Ghana, the Kingdom of Bhutan, and Nigeria all sit at the head of the list. Ghana’s e-visa costs €227.48, while Bhutan charges an entry visa at €35 and adds a Sustainable Development Fee of €87 per night to the costs for visitors, as a contribution towards healthcare, education, and welfare. Nigeria asks visitors to pay between €175 and €297 for single or multiple entries, depending on the visa type and the processing speed.

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Cameroon is not far behind, imposing a €157 visa fee, and Algeria follows, with an entry charge of €75 to €110 according to the type and duration of stay. Saudi Arabia features in sixth place, charging a fee of €92.07, with Namibia (€85.96) and Gabon (€85) close behind.

Japan, in ninth spot, joins Saudi Arabia and Bhutan as one of the only non-African nations in the top ten most expensive visa list. It put its fees up for the first time in decades in 2026, increasing it five-fold from ¥3,000 (€16.16) to ¥15,000 (€81.28).

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Rounding out the top 10 most expensive, Ivory Coast asks would-be visitors to pay €73 for their visa. Of the remaining 30 countries in the list, 50% are African nations too, with the high charges usually reflecting reciprocal visa arrangements for their citizens when entering the EU.

At the other end of the scale, Canada has the world’s cheapest visa charge for EU citizens, at just €4.31. New Zealand is second (€8.61), and India comes third for value at between €8.75 and €21.88.

Very frequent visitors to some of the world’s most expensive visa nations might want to consider purchasing a second passport instead. Jordan (which charges over €49 for EU citizens to enter) and St Kitts & Nevis (nearly €15) are both among countries offering citizenship by investment, though an outlay of €231,000 (or €300,000 in approved real estate) is required by the Caribbean island, and Jordan wants €1.29 million.

It should be remembered that if travel freedom is what is needed, then European Union member state passports dominate the Henley Index of the world’s most powerful passports already.

Visitors to the European Union, meanwhile, now have to deal with the new Entry / Exit System or EES, a revamp of border security that collects biometric data from non-EU arrivals, which has caused mass travel disruption during its introductory phase. In addition, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is on its way for visa-exempt citizens from nations such as Albania, Australia, Canada, North Macedonia, the UK, and the US, with launch on an unconfirmed date during or after Q4 2026. Costing €20, it remains valid for three years, or until the linked passport expires.

L’article Where do EU travellers pay the highest tourist visa fees? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The trans European train company is expecting a delivery of 30 new double-decker trains from Alstom in 2031, and has an option on 20 more. The €2-billion purchase initially hit the headlines because double-deckers do not usually run in the UK, where they will be the first of their kind on the network, as well as operating across existing Eurostar routes to Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, and adding Switzerland to the equation when Geneva comes online via Amsterdam and Brussels.

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But double decks aside, another feature of the trains went quietly under the radar. Announcing the deal last year, the firm said the “Celestia” model could cope with temperatures reaching 45°C, and now it has upped its climate-proofing game further to ensure the incoming Celestias can bear 10°C more—that’s as high as temperatures in some of Earth’s hottest spots, like the Kebili desert oasis in Tunisia, the Ghadames oasis in Libya, and the Danakil Depression, Ethiopia, which is one of the most inhospitable places on the planet.

The approach may seem like overkill but with the mercury hitting a record-breaking 44°C in parts of France already during summer 2026, wiping four trains from the schedule in one day on 25 June, and with climate experts agreeing that such warmer conditions are here to stay, the additional margin should mean Eurostar can keep running for decades. Chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave explained to the Financial Times that although she never expected to have to make such an order, “This year, the heatwave has been earlier, longer, hotter than ever,” she said, comparing the conditions to Saudi Arabia.

While operating the existing fleet, daily procedures to test the air-conditioning and allow enough capacity for repairs and maintenance have been introduced after 24 June saw hundreds of passengers on one Eurostar train stuck in “hellish” sweltering conditions for hours. Eurostar now also carries bottled water on board on hot days.

@traveltk Heatwave train cancellations left us sitting on the floor of the Eurostar bar car from Paris to Amsterdam… but somehow it became one of the funniest parts of the trip. Huge thanks to the awesome group of British lads who turned a travel delay into a memory we'll never forget. #parisheatwave #eurostar #paris #amsterdam #eurosummer ♬ Saxophones getting louder – Slowed – AntonioVivald

A Eurostar spokesperson told the Daily Mail: “A decision has been taken to equip our new fleet of up to 50 Celestia trains with air conditioning capable of operating in temperatures up to 55 degrees. These trains will enter service in 2031 and run into the 2060s so it’s essential to be prepared for the future.”

As well as the powerful air conditioning, the 200-metre-long trains will boost seat capacity by 20%, up to a maximum load of 540 passengers, helping the firm achieve its target of 30 million passengers per year.

L’article New Eurostar trains designed to cope with temperatures as high as hottest deserts on Earth est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Parliament voted on Tuesday to approve changes to EU air passenger rights legislation following years of negotiations with member states. The agreement was backed by 646 members of the European Parliament, with 12 voting against and three abstaining, according to reports on the vote.

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, said the agreement “will strengthen the rights of air passengers across Europe” and “bring greater transparency and predictability for both consumers and airlines, without creating unnecessary bureaucracy for our industry. Parliament fought hard to make travel fairer and procedures clearer, and this is what we have delivered.”

Under the revised rules, passengers will continue to be entitled to compensation when a flight is delayed by at least three hours, cancelled less than 14 days before departure, or when boarding is denied. Compensation will remain linked to flight distance, with payments of €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km, and €600 for longer journeys.

Airlines may avoid compensation where disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances outside their control, such as severe weather, natural disasters, war, unruly passengers or certain strikes affecting airport, air navigation or groundhandling services.

The update also addresses baggage and ticket-price transparency. Passengers will have the right to bring one personal item on board without an additional fee, while airlines, intermediaries and search portals will have to display fares that include carry-on luggage at the start of the booking process. Airlines may still offer lower fares to travellers who voluntarily choose to fly without hand luggage.

European Parliament achieves upgrade to air passenger rights:
Securing existing compensation after 3h delay
Clearer procedure for compensation claims
Price transparency and comparability of air tickets
More https://t.co/z9rJoeOK3v pic.twitter.com/jpZ0SbhzBu

— TRAN Committee Press (@EP_Transport) July 7, 2026

For travellers affected by delays or cancellations, airlines will be required to provide electronic information on how to claim compensation within four days of the end of the journey. Passengers will have nine months to submit a compensation request, and airlines will have 30 days to pay or explain why compensation is not due. The rules state that passengers should not be required to create a user account or use a specific app to receive this information.

The agreement includes additional protections for families and passengers with reduced mobility. Airlines will have to seat children under 14 next to an accompanying adult without an extra fee. Similar adjacent seating rights will apply to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility and to pregnant passengers. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will also have rights to compensation, rerouting and assistance if they miss a flight because airport assistance failed to get them to the gate on time.

Airlines will also be prohibited from charging extra fees for correcting spelling errors in passenger names or for providing a printed boarding pass when a passenger has already checked in. Passengers will have the right to receive a digital boarding pass at check-in without having to request it separately or use a specific app.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, welcomed the vote, describing the agreement as “the first major reform of EU air passenger rights in more than two decades”. He said the new rules strengthen the rights of passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility, make it easier to claim compensation, ensure parents can sit next to their young children at no extra cost, increase transparency on fees and pricing, and put an end to unfair “no-show” practices.

He added that the agreement demonstrates what can be achieved when the European Commission, the European Parliament and the member states work together after years of negotiations to modernise the EU’s air passenger rights framework.

L’article European Parliament approves updated air passenger rights covering cabin luggage and delay compensation est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Desk, oscillating and cordless fans

Traditional fans remain one of the simplest and most affordable ways to cool down. Desk fans are ideal for smaller hotel rooms or holiday rentals, while oscillating fans move from side to side to distribute air across a wider area. Cordless models add extra flexibility, allowing users to move them between rooms, balconies or even campsites without relying on a nearby power socket. Air circulation fans also help keep air moving throughout a room, creating a more comfortable environment even though they do not actually lower the room’s temperature.

Misting fans

Misting fans are becoming increasingly popular because they cool more effectively than standard fans. In addition to blowing air, they release an ultra-fine mist made up of tiny water droplets that evaporate almost immediately. This process helps lower the surrounding temperature without leaving furniture or clothing damp. One example is Dreo’s TurboCool range, which is available in both desktop and tower models and is designed to provide extra cooling during particularly hot weather.

@kateshoptiktok 30+ Degrees NEEDS this fan @Shark Home UK #SharkMistingFan #SharkFlexBreeze #MistingFan #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt #SummerSale ♬ Take My Mind – WizTheMc & bees & honey

Handheld and neck fans

Portable fans remain a favourite among travellers because they are lightweight and easy to carry throughout the day. Some newer models, such as Dyson’s HushJet Mini, replace traditional spinning blades with specially designed airflow systems that create a concentrated stream of air while operating more quietly. Many handheld fans can also be placed on a desk or worn around the neck using a lanyard, making them useful while travelling by train, exploring a city or working remotely.

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Neck fans have also become increasingly common during heatwaves. These devices rest comfortably around the neck and direct airflow towards the face and upper body while leaving both hands free. Cooling the neck is particularly effective because major blood vessels are located close to the skin in this area, helping the body feel cooler more quickly. Models such as the JisuLife Neck Fan offer multiple speed settings and batteries that can last for many hours, making them suitable for long sightseeing days or outdoor activities.

Wearable air conditioners

One of the newest developments in personal cooling is the wearable air conditioner. Unlike a fan, these devices do not blow air directly onto the user. Sony’s Reon Pocket Pro sits underneath clothing at the back of the neck and uses a metal cooling plate to cool the body directly. Built-in sensors monitor movement, humidity and the surrounding temperature before automatically adjusting the cooling level, creating a personalised cooling experience throughout the day.

Portable air coolers and air conditioners

Travellers staying in accommodation without built-in air conditioning may also benefit from portable cooling systems. Air coolers use water to cool the air before circulating it through a room, offering a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning. Portable air conditioners actively remove heat from a room, making them a better option during prolonged periods of extreme heat. The right choice often depends on the size of the room, the outside temperature and the amount of cooling required.

@manasdxyavu Portable Air Conditioner 10000 BTU#PortableAirConditioner#SummerWins#summervibes#WindowAC #dealsforyoudays ♬ 原創音樂 – Baosucai

Cooling accessories

Not every cooling solution requires electricity. Cooling towels, reusable gel packs and cooling gloves can provide quick relief after spending time outdoors, while cooling face masks and even ice slippers have also become available for people looking for extra comfort during heatwaves. Most of these products are lightweight, relatively inexpensive and easy to pack into a suitcase or backpack. They can be particularly useful after walking through hot city streets or waiting in the sun for public transport.

Cooling products for better sleep

High daytime temperatures are often followed by warm nights, making it difficult to get enough rest. Cooling blankets and cooling pillowcases use fabrics that remain cooler against the skin, helping people sleep more comfortably without relying entirely on air conditioning. These products can be especially useful in hotels, holiday rentals or campsites where cooling systems are limited or unavailable. A better night’s sleep can also help the body recover after spending long days outdoors in extreme heat.

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Cooling products for pets

Travelling with pets during a heatwave requires extra care, as animals can overheat just as easily as people. Cooling mats, cooling coats and specially designed cooling beds help dogs and other pets regulate their body temperature while resting or travelling. These products should always be used alongside access to fresh drinking water, shaded areas and regular breaks away from the heat. For anyone planning a road trip or summer holiday with their pet, they can provide an extra level of comfort during periods of extreme temperatures.

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As heatwaves become more frequent across Europe, these products are likely to become increasingly common travel companions. Although they cannot replace basic precautions such as staying hydrated, wearing sun protection and avoiding the hottest hours of the day, they can help make long sightseeing days, train journeys and evenings in accommodation without air conditioning a little more comfortable.

L’article Europe’s heatwave: What gadgets can help travellers stay cool est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The Horizontal Aviation Agreement was signed in Brussels by European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, and Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, Nurlan Sauranbayev, during the visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to the Belgian capital.

The signing took place in the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, as part of a broader package of agreements aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the European Union and Kazakhstan.

The agreement will allow any eligible EU airline to operate flights between Kazakhstan and any of the 17 EU Member States that already have bilateral air services agreements with the Central Asian country. Until now, access to these routes was generally restricted to airlines owned or controlled by nationals of the respective Member State or Kazakhstan.

By extending market access to all EU carriers, the agreement is expected to promote competition, increase connectivity and create greater legal certainty for airlines operating between the two markets.

“This milestone reflects our shared commitment to strengthening cooperation, enhancing connectivity between our regions, and bringing our people and economies closer together,” Commissioner Tzitzikostas said following the signing.

“By opening new opportunities for air services, the agreement will support growth, investment, and exchanges on both sides.”

According to the European Commission, the agreement covers Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden.

More than two decades in the making

The aviation agreement represents a significant breakthrough in EU-Kazakhstan relations, with negotiations having continued for more than twenty years.

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the European Union, Roman Vassilenko, described the agreement as an important step in improving air links between the two sides.

“One of the deals is a Horizontal Aviation Agreement designed to widen air services rights between the EU and Kazakhstan,” Vassilenko said.

“Under the agreement, any EU airline will be able to operate flights between Kazakhstan and any of the 17 EU member states that already have bilateral air services agreements with Kazakhstan, rather than limiting access mainly to airlines owned and controlled by those specific States.”

The agreement will now undergo the respective internal ratification procedures of both parties before entering into force.

Part of a broader strategic partnership

The aviation deal formed part of a wider set of agreements signed during President Tokayev’s visit to Brussels.

Among the other initiatives announced were a framework loan agreement of up to €150 million between the European Investment Bank and Kazakhstan’s national road company to support the development of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, as well as cooperation on critical raw materials through the establishment of an internationally accredited chemical analytical laboratory in Astana.

The European Union and Kazakhstan also concluded negotiations on a Visa Facilitation Agreement and a Readmission Agreement. Once adopted, the visa facilitation measures will simplify procedures for Kazakh citizens seeking short-stay visas to the EU.

The leaders also highlighted growing economic ties between the two partners. The European Union remains Kazakhstan’s largest trade and investment partner, accounting for approximately one third of the country’s external trade.

During an EU-Kazakhstan business roundtable held alongside the leaders’ meeting, Kazakhstan signed an agreement to acquire up to 50 Airbus aircraft, further underlining the growing commercial relationship between the EU and Central Asia’s largest economy.

The latest agreements build on the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Kazakhstan, which entered into force in 2020, and follow the first EU-Central Asia Summit held in Samarkand in 2025, where both sides elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership.

L’article EU signs aviation agreement with Kazakhstan, opening market to all European airlines est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Emirates, Qatar Airlines, and Etihad (the three largest Middle East airlines) have returned to flying at or above 90% of their pre-conflict flight numbers, according to Flightradar24 data. Meanwhile, Gulf Air (usually ranked five for size) and Kuwait Air­ways (outside the top 10) have now exceeded the flight numbers they were handling before the war began in late February 2026.

The geopolitical tensions led to drone attacks and missiles on Gulf infrastructure that effectively closed down aviation in the region and led to the stranding and emergency repatriation of thousands of visitors, amid worldwide travel warnings.

Four months later and with a ceasefire package signed, stakeholders and analysts are hopeful that Gulf airspace and airports, which include some of the world’s busiest international hubs, will see a quick return to business as usual. James Hal­stead, man­aging part­ner at Avi­ation Strategy, reported by Kuwait Times said: “If it gets back to nor­mal, I just see them act­ing as nor­mal, com­ing back in full force.”

In a session on the Middle East with regional partners.

First, we need to ensure the full restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, without restrictions.

Second, the events in the Strait have highlighted vulnerabilities that we need to adress.

We should… pic.twitter.com/rWMP5xvhV2

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 16, 2026

Aus­tralia recently lifted its alerts for a number of Middle East­ern nations, so that should mean an uptick in traffic. Turkish Airlines resumed flights to Amman, Beirut, and Damascus on 1 May, to Doha on 8 June, and to Dubai on 9 June. And Abu Dhabi is set to hit Turkish schedules again on 1 July.

Air France is set to resume flights to and from Beirut and Dubai on 24 June, when the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)’s “exercise caution” warning for flights to Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia, may be eased. SunExpress has suspended Dubai flights until 30 June, and Bahrain, Beirut, and Erbil flights until 14 July.

Similarly, airBaltic is due to resume flights between Riga and Tel Aviv from 1 July, and KLM will recommence Dubai, Riyadh, and Damman operations on 10 August. August is also the month when British Airways will fly again to Doha and Riyadh.

While all that is good news for a region heavily invested in developing its tourism sector as it pivots away from fossil fuel exploitation, Mateusz Klimek, an airline network planning expert, told Euronews Travel: “Many airlines that were flying to the Gulf region have used those planes to add extra capacity to other destinations in Asia as people choose to fly nonstop. Once you add that capacity, you don’t want to change it back because of the disruptions to passengers and the costs.”

Accordingly, British Airways is not due to return to Amman, Bahrain, Dubai, or Tel Aviv, until 25 October, and will not be resuming flights to Jeddah at all. Likewise, many carriers, including the Austrian Airlines, airBaltic, Finnair, suspended operations to a range of Middle East destinations until the autumn, and Norwegian has announced an indefinite suspension of its Beirut and Tel Aviv routes.

To tempt travellers back, though, Etihad has a special offer for free Abu Dhabi com­pli­ment­ary med­ical insur­ance from July until Decem­ber. It’s a strategy in line with Emir­ates approach, whose CEO Tim Clark has told Reu­ters promoting the region’s reputation for safety and reli­ab­il­ity is the way to get consumers to return. If it works, the region’s economies could do better than expected, but only last week the Inter­na­tional Air Trans­port Asso­ci­ation slashed its 2026 fore­cast for the aviation sector in half, anticipating net profits of $23 bil­lion – a drop of $22 bil­lion since 2025.

L’article Gulf Airlines return to pre-Iran flight levels but wider aviation recovery stalls est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research suggests that temperatures above 28°C (82.4°F) can affect soccer players’ performance — especially how fast, far, or frequently they run during a match. This can influence a team’s overall match strategy and style of play.

Ultimately, it could be harder for players to reach their peak performance during a match because of hotter temperatures. And teams with styles of play that rely on speed and repeated sprinting could face a disadvantage.

The analysis from Climate Central shows that climate change is making it more likely there will be temperatures high enough during most matches (97 out of 104) to negatively affect athlete performance. Nearly half of the matches (49) have at least a 50% likelihood of taking place during performance-impairing heat, the research found. In 26 of those matches, climate change increases the likelihood by at least 10 percentage points.

Among all matches, conditions for the match on 26 June in Guadalajara between Uruguay and Spain are most affected, with the 70% chance of performance-impairing heat 37 percentage points higher due to climate change.

And when it comes to the final, scheduled for 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (known as New York New Jersey Stadium by FIFA), whichever teams are lucky enough to go that far will face a 47% likelihood of performance-impairing heat — odds that are about 17 percentage points higher because of climate change.

As well as affecting match strategy and how hard and fast players approach the game, extreme heat can pose a serious health risk, the Climate Central researchers point out, especially when combined with high humidity.

To keep players, fans, and staff safe, World Cup organisers are adapting to the rising heat risks by scheduling more evening matches in hotter cities as well as imposing mandatory hydration breaks at all 104 matches. Matches may be postponed if the web-bulb globe temperature (a measurement of humid heat) hits 32°C (89.6°F) to minimise risks of heat stress.

Another factor to be taken into account is that most stadiums are open-air, leaving players and millions of fans exposed to peak summer heat. Only three stadiums are fully climate-controlled (Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston). Fans as well as players then, should take sensible precautions to guard against heat stroke and sunburn, including drinking plenty of water, using suitably protective suncream and hats, and limiting exertion during the hottest parts of the day.

L’article Climate change has heightened risk of dangerous heat at 2026 World Cup est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Speaking to the Financial Times, the EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said neither jet fuel costs nor supply issues fall under the criteria that would exempt airlines from having to honour passenger protections. “The price of jet fuel is the reason why we have cancellations of flights and if they cancel flights without extraordinary circumstances – jet fuel prices are not extraordinary circumstances – they will have to reimburse the people,” the commissioner said.

In Brussels, we brought together air traffic management stakeholders, airlines, manufacturers and European institutions to discuss how we can better support the future of European aviation.

We exchanged views on the modernisation of air traffic management in Europe, including… pic.twitter.com/awZ9HTe7L7

— Apostolos Tzitzikostas (@tzitzikostas) May 6, 2026

The guidance adopted by the EU makes clear the rules around those exceptions. “Airlines may only be exempt from paying financial compensation if they can prove that the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as a local fuel shortage. The Commission considers that high fuel prices should not be considered as constituting extraordinary circumstance,” it states.

Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers, has already said it has hedged its fuel supply sufficiently to avoid cancellations. But other airlines claim their bottom lines are suffering the consequences of the Strait of Hormuz blockade that followed the US-Israel war on Iran. That financial imperative has led to the cancellation of around two million flights since the end of April, including by big European players such as Lufthansa and Ryanair’s Irish rival Aer Lingus. And over in the United States, where hedging is less common, the demise of Spirit Airlines is widely seen as having been hastened by the geopolitical situation.

AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes told the same outlet the crisis is “much worse” than the effect of COVID-19 on the aviation sector. “I thought I’d seen it all with Covid … but having seen jet fuel go up almost three times – this is much worse,” he said.

The International Energy Agency has warned that fuel supplies in the bloc could run out in six weeks. While Tzitzikostas has acknowledged the “situation is tight”, he insisted the Commission is not currently considering a change to existing customer protections and airline obligations. “We have a tourist season ahead of us. We need to be careful with words we use and avoid causing panic,” he said.

L’article Airlines to compensate travellers for fuel-related flight cancellations, EU says est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.