Gen Z are “leading the trend,” Mastercard reveals. During a February 2026 survey asking more than 27,000 holidaymakers across 28 European countries about their travel and tourism motivations, the financial products and services firm found 57% of 18–24-year-olds and 52% of 24–34-year-olds had already gone ahead and planned a dedicated skill-based trip this year.

Experiences over things

Across all age groups, more than a third (37%) of people had already booked up to boost their skills. More than half (51%) of travel consumers said travel feels more meaningful when they learn something new, and a similar number (48%) believe new skills are now “a more valued memento than souvenirs.”

The data reflects a wider spending trend where consumers increasingly value experiences over things—an important phenomenon for Mastercard, which, through its experience platform, Priceless.com, is offering a variety of skills-based experiences, such as traditional candy-cane making or Dala-horse painting in Sweden, making art by the sea in Croatia, or perfume creation in France. The strength of the trend is also shown by the fact that Mastercard is not the only one getting in on the act. Airbnb is offering bookable experiences, Netflix is going immersive with Netflix House, and even premium goods brands such as LVMH are partnering with Orient Express on an ultra-luxury yacht.

Skillcations spread tourism’s benefits more evenly

But back to skills and holidays. Despite the cringe-worthy neologism (“skillidays”) that Mastercard insists on using, the appetite for learning displayed by today’s consumers is opening a new revenue opportunity for tourism SMEs, which employ one in nine people in Europe, and account for 10.5% of EU GDP, World Travel and Tourism Council figures say. For any of those providers wondering what to call their offer instead of “skillidays,” perhaps “learnaways,” “skillcations,” “upstays” or even “learning escapes” are more elegant solutions.

Whatever term is used, two in five tourists (42%) are “happy to pay more for a trip that teaches them a skill,” Mastercard says, boosting the bottom lines of local providers that can offer authentic experiences. As Natalia Lechmanova, Chief Economist, Europe, Mastercard Economics Institute, puts it: “From winemaking and woodworking, to pottery, painting and even permaculture, consumers are opening their wallets for local businesses that can give them a taste of the culture, and a lesson that lasts long after they’ve arrived home.”

It’s also a trend that can balance footfall and income-generation, helping to mitigate overtourism, as Lechmanova explains: “Skill-based travel tends to draw people beyond the crowded hotspots and into smaller towns, rural areas and quieter seasons, helping to spread tourism’s benefits more evenly.” 

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Languages, food, wellness, and crafts dominate the wishlist

When it comes to which skills travellers want to acquire, unsurprisingly languages top the European wishlist, with 30% of tourists aiming for at least some conversation with locals during their trip. Cookery workshops are the next most popular choice, for 28% of consumers, and cheese and wine or “food production” workshops are equally attractive. The wellness sector can once again pat itself on the back, with yoga, meditation, dance, and martial arts attracting 25% of travel consumers. And 24% are interested in traditional arts and crafts such as pottery, woodwork, weaving, and textiles.

Mastercard has also drawn up a map showing which skills appeal most to which nationalities. A desire to get to grips with food and drink production dominates the northern European countries, while southern European consumers are more interested in culinary skills and cooking with local chefs. A streak of passion for the creative arts runs down the spine of Europe from Denmark to Italy, while Benelux consumers stand out for their yearning for wellness and movement-oriented vacations.

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Finally, Mastercard’s latest travel report reveals which European nationalities are spending the most on life experiences when on the move around the region. Amsterdam cardholders are the biggest spenders on experiences in France, accounting for 9.7% of total spend, while Netherlands-based cardholders make up 4.9% of experience spending in the UK, and Italians account for 3.1% in Spain.

L’article Nearly half of Europeans plan to return from holiday with new skills, not just souvenirs est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Travel companies and hotel booking platforms have reported a sharp increase in searches and reservations for the Florida city, where the match will be played at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, 11 July. According to travel booking data cited by The Independent, hotel searches in Miami by UK travellers jumped significantly after England’s dramatic victory over Mexico confirmed its next clash against Norway. 

The spike marks a sharp turnaround for Miami’s hospitality sector, which had experienced slower-than-expected bookings earlier in the tournament despite hosting several World Cup matches. Industry analysts had previously warned that hotel demand across many US host cities was falling short of expectations, but interest has accelerated as the quarter-final stages have drawn fans to high-profile matches.

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Accommodation prices have also climbed as demand has increased. Hotels close to the stadium and in popular areas such as Miami Beach have seen availability tighten, while many supporters have turned to short-term rentals as an alternative. Earlier industry data had already shown that demand for holiday rentals in South Florida was strengthening around major World Cup matches, with booking levels rising sharply compared with the same period last year. 

The growing interest in England’s quarter-final has been reflected in accommodation searches across major booking platforms. Booking.com said searches by UK travellers for Miami stays between 10 and 12 July, made between 4 and 7 July, were up 403%. Expedia.co.uk also reported a 300% increase in lodging searches between 5 and 8 July compared with the same dates last year. Demand for short-term rentals has also risen, with AirDNA reporting a 15% year-on-year increase ahead of the knockout stages.

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The match has attracted additional attention after Norway’s preparations were disrupted by an unexpected hotel change. The Scandinavian side relocated after just one night at their original accommodation in Fort Lauderdale, following complaints from players about traffic noise and nearby construction work.

“It is brutal having to move but we are satisfied with the new place and everyone is happy now. Some people might fear that this will affect the players, but it was the players who wanted this more than anyone else,” said Truls Daehli, the Norway team’s logistics manager. 

“We have strong people in our support team and managed to move in two-and-a-half hours. The process of changing hotel is not ideal but we wanted to take action as soon as possible. Having a good atmosphere is most important.”

On the pitch, England head into the quarter-final aiming to extend their unbeaten run under Thomas Tuchel, while Norway arrive full of confidence after a remarkable tournament run that has already included a shock victory over Brazil. Leading the charge is Erling Haaland, who has been one of the stars of the competition with seven goals, placing him among the World Cup’s top scorers alongside Lionel Messi (eight goals) and Kylian Mbappé (seven). Just behind him is England captain Harry Kane, who has claimed six goals and will now face his fellow striker in one of the tournament’s most anticipated battles.

L’article Miami hotels face World Cup rush as England fans book stays for Norway quarter-final est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to the latest European Tourism: Trends & Prospects report published by the European Travel Commission (ETC), international tourist arrivals across Europe increased by 5.0% year-to-date compared with the same period in 2025, while overnight stays rose by 4.8%.

The figures indicate that travel remains a priority for consumers, even as travellers become increasingly selective about where, when and how they holiday. Safety, affordability, value for money and proximity are playing a greater role in destination choice, while travel is becoming more evenly distributed throughout the year.

Most European destinations continue to grow

Tourism growth remained broad-based across Europe, with almost 80% of reporting destinations recording increases in international arrivals and around one in five posting double-digit growth.

Greece emerged as Europe’s strongest performer, welcoming 38% more international visitors than during the same period last year. Italy followed with a 21% increase, while Malta recorded growth of 16%, supported by improved air connectivity and efforts to spread demand beyond traditional hotspots and the peak summer season.

Northern Europe outperformed every other subregion, with arrivals increasing by 10% and overnight stays by 8.4%. Central and Eastern Europe also posted healthy gains, with arrivals rising by 5.2% and nights by 6.9%, reflecting growing demand for destinations offering fresh experiences and better value for money.

Southern and Mediterranean Europe continued to deliver solid results in absolute terms, with broad-based growth across destinations including Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain.

Conflict in the Middle East disrupts aviation

Despite the positive overall picture, the report highlights the impact of ongoing conflict in the Middle East on parts of Europe’s tourism sector.

Disruption to air routes between Europe and several mid-haul and long-haul markets slowed aviation growth during the second quarter. European airlines recorded a 7% increase in Revenue Passenger Kilometres during the first quarter of 2026, but growth fell sharply to just 1% in April as regional instability affected flight operations.

Some destinations also experienced weaker tourism performance. Cyprus saw international arrivals decline by 17.9%, partly due to Easter calendar effects but also because of travellers’ concerns about the island’s perceived proximity to the conflict.

Türkiye likewise recorded a 2.1% decline in arrivals, reflecting softer demand from both European and long-haul markets.

Visitor spending generally outpaced arrivals

Travel expenditure increased faster than visitor numbers in many destinations, suggesting that average spending per visitor has risen compared with last year.

Greece again stood out, with tourism receipts increasing by 64.3% alongside a 38.3% rise in arrivals, indicating significantly higher spending per trip.

Italy presented a different picture. Although arrivals grew by 21.1%, travel spending increased by just 4.3%, pointing to lower average expenditure per visitor despite strong demand.

Cyprus and Türkiye were among the few destinations where both visitor numbers and tourism receipts declined.

Value, safety and flexibility shape travel choices

For the rest of 2026, ETC expects leisure travel demand to remain robust despite continued economic uncertainty.

Consumer spending on leisure travel across Europe’s main source markets is forecast to remain stable at around 13% of total household expenditure this year, well above the global average of 8.5%.

At the same time, travellers are becoming increasingly price-sensitive. According to ETC’s latest Travel Industry Monitor, 48% of respondents identified affordability and value for money as one of Europe’s key competitive advantages during the second quarter, up from 32% in the first quarter.

Destinations offering competitive prices, easy accessibility and flexibility are therefore expected to perform particularly well during the summer and autumn travel seasons.

Travellers are also increasingly favouring destinations closer to home. Interest in Southern and Mediterranean Europe for trips between June and November has risen to 61%, while shoulder-season travel continues to gain momentum as visitors seek to avoid overcrowding and increasingly frequent episodes of extreme heat.

Trends reinforce changing traveller behaviour

The latest findings reinforce trends identified in ETC’s recent Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel survey, previously reported by Travel Tomorrow, which found that 81% of Europeans intend to travel between June and November despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

That survey showed travellers increasingly prioritising safety, affordability and climate considerations when choosing destinations. It also found growing interest in lesser-known locations and travel outside the traditional peak summer period, with many visitors seeking quieter experiences and greater flexibility.

Interest in sustainable tourism also continues to grow. Google Trends data show rising searches for sustainable tourism in 2026 compared with the previous year. However, ETC notes that awareness has yet to translate fully into behaviour, with only 41% of consumers saying environmental concerns are likely to influence how they travel.

Commenting on the report, Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission, said European tourism had continued to demonstrate resilience despite an increasingly uncertain global environment.

“Travel remains a priority for consumers, but the way people travel is changing,” he said. “Affordability, safety, proximity and value for money are becoming increasingly important in destination choice. For European destinations, the priority is to remain competitive while supporting more balanced visitor flows across regions and seasons.”

L’article European tourist arrivals rise 5% despite geopolitical tensions  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Following the launch of the pilot programme, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism has published guidance covering eligible countries, package costs, visa validity, processing times and application requirements.

The initiative forms part of the Kingdom’s wider strategy to simplify international travel and expand its tourism sector under Saudi Vision 2030.

What is Saudi Arabia’s Package Visa?

The Package Visa allows eligible travellers to receive an electronic Saudi tourist visa as part of an integrated tourism booking. Instead of arranging flights, accommodation, insurance and a visa separately, visitors can complete the process through an approved travel provider.

Packages include an electronic tourist visa, confirmed return flights, accommodation and travel insurance. Travellers may also add tourism experiences, events, attractions and other activities to their itineraries.

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the initiative was intended to make travel to the Kingdom more seamless by integrating visa issuance with travel bookings.

“As Saudi’s tourism sector continues to grow at pace, Package Visa reflects our commitment to making travel to Saudi more seamless for visitors,” he said. “By integrating visa issuance with travel bookings, we are simplifying the visitor journey and creating a more connected travel experience.”

Al-Khateeb added that the initiative would strengthen collaboration across the tourism industry and support Saudi Arabia’s position as an increasingly accessible international destination.

Everything you need for your trip to Saudi, all in one place.​
Secure your Package Visa, flight, and stay all at the same time.​
Book now and get your Package Visa:

— Visit Saudi (@VisitSaudi) July 9, 2026

Which countries are eligible?

The Package Visa pilot is currently available to citizens of seven countries:

• Jordan
• Egypt
• India
• Bangladesh
• Indonesia
• Mexico
• Pakistan

The Ministry of Tourism said additional nationalities would be added as the programme expands into further international markets.

Which travel companies offer the Package Visa?

The Ministry currently lists two accredited travel agencies participating in the pilot programme: Reserval and Almosafer.

Bookings must be made through an approved travel and tourism service provider with the digital infrastructure and customer support systems required to process the packages.

As the programme develops, further travel companies may be authorised to offer the service.

Your AlUla trip has never been easier
Secure your Package Visa, flight, and stay together in just a few steps.
Book now and get your Package Visa:

— Visit Saudi (@VisitSaudi) July 8, 2026

How to apply for the Package Visa

Travellers must first select a qualifying tourism package through an accredited provider and complete the payment process using the company’s digital platform.

After the booking and personal information have been verified, the electronic tourist visa and travel insurance are issued. The traveller then receives the visa, flight details, hotel confirmation and other relevant travel documents by email.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the entire process is completed electronically and should be finalised within a maximum of 48 hours. Bookings must therefore be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure.

The Red Sea getaway is now closer
Your Package Visa, flight, and accommodation in one place, right at your fingertips.
Book now and get your Package Visa:

— Visit Saudi (@VisitSaudi) July 8, 2026

How much does the Package Visa cost?

The Ministry has set minimum values for qualifying packages rather than establishing a single fixed price.

The package must cost at least SR4,000, approximately $1,065, per adult for the first two days combined. Each additional day must add at least SR1,000, or around $266, to the package value.

The tourist visa itself costs SR402.21, approximately $107. This amount includes both the visa issuance fee and the premium for the mandatory health insurance policy.

The final cost of a trip may be higher depending on the flights, hotel, length of stay and additional tourism experiences selected by the traveller.

Introducing a seamless way to plan your Saudi trip
Your Package Visa, flight, and accommodation together in one place.​
Book now and get your Package Visa​:

— Visit Saudi (@VisitSaudi) July 9, 2026

What must the package include?

At a minimum, Package Visa bookings must include confirmed return flights, an electronic tourist visa application and accommodation in a hotel licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and rated at least four stars.

The accommodation dates must correspond with the flight itinerary and cover the visitor’s entire stay between arrival and departure.

Packages can also include events, activities, attractions and other experiences, allowing travel providers to create more comprehensive itineraries.

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How long can visitors stay?

Qualifying tourism packages must have a minimum duration of two days and a maximum duration of 88 days.

The Package Visa is valid for a single entry and remains valid for three months from the scheduled departure date indicated in the booking.

Travellers should carefully check that their flight and accommodation dates match before completing the purchase, as the visa is linked to the travel package.

Can Package Visa holders perform Umrah?

The tourism packages themselves do not include organised services or activities in the holy cities of Makkah or Madinah.

However, travellers receive a Saudi tourist visa and are permitted to travel elsewhere in the Kingdom after entering the country, including Makkah and Madinah, subject to the applicable rules governing access to the holy sites.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions

The Package Visa builds on Saudi Arabia’s existing range of entry options, including the tourist e-Visa, visa on arrival and Stopover Transit Visa.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, these initiatives contributed to the Kingdom welcoming more than 29 million inbound visitors in 2025. The Package Visa is intended to make travel planning easier, encourage longer stays and strengthen cooperation between authorities, airlines, hotels and tourism companies.

As reported by Travel Tomorrow, Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 150 million visitors annually by 2030, with tourism playing an increasingly important role in the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy.

Saudi Arabia has also sought to expand its influence within the international tourism industry through initiatives such as TOURISE, a global platform bringing together leaders from tourism, technology, investment, sustainability and culture.

IT’S OFFICIAL: FIFA ANNOUNCES SAUDI ARABIA AS THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2034 HOST NATION #WelcomeToSaudi34#Saudi34 pic.twitter.com/2YjTLYvpoA

— Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 (@Saudi2034) December 11, 2024

Preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2034 are expected to accelerate investment further. Saudi Arabia plans to stage the tournament across 15 stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM, alongside major investment in transport, hospitality and visitor infrastructure.

By combining flights, accommodation, insurance and visa issuance within a single booking, the Package Visa represents another step towards reducing barriers for international visitors and creating a more connected travel experience. 

L’article Everything travellers need to know about Saudi Arabia’s Package Visa est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Although the number of international arrivals continued to rise, growth slowed considerably from the 9.3% increase recorded in 2024, suggesting that the country’s tourism expansion is entering a more moderate phase.

Across all forms of tourist accommodation, Portugal registered 34.8 million guests and 89.7 million overnight stays in 2025, corresponding to year-on-year increases of 2.2% and 1.6%, respectively.

Spain remains Portugal’s largest source market

Spain remained the country’s largest international source market, accounting for 23.8% of foreign tourists, despite arrivals from the neighbouring country declining by 0.6%.

The United Kingdom retained second place, with an 11.9% share of international arrivals. British tourism increased by 1.9%, making the UK the only one of Portugal’s three largest source markets to record growth in 2025.

France ranked third, representing 10.9% of international tourists, although arrivals from the country fell by 2.9%.

Other markets contributed to the continued diversification of Portugal’s international tourism sector. Arrivals from North America increased by 6.9%, while the categories covering other European markets and the rest of the world grew by 13.5% and 12%, respectively.

When measured by overnight stays, the UK remained Portugal’s largest international market, accounting for 17.3% of the foreign total despite a decline of 1.7%.

Germany followed with an 11.8% share and growth of 1.3%. Spain represented 9.4% of foreign overnight stays after a 5.1% decline, while the United States strengthened its position with a 9.1% share and an increase of 5.3%.

Poland also stood out, recording an 11.4% rise in overnight stays, while the French market declined by 6.6%.

Domestic tourism grew faster than international demand

International visitors generated 60.2 million overnight stays in 2025, up 0.6% from the previous year and accounting for 67.1% of all nights spent in tourist accommodation.

Although foreign visitors continued to generate more than two-thirds of Portugal’s overnight stays, the country’s dependence on international markets decreased by 0.6 percentage points compared with 2024.

Domestic tourism grew more strongly. Portuguese residents generated 29.5 million overnight stays, representing 32.9% of the total and an annual increase of 3.5%.

The three largest international source markets accounted for 38.5% of foreign overnight stays, the lowest proportion recorded since 2013. According to the INE, the figures point to a broader and increasingly diversified international visitor base.

In total, 70 Portuguese municipalities recorded more overnight stays from international visitors than from domestic tourists.

Among the 25 municipalities where foreign visitors accounted for more than 75% of overnight stays, 10 were located in Madeira, seven in the Algarve, five in the Azores, two in northern Portugal and one in Greater Lisbon.

Tourism seasonality falls to lowest level since 2013

Portugal’s tourism seasonality rate fell to 36.4% in 2025, its lowest level since 2013, indicating that visitor activity was distributed more evenly throughout the year.

Seasonality remained higher among domestic travellers, at 40.4%, than among international visitors, at 34.4%, although the rate declined for both groups.

The reduction supports Portugal’s efforts to promote year-round tourism and attract travellers beyond the traditional summer season. The country has increasingly expanded its tourism offer beyond Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, promoting cultural, gastronomic, nature and rural tourism across less-visited regions.

Portugal’s reputation for safety, mild climate, historical heritage and established tourism infrastructure has also continued to support demand.

Travel Tomorrow reported in April 2026 that Portugal could benefit from changing international travel patterns as geopolitical instability in the Middle East encouraged some European travellers to favour destinations perceived as safe, politically stable and easily accessible.

A strategic analysis by IPDT – Tourism Intelligence estimated that Portugal could attract around €500 million from the German market alone, potentially bringing approximately 300,000 additional visitors and 2.4 million overnight stays.

The analysis nevertheless warned that further growth would need to be carefully managed, particularly in destinations already facing pressure from overtourism, housing shortages and the expansion of short-term rentals. It recommended directing more visitors towards central Portugal and other less-frequented regions.

Portuguese residents travelled more but spent less per trip

Portuguese residents made 26 million tourism trips in 2025, an increase of 13.7% compared with the previous year. Domestic travel accounted for most of this growth, with trips within Portugal rising by 14% to 22.2 million, while journeys abroad increased by 12.5% to 3.9 million.

Despite travelling more frequently, residents spent less on average during each trip. Average expenditure per traveller fell by 4.2% to €265.10, with spending on domestic trips decreasing by 2.9% to €171.60 and expenditure on trips abroad dropping by 4.8% to €803.20.

The latest figures indicate that Portugal’s tourism industry continued to expand in 2025, although at a slower pace than in the previous year. At the same time, stronger domestic demand, greater diversification among international markets and the lowest seasonality rate in more than a decade point to a broader and more evenly distributed tourism sector.

L’article Portugal welcomed nearly 30 million international tourists in 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Introduced on 1 April, the airport-based tax refund scheme allows foreign visitors to reclaim up to 85% of the VAT paid on purchases worth at least 300,000 soms (around €21). The remaining 15% goes towards the operational costs of the refund system.

Visitors are eligible to reclaim VAT whether the purchase was made by cash or card. For cashless transactions, VAT is refunded within three working days after the goods have left the country.

#Uzbekistan improves #VAT refund ( #TaxFree ) system for foreign visitors.
Starting April 1:
refunds at all international airports
cash refunds (85% VAT) or bank card refunds within 3 days
min purchase: 300,000 UZS
more goods eligible
https://t.co/RtzGSTuHX5 pic.twitter.com/dOPhArg6l5

— Uzbektourism.uz (@Uzbek_Tourism) March 10, 2026

Introduced following a presidential decree issued on 5 March, the measures aim to strengthen Uzbekistan’s tourism economy by attracting more international visitors and encouraging higher retail spending. Uzbekistan’s national tourism authorities said in a press release that “the previously limited list of goods eligible for Tax Free (with the exception of food products) has been abolished.”

Authorities also plan to expand the scheme beyond airports in phases, making refunds available at border checkpoints, train stations, and commercial retail outlets.

Officials also intend to digitise the process through websites and mobile apps, making VAT refunds quicker and reducing administrative paperwork for travellers.

Uzbekistan has been pursuing a pro-tourism and long-term development strategy targeting three core goals: raising tourism’s share of GDP to 7%, attracting 20 million foreign visitors per year, and increasing tourism service exports to more than USD $6 billion.

The Central Asian former Soviet republic is known for its landscapes, architecture, culture, and heritage, with the romance of Samarkand, a major Silk Road city, closely linked to the country’s role on the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean.

Uzbekistan welcomed a record-breaking 11.7 million international visitors in 2025, a 46.8% increase compared to 2024. Neighbouring Central Asian countries remained Uzbekistan’s largest source markets, with Kyrgyzstan sending 3.3 million visitors, Tajikistan 2.7 million, and Kazakhstan 2.7 million.

L’article Uzbekistan launches VAT refunds for foreign tourists to boost visitor spending est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

ETIAS will bring a United States-style pre-screening approach to border security. It will see non-EU nationals who benefit from visa waivers for the Schengen Area being required to apply for pre-authorisation to travel.

Applications will take place online and will entail would-be visitors to Europe inputting their personal details, travel history, and criminal record, as well as paying a €20 processing fee. Once granted, the authorisation will be valid for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

@_perlaceron Heads up if Europe is on your 2026 or 2027 travel list ETIAS is coming…it’s NOT a visa, it’s a quick online authorization that every American will need before boarding a flight to France, Italy, Spain, Greece and 30+ other countries. Drop where you’re headed in Europe and tell me…did you already know about this?! #etias #europetravel #traveltips #travelalert #travelnews ♬ original sound – Perla Ceron | Travel Advisor

But with ETIAS due to start in late 2026 after several delays already, EU officials are reportedly becoming increasingly concerned about the system’s implementation. While the bloc continues to maintain that the last quarter of the year is still the target, eu-LISA, the agency responsible for the Etias rollout, no longer believes that timetable is achievable, according to three unnamed insiders who spoke to the Financial Times.

Part of the problem is software development, with the system still not fully functional. Adding to that is the shaky start to the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which came online on 10 April 2026 and is a building block for ETIAS.

The EES requires third-country nationals visiting the EU to register their personal data, including biometrics, which are stored for up to three years to allow the region to better track immigration arrivals and departures. But its rollout has caused widespread travel disruption, with chronic airport queues and port delays experienced across the EU, while some countries have unilaterally suspended its implementation and various stakeholder groups have warned of catastrophic financial losses.

Against that EES backdrop, and with officials estimating that resolving the disruption could take two years, the arrival of Etias on time by the end of 2026 is looking more and more unlikely. Discussions about postponing the rollout reportedly took place in June, with a review set for September, the FT‘s sources said.

For now, though, eu-LISA is toeing the bloc’s line, telling reporters that “at this moment, the proposed entry into operation remains Q4 2026. Preparations for the launch of Etias are ongoing, in close cooperation between the European Commission, eu-LISA and Member States.”

Nonetheless, at the same time, it hinted at possible changes to the schedule to come, adding: “The exact date for the entry into operation of Etias will be proposed by the European Commission, following consultation with eu-LISA and Member States.”

L’article EU’s ETIAS travel authorisation system could be delayed beyond 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The proposal has reopened a long-running debate about the management of Italy’s beaches. Although much of the country’s coastline remains public, around one-third is managed through concessions granted to private beach clubs, known in Italy as lidos. These operators rent out sunbeds and umbrellas while also running restaurants, cafés and beach bars. While Italian law allows visitors to bring their own food and drinks, some beach clubs discourage or even prevent guests from entering with outside refreshments, arguing that they affect the quality of the services offered.

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Beach operators in Puglia have strongly opposed the governor’s proposal, saying it could negatively affect both businesses and the atmosphere on the beach. The regional branch of Assoturismo, which represents tourism operators, argues that allowing unrestricted picnics could lead to more litter and reduce the standards visitors expect from organised beach facilities. Nicola Ragno, president of Assoturismo in the town of Vieste, said the issue goes beyond people bringing a simple lunch. “It’s not about just a sandwich: some people think they can bring all sorts of food with them, starter, main, fruit, whole meals,” he said. Ragno added that “these situations can’t be tolerated because there are lots of other customers who don’t appreciate it.”

Decaro has rejected the argument that eating a homemade meal harms the image of beach resorts. Referring to criticism from some operators, he said they speak of a “damaged image” if someone chooses to eat “a sandwich or focaccia brought from home, in a private lido.” Focaccia is a traditional Italian flatbread that is particularly popular in Puglia and is often eaten as a snack or light meal. The governor argues that visitors should not feel obliged to buy food from beach restaurants simply because they are spending the day by the sea.

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Consumer organisations have also sided with the governor, pointing out that the beaches themselves remain public even when they are managed by private operators. Massimiliano Dona, president of the National Consumers Union, stressed that beach clubs cannot treat concession areas as private property. “Beaches are public areas managed by private operators; they are not private property,” he said. Dona also argued that visitors have the right to bring their own food and drinks and should not be forced to hand over picnic bags before entering a beach club. The dispute has therefore become not only a tourism issue but also a debate over consumer rights and the use of public spaces.

The discussion comes as Italy prepares for what is expected to be another record-breaking summer tourism season. According to figures released by Italy’s Ministry of Tourism, the country is forecast to achieve higher accommodation occupancy rates than both Spain and France during the summer of 2026. International visitor numbers have continued to grow during the first half of the year, with Puglia among the regions recording the strongest increases in foreign arrivals. As more travellers choose the region’s beaches for their holidays, questions about affordability, public access and the balance between visitors’ rights and business interests are becoming increasingly important.

The debate also coincides with rising costs for beach holidays across Italy. A recent survey by consumer organisation Altroconsumo found that the average price of renting sunbeds and umbrellas has increased by around 6% compared with last year and by almost a quarter over the past five years. For many families, bringing their own food can significantly reduce the cost of spending a day at the beach. That has turned what might seem like a simple discussion about picnics into a wider conversation about whether Italy’s coastline should remain accessible to everyone while continuing to support one of the country’s most important tourism industries.

L’article Italy’s Puglia faces backlash over plan to allow picnics on private beaches 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.

The restrictions came into force on 1 July and will remain in place throughout the month and into August. City authorities hope the initiative, dubbed “less traffic, more city,” will reduce vehicle entries into the UNESCO-listed Old Town by around 1,000 cars a day as visitors flock to one of Austria’s most popular tourist destinations.

Under the new rules, day-trippers arriving by car from outside the Salzburg region are no longer permitted to drive into the city’s historic centre. Instead, they are encouraged to use park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city, where a €7.50 day ticket includes parking and unlimited public transport for up to five people. The parking areas are located close enough to the Old Town that some are within a 10-minute walk.

“We don’t want chaotic traffic situations like we saw last year,” Salzburg Mayor Bernhard Auinger said when announcing the measure in May. “It is aimed at day trippers who travel by car from farther afield. It is important to me that residents of the central Salzburg area and business-related traffic are not affected by this.”

Auinger said the restrictions would also improve the visitor experience by reducing long traffic delays. “It’s certainly much better than spending hours stuck in traffic. And it also makes life a lot easier for the people who live and work in the city of Salzburg,” he said.

The mayor said the decision followed growing complaints from residents about heavy summer traffic. Speaking to Salzburg24, he said: “We basically allowed tourists to drive into our sitting room.”

Police will enforce the restrictions, with drivers from outside the Salzburg region who enter the prohibited zone around the Staatsbrücke bridge facing fines of up to €80 unless they qualify for an exemption. Residents, commuters, delivery vehicles, taxis, rental cars, emergency services, disabled visitors and hotel guests with confirmed reservations remain exempt, as do motorists from the neighbouring Bavarian districts of Berchtesgaden and Bad Reichenhall in Germany.

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The policy follows similar traffic-control measures adopted in other European destinations struggling with overtourism. According to Heidi Strobl of Salzburg’s tourism board, the city drew inspiration from Italy’s limited traffic zones in cities such as Rome, Florence and Pisa, as well as restrictions introduced in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Salzburg, home to just over 158,000 residents, welcomes millions of visitors each year. The city recorded more than three million overnight stays annually, while international arrivals exceeded 1.8 million in 2025. Officials say the popularity of attractions such as Mozart’s birthplace and the continued appeal of The Sound of Music, which celebrated its 60^th anniversary last year, have contributed to rising visitor numbers and increased pressure on the city’s medieval streets.

L’article Salzburg restricts tourist cars in historic centre to ease summer traffic est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.