular destination in the northwest of Spain, known for its coastal setting and lively atmosphere. The city offers access to dozens of beaches and is close to the Cíes Islands, a protected natural area. One of its beaches, Rodas Beach, has previously been described as one of the best in the world. Vigo is also famous for its large-scale Christmas light displays, which attract visitors from across Europe each year. In addition, the city has a strong reputation for fresh seafood thanks to its busy fishing port.

@visitspain Paradise off the Galician coast Crystal waters, golden beaches, and untouched nature await at Islas Cíes. #VisitSpain #ThinkyouknowSpain #SpainSustainable #Galicia #Pontevedra ♬ sonido original – visitSpain

Tourism plays a major role in the local economy, especially through cruise travel. The port of Vigo regularly welcomes large ships carrying thousands of passengers at the same time. This can put pressure on public spaces, transport and the local environment, particularly during peak periods. By introducing a tourist tax, the city hopes to better manage these impacts. The additional income could also support maintenance and improvements in areas frequently used by visitors.

The move follows a broader trend seen across Spain and beyond. Cities such as Barcelona have already introduced or increased tourist taxes in recent years. In some cases, visitors pay both regional and local charges, which can significantly increase the total cost of a stay. Similar measures are being adopted in other parts of Europe as destinations look for ways to deal with overtourism. In this context, Vigo is becoming one of the latest cities to introduce a system that asks visitors to contribute directly to the places they visit.  

L’article Spanish port city Vigo to introduce tourist tax from October 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Northern Spain’s second busiest airport, Santiago-Rosalía de Castro, will shut its doors from Thursday, 23 April to Wednesday, 27 May 2026. It is due to undergo critical runway maintenance during the closure. “During this period, the airport will be closed to all air traffic, and no takeoffs or landings will take place,” the airport website says. Airlines including Ryanair, Europe’s largest by passenger numbers, and Aer Lingus and Vueling will be among those whose flights will be cancelled on account of the works.

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The Galician gateway to the country’s Finisterre cape, UNESCO treasures, and pilgrimage city, Santiago de Compostela, handled 3.1 million flyers in 2025, serving 30 flights per week to UK routes alone. With Spain’s tourism industry smashing consecutive benchmarks in recent years, and anticipated to continue booming, especially over the course of what will be a total eclipse summer for the region, record numbers of international arrivals are expected again in 2026, meaning the five-week shutdown will affect tens of thousands of passenger journeys.

Connectivity to the north of Spain and Santiago de Compostela in particular is facing another setback in 2026, with seat capacity slashed by 1.2 million after the announcement by Ryanair that it would be pulling out of or reducing operations at a suite of Spanish airports. For the summer season 2026, the budget Irish carrier is set to close all Asturias flights, as well as cut Santiago de Compostela back to baseline services.

The disruption comes on top of strikes at a series of other airports around the country and its territories, including the alternative Galician arrival and departure point, A Coruña. Operations at other mainland hubs, including Seville and Jerez de la Frontera, serving the Sherry-route, and the capital’s Madrid-Cuatro Vientos will be impacted by the air traffic controller walkouts, as well as Spain’s island airports, such as Fuerteventura, La Gomera, El Hierro, Lanzarote, La Palma, where union representatives have denounced working conditions and stress levels that they say compromise aeronautical safety.

Travellers who think their journey might be subject to schedule changes due to strikes or airport shutdowns should contact the relevant carriers for more information about flight status and rebooking options.

L’article Santiago Airport to shut for five weeks, disrupting flights across Northern Spain est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The resort town of Magaluf, located within the municipality of Calvià in western Mallorca, has long been known as a nightlife destination. However, as tourism is evolving, so is Magaluf. In order for tourists and locals alike to get to know the destination under a new light, Calvià’s Town Council has installed a so-called selfie route.

The route was launched in April 2026 under the slogan ‘Magaluf for All’ and invites everyone to make the most of Magaluf’s picture-perfect landscape. With the help of a company called TURS, the municipality installed what they call “patented smart signage that allows visitors to take perfect photos and selfies independently”.

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The smartly-designed photo stations allow anyone to take a photogenic holiday picture, showing both themselves and the surrounding landscape under the best light and angle. The help of tripods, selfie sticks, extra-long arms, or strangers is thus no longer needed to take the perfect selfie.

At the inauguration of the trail, the selfie route included four different stops, each showcasing a different side of Magaluf. One focuses on Magaluf’s inland landscape and the historic Cas Saboners estate, a second stop looks out over the Torrenova peninsula, Magaluf’s natural wonder, Illa de Sa Porrassa, stands centre-stage at the third selfie stand, and its cosmopolitan vibe is showcased at the fourth station called Skyline. Visitors are encouraged to share their dearest memories of Magaluf online, thereby becoming the town’s best ambassadors.

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Aside from a photo station, each stop also features a QR code allowing tourists and locals to access a specifically-designed web app. The app includes detailed descriptions, photographs, and a multi-lingual audio guide of all viewing points. Moreover, the app gives visitors a handy overview of all events, hotels, restaurants, and local businesses in the surrounding area.

At the time of writing, three additional stops were being developed in order to expand the selfie route towards the Torre de Torrenova estate.

The initiative is part of an awareness campaign highlighting sustainable tourism in Mallorca, driven by the Balearic government and funded through the Sustainable Tourism Tax. According to the council, the selfie route should encourage “responsible behaviour among tourists and residents, fostering coexistence and environmental stewardship”.

L’article Mallorca welcomes selfie route showcasing other side of Magaluf est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.