Travelore News: American Airlines Pulls 2025 Forecast On Travel Demand Worries From Trump Tariffs

American Airline pulled its 2025 financial forecast on Thursday, mirroring its peers, as growing consumer apprehension over an escalating trade war result in carriers facing a level of uncertainty not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economic uncertainty can impact non-essential spending such as travel as consumers turn cautious amid fears of recession from Trump's fluctuating trade policies.

This has created fresh headache for major U.S. airlines, which just two months ago were riding a wave of strong travel demand.

American joined peers Southwest Airlines and Alaska Air to withdraw their annual forecasts, following similar moves by Delta Air and Frontier earlier this month.

United Airlines recently gave two different forecasts and factored in an economic recession into one of them, saying it was impossible to predict the macroeconomic environment this year. Shares of the carrier were down 1.3%, while peers Southwest and Alaska were down 4% and 7%, respectively. Delta and United shares were also down marginally.

American Airlines is also reeling with higher costs tied to expensive labor contracts signed last year.

It forecast its second-quarter adjusted profit per share in the range of 50 cents to $1, compared with analysts' expectations of 99 cents, according to data compiled by LSEG.

In the first quarter, it reported an adjusted loss of 59 cents per share, smaller than Wall Street expectations of 65 cents.

The airline reported a total operating revenue of $12.55 billion, down marginally from a year earlier.

Reporting by Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore, Reuters.

Japan Set To Join US, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Iceland, And Thailand In Making Tourist Taxes The New Norm Of Travel: What You Need To Know

As global travel rebounds to record-breaking levels, countries around the world are turning to tourist taxes as a strategic solution to manage surging visitor numbers, protect cultural and natural landmarks, and fund essential infrastructure. Japan is set to become the latest nation to adopt such levies, joining a growing list that includes the United States, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Iceland, and Thailand. These destinations are reshaping the travel experience by normalizing visitor fees—transforming once-exceptional charges into routine elements of trip planning. With overtourism, climate concerns, and urban congestion on the rise, tourist taxes are quickly becoming the new global standard for responsible tourism management.

Japan is the latest country to announce new visitor levies, aligning with an international wave that includes the United States, Mexico, Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Iceland, and Thailand. As more travelers return to popular destinations, understanding the evolving landscape of tourist taxation is essential. Below, we explore how each of these nations is reshaping the travel economy—one tax at a time.

Japan: New Policies to Ease the Pressure on Cultural Landmarks

Japan’s popularity as a travel destination has soared in recent years. In 2024 alone, it welcomed a record-breaking 36.8 million tourists, drawn by its iconic landscapes, ancient temples, cherry blossoms, and tech-savvy urban experiences. The influx was largely encouraged by a favorable exchange rate and relaxed visa policies. However, the overwhelming volume of visitors has started to strain popular sites like Kyoto, Nara, and Mount Fuji.
To manage this pressure, Japan is preparing to implement new tourist taxes. One of the first steps will be a significant fee increase for hikers of Mount Fuji, which begins in May 2025. The new fee of 4,000 yen (approximately
$27) is double the previous amount and applies only to international travelers. Japanese nationals are exempt, underscoring the policy’s focus on international tourist management. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to safeguard natural resources, fund infrastructure upgrades, and maintain a balanced tourism flow year-round.

United States: Complex Layers of State and City Hotel Taxes

The United States does not have a federal tourist tax, but hotel and lodging taxes are extensive at the state and city levels. These taxes, typically layered and location-specific, can significantly impact a traveler’s budget—especially in major urban areas.

In New York City, visitors pay a combined hotel tax rate of around 14.75%, which includes a 4% state tax, 4.5% city tax, a 5.875% hotel occupancy fee, and a fixed $1.50 nightly charge per room. This structure makes NYC one of the most expensive destinations in the country in terms of accommodations. Over in San Francisco, California applies a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) to both hotels and short-term rentals, including Airbnb listings. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax, creating a citywide system that funnels funds directly into local services.

Hawaii imposes a multi-layered tax structure: a 10.25% Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), a 4% General Excise Tax (GET), and a county-level surcharge that can reach 3%, bringing the total tax rate up to 17.25% in some counties. This approach ensures that revenues from tourism support both infrastructure and environmental conservation across the islands.

Mexico: From Voluntary to Mandatory Fees

In Mexico, tourist taxes have become both broader and more mandatory. For years, the Visitax program in Quintana Roo—home to destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel—allowed voluntary payments. However, by 2024, it became a required fee. Now, international visitors over the age of 15 must pay approximately $13–$14 USD before departing the region, either online or at designated airport kiosks.

Meanwhile, Baja California Sur, which includes hot spots like Los Cabos and La Paz, introduced a new mandatory $25 USD tourist tax in late 2024. Previously voluntary, this charge now supports tourism infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and environmental protections in one of the country’s fastest-growing destinations.

Local hotel taxes in Mexico also vary by state but generally range from 3% to 5% of the accommodation cost. These levies are often included in the final bill and directly fund municipal tourism development. The transition from optional contributions to legally enforced payments illustrates how Mexico is formalizing its approach to sustainable travel funding.

Canada: Provincial Levies and Municipal Add-Ons

Canada doesn’t impose a nationwide tourist tax, but several cities and provinces have created their own levies. These charges, often known as Municipal Accommodation Taxes (MAT) or lodging taxes, are commonly added to hotel bills and support local tourism and events infrastructure.

In Toronto, the MAT is set at 6%, while Montreal applies a 3.5% lodging tax. In Vancouver, a 3% Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) is added to overnight stays. These taxes are designed to generate local revenue for urban maintenance, marketing campaigns, and festival sponsorships—particularly in high-tourism cities.

In addition to accommodation taxes, Canada imposes Airport Improvement Fees (AIF) at most major airports. For example, travelers departing from Toronto Pearson Airport pay about CAD 30, while Vancouver International Airport charges around CAD 25. These fees are typically included in airfare and fund runway upgrades, terminal expansions, and security improvements.

Italy: Europe’s Most Structured Tax Zones

Italy is a trailblazer in tourist taxation, with multiple cities independently imposing their own rates depending on accommodation type and season. Starting April 18, 2025, Venice became the first city in the world to charge day-trippers. Visitors entering the historic center during peak days must pay €5, which increases to €10 for last-minute bookings. Enforced between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, the charge is applied via QR codes scanned at access points. Local residents and children under 14 are exempt.

In Rome, a city tax ranging from €4 to €10 per night has been in place since October 2023. The rate depends on the star rating of the hotel and is capped at 10 consecutive nights. Similarly, Florence applies a tourist tax between €4.50 and €8 per night, based on accommodation class, with a 7-night cap and exemptions for children under 12.

These structured charges provide a predictable and transparent model, allowing cities to direct funds into historical preservation, waste management, and urban renewal.

Spain: Regional Systems and Tiered Pricing

Spain’s tourist taxes vary widely depending on region and season. In Barcelona, as of October 2024, travelers must pay a €4 per night city tax in addition to the regional Catalonia tax, creating a total of €7.50 per night for luxury accommodation guests. These funds are earmarked for maintaining cultural sites and controlling urban density.

The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca) also impose seasonal fees ranging from €1 to €4 per night, with lower rates applied during off-peak months. Tourists staying in eco-friendly accommodations may qualify for reductions, a nod to the region’s commitment to sustainable travel.

Both Barcelona and the islands have seen tensions rise between locals and tourists in recent years, especially during high summer traffic. These taxes represent a policy response that both regulates crowding and enhances visitor experience through reinvested funds.

France: Tiered ‘Taxe de Séjour’ Model

France applies a nationwide tourist tax called the “taxe de séjour”, but the amount varies by destination and hotel classification. In Paris, tourists pay between €0.65 (for campsites) and €15.60 (for luxury palaces) per person, per night. The tax is displayed clearly in booking confirmations and invoices, ensuring transparency.

These charges are reinvested into local services such as public transport, tourism marketing, and cultural preservation. Smaller cities and towns also impose their own variants, helping distribute the burden and benefit of tourism across regions.

The French model is frequently cited as an example of how to balance tourism promotion with urban sustainability. Clear tax brackets, high visibility, and direct reinvestment help garner public support for the program.

Iceland: Reintroduced to Manage Growth

After pausing its tourism tax during the pandemic, Iceland reintroduced its levy in 2024, reflecting the island nation’s renewed emphasis on conservation. The tax applies as follows: ISK 600 (~$4.36) per night for hotels and guesthouses, ISK 300 (~$2.18) for campsites and mobile homes, and ISK 1,000 (~$7.20) per night for cruise ship passengers.

The country’s small population and delicate ecosystems make overtourism a pressing concern. By charging tourists directly, Iceland can better maintain hiking paths, public toilets, and emergency services in remote areas. These fees also help support environmental education campaigns and park ranger programs.

Thailand: Preparing for a Mid-2025 Rollout

Thailand’s government has confirmed plans to implement a nationwide tourist tax by mid-2025. Air travelers will be charged 300 baht (approximately $8–$9 USD), while those arriving by land or sea will pay 150 baht (~$4–$5 USD). The fee is expected to be automatically included in airline tickets to streamline enforcement.

Funds from the tax will support accident insurance for travelers, maintenance of tourist attractions, and infrastructure development in less-visited provinces. Thailand has long struggled with the economic disparities between overcrowded destinations like Phuket and under-visited rural areas. This fee aims to help distribute tourism more evenly across the country.

Other Countries with Tourist Taxes in 2025

Greece

Introduced the “Climate Crisis Resilience Fee” in January 2024. This tax ranges from €2 to €15 per room per night, depending on hotel rating and season. For example, 5-star hotels charge €15 during peak season (April to October), while 1–2-star properties charge €2.

Netherlands (Amsterdam)

In 2024, Amsterdam increased its tourist tax to 12.5% of the accommodation cost, making it one of the highest in Europe. It applies to hotels, short-term rentals, and cruise ship visitors.

Portugal

Lisbon doubled its city tax in September 2024 from €2 to €4 per night, applicable for up to 7 nights. Children under 13 are exempt. Porto increased its rate in early 2025 from €2 to €3 per night for all accommodation types.

Austria (Vienna)

Charges a 3.2% tourist tax on the net accommodation cost (excluding VAT and meals). For a hotel rate of €120 per night, the tax would be around €3.84.

Hungary (Budapest)

Budapest applies a fixed tourism tax of 1,000 HUF (~€2.60) per person per night, capped at 6 nights.

Czech Republic (Prague)

Tourists pay CZK 50 (~€2) per person per night. The tax is typically included in hotel invoices.

Croatia

Rates vary by location and season, averaging €1 per night. Travelers aged 12 to 18 pay 50% of the tax, and children under 12 are exempt.

Slovenia (Ljubljana)

Visitors pay €3.13 per night, with a 50% discount for youth (ages 7 to 18), those staying in youth hostels, or in IYHF-affiliated camps.

Japan is joining a growing list of countries—including the US, Mexico, and France—that are adopting tourist taxes to manage over tourism, protect cultural sites, and fund vital infrastructure, making such levies the new global norm for travel in 2025.

A New Era for Global Travel

The message is clear: tourist taxes are here to stay. Once implemented sparingly or seasonally, these levies are now forming the backbone of long-term tourism strategies worldwide. From Japan’s efforts to ease pressure on Mount Fuji to the U.S.’s layered lodging taxes, nations are using fiscal tools to shape visitor behavior and secure vital funds.

For travelers, this shift means planning beyond airfare and hotel rates. Factoring in destination-specific taxes will be as routine as booking a visa or choosing insurance. But these costs also contribute to something greater—ensuring that the cultural, historical, and natural wonders we visit today will still be there tomorrow.

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/

Canada’s Snowbirds Reconsider Calling The US Their Second Home

Sharon Savoy, a 65-year-old retiree from just outside of Toronto, had planned a typical three-month stay at her vacation home in Miami earlier this month. But then she abruptly decided to put the trip on hold, and now she wonders when she’ll ever go back to her second home.

Tariffs to be placed on Canada and other U.S. trading partners may significantly impact Florida's tourism industry. STRF/STAR MAX/IPx/AP

“I should be there right now,” Savoy told CNN. “But we’re trying to debate whether or not it’s a good idea to go.”

Savoy is one of the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who make their home in warmer parts of the United States during Canada’s colder months. In fact, Canadians are the top foreign buyers of US properties — making up 13% of all home purchases in 2024, mostly concentrated in Florida and Arizona — according to a July report from the National Association of Realtors.

But as trade tensions grow between the two countries, many Canadians have taken the conflict to heart, loudly booing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at sporting events and boycotting US-made products. Some Canadian snowbirds are reconsidering their lives in the United States altogether. US-based Realtors in Arizona and Florida told CNN they are fielding calls from Canadians looking to sell their homes, and recent data shows Canadian tourism to the United States has slowed to a trickle.

Stephen Fine, the president of Snowbird Advisor, a Canadian company that provides real estate, legal and insurance guidance to Canadians who travel south for the winter, said many of his company’s members feel “angry, upset, disappointed and frustrated.”

“A number of them are considering alternative destinations to the US next year. Some want to sell their US properties,” Fine said.

Savoy said that although she loves her Miami home, she is putting off a visit to show solidarity with her fellow Canadians.

“I’m in these snowbird groups where people have been saying we shouldn’t be spending money in the US,” she said. “I don’t want my country to feel like I’m betraying them during this threatening time.”

Economic fallout from tariffs

A drop-off in Canadian tourism could bruise the US tourism industry.

Canada is the top source of international visitors to the United States, according to the US Travel Association. A hypothetical 10% reduction in Canadian travel could mean $2.1 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses.

There are already signs of a slowdown: Canadian residents made 13% fewer trips by air to the United States in February and 23% fewer trips by car, compared to a year ago, according to Statistics Canada, Canada’s national statistical office.

Flight reservations from Canada to the United States have plummeted by more than 70% every month from March through the end of September, according to OAG, a travel data provider.

Share Ross, a Realtor based in southeast Florida, said she’s recently seen a sharp uptick in Canadians listing their Florida homes for sale.

“Some of the clients I have been dealing with want to sell at any cost, even at a loss,” Ross said.

Rental properties have also experienced a steep decline in demand this year, she said.

“The Canadian market for rentals is just done,” said Ross. “I usually get a few people from various provinces looking for homes to rent. I didn’t have any this season.”

A growing exodus of Canadians from Florida could strain the state’s already troubled housing market. Florida currently has a record number of homes for sale as homeowners face skyrocketing insurance premiums and a growing risk of hurricane-induced flooding fueled by climate change.

The drop-off in travel from Canada to the United States comes amid a bubbling tit-for-tat trade squabble between the two nations. The latest blow came this past week: US President Donald Trump said he would place a 25% tariff on all auto imports, which Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called a “direct attack” in violation of US trade agreements with Canada.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration officially placed a 25% tariff on most of the other imports from Canada and Mexico. The president also ramped up threats to annex Canada and make it the 51st state. Canada responded by announcing retaliatory tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American goods, though the trade war threatens to plunge Canada’s economy into a recession.

“It is clear that the United States is no longer a reliable partner,” Carney said Thursday, adding that Canada would look to shift to trading more with other countries.

To sell or not to sell?

Miles Zimbaluk, an Arizona-based Realtor who offers cross-border real estate guidance for Canadians looking to buy and sell US property, said he believes politics isn’t the only thing motivating more Canadians to list their properties for sale.

Zimbaluk said a weakened Canadian dollar has factored into some snowbirds’ decision-making process. Last month, the Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level against the US dollar since 2003, meaning that everyday goods like groceries and gas have become significantly more expensive for Canadians. It also means that Canadians stand to make a profit by moving their money from the United States to Canada.

“There are people cashing in now and taking that dollar back to Canada and converting it back to Canadian dollars,” Zimbaluk said. “We’ve definitely seen a big uptick in people wanting to sell their homes for a lot of different reasons right now.”

Savoy, the Toronto-based retiree, said she isn’t quite ready to put her Miami home up for sale.

“I enjoy my life there. Miami has some great nightlife and beautiful beaches. It’s got everything you need, and I’ve never had any issues,” she said. “But if things continue to get worse, I will be selling my home in the USA. Not because I’m afraid of being there, but because, why would I want to do business there?”

https://www.cnn.com/profiles/samantha-delouya

Japan Joins Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Slovenia, And New Zealand In Establishing Tourist Tax As An Emerging Trend

Japan has joined Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Slovenia, and New Zealand in making tourist tax an emerging trend in 2025, as more countries implement higher fees to combat overtourism and fund sustainable travel initiatives. With rising visitor numbers straining infrastructure and natural resources, nations are shifting toward mandatory contributions from travelers to support tourism management, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. Japan is expanding its tourism-related levies, Germany continues enforcing its 5% hotel tax, and Russia has introduced a nationwide accommodation fee. Mexico is implementing a $42 cruise visitor charge, Portugal is raising lodging taxes in major cities, and Italy is adjusting both hotel and day-trip fees. Switzerland’s visitor levies vary by region, Slovenia enforces municipal travel taxes, and New Zealand has significantly increased its visitor levy by 185%. These changes mark a global shift toward making tourist taxes a standard practice, reinforcing the idea that travelers must contribute more to the destinations they visit as governments seek to balance tourism growth with long-term sustainability.

Japan’s Higher Travel Costs

Japan continues to charge its 1,000-yen ($7) “Sayonara Tax” for departing travelers, but new tourism-related fees are emerging. The Junguria Okinawa nature park, opening in July 2025, will charge international visitors 8,800 yen (~$58) for entry, while Japanese residents will pay 6,930 yen (~$46). Officials argue the higher fee for foreigners aligns with global standards and helps maintain the park. Additional price increases for attractions and accommodation taxes in certain regions are expected in the near future.

Japan – Tradition Meets Innovation

Tokyo: The City That Never Sleeps

A vibrant metropolis where ancient temples stand beside futuristic skyscrapers. Places to Visit: Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, Akihabara electronics district. Things to Do: Experience a traditional tea ceremony, shop for the latest fashion in Harajuku, enjoy sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market, explore teamLab Planets digital art museum.

Kyoto: The Cultural Heart of Japan

Home to stunning golden temples, historic geisha districts, and breathtaking Zen gardens. Places to Visit: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Gion District, Ryoan-ji Temple. Things to Do: Take part in a kimono experience, enjoy matcha tea in a traditional teahouse, walk the Philosopher’s Path, visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Osaka: Japan’s Kitchen

Famous for its street food scene, neon-lit nightlife, and friendly locals. Places to Visit: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori entertainment district, Umeda Sky Building, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Universal Studios Japan. Things to Do: Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki, watch a sumo match, visit Kuromon Market for fresh seafood, explore Osaka Aquarium.

Germany’s 5% Hotel Tax Expansion

Germany applies a 5% city tax on hotel stays, funding urban infrastructure and tourism maintenance. Initially implemented in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, the tax is expanding to smaller towns. Visitors staying in luxury accommodations will pay the most, while budget travelers will see a smaller impact. The funds support landmark preservation, including Brandenburg Gate, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Berlin’s Museum Island, ensuring they remain well-maintained for both locals and tourists.

Germany – A Blend of History and Modernity

Berlin: The Capital of Culture and Creativity A city that seamlessly blends history with a thriving arts and nightlife scene. Places to Visit: Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, Museum Island, Reichstag Building, Checkpoint Charlie. Things to Do: Walk along the East Side Gallery, explore the underground clubs of Kreuzberg, visit the Topography of Terror museum, relax at Tiergarten Park.

Munich: Bavarian Charm and Beer Gardens

A city known for its historic architecture, beer halls, and proximity to the Alps. Places to Visit: Marienplatz, Neuschwanstein Castle, Nymphenburg Palace, BMW Museum, Viktualienmarkt. Things to Do: Drink beer at Hofbräuhaus, take a day trip to Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial, visit the English Garden, experience Oktoberfest in autumn.

Hamburg: Germany’s Port City

A lively maritime city with a mix of historic and modern attractions. Places to Visit: Elbphilharmonie, Speicherstadt warehouse district, Miniatur Wunderland, St. Michael’s Church, Reeperbahn nightlife area. Things to Do: Cruise the Elbe River, visit the Hamburg Fish Market, take a ferry to Blankenese, explore the St. Pauli district.

Mexico’s New Non-Resident Cruise Fee

Mexico is introducing a $42 non-resident fee for cruise passengers starting in 2026. Previously, cruise travelers were exempt from additional charges, but the new fee applies whether or not they disembark. This change primarily impacts tourism hotspots such as Cozumel, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas, where short-term cruise visitors contribute to congestion but have not paid tourism-related taxes before. The revenue will be invested in port infrastructure, tourism services, and local community support.

Mexico – Vibrant Culture and Stunning Coastlines

Mexico City: A Capital of History and Art One of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world, filled with history and culture. Places to Visit: Zócalo Square, Chapultepec Park, National Museum of Anthropology, Frida Kahlo Museum, Teotihuacán Pyramids. Things to Do: Try authentic tacos at a street market, watch a Lucha Libre wrestling match, explore the floating gardens of Xochimilco, visit Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Cancun: A Paradise for Beach Lovers

A top vacation destination with white-sand beaches and ancient ruins. Places to Visit: Playa Delfines, Isla Mujeres, Chichen Itza, Tulum Ruins, Xcaret Park. Things to Do: Snorkel in cenotes, swim with dolphins, take a boat tour to Cozumel, party at Coco Bongo nightclub.

Guadalajara: Mexico’s Cultural Hub

The birthplace of mariachi music and tequila, full of historic landmarks. Places to Visit: Hospicio Cabañas, Tlaquepaque arts district, Teatro Degollado, Tequila countryside, Mercado Libertad. Things to Do: Watch a mariachi performance, sample tequila from a distillery, visit a rodeo-style charreada, explore the colonial streets of downtown.

Switzerland’s Tourism Levies Vary by Region

Switzerland’s tourist tax rates differ across cantons, ranging from CHF 0.50 to CHF 7 per night, depending on the city and accommodation type. While these taxes increase visitor expenses, they also come with perks—many cities offer free or discounted public transport to tourists who pay the levy. The collected funds go toward maintaining alpine trails, ski resorts, and urban infrastructure in destinations such as Zurich, Lucerne, and the Swiss Alps, ensuring sustainable tourism practices.

Switzerland – Alpine Beauty and Urban Elegance

Zurich: The Financial and Cultural Capital

A city that blends historical charm with modern sophistication. Places to Visit: Bahnhofstrasse shopping street, Lake Zurich, Grossmünster Church, Lindenhof Hill, Swiss National Museum. Things to Do: Take a boat ride on Lake Zurich, explore the Old Town’s cobbled streets, visit the FIFA Museum, enjoy Swiss chocolate tastings.

Lucerne: Fairytale Views by the Lake

A picturesque city known for its medieval architecture and stunning scenery. Places to Visit: Chapel Bridge, Mount Pilatus, Lion Monument, Musegg Wall, Swiss Transport Museum. Things to Do: Ride a cogwheel train to Mount Rigi, take a lake cruise, explore the Glacier Garden, visit the Richard Wagner Museum.

Portugal’s Travel Fees Rise in Key Cities

Portugal has increased its tourism tax across multiple regions:

Lisbon raised its fee from €2 to €4 per night in September 2024.

Porto is set to increase its charge from €2 to €3 per night later this year.

Madeira is expanding its €2 per night tax to cover more municipalities by 2025.

Cruise passengers visiting Funchal (Madeira’s capital) must now pay €2 per visit. These fees contribute to historic preservation, environmental sustainability, and tourism services, ensuring that Portugal’s attractions, from Lisbon’s Alfama district to Porto’s wine cellars, remain well-maintained.

Portugal – Sun, History, and Coastal Charm

Lisbon: The City of Seven Hills

A city full of colorful streets, historic trams, and ocean views.

Places to Visit: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Alfama district, São Jorge Castle, Time Out Market.

Things to Do: Ride Tram 28, listen to Fado music, explore the LX Factory creative district, take a day trip to Sintra’s palaces.

Porto: The Home of Port Wine

A charming riverside city famous for its historic center and wine cellars.
Places to Visit: Dom Luís I Bridge, Livraria Lello bookstore, Clerigos Tower, Ribeira district, São Bento train station.

Things to Do: Taste port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia, cruise along the Douro River, explore the Bolsa Palace, try a Francesinha sandwich.

Russia’s Nationwide Tourist Tax Introduced

Since January 1, 2025, Russia has implemented a new accommodation tax of 1% of lodging costs, with a minimum 100 rubles (~$0.90) per night. The rate will rise to 3% by 2027 to fund transportation, tourism services, and hospitality improvements. This tax applies across the country, affecting visitors to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, and Sochi, supporting the nation’s goal of modernizing its tourism infrastructure.

Russia – Grand Cities with Imperial Heritage

Moscow: The Capital of Tsars and Revolution

A city filled with historic grandeur and Soviet-era landmarks.

Places to Visit: Red Square, Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, GUM shopping mall, Bolshoi Theatre.

Things to Do: Ride the Moscow Metro to see its ornate stations, visit Lenin’s Mausoleum, explore the Tretyakov Gallery, take a river cruise at night.

St. Petersburg: Russia’s Cultural Gem

A city of grand palaces and world-renowned museums.

Places to Visit: Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Nevsky Prospekt, Catherine Palace.

Things to Do: Watch a ballet at Mariinsky Theatre, visit the Fabergé Museum, take a canal boat ride, explore the nightlife scene.

Italy Adjusts Tourism Taxes in Popular Destinations

Italy continues modifying its tourist tax system, focusing on Rome and Venice:

Rome has increased its hotel tax by up to €2 per night, depending on accommodation type. Budget stays cost around €5, while luxury hotels now charge €12 per night per person. Venice’s day-tripper tax remains €5 for advance bookings, but last-minute visitors (booked less than 4 days ahead) will pay €10 on 54 peak days in 2025. These funds help maintain heritage sites like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Venice’s canals, aiming to ease the strain of mass tourism.

Italy – Timeless Beauty and Rich History

Rome: The Eternal City
A living museum filled with ancient ruins, grand piazzas, and Renaissance art.
Places to Visit: Colosseum, Vatican City, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum.

Things to Do: Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, explore the Sistine Chapel, walk through Trastevere’s charming streets, enjoy authentic pasta carbonara.

Venice: The City of Canals

A romantic city built on waterways, famous for its gondolas and stunning architecture.

Places to Visit: St. Mark’s Basilica, Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, Murano and Burano islands.

Things to Do: Take a gondola ride, visit a glassblowing workshop, explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, attend the Venice Carnival.

Slovenia’s Uniform Travel Tax SystemSlovenia enforces a nationwide tourist tax, with Ljubljana charging €3.13 per person per night—this includes a €2.50 municipal tax and a €0.63 tourism promotion fee. Other Slovenian regions follow similar pricing. The revenue goes toward preserving natural parks, funding eco-friendly tourism, and maintaining cultural landmarks such as Lake Bled, Triglav National Park, and the historic town of Piran.

Slovenia – Europe’s Hidden Gem

Ljubljana: The Green Capital

A charming city with a pedestrian-friendly center, beautiful riverbanks, and fairytale castles.

Places to Visit: Ljubljana Castle, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Tivoli Park, Central Market.

Things to Do: Cruise along the Ljubljanica River, explore Metelkova’s street art scene, visit the National Gallery, enjoy Slovenian cuisine in an open-air market.

Bled: A Fairytale by the Lake

A picture-perfect town famous for its lake, island church, and medieval castle.

Places to Visit: Lake Bled, Bled Castle, Vintgar Gorge, Bled Island, Triglav National Park.

Things to Do: Row to Bled Island, hike to Ojstrica for panoramic views, taste the famous Bled cream cake, explore the Julian Alps.

New Zealand’s Drastic Increase in Visitor Levies

New Zealand has raised its International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) from NZ$35 to NZ$100 (~£47) as of October 2024, marking a 185% increase. This applies to most visa and NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) holders, with Australians and select Pacific nations remaining exempt. The funds will support environmental conservation, hiking trail maintenance, and sustainable tourism in destinations like Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, and Rotorua’s geothermal reserves.

New Zealand – Natural Wonders and Adventure

Auckland: The City of Sails

New Zealand’s largest city, surrounded by harbors and volcanic islands.

Places to Visit: Sky Tower, Waiheke Island, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Viaduct Harbour, Mount Eden.

Things to Do: Take a ferry to Rangitoto Island, visit Hobbiton nearby, go bungee jumping off the Harbour Bridge, explore Piha Beach.

Queenstown: The Adventure Capital

A paradise for thrill-seekers, set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps.

Places to Visit: Lake Wakatipu, Skyline Gondola, Kawarau Bridge, Milford Sound, Arrowtown.

Things to Do: Try bungee jumping, go jet boating on the Shotover River, ski at The Remarkables, hike the Ben Lomond Track.

Japan has joined Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Slovenia, and New Zealand in making tourist tax the emerging trend in 2025, as more countries adopt higher fees to combat overtourism, support infrastructure, and ensure sustainable tourism, signaling a global shift in how travel is funded.

Why Are Travel Fees Increasing Worldwide?

As global tourism rebounds, many countries are balancing economic recovery with sustainability. These fees help mitigate the impact of high visitor numbers, maintain infrastructure, and fund preservation efforts.

As countries worldwide adjust their tourism policies, Japan, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Slovenia, and New Zealand are leading the charge in raising travel fees in 2025. These increases aim to manage overtourism, improve infrastructure, and preserve cultural and natural heritage. While higher costs may affect travel budgets, they also contribute to maintaining the very destinations travelers seek to explore. Whether these rising taxes will deter visitors or enhance their overall experience remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—tourism is evolving, and so are the costs that come with it.

With Japan, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Slovenia, and New Zealand all increasing travel fees this year, will these changes affect your plans? Or do you see them as a fair price for maintaining the world’s top destinations?

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/

Spain Sets A New Record With 94 Million International Tourists Last Year

A record 94 million international travelers visited Spain in 2024 in the best year for tourism in the country since records started, the tourism minister said.

Tourists sit on a public bench at Plaza Mayor in downtown Madrid, Spain, April 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue, File)

It was Spain’s second record-breaking year since 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic that paralyzed international leisure travel, as tourism has rebounded globally. The surge in arrivals comes at a time when a housing crisis in Spain has put tourist accommodation in the spotlight.

Spain ranks as the second most popular destination globally, after France, on the U.N. World Tourism Barometer.

The number of foreign visitors in 2024 improved by 10% on the mark set in 2023, when 83.5 million people visited the country, Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu said.

The income from foreign visitors reached 126 billion euros ($129.8 billion) in the past 12 months, up 16% from the 108.7 billion euros ($117 billion) spent in 2023, the minister said. Tourism accounts for 12.3% of the country’s gross domestic product.

Spain is one of the most popular sun and beach destinations, but 32% more travelers said they visited the country last year for cultural reasons and culinary travel increased by 28%, compared to 2019, according to the Tourism Ministry.

Travel outside of the summer months and a rise in popularity of inland destinations — beyond Barcelona, the Mediterranean and Canary islands — have been keys to the new mark, the ministry said.Besides its traditional European market, the Spanish tourism sector has recorded an increase in visitors from the United States, Latin America and Asia.

Many countries have set new tourism records following the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, international arrivals have reached 98% of 2019 levels in January-September 2024, according to the U.N. barometer.

AP

China Expects Increase In New Year Travel Numbers, Despite Economic Doldrums

China expects an increase in the number of people joining the coming Lunar New Year travel rush, with authorities estimating a record 9 billion domestic trips will be made during the 40-day period of festivities, despite the stuttering economy.

State media reported the forecast for the travel season that starts on Jan. 14 when people traditionally travel to and from their home towns. Last year, authorities also expected 9 billion domestic trips, but actual numbers fell short with around 8.4 billion total trips logged.

Self-driving road trips are expected to make up about 80% of trips this year, followed by train and air travel, Li Chunlin, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

This year's Spring Festival comes at a time when China's economy is in the doldrums, struggling to recover from three years of pandemic control and hamstrung by a prolonged property market crisis. Exports are a bright spot in growth but face possible new U.S. tariffs when Donald Trump takes office this month.

The government has rolled out a flurry of stimulus measures in recent months, including interest rate cuts and an expansion in the scope of a consumer goods trade-in scheme, but has so far failed to stage a sustained recovery.

Annual official tallies of trips made during the New Year travel rush have jumped since the Ministry of Transport revised the metric before the 2023 Lunar New Year to include self-driving road trips on major national expressways.

The metric was changed again before the 2024 celebrations to include road trips made on more highways.

A total of 2.98 billion trips were recorded in the 2019 Spring Festival travel rush, the year before the pandemic restrictions hampered travel.

A record 510 million train trips are expected during the coming 40-day period, up 5.5% year-on-year, Zhu Wenzhong, an official from China's national railway operator, said at the same briefing.,br />
Some 90 million plane trips are expected during this year's celebrations, also a record high, the NDRC's Li said.

Reporting by Yukun Zhang and Liz Lee Editing by Frances Kerry

Travel + Leisure Names Thailand The 2025 Destination Of The Year

Travel + Leisure has named Thailand as the 2025 Destination of the Year. Known for its rich cultural heritage, dynamic culinary scene, and a seamless blend of tradition with modern innovation, Thailand is a must-visit destination for travelers in the year ahead. This is the tenth year Travel + Leisure editors have selected a Destination of the Year, with previous honorees including Costa Rica, Italy, and Japan.

"We are thrilled to recognize Thailand as our Destination of the Year for 2025," said Jacqui Gifford, Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure. "Whether visitors are exploring Bangkok's cutting-edge culinary scene, relaxing on one of the country's 1,430 islands, or experiencing its renowned hospitality with some of the best luxury hotels in the world, Thailand offers a unique adventure for every type of traveler."

Thailand's diverse regions offer travelers a mix of artistic inspiration, natural beauty, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. The capital, Bangkok, shines as a cultural powerhouse, renowned for its dynamic food scene and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Beyond the bustling city, Thailand's islands–including the world famous Koh Samui, home to the forthcoming season of HBO's The White Lotus–offer tranquil escapes and luxury resorts. Phang Nga Bay is known for breathtaking views of limestone karst formations, while the cultural hub of Isan in the northeast showcases artistic contributions that have influenced the broader creative scene in Thailand. Additionally, the country remains committed to wildlife conservation, particularly in its efforts to protect endangered Asian elephants, which visitors can witness firsthand at various sanctuaries.

A comprehensive guide to everything Thailand has to offer—from the family-friendly hotel offerings to the vast island network and more—is available now at TravelandLeisure.com, and will be featured in the cover story of the December/January 2025 issue, available on newsstands on November 22.

Citi® / AAdvantage® is the presenting sponsor of Travel + Leisure's 2025 Destination of the Year program. As part of the sponsorship, Travel + Leisure will host a special event for cardmembers celebrating the winning destination.

Travelore News: Global Airlines Bet On India Travel Boom

Global airlines are launching new flights and expanding schedules in India, betting the South Asian giant will become one of the hottest travel markets over the next decade, airline officials and analysts say.

India, among the fastest-growing major aviation markets, took centre stage at the industry's largest gathering of global airline CEOs and aircraft leasing companies in Dubai last week, with domestic and international air travel surging.

The domestic air travel market in India is expected to double to 300 million passengers from a record 152 million in 2023, according to government data.

International traffic is set to grow faster, reaching 160 million passengers by 2030 from 64 million last year, estimates from aviation research group CAPA India show.

To tap that growth, Turkish Airlines, opens new tab is evaluating flights between its southern beach town of Antalya and India, chairman Ahmet Bolat said at The International Air Transport Association (IATA) summit.

Turkish Airlines may run the route through Sun Express, a carrier it operates jointly with Lufthansa, opens new tab, or through its Indian codeshare partner IndiGo, he said.

Hungary-based budget carrier Wizz Air opens new tab is aiming to launch its first flights to the country next year, CEO Jozsef Varadi told Reuters at a separate aviation conference in New Delhi last week, organised by CAPA India.

The strong outlook has prompted India's two biggest airlines - budget carrier IndiGo (INGL.NS), opens new tab and Tata Group's Air India - to place record orders for hundreds of new planes, which will largely be delivered over 10 years.

HUGE FLEET GROWTH

India's total aircraft fleet is expected to increase to more than 1,500 by 2030 from around 700 currently, with most planes financed through sale and leaseback deals, making the country attractive to aircraft lessors.

"The demand growth is unlike what we see in any other jurisdictions," Firoz Tarapore, CEO at aircraft leasing company Dubai Aerospace Enterprise told Reuters in Dubai.

"If you say that (fare) price discipline is good and demand is on a secular uptrend then I think it's a market that we as a lessor community will want to be part of that growth," he said.

The government is backing up this growth with an investment of about $12 billion in new and upgraded airports.

"India is taking its place on the world stage," said IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, talking to reporters on the sidelines of the IATA meet. Elbers moved to India two years ago, leaving his position as CEO of Dutch carrier KLM. Such is the buzz around India, some big international airlines are frustrated at a lack of market access. Emirates and Turkish Airlines want more flight capacity rights in India, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is prioritising domestic carriers.

"In the end, you are compromising the strength of your economy by restricting access not only of Emirates, but all foreign carriers," Emirates President Tim Clark said at the Dubai conference. Much of India's travel growth is expected to come from its huge diaspora of 35 million people, who mostly live in North America, Europe and South Africa, as well as a growing crop of adventurous, young Indian travellers with rising incomes.

"This coming decade is India's decade for growth," independent aviation analyst Brendan Sobie said, adding that India could experience the kind of travel surge China witnessed in the decade prior to the COVID pandemic.

Reporting by Aditi Shah and Shivansh Tiwary; Additional reporting by Tim Hepher, Alex Cornwell and Lisa Barrington in Dubai; Editing by Joe Brock and Sonali Paul, Reuters.

Travelore News: US Airlines See No Letup In Travel Demand Despite Broader Economic Concerns

A rush among travelers to make up for lost time during the pandemic is producing bumper airline earnings. And executives at U.S. carriers don't see a letup in demand even as rising living costs stretch household budgets and add to worries about the industry's pricing power.

American Airlines on Thursday raised its earnings forecast for 2023 after profit in the second quarter topped Wall Street estimates.

The Texas-based carrier is the latest to offer an upbeat outlook. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have also raised their earnings estimates as consumers cut spending on goods in favor of experiences.

It's indicative of our belief that the economy is strong, demand is strong," American CEO Robert Isom said on an earnings call.

number of passengers moving through airport checkpoints has been averaging above pre-pandemic levels since mid-May and hit a four-year high last month, U.S. Transportation Security Administration data showed.

International bookings are especially strong after the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions. Data from travel website Kayak, for example, shows searches by U.S.-based customers for summer travel to Europe are up 55% from last year.

Airlines say travel has become the topmost priority for consumers, but capacity constraints at airlines will not let them catch up with demand for anytime soon, helping sustain the post-pandemic travel boom.

These "very constraints and challenges are going to set the table for improved financial results for the airline industry," said United CEO Scott Kirby.

But with the U.S. central bank aggressively trying to tamp down inflation, airlines continue to face questions about travel spending.

Those concerns have not allowed airline shares to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels despite a rebound in the industry's revenue.

PRICING POWER WEAKENING?

Strong demand has bolstered airfares, allowing carriers to offset higher costs.

But inflation data shows airline ticket prices have peaked. American's earnings report reinforced that view as its total revenue per available seat mile, a proxy for pricing power, in the September quarter is forecast to be down about 4.5% to 6.5% from last year.

Shares of American and Delta were down 6% and 1.5%, respectively. United's shares were up 1%.

Airline executives say the drop in ticket prices is primarily a reflection of cooling fuel prices and higher capacity and not a result of waning demand. They point to frequent upgrades to airline earnings forecasts as an evidence of strong travel spending.

Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh Editing by Nick Zieminski, Reuters

Millennial And Gen Z Travelers Have Bigger Budgets But Seek Deals, Hopper App Says

Most Millennial and Generation Z travelers are planning bigger 2023 travel budgets but also growing more cost-conscious when booking flights and hotel accommodations, according to travel booking app Hopper.

Early this year, U.S. travel companies told investors they saw no signs of slowing demand despite rising costs, but now, Hopper said, more customers are booking travel only when the price is right.

The trend may eventually hamper growth for airline, hotel and leisure companies that have benefited from rising prices and pent-up demand.

Some 84% of Hopper users, primarily Millennial and Gen Z travelers, plan to spend more on travel in 2023, according to the company's 2023 Travel Trends Report which surveyed 1,500 Hopper users.

About 70% of Hopper users are between ages 18 and 35.

"It's not to say that Millennial and Gen Z travelers just have unlimited budgets and they're spending all their money on travel," said Hopper economist, Hayley Berg. "They are being incredibly price sensitive in order to get more out of their budget."

Hopper users who already tend to be price sensitive and book the cheapest flight available more than half the time are checking prices even more than they did in 2019, before the pandemic, the company said.

Users checked prices of domestic trips in 2022 an average of 16 times before booking, a 33% increase from 2019.

Prices for international trips were checked 50% more often than in 2019.

"Even though they're planning more last minute, they're checking the price way more often before and after they book," Berg added. Travel planning time has decreased 30% when compared to 2019 levels, according to the company.

Although Millennial and Gen Z travelers booked in 2019 travel earlier than the rest of the population, they are growing more averse to booking, the company added.
By Doyinsola Oladipo

Major US Airlines To Require Passengers To Wear Face Masks, Taking JetBlue's Lead

(AP) — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines said Thursday they will soon require passengers to cover their faces during flights, following the lead of JetBlue Airways.

The move comes as airlines big and small contemplate how to comply with social-distancing recommendations in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Most flights are nearly empty these days — air travel is down 95% from a year ago, and the average domestic flight has 17 passengers, according to industry figures.

But recently passengers have posted photos on social media of crowded planes with many passengers who weren’t covering their faces despite the recommendation by federal health officials to wear a mask when in public to prevent spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

In some cases, airlines created the crowds by canceling other flights and packing passengers onto fewer planes.

During a three-hour layover at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Vince Warburton noticed a crowd gathering in the gate area before his American Airlines flight to Los Angeles.

“People were laughing at the fact that (gate agents) were encouraging us to social-distance while boarding the plane, and there were so many people in line,” said the 32-year-old video engineer, who was commuting to a job.

The laughter didn’t last long.

“When we got on the plane, we were all sitting right next to each other,” said Warburton, who was flying on a discount ticket and was assigned a middle seat in a full row. ”People were very uneasy. I was very uncomfortable.”

Airline executives say they know that customers must feel safe before they’ll venture from sheltering at home to getting on a plane, and they have taken some steps.

This week, JetBlue became the first U.S. airline to announce it will require passengers to wear face coverings during flights, starting next week.

“Wearing a face covering isn’t about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting those around you,” said JetBlue President Joanna Geraghty. “This is the new flying etiquette.

Earlier Thursday, Frontier Airlines said that it would begin requiring masks May 8. Delta and United announced they would make masks mandatory starting Monday.

Until now, those airlines said they were encouraging passengers to wear masks, and several required their own flight attendants to wear them.

Just hours before American Airlines announced it will require passengers to cover up, airline CEO Doug Parker said he wanted to see how the rule worked at JetBlue, and expressed reservations about enforcing a mandatory policy.

“We want to be careful about putting our team in the position of being police on that,” Parker told The Associated Press. “What we’re hoping instead is that virtually all customers will choose for their own protection and out of respect for others on the airplane to wear a mask in flight.”

The Association of Flight Attendants, which says 300 of its members have contracted COVID-19, and some Democrats in Congress are pushing the Trump administration to require that passengers wear masks.

Air travel is “a major vector for COVID-19,” said Sens. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said he pressed the head of the Federal Aviation Administration to require face coverings for all passengers and crew, and to require airlines to take “

In a statement, the FAA said Administrator Stephen Dickson expects airlines to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has recommended that everyone wear face coverings when in public.

Beyond masks, several airlines say they are blocking some or all middle seats to create social distancing. That is possible now on most flights but will become more difficult when passengers begin returning in bigger numbers — airlines would forfeit revenue if they block seats then. It is also more difficult on smaller regional jets; passengers might be seated near each other to balance the plane’s load.

Princess Johnson, a bus driver in Chicago, said she felt claustrophobic on a recent flight to Indianapolis because the few passengers had to sit in one section of the plane.

“If somebody sneezed, we all would have been sick,” said Johnson, who added that she was one of only a few passengers wearing a mask.

Mike Ritchie said just about everybody on his American Airlines flight home from Orlando, Florida, wore a mask.

“Good flight. Not so many people,” he said. “The flight attendants made sure everybody was spaced well, and I would fly again if I had to.”

Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said this week that his airline is considering filling flights no more than two-thirds full so that middle seats can always be empty. He said steps like those might be necessary to make passengers feel safe, but he was clear he views them as temporary steps.

“I don’t accept that forever more people are going to stay six feet apart and wear masks for the rest of our lives,” Kelly said.

Almost every airline says it is stepping up cleaning of planes, sometimes including the use of misting machines to spray anti-viral chemicals inside the cabin. They are also trying to persuade passengers that air inside the cabin is safe to breathe.

Cabin air on most jetliners is a mix of fresh air from the outside and recirculated air that is passed through high-efficiency or HEPA filters designed to trap most airborne particles.

___

By DAVID KOENIG

Teresa Crawford in Chicago contributed to this report.

Travelore Trends: Americans Spending Less On Future Travel, Domestic Travel Showing Early Signs of Optimism Recovering From The Coronavirus.

The data team at InsureMyTrip has launched a COVID-19 dashboard to track the buying behaviors of US-based travelers. The latest data trends are early indicators at how travelers are adjusting:

Americans Are Spending Less On Future Travel

• Prior to the pandemic, the average trip cost was around $5,800
• Now, the average trip cost is hovering around $3,600

American Will Take Shorter Trips

• Prior to the pandemic, the average trip length was around 11 days
• Now, the average trip length is down to eight days

Destinations On The Rise 

• United States 
• Mexico       
• Hawaii*         
• Jamaica         
• Bahamas       

Destinations With Largest Drop 

• Italy              
• France        
• Spain              
• Canada                      
• The United Kingdom

Methodology: Based on travel insurance purchases made on InsureMyTrip between March 15, 2020 - April 28, 2020 with YOY comparisons.

*InsureMyTrip tags Hawaii separately 

Travelore Editorial: The Coronavirus And Returning To Our Travels And Regular Day-To-Day Loves

By Allen Barkus, Publisher.

The travel and hospitality industry is facing the largest challenges in our lifetimes. I believe we will recover and possibly come back, with patience, stronger than ever. In my over 40 years experience in travel writing and in business in general I have observed that those who survive in the down times are the ones that most benefit when we emerge in recovery. I was personally traveling a week after 9/11 when airports had armed guards and people were afraid to travel.

The most important thing now for us is personal self care. As a senior yoga teacher since 2004 focusing on healing I've learned how moving forward with our lives with positive actions, physical and emotional, can have a huge long term benefit. I am fortunate to live in a suburban area with gardens to work in and safely walk. If you do not have that level of freedom of movement I encourage you to do what ever activities that bring you joy; ideally movement/exercise, intellectual stimulation, and healthy eating. Please also keep in touch with family and friends via phone, texts, and video chatting; especially the elderly.

Before you know it we will be ready to resume our regular day-to-day loves. I expect there will be
some alterations we will make including continuing to wear masks and honoring social distancing until effective vaccines and treatments are widely available. Apple and Goggle are developing an app
able to allow us to identify and track people with positive diagnoses, which should also be interesting.  Supermarkets are now considering widespread temperature checks before entering, also something I can foresee at restaurants and airports too to build consumer confidence as our economies restart up.

One of the things we suggest to jump start the travel and cruise industry is doing quick testing, offering travel travel health insurance, supplemental life insurance, and trip interruption coverage covering hotel and return flights if any Caronavirus issue occurs.

Allen Barkus has been actively writing for the Travelore Report for over 40 years, originated by his Father Ted in 1971.  He has been teaching Ashtanga Healing Therapy since 2004, https://www.ashtangabyallen.com/