According to a European Travel Commission’s latest report, “European Tourism – Trends & Prospects 2018”, 32 out of 34 reporting destinations showed growth for the summer season. In all, 1 in 4 destinations enjoyed double-digit increases in arrivals.
EU Travel
A Cyprus to Greece Ferry May Set Sail Once Again
The go-ahead has been given to Cyprus’ Deputy Shipping Minister Natasa Pilides to study ways a former ferry link in between Greece and Cyprus can be relaunched.
EU Travel Commission Expects Sound Growth for Chinese Travel to Europe
Positive indicators mirror outbound travel growth forecasts around the celebration of the Chinese New Year, one of the key periods when Chinese take holidays. According to the latest results of the Long-Haul Travel Sentiment Survey and Index Chinese willingness to travel overseas remains positive in the first months of 2018.
Turkey to Get Free Shengen Visas Despite
The European Commission is going to allow visa-free travel for Turkish citizens inside Europe’s passport-free Schengen zone, according to reports. As part of the deal offered Turkey for taking back migrants who crossed into Greece, Turkey is to get a free visa-ride if the country meets EU criteria.
Europe Tourism Recovery Goes Into Shock
If foreign relations and anti-terror tactics across Europe get any worse, tourism dependent businesses already hit by west versus Russia tensions could finally go belly up. All across the EU soldiers and other security personnel are fanning out in a frantic hunt for suspected radicals. However real or perceived Jihadists or other extremists may be, the danger posed to Europe’s economy. That “recovery” Europe was promised, it’s clear it’s not happening now.
Russia’s Dobrolet Airlines in Holding Pattern Over Europe
The “boomerang effect” of US and EU sanctions Russian President Vladimir Putin foretold of may be about to hit Europe travel businesses hard. The newly launched Russian low-cost Russian airline, has been forced to suspend its operations after the European Union (EU) sanctioned the airline over the Ukraine crisis.
The European Travel Commission Elects Manuel Butler
The European Travel Commission has just named Mr Manuel Butler, Director General of Tourspain (Spain), as President of the ETC.
Georgia & Other East Europe Nations: Are They Key to EU Longevity?
According to a story from Vestnik Kavkaza, the European Union and Georgia will sign an early agreement to start the process of Georgia’s associate membership in November. With pressing tensions all around though, November seems far off where good relations between European countries is concerned.
Biometric IDs A Step Toward EU – Ukraine Visa Simplicity
Biometric IDs in Ukraine appear to be on the way in. A draft law there providing for the creation of a unified state register of every Ukrainian citizen has passed fist scrutiny there. Reportedly a measure to beef up border security between Ukraine and the EU, citizens traveling abroad may feel a bit like Big Brother is watching via a built-in proximity chip keeping tabs on each citizen.
Bulgaria Tourism Up for July
Last month tourist to Bulgaria increase by some 5.0% compared with last year’s figures. Visitors from outside the country reported by Economy Minister Delya Robrev add credibility to the country’s optimism over overall 2012 numbers.
East Europe Travel Trends
For most travelers Western Europe has been at the top of their destinations list since when, this is especially true for Americans. The Summer Olympics in London promise to bolster the decades long trend too, but according to Gate 1 Travel, river cruises in Eastern Europe show vacationers heading Eastward too.
Rick Steves Android App “Localizes” Europe Travelers
European travel guru Rich Steves has just announced the release of his new Android app, Rick Steves’ Audio Europe. For a heightened sightseeing experience, for destinations across Europe, Steves has created a groundbreaking new tool. Audio Europe is another piece in the perfect mobile travel toolbox.
Not Just Rotten in Denmark – Nationalism Surfacing
The news that the Danish parliament moved on Friday to reintroduce limited border controls, should not really come as any surprise. With one segment of the EU pushing hard for austerity measures on the other side, and the Russian Federation being nixed at every turn on free visa travel, and general upheaval increasing overall, isn’t it clear more than one border crossing is at risk?
Strikes Across Europe – Some Travel Grinds to Halt
Just when you’d think European travelers may have had their fill of airline delays and disruptions, industry workers in the UK, Greece, and France decide it’s time to strike some more. A walk out by taxi drivers in Paris, striking air traffic controllers in Greece, and UK border officials demonstrating, these latest upheavals cannot help Europe travel.
Just How Unwired Is the European Travel Commission?
The European Travel Commission recently announced a travel contest via their Facebook engagement to attract US tourists to the continent. In what could be classified as either symbolic, or simply Europe’s latest and greatest online misfire, the pronounced Facebook engagement is nowhere to be found. The so called “I Wish I Were There” contest, is so far only a dream?