EasyJet will begin twice-weekly flights to Nantes on 26 October. Fly2Galicia, a new airline at the airport, is scheduled to launch two services a week to Santiago de Compostela from 1 December. Brussels Airlines will add two Nordic destinations: Kemi-Tornio in Finland twice weekly from 25 December, and Evenes in Norway once a week from 6 February 2027.

Other carriers are also expanding their schedules. Transavia, which established a full base at Brussels Airport this summer, will operate three weekly flights to Las Palmas from 28 October, two to Reykjavik from 30 October and three to Porto from 14 December. Brussels Airlines and Finnair will both serve Kittilä, a Finnish destination associated with winter sports. Etihad Airways will increase its Abu Dhabi service from seven to 11 flights per week on 15 December.

The programme reflects two established strands of winter demand from Belgium: warmer-weather or “winter sun” trips to Spain, Morocco, and the Canary Islands, and travel to Scandinavia for skiing and other seasonal activities. Long-haul travellers will have access to 40 nonstop intercontinental destinations within the wider network.

Before the winter schedule begins, the airport is preparing for school holidays in Belgium’s two language communities. The break for French-speaking education starts on Friday 16 October, when about 82,000 passengers are expected, making it the forecast peak day. The Dutch-speaking school holiday starts on Friday 30 October, after the two-week break in the French-speaking system. Brussels Airport said the non-overlapping dates make direct comparison with 2025 difficult.

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The airport advises passengers to arrive two hours before Schengen departures and three hours before non-Schengen flights. It also recommends checking cabin-baggage restrictions in advance. Rail and bus services connect the terminal with the surrounding region, while motorists can reserve airport parking online.

Overall, the new routes broaden the airport’s short-haul winter offer across France, Spain, and the Nordic region, while boosted frequencies strengthen links to Atlantic islands, Iceland, Portugal, and the Gulf. The additions will be introduced in stages between late October and early February.

For passengers, the schedule creates new direct options for city breaks, pilgrimage travel, and trips to northern winter regions. It also adds capacity on established leisure and connecting routes, although flight availability and operating dates remain subject to individual airline timetables.

L’article Brussels Airport adds four routes as winter network reaches 136 destinations est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Lisbon is now trying to put an end to such practices and has introduced, on 15 October, fixed fares for taxi journeys from Humberto Delgado Airport to the capital. 

The move follows years of complaints about overcharging, alleged scams and even drivers refusing to take passengers. Both tourists and locals have taken to social media to share their experiences and warn others.

In early October, a Facebook user, Nastya Zh posted a warning in the Lisbon Travel Tips group about alleged fake taxi drivers at the airport. According to her account, a friend had been threatened by a driver who was “screaming hard and violently” and refused to “release her luggage” unless she paid an exorbitant fare.

Users responding to her story seemed hardly surprised. One called it a known fact, pointing out to the warnings displayed at the airport, while others recommended using either private transfers or the metro instead.

Similar stories have appeared on Reddit. One user described taking a taxi with a friend from the official airport rank and noticing the meter rising suspiciously quickly. When they questioned the fare and photographed the meter, the driver reportedly became aggressive.

One Portuguese commenter offered little reassurance, saying, “I’m from Portugal and I never take a taxi in Lisbon, I always call in an Uber”.

The complaints prompted a police crackdown in late August, when inspections of around 100 taxis uncovered 67 infringements, including incorrectly positioned meters, missing documentation and safety violations.

Under an agreement signed in September by Lisbon City Council, airport operator ANA, the Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL) and two taxi associations, FPT and ANTRAL, journeys from the airport taxi rank now fall into two fixed-price zones.

On weekdays from 7 am to 10 pm, Zone 1, which includes Parque das Nações, Alvalade and Areeiro, costs €16. Zone 2, which covers central and historic areas such as Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Belém, Alcântara, Estrela and Campo de Ourique, costs €19.

At night, on weekends and public holidays, fares rise to €20 and €23 respectively. Luggage is included in the price.

The text stipulates that drivers must now accept vouchers and electronic payments, cannot refuse journeys and are required to keep their vehicles “clean and in good condition” and “treat passengers courteously”. 

There is even a clause governing their personal appearance, under which they must “dress appropriately”. Flip-flops, shorts and sleeveless shirts are not permitted.

Carlos Silva, president of the FPT, told Lusa that while the fares are already in force, driver accreditation and automatic number-plate recognition at the rank will only be fully operational in early November. Information panels displaying the fares inside and outside the terminal should be installed by then.

Silva has meanwhile called for the system to be extended to nearby municipalities, including Moscavide, Sacavém and Prior Velho.

Not everyone is celebrating, though. Some social media users have called the fares inflated. One traveller who said she previously paid between €7.50 and €10 for a journey to Oriente station will now have to pay €16.

L’article Lisbon Airport introduces fixed taxi fares after years of tourist scams and complaints est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Presented at SpaceX’s Rocket Test and Development Center in McGregor, Texas, on 15 October, the two-seater performed airborne flips and a claimed 0–60 mph acceleration run of 0.81 seconds. Elon Musk said production was now targeted for 2028, extending the wait for a car first unveiled in 2017 with deliveries initially promised for 2020.

For travellers, the distinction is between an airborne demonstration and a vehicle capable of making practical journeys through the sky. The launch showcased short aerial manoeuvres, rather than a passenger flight between destinations.

SpaceX technology takes the Roadster airborne

During the demonstration, the Roadster climbed a curved ramp, travelled upside down and launched into the air before flipping and landing. Another manoeuvre sent it over a line-up of Tesla vehicles.

Tesla’s engineering team said the car combines an underside fan system, which increases grip by creating suction, with compressed-air thrusters developed using SpaceX technology. Separate nozzles control the vehicle’s orientation in the air.

Real life, baby https://t.co/3QEqn18wig

— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026

There was no human driver aboard for the airborne stunt. Musk said the demonstration used autonomous control to avoid putting anyone inside at risk.

The company’s Roadster page states that its Thrust features are an optional upgrade and that the Rocket trim will not be available in every region.

What could it mean for travel?

The unveiling adds another interpretation to the term “flying car”, which already covers markedly different approaches to transport.

Slovakia’s AirCar received airworthiness certification in 2022 after completing more than 70 hours of flight testing. Its development included a 35-minute flight between Nitra and Bratislava, demonstrating the kind of journey that could connect road travel with regional aviation.

Tesla’s presentation focused instead on extreme performance and brief airborne stunts. It offered no passenger service, intercity flight schedule or evidence of sustained flight between destinations.

Holy smokes https://t.co/rTnRobllwc

— Tesla (@Tesla) October 16, 2026

For now, its relevance to tourism lies more in the potential appeal of an unusual driving experience than in replacing airport transfers or regional flights. Whether such experiences become commercially available will depend on production, operating restrictions and the permissions granted in individual markets.

European availability remains uncertain

Musk acknowledged that the Roadster might not be legal in every jurisdiction. Tesla’s UK website also specifies left-hand drive only, a consideration for prospective British buyers.

The launch leaves questions about where owners could use its airborne capabilities and under what conditions. A demonstration at a controlled test site does not establish permission to perform the same manoeuvres on public roads.

Tesla’s wider transport ambitions include its Cybercab and Robovan concepts, presented in 2024 as part of its push towards autonomous mobility. Musk positioned the Roadster as an exception, saying it would eventually be the company’s only manually driven model.

The final purchase price has not been announced. With production targeted for 2028, the Roadster remains a prospective product whose everyday travel applications have yet to be demonstrated.

L’article Tesla unveils ‘flying’ Roadster: What could it mean for the future of travel? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Long-Haul Travel Barometer 3/2026 examines travel intentions for September to December across seven markets: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea and the United States.

Half of respondents intend to take an overseas trip during the period, down from 55% last year. Interest in visiting Europe has declined alongside this, from 38% to 34%, leaving the continent with roughly two-thirds of overall long-haul travel intentions.

Fewer prospective visitors, but firmer plans

Across the surveyed markets, 17% of all respondents have already booked flights to Europe, unchanged from last autumn.

However, because fewer respondents are considering a European trip, confirmed bookings now represent 52% of prospective visitors, compared with 42% a year earlier. The increase therefore reflects a greater commitment among those planning to travel, rather than growth in the overall share of respondents with bookings.

China remains the most interested market, with 54% planning a European trip. Some 37% of Chinese respondents have already booked tickets, up from 33% last year.

Brazil follows with travel intentions at 45%. South Korea recorded an increase from 33% to 36%, although ETC notes that the change is not statistically significant.

The findings follow earlier evidence of European tourist arrivals rising despite geopolitical tensions, while travellers place greater emphasis on affordability and value.

Cost remains the biggest obstacle

High travel costs remain the leading deterrent, cited by 44% of respondents who are not planning a long-haul trip, five percentage points fewer than last year.

Among those travelling overseas but choosing destinations outside Europe, 30% identify cost as a barrier to visiting the continent, down 12 percentage points. A preference for another region and limited holiday time also influence decisions.

Most prospective visitors plan stays of one to two weeks, with the largest group budgeting €100 to €200 per person per day.

Two-thirds plan to explore several countries

Some 66% of prospective visitors intend to combine two or more European countries, with the average itinerary covering 2.7 countries.

Rail features prominently in these plans: 40% expect to use rail passes and 39% point-to-point tickets. Flights remain popular, with 45% considering low-cost airlines and 44% full-service carriers. Europe’s expanding autumn and winter flight connections provide further options for reaching and exploring the continent.

First-time visitors account for 53% of prospective arrivals, rising to 61% among Chinese travellers and 57% among Americans.

ETC President Miguel Sanz said connectivity and shared travel systems help reinforce Europe’s appeal as a collective destination, making cooperation between countries central to its international promotion.

The survey uses a new data collection panel. ETC says it has reviewed long-term trends across all markets and found them consistent with previous editions.

L’article Europe’s long-haul bookings hold steady despite weaker autumn travel intentions est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The results brought recognition for destinations, airlines, hotels and tourism businesses across the continent, with Portugal securing awards spanning beach holidays, city tourism, adventure travel and visitor attractions.

Portugal wins across beach, city and adventure tourism

The Algarve won Europe’s Leading Beach Destination, while Lisbon took Europe’s Leading City Destination. The Azores received Europe’s Leading Regional Adventure Tourism Destination, and Dark Sky Alqueva was named Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction.

The Algarve’s recognition follows other international accolades for its coastline, with Praia da Falésia featuring among Europe’s top beaches in TripAdvisor’s 2025 rankings.

Meanwhile, Alqueva’s award highlights a different side of Portugal’s tourism offering, with stargazing and nighttime experiences ranging from astrophotography workshops to canoeing after dark.

In its response to the results, Visit Portugal said the national destination award reflected a strategy focused on the quality, diversity and innovation of Portugal’s tourism offering. It described its own award as recognition of its work promoting the country internationally.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognise businesses and destinations across the global travel industry, with voting involving tourism professionals and travellers worldwide.

Montenegro takes the spotlight as first-time host

Host country Montenegro secured two prominent destination titles. Kotor won Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination, while Montenegro was named Europe’s Leading Nature Destination.

The ceremony highlighted a country whose attractions extend from Kotor’s historic old town and Adriatic coastline to the mountains and Tara River Canyon in Durmitor National Park.

Montenegrin hospitality businesses were recognised in national categories, too. Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort won Montenegro’s Leading Resort, while Merit Starlit Hotel & Residence & Casino received Montenegro’s Leading Hotel. Villa Geba Boutique Hotel took the boutique hotel title.

Graham Cooke, founder of the World Travel Awards, congratulated the winners and thanked the resort and local partners for hosting the gathering. Hans Prins, the resort’s general manager, described the recognition for Kotor and Montenegro as a source of pride for both the destination and his team.

Airlines, city breaks and business events recognised

Elsewhere, Turkish Airlines was named Europe’s Leading Airline, and Athens won Europe’s Leading City Break Destination. Disneyland Paris received Europe’s Leading Theme Park Resort, while Dubrovnik took Europe’s Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination.

Business tourism featured among the awards, with Madrid winning Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination and The Convention Centre Dublin receiving the corresponding venue award. Cannes was recognised as Europe’s Leading Festival & Event Destination.

The Montenegro gathering was the final regional ceremony of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2026, following events in Zanzibar, Dubai, the Maldives and Jamaica. The series will conclude with the Grand Final in Tanzania.

The full list of European winners is available on the World Travel Awards website.

L’article Portugal named Europe’s leading tourism destination at World Travel Awards 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

ABTA said that the biometric registration system, which was rolled out from October 2026 and is still causing delays and crowding at border checkpoints, required more work to become “stable and efficient” before it is fully implemented. 

The group acknowledged that the 2,000 travellers questioned in its recent travel habits survey, “aren’t seeing significant delays” due to EES, and only six percent said the EES process had made them much less likely to travel to the EU.

But Abta’s director of public affairs Luke Petherbridge noted less than half the European travel consumers interviewed had been through the system, and warned “we don’t want to see people being deterred. TTG Media has reported him urging the EU to continue the “pragmatic approach” applied so far, adding, “if that means extending contingency measures into next year, then that should happen.”

Next steps identified by Petherbridge in remarks to The Independent “include better triaging of travellers who are already registered and enhancements of the app to enable some checks to be performed prior to arrival.”

Confirmed lists of airports where EES has been suspended to ease operational issues are yet to be issued, but hubs across the Schengen bloc such as Lisbon, Milan, and Brussels, are known to have experienced severe problems and to have adapted protocols to cope. Greece went as far as unilaterally suspending EES for UK arrivals to protect its travel sector. France, the Netherlands, Germany, Malta, Portugal, and Switzerland are also reported by The Times to have been interrupting EES processes beyond the supposed final rollout date, to boost “fluidity.”

The negative effects on airport and airline operations, and on passengers, continue, as underlined in a joint statement from ACI Europe and Airlines for Europe (A4E) just a few days ago. The aviation bodies proposed a six-point action plan to address the “hardships” being inflicted on travellers.

Those anti-EES sentiments have been further amplified by airlines themselves. Europe’s biggest airline by passenger numbers, Ryanair, has said the ability to temporarily suspend EES should go on into 2027.

Meanwhile, EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner, speaking to Politico has emphasised the 230 million entries and exits recorded so far by EES, as well as 80,000 refused arrivals (2,000 due to security concerns, and insisted there would be no more room for flexibility, as members states had “had enough time” to prepare for the system.

L’article UK trade body joins growing calls for improvements to EES est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The combination of infrastructure development, expanding international connectivity and changes in Kazakhstan’s TTDI profile provides a basis for assessing the country’s current tourism competitiveness and its near-term development prospects.

2025: visitor flows and source markets

According to Kazakhstan’s official statistics, 15.7 million foreign citizens visited the country in 2025. Of these, 11.1 million foreign tourists stayed for more than one day, while approximately 1.4 million foreign visitors used accommodation services.

India, China, Europe, South Korea, the United States and the Gulf region. This provides a basis for further diversification, although neighbouring and regional markets remain important to overall inbound demand.

Kazakhstan’s tourism offer

Improved air connectivity can support a more integrated tourism offer across Kazakhstan’s regions, each with a distinct market position.

Almaty and Almaty Region combine urban culture and gastronomy with mountain, adventure and ecotourism. Ile-Alatau National Park, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes and Altyn-Emel provide opportunities for trekking, nature-based activities and multi-day itineraries.

Astana is a centre for MICE, business and event tourism. Short cultural, gastronomic and leisure experiences can extend business trips and increase visitor spending.

Burabay has potential for nature-based wellness and year-round recreation, combining forest and lake landscapes, hiking, horse riding and health-oriented stays.

Mangystau offers an adventure and expedition product centred on Bozzhyra, the Torysh Valley and the Tuzbair Plateau, complemented by cultural and spiritual heritage. In 2026, the region’s Rock Mosques and Associated Sacred Sites of Mangystau were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The property comprises five sacred complexes: Beket-Ata, Shopan-Ata, Karaman-Ata, Shakpak-Ata and Sultan-Epe. These sites add an internationally recognised heritage dimension to jeep tours, trekking and multi-day desert itineraries.

Turkistan Region is a major centre for cultural, historical and spiritual tourism. The UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, together with the historic sites of Otyrar and Sauran, supports itineraries focused on the Silk Road and Kazakhstan’s heritage.

East Kazakhstan has potential for mountain, ecotourism and slow-travel products centred on Katon-Karagay National Park, the Altai, Mount Belukha and Lake Markakol. Wellness experiences, hiking, horse riding and nature retreats can broaden the offer, while the planned airports in Katon-Karagay and Zaysan are intended to improve regional accessibility.

TTDI 2026: improvements in infrastructure-related indicators

In the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, Kazakhstan ranks 56th out of 110 economies, with a score of 4.089 out of 7. The score increased by 1.6% compared with the previous edition, while the country’s ranking declined from 52nd to 56th as other economies improved at a faster rate.

The most significant changes in Kazakhstan’s profile were recorded in several infrastructure- and service-related components:

• Tourist services and infrastructure: +22.7%, from 2.598 to 3.188, placing Kazakhstan 47th globally;
• Air transport infrastructure: +10.3%;
• ICT readiness: +5.0%;
• Safety and security: +4.0%.

These results indicate improvement in the capacity and accessibility components of Kazakhstan’s tourism system. 

Several individual indicators remain comparatively strong. Kazakhstan ranks 2nd globally for price competitiveness, 7th for the socioeconomic impact of tourism, 25th for health and hygiene and 31st for natural resources.

The TTDI profile highlights Kazakhstan’s strengths in price competitiveness, tourism’s socioeconomic contribution and selected resource indicators, alongside opportunities to further develop transport accessibility beyond aviation, demand sustainability and environmental performance.

Transport infrastructure development

Kazakhstan is investing in regional transport infrastructure to improve access to tourism destinations by air and road. These projects are particularly relevant for areas with significant natural and recreational potential, where accessibility influences travel time, route planning and opportunities to develop multi-day itineraries.

In the East Kazakhstan Region, the high-altitude section of the R-147 Ust-Kamenogorsk – Altai – Ulken Naryn – Katon-Karagay – Rakhmanovskie Klyuchi highway has been fully modernised between kilometres 437 and 450. The 13-kilometre section, previously a hazardous unpaved track, has been widened to two lanes and surfaced with multiple layers of asphalt concrete. As a result, travel time along this section has been reduced from approximately two hours to 20 minutes. The improvement is particularly relevant to access to Katon-Karagay and the wider Altai tourism area.

The regional programme also includes the construction of three new airports in Katon-Karagay and Zaysan in East Kazakhstan Region, and Kenderli in Mangystau Region. According to government plans, construction is scheduled for completion in 2026. The Katon-Karagay and Zaysan projects are intended to improve access to destinations in eastern Kazakhstan, while the Kenderli airport is expected to support tourism development on the Caspian coast. Future route networks and passenger demand will influence the extent to which these facilities improve visitor access.

Investment is also continuing at existing airports. Planned and ongoing projects include second runways at Astana and Shymkent, reconstruction of Almaty Airport’s domestic terminal, development of a new terminal at Atyrau, reconstruction works at Pavlodar and Aktau, and the restoration of Arkalyk Airport.

Together, road improvements, regional airport construction and investment in existing aviation infrastructure are intended to strengthen transport links to Kazakhstan’s tourism regions. Their longer-term impact will depend on the development of regular services, integration with local transport and the ability of destinations to convert improved accessibility into sustained visitor demand.

International air connectivity

Kazakhstan continues to expand its international air connectivity, strengthening links with key tourism and business markets across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. In January–August 2026, air passenger traffic reached 11 million, an increase of 3.8% compared with the same period in 2025. Passenger turnover rose by 9.4% to 22.7 billion passenger-kilometres.

As of 2026, Kazakhstan maintains international air services with more than 30 countries across 161 routes, with a combined frequency of around 900 flights per week. New and expanded routes are strengthening air connectivity with China, Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East, improving accessibility for international visitors. 

Japan is also being added to the network of direct connections. Air Astana is scheduled to launch the Almaty–Tokyo Narita route on 30 November 2026, with flights planned twice weekly. Looking further ahead, direct air services between Kazakhstan and the United States are being considered for 2027, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.

China remains an important area of network development, with new routes and increased capacity supporting both tourism and business travel. Expanded connections with European and Middle Eastern markets also provide opportunities to diversify visitor source markets and develop multi-destination itineraries.

For tourism, the expansion of international air connectivity can improve access to Kazakhstan and support the development of regional destinations. Its longer-term impact will depend on sustained passenger demand, route frequency, competitive airfares and reliable ground transport links between airports and tourism areas.

L’article Kazakhstan tourism in 2026: infrastructure investment and expanding air connectivity est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The visit included high-level talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a business council, a rectors’ forum and cultural engagements in Astana and Almaty. It was Philippe’s first visit to Kazakhstan as King and Belgium’s first state visit to Central Asia. He had previously travelled to the country as Crown Prince in 2002, 2009 and 2010.

While critical minerals, energy and artificial intelligence featured prominently in the discussions, the programme also highlighted opportunities to encourage travel, connect cultural institutions and expand exchanges between students, researchers and businesses.

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Tourism receives royal backing

Tourism featured explicitly in Philippe’s address to the fourth Kazakh-Belgian Business Council on 13 October. Speaking to business representatives from both countries, the King identified the sector as an area with considerable potential for closer cooperation.

“Kazakhstan offers extraordinary landscapes and a rich cultural heritage,” he said, expressing confidence that more Belgians would discover the country in the coming years. His remarks placed tourism alongside the industrial and infrastructure partnerships discussed during the visit.

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The endorsement came as Kazakhstan continues to expand its visitor economy. As Travel Tomorrow previously reported, the country recorded 15.7 million foreign visits in 2025, including 11.1 million classified as tourism visits, while investment in the sector reached approximately €2.4 billion.

Accommodation capacity also increased, with 179 additional facilities and more than 7,000 beds, bringing the national total to 4,482 establishments offering over 232,000 beds.

The royal itinerary brought attention to two complementary destinations. Astana combines contemporary architecture with national museums and institutions, while Almaty offers cultural attractions and access to the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Travel Tomorrow has previously explored the two cities’ growing tourism appeal, including opportunities to combine a stay in Almaty with skiing, hiking and mountain excursions.

Museums bring cultural diplomacy into focus

Cultural cooperation provided some of the visit’s most visible encounters. On 13 October, Tokayev accompanied Philippe and Mathilde to the National Museum of Kazakhstan in Astana, where works by Belgian artist James Ensor were displayed alongside the institution’s presentation of Kazakhstan’s heritage.

The exhibition brought a major figure in Belgian art into a Kazakh cultural setting, giving the royal programme a tangible expression of exchange between the two countries.

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The visit ended at the Almaty Museum of Arts, where the royal couple explored modern and contemporary works by Kazakh and international artists. A performance presented through cooperation with KANAL-Centre Pompidou in Brussels illustrated the links developing between cultural institutions in the two cities.

These exchanges also broaden the country’s international tourism profile. Alongside landscapes and historic traditions, contemporary museums offer another reason to visit and opportunities to encounter Kazakhstan through its artists. Partnerships with European institutions can sustain that dialogue through exhibitions, performances and professional collaboration beyond the official visit.

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Linking the Middle Corridor with European transport networks

Transport and logistics were central to the talks, particularly the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, commonly known as the Middle Corridor.

Tokayev and Philippe highlighted the route’s growing role in connecting Asia and Europe in their joint statement. At the Business Council, the King called for closer integration with European ports, railways and logistics hubs, emphasising Belgium’s expertise through the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

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Tokayev proposed closer practical cooperation between Antwerp-Bruges and Kazakhstan’s Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk. Kazakhstan is investing in railways, roads, seaports and terminals along the corridor, while Belgian experience in port management and multimodal logistics could support its development.

The discussions centred on freight connectivity and resilient supply chains. They reflected a wider effort to connect Kazakhstan’s infrastructure with established European transport networks as trade routes evolve.

For both countries, the partnership builds on their geographical positions: Belgium as an entry point to European markets and Kazakhstan as a transit country connecting different parts of Eurasia.

University exchanges build longer-term connections

Academic cooperation added another dimension to the visit. The Kazakhstan-Belgium Rectors’ Forum brought together leaders from 29 universities and research organisations at Astana’s Alem.ai International Centre.

More than 20 agreements and memorandums were signed, covering academic mobility, joint programmes and research. Participating Belgian institutions included Ghent University, KU Leuven and the University of Mons.

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Artificial intelligence featured prominently, with discussions addressing its use in teaching, research and university management. Language education, translation and multilingual academic communication were also on the agenda, alongside opportunities for research internships and joint qualifications.

The joint statement endorsed academic mobility and partnerships between universities and research centres. Such initiatives create opportunities for repeated travel and sustained professional contact, extending the relationship beyond government and business delegations.

Travel facilitation remains a separate priority

Closer academic and professional links also underline the importance of travel procedures. Travel Tomorrow reported in March that Kazakhstan and the EU were approaching the final phase of negotiations on visa facilitation, alongside discussions on readmission.

A future agreement could simplify procedures for Kazakh citizens travelling to Europe, supporting tourism, business visits and educational exchanges.

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During the royal visit, the two countries welcomed the entry into force of a protocol concerning visa exemptions for holders of service passports travelling between Kazakhstan and the Benelux countries. This is a separate diplomatic arrangement and does not introduce a general visa exemption for ordinary travellers.

Kazakhstan’s flag flied over Brussels’ Grand-Place

While the royal couple were in Kazakhstan, a public celebration brought Kazakh culture into the centre of Brussels.

On 12 October, Kazakhstan’s national flag was raised at Brussels City Hall on the Grand-Place for the first time, marking both the state visit and the country’s 35^th anniversary of independence.

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Supported by the City of Brussels and Belgium’s foreign ministry, the ceremony brought together embassy representatives, Kazakh students, community members and visitors. Students in traditional dress performed music and a festive flash mob, while guests sampled Kazakh dishes.

At one of Belgium’s best-known visitor landmarks, the celebration brought the diplomatic occasion into public view. Alongside museum partnerships and university exchanges, it gave residents and tourists an opportunity to encounter Kazakhstan through its culture and the people sharing it.

The outcomes of the state visit will be presented on Friday, 23 October, at the Press Club Brussels Europe.

L’article Belgian royal visit strengthens tourism, cultural and transport ties with Kazakhstan est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to an official press release published on 13 October, the new service will operate three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, using an Airbus A330-900 aircraft. The route will connect Rome Fiumicino Airport with Venezuela’s capital, offering passengers direct access between the two countries. 

The announcement follows cooperation between ITA Airways, aviation authorities and diplomatic representatives, including the Venezuelan Embassy in Italy. The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart and Venezuela’s Ambassador to Italy, María Elena Uzzo Giannattasio.

¡Caracas y Roma volverán a estar conectadas! Celebramos la suscripción de un Memorando de Entendimiento con ITA Airways para restablecer los vuelos directos entre ambas capitales a partir del 30 de marzo de 2027. https://t.co/3jauTJH2um

— Delcy Rodríguez (@delcyrodriguezv) October 13, 2026

“Rome and Caracas are once again connected by a direct flight: a service that goes beyond its commercial dimension, bringing people, families and businesses closer together and renewing the historic bond between Italy and Venezuela,” Eberhart said. 

Venezuelan ambassador María Elena Uzzo Giannattasio highlighted that the new air service “will serve as a bridge connecting our communities and supporting tourism, trade and cultural exchanges.”

According to the airline, the new connection is expected to benefit Italian companies active in Venezuela, boost tourism and commercial exchanges, and improve travel links for the country’s sizeable Italian community and people of Italian descent. Passengers will also be able to connect through Rome Fiumicino to other destinations across ITA Airways’ domestic and international network.

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Travel warnings remain in place

However, the announcement comes as foreign governments continue to warn travellers about security risks in Venezuela.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises against all travel to certain parts of Venezuela and all but essential travel to others. Although the UK government acknowledges that security conditions have improved in recent years, it warns that political, economic and operational conditions remain uncertain and can change rapidly.

British authorities also highlight risks including armed robbery, carjacking and violent demonstrations. Travellers arriving at Caracas’ Maiquetía International Airport are advised to exercise particular caution because of reported criminal activity around the airport and on routes into the city. 

#Venezuela: FCDO now advises against all travel to Amazonas state and to within 40km of the Colombia border. FCDO also advises against all but essential travel to remaining areas of Venezuela. Updated information about political and economic situation: https://t.co/IZxADP2Qja https://t.co/F6HKxrBaQ5

— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) October 14, 2026

Meanwhile, the US Department of State maintains a Level 3 advisory for Venezuela, urging Americans to reconsider travel because of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and natural disaster risks.

The advisory, issued on 27 June 2026, also designates several regions as Level 4, meaning travellers should not visit them under any circumstances. The US Embassy in Caracas resumed operations in March 2026, although consular services remain limited.

The planned service therefore highlights the contrast between efforts to strengthen international air connectivity and the continuing security concerns surrounding travel to Venezuela.

ITA Airways has presented the route as an opportunity to reinforce diplomatic, economic and cultural ties, with the first flights scheduled for the end of March 2027.

L’article ITA Airways to launch Rome–Caracas flights in March 2027 despite Venezuela travel warnings est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

1. York, England

In York, a ghost can be a souvenir as well as the subject of a frightening story. The York Ghost Merchants, a shop selling small ghost sculptures, organises Ghost Week, which runs from 24 October to 1 November this year. Its programme includes storytelling, creative workshops and a Gothic tea dance in York Cemetery Chapel. Visitors can also join the free Little York Ghost Hunt on selected evenings, searching for miniature figures hidden around the city. It gives you a reason to look twice into those shadowy corners. Finding something you can take home is considerably more reassuring than meeting an actual ghost.

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2. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin has a strong claim on Halloween visitors: this is the birthplace of Bram Stoker, the author who gave the world Dracula. The city celebrates that connection with the Bram Stoker Festival, running from 23 to 26 October 2026. The programme includes theatre, literary discussions and a parade, with events for families as well as fans of darker stories. It offers a chance to explore the writer’s legacy beyond the familiar image of a vampire in a cape. For a quieter encounter with the past, Glasnevin Cemetery offers a different perspective on the city through the lives of those buried there.

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3. Transylvania, Romania

Transylvania comes with a Halloween reputation that needs little introduction, but there is more to the region than plastic fangs. Bran Castle is its most recognisable vampire attraction, with towers and a rocky setting that help explain its popular association with Dracula. The connection needs a little care, though: Count Dracula is a fictional character, and Bram Stoker never visited Romania. The castle’s appeal lies in the mix of history and vampire legend. Beyond Bran, the medieval streets of Brașov and autumn forests of the Carpathian Mountains offer plenty of reasons to extend the trip. You can leave the cape in your suitcase for those outings.

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4. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges does not need to cover every building in cobwebs to create a Halloween setting. Its medieval streets and canals provide the atmosphere, particularly when explored after dark. Night tours introduce visitors to local legends and the more unsettling stories behind the city’s romantic appearance. Among them is a tale of a water ghost associated with the Lake of Love, giving that reassuring name a rather different meaning. Travellers who prefer museum displays to ghost stories can visit the Torture Museum, although its subject matter makes this a less gentle option. Afterwards, returning to the lights of the city’s squares may feel especially welcome.

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5. Prague, Czech Republic

In Prague, even the clock has a reminder that your time is running out. A skeleton representing Death forms part of the Astronomical Clock’s mechanical display, alongside its procession of apostles. Elsewhere, the city’s stories draw on alchemy, a historical practice that mixed early experiments with beliefs about transforming metals and discovering the secrets of life. For an excursion outside Prague, visitors can explore the folklore surrounding Houska Castle, north of the city. According to legend, its chapel covers an opening to hell, supposedly sealing dangerous creatures beneath the building. That is a supernatural story rather than an established account of its construction, but it certainly gives visitors something to think about while looking at the floor.

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6. Derry, Northern Ireland

Derry is an option for travellers who would rather join the Halloween celebrations than spend the evening waiting for something to jump out at them. Its annual festival brings performances, costumes and illuminated displays into the streets, with activities designed for different ages. Celtic folklore helps shape the celebrations, giving the spectacle a connection to the season’s older traditions. The carnival parade takes place on 31 October, turning Halloween night into a shared city celebration. Families can look for suitable activities in the programme, while groups of friends have an excuse to make dressing up part of the trip. Here, the other visitors are as much a part of the atmosphere as the setting.

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7. Copenhagen, Denmark

For those whose ideal Halloween involves more pumpkins than nightmares, Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens offers a gentler starting point. Its Halloween season runs from 2 October to 1 November 2026, combining autumn decorations with the historic amusement park’s rides and seasonal stalls. It suits a visit built around browsing, eating and enjoying the displays, with a few rides between stops. After dark, the Tivoli Lake becomes the setting for Halloween Illuminations, a show combining lasers, fire, smoke and water with music. The evening spectacle gives visitors a reason to stay beyond daylight, even if haunted corridors hold little appeal.

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Choosing where to go depends on what you want from a Halloween break. York, Dublin and Derry offer organised celebrations, while Transylvania and Prague invite visitors to explore the places behind enduring legends. Bruges lends itself to an atmospheric evening walk, and Copenhagen combines seasonal displays with amusement park entertainment. Check individual event dates and booking requirements before travelling, as some celebrations take place before Halloween itself. The hardest decision may be whether to pack a costume or leave room for a ghost souvenir.

L’article Ghost hunts and vampire legends: Seven European escapes for Halloween 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.