Every year, approximately 1.3 million tourists go on a guided boat tour through Bruges, also known as the Venice of the North. Most of the operators use speakers to provide visitors with information about the city’s history and culture. Yet tourists aren’t the only ones to catch the message.

@ciarainitaly Must do activity in Bruges Belgium such a great way to see the place! #belgium #bruges #belgio #thingstodoinbruges #thingstodoinbelgium #visitbelgium #visitbruges #boattour #europeansummer #irishabroad ♬ Up Beat (Married Life) – Kenyi

Locals, too, are hearing what the tourist guides are proclaiming, and they aren’t happy about it. According to the city council, many residents contact them by mail or phone in order to complain about the noise caused by the speakers on tourist boats.

This has led the city to announce a ban on the use of loudspeakers on boats as of 2029.

“This is an issue of balance and quality. We have held consultations with the relevant stakeholders and have sought to achieve the greatest possible consensus between the wishes of the city council, the interests of our residents and those of the ferry companies,” Minou Esquenet, Bruges’ alderwoman for Tourism, told the Belgian news agency Belga.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Travel Tomorrow (@traveltomorrow.eu)

Although the council has yet to approve the measure, the decision isn’t likely to be overturned and should thus go into effect in a little over two years.

“This will give boat operators sufficient time to adapt to the new conditions. They are also free to choose how they do so. A system using headsets – such as those already used successfully by guides on sightseeing walks – is an option, but not a requirement,” continued Esquenet.

Although many locals will undoubtedly question the city’s decision to only introduce the ban in 2029, the news hasn’t been received enthusiastically by the companies operating the boats.

“The noise levels are already very low. But the current limit of 65 decibels is outdated. That’s roughly equivalent to the sound of a toilet flushing. On a Saturday, we transport 1,700 people. Providing them all with a working headset with a fully charged battery? That’s going to be difficult. And what about children? And what if it rains? It’s not that simple. But if the city council approves this, we’ll have no choice but to go along with it,” said Michiel Michielsens of the boat company Venetië van het Noorden in a statement to Belgian news outlet VRT NWS.

However, the city will not just be banning loudspeakers. Starting from 2027, the five boat companies operating the tourist tours will be able to increase their ticket prices to €17 instead of €15 per person. According to Minou Esquenet, the companies were asking for such a measure in order to invest in their infrastructure and to meet the city’s demand of being 100% electric by 2028 – at the moment, 16 out of 20 boats have met that requirement. With 29% of the ticket sales going directly towards the city of Bruges, however, the increased ticket price will also benefit the local treasury.

L’article Bruges bans speakers on tourist boats from 2029 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The winners of the 2026 ICRT Europe Responsible Tourism Awards, sponsored by easyJet holidays, were announced during the event, celebrating organisations across Europe that have demonstrated practical approaches to making tourism more environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive and economically beneficial for local communities.

Projects from Spain, Türkiye, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Cyprus, Italy, Greece, Finland, Montenegro, Croatia and Poland were among those honoured across seven award categories.

“The judges were impressed by the quality and practicality of the initiatives entered this year. We saw tourism businesses and organisations demonstrating how tourism can actively restore ecosystems, strengthen local economies, celebrate cultural diversity and create opportunities for people who are often excluded,” said Harold Goodwin, founder of ICRT Global and chair of the judges. “Many of this year’s winners have developed approaches that can be replicated elsewhere, showing how responsible tourism can create lasting benefits for destinations and communities.”

“At easyJet holidays, we’re proud to support the ICRT Europe Responsible Tourism Awards because celebrating and sharing best practice is one of the most effective ways to drive meaningful impact across the industry,” said Matt Callaghan, chief operating officer at easyJet holidays. “These winners show what can be achieved when organisations put communities, culture and the environment at the heart of decision making. By recognising and showcasing their achievements, we’re reinforcing our commitment to supporting more businesses to learn from their success and continue raising standards across tourism.”

Among the gold award winners, TUI Forest Mallorca won the Adapting to Climate Change category for its work restoring forests, dune systems and wildlife habitats in Spain’s Península de Llevant Natural Park through a partnership with the Balearic Islands Government. The judges highlighted its combination of habitat restoration, biodiversity protection, visitor education and community engagement.

CAS Trips from the Czech Republic received the Championing Cultural Diversity award for educational travel programmes centred on local communities, while Unseen Tours in the United Kingdom won the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category for employing people with experience of homelessness as walking tour guides in London.

Italy’s Addiopizzo Travel received the Local Economic Benefit award for directing visitor spending towards businesses in Sicily that publicly refuse to pay Mafia protection money. Judges underscored its measurable impact in strengthening local economies and ensuring that tourism revenue remains within local communities through an ethical, vetted network of enterprises committed to social change.

Türkiye’s Club Marvy secured the Nature Positive award for integrating biodiversity conservation into its operations through habitat protection, marine conservation and species protection initiatives. Judges highlighted the resort’s comprehensive nature-positive approach and measurable progress in aligning hospitality operations with ecosystem restoration goals.

In the Regenerative Tourism category, TUI Field to Fork Greece was recognised for connecting farmers, food producers and tourism businesses to support regenerative agriculture across Crete and Rhodes.

Several projects also received silver awards and “One to Watch” recognition for initiatives ranging from fire resilience and climate adaptation to cultural heritage preservation, low-impact tourism and extending visitor seasons.

Adapting to Climate Change

• Silver: Paloma Grida, Turkey

Championing Cultural Diversity

• Silver: TUI Colourful Cultures Croatia (in partnership with DEŠA), Croatia
• One to Watch: Kameni otok – Journey Through Stone, Croatia

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Silver: Cyprus Environment Foundation, Cyprus

Local Economic Benefit

• One to Watch: Visit Gdańsk, Poland
• One to Watch: Zagreb County Tourist Board (Croatia) and Slovenia – InterWine

Nature Positive

• One to Watch: Mallorca SUP Company, Spain

Regenerative Tourism

• Silver: Camp Ilijin Vir, Montenegro
• Silver: Haltia Lake Lodge, Finland

The European gold winners will now compete against regional winners from Latin America, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and other regions for the Global Responsible Tourism Awards, sponsored by the Belize Tourism Board. The global winners will be announced in London in November.

L’article Responsible tourism champions honoured at Brussels awards ceremony est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The iconic lagoon destination has been making visitors pay an “access charge” if they come for the day only since 2025, when Venice became the world’s first major tourist destination to charge for entry. The five-euro levy applied to 29 peak season days that year and went up the following year to apply to 54 days, doubling for last-minute arrivals. In 2026, the fee is once again in operation, this year on 60 dates.

The Venice tourist fee is payable online, where visitors are given a QR code to pass through access points. Checkpoint staff have been deployed to verify visitor status. Overnight visitors, residents, under 14-year-olds, and a range of other visitors, including students and those entering the city for medical treatment, are exempt but must still register with the scheme.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Travel Tomorrow (@traveltomorrow.eu)

Although the scheme has generated significant income in excess of predictions, critics of the scheme, especially residents in the north-eastern Italian city, have said it makes their hometown feel like a theme park. They also note that the excess income is an indication that the programme has failed to deter the vast tourist numbers the city has been trying to manage since UNESCO warned that overtourism was posing a threat to its World Heritage architecture and culture.

While some say daytrippers and cruise arrivals do not contribute to the local economy in the same way as overnight guests, others argue that it is not daytrippers but overnight guests who clog the city’s narrow passages with wheelie suitcases and, as in other destinations worldwide, have pushed up housing prices by encouraging short-term rentals. Tourists have also been accused of crowding locals out of gondola transport.

But others note the daytripper fee is still in its early stages and must be given time to have an impact. Now, new mayor Venturini has weighed in, calling the fee “the only effective tool to control daily visitor numbers.” Under his scheme, visitors could be charged between €30 and €50 on high-season dates once pre-defined tourist limits have been exceeded.

It is not clear whether impact analyses have been carried out to determine whether such a regime would provide a perverse incentive for tourists to rush to book their visits. But Venturini says the extra income generated by higher charges would “finance city services and support the maintenance and protection of a unique city, built on water, whose costs exceed €100m each year.”

L’article Venice day tripper fee could cost as much as €50 under new mayor’s proposal est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) has been organising the Responsible Tourism Awards since 2004. Over the years, they have become known for identifying change makers who focus on making tourism better through evidence-based, replicable, and innovative initiatives.

Last year’s Responsible Tourism Awards’ ceremony took place at the Press Club Brussels Europe on 16 October 2025 and celebrated hotels, tour operators, and destinations which identified new benchmarks in responsible travel. Six categories in particular were highlighted during the event: local sourcing and creating shared value, waste management, nature-positive tourism, peace and inclusion, climate adaptation and resilience, and responsible all-inclusives.

In 2026, the Europe Responsible Tourism Awards presented by easyJet holidays will once again be presented at the Press Club Brussels Europe. The ceremony will take place on 23 June 2026 and for the first time, the Awards will be preceded by a Europe Responsible Tourism Forum. Presented by Paloma Hotel Group, the event will convene destination authorities, tourism businesses, NGOs, and policymakers for discussions examining issues such as policy changes in Europe and best practice in responsible tourism.

“We are delighted to welcome Paloma Hotel Group as sponsors of the new ICRT Europe Forum. Its commitment to sharing and encouraging best practice is exemplary and we look forward to a thought-provoking series of discussions,” said Debbie Hindle, chair of ICRT global.

Paloma Hotel Group is a family-owned hospitality company with more than 40 years of experience operating premium resorts and hotels across Türkiye and the Mediterranean, with an approach grounded in the belief that hospitality should enhance the wellbeing of the places where it operates, creating benefits for residents as well as guests. By bringing together senior leaders from across the tourism sector, the forum aims to become a concise, high impact event focused on delivering responsible tourism in Europe.

“We are deeply proud to support an event that champions responsible tourism. For us responsibility is not an add-on, it is central to how we operate, invest and grow. The ICRT Europe Forum provides an important opportunity to listen, learn, and engage with leaders who are confronting the sector’s most pressing challenges. We look forward to hearing from the panellists and speakers, and to exploring the issues and opportunities we can address collectively to ensure tourism creates lasting value for communities, nature and local economies,” stated Ece Tonbul, Paloma Hotel Group chairwoman and CEO.

After the Forum, the audience will be able to attend the unveiling of the winners of the 2026 ICRT Europe Responsible Tourism Awards presented by easyJet holidays. Six specific categories will be recognised during the evening: local economic benefit, diversity, equity, and inclusion, nature positive, championing cultural diversity, adapting climate to change, and regenerative tourism.

The first edition of the Europe Responsible Tourism Forum, which is free to attend, and the Awards will be opened by António Buscardini, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travel Tomorrow and President of the Press Club Brussels Europe. Registrations will start at 4:30 pm on 23 June 2026.

While the entries for the Europe Responsible Tourism Awards are closed at the time of writing, entries for the ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards Worldwide remain open until 30 June 2026. The winners will be announced during a Virtual Awards Event in August 2026.

L’article Europe Responsible Tourism Forum and Awards return to Brussels est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The proposals form part of a coalition agreement presented by Amsterdam’s new municipal government, which argues that while tourism remains a vital economic driver, visitor numbers have reached levels that increasingly affect the quality of life of those living in the Dutch capital.

The measures come as Amsterdam continues to grapple with record tourism figures despite years of efforts to control visitor growth.

Tourist tax to become Europe’s highest

Amsterdam already charges one of the highest tourist taxes in Europe. Visitors staying overnight currently pay a tax equivalent to 12% of their accommodation costs, while day visitors arriving by cruise ship are also subject to a separate levy.

Under the new proposals, the tax would increase to 16% in 2027 and then rise by one percentage point each year until reaching 20% in 2030.

According to the coalition agreement, visitors should contribute more towards the costs associated with managing tourism.

“Amsterdam remains an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. Tourism contributes to the city’s economy, but at the same time places significant pressure on public spaces, quality of life and municipal facilities,” the document states.

City authorities say additional revenue generated through the tax increase would be invested in maintaining public spaces, improving safety and enhancing the living environment for residents.

Cruise ships face uncertain future

Among the most significant proposals is the planned closure of Amsterdam’s cruise terminal.

The coalition agreement states that the city wants to “end the option to reach Amsterdam by sea cruise” and will explore alternatives in consultation with regional and national authorities.

Amsterdam has already taken steps in recent years to reduce cruise tourism, which many residents and policymakers view as contributing disproportionately to overcrowding and environmental pressures while generating relatively limited economic benefits compared to overnight visitors.

If approved, the closure would mark one of the most decisive anti-cruise measures adopted by a major European city.

Transforming the city centre

The new coalition also wants to reshape Amsterdam’s historic centre by purchasing buildings and buying out businesses in order to diversify activities and reduce the area’s dependence on tourism.

Authorities are further considering increasing the entertainment levy paid by canal boat operators, tour boats, canoes and other vessel rental companies, ensuring that day visitors contribute more towards the upkeep of the city.

At the same time, the municipality plans to reduce tourism promotion efforts. Funding for Amsterdam&Partners, the organisation behind the internationally recognised “I amsterdam” brand, would be scaled back, while city marketing aimed specifically at attracting tourists could be reduced or discontinued.

The coalition says the objective is to create a “more balanced new visitor economy” that better reflects the interests of residents, businesses and local institutions.

Plans for Erotic Centre abandoned

The agreement also reverses one of the previous administration’s most controversial projects.

Plans to build a large Erotic Centre in Amsterdam Zuid have been scrapped. The project was intended to provide a safer working environment for sex workers, reduce criminal influence on prostitution and ease pressure on the Red Light District by dispersing visitors across the city.

Instead, the new government says it will focus on smaller-scale initiatives designed to relieve pressure on the city centre, although no further details have yet been released.

Long-running battle against overtourism

The latest proposals are part of a broader campaign against overtourism that Amsterdam has been pursuing for several years.

In September 2025, Travel Tomorrow reported on legal action launched by Amsterdam Heeft een Keuze (“Amsterdam Has a Choice”), a grassroots movement supported by 12 residents’ organisations. The group accused local authorities of failing to enforce the city’s cap on tourist overnight stays.

Amsterdam introduced a limit of 20 million overnight stays annually in 2021, becoming one of the first European cities to formally cap tourism. However, the threshold has been exceeded every year since.

According to municipal figures cited in the lawsuit, the city recorded 22.9 million overnight stays in 2024, a 3% increase compared with the previous year. Forecasts for 2025 suggest that figure could rise to between 23 and 26 million.

Residents involved in the legal challenge have argued that stronger action is needed, including higher tourist taxes and tougher measures against nuisance tourism.

Over the past five years, Amsterdam has already frozen new hotel developments, tightened short-term rental rules, reduced cruise traffic, introduced restrictions on tourist-oriented businesses and launched the controversial “Stay Away” campaign aimed at discouraging disruptive visitors.

Despite these efforts, visitor numbers have continued to grow.

Decision expected this month

The coalition agreement is scheduled to be debated on 10 June and will serve as the policy roadmap for Amsterdam’s municipal government over the next four years.

Individual measures will still require approval from the Amsterdam city council before they can be implemented.

If adopted, the proposals would represent some of the most ambitious tourism management measures introduced by any major European destination, further positioning Amsterdam at the forefront of the continent’s battle against overtourism.

L’article Amsterdam targets overtourism with 20% tourist tax and cruise terminal closure est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Local officials say the decision comes after previous efforts to encourage better behaviour did not work as expected. “We cannot tolerate littering simply because there are no rubbish bins,” Shibuya Ward authorities said, highlighting that awareness campaigns and warning notices alone were not enough. The ward is aiming to make rules clearer and easier to enforce, especially in areas that attract large crowds every day.

The system is being rolled out in response to Japan’s record tourism growth, with 42.7 million international visitors recorded in 2025. Shibuya officials say the increase in foot traffic has led to more cases of public drinking and littering, particularly around train stations and busy pedestrian zones. The authorities stress that rules will apply equally to both locals and foreigners.

@cashmeow Trash Everywhere! #fyp #fypシ #tokyo #shibuya #japan ♬ Cute – Aurel Surya Lie

To enforce the new rules, around 50 patrol officers are being deployed across the district. Staff include English, Chinese, and Korean speakers to ensure that visitors can understand the rules clearly at the moment of enforcement. The multilingual approach is intended to reduce confusion and make communication easier between officers and tourists. Fines can be paid on the spot using cash, credit card, or QR code payments. 

The campaign is also being promoted with a direct message aimed at visitors: “if you throw trash, you lose cash.” The slogan is part of a wider effort to make anti-littering rules more visible and easy to understand in a busy urban environment. Authorities say the goal is not only to penalise behaviour but also to encourage awareness of local rules.

Japan’s wider approach to waste management also helps explain the context behind the policy, especially for visitors unfamiliar with local systems. Public rubbish bins are relatively rare in many cities, including Tokyo, and this is partly linked to past security concerns. After the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, carried out by the Aum Shinrikyo cult, authorities removed many public bins from train stations and busy public spaces to reduce the risk of hidden explosives or dangerous materials. Similar security concerns in later years reinforced this approach, and bins have never fully returned to public areas at the same scale.

@tsuru_ton_tan99 日本で1番、夜が眩しい街 Shibuya #渋谷 #tokyo #japan ♬ オリジナル楽曲 – yama_vv

As a result, people in Japan are generally expected to carry their rubbish with them until they find appropriate disposal points, such as convenience stores or designated facilities. While this system is widely understood by residents, it can be confusing for visitors who expect public bins to be readily available in urban areas. In a government survey, more than 20% of tourists said the lack of bins was their biggest inconvenience when travelling in Japan.

The littering issue in Shibuya reflects a broader pattern across Japan as tourism reaches record levels. Popular destinations such as Kyoto and areas near Mount Fuji have also experienced congestion, waste problems, and pressure on local communities. In some cases, local authorities have taken unusual steps to manage the impact of visitor numbers, including cancelling events that became too difficult to organise safely.

National authorities are now introducing a range of measures to manage the situation, including higher tourism-related taxes and crowd-control tools that help distribute visitors more evenly. Digital systems are also being developed to show real-time crowd levels in popular areas, helping tourists avoid peak congestion times. These policies are part of a wider effort to balance tourism growth with livability in cities like Tokyo. In Shibuya, the new fines represent one of the most visible examples of this shift toward stricter and more direct enforcement in public spaces.

L’article Tokyo’s Shibuya introduces on-the-spot fines for littering amid overtourism est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The rise in tourism is closely linked to the BBC Scotland series Banjo & Ro’s Grand Island Hotel. The programme follows interior designer Banjo Beale and his husband, Ro Christopher, as they work on restoring Ulva House, a historic property on the island. Since the show aired, ferry operators say the island has become significantly busier during spring and summer. The Ulva Ferry team said, “If you’ve visited us already this year, you’ll have noticed how much busier things have been,” highlighting the visible change in visitor numbers since the programme was broadcast.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BBC Scotland (@bbcscotland)

Ulva lies in the Inner Hebrides and is only accessible via a five-minute ferry crossing from the Isle of Mull. There are no paved roads on the island, and movement is limited to walking or small utility vehicles. This makes the ferry the sole transport link between Ulva and the mainland network. “To give ourselves, the Boathouse and fellow islanders the chance to recharge and prepare for the week ahead, we have made the difficult decision not to open Sundays this summer,” the operators confirmed, effectively pausing tourism access once a week during the busiest months. 

The ferry company also said the scale of demand had grown far beyond expectations. “None of us could have predicted how significant the increase in the numbers of visitors would be,” underlining how quickly tourism has expanded following the island’s increased media exposure. The Boathouse and other small island services have experienced higher visitor pressure as a result. While tourism has brought benefits, it has also placed a strain on a very limited workforce and infrastructure.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Banjo Beale (@banjo.beale)

Local resident Andy Primrose, who runs a small hostel on Ulva, said the situation reflects the island’s structural limitations. “It all comes down to capacity. All these businesses are based on individuals, and there are only 16 folks here, and some of them are children. There is a natural limit to what you can do,” he said.

Ulva has been community-owned since 2018, when it was purchased by the North West Mull Community Woodland Company. The aim of the buyout was to support long-term development and strengthen the local population. At the time, only six people lived on the island, and that number has since risen to 16. The long-term vision focuses on balancing economic activity with community sustainability, with tourism seen as a key but carefully managed part of that future.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Boathouse Ulva (@theboathouse.ulva)

The situation on Ulva also reflects a wider European trend where very small communities are dealing with sudden increases in visitor numbers. In Slovakia, residents of the UNESCO-listed village Vlkolínec have even called for its World Heritage status to be revoked, arguing that tourism pressure has made daily life increasingly difficult. While the circumstances differ, both cases show how media exposure or official recognition can rapidly reshape fragile rural destinations. They also highlight the broader challenge of maintaining community life in places that become unexpectedly popular.

Despite the new Sunday closure, Ulva continues to attract visitors for its remote landscapes and wildlife. The island features cliffs, moorland, quiet beaches and views across the Inner Hebrides. Wildlife sightings can include seals, otters and dolphins, while nearby waters are also home to puffin colonies. The Boathouse remains a central stop for visitors, serving local seafood in a small harbour setting. Even with controlled access on Sundays, the island is expected to remain a popular destination throughout the summer season.

L’article Scottish island closes to tourists on Sundays after sudden visitor surge est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Run in small groups of no more than 12, the new excursions last two to three hours and expand upon Intrepid’s day trips range, taking travellers off the beaten track into neighbourhoods waiting to be discovered, at the same time as boosting the local economy and promoting cultural exchanges. Erica Kritikides, General Manager Experiences at Intrepid Travel, commented: “These new day trips are designed to promote responsible travel in cities grappling with overtourism, responding to the high demand with a meaningful alternative.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Intrepid Travel (@intrepidtravel)

Spain is perhaps ground zero for overtourism protests in Europe, and Barcelona, heavily promoted since around the time of the 1992 Olympics, could be where today’s version of the problem could be said to have started. There, authorities were ahead of other ports in capping cruise ship arrivals to avoid the feeling of “collapse” that descends on the city when large numbers of cruise passengers all disembark at once. Housing is a political hot potato in the Catalan capital, as it is more widely in Spain, and the issue is often blamed on the country’s proliferation of short-term holiday rental properties. Municipal councils and national politicians have both grappled with the big rental platforms over regulating the sector. Barcelona was one of the first cities to say it would outlaw firms such as Airbnb, which are being phased out by 2028.

But, on Intrepid’s Uncommon Barcelona trip, travellers can avoid local ire and visit a community garden in El Born, described by Intrepid as “a protected green space that nurtures local life amid the pressures of gentrification in the Old Town.” The excursion ventures into the lesser-known El Clot too, to explore its authentic market and rambla. 

@intrepid_travel “Venice is a unique and fragile city, and the challenge is finding a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving everyday life for its residents.” For Venice local Camilla, that starts with slowing down and looking beyond San Marco Square. Like Pescheria di Rialto, a historic market where Venetians have sourced local produce for generations. Or a women-owned artisan chocolate workshop, uncovering Venice’s long history as one of Europe’s earliest gateways for cacao. And a quiet waterfront promenade that will give you sweeping views across the Venetian lagoon. Our new Uncommon Day Trip in Venice is all about showing travellers a more responsible way to experience the city, one that supports local communities and reveals a different side of Venice. Uncommon Venice #travel #grouptravel #Venice #Italy #overtourism ♬ original sound – Intrepid Travel

And over to the Uncommon Venice trip. Venice has been battling day-tripper numbers over recent years with a visitor tax targeting non-overnight stays. The fiscal deterrent came after UNESCO World Heritage experts warned that the lagoon city’s popularity was putting its treasures at risk. Here, travellers with Intrepid are invited to look beyond the city’s famous canals to discover the Pescheria di Rialto fish stalls, which date back to the Middle Ages. The visit also includes a chocolate tasting at a women-owned artisanal shop, where Venice’s evolution as one of Europe’s earliest gateways for cacao is shared.

And on the Uncommon Paris trip, the day starts with fresh pastries at a neighbourhood market and the chance to be a flaneur in the city’s tranquil parks. The Eiffel Tower seen from unique vantage points will reveal “a side of the city defined by everyday life, rather than crowds,” Intrepid says. 

@intrepid_travel “Paris locals feel like our neighbourhoods are being taken over and don’t feel our own. But Paris didn’t lose its magic at all.” For Paris local Cecilia, the real city lives beyond the crowds in the neighbourhood markets and tranquil parks that most visitors never see. Our new Uncommon Day Trip in Paris takes travellers beyond the tourist hotspots to a different side of the city, where your visit can have a deeper impact. That means a local market loved by Parisians to try a fresh brioche croissant, and the chance to see the Eiffel Tower from a totally new perspective. Small groups. Local leaders. Experiences designed to support the communities that shape Paris’ everyday life. Uncommon Paris #travel #grouptravel #Paris #France #DayTrip ♬ original sound – Intrepid Travel

With the new trip departures set to commence from June 2026, Kritikides describes the itineraries as “proof that you can still have incredible local experiences in some of the world’s most popular destinations, going beyond the hotspots to explore a genuinely local side of the city.” The new offer reflects “Intrepid’s overarching experience design philosophy,” she explains, which is to provide “immersive, locally-led experiences that encourage cultural exchange, a deeper connection to the destination and respect for the daily lives of the communities we encounter.” 

Some might argue that residents and workers in these lesser-known corners of cities do not want visitor footfall to spread into their neighbourhoods. Intrepid Operations Manager Juan Sanchez lives in Barcelona and found that “the vendors in the market were surprised that we wanted to bring visitors there, but also open to seeing how it goes.” Highlighting the economic benefits the visitors could bring, Sanchez describes the Intrepid project as “a learning process for both sides, and I believe the best thing we can do is start taking small but meaningful actions as a responsible company, helping to redistribute tourism dollars to local areas, supporting residents and showing travellers that there are other ways to explore.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Impact (@impact)

Including these three new trips, Intrepid now runs 25-day trips in Europe, across 11 cities. It offers 236 multi-day trips in the region, spanning 42 different countries. Intrepid acquired French adventure travel company Altai Group in April 2026 and Dutch tour operator Sawadee in February 2025, strengthening its regional operations and positioning it to take the lead on culturally immersive, responsible travel in Europe.

L’article Intrepid Travel offers responsible day trips in Europe’s most overtouristed destinations est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Passenger Movement Charge is a flat fee bundled into air fares. It is levied on nearly all departing passengers over the age of 11, whether nationals or visitors in Australia. Only airline staff, foreign servicepeople, and unintentional arrivals in Australia are exempt.

The cost currently stands at AUD $70 (around €43) but will go up by AUD $10 to hit AUD $80 in January 2026. The over 14% increase comes amid concerns over fuel costs in the aviation sector, which many fear will be passed onto customers, adding to a chilling effect on the international travel market.

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

Публикация от Travel Tomorrow (@traveltomorrow.eu)

Graeme Hughes, an Adjunct Associate Professor at Griffith University, remarked on the impact of the per-person increase on larger families, and told Explore that the speed of price increases “stings.” He noted: “We only just saw the rate climb from $60 to $70 in July 2024, so we are looking at a 33 per cent jump in the cost of leaving the country in under three years.”

Australia’s tourism sector has not welcomed the move, noting that, though budget papers predict an injection of AUD $755 million over the next five years thanks to the tax, the federal government has not yet revealed how those additional funds will be used. The country’s ongoing use of increasingly old-fashioned incoming passenger arrival cards and airport upgrades are two areas that critics say require investment.

Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) said the budget as a whole “reduces support for an industry that is still stabilising post pandemic, and facing growing pressure around traveller affordability, aviation costs and booking conversion as a result of the Middle East conflict.” ATEC managing director Peter Shelley pointed out that planned cuts to Tourism Australia funding put at jeopardy “Australia’s ability to convert travellers in an increasingly cautious and price-sensitive long-haul travel environment.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sydney Airport (@sydneyairport)

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has issued a statement slamming the price hike as “yet another burden on travellers at a time when the tourism community is working hard to overcome challenges at home and overseas.”

Meanwhile, the move has “blindsided” the national Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF), which pointed out there had been no prior industry consultation and no transparency over the benefits a tax increase would bring. TTF CEO Margy Osmond told SBS News: “It is not good enough to just slap an additional tax on the travelling public and the tourism industry without improving the conditions that those travellers will be experiencing when they cross the border.”

However, Trade and Tourism Ministry spokesperson Don Farrell dismissed concerns over the impact on consumers. “Australia’s experience has been that relatively small increases to the PMC do not have a measurable effect on international visitation,” he said, adding: “Following the last $10 increase in the PMC, short-term international arrivals increased by 5 percent year-on-year, rising from 7.97 million to 8.40 million visitors.” Although no precise use for the money was given, Farrell also said the government “remains committed to ongoing modernisation of the border.”

L’article Leaving Australia? Travellers to pay more under 2027 tax rise est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Donkey and pony rides have long operated on the British coast, taking visitors, old and young, along the sands on the backs of gentle four-legged friends. But authorities at Coney Beach in Porthcawl, South Wales, have now extended a ban on dogs along the seashore to all animals, meaning that the seashore’s donkey rides will become a relic of the past.

Behind every holiday ride is a donkey or mule forced to carry the weight – often in the heat, often without rest, and often when they’re already injured or exhausted.
They don’t choose this. They endure it.
Leave them out of your holiday plans. Don’t ride them.#worlddonkeyday pic.twitter.com/Y6Ni3r4HUR

— PETA UK (@PETAUK) May 8, 2026

Summertime rules applying to dogs between 1 May and 30 September will, from now on, cover all creatures, effectively excluding the possibility of granting a licence for seasonal donkey or pony riding at Coney Beach, Bridgend Council said.

The move comes amid major regeneration plans for the Welsh seafront that include 1,100 new homes and an overhaul of the public space, as well as a new hotel development and a promenade. The town’s Coney Beach Amusement Park, which opened in 1918, closed its gates for the last time in October 2025 as part of the changes afoot in the area.

Critics of seaside donkey rides have argued for years that the practice is outdated and is comparable to circuses in violating animal welfare and exploiting creatures by making them work long hours on hot and crowded beaches. The sight of donkeys and ponies being ridden in this way is upsetting to visitors and does not project a positive image of the resorts that host them, they say.

But others defend the activity, claiming that visitors expect such facilities and enjoy the old-fashioned pleasures and distinct character they provide. David Morgan, 74, from Newton, near Porthcawl, told the BBC the decision risked “ripping the heart” out of the community, and stakeholder Jay Bateman, whose family have run a donkey-riding business at Coney Beach for decades, said his livelihood was being taken away.

Meanwhile, the council has insisted it recognises “the importance of traditional seaside attractions” and intends to manage the area in alignment with “the final masterplan proposals and long-term ambitions for the area.”

@robynandthepony Summer Donkey Beach Ride, Porthcawl 2021 #donkey #donkeyride #horsesoftiktok #horsegirl #horse #horseriding ♬ Summer – Calvin Harris

The authority is currently “reviewing the expressions of interest that we have received for providing all-new seasonal activities at Coney Beach,” it said, adding that “residents and visitors should look out for some exciting announcements about a wide range of new activities and stalls in the near future.”

Coney Beach is not the only UK beachfront to be losing what some say are iconic attractions. Dreamland Margate, an amusement park on the Kent coast, announced earlier in 2026 that its historic, grade II-listed Scenic Railway was set to close permanently. Nonetheless, elsewhere, Margate’s seaside character is being reinstated with the advent of development plans for the Nayland Rock Hotel, a now-derelict establishment that once welcomed stars like Charlie Chaplin and Mick Jagger, set to be turned into apartments, short-term rentals, and a restaurant.

L’article Traditional seaside donkey rides banned from Welsh beach after 100 years est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.