Your Daily Dose of Travel Gossip

China Is Fully Reopening For Tourism. Here Are The Latest Details

On March 15, 2023, China began issuing visas in all categories for foreigners.

Concert Tourism Is Thriving: Fans Travel To Celebrate Taylor Swift’s Kickoff To The Eras Tour

Fans travel from far and wide to see Taylor Swift's triumphant return to the stage for The Eras Tour in Glendale, Arizona, which was ceremoniously renamed Swift City for the tour's opening weekend.

Ranked: The 20 Happiest Countries In The World

An annual report ranks the world's happiest countries. (Guess where the U.S. ranks?)

UNWTO Launch Women in Tech Startup Competition: Middle East

UNWTO has launched a new Startup Competition to support women tourism tech entrepreneurs and innovators across the Middle East.

Milan Bergamo welcomes second direct connection to UAE - TravelDailyNews International

Already set to increase to a daily flight from 18 April, flydubai’s services, which will operate in codeshare with Emirates, will provide Milan Bergamo’s passengers with more connections to several new Asian, African, American, and Australian destinations

MarketHub Europe by Hotelbeds to debate the future of travel - TravelDailyNews International

In addition to the conference programme, there is also a trade show arena and significant networking opportunities.

UNWTO launch Women in Tech Startup Competition: Middle East - TravelDailyNews International

Applications close at the end of July 2023 and the winners will be announced at the Tourism Tech Adventure (TTA), to be held on World Tourism Day (27 September Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).

Skytrax World Airport Awards: Singapore Changi Airport is the world’s best airport for 2023 - TravelDailyNews International

Singapore Changi Airport has been named as the World’s Best Airport in 2023 in the World Airport Awards held at Passenger Terminal EXPO in Amsterdam on 15th March 2023. Changi […]

CarTrawler continues North American expansion by partnering with new US Carrier, Avelo Airlines - TravelDailyNews International

Through integrating CarTrawler’s SmartBlock technology, Avelo’s customers will have more of a personalized experience when shopping for car rentals.

P&O Cruises to name new ship in Barbados - TravelDailyNews International

The first-ever naming of a cruise ship in the Caribbean will feature the world’s largest bottle of rum for the traditional bottle smash.

Hostaway achieves first ‘triple crown’ of recognition from Airbnb, Booking.com & Vrbo - TravelDailyNews International

The announcement comes hot off the launch of Airbnb’s new ‘Preferred Plus’ status to software providers, which has only been awarded to a select few companies.

New Opening: Mamula Island, a Renovated Montenegrin Fortress - TravelDailyNews International

Rest, reenergize, and indulge at Mamula Island.

Hyatt to expand Inclusive Collection’s brand footprint in the Caribbean - TravelDailyNews International

Sunscape Resorts & Spas brand poised for significant growth by adding nearly 2,000 rooms expected in 2023.

ITA Airways increases connections from Brazil to Italy - TravelDailyNews International

11 weekly round trip flights between São Paolo and Rome Fiumicino. A new advertising campaign to promote nonstop flights between the two countries.

Walks and Devour Tours, part of City Experiences, annouce new oneof-a-kind experiental offerings across Europe - TravelDailyNews International

Rapidly expanding its diverse portfolio of tour experiences in European destinations like Dublin, Amsterdam, Spain, France, London, and more, City Experiences delivers unmatched explorations of major cultural sites, lesser-known haunts, family-run eaterie

Registration opens for the ASUTIL Conference 2023, managed by TFWA - TravelDailyNews International

The event will begin on Wednesday 7th June with three conference sessions between 09:00 and 12:30. 

UFI strengthens Marketing & Communications team with Noor Shalghen and Molly Thornberg - TravelDailyNews International

Noor Shalghen joined UFI as Marketing & Communications Coordinator. Molly Thornberg joined UFI as Social Media & Media Relations Coordinator.

New research reveals every state's favorite U.S vacation - TravelDailyNews International

Las Vegas is officially the most popular vacation in America, especially in Western states. New York City is the second most popular vacation destination in the country, followed by Miami. San Diego and Chicago round out the top five.

Aena's airlines have scheduled 4.4% more seats for this summer season compared to the pre-pandemic summer (2019) - TravelDailyNews International

The airports with the highest increases in their summer schedules are Vitoria (+96%), San Sebastián (+51%), Zaragoza (+48%), Asturias (+36%), Santiago-Rosalía de Castro (+35%), Salamanca (+34%), Vigo (+26%), Menorca (+24%), Valencia (+24%) and Seve Balles

Cirium reveals the European countries recovering fastest from the pandemic - TravelDailyNews International

Only two European countries saw last year’s departures exceed pre-pandemic levels - Albania (18%) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (14%).

Travel managers weigh in on Business Travel’s Outlook for 2023 - TravelDailyNews International

New report from GBTA and Spotnana reveals travel manager sentiment on post-pandemic recovery, changing priorities, economic risks, and balancing cost savings and the traveler experience.

Portugal Golden Visa: Your key to living and investing in Europe - TravelDailyNews International

To apply for a Portugal Golden Visa, you need to meet the program's investment requirements.

Want to move to Italy? These are the jobs that are most likely to get you a work permit in 2023 | Euronews

Italy has announced its work permit quota for this year. Here’s which industries are being targeted.

Secret Greece: Picturesque stone villages and olive oil with health benefits | Euronews

Discover a lesser known side of Greece, away from the beaches and holiday hotspots, where agrotourism and sustainability are flourishing.

Already been to London, Paris and Berlin? Make these underrated cities your next stop | Euronews

Want a city break without the crowds? Why not give these 'second cities' a go.

What is sleep tourism? The hotels offering pillow menus and a sleep concierge | Euronews

This year, ‘sleep tourism’ is on the rise and travellers are increasingly focusing their holidays on getting some quality shut eye.

Ouigo, Avlo and Lumo: These cheap European train companies are competing with budget airlines | Euronews

Budget railway companies are taking on the budget airlines - minus the carbon emissions.

Pantheon: You will soon have to pay to enter Rome's best preserved ancient monument | Euronews

Visitors will have to start paying to enter the Pantheon but which of Rome’s best tourist attractions will still be free?

Italy, Greece, Spain: The latest COVID rules if you test positive while travelling in Europe | Euronews

Some European countries still require people who test positive for COVID to self isolate for 10 days.

Cobbled streets, homegrown treats and all-year heat: Foodies will love this Spanish island | Euronews

With year-round sunshine, Gran Canaria is hard to beat for a European break.

This U.K. Airport Is Ditching Carry-on Liquid Rules

Teesside International Airport in Northern England became the first UK airport to eliminate 3.4 ounce liquid rules — and others are expected to follow.

Finland Just Wants You to Be Happy — and the Country Is Hosting a Free Master Class to Prove It

Finland is teaching a "Masterclass of Happiness" to 10 lucky travelers for free.

This Airport Was Just Ranked No. 1 in the World by Skytrax

Singapore Changi Airport was voted the top airport in the world by Skytrax this year.

Aruba Is Hiring for the 'Easiest Job in the World' — and It Comes With a Week in Paradise

The Aruba Tourism Authority is looking for a weather person to take over its social feeds.

UNWTO Hosts Tourism Data Workshop for Asia and the Pacific Members in Nepal | UNWTO

See Ryanair's Clever Comeback to a Passenger Complaint in Hilarious Twitter Exchange

Low-cost European airline Ryanair had quite the Twitter comeback for a passenger who complained about legroom this week.

NASA Reveals New Spacesuit — Designed With the First Woman to Walk on the Moon In Mind

NASA just unveiled state-of-the-art spacesuits that will accommodate female astronauts in the Artemis III mission to the moon.

Can subscription services work for STRs? | PhocusWire

The benefits of subscription services for short-term rentals can include recurring revenue streams and customer engagement, loyalty and retention.

SVB collapse could mean for travel startups | PhocusWire

LinkedIn

Are travel companies more willing to work with startups? | PhocusWire

Investors believe there has been positive change since before the pandemic with travel supply companies such as hotels and airlines now much more receptive to working with startups.

Understanding traveler preferences for the next decade | PhocusWire

Amadeus explains its Traveler Tribes 2033 report that identifies unique segments of consumers and the attitudes and behaviors that will shape their travel buying decisions in the next decade.  

Tryp.com secures seed round to enhance tech, expand reach | PhocusWire

The Denmark-based startup says its search engine “accesses thousands of flights, trains, buses and hotels in real-time, comparing prices, locations and schedules.”

Outdoor sports booking platform Captain Experiences reels in $2M | PhocusWire

While the Austin, Texas-based startup is currently catering to the fishing and hunting verticals, it plans to expand across all outdoor sports and geographies.

Vacasa sets sights on long-term profitable growth | PhocusWire

Vacasa's priorities are shifting to improving efficiency and developing processes “to deliver an unmatched experience for our homeowners and elevated hospitality for our guests,” CEO Rob Greyber says.

Accor unveils subscription cards for frequent travelers | PhocusWire

The France-based hotel giant has unveiled All Plus ibis and All Plus Voyageur, to replace its ibis Business and Business Plus frequent traveler subscription services.

CitizenM secures €480M sustainability-linked loan | PhocusWire

Sustainability-linked loans incentivize companies to achieve environmental benchmarks to secure lower interest rates.  

The Best Way To Get Your Passport Ready For Travel

The best way to avoid expensive mistakes is to be informed of potential passport pitfalls well before taking a trip. Here are a few things you need to know.

5 Adventurous Food Trips

These are unique trips that combine biking or walking with cooking classes, foraging sessions, vineyard visits, and guided market tours.