Spain sees a big jump in tourist rentals. This happens even as the government tries to control them. A new study shows rentals are up 25 per cent in two years. Hotel rooms grew much less. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid are trying to limit rentals. They want more homes for residents. The rules are hard to enforce.
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has launched a new campaign featuring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, marking the celebrity couple’s first destination-focused collaboration. Titled Dubai, Ready For a Surprise, the campaign aims to spotlight the city’s evolving appeal through personalised experiences and growing cultural affinity with Indian travellers.
Hawaii's governor approved a tax increase on hotels and rentals. The aim is to generate funds for climate change initiatives. This includes shoreline protection and wildfire prevention. The tax is expected to generate nearly $100 million annually. The money will also address the effects of tourism on the environment. The new tax will be effective from January 1.
From announcing bold new theme park attractions and hospitality expansions to unveiling tech-enabled guest experiences and cultural collaborations, Miral Destinations is positioning Yas Island as more than just a holiday destination — it is crafting a fully immersive, multi-sensory playground where entertainment meets technology, and travel meets personalisation. Liam Findlay in an exclusive conversation shared more details.
Italian judges overturned a government ban on remote check-ins for short-term rentals. The ban had led to removal of keyboxes from city centers. The interior ministry had imposed the ban citing security risks. The Lazio administrative court annulled the directive, deeming it excessively burdensome for landlords. Cities like Florence and Rome had intensified efforts to remove keyboxes.
Indian tourism to Japan surged in 2024, with spending per traveller rising by over 53 per cent from pre-pandemic levels and average stays extending to 16.3 nights. Over 233,000 Indians visited Japan last year, with growing interest in local culture and offbeat destinations beyond the classic Golden Route. JNTO Delhi cites a shift toward mindful, independent, and experience-led travel.
Indian tourists visiting Moscow can now conveniently obtain a Tourist Card at Sber's new travel and banking office near Red Square. This card, operating on the Russian MIR payment system, facilitates cashless transactions where VISA and Mastercard are unavailable. The office offers travel planning assistance, currency exchange, and even a children's play area.
Travel bookings to Japan from Asian markets have notably decreased due to earthquake predictions from a manga novel, sparking widespread concern. Flight reservations from Taiwan, South Korea, and Hong Kong have declined, with Hong Kong experiencing a significant drop. Despite scientific reassurances, the speculation impacts tourism, potentially slowing growth as travellers cautiously consider alternative destinations.
Washington, DC welcomed a record 27.2 million visitors in 2024, generating USD 11.4 billion in visitor spending. India topped the international spending charts with USD 344 million and was the third-largest market by volume. While domestic travel grew significantly, international tourism saw a 10 per cent increase. Destination DC anticipates challenges in 2025 amid a projected drop in global arrivals.
Despite economic worries and air travel concerns, a record number of Americans are traveling for Memorial Day weekend, with over 45 million people venturing at least 50 miles from home. Road trips remain popular due to lower gas prices and flexibility, while air travel faces scrutiny over safety and potential delays.
The number of foreign visitors to Japan soared 28.5 percent in April year-on-year to a record 3.91 million, official figures showed Wednesday. A weak yen has for months been leading to a boom in visitors, with national tourism figures released in January showing a record of about 36.8 million arrivals last year.
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