UK Electronic Travel Authorisation fees set to rise

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Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England - June 24, 2006: Tourists on punt trip (sightseeing with boat) along River Cam near Kings College in the city of Cambridge, England

It has been nearly a year since the scheme was first rolled out. However, starting this month, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) required for travel to the UK is being extended to new nationalities, with a price hike expected to follow shortly. A planned increase from £16 to £20 While an official date has yet to be confirmed, the cost of an ETA is set to rise from £16 (€18.50) to £20 (€23). Following a previous increase just a few months ago, this effectively doubles the price since the scheme’s initial launch. Furthermore, the requirement is being extended to more … Read more

Japan Tourism Update: A Rising Star… and a Cause for Concern

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Buddhist monks performing zen at autumn temple

Around twenty countries across the globe currently account for more than three-quarters of all international tourist arrivals. Each has its own unique appeal, its specific target audience, and varying levels of success over the last few years—though most share ambitious goals for the rest of the decade. So, how did these “flagship destinations” fare last year, and what does the future hold? Today, we look at a country that was far from a mainstream choice for a long time, but is now attracting record-breaking crowds. Welcome (with a few caveats…) to Japan! A record-breaking year “Historic record” is perhaps the … Read more

Tourism in Brazil: Setting Sights on Latin American Leadership

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - April 11, 2024: Dramatic view of Christ the Redeemer statue on top of the Corcovado mountain above clouds during sunrise.

Brazil is part of an elite group of around twenty countries that collectively account for over three-quarters of global tourism. Each of these nations has its own unique draw and varying levels of success over recent years, but most share a common thread: high ambitions for the rest of the decade. So, how do the results from last year look, and what lies ahead for these “flagship destinations”? Today, we look at Brazil—a country on the rise with clear intentions of dominating the South American market. One of the World’s Fastest-Growing Destinations Did you know which country saw the strongest … Read more

The European Capitals of Culture 2026: Two Cities You Probably Haven’t Visited (Yet)

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Oulu, Finland - July 6, 2016: Market Square, located in front of the Market Hall with Policeman statue (Toripolliisi) by Kaarlo Mikkonen.

While the “European Capital of Culture” title has been around since 1985, it doesn’t always grab the headlines—especially if no city in your own country is currently holding the crown. However, for those looking to get ahead of the travel trends, the cities selected for the 2026 edition have just been announced. Two hidden gems For most, Oulu and Trenčín are hardly household names. The former is Finland’s fourth-largest city, perched just below the Arctic Circle, while the latter is a mid-sized Slovakian town sitting right on the Czech border. Oulu: Where High-Tech meets the Wild Home to around 200,000 … Read more

Must-Visit Cruise Itineraries for 2026

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Cruise Itineraries 2026

Whether you prefer the open ocean or the winding charm of a river, cruise lines offer an incredible array of destinations across the globe. However, some routes truly stand out from the crowd. If you’re looking to book a getaway for 2026—be it a solo adventure or a trip with loved ones—here are the must-visit itineraries to consider this year. The Ultimate Escape: Setting Sail for the Caribbean Imagine balmy evenings, sun-drenched days, and postcard-perfect landscapes. The Caribbean remains the ultimate dream destination, and there is no better way to experience its magic than by ship. Beyond simply soaking up … Read more

The Disappearing Sea: A Forty-Year Tragedy

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Aral lake, rusted ships in the sand, Uzbekistan

In the 1960s, the Aral Sea spanned 66,000 $km^2$ across Central Asia, straddling the border between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Once the world’s fourth-largest lake, it was a lifeline for millions. Today, this vast body of water has lost 90% of its surface area, transforming the region into a bleak landscape of salt and sand. This ecological disaster—one of the worst of the 20th century—stands as a haunting reminder of the cost of unsustainable resource management. A Saltwater Oasis in the Heart of Asia The name “Aral” comes from the Kazakh word for “island,” a nod to the thousands of islands … Read more

Bali is getting tough on tourists—or at least some of them

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It’s no secret that Bali, famously known as the “Island of the Gods,” is a bucket-list destination in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago. Renowned for its natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality, it has long drawn crowds from across the globe. However, many now feel it has become a victim of its own success; last year alone, the island recorded over 7 million visitors. This raises a pressing question: what can Bali actually do to manage its tourism? Changing the model On one hand, there is the undeniable economic windfall that tourism provides. On the other, the island … Read more

You can now stay longer in Jordan

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The Ruins of the citadel Jabel al Qalah in the City Amman in Jordan in the middle east.

This is good news for those who enjoy extended stays, specifically in Jordan. While the end of 2025 saw the introduction of a requirement for those spending more than two weeks in the country to register with the authorities, 2026 opens with the possibility of staying for three months instead of the single month allowed until now. Longer stays, but mandatory “registration” required Since this year, foreign tourists can stay for up to 90 days in Jordan. This authorisation is issued automatically whether visitors—like British and other European citizens—choose an e-Visa or a visa on arrival, for which the application … Read more

Egypt Tourism Update: Strong Growth and Big Ambitions Amid Regional Challenges

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Luxor, Egypt - March 15 , 2025: Hot air balloon flying above The Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu in Theban Necropolis at Valley of the Kings, Loxor, Egypt

Egypt is one of a select group of twenty countries that together account for over three-quarters of global tourism. Each destination has its own unique appeal, and while recent years have seen varying levels of success, most are heading into the rest of the decade with bold ambitions. So, how does the balance sheet look for these “must-visit” destinations, and what lies ahead? Following our look at Morocco and Tunisia, we conclude our North African trilogy with a deep dive into Egypt. A resilient destination despite a complex backdrop Although Morocco has recently overtaken Egypt as Africa’s top tourist destination, … Read more

Over 100 million visitors: France remains the world’s most-visited destination for 2025

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Young woman in red cap having a picnic with glass of wine and baguette sitting in front of the Eiffel tower in Paris

While the final figures are still being tallied, the latest estimates from UN Tourism (the rebranded World Tourism Organization) suggest that 2025 was the year one country decisively broke the 100-million-visitor barrier for the first time. That country is, of course, France. Tourism is booming – almost everywhere With approximately 1.58 billion international arrivals recorded over the past year, 2025 looks set to be another record-breaker, continuing the post-pandemic upward trend. The global tourism industry is in remarkably robust health. You only need to look at the forecasts for the coming decade to see why: with 3.5% annual growth in … Read more

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