Bordered by Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan, the “sea” is in fact an inland body of water — the largest on the planet — a brackish lake fed by 130 rivers, with the Volga the main source. A remnant of the ancient Paratethys Sea (alongside the Aral Sea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov), it now has no outlets, so the amount of incoming water from rivers and rain, and the rate of evaporation are the factors that affect its levels. Those water levels have been declining since the mid-1990s, satellite imagery shows.

But now, scientists have found that global warming is worsening the situation, and even casual observers can see that the former shoreline along Azerbaijan’s Absheron Peninsula is shrinking to expose the seabed. The sea suffered a two-metre drop in water level between 1996 and 2023 and experts predict a loss of between five and 18 metres by 2100. 

“Climate change is accelerating evaporation and disrupting the water balance of the Caspian Sea,” says Dr. Elnur Safarov, of the IDEA Public Union and coordinator of the Caspian Integrated Scientific Network (CASPISNET).

It’s important because the declining water levels are impacting wildlife and humanity along the basin’s delta, wetlands, and reed beds. “Fish in the Caspian Sea, which include sturgeon and other endemic species, are losing their natural habitats,” says zoologist Dr Nijat Hasanov, adding that “Nesting, breeding and resting habitats for millions of birds, including pelicans, flamingos and ducks” are also in jeopardy.

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Other creatures who feed on the fish such as the endangered Caspian seal are now at greater risk, and human fishers face food insecurity too. Azerbaijani fishing communities now “have to go deeper into the sea to catch the same amount of fish they used to catch nearby the shore,” explains Farhad Mukhtarov, water governance specialist with the International Institute of Social Studies.

The “delicate hydrological balance” that needs to be achieved to address these serious concerns requires cooperation among “all five Caspian littoral states,” according to Mahir Aliyev, Coordinator of the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention. Marine safeguards and sustainable development principles have already been adopted by the five Caspian coastal nations, but Aliyev is calling again for “coordinated regional action” that he deems “essential to manage the environmental consequences across the basin.”

L’article Caspian Sea shrinking threatens wildlife and habitats, experts warn est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The feature works by integrating travel options into the existing TikTok experience. Users can discover hotels and activities through videos, search results, and location-based pages. When they find something they are interested in, they can view details, check availability, and complete a booking without leaving the app. TikTok GO is available only for users aged 18 and older who want to book travel-related services. The system is designed to reduce the number of steps between inspiration and purchase.

TikTok GO includes partnerships with several major travel companies, including Booking.com, Expedia, Trip.com, Viator, GetYourGuide, and Tiqets. These partners provide access to hotels and a wide range of activities across different destinations. GetYourGuide alone offers more than 200,000 experiences in over 12,000 destinations, showing the scale of content available through the platform. Pricing is set by each partner individually, depending on the service offered.

The launch highlights how TikTok is becoming more than a platform for travel inspiration. It now aims to connect discovery directly with booking, turning short videos into actionable travel decisions. The idea is to shorten the time between seeing a destination and booking it. This approach reflects a broader trend where social media platforms are increasingly involved in the travel planning process. TikTok has already tested similar booking features with a limited group of users in the United States before this wider rollout.

Creators also play an important role in TikTok GO. Travel content creators can connect their videos directly to bookable services and earn commissions through these links. This creates new opportunities for creators to monetise travel-related content beyond traditional brand deals. Businesses and tourism providers benefit from direct access to users who are already interested in travel inspiration. The system connects creators, travellers, and service providers in one ecosystem inside the app.

Users in the U.S. can now use TikTok GO to book hotels, tours, and experiences directly on the platform.

We’re making it easier to turn discovery into action. From your feed to your next destination, book in just a few taps.

Details: https://t.co/N7dF9Jwdos

— TikTok USDS Joint Venture (@tiktokusdsjv) May 12, 2026

The launch also reflects a wider shift in how travel is discovered and booked online. Social media platforms are increasingly influencing travel decisions, with many users relying on content to plan trips. Industry data suggests that social media inspiration often leads to travel-related purchases or decisions, although the path to booking is not always immediate. Travel remains a complex purchase, and users may still compare options before confirming a trip. TikTok GO aims to simplify this process by reducing friction between discovery and booking within the same platform.

TikTok GO is currently available only in the United States, but similar initiatives already exist in markets such as Indonesia and Japan. The company has also been expanding its travel-related advertising tools, showing a broader interest in the travel sector. With this launch, TikTok positions itself more directly within the travel booking ecosystem, moving closer to online travel agencies and established booking platforms.

L’article TikTok rolls out in-app hotel and experience bookings est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The project is designed as a phased experiment rather than a simple short-term test. Teams will first analyse airport operations in detail to identify where robots can be used safely and effectively. This will be followed by repeated trials that simulate real working conditions on the ground. The idea is to gradually build a system where robots and humans work together in a structured way. In the long term, the partners hope to create a more sustainable model for airport operations. 

The robots will initially be used for physically demanding tasks such as loading and unloading cargo containers and moving equipment on the tarmac. These machines are built in a humanoid form, meaning they can move in a way that is similar to humans and operate in spaces designed for people. This allows them to work within existing airport infrastructure without major changes. During demonstrations, a robot measuring around 130 centimetres was seen carefully pushing cargo onto a conveyor belt and even waving to a colleague. The robots can operate for two to three hours before needing to recharge, and they are currently controlled remotely by human operators, mirroring human movements. 

One of the main reasons behind this initiative is the growing labour shortage in Japan’s aviation sector. The country is dealing with a declining working-age population while at the same time welcoming a rising number of international visitors. More than seven million tourists arrived in Japan in just the first two months of 2026, adding pressure to airport services. Ground handling work is often physically demanding and requires long shifts, making it harder to attract and retain staff. By introducing robots, airlines hope to reduce the physical strain on workers and maintain smooth operations. 

The issue goes beyond aviation and reflects a broader national challenge. Japan may need more than 6.5 million foreign workers by 2040 to meet its economic goals as the domestic workforce continues to shrink. This creates political and social pressure, as immigration levels remain a sensitive topic. In this context, automation and robotics are increasingly seen as part of the solution. The use of humanoid robots in airports is therefore not only about efficiency, but also about responding to long-term demographic changes. 

The technology behind the robots combines artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, and remote operation. This allows them to perform tasks that require both strength and precision while still being supervised by human operators. GMO Internet Group, the parent company involved in the project, has even declared 2026 as the “First Year of Humanoids”. The aim is to accelerate the use of this technology across different industries, not just aviation. Airports are being used as a testing ground because they present real-world challenges that require adaptable solutions. 

Robots are already present in some Japanese airports, where they are used for tasks such as security patrols and customer service. The introduction of humanoid robots for ground handling is, therefore, a continuation of an ongoing trend rather than a completely new development. What makes this project different is the focus on physically demanding back-end operations that have traditionally relied on human labour. These tasks are less visible to passengers but are essential for keeping flights running on time. 

Japan’s labor shortage is so severe it burned through its entire 5-year quota for foreign restaurant workers in record time.

The food service sector (restaurants, hospital/nursing home meal services) hit its 50,000 cap early – new Specified Skilled Worker visa applications…

— World of Statistics (@stats_feed) April 26, 2026

Despite the growing role of automation, human workers will remain essential in airport operations. Certain responsibilities, especially those related to safety and decision-making, cannot be handled by robots. Officials involved in the project have made it clear that the goal is to support employees rather than replace them. By taking over repetitive and physically heavy tasks, robots could help improve working conditions and reduce fatigue. Human oversight will continue to be necessary to ensure that all operations meet strict safety standards.

The trial at Haneda Airport reflects a wider shift in the global aviation industry. Airports around the world are exploring new technologies to handle increasing passenger numbers and improve efficiency. These include biometric boarding systems, automated baggage handling, and autonomous vehicles. Humanoid robots could become another tool in this transition, especially in locations where labour shortages are becoming more severe. Their ability to work in human-designed environments gives them an advantage over more specialised machines.

In the future, the role of these robots could expand beyond cargo handling. Japan Airlines is already considering using them for tasks such as cleaning aircraft cabins and operating ground support equipment. As the technology improves, robots may become more autonomous and capable of interacting more naturally with both staff and passengers. If the current trial proves successful, similar systems could be introduced at other airports in Japan and beyond. This would mark an important step towards a more automated and flexible airport environment.

L’article Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to trial humanoid robots for ground operations est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Known for being the most sensitive to every movement of the aircraft, it comes with a host of additional drawbacks. It sits right next to the economy class lavatories, where queues tend to form, people linger, chat, lean, and occasionally perch while waiting their turn. And to top it all off, you often cannot even recline your seat.

Not to mention the lingering mix of odours, once partially masked – or perhaps worsened – by cigarette smoke, back when the rear rows were reserved for smokers.

In an effort to remedy this and revamp the least desirable seats on board, Collins Aerospace has reimagined the space as a “semi-private retreat”, or “mini-suite”, aptly named SkyNook.

The aim is to turn it into a space travellers might actively seek out, rather than avoid. The design isolates the seat from the aisle with a deployable privacy divider, reducing noise and shielding passengers from passing traffic — an approach reminiscent of layouts typically found in premium business- and first-class cabins.

The company notes that the cocoon-like space allows passengers “extra seclusion to feed and soothe young children, minimise disruptions to fellow passengers, or simply relax in a more peaceful retreat”.

The design also makes use of an often-overlooked structural constraint, as “widebody fuselages taper inward toward the back of the aircraft, often reducing the standard triple economy row of seats into a double”, explains Collins. This, in turn, leaves “unutilised space between the sidewall and the seat”, which SkyNook turns into an asset.

The result is a more cocoon-like space with just two seats, where the additional room can be used for a bassinet, a pet, or simply a place to work or eat. The trade-off, however, is that it removes the possibility of lying across three seats. A Facebook user called it “a wasted opportunity” and said, “wider seats would make it much more attractive”.

In a press release, Jeffrey McKee, director of customer experience design at Collins Aerospace, said the concept is part of a broader effort to improve flying for all passengers, “transforming a frequently overlooked area into a serene retreat that maximises functionality, comfort and flexibility for families, passengers with service animals, or those with sensory considerations”.

The design has already received industry recognition, winning first prize in the passenger comfort category at the Crystal Cabin Awards, presented during the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, a benchmark for cabin innovation.

Online, reactions have been mixed. Some users remain sceptical, dismissing it as “the same thing with a new way to charge more”, or doubting it will reach production, noting that “manufacturers love to show concepts that rarely make it onto planes”. Others see a practical fix. “This was the row clients complained about most,” one former travel agent wrote. “Great to make it more appealing.”

There is also cautious enthusiasm for the added space, though the branding raised eyebrows: “A suite? I guess I have a very different idea of what a suite is.”

SkyNook is not the only concept attempting to rethink economy class. United Airlines plans to roll out a lie-flat option for economy passengers in 2027, while other designs include double-level seating concepts such as the Chaise Longue. Meanwhile, Air New Zealand is taking a more immediate step by introducing bunk beds for economy passengers, allowing travellers on long-haul flights to book a dedicated sleeping space for a few hours.

L’article New aircraft design transforms most dreaded seat into a semi-private retreat est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

This new feature reflects a broader shift in how people consume content online. Instead of searching for a title or browsing through menus, many users now prefer to scroll and discover content in a more passive way. Platforms like YouTube have already adopted this approach with short-form videos. By bringing this format into its own app, Netflix is trying to keep users engaged for longer periods. The idea is to reduce the time it takes to choose something to watch and make the experience more intuitive.

Netflix has been testing this vertical feed since last year and is now ready to launch it more widely. The company believes that short clips can directly lead users to watch full-length content. This approach also opens the door to new formats, such as video podcasts, which are becoming more popular. By including them in the feed, Netflix is expanding beyond its usual mix of films and series.

Artificial intelligence is another key part of this strategy. Netflix already uses AI to recommend content, but it now wants to improve these systems further. Last year, the company introduced a search tool powered by AI, allowing users to find content using more natural language. It helps Netflix understand what viewers like and suggest content that matches their preferences more accurately.

“We have been in personalization and recommendation for two decades, but we still see tremendous room to make it better by leveraging newer technologies,” Gregory Peters said. He explained that new AI systems help improve recommendations and make updates more efficient. This means the platform can better adjust suggestions depending on what users are watching, whether it is a series, a documentary, or a short clip. The goal is to make it easier for users to find content they like, without spending too much time searching.

Competition in the entertainment industry is evolving. Netflix is no longer only competing with other streaming services, but also with social media platforms that capture a large share of people’s screen time. Short-form video has become one of the most popular ways to consume content, especially on mobile devices. By adopting this format, Netflix is trying to stay relevant in a crowded digital landscape.

There are also potential benefits for travellers, which fit with changing viewing habits. Many people watch content on their phones while commuting, flying, or waiting in airports. A short video feed can help them quickly find something to watch during a limited amount of time. It may also highlight travel documentaries or series that users would not have found otherwise. This makes the platform more flexible for people who are often on the move.

Netflix’s strategy is supported by strong financial results. The company reported revenue of $12.25 billion (€10.6 billion) in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of more than 16% compared to the previous year. Profit rose sharply to $5.28 billion (€4.7 billion), showing that its business model remains strong. At the same time, co-founder Reed Hastings is expected to step down from the board, marking a new phase for the company. With more than 300 million subscribers worldwide, Netflix continues to look for new ways to grow. 

The introduction of a vertical feed raises new questions about the future of streaming. It could lead to new types of content, including shorter videos created specifically for mobile viewing. It may also change how films and series are promoted, with clips becoming a key part of discovery. Other streaming platforms could follow this approach if it proves successful. For now, Netflix is aiming to combine long-form entertainment with the fast-paced style of short-form video. 

L’article Netflix adds vertical video feed and boosts AI to reshape content discovery est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The German carrier is marking the milestone with a series of commemorative events centred on Berlin, where its original inaugural flights departed in 1926. The anniversary programme blends symbolism and spectacle, retracing historic routes while showcasing the airline’s modern fleet and global reach.

Recreating the first journeys

At the heart of the celebrations are two special flights departing from Berlin in the afternoon, mirroring the airline’s first routes to Zurich and Cologne.

In 1926, these journeys were operated using small aircraft with only a handful of passengers. One flight famously carried a newlywed couple, while another had just a single traveller on board.

A century later, the contrast is striking. Lufthansa will deploy a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and an Airbus A350-900, both featuring a special anniversary livery with an oversized white crane on a blue background, symbolising the airline’s centenary.

The two aircraft, operating as flights LH1926 and LH2026, will take off simultaneously at around 3:00 pm. While today’s versions will fly direct, they will pass over the same cities that served as stopovers in 1926, including Halle, Erfurt, Stuttgart and Magdeburg, offering a symbolic link between past and present.

Tickets for the flights sold out within days, underlining strong public interest in the historic occasion.

Celebrations in Berlin and beyond

The commemorations begin earlier in the day, with two long haul aircraft departing from Lufthansa’s main hubs in Frankfurt and Munich to Berlin, carrying more than 400 invited guests, including employees, partners, journalists and aviation influencers.

A formal ceremony is scheduled at Berlin Brandenburg Airport, where more than 600 guests are expected to attend. The event will reflect on the airline’s evolution from its early beginnings to its position today as one of Europe’s leading aviation groups.

Large crowds are also anticipated at the airport’s visitor terrace, as well as in Zurich and Cologne, where aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters are expected to gather to witness the anniversary flights.

The original departures took place from Berlin Tempelhof, once one of Europe’s most iconic airports. Although operations have long since moved to Berlin Brandenburg, the symbolic return to the German capital underscores Lufthansa’s historical roots.

From modest beginnings to global carrier

The anniversary highlights how far commercial aviation has come over the past century. What began in 1926 with small aircraft and minimal passenger numbers has evolved into a global network connecting millions of travellers each year.

The Lufthansa Group now operates a fleet of more than 700 aircraft across its airlines, carrying over 120 million passengers annually and connecting Europe with destinations worldwide through its major hubs in Frankfurt and Munich.

L’article Lufthansa marks 100 years with historic Berlin flight reenactments  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In fact, once the conflict de escalates, the UAE may not simply recover. It may consolidate its position as the region’s undisputed tourism powerhouse. That is not a romantic assumption. It is a structural one.

A structural advantage in times of crisis

The countries that emerge strongest after geopolitical shocks are usually not those untouched by disruption, but those with the deepest infrastructure, the strongest institutional credibility and the clearest global market positioning. On all three fronts, the UAE stands apart. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are no longer competing merely as regional destinations; they are operating as global platforms for tourism, aviation, investment, hospitality and events.

When uncertainty reshapes traveller behaviour, demand typically flows towards destinations that feel safest, most organised and most reliable. In the post-conflict phase, international travellers, airlines, investors and event organisers are unlikely to reward ambiguity. They will reward continuity. The UAE has spent years building exactly that brand.

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A global tourism ecosystem

Dubai, in particular, has become more than a leisure city. It is a logistics hub, a premium stopover market, a global retail destination, a cruise gateway and one of the world’s most recognisable tourism brands. Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, has matured into a complementary force, combining culture, luxury, sports, entertainment and institutional tourism strategy under a more diversified visitor economy. Together, they create a tourism ecosystem few regional competitors can match. This is why the UAE’s post-war advantage could become more pronounced, not less.

Hamdan bin Mohammed announces the citywide introduction of contactless hotel check-in technology. pic.twitter.com/hKC10Gxgn0

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 9, 2025

Trust as a competitive currency

In moments of regional instability, perception becomes currency. Travellers who may once have considered several Middle Eastern destinations often narrow their choices quickly. Airlines do the same. So do conference organisers, luxury tour operators and global hospitality investors. In that environment, the UAE benefits from a powerful competitive edge: it is already familiar, already connected and already trusted by international markets. That trust is one of the most undervalued assets in tourism economics.

A destination can build hotels, airports and attractions. Building confidence is far harder. The UAE has done both. Its tourism model is supported by world-class aviation, streamlined visitor services, high-capacity accommodation, diversified source markets and a government apparatus that understands the strategic value of tourism not as a side industry, but as a pillar of national competitiveness. That last point is essential.

Tourism as an integrated economic system

For the UAE, tourism has never been treated as seasonal demand generation alone. It has been positioned as part of a larger economic architecture tied to trade, aviation, real estate, global events, investment promotion and soft power. This integrated model gives the country unusual resilience. When one segment slows, others continue to support momentum. Business travel feeds hotels. Airlines feed stopovers. Events feed restaurants, retail and premium transport. Tourism in the UAE is not a silo; it is an ecosystem.

pic.twitter.com/X6coHbnYGk

— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) March 17, 2026

Ecosystems recover faster than isolated sectors

There is also a market share story embedded in this crisis. Post-war recovery across the Middle East is unlikely to be even. Some destinations may take longer to restore traveller confidence. Others may face slower airline normalisation or weaker international messaging. The UAE does not need every market in the region to recover at the same speed in order to win. It simply needs to recover faster than the alternatives.

That is a realistic scenario.

If the conflict subsides, Dubai and Abu Dhabi could capture redirected leisure demand, larger stopover volumes, premium travel seeking reassurance and a greater share of MICE and corporate mobility flows. Investors, too, may view the UAE even more favourably as a stable operating base in a region where stability itself has become a premium asset. In other words, a crisis may strengthen the UAE’s relative advantage.

Resilience in the face of disruption

This does not mean the country is immune to near-term pain. Aviation disruption, higher insurance costs, volatile fuel prices and shifts in booking sentiment are real pressures. No serious analysis should dismiss them. But long-term winners in tourism are often defined less by whether they face shocks and more by how convincingly they absorb them. 

The UAE has repeatedly shown an ability to do exactly that. Its brand has been built not only on luxury and spectacle, but also on predictability, speed and execution. In a post-war environment, those qualities will matter more than ever. Travellers will place greater value on seamless airports, dependable airlines, strong safety perception, digital convenience and destinations that signal normality from the moment they land. That is where the UAE’s true competitive power lies.

Dubai ranks first regionally and sixth globally in the Smart City Index 2026, issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). pic.twitter.com/1RS4jcyK0x

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 1, 2026

A shift towards global dominance

The bigger story, then, is not whether UAE tourism can rebound after the Iran-Israel-US war. It is whether the crisis will ultimately accelerate a trend already underway: the UAE’s rise from a leading regional tourism market to an even more dominant global travel and mobility hub.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) awards the contract for Phase I of Dubai Walk Master Plan in Al Ras. The phase covers the development of the Historic Al Ras Walkway, comprising 12 km of walkways and 5 km of cycling tracks, alongside the rehabilitation of 10 artistic… pic.twitter.com/Qdug4XKgs1

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 22, 2026

That possibility should not be underestimated

Because when the region reopens psychologically, not just operationally, the destinations best positioned to win will be those that represent certainty in an uncertain geography. The UAE has spent years investing in that identity. And once the war ends, that investment may pay off at an even higher level.

L’article Why UAE tourism may emerge even stronger after the Iran-Israel-US war est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

What if the waste material produced when brewing beer could actually be used to make something else completely, something that could replace animal leather or its not-so-eco-friendly plastic alternatives? New Grain, a faux leather made by the British start-up Arda, does just that.

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The company has developed a method that transforms protein structures of spent grain from the beer and whisky industry into animal-like proteins, which can then be used to make a plastic-free faux leather. And while other alternatives, such as cellulose or mycelium-based leathers, have been available for some time, contrary to many, Arda doesn’t use any plastic binders or coatings to produce the material.

“We are one of extremely few solutions that have remained completely plastic-free. The interim class of materials [made to replace leather and synthetics] still ended up having to rely on adding different petrochemical or plastic binders or top coats to perform, and that’s kind of become the standard. We really don’t see that as a long-term solution, and neither do customers in textiles and fashion”, Arda commercial lead Camelia Hamdi-Cherif said in an interview with Dezeen.

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What’s next?

Based in the London neighbourhood of Bermondsey, the idea to combine the brewing and leather industry wasn’t a total coincidence. Historically, it was well-known as a leather tanning district, and nowadays, many breweries are located in the region. This gave Arda-founders Edward Mitchell and Brett Cotten the idea to experiment with the waste material, commonly used as animal feed.

During the process, plant proteins are unravelled into long, neat protein chains before being linked to each other to create a collagen-like substance. The procedure is not unlike the one used to create plant-based meat alternatives in the food industry. Once pigments have been added to obtain the right colour, the liquid is poured into a textured container in order to create the right pattern for the faux leather.

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As manufacturing New Grain uses waste materials, as well as existing equipment from the brewing and the polyurethane industry, Arda believes it could easily be made cost-competitive with animal and faux leather within three to four years.

The beer-based faux leather is currently in the demonstration phase. According to Arda, New Grain has a carbon footprint 97% lower than cow leather and 82% lower than synthetic leather. In theory, the material should be biodegradable once put on the market. The start-up has already established partnerships with beer company AB InBev and whisky company Diageo, ahead of a limited commercial launch somewhere over the course of 2026.

L’article London-based start-up transforms beer waste into plastic-free faux leather est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Bookable from 5 March 2026 via the Uber app, Uber Aurora is set to operate out of Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in northern Finland, gateway to the Northern Lights and known as the “official” hometown of Santa Claus. The city also boasts Arktikum, a museum and science centre exploring the Arctic region and the history of Finnish Lapland.

With limited places available on the complimentary service, would-be participants are advised to get their reservation in early, especially given that seeing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is now among the most “sought-after travel experiences of the decade,” according to online travel agency eSkyGroup. Bookings for Finland surged by 2,300% in the 2024-2025 season.

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Those lucky enough to confirm an Uber Aurora reservation will be collected from Rovaniemi and enjoy between six and eight hours of Northern Light viewing, accompanied by experts from local tour operator Arctic GM, tasked with finding the best places for their guests to see the phenomenon and capture it on camera.

Arctic GM has described the lights as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.” Alexander Rytilahti, a manager at the firm, said: “We’re excited to combine our local knowledge with Uber’s platform to give guests the best possible chance to experience the aurora in a comfortable, easy, and safe way.”

Echoing that, Maurits Schönfeld, senior director of Uber Northern Europe, hailed the aurora as “one of the world’s most iconic bucket-list experiences” and said Uber is “proud to help more visitors and locals witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon and experience the Arctic at its most magical.”

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2026 is an exceptionally good year for observing the Northern Lights because it’s a “solar maximum” year, during which the Sun’s 11-year cycle of activity reaches an intense peak. That means an increase in the geomagnetic storms, flares, coronal ejections, and sunspots that are behind the lights we see from Earth. The equinoxes, when the sun crosses the celestial equator, around 20 March and 20 September, will also feed into the spectacle.

Uber recently branched out into its first snowmobile service, coinciding with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Uber Snowmobile offers one-hour rides through the Dolomites in the hands of local experts, Snowdreamers.

L’article Uber Aurora launches in Finland with free Northern Lights tours during solar maximum est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

This year, for the first time, there is a Regenerative Tourism category in the Global Responsible Tourism Awards. Consider applying or encourage others to.

Regenerative tourism is, in my view, an exemplary example of Responsible Tourism; it is very difficult to achieve. It is arguably the highest form of Responsible Tourism. I have wanted, for a few years, to introduce a regenerative tourism category into our Responsible Tourism Awards, which have been running since 2004. Every year we discover outstanding examples of businesses and destinations where change makers have stepped up, taken responsibility, and achieved change across the environmental, social, and economic pillars of the sustainability agenda.

Over the last twelve months, I have become concerned about the increasing use of regenerative travel and tourism in marketing as businesses and destinations use the concept to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Whilst Responsible Tourism is well-established and growing, Regenerative Tourism is an increasingly widely used term: 

In an article in Forbes magazine in April 2024, Amanda Ho, co-founder of the travel platform aptly named Regenerative Travel, defines it in its most simplistic form:

“It’s a type of travel that is an act of restoring, replenishing, and renewing the environment and community. It’s a reciprocity of how the destination and hotel provider really look to actually contribute to a positive impact. It’s the restoration of the bond that we have with communities and nature.”

Regenerative travel moves beyond sustainability: “By actively seeking to restore and regenerate the environment, cultures, and communities impacted by tourism, regenerative travel aims to leave a destination better than it was found, promoting biodiversity, supporting local economies, and fostering cultural exchange and understanding.”

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The Cambridge dictionary gives two examples of the use of the word regeneration:

1. Economic regeneration “the act of improving a place or system, especially by making it more active or successful”.
2. Biological, medical, agricultural “the act of something growing or being grown again.”

Academics and practitioners writing about Regenerative Tourism share much of this thinking, as I demonstrated in a review of the relationship between Responsible Tourism and Regenerative Travel published last year. However, no firm definition of regenerative tourism has yet emerged in the industry or in academia, and as Hussain & Haley have pointed out, “there is a high risk of ‘green washing’ and inappropriate adaptation of a regenerative model.”

The 2026 ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards include a regenerative tourism category for the first time. We recognise that regenerative tourism is the most ambitious form of Responsible Tourism, but that it is plagued by greenwashing. We therefore seek to support the idea and those who are achieving it by demonstrating what is required to justify the use of the Regenerative Tourism label. 

In 2026, we are looking for destinations and businesses:

1. Where tourism is making a significant contribution to economic regeneration and to the livelihoods of the local community.
2. Drawing on its roots in biology, medicine, and agriculture, the ambition is transformational. “Regenerative thinking dares us to imagine systems that actively create life, resilience, and beauty — for people, places, and the planet. It’s not the end goal. It’s a design principle. A mindset. A new way of belonging.”

This includes, but is not limited to, the closure of marine and terrestrial areas to tourists to facilitate regeneration, as well as tourism businesses and destinations replanting and reintroducing native species.

L’article Why Regenerative Travel matters est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.