The cathedral city of Hereford was once an important military centre. That was a few centuries ago but, today, Herefordshire is a real leader in other ways, from innovation and championing local products to the sheer friendliness of its people.

Here are 10 reasons to put Herefordshire on your travel list.

1. Start the day in style

As you’re in England, what better way to start the day than by sampling some of the county’s best produce, including a full English breakfast, perhaps?

There are a couple of spots well worth trying, including the lovely Castle House Hotel in Hereford, whose wholesome breakfast offering is open to both guests and non-guests. It also has an interesting Benelux connection, having once been owned by Albert Heijn, the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands.

Away from the county’s main city, you’ll find the terrific, multi-award-winning Lowe Farm B&B, set in the rolling Herefordshire countryside and celebrating its 30th anniversary next year.

The place is lovingly overseen by Juliet Williams, a larger-than-life character who serves up delicious and healthy breakfasts sourced almost entirely from local products and producers.

Juliet, who is nearing 70 but remains full of energy and enthusiasm for what she does, has welcomed a staggering 27,000 guests since opening, including the Spanish ambassador to the UK and coachloads of Japanese tourists. Some 60% are repeat visitors, a clear sign of the quality of service she provides.

Juliet and her husband Clive also boast a minor Belgian connection: the best man at their wedding was from Belgium. She takes great pride in sourcing her products locally and cooking with healthy ingredients, some sourced from the same local butcher used by famous TV chef James Martin.

2. Discover Hereford’s history

2026 marks the 1,350th anniversary of the Hereford diocese and the city oozes history.

One must-visit attraction is Hereford Cathedral, dating back to Saxon times, and its Mappa Mundi, one of the world’s unique medieval treasures. Constructed on a single sheet of vellum more than 700 years ago, the map shows how the world was interpreted by scholars at the time.

Look closely and you’ll spot Ghent on the map in the Europe section, curiously located in the bottom left of the world.

Close by is the equally wonderful Chained Library, home to some 229 medieval manuscripts and more than 1,200 early printed books. It is the largest library of its kind to survive with all its chains, rods and locks intact.

The magnificent cathedral is also home to impressive architecture, a mighty Willis organ, stained glass, including a tribute to the UK’s SAS, which is based locally, and numerous works of art. It is all brought to life by a 400-strong team of volunteers who are passionate about what they do.

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A short walk away is Hereford’s historic Town Hall, home to the current Lady Mayor, something of a rarity as there have only been seven women mayors in the city’s entire history.

Tours are available, offering an insight into Hereford’s rich history and a reminder that its castle was once second only in size to Windsor.

The city boasts another proud record: along with the City of London, it has never been defeated in battle.

There is also another historical connection to Belgium. In the council chamber, where the mayor presides over meetings, a framed and unusual Union Jack hangs above one of the doors, featuring a central shield with a French inscription.

The inscription reads: “Expression of our gratitude to our benefactors Mr & Mrs GB Greenland and members of the Committee – Belgian refugees in Hereford, Nov 9th 1915.”

Following the German invasion of Belgium in August 1914, roughly 250,000 Belgian refugees fled to Britain. Hereford City Council holds the distinction of being the first British city to officially step forward and offer hospitality and sanctuary to displaced Belgian families.

On 9 November 1915, Belgian refugees living in Hereford presented a silk flag to Mayor G.B. Greenland as a permanent token of friendship and “immense gratitude” for the local community’s safe housing and kindness.

Tours of the Town Hall are overseen by the entertaining Scotsman John Marshall, the Mayor’s Officer. He is responsible for looking after some serious silverware, including the 349-year-old Civic Sword, mayoral robes, including one used in Queen Victoria’s coronation, and the mayoral golden chain, which dates from the 1800s.

There’s precious little that the very likeable John doesn’t know about Hereford and its rich history. Like so many others in the county, he genuinely loves his job, so much so that he is happy to extend his planned retirement to continue doing it.

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3. Meet the local artisans

Whisky production in a traditional cider county? Well, yes, and very good it is too.

At least that is the case at Rosemaund Farm Distillery, which has recently been brought back under family ownership. Described as the “largest little distillery in Herefordshire”, the site, formerly home to Chase Distillery, is a real hive of activity and has just marked its latest release, “The Director’s Cut”.

The sprawling site even boasts a touch of Hollywood glitz, as world-famous film director Guy Ritchie is involved with his Wild Kitchen/Wild Table concept, an outdoor cooking and dining experience where a full meal can be enjoyed after a tour of the impressive whisky-making operation.

Criss-crossing some of the county’s marvellous, meandering country roads leads to another laudable local artisan: Monkland Cheese Dairy.

It was run for more than three decades by Mark and Karen Hindle, who now operate the adjacent café, while former chef Dean Storey owns the dairy, makes the cheeses and runs tours.

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While the French may be world-renowned for their cheeses, here’s proof, if it were needed, that the Brits can do the job just as well.

Public tours offer the chance to see up close how its delicious cheeses are made, partly using an impressive Dutch Gouda vat capable of holding 1,000 litres of cow’s milk.

4. Enjoy a spot of lunch

Back in Hereford, the county’s entrepreneurial spirit is certainly alive and kicking at The Yard, a collective of small-scale eateries.

Overseeing things are two go-ahead brothers, Edwin and Dorian Kirk, who offer vital mentoring to would-be local start-ups.

Ed says: “We help people who are just starting out to build up their own business and become owners themselves. In a way, it is all about achieving their dreams, just as me and Dorian have managed to do.”

After trekking around all morning, it’s a great place for a filling, tasty but affordable light lunch, be it pizza, a burger or steak, accompanied by one of the local ales.

As with so many places here, it is all about cutting food miles and “buying local”, with much of the food sourced directly from local producers.

If you happen to visit in late October, the space transforms for Oktoberfest, complete with Bavarian beers and music.

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5. Try your hand at pottery

One of the reasons this county is described as a hidden gem is its welcoming locals, including Jon Williams and Sarah Monk, who run Eastnor Pottery.

Having met at art school in Bath, the couple moved to “idyllic” Herefordshire, where they live and work on the Eastnor Castle estate, offering enjoyable potter’s wheel experiences alongside making their own ceramics.

It’s an opportunity to get hands-on with one of the county’s creative traditions and experience another side of rural Herefordshire.

6. Explore Eastnor Castle

After having fun on the potter’s wheel, make time to admire Eastnor Castle, home of the Hervey-Bathurst family, with lavish interiors containing medieval armour, fine art and yet another reminder of Belgium.

This comes in the shape of impressive Belgian tapestries, including three from Bruges in the Staircase Hall and more in the Gothic Dining Room.

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James Hervey-Bathurst, the current owner, moved here with his family in 1989, but his family have been there since 1949 and have ancestral links to the original owners going back centuries.

He recalls: “We were presented with a wonderful but daunting challenge.”

That’s a reference to the rundown state of the property, which has since been restored to its former glory.

Before leaving, take a look in the grounds at something you might not expect to see in rural England: a segment of the Berlin Wall.

James bought the three-metre-high, 2.6-tonne section last year and had it shipped to the UK. He hopes its presence, close to the deer park, reminds visitors of how conflict can divide people and communities, a message as relevant today as ever.

7. Discover more of the countryside

You need to allow time to fully experience everything this county has to offer.

Time and energy permitting, there’s plenty more to keep visitors busy, including Black Mountain Adventure near Brecon, Canwood Gallery, a contemporary art space, and the many farm shops dotted across the landscape.

These include Oakchurch, just the place to stock up on some lovely local produce before heading home.

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8. Taste the local food scene

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to sampling the county’s wonderful local produce, whether in the north, south, east or west.

In the south, at Woolhope, for instance, is The Crown, a terrific pub and restaurant run by another friendly Herefordian, Annalisa Slocombe.

The recently refurbished eatery serves a mix of pub classics, including good old fish and chips, along with local beers.

Located in a tiny village of around 200 residents, the menu is constantly evolving. But, as Annalisa explains, favourites such as steak remain “to avoid a customer revolt”. From the end of this month, she hopes to have eight en-suite rooms available too.

Cricket lovers will feel at home here, with plenty of memorabilia on the walls, including a bat used at the England v New Zealand Test in 1999 and a collection of Wisden books dating back to 1988.

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Another great place, this time back in Hereford, is The Beefy Boys. Hereford was the first location in what has become a fast-growing chain, with its latest restaurant scheduled to open in Cambridge later this month.

The county is renowned worldwide for the quality of its beef and that, along with great service, is one reason why the burgers here stand out. The meat is sourced from a single local farm.

The Beefy Boys story started in Hereford and the venue has expanded in recent years to accommodate up to 250 people.

Assistant General Manager Kai says: “Even midweek it’s bustling here and we’re still growing.”

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Not too far away, to the east, is L’Ecole des Amis, which serves refined French cuisine in a beautifully restored old schoolhouse.

At the helm are Cedric L’Herbier, who hails from Le Touquet in France, and Bruce Havard.

Cedric, who has more than 40 years’ experience in the restaurant trade in both the UK and France, recalls how the rundown building was badly in need of “some TLC” when they acquired it.

A rapid restoration, completed in just 12 months, has resulted in a lovely, informal place to enjoy top-class cuisine that Cedric describes as “unsophisticated and unpretentious”.

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They change a couple of dishes every few weeks and there is also a brasserie-style lunch menu.

On opening night, an estimated 80% of customers travelled from where Cedric previously worked in another part of the county, about 18 miles away, and he and Bruce continue to command a loyal customer base.

It is largely down to the fresh food, cooked with real care, which makes one Frenchman glad that he took the plunge for “one last adventure” in his working life.

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9. Stay in the Herefordshire countryside

If you enjoy peace and quiet, with a few animals for company, Pudleston Court could be the place for you.

Nestled in 50 acres of beautiful private parkland, it’s hard to imagine you are just a few kilometres from the busy town of Leominster.

It is home to seven holiday lets, five of which are original estate buildings, formerly used for everything from housing geese to a rifle range, and all have been carefully refurbished.

One, the delightful Meadow View, is a barn conversion sleeping up to six people with its own private pool. It boasts underfloor heating, three bedrooms, a log-burning stove and a delightful terrace.

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Don’t be surprised if, on arrival, you are greeted by some curious “locals”: peacocks roam freely around the estate, while charming young alpacas can be found in a nearby field.

There is also another connection to the Heijn family, who formerly owned the property. The current owner is a Swiss woman who fell in love with it after reading an article about it in Country Life magazine.

She had always dreamed of owning her own English castle and this was her chance to do just that.

She has overseen a careful restoration that is still ongoing, with future plans including expansion into the corporate market through company stays, board meetings and training days.

Approached via those unique meandering roads, where the only hold-up is likely to be cattle crossing, this is a genuine oasis of peace and tranquillity in an increasingly hectic world.

And there’s yet another Belgian connection: Rhi Baines, the Chief Operating Officer, has fond memories of Belgium after celebrating her 21^st birthday in Brussels.

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10. Enjoy a road trip from mainland Europe

It could hardly be easier for people travelling by car from mainland Europe, including Belgium. Once off the ferry or shuttle, motorways cover much of the journey to Herefordshire.

After navigating the M25 around London, travellers can continue via the M40 and Gloucester or the M40 and Worcester.

There are no motorways in Herefordshire itself, however, so allow a little extra time for getting around.

It all adds up to a great getaway, whatever the time of year. Pay a visit and it’s easy to see why this pretty part of England is described as a “hidden gem”.

One excellent way of finding out more about this creative county is through Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, a leading independent destination marketing company.

It supports Herefordshire’s food and drink businesses, accommodation providers, activities, leisure venues and events, while also promoting the county’s craftspeople, creatives and artisans.

L’article 10 reasons to discover Herefordshire, England’s ‘hidden gem’ est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The autumn season brings a wealth of sporting events to Europe—42% of the marathon calendar in fact— including the Berlin marathon in September, as well as those in Amsterdam, Budapest, Lisbon, and Munich in October, and more. That’s alongside fitness races across cities as varied as Birmingham, Bordeaux, Karlsruhe, Oslo, and Valencia, among others, promoted by HYROX, a running community that has gained tens of thousands of members since its 2017 launch.

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The rising popularity of running can be traced online on platforms like TikTok, where posts giving travel advice linked to international Hyrox races, go viral. The movement is also evident in Strava data that shows new running clubs nearly quadrupled in 2025, pushing the platform past one million total active groups, with worldwide participation jumping 59% year-on-year.

Runners are increasingly taking that passion on leisure trips with them, according to Google searches for “marathon abroad” which have seen a 1,255% increase in the past year. One Bókun analysis of 30-day Google Trends data linking spikes in queries about short city breaks to destinations where marathons and fitness events are taking place.

Examples shared included Hamburg, which is hosting a HYROX event at the end of October. The “What to do for a day in Hamburg” search term had a 500% surge in Google searches, while Lisbon was up 400%, and Munich too by 250%. Berlin also enjoyed a 119% increase in similar interest, as did Budapest (+84%), and Amsterdam (+70%).

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The apparent rise of running as a leisure activity and the desire to combine it with a travel experience, tie in with wider trend data showing travel consumers are increasingly seeking to immerse themselves in the culture and events scenes of the places they visit, whether that means finding sport, music, gastronomy, or other leisure interests that they can take part in while they are away.

Meanwhile, those seeking a bargain break who do not mind missing marathon dates or big events, could find room rates are cheaper and less pressure on tickets if they can avoid key moments in the calendar.

For industry stakeholders, there is a new segment to address with products and experiences that appeal to them, and for destinations, events present a way to tempt visitors to consider a trip beyond the usual seasonal limits. As Samuel Jefferies at Bókun said: “The rise of racecations presents an exciting opportunity to attract new customers and drive bookings beyond the traditional summer peak.”

L’article Autumn running events drive travel as searches rise est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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The suite is designed to make getting ready for a concert part of the trip. It has a dressing area, illuminated mirrors, artwork inspired by Dion’s shows and a wall of microphones where guests can sing. Metallic finishes and lighting add to the backstage feel. Fans can spend time preparing for their night out together, then return to a room that carries on the concert atmosphere. Marriott says the suite can be booked for stays between 12 September 2026 and 31 May 2027. The room may therefore appeal to visitors travelling for later Paris dates as well as those attending this autumn’s shows.

Visitors can also take part in “The Paris Playlist” without staying at the hotel. Its activities include a space where music is paired with fragrances, a creative workshop and places to take photographs. Paris Select Book reports that the two-hour experience costs €49 with a hot drink or fruit juice, or €59 with a glass of champagne. The programme gives local fans and visitors another way to take part without paying for the themed suite. Marriott describes its related “Le Goûter” experience as a mix of French food, creative activities and interactive photographs. Places are limited and available on selected dates, so visitors need to register in advance and check what is offered on their chosen day.

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The hotel’s “Paris Encore: A Fan Singalong” takes the programme into the streets. This two-hour guided walk links places associated with a visit to Paris through stories about Dion and opportunities for fans to sing together. According to Paris Select Book, the route starts at the hotel and passes the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. It also includes a champagne stop at the Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel. The walk is free to book for Marriott Bonvoy members, and joining the hotel group’s loyalty programme is free. Marriott says places are limited, advance registration is required and concert tickets are not included.

Dion’s 16 Paris concert dates prompted a rise in searches and bookings after they were announced in March. At the time, apartment hotel brand Adagio reported a 400% increase in bookings, while Booking.com recorded a 49% rise in searches for Paris. Those figures describe interest reported after the announcement; they do not show how much visitors will eventually spend. Estimates of the tour’s wider economic effect also vary considerably. They help explain why hotels are creating experiences for concert visitors, but remain forecasts rather than confirmed tourism revenue.

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Trips built around live music are sometimes called “gig trips”. For some fans, the concert is the reason to travel, while the hotel, meals and time spent exploring the city become part of the occasion. Le Méridien’s suite, hotel activities and guided walk are all designed for different parts of that visit. Marriott Bonvoy is also offering members access to concert packages through its Moments programme, where they can use loyalty points for selected experiences. The hotel’s activities run on selected dates this autumn, while the suite’s published stay dates extend into 2027. Fans interested in either should check availability and what is included before booking, particularly if they still need a concert ticket.

L’article Paris hotel unveils Céline Dion suite and singalong walking tour est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Qantas is slowly but surely conquering the world of the ultra long-haul flight. Not only did the company complete a successful 19-hour test flight from Toulouse (France) to Melbourne (Australia) in July 2026, the return flight from Australia to France lasted for no less than 24 hours and 24 minutes.

Following the successful test, Qantas said it was planning on starting its first commercial Project Sunrise route between Sydney and London in October 2027. Initially, Project Sunrise’s launch was planned for 2022 but that date had to be postponed several times due to the Covid-19 pandemic and manufacturing delays at Airbus.

Starting from mid-2028, a second ultra long-haul flight should be added to the Project Sunrise schedule. The new flight route will introduce nonstop 18-hour voyages between Sydney’s Kingsford-Smith airport and New York’s JFK airport, the first commercial flight of its kind. 

Sydney to New York, non-stop

We’re excited to announce the first ever commercial non-stop flights between Australia and New York will launch from 2028 as part of Project Sunrise.

As demand for travel between Australia and the United States continues to grow, this new route… pic.twitter.com/D9CII4TE3L

— Qantas (@Qantas) September 23, 2026

The impressive duration of the nonstop flights can be explained through the introduction of the Airbus A350–1000ULR aircraft. The planes, the first of which is expected to be delivered in April 2027, have been fitted with an extra 20,000-liter fuel tank, allowing them to fly for up to 16,000 kilometers or 22 hours nonstop. 

Qantas ordered 12 A350–1000ULRs overall, which offer 238 seats across four cabins – including six first-class suites, 52 business suites, and 40 premium economy seats. The planes will also boast a so-called wellbeing zone, located between the economy and premium economy cabins. Here, travellers will get a chance to stretch, participate in guided exercise videos, and get snacks and drinks. 

“Conquering the tyranny of distance has been part of who Qantas is from the very beginning. Reaching New York nonstop completes a vision we set out many years ago, and it’s a moment of enormous pride for the thousands of our people who have been working hard to make Project Sunrise a reality,” stated Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson.

By the time all 12 A350–1000ULRs will have been delivered, Qantas expects to have trained 360 pilots and 1,200 cabin crew to use the new aircraft. More ultra long-haul direct flights from Perth should follow in the future. 

At the moment of writing, Qantas does already offer a flight option between Sydney and New York. However, due to a stopover in Los Angeles, the journey takes approximately 21 hours in total. The new ultra long-haul nonstop flight would thus cut the journey by three hours. 

Tickets for the new route are expected to go on sale in August 2027. At the moment of writing, fare details have not yet been disclosed. However, previously, Qantas had announced tickets could cost some 20% more than stopover fares – which typically amount to €1,665 ($1,900) for a return flight and €1,227 ($1,400) for a single way ticket. 

L’article Qantas to launch first-ever nonstop Sydney–New York flights in 2028 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Brussels’ Kanal is widely regarded as one of the most anticipated cultural novelties of the year. The Kanal-Centre Pompidou Museum, as the museum is called, has been in the making since 2017. At that time, a structural partnership agreement was established between Centre Pompidou, the Brussels-Capital Region, and the Kanal Foundation in order to create a new multidisciplinary cultural hub. within the former Citroën garage at Place de l’Yser in Brussels.

After almost ten years, the building works have finally entered the last stage and the museum is getting ready to open on 28 November 2026.

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“Kanal opens a new chapter in the cultural history of Brussels and beyond. Conceived as a museum from the outset, the institution emerges in a city marked by artistic intensity and institutional absence: a place where contemporary practices have long flourished without a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Kanal is founded in response to this condition – not as a corrective, but as a proposition,” stated Kasia Redzisz, Artistic director at Kanal-Centre Pompidou.

During the opening weekend, Kanal opens its doors on Saturday 28 November at 10:00 am and remains open without interruption until Sunday 29 November at 10:00 pm. During that time, the building itself will be open and fully accessible to everyone, no reservations or tickets required. A non-stop programme will feature live performances, opening ceremonies, concerts and DJ sets, films and installations, as well as workshops for kids and families.

Those who wish to visit the ten opening exhibitions, however, will need to book a time slot in advance. Nevertheless, even those tickets will be free of charge on 28 and 29 November. There are 24 time slots available spread over the weekend, offering room for upwards of 30,000 visitors.

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Spread over 40,000 square metres – making it one of Europe’s largest museums – visitors of Kanal will find ten exhibitions, as well as a bakery, restaurant, rooftop bar, and museum shop. One of the main collections will be ‘A Truly Immense Journey’, featuring 350 works of art, 80% of which are part of the collection of Centre Pompidou in Paris. While most exhibitions will be accessible from 28 November onwards, the architecture centre and collections will open later due to a fire in July 2026.

“Ten exhibitions to open Kanal. Ten exhibitions to provide a first answer to an open-ended question: what is the role of a museum of art and architecture in the 21st century? What is the purpose of Kanal at a time when the spectre of extremism and dreams of empire are returning? What is the use of Kanal when human intelligence is being challenged by machines? What is the point of Kanal at a time of increasingly polarised identity politics? What is the meaning of Kanal in a world that is simultaneously burning and drowning? Everything and nothing at the same time,” said Yves Goldstein, director-general at Kanal-Centre Pompidou.

Before the opening, Kanal will be welcoming nearly 5,000 children from 27 neighbourhood schools throughout the Brussels-Capital Region. According to the museum, the symbolic gesture highlights Kanal’s commitment to build the new museum together with – and for – the publics of tomorrow.

L’article Brussels’ Kanal to open on 28 November with free opening weekend est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

On Saturday, 19 September 2026, the US government renewed its travel warning regarding the Middle East through a post on social media platform X.

“Due to tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation. Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise heightened vigilance and be aware of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airport,” the US government stated.

Saudi Arabia: Due to the ongoing security situation in Saudi Arabia, U.S. government employees who work in Saudi Arabia now require special authorization for all official and personal travel to the cities of Taif and Yanbu. Regular and emergency consular services are available… pic.twitter.com/Hzdxaal5pl

— TravelGov (@TravelGov) September 20, 2026

The warning comes as Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen announced to have attacked “sensitive” sites in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, using missiles and drones. The claim was made hours after flames and a plume of black smoke were spotted above Riyadh airport.

“This military conflict has the potential to escalate rapidly. Americans outside the Middle East should seriously reconsider travel to and through the region. Those who do travel to or from the region should monitor information about airport and airline operations. U.S. diplomatic facilities, including outside the Middle East, have been targeted. Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world, including U.S. businesses and other institutions,” the travel warning continues.

Although the post on X caught the attention of many, the advice as such is not new. The advisory status regarding the Middle East has been in place since the outbreak of the US-Israel war on Iran at the end of February. While Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen received a red ‘do not travel’ warning from the US State Department, Bahrain, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE feature an orange ‘reconsider travel’ advisory.

Every few months, however, the US government has been reminding American citizens of the possible dangers involved in traveling to the region, especially since airspaces across the region have been reopening.

As US President Donald Trump has once again threatened to destroy the entire country of Iran in a phone call with Fox News, and as Iran’s military central command has stated that any new assault would be met with retaliation against US military bases, interests, and allies, renewing the travel advice seems appropriate.

Since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East in February, the aviation industry in the region has been heavily affected. The release of second-quarter 2026 figures for Dubai International Airport revealed that passenger traffic fell sharply due to disruption, marking a year-on-year decline of 31.3% for the period. Meanwhile, the wider Middle East region was a 32.1% decrease in aircraft movements in Q2. Moreover, international tourism growth slowed to 0.4% in the first half of 2026, as conflict in the Middle East, higher oil prices, and persistent inflation put pressure on travel demand and costs.

L’article US urges citizens to ‘seriously reconsider’ Middle East travel plans est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Although the Michelin Guide is most well-known for its stars, a distinction reserved for the best restaurants in the world, the organisation introduced a similar mark of quality for hotels in 2024. The so-called Michelin Keys are awarded following the level of experience a hotel might offer. One Michelin Key indicates a ‘very special stay’, two an ‘exceptional stay’, and three an ‘extraordinary stay’.

Initially, the selection of hotels spread across 15 destinations in North America, Europe, and Asia but it has grown a lot over the past two years and Michelin Keys can now be found in 79 destinations.

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“This second global selection of the MICHELIN Keys reflects the extraordinary momentum driving the hospitality sector once again this year. With 470 newly distinguished establishments, we are witnessing a continuous upscaling of the offering, driven by even more creative and ambitious projects. All around the world, hoteliers are reinventing the stay experience through more immersive, personalised, and experiential concepts,” stated Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide.

As far as the 2026 selection is concerned, the Michelin Guide added 194 Michelin Key distinctions and promotions within Europe. The continent’s total number of Michelin Keys has thus reached 1,338 hotels.

There was significant growth in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom, and Italy and France remain the most-awarded countries with 224 and 220 Keys respectively. Meanwhile, Liechtenstein and Slovakia were able to take home their first Michelin Keys.

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Europe saw eight new Three-Key properties being added inn 2026. Seven of those were promoted, while one was a newcomer within the selection. That honour goes to Venice’s Airelles Palladio, the first Airelles property outside France and a new arrival overlooking the Giudecca Canal which also took home the Michelin Guide Opening of the Year Award.

“This capacity for innovation is expressed both in must-visit destinations and in emerging tourist markets. Often driven by visionary independent hotelkeepers, this evolution in concepts is now inspiring the industry as a whole. It is also supported by investments from major international groups, which are helping to accelerate this transformation. The 2026 selection thus celebrates the diversity, vitality, and excellence of an ever-evolving sector, one that continues to push the boundaries of the hospitality experience and invite travelers to discover new destinations,” said Gwendal Poullennec.

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The other new Three-Key hotels in Europe are:

• Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection (Florence, Italy)
• Borgo Santandrea (Amalfi, Italy)
• Splendido, A Belmond Hotel (Portofino, Italy)
• Château de la Chèvre d’Or (Èze, France)
• Le Couvent des Minimes (Mane, France)
• Beau-Rivage Palace (Lausanne, Switzerland)
• Kulm Hotel St. Moritz (St. Moritz, Switzerland)

Overall, the Michelin Guide Inspectors noticed a hospitality landscape shaped by changing travel habits and increasingly diverse guest expectations. Slow and immersive travel, wellness, and water-based luxury were some of the main trends within the hotel industry according to the Michelin Guide.

L’article Europe gains 194 Michelin Key distinctions and promotions in 2026 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The cost of long-term public transport tickets matters, the eco champions say in their “Public Transport and Climate Tickets” review, because expensive prices affect people’s decisions about whether or not to switch from cars to public transport. Against that context, the group has named and shamed a ranking of cities where the biggest rises for monthly and annual tickets were recorded. The steepest increase was in Nicosia (+67%), then Amsterdam (+55%), Madrid (+50%), Bratislava (+32%), Berlin (+29%) and Vienna (+26%).

Passenger costs also went up “significantly” Greenpeace said, in Copenhagen (+18%), Bucharest (+18%), Brussels (+12%), Vilnius (+10%), London (+10%), Stockholm (+9%), Paris (+8%), and Helsinki (+5%).

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Nearly all the sharpest price hikes occurred in cities that now feature in a list of the 10 most expensive European capitals for monthly public transport. The most expensive by some way was London (€162 per month), followed by Amsterdam (€107), then Paris (€77), Stockholm (€64), Nicosia (€60), Berlin (€58), Copenhagen (€57), Dublin (€57), Helsinki (€49) and Zagreb (€45). But the worst in Europe based on the availability, affordability, and inclusivity of long-term public transport tickets are Paris (#28), London (#29), and Amsterdam (#30).

At the other end of the scale, Greenpeace applauded Prague (€15), Rome (€21) and Sofia (€25) for offering the cheapest available long-term ticket options (excluding the three cities where public transport is free of charge – Luxembourg City, Tallinn, and Valletta).

The environmental pressure group also praised four European capitals where the cost of the cheapest available long-term ticket or comparable fare option has in fact fallen since 2023: Dublin (-43%), Oslo (-12%), Bern (-7%) and Budapest (-6%). The group also noted the cost has remained unchanged in 12 other capitals.

For travellers and would-be digital nomads seeking affordable places to visit and live in, the Greenpeace ranking of transport costs is useful for maximising their travel budget, but Greenpeace is going further—using the findings to highlight the importance of ticket prices in shifting travel away from cars and towards public transport, at a time when Europe is “facing an accelerating climate crisis, with record-breaking heatwaves and severe droughts, as well as a cost-of-living crisis and inflation.”

Greenpeace also underlines the “renewed geopolitical imperative to strengthen energy security, given the shocks to global energy markets and supply chains caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine and, more recently, the conflict involving Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.”

With the European bloc having failed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions since 1990, and transport still the main driver of oil demand worldwide, the study authors deplored the fact that up to six percent of Europeans say they cannot use public transport because it is too expensive, and up to 15% of the population in European countries use public transport but find it a heavy financial burden.

The group is urging policymakers to bring in what they are calling a “climate ticket” for use on all forms of public transport in a country or wider region. The strategy is “a question of political will,” Greenpeace says, over whether or not to reduce Europe’s fossil fuel dependence and emissions by helping people switch from cars to public transport, while also improving “the quality of our environment and help people cope with rising costs.”

L’article Which European cities have the most expensive public transport and why it matters? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The visit comes as the Arctic territory finds itself at the centre of growing geopolitical interest, fuelled by US President Donald Trump’s repeated claims to Greenland and mounting concerns about Russian and Chinese ambitions in the region.

It also comes on the heels of Trump’s announcement last Friday that Washington had reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland to expand US military access to the territory and prevent rival powers from establishing bases there. The text has not yet been published.  

The deal is expected to be signed during the UN General Assembly this week. 

Danish and Greenlandic leaders insist it respects Greenland’s sovereignty and right to self-determination. A Politiken correspondent wrote that Trump had secured a victory lap rather than territory, according to the BBC.

Elsewhere, the reaction was rather positive too, with NATO welcoming the deal, and French President Emmanuel Macron saying Danish sovereignty had been respected. 

Just days earlier, twelve European countries had called for a more strategic European presence in the Arctic at a meeting in Rovaniemi, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced a new security-focused Arctic strategy for October.

Transport and connectivity

During their visit, from 21 to 24 September, the six MEPs will visit Ilulissat, where they will meet representatives from the port, fisheries and tourism sectors, and visit the new international airport.

While in Nuuk, they are scheduled to meet with the Greenlandic authorities, the Inatsisartut parliament, the Inuit Circumpolar Council, the Joint Arctic Command, as well as maritime, fisheries, and business representatives.

Gieseke described the visit as taking place at a “particularly critical moment”, given the geostrategic significance of both Greenland and the wider Arctic region.

He added that the delegation would discuss air connectivity and aviation, air passenger rights, alongside logistics, infrastructure, maritime transport and sustainable tourism, with an emphasis on how Greenland tackles its geographical challenges while still managing to strengthen connectivity between communities and the “wider world”.

21-24 September: strengthening ties with Greenland

Six @EP_Transport members, led by MEP Jens Gieseke, will visit Ilulissat and Nuuk next week, to exchange on transport connectivity & sustainable tourism development

More details: https://t.co/QCT6ob81tb

— TRAN Committee Press (@EP_Transport) September 18, 2026

EU steps up investment

This visit follows European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s trip to Nuuk on 7 September, during which she announced a €200 million Global Gateway Partnership Package for the period 2026–2027.

On that occasion, the EU, Denmark and Greenland also signed a joint declaration building on the one signed in 2015. This declaration reinforces their partnership and recognises the territory’s growing strategic importance.

“Greenland can count on the EU,” said von der Leyen, describing the territory as a “strategic ally and a trusted friend”.

The new partnership covers digital connectivity, renewable energy, critical raw materials, sustainable tourism, housing, and support for small businesses.

Greenland is already the largest per capita recipient of EU support among overseas countries and territories, with €225 million earmarked for the period 2021 to 2027, 90% of which is earmarked for education. A further €530 million has been proposed for the period 2028–2034.

Tourism in the spotlight

Improved air connectivity has made Greenland more accessible to visitors. According to Statistics Greenland, the number of guests staying in registered accommodation increased by 15.4% in 2025, driven by a 46% growth in international visitors.

The European Commission has recognised sustainable tourism as an opportunity for economic diversification, private-sector development, and job creation.

The challenge now is to develop the necessary infrastructure while protecting the fragile environment of the island and ensuring that local communities benefit.

L’article EU delegation heads to Greenland as geopolitical and tourism interest grows est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced that the Australian Border Force would recruit an additional 100 compliance officers to detain or encourage the departure of the approximately 77,000 individuals currently residing in Australia without a valid visa.

Burke explained that “consequences” for overstaying would be reinstated in order to combat “disingenuous” asylum claims.

Speaking at the National Press Club last Thursday, he said that, until 2015, Australia had a routine process whereby people who had overstayed their visas were taken to detention centres. According to him, this prompted them to “organise their own flight and leave” within a few weeks.

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As part of the expansion, the government plans to add 250 detention beds and is considering repurposing a former quarantine facility in Melbourne.

Burke has, however, rejected comparisons with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “This is not the sort of operation that some people have seen on TV happening in other countries”, he said.

To close any remaining loopholes, the government said it would also tackle so-called “visa hoppers”, foreigners who move from one type of temporary visa to another to prolong their stay in Australia.

Under the proposed changes, a “No Further Stay” provision would prevent visitors arriving on a tourist visa from applying for another type of visa while in the country.

International students seeking a new study visa would also have to demonstrate that they are progressing towards higher qualifications, rather than moving between lower-level courses simply to extend their stay.

@theageaustralia

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has unveiled the government’s revamp of Australia’s migration settings, announcing changes to student visas, working holidaymakers and the practice of “visa hopping”. Addressing the National Press Club, Burke said the changes would restore confidence in the Australian migration system, breaking his proposal down into the categories “who arrives”, “who stays” and “who leaves”. Read more at the link in bio.

♬ original sound – The Age

Other reforms include preventing family members from accompanying international students and introducing a ballot system for working holiday visas.

The detention measures have drawn immediate criticism from human rights groups, which have raised concerns about their legality and the safety of those held in detention centres.

Rebecca Eckard, director of policy at the Refugee Council of Australia, told AFP that the move might not even be legal as “it is being framed as punitive to change behaviours”, adding that “the use of punitive detention is not permitted under Australia’s immigration act”.

The groups have also accused the country’s far-right One Nation party of being responsible for the hardening of conditions, a claim that the ruling Labor government has denied.

While Australia remains a very popular tourism destination, attracting millions of visitors each year, the number of visa overstayers has grown from 64,000 in 2016 to about 77,000 in 2026.

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Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite clearly summarised the measure and its intended deterrent effect in comments to broadcaster News24:

“Once the word gets around, ‘hey, I overstayed on my tourist visa for a couple of weeks, I got picked up and I spent a couple of weeks in immigration detention, it’s not a nice place, I’m going home’. Once that gets around, then we think that obviously that deterrence will ensure that people abide by the conditions,” he said.

The measures have also raised concerns within the tourism industry.

Erin McLeod, chief executive of the Australian Tourism Industry Council, which represents thousands of small tourism businesses, warned that the government’s approach could have damaging consequences.

“I don’t think it does our reputation as a welcoming destination any good and can become quite damaging – tourism is an important part of the Australian economy,” she told AFP.

L’article Australia announces tougher visa rules and detention for overstaying tourists est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.