Barcelona raises its tourist tax to one of the highest rates in Europe. The city council approves doubling the levy on overnight visitors to fund affordable housing initiatives. The increase targets short-term rental impacts and overtourism pressures in residential neighborhoods. The new rate applies per person per night with variations by accommodation category. Higher-end hotels…
Thailand records 5.9 million international arrivals during January and February 2026 generating nearly 300 billion baht in tourism revenue. China and Malaysia lead as top source markets contributing significantly to the totals. The Tourism Authority of Thailand attributes the strong performance to targeted promotions eased entry policies and recovering global travel demand. The figures mark…
Carriers now block boarding for visa-exempt travelers to the United Kingdom without a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Home Office mandates the ETA for nationals from 85 countries previously entering visa-free for short stays. Enforcement starts February 25 with airlines rail operators and ferry companies required to verify status digitally before departure. The ETA constitutes…
Virgin Atlantic resumes its role as the transatlantic airline sponsor for Antigua Sailing Week. The event organizers confirm the partnership for the 2026 edition scheduled in April. The collaboration provides enhanced connectivity from major UK and US gateways to Antigua facilitating participant and spectator travel. The sponsorship includes dedicated flight allocations promotional support and integrated…
Emirates advises passengers holding UAE passports traveling to the United Kingdom to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure. The airline enforces the “no permission, no travel” policy from February 26 aligning with UK Home Office regulations. Visa-exempt nationals face boarding denial without a valid ETA linked to their passport. The ETA serves as digital…
Voco Times Square Broadway commences operations in New York City as the voco brand’s biggest property in the Americas. The 32-story hotel provides 419 guestrooms positioned on the edge of Times Square. IHG Hotels & Resorts positions the upscale opening to capitalize on high-demand Broadway and midtown visitor traffic. The property features contemporary design elements…
Americans increasingly choose Japan’s Hokkaido island for winter skiing as many U.S. resorts face historic snow shortages and elevated ticket prices. Hokkaido delivers up to 50 feet of annual snowfall supporting consistent powder conditions across resorts like Niseko and Furano. International visitors now access these areas through the Ikon Pass integrating them into multi-resort networks….
Airbnb introduces a Reserve Now Pay Later feature allowing guests in Asia-Pacific markets to book accommodations without upfront payment. The option locks in reservations immediately while deferring full payment until closer to check-in dates. Travelers secure preferred properties amid high demand without immediate financial commitment. The policy launches in multiple Asia-Pacific countries targeting flexible booking…
Domestic tourism in China surged during the nine-day Lunar New Year holiday with 596 million trips recorded. Total spending reached 803.5 billion yuan equivalent to approximately 116.81 billion dollars. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism attributes the increase to the longest holiday period encouraging households to travel shop and seek entertainment. Crowds filled major scenic…
Bhutan launches experimental digital nomad visas secured through tokenized gold on the Solana blockchain. The initiative integrates blockchain technology with visa issuance allowing participants to hold verifiable digital assets as collateral or proof of financial stability. Authorities collaborate with Solana-based projects to test the model’s viability for attracting remote workers. The program targets tech professionals…