The joint study, produced by the Brunei-based organisation Borneo Futures, the initiative World Weather Attribution, and Liverpool John Moores University, found that at least 58 Tapanuli orangutans were killed during the disaster. The estimate was based on a survey of the western part of the Batang Toru forest, which is home to most of the species’ total population of around 800 individuals. The true death toll could, however, be significantly higher, as the study only covered part of the forest.

The Tapanuli orangutan was only officially recognised as a distinct species in 2017, marking the first time in nearly a century that a new great ape species had been identified by scientists. These primates are renowned for their intelligence, complex social behaviours and tool-using abilities.

Cyclone Senyar triggered extreme rainfall across parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, causing devastating floods and landslides. In Indonesia alone, the disaster killed at least 1,200 people and damaged around 300,000 homes.

Environmental groups have said that rapid deforestation on the island of Sumatra worsened the impact of the catastrophe and could have long-term consequences for already vulnerable species. Researchers have found that human-induced climate change appears to have intensified both the rainfall and the frequency of extreme weather events around the Malacca Strait.

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The findings regarding orangutans were inferred by analysing satellite images of the damage to the western block of Batang Toru and by consulting historical records of orangutan populations in the area. Erik Meijaard, lead author from Borneo Futures, explained that without sufficient forest cover to stabilise the soil, heavy rainfall causes the hillsides to become saturated and collapse in the form of fast-moving landslides, leaving the orangutans with little chance of survival.

“This level of loss is substantial for a species with such a small total population. When combined with ongoing pressures such as habitat degradation and human–wildlife conflict, it further increases the urgency of implementing and adequately funding a coordinated species action plan,” said Meijaard.

His concerns were echoed by Indonesian conservationist Panut Hadisiswoyo, and both researchers urged the authorities to work more closely with NGOs and scientists to prevent similar disasters and protect the remaining population.

While hunting and poaching have historically contributed to the decline of orangutans across Sumatra, conservationists say that the greatest threats today come from habitat destruction, forest fragmentation, infrastructure projects, and human-wildlife conflict, as orangutans are pushed into increasingly smaller areas.

Hadisiswoyo added that, although hunting can be reduced and controlled through conservation efforts, poor land management remains a major challenge that must be addressed if the species is to survive.

L’article Deadly Sumatra floods wipe out 7% of world’s rarest great ape population 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.

Sometimes, you don’t have to travel to a faraway destination in order to calm down and enjoy some quality time. Staycations have been popular for a while now and aren’t going anywhere, especially since they’re the perfect way to complete a busy summer break schedule.

Those who are still in search of the perfect place to escape to every now and then, a location nearby that still feels like a real break from the daily hustle and bustle, will certainly find what they’ve been looking for at Thermae Boetfort and Thermae Grimbergen. Located at a stone’s throw from Brussels, they are ideal both for a quick break and for an entire day of relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming.

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In the summer of 2026, this is more true than ever thanks to Thermae’s five-visit summer pass. From 15 June to 18 September 2026, the pass allows for five entries at a discount of up to 26% compared to the usual entry rate. And, as if that weren’t enough, the pass also gives holders a 10% discount on all massages, facials, and body treatments. However, as the summer pass will only be valid until 18 September 2026, you’d better make the most out of it while the promotion lasts.

Thermae Boetfort five-visit summer pass

At Thermae Boetfort, visitors will find a large selection of saunas, steam baths, and events in a stunning location year-round. However, during the summer months, the outdoor offer is without a doubt the most popular one. Luckily, with a large centuries-old park, an exterior swimming pool, multiple jacuzzis, and plenty of sunbathing loungers to choose from, there is always something to stay occupied – unless doing nothing at all is exactly what you’re craving for.

The five-visit summer pass for Thermae Boetfort can be bought exclusively at the reception of Thermae Boetfort for €169, a discount of up to 26% compared to the €204.50 to €229.50 one usually pays for five-day entries, amounting to €33.80 per spot. As the pass is not registered in the holder’s name, it can be used for entry for more than one person, at the same time or not.

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Thermae Grimbergen five-visit summer pass

At Thermae Grimbergen, the offer is just as tempting. The on-site saunas range from 55°C to 85°C, and the Roman steam bath is an unmissable experience. Outside, visitors get to enjoy a set of swimming pools, jacuzzis, and plunge baths – all in a green and relaxing park, of course, and with the option of enjoying a delicious cocktail or mocktail at the same time. The natural swimming lake and its accompanying next-door sauna make for the perfect summer break entertainment, whether you’re enjoying a bit of me-time or taking a dip with friends. The five-visit summer pass for Thermae Grimbergen can be bought exclusively at the reception of Thermae Grimbergen for €142 euros, a discount of up to 26% compared to the €179.50 to €194.50 it normally costs to buy five-day passes, which breaks down to €28,40 per entry. Again, the pass is not personal and can be used by multiple people (at once).

L’article Thermae launches five-visit summer pass est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Anno 2026, the average person spends a lot of time on their phone screen. According to a survey commissioned by Virgin Media O2, for example, UK adults spend around four hours per day on their phone – 36% of which unintentionally. And data gathered by health data management firm Harmony Healthcare IT show Americans are spending an average of 5 hours and 16 minutes per day on their phone.

Of course, global screen time numbers have surged along with the rise of social media. Once, people only used their mobile to call and text. Meaning that unless they had a very social life, they weren’t spending hours on end scrolling. Yet the arrival of social media shook things up.

Firstly, there an unending stream of content to be found online nowadays. Secondly, as proven by the fact that Meta and YouTube were ordered to pay $6 million by a US court in March 2026 as their platforms were found to be designed in such a way as to be addictive, it is harder than ever to look away.

And yet, spending too much time staring at a (phone) screen should be avoided at all costs. While spending four times a day on your screen one or two days on end isn’t likely to cause any long-lasting damage, when it becomes a habit, our health is being put under considerable pressure. Eye damage, back issues, increased levels of depression, anxiety… the list of risks is long and bleak.

While tuning down your screen time isn’t necessarily an easy task, it is one that is very likely to make your life better. These five habits will set you on your way.

1. Track your time

In order to determine exactly how big your screen time problem is, you need to start collecting data. By activating Digital Wellbeing (Android) or Screen Time (Apple), you will immediately know exactly how much time you spend looking at your screen and which apps are the biggest culprits.

While you want to avoid getting too caught-up in numbers – which might lead to even more anxiety – there’s nothing like a little reality check to get things going. Those four hours a day spent scrolling through TikTok could undoubtedly be put to better use.

“We’re really bad at estimating about time we spend doing things, particularly around tech use. Being able to notice when you’re using it when you don’t want to or need to is a really important first step,” Etchells, a professor of psychology and science communication at Bath Spa University, told the BBC.

2. Turn off notifications

How often have you finally put down your phone, only to pick it up again two seconds later because you got a notification? Right. As every peep causes a small spike of dopamine, it is no wonder that we crave to hear our smartphone make some kind of noise, never mind the reason.

For some people, turning off all but the most essential of notifications – think calls and messages – can be a great way of getting the ball rolling. Yet beware: if this means you’ll start checking every single app thirty times a day to make sure you haven’t missed anything, you’d better try something else instead.

3. Apply social distancing

Human beings tend to be lazy. One of the reasons why smartphones are more likely to create a form of addiction is the fact that they’re always there. In the sofa, on the toilet, at a bar, and even in bed: most of us keep our smartphone within reach, at all times.

Yet when trying to cut your screen time, there is an actual upside to this laziness. By putting your phone in another room or even by just leaving it on your desk while you’re sitting in the sofa, chances are, you will be less tempted to inadvertently start scrolling.

This rule becomes even more important when we’re talking bedtime and sleep. If you are used to keeping your smartphone on your nightstand and if scrolling is both the first and the last thing you do on a day, try putting it in another room instead. In the hall, in the dressing room, or in the bathroom: as long as it’s not within reach, al is well.

4. Make your phone less appealing

While turning off notifications and putting your phone at a distance are already a great way to start making it less attractive, it is possible to go even further. For example, most phones allow you to switch the screen to greyscale, filtering all those picture-perfect colours away. You could also choose to adapt your lock screen, not by changing it into some appalling picture (unless that works for you) but by opting for something that reminds you of something in the real world that matters to you. With a little luck, you’ll be turning your attention to that instead.

Another, more radical option could be to (temporarily) use a so-called dumb phone instead. In essence, instead of a modern smartphones, they are more alike the cells used in the 90s and early 00s. Some applications also allow you to turn your own phone into a dumb phone. However, especially when you need to use the internet professionally or even when you’re used for example do your groceries through an app or to scan a QR-code to look at a menu, dumb phones can quickly become unpractical.

5. Create new habits

“Passive screen time is like eating sugar but for your brain. It ‘tastes’ good, and you want it now, but you’re not actually feeding yourself. You’re not giving your brain any nutrition. Instead, replace screen time with an intentional healthy habit that feeds your brain in a healthy way. Lifestyle medicine activities, like exercise, good sleep, social connection, and stress management, function like ‘nutrition’ for your brain and mental health,” Maris Loeffler, MA, Family and Marriage Therapist, and member of the Stanford Lifestyle Medicine Cognitive Enhancement pillar, explains in an interview with Lifestyle Medicine Stanford.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you want to spend less time on your screen is the fact that you might want to start thinking of new ways to use your time. Reading a book, going to a museum, meeting up with friends, gardening, working out, getting those eight hours of sleep per night… Anything works, as long as it works for you.

L’article 5 effective ways to reduce your screen time est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The simulator gives users the feeling of flying over Earth without leaving their home. As the aircraft moves, the map loads 3D buildings and detailed images of the terrain. This creates a smooth transition between different regions, such as mountains, cities and oceans. The experience is meant to feel immersive, but still simple enough for anyone to try. It does not try to fully copy real-world flying physics in detail. Instead, it focuses on allowing users to travel visually across the planet in an easy way.

A flight simulator is not completely new for Google Earth. A similar feature already existed in 2007, but it was hidden inside the desktop version of the software. At that time, users had to download the application before they could access it. The new version removes that barrier by making the tool available directly in a browser. The updated simulator is part of a wider effort to bring desktop features into the web version of Google Earth. According to Google, the feature was added “just for fun” alongside other improvements. 

Accessing the simulator is done directly through Google Earth in a browser. Once inside, users can open the tools menu and activate the flight simulator with a few clicks. The experience immediately places them above the map, ready to begin flying over the virtual globe. Instead of complex setup steps, the tool is designed to feel quick and intuitive to launch.

Control of the aircraft is mainly handled through simple keyboard inputs. Arrow keys are used to steer and adjust direction, while speed can be increased or reduced with basic controls such as Page Up and Page Down. Users can also switch between mouse and keyboard input depending on what feels easier. Even with these simplified controls, the simulator still requires some practice before flights feel smooth and stable.

Although the simulator is easy to access, many users find it difficult to control at first. Small mistakes in movement can quickly lead to crashes or loss of direction. When this happens, the simulation simply pauses and allows the user to restart from a safe position. This removes pressure and makes experimentation easier. Online reactions show a mix of excitement and frustration. Some users enjoy the challenge, while others admit that controlling the aircraft is not easy. Still, the focus of the tool is not accuracy but entertainment and exploration. Even when flights end in crashes, users can immediately try again without penalty.

The flight simulator can appeal to people who enjoy discovering new places in a different way. It allows users to fly over destinations they may want to visit in real life. This can help them understand geography, distances and landscapes from a unique perspective. It also offers a playful way to explore regions that might otherwise be difficult to reach. The experience depends on internet performance, since images and 3D data load dynamically during flight. In areas with slower connections, some details may appear with a delay. Despite this, the simulator still provides a smooth overview of the planet for most users. It turns Google Earth into more than a map, creating a simple but engaging virtual travel experience.

L’article Google Earth launches free browser-based flight simulator for virtual travellers est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The consumer electronics and appliance giant Newsan has promised Noblex televisions to the first 100 people who could prove their application to travel to the US was denied between January and June 2026. “Give us your denied visa and take a free TV,” the marketing campaign declared on Instagram. The concept proved immediately popular, with queues supervised by security guards developing outside Newsan headquarters in the Argentinian capital and images showing people brandishing their new 32-inch HD LED smart TVs.

One of the lucky recipients, Tomas Vageller, explained to the BBC one reason why this year’s competition means so much to Argentinians. “I applied for the visa because we all think this could be Messi’s last World Cup. I’m very sad I won’t be able to see him, but I’m leaving with a gift, and honestly I’m very happy about it,” Vageller said.

Argentine national treasure Lionel Messi, now aged 39, played for Barcelona for 17 years before signing with Paris Saint-Germain. With a net worth of over a billion dollars, he is also the face of a number of luxury brands, and, controversially, became brand ambassador for Saudi Arabian tourism in 2022. During his career, he has set numerous records and is the most decorated player in the history of professional football, having won 46 team trophies. He is regarded by many pundits, players, and fans as the GOAT (greatest of all time). Others call him the Atomic Flea (Pulga Atómica) due to his left-footed play, and short physical height, which, like his notorious compatriot Diego Maradonna, allows him to dodge more imposing players.

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However, having helped Argentina to the World Cup title on penalties in Qatar in 2022, it is arguable that he has fulfilled his destiny. Some are even reporting that the usual passion for football and Messi in Argentina, and elsewhere, has been muted ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the build-up for which has been dominated by commentary on President Trump’s immigration agenda. Many teams and fans have faced difficulties gaining visas to enter the US, including individuals from Haiti, Iraq, Somalia, and even Switzerland.

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More recently too, fears have multiplied over the spread of the deadly Ebola virus, leading to US entry restrictions. The risks of teamplay, strategy, and fan wellbeing being affected by extreme weather, climate change and El Niño have also been in the news.

But thanks to Newsan the fans who will be watching the tournament from the comfort of their own homes on their new televisions now no longer have to worry about visas, flights, weather, or accommodation and can concentrate on whether the “hand of God” will allow them to retain football’s biggest prize.

Meanwhile, fans who do manage travel to the US have the chance to experience a million-dollar version of the tournament, thanks to a World-Cup-focused luxury New York hotel giveaway, or to watch matches for free with locals, thanks to an Airbnb offer.

L’article Argentine World Cup fans denied US visas receive free TVs est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Climate change has a widespread on our planet and health. While flooding, wildfires, and other natural catastrophes might make more tangible victims, extreme heat is causing the biggest number of deaths according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

“The impacts of climate change are a clear and present danger, and its most immediate and lethal manifestation is extreme heat. Heatwaves are no longer freak weather anomalies. They are now a recurring crisis inflicting suffering, claiming lives and fracturing our health systems and infrastructure. Over just the past 4 years, heat has claimed more than 200 000 lives across the EU and its associated countries,” Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, writes in a statement released at the launch of WHO’s new guidance to protect lives from extreme heat.

Aside from the fact that most of these deaths were entirely preventable, they also mark just the tip of the iceberg. According to Kluge, millions more people are affected both physically and mentally by the heat. Italy, Spain, Germany, and Greece experienced the most premature deaths due to extreme heat.

Problems and solutions

In order to combat the negative outcome of extreme heat on people’s health, several options present themselves. For example, there are individual actions. Keeping out of the heat, keeping one’s home cool, keeping hydrated, and other initiatives are essential to stay safe. But they aren’t sufficient, says the WHO, who pushes for a coordinated, powerful, and institutional response.“Today, we transition from diagnosing the problem to delivering the solution. We are launching the second edition of the WHO Heat–Health Action Plans Guidance. While tailored for Europe, the Guidance can be adapted globally. Put simply, heat–health action plans save lives. They enable cities and countries to anticipate, prepare for and respond to extreme heat in a coordinated way. This is why WHO recommends countries, regions and cities to use this Guidance to develop, implement and improve their plans,” Kluge explains.

In its document, the WHO delivers a wide range of solutions that are likely to make a big difference regarding the number of heat-related deaths both within Europe and outside. From greening cities for more shade to creating networks of cooling centres, from social services checking that older people stay hydrated to training teachers and child carers to recognise the signs of heat-related illness, from introducing breaks or flexible shifts, so workers avoid the midday sun, to ensuring there is enough staff on shift in health facilities during heatwaves – the solutions are “practical, within reach, and scalable.”

The launch of the WHO Heat–Health Action Plans Guidance marks the second publishing of its kind, after a first version was launched in 2008. In the 2026 edition, the latest findings from research and practice were taken into account in order to respond as best as possible to the ongoing climate change.

L’article WHO urges Europe to act as extreme heat causes 200,000 preventable deaths in 4 years est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The report, FIFA World Cup Border Management & Visa Facilitation: 20 Years of Evolution (2006–2026), released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) at the start of the 23^rd tournament, highlights the significant changes achieved over two decades and shows how major sporting events have become laboratories for faster, smarter and safer travel.

“The FIFA World Cup has consistently demonstrated that border management can evolve from a barrier into an enabler of global connectivity”, said Gloria Guevara, WTTC’s President & CEO.

The first-ever tri-nation World Cup, spanning the US, Canada and Mexico, is delivering one of the most seamless international travel operations ever achieved.

5.9 million ESTA applications processed ahead of the tournament
1.6 million travellers enrolled in Trusted… pic.twitter.com/KoTzGYd6qu

— WTTC (@WTTC) June 11, 2026

This year, the challenge was threefold. For the first time ever, 48 teams are competing across three host countries, necessitating an unparalleled degree of coordination between various border systems. At its core is the so-called “trusted traveller“ model, which enables pre-approved, low-risk passengers to enjoy faster and smoother border clearance, thereby reducing queues and uncertainty upon arrival.

In the months preceding the tournament, more than 5.9 million ESTA applications were submitted for entry into the United States alone, with over 5 million being approved, allowing eligible travellers to enter visa-free. More than 1.6 million travellers enrolled in Trusted Traveller Programmes (TTP), including Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI, enabling faster processing across the three host countries.

Attention FIFA World Cup 2026 Ticket Holders! You’ve got your ticket, but you also need a visa. The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) gives verified ticket holders who purchase directly from FIFA and opt in for FIFA PASS access to prioritized B1/B2 visitor… pic.twitter.com/IwVLqrcUix

— TravelGov (@TravelGov) February 19, 2026

Digital tools such as FIFA PASS and COMPASS have also supported this transition. FIFA PASS helps prioritise visa appointments for ticket holders, while COMPASS uses AI to guide visitors through entry requirements.

For Guevara, this marks “the emergence of a new model for travel, one that is digital, secure and seamless”. She says that the lessons learned from major tournaments show how digital identity systems and stronger pre-departure checks can improve security and the traveller experience.

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Mexico has also introduced measures allowing citizens from over 65 countries to enter the country visa-free for stays of up to 180 days. Travellers holding valid visas or residency permits from the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the Schengen Area are also exempt from additional visa requirements, which helps fans to move more easily between host nations. The country’s Viajero Confiable, or Trusted Traveller programme, enables eligible passengers to use automated kiosks and speed up border procedures.

Canada encouraged football supporters to reference ’FIFA World Cup 26′ in their applications to facilitate processing. The country’s NEXUS programme provided expedited entry through dedicated kiosks and digital systems. The ArriveCAN app allowed travellers to complete customs and immigration declarations up to 72 hours before arrival and access express lanes at major airports, including Toronto and Vancouver.

None of this arrived fully formed. The 2006 World Cup in Germany focused on harmonising Schengen travel, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa introduced event visas with pre-screening, the 2014 World Cup in Brazil built a dedicated legal framework, the 2018 World Cup in Russia launched the Fan ID, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar expanded the concept with the Hayya platform, which later became a permanent national e-visa system.

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Twenty years later, the World Cup is shaping more than just football history. It is also having an increasingly significant impact on how people move across borders. However, the ultimate test is looming on the horizon with the 2030 World Cup, which will take place in six countries across three continents, a challenge that will demand even greater international cooperation.

L’article World Cup 2026 tests the next generation of seamless travel est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Averaging $385 USD (around €332) per night, the relevant homes will be available to book over tournament dates taking place in each city, from group and knockout stages to the World Cup final.

Travellers who want to take advantage of the proposition can search for stays on match dates in June and July 2026 in a World Cup host city on the Airbnb app or Airbnb.com. Listings that include free tickets to a local game will feature a soccer ball icon as a highlight at the top of the listing page. The next step is to select travel dates, party size, and payment method to confirm the booking, and tickets for each guest in the party. Once confirmed, the property owner will share details on how to access the tickets, which Airbnb promises will be for premium seats.

“Airbnb hosts don’t just offer you a place to stay—they provide a more authentic way to experience a destination,” said Dave Stephenson, Chief Business Officer of Airbnb. “And this World Cup, they’re doing something extraordinary: helping fans follow their teams wherever the tournament takes them, with select homes including free tickets in every host city.”

The accommodation and match double whammy is not just a treat for visitors, Airbnb says, but also for hosts, for whom it means “something beyond hospitality.” In promotional material, the platform cites Federico Zimmerman, an Airbnb host in Dallas, Texas, who embraces the chance to welcome guests to a local game. “I grew up playing soccer—it’s been part of my life since I could walk. Getting to share that love of the game with guests, and actually get them into a World Cup match, is something I never could have imagined when I first listed my home on Airbnb. This is what hosting is all about,” Zimmerman said.

That enthusiasm has been tempered, though, in recent months—a period in which travel and hospitality stakeholders and sports commentators alike have expressed concerns over muted transport and hotel bookings, leading to fears over match attendance and atmosphere during a World Cup build-up that has been dominated by President Trump’s controversial foreign policies, immigration agenda, and travel restrictions.

Nonetheless, Airbnb has gone big on the sporting extravaganza. The platform has gifted over 1,300 free tickets—from surprise match experiences for guests already booked during the group stage, to tickets now included with select future stays in all host cities from group and knockout stages all the way to the final.

L’article Airbnb offering free World Cup tickets with select home bookings   est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) recognises sharks and rays as “key indicator species” that speak to coral reef health and wider biodiversity. By inviting guests and diving enthusiasts in the region to monitor the species’ numbers in a census, PADI is contributing to a photo identification database that will help in fighting wildlife decline.

A two-day certification process comes first, training every diver to collect and upload photographs of the creatures they see, along with dive location, date and time. This all goes onto an international database on the free-to-use Padi Aware app, to be collated by James Cook University students in Queensland, Australia, and made available to NGOs worldwide.

Suitable for already-certified divers (not beginners), the PADI Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty Course is offered at several of Japan’s diving locations and costs from €162. The course entails a short e-learning module about sharks and rays, why they are endangered, and how the project is fighting those threats, as well as two mandatory 45-minute training dives.

It’s not the first time the local population has worked with unexpected partners to combat environmental challenges. One of the issues facing Okinawa’s reefs is the coral bleaching that occurs during extreme heat. In 1998, in Onna Village in Manza Bay, 90% of the corals were destroyed by bleaching. Local fishers and divers worked hand-in-hand to rescue surviving corals and plant a coral nursery, with the ambition of becoming the most coral-friendly community in the world.

It worked to bring sharks back to underwater limestone formations. But another bleaching during a failed typhoon season in 2024 has again disrupted the habitat. As well as spotting and recording the species that signpost coral health, diving volunteers can track the system’s regrowth in real time.

Reefs in Okinawa have been part of the region’s attractions for years, providing a basis for the marine tourism that is so economically vital. Now, thanks to PADI’s new initiative, instead of passive visitation, guests drawn by those marine habitats can actively participate in protecting the ecosystem, forming a circular economy of attention that aims to keep fish populations, fisheries, and leisure stakeholders healthy for years to come.

L’article Now tourists in Japan can participate in coral and shark protection dives est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.