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UK outbound travel projected to grow 20% by 2030

USA - June 15 2025 - A new report from ABTA forecasts a 20% increase in outbound UK travel by the year 2030, driven by strong demand and economic recovery. However, the industry is calling for greater government support—especially better regional airport access and stronger infrastructure—to unlock this full potential and ensure the UK remains competitive in the global tourism market.

India upgrades waitlist policy

INDIA - June 14 2025: Indian Railways has launched a new pilot system to notify passengers about the status of waitlisted tickets a full 24 hours before departure, instead of the previous 4-hour cutoff. This change is expected to benefit millions of travelers by giving them more time to make alternative plans and reducing last-minute uncertainty in train journeys across the country.

TSA clarifies carry-on food rules ahead of busy travel season

USA: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has updated and clarified its food guidelines for travelers, confirming that solid foods—including pizza, cake, chocolate, donuts, sandwiches, and other baked goods—are permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage when flying within or out of the United States.

The update comes as summer travel ramps up and many passengers pack snacks or homemade meals for long flights. TSA officials remind travelers that liquids, creamy spreads, fresh produce, and live shellfish are still subject to restrictions, especially in carry-on bags, and may be confiscated if they exceed the 3.4-ounce liquid rule or raise safety concerns.

Passengers are advised to pack food items in clear, accessible containers to speed up the security screening process. The TSA also encourages checking individual airport and airline policies, as international destinations may have their own food import restrictions upon arrival.

Norway to introduce tourist tax

NORWAY: Norway has confirmed plans to implement a national tourist tax of approximately 3 %, aligning itself with other European countries seeking to better manage the growing impact of tourism.

The new tax will apply to overnight stays and possibly certain activities, with revenue earmarked for improving infrastructure, protecting natural sites, and supporting local communities affected by seasonal tourist surges.

The decision comes amid mounting pressure from several municipalities, particularly in Lofoten, a popular Arctic archipelago that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Local leaders in Lofoten have long called for targeted taxation to help cover the costs of maintaining public services, roads, waste management, and emergency response systems — all of which are heavily strained during the peak summer months.

In recent years, protests from Lofoten officials and residents have intensified, urging the central government to give municipalities greater control over tourism management and revenue collection. The new tax is seen as a partial response to those demands, though local leaders continue to advocate for a more tailored, regional approach to tourism policy.

Norway’s Ministry of Finance emphasized that the tourist tax is not intended to discourage visitors, but to ensure that tourism remains environmentally and economically sustainable in the long term. Travelers are advised to check with local authorities for details on how and where the tax will be applied once rolled out later this year.

Streamlined boarding passes on the horizon

GLOBAL: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is in the advanced stages of developing a new system of digital travel credentials that could significantly change how passengers check in and move through airports.

These credentials would allow travelers to replace traditional boarding passes and physical IDs with secure, app-based identities that integrate biometric verification such as facial recognition.

The system envisions a seamless airport experience where travelers use their smartphone or digital wallet to store a globally recognized travel ID, enabling contactless check-in, baggage drop, security clearance, and boarding — all without showing paper documents or physical passports.

ICAO estimates the technology could be implemented within the next 2–3 years, with pilot programs already underway in select countries. The shift is part of a broader move in the aviation industry toward contactless travel and improved airport efficiency, particularly in the wake of post-pandemic digitization efforts.

While the proposal has been welcomed by many airlines and airport authorities, privacy advocates are urging clear international regulations to protect user data and ensure opt-in transparency. If successful, this system could streamline international travel and reduce wait times dramatically, especially at busy hubs.

Read more - New York Post

Travel ban sparks protest in Indianapolis

USA → EUROPE: Despite lingering economic concerns and inflationary pressures at home, a growing number of American travelers are heading to Europe for the summer of 2025.

Travel agencies and booking platforms are reporting sustained interest in international travel, with a noticeable shift toward more affordable and culturally rich destinations across the continent.

Countries such as Albania, Poland, and Slovakia are seeing an uptick in tourism from the United States, as travelers seek out lower-cost alternatives to traditional hotspots like Paris, Rome, or London. Many are adopting more mindful travel habits—opting for longer stays in fewer locations, using public transportation, and supporting local businesses—to stretch their budgets while still experiencing authentic European life.

Travel experts note that despite higher airfare prices compared to last year, the strong US dollar and value-focused planning are helping many Americans fulfill their travel goals. This trend reflects a broader post-pandemic shift toward more meaningful and budget-conscious exploration.

With summer in full swing, airlines and tour operators are urging travelers to book in advance to secure deals, especially in emerging destinations gaining popularity through social media and travel influencers.

Virgin Australia launches long‑haul route via Qatar

AUSTRALIA: Virgin Australia has officially launched a major new international route in partnership with Qatar Airways, offering direct flights from Sydney to Doha.

The expansion continues with new connections from Brisbane starting June 19, Perth on June 26, and Melbourne in December 2025.

The move strengthens ties between Australia and the Middle East and marks a significant step in Virgin’s global expansion. As part of the launch, passengers can enjoy up to 15 % off fares for travel between October 2025 and March 2026. Additional incentives include bonus Velocity Frequent Flyer points and Status Credits for all June bookings, making it an appealing opportunity for both leisure and business travelers.

Travelers are encouraged to book early to take advantage of discounted fares and plan for enhanced long-haul service aboard the new route, which promises seamless connectivity to Europe, Africa, and beyond via Qatar Airways’ Doha hub.

Visa-free travel for Indian tourists to the Philippines extended

PHILIPPINES: Effective June 8, 2025, Indian nationals can now enjoy 14 days of visa-free entry to the Philippines for tourism purposes. This move is part of the country’s efforts to boost tourist arrivals from India, one of its fastest-growing source markets.

To qualify for visa-free entry, Indian travelers must present:

A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their stay
Proof of confirmed accommodation
A return or onward ticket
Evidence of sufficient financial means

In addition, Indian citizens who hold valid visas or residence permits from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Schengen Area countries, Singapore, or Japan (collectively referred to as AJACSSUK) are eligible for an extended visa-free stay of up to 30 days.

This policy applies to tourism only and is available at all international ports of entry in the Philippines. Travelers visiting for other purposes, such as work or study, must still apply for the appropriate visa in advance.

Saudi Arabia resumes Umrah visa applications after Hajj

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Arabia has officially resumed accepting applications for Umrah visas following the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

This reopening allows Muslims from around the world to once again travel to Mecca and Medina to perform the lesser pilgrimage, known as Umrah, which can be done year-round outside of Hajj.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah advises international pilgrims to apply early and use approved online platforms to secure their visas, accommodations, and transportation. The move comes as part of the country’s continued efforts to improve the experience for religious visitors, with digital systems aimed at reducing wait times and ensuring smoother access to the holy sites. Travel agencies and pilgrims are encouraged to stay updated on current health and entry requirements.

Travel ban sparks protest in Indianapolis

USA: On June 10, activists, community leaders, and concerned citizens gathered outside Indianapolis International Airport in USA to protest the latest federal travel ban, which restricts entry from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Iran.

Organized by groups such as Exodus Refugee & Immigration, the ACLU of Indiana, and the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, the rally denounced the policy as discriminatory and harmful to immigrant communities. Speakers called for more humane and just immigration policies, warning that the ban fosters fear and undermines due process and human rights.

Southwest passenger attacks crew

USA: On May 22, a Southwest Airlines flight was forced to divert after a female passenger attempted to open an emergency exit midair and turned physically violent toward the cabin crew. She reportedly kicked, spat at, and yanked a flight attendant’s lanyard during the struggle. According to an FBI affidavit, she is now facing federal charges for interference with flight crew — a serious offense that carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Union slams ICE over detained flight leader

Travel ban sparks protest in Indianapolis

On June 10, activists, community leaders, and concerned citizens gathered outside Indianapolis International Airport in USA to protest the latest federal travel ban, which restricts entry from 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Iran.

Organized by groups such as Exodus Refugee & Immigration, the ACLU of Indiana, and the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network, the rally denounced the policy as discriminatory and harmful to immigrant communities. Speakers called for more humane and just immigration policies, warning that the ban fosters fear and undermines due process and human rights.

Taiwan opens tourism center in Seattle

USA - June 15 2025: Taiwan has officially opened a new tourism information center in Seattle, aimed at promoting Taiwanese destinations to American travelers. The opening comes alongside increased nonstop flight options between Taiwan and major U.S. cities, as Taiwan positions itself as a top East Asian travel destination in the post-pandemic recovery phase.

Thailand expands eco-tourism initiatives across all provinces

THAILAND: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is accelerating its nationwide push for sustainable travel, building on programs first highlighted at ITB Berlin 2025. The expanded initiative now includes all 77 provinces, with a focus on promoting carbon-neutral and eventually net-zero tourism experiences.

The plan aims to balance economic growth with environmental protection by encouraging eco-friendly accommodations, community-based tourism, and reduced carbon emissions through greener transport and waste management. TAT is also working with local governments and the private sector to create certified green tourism zones and educate travelers on responsible practices.

Thailand hopes these efforts will attract a new generation of environmentally conscious visitors while preserving the country’s natural and cultural heritage for the long term.

Read more - New York Post

Advanced photo screening expands at major U.S. airports

USA: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is expanding its rollout of facial recognition technology at major airports across the country, introducing advanced photo checks at passport control.

The system is now active at 11 airports, where travelers have their photos taken and matched to their passport or visa information before proceeding through border inspection.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline entry procedures, reduce wait times, and enhance national security as international travel volumes continue to rise post‑pandemic. According to CBP, the technology has already processed millions of travelers with high accuracy and speed.

An additional 10 airports are expected to adopt the system over the coming months, including several key international hubs. While the agency assures that biometric data is handled with strict privacy safeguards, some civil liberties groups have raised concerns about data storage and passenger consent.

Travelers are advised that participation is currently required for non‑U.S. citizens, while U.S. citizens may opt out and request manual document checks.

Gen‑Z travelers turning to 'Buy Now, Pay Later' for vacations

USA: A growing number of Gen‑Z travelers in the United States are using Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services such as Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay to fund their vacations.

These platforms allow users to split travel costs—like flights, hotels, and tours—into smaller monthly payments, making it easier to book trips without paying the full amount upfront.

While the flexibility is appealing to young travelers eager to explore the world on limited incomes, financial experts are sounding alarms. They warn that BNPL services can lead to accumulated debt, missed payments, and damaged credit scores, especially when users juggle multiple loans across different apps.

Instead, advisors recommend more sustainable options such as travel rewards credit cards, which offer points, insurance, and fraud protection—plus the chance to build a stronger credit profile over time. The trend reflects both the enthusiasm of Gen‑Z for experiences and the financial risks associated with short-term convenience over long-term planning.

Travelers are urged to understand the terms and risks of BNPL tools before using them to fund non-essential travel, especially as inflation and interest rates continue to fluctuate.

Read more - New York Post

Europe bracing for anti‑tourism protests

EUROPE: Popular tourist destinations across southern Europe, particularly Majorca and Barcelona, are preparing for a wave of anti-tourism protests as tensions grow between local residents and the booming travel industry.

Community groups have announced coordinated demonstrations in the coming weeks, where participants plan to use water pistols, placards, and street theatre to draw attention to the negative effects of mass tourism.

The protests are driven by mounting frustration over overcrowded neighborhoods, rising housing prices, noise pollution, and what locals describe as the «Disneyfication» of once-traditional communities. In Majorca, protestors have vowed to disrupt key tourist zones, including beaches and old town areas, to highlight how short-term rentals and all-inclusive tourism models are pushing out long-term residents and local businesses.

Barcelona, which has long struggled with managing visitor numbers, is also expected to see increased activism. Authorities have acknowledged the growing unrest and are reviewing new regulatory measures, including limits on cruise ship arrivals and stricter licensing for vacation rentals.

Local leaders emphasize that the protests are not against tourists themselves, but against the unchecked growth of tourism infrastructure that prioritizes profits over livability. Travelers are being encouraged to respect local customs, avoid over-touristed areas when possible, and seek out more sustainable travel options.

Read more - New York Post

British Airways sees rebound in transatlantic demand

UK: British Airways is seeing a significant rebound in transatlantic travel demand following a temporary decline in bookings triggered by post‑«Liberation Day» uncertainty and the announcement of new tariffs on select travel‑related goods and services.

Over the past three weeks, economy‑class ticket sales on key routes between the UK and the United States have steadily increased, suggesting growing traveler confidence ahead of the peak summer season. Industry analysts believe the resurgence is driven by stabilized airfares, an easing of inflation concerns, and continued appetite for international leisure travel.

British Airways has responded by ramping up promotional efforts and increasing capacity on high-demand routes such as London–New York and London–Los Angeles. The airline is also highlighting its investment in modernized in-flight services and airport lounges as part of its broader transatlantic strategy for 2025.

Travelers looking to cross the Atlantic this summer are advised to book early, as rising demand may lead to higher fares and limited seat availability in the coming weeks.

Eurostar to launch direct trains to Frankfurt and Geneva

ENGLAND/SWITZERLAND: Eurostar plans to introduce direct high-speed trains from London to Frankfurt and Geneva by the early 2030s.

Travel times are expected to be around 5 hours to Frankfurt and 5 hours 20 minutes to Geneva, providing a greener alternative to short-haul flights.

The project is part of a €2 billion investment in up to 50 new cross-border trains. Eurostar also plans to increase services to Amsterdam, Paris, and Brussels.

Challenges remain, including border control, station upgrades at St Pancras, and rail access agreements. CEO Gwendoline Cazenave said the goal is to connect more cities and make sustainable travel more accessible.

The expansion aligns with Europe’s growing push for efficient, low-emission transport.

Surge in RV rentals in Canada amid U.S. travel uncertainties

CANADA: There's been a 300% increase in American tourists booking RV rentals in Canada as uncertainty around U.S. travel continues to rise.

Canadian RV rental platform RVezy is urging the country’s 2 million RV owners to list their vehicles now, noting that many already earn over C$10,000 annually from rentals.

At the same time, demand for car and RV rentals within Canada has soared, with searches rising 20–31% in coastal and mountain destinations as Canadians opt to stay home.

This boom is creating supply pressures and offering significant income opportunities for vehicle owners and local tourism businesses.

Trump policy bans entry from 12 nations and adds 7 more

USA: President Trump’s expanded travel ban officially went into effect on June 9, imposing full entry restrictions on citizens from 12 primarily African and Middle Eastern countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia, and heightened restrictions for seven additional nations such as Cuba and Venezuela.

The policy has sparked protests at major U.S. airports, including Los Angeles International Airport, amid criticism that it targets non‑white nations and lacks clear national security benefits

BA flight attendant found naked midair

ENGLAND: On May 25, a 41‑year‑old British Airways flight attendant was found naked and dancing in a business-class lavatory aboard an A380 en route from San Francisco to London. Crew members dressed him in pajamas, secured him in a first-class seat, and alerted authorities. The flight landed safely at Heathrow, where he was taken to hospital and arrested «on suspicion of being unfit for duty.» He’s since been suspended and remains under police investigation

Turbulence injures crew on two American Airlines flights

USA: Two American Airlines flights encountered severe turbulence in separate incidents, resulting in injuries to three flight attendants.

Flight AA37, traveling from Madrid to Dallas/Fort Worth, reported turbulence that injured two crew members. In a separate event, Flight AA2561 from Houston to Philadelphia also experienced turbulence, leading to injuries for one flight attendant.

Both aircraft landed safely at their respective destinations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating both incidents to determine the cause and assess whether additional safety measures are needed.