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Welcome to WTTC's global Research Hub. Here you will find all our reports which provide critical evidence to empower the public and private sectors, and help to shape policies and investments that bolster Travel & Tourism.  We analyse Travel & Tourism's economic and employment impact in 185 economies, 82 cities and 26 regions worldwide. We also produce reports on the environmental and social impacts of Travel & Tourism, as well as thought leadership reports on themes such as diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and retail tourism. Explore full reports (free for WTTC members and purchasable for non-members) or discover valuable insights in our library of freely available economic factsheets.

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Nature Positive Travel & Tourism: Travelling in Harmony with Nature

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Enhancing Resilience: To drive sustainability in destinations

Travel & Tourism in the Caribbean: Prospects for growth

Destinations 2030: Global Cities’ Readiness For Sustainable Tourism Growth

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World Travel & Tourism Council & UNWTO Sign Historic MOU

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• 21 Jun 2023

In an historic first, the world’s two leading Travel & Tourism organisations representing the global public and private sectors agreed to work together across a number of key objectives.

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed today by the World Travel & Tourism Council ( WTTC ) and the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations ( UNWTO ) at the G20 Ministerial meeting (Goa, India), focused on advancing public-private sector cooperation at the global level whilst promoting job creation, talent development and business opportunities around the world.

Strong public-private partnerships are the foundation to transform tourism and build resilience

Together, WTTC and UNWTO will promote tourism in the global and national agendas while working to progress skills, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment and the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient Travel & Tourism sector. The two parties will also foster community empowerment and inclusion and collaborate around crisis preparedness, management, and recovery, building on the lessons learned from COVID 19 pandemic.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “Through the signing of an historic new MOU, WTTC and UNWTO embark on a new chapter of collaboration together, uniting our expertise to pave the way for a prosperous future for the Travel & Tourism sector.

“Together, we can create a powerful synergy that will shape the global landscape, opening doors to endless opportunities and benefiting travelers, businesses, and destinations alike."

Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General, underscored that “we are only stronger if we work together to respond to the interconnected challenges facing our sector. Strong public-private partnerships are the foundation to transform tourism and build resilience, and consolidating our partnership with WTTC will achieve exactly what we need - joining efforts to build a better future through tourism.”

The MOU was signed by WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvil, alongside representatives of the public and private sectors.

Related links:

• Rethinking Tourism: UNWTO and WTTC Ministers Summit 2022
• Download the News Release in PDF

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What You Need to Know About the New “Safe Travels” Stamp

The world travel and tourism council’s seal of approval helps identify destinations and businesses that have adopted a new set of global safety and hygiene protocols..

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The World Travel and Tourism Council’s new Safe Travels stamp makes it easier for people to plan trips now.

Courtesy of World Travel & Tourism Council

It’s hard enough staying COVID-safe in our own neighborhoods these days, much less in a rapidly reopening world. After all, if you’re the kind of person who ends up wondering if your next-door neighbor wore (or should have worn) a mask when kindly baking you cookies, you’ll probably also worry about whether the bellhop at your hotel is required to use hand sanitizer before delivering your suitcase. Luckily the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), along with governments and health experts, has created a new set of “Safe Travels” global health and safety protocols and a corresponding stamp to help us all navigate the new normal more easily.

Even before borders started to reopen, travel companies around the world scrambled to draft safety protocols that would allow them to operate responsibly moving forward. But the WTTC quickly realized that it was hard to keep track of all those individual efforts. Additionally, the onus would be on the traveler to decide if a certain company is actually doing enough to keep guests safe.

So the WTTC set out to standardize safe travel, developing new global standards and a stamp that would help travelers recognize the businesses and destinations following best practices. For a destination to receive a Safe Travels stamp, it must ensure that its own safety guidelines align with the WTTC’s core requirements . Businesses must follow more specific protocols , which are divided up by different sectors of the travel industry and include:

• Hospitality
• Outdoor Shopping and Retail Establishments
• Tour Operators
• Convention Centers
• Attractions
• Short-Term Rentals
• Car Rentals

Each set of protocols takes into account current World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control guidelines and was developed with help from relevant industry leaders, such as Marriott, Virtuoso, the Expedia Group, Intrepid Travel, Airbnb, Emirates, United Airlines, and others. On its website, the WTTC stresses that these standards are living documents and will be updated as new information about COVID-19 becomes available.

The entire Safe Travels effort has received the backing of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) .

The protocols outline actions that travel industry players should take both behind the scenes (retraining staff, revising cleaning procedures, working with governments to provide financial relief through the sector) and when welcoming guests (mandating masks where required, monitoring guest numbers to facilitate social distancing, creating new signage to encourage guests to use safe hygiene practices). Once a company has implemented the new protocols, it is eligible for the bright green safety stamp , which it can display on its website. Approved destinations will help the WTTC award the stamp to smaller local companies.

According to the WTTC, protocols have been embraced by more than 1,200 companies and 80 destinations already. However, not all stamp holders actually use the logo on their site, so it’s not always easy for travelers to verify whether the tour operator they want to travel with or the hotel they’re planning on staying in is a WTTC Safe Travels company. But it’s always worth researching the health and safety policies of any company you’re traveling with, so if you don’t see the stamp, feel free to ask about it. The WTTC’s website also lists the destinations that have been approved so far, including Aruba, Barcelona, Egypt, Ontario, Jordan, Slovenia, Turkey, Vienna, and more.

It’s important to remember that the Safe Travel protocols don’t guarantee safety—the WTTC acknowledges as much—but they constitute a big step toward restoring travelers’ trust. “For the first time ever, the global private sector has rallied around Safe Travels protocols which will create consistency across the sector,” WTTC CEO and president Gloria Guevara said in a statement. “Implementation by governments around the world will restore much-needed confidence in order to restart the Travel & Tourism industry.”

>>Next: What to Expect if You Plan on Flying This Summer

What does the World Travel and Tourism Council do?

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The World Travel and Tourism Council is an important player in the world of travel. But chances are, you might not have even heard of them! This post looks at what the WTTC is, and what it does…

What is the World Travel and Tourism Council?

Who is involved in the wttc, global summit, security and travel facilitation , crisis preparedness, management & recovery, sustainable growth.

Founded in 1990, the WTTC is a forum for the travel and tourism industry. Made up of members of the global business community, the World Travel and Tourism Council works with governments around the world to raise awareness about the industry.

The WTTC headquarters are in London. It is a non-profit organisation and represents the industry worldwide. 

There are many members of the World Travel and Tourism Council. Currently there are seven directors, each heading different sections of the organisation as a whole. The members themselves are various CEOs, chairs and presidents of travel and tourism-based companies. They represent hotels, airports, car rental companies and more. Over 200 companies (such as Hilton, Expedia, Norwegian Cruise Line) have WTTC representatives – these companies make up around 30% of the sector and account for over two-thirds of a trillion US dollars in turnover.

Memberships allows you access to the World Travel and Tourism Council Global Summit. This provides networking opportunities and gives members access to regional travel and tourism events throughout the year. Being a member also grants access to plenty of worldwide research, practices and policy papers. There is an online community, too!

What do the World Travel and Tourism Council actually do?

Despite not being something that automatically springs to mind when you think of travel, the WTTC do a lot within the industry. They also have an indirect impact on your travels. This is because they bring people together to learn from each other, make decisions and offer advice – these things in turn may shape the tour that you go on, the hotel that you stay at or the airport experience you have.

One of the main aims of the WTTC is to conduct extensive research into the industry. Every year they produce the Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Reports. This is the crux of their research. Included is a global report alongside 24 regional and 184 country reports. As the name suggests, they calculate the economic impact of the travel industry and include the following:

• Direct and total GDP impact
• Direct/indirect employment
• Investment 
• One and ten year forecasts

The World Travel and Tourism Council also host a global summit each year. This generally takes place in April. It is invitation-only, and has around 1,000 attendees. The summit – held in a different location each year – involves multiple talks, interviews, panels and more. Each year there is a theme. The talks and panels reflect this, and there is plenty of opportunity for attendees to network with each other and learn more about the theme and everything that comes with it. Speakers include CEOs, prime ministers, senior partners and various advisors from travel companies and destinations across the globe.

Finally, the World Travel and Tourism Council give out awards. Council members form the jury of the World Travel Awards (founded in 1993) which has been described as the Oscars of the travel industry. Awards are given at both global and international levels. The categories include ‘leading casino resort’ and ‘leading conference hotel’ among many others. 

The WTTC also has the Tourism For Tomorrow awards. The five categories are:

• Social Impact Award
• Destination Stewardship Award
• Climate Action Award
• Investing in People Award
• Changemakers Award

Each category has been carefully chosen to highlight how travel and tourism can change the world for the better. Namely, how travelling can have economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits on places and people. Entries for the awards come from businesses throughout the industry. These include resorts, airlines, chains and destinations.

What is the World Travel and Tourism Council particularly interested in?

The WTTC has certain priorities. While it aims to provide advice, statistics and research about many aspects of the travel and tourism industry, there are some that are more important than others. The World Travel and Tourism Council prioritises three key areas:

The WTTC is working towards showing that improved bias facilitation helps to drive GDP growth/job creation. They also wanted to show that travel can be both ‘secure’ and ‘seamless’ – that these are not opposing goals. Systems are already strained due to the increase in travel. The World Travel and Tourism Council want to research and advise on this.

The WTTC helps to provide the industry with an understanding of any emerging, escalating and ongoing risks that lie ahead. They also aid in equipping both the public and private sectors with tools, protocols and solutions. This helps to support them in preparing and responding to any crises that do occur.

As the travel industry continues to grow, the World Travel and Tourism Council want to ensure it does so in a sustainable way. This is of the upmost importance to the WTTC. Here are six of the most important sustainability issues for them:

• Climate and Environment Action
• Destination Stewardship
• Future of Work
• Illegal Trade in Wildlife
• Human Trafficking
• Sustainability Reporting

With these three main priorities in mind, the World Travel and Tourism Council are able to provide guidance to the travel and tourism industry as a whole. Their work is invaluable and, as mentioned, has an impact on your travels! Decisions that your airlines, tour companies, travel agents, hotels and tourist boards make are very often advised by correspondence from and with the WTTC.

So next time you travel, remember that the WTTC has helped you get there!

It’s been a record-setting year for global travel – here’s how we make tourism inclusive and sustainable

Inclusive and sustainable travel and tourism includes supporting micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses. Image:  Unsplash/Michael Barón

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.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;color:#2846F8;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-1nk5u5d{font-size:1.125rem;}} Get involved .chakra .wef-9dduvl{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;font-size:1.25rem;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-9dduvl{font-size:1.125rem;}} with our crowdsourced digital platform to deliver impact at scale

• The global travel sector is experiencing a robust recovery, with tourists increasingly spending more on travel.
• Despite the overall positive outlook, some destinations struggle with operational challenges, including workforce issues and resource management amid rising tourist numbers and environmental concerns.
• The travel and tourism sector’s potential for advancing socio-economic prosperity is particularly impactful through the support of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises.

The global travel sector forecast is in and it's sunny skies ahead. Through March 2024, consumer spending on travel remains strong, and passenger traffic has soared. Empowered by a strong labour market worldwide, tourists will be on the roads, air and seas once again, with more of people’s budgets on travel.

The latest report from the Mastercard Economics Institute, Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries , reveals that 2024 has already witnessed multiple record-setting days as consumer spending on leisure travel remains strong. The data shows that post-pandemic travellers continue to seek unique experiences rooted in local cultures while increasingly prioritizing spending on memorable events across sports, music and festivals.

The Mastercard Economics Institute’s analysis reveals that travellers also seek opportunities to extend their stays, prioritizing leisure for longer. For the first 12 months between March 2019 and February 2020, a trip’s average length of stay was about four days. As of March 2024, the average length of a leisure trip has edged closer to five days, which translates into an economic boost for the destinations and communities hosting them.

Have you read?

These are the top 10 countries for travel and tourism, what is travel and tourism’s role in future global prosperity, travel & tourism development index 2024, tackling tourism’s challenges.

Yet, while the overall outlook for travellers looks bright, that’s not the case for all destinations. Some tourism hotspots and lesser-known locales are facing growing challenges around operating conditions. The World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 highlights the ongoing constraints facing the global travel and tourism sector – including the lack of investment in skilled and resilient workforces and issues around resource management – cultural and natural – as destinations grapple with higher tourist visitor numbers and rising environmental concerns.

The report offers travel and tourism decision-makers recommendations around how the sector can take a more active role in tackling social challenges across socio-economic prosperity, peace and cultural exchange. As the industry accounts for approximately one-tenth of global gross domestic product and employment , the public and private sectors must work together to ensure future tourism development is, first and foremost, inclusive and sustainable.

Supporting the backbone of travel and tourism

As the TTDI 2024 notes, one area where the sector’s potential in advancing socio-economic prosperity can be particularly impactful is in the economic empowerment of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, more than 80% of travel and tourism businesses fall under this category.

Policies and investments promoting the adoption of digital solutions and enhancing digital skills development while improving access to credit can provide a major boost to tourism-focused MSMEs.

In Costa Rica, the Instituto Costariccense de Turismo, a member of Mastercard’s Tourism Innovation Hub , is championing such an approach to ensure increased tourist traffic results in better opportunities for MSMEs. Last year, the institute launched Tico Treasures , a platform facilitating tourist connections with Costa Rica’s Crafts with Identity programme, a group of 17 artisan collectives across the country. The platform allows visitors to discover local Costa Rican products, learn about artisan communities and then purchase and ship the goods back to their home country – all through one experience.

The programme is an example of public-private collaboration, including backing from Correos de Costa Rica, Banco de Costa Rica and the Instituto Costariccense de Turismo. Its objectives are multifold: delivering more authentic experiences for tourists, expanding citizens’ access to the digital economy and contributing to MSME resilience.

Protecting future environments

There are also novel approaches to solving destinations’ sustainability challenges underway. A key role of the Travel Foundation , a global non-government organization, is to facilitate innovative public-private collaborations in tourism that accelerate and scale sustainable solutions. One notable example is in Scotland, where the national tourism organization VisitScotland is partnering with the Travel Corporation, a global tour operator, to help decarbonize the destination supply chain. Both organizations are pooling their insights, data and expertise to support local businesses, develop new ideas for reducing carbon footprints and identify barriers to a green transition.

The learnings from this and other projects led by the Travel Foundation will be shared to influence future policy, investment and product development decisions at national and global levels. By combining public sector resources and capabilities with private sector technological expertise, travel and tourism decision-makers can enact policies and programmes that balance tourism growth with environmental protection, providing a nuanced approach that works for unique destinations.

It’s an important time for the sector – to leverage travel and tourism’s robust recovery and advance socio-economic prosperity, fuelling a more inclusive future for our treasured destinations. By accelerating collaboration between governments, destination management organizations and technology companies, we can ensure destinations, the communities that power them and the environments they inhabit are at the heart of all future tourism development.

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World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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WTTC: Australia's travel & tourism industry to generate USD176bn in 2024

World Travel & Tourism Council ( WTTC ) forecast (21-Jun-2024) the following for Australia 's travel & tourism sector from its 2024 Economic Impact Research:

• Travel & tourism will contribute more to Australia 's economy in 2024 than any previous year on record. The sector is poised to surpass its previous peak with a projected economic contribution of AUD265.5 billion (USD176.16 billion), representing 10% of the Australian economy;
• The sector is expected to maintain "robust" growth over the next decade, aligning with the global economy's growth rate, and is projected to exceed AUD345 billion (USD228.91 billion) by 2034;
• In 2023, jobs in Australia 's travel & tourism sector increased by approximately 10% year-on-year, reaching 1.42 million and representing a tenth of the national workforce;
• Latest research predicts a full recovery of jobs lost during the pandemic in 2024, with job levels surpassing the 2018 peak by 2026. Over the next decade, the sector is expected to support over two million jobs, representing 12% of all Australian employment;
• Spending reached AUD31.6 billion (USD20.97 billion) in 2023, with forecasts suggesting it will near AUD35 billion (USD23.22 billion) in 2024 and set a new record in 2025;
• By 2034, WTTC predicts international visitor spending will reach almost AUD52.5 billion (USD34.83 billion);
• The sector is forecast to contribute AUD337.4 billion (USD223.87 billion) in 2024, 10.7% of Oceania's total. Jobs are expected to grow by 10% and reach 2.33 million across the region, equivalent to nearly one in nine jobs;
• Domestic visitor spending is anticipated to reach almost AUD180 billion (USD119.43 billion), an uplift of almost 31% since 2019, whilst international visitor spending is projected to recover to AUD65.7 billion (USD43.59 billion) and be within "touching distance" of the 2019 peak.

WTTC president and CEO Julia Simpson stated: " Australia is set to break tourism records", noting WTTC will "throw a spotlight" on the value of travel & tourism to the Australian economy during the WTTC Global Summit in Perth in Oct-2024. Ms Simpson said the summit will "highlight Australia 's dynamic growth, reflecting travel & tourism's broader economic recovery and rising employment trends". [ more - original PR ]

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Good morning. This is an announcement for all passengers travelling on the 9:25 flight TOM1223 to Rome. This flight is delayed by two hours because of bad weather.

Would all passengers travelling to Tokyo on flight FR3421 please have your boarding passes and passports ready for boarding. Flight FR3421 now boarding at gate 21.

This is the final boarding call for passengers Gemma and Ryan Grey flying to Athens on flight EZ9753. Your flight is ready to leave. Please go to gate 14 immediately. The doors of the plane will close in five minutes. Final boarding call for passengers Gemma and Ryan Grey.

This is an announcement for passengers travelling to Amsterdam on flight KL1050. Will all passengers with express boarding tickets and passengers travelling with young children please go to gate 6 for boarding. That's all passengers with express boarding tickets and passengers travelling with young children go to gate 6 for boarding. Thank you.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We have landed at JFK airport in New York where the local time is 18:30 and the temperature is 76º. We hope you have enjoyed your flight with American Airlines this evening and wish you a very safe journey to your final destination.

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WTTC gives Moscow Metro its Safe Travels mark

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Posted: 17 February 2021 | Joshua Minchin - Intelligent Transport | No comments yet

Aside from constant cleaning and social distancing measures, the Moscow Metro also has its very own security service to keep passengers safe.

Mask wearing is mandatory on the Moscow Metro

The World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC) has awarded Moscow Metro its Safe Travels mark, which indicates the network has complied with the WTTC’s global protocols . The Moscow Department of Transport says this means that Moscow Metro is “absolutely safe and meets all sanitary standards”.

This status will be indicated by special green stickers at some central metro stations, which the network hopes will reassure both residents and foreign tourists who are gradually returning to the Russian capital.

“Moscow Metro follows all the sanitary and hygienic requirements and safety standards of the World Health Organization,” said Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport.

“This means implementing a set of measures that includes social distancing, staff health monitoring, regular disinfection, as well as ensuring passengers are wearing personal protective equipment – masks and gloves.

“Passenger safety is the top priority on Moscow transportation, and in this matter we adhere to the highest standards,” he concluded.

Though the pandemic is clearly one of the most pressing safety issues facing transport networks worldwide at present, more traditional security concerns have not gone away. In addition to the above measures, Moscow Metro also has its own security force to keep staff and travellers safe.

The Security Service of Moscow Metro was created two years after terrorists attacked Lubyanka and Park Kultury stations in 2010 . According to the Head of Security Service Andrey Kichigin, the main task is to prevent citizens with prohibited items or substances from entering the Metro’s infrastructure.

“We are the last frontier. There is also police and special services – if a person passes them, we are the last frontier that he faces,” explained Kichigin, adding that the Service also has Rapid Response Units.

The network however was also quick to reassure that the vast majority of potential security alerts turn out to be harmless. In 2020, around 13,000 items ended up in the Lost and Found office of the Moscow Metro.

These were mostly made up of bags, phones, umbrellas and purses, but last years’ list also included a bag of antique coins, a box of minerals, 3kg of buckwheat, a snowman costume and a box of champagne.

Related topics COVID-19 , Fleet Management & Maintenance , Passenger Accessibility , Passenger Experience , Public Transport , Security & Crime , Vehicle & Passenger Safety

Related modes Metro

Related cities Moscow

Related organisations Department for Transport Moscow , Moscow Metro

Related people Andrey Kichigin , Maksim Liksutov

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Moscow Joins World Tourism Council’s ‘Safe Travels’ Project

Moscow’s tourist attractions will now be able to receive special badges confirming that they are compliant with all hygiene standards and recommendations.

Moscow has joined the Safe Travels project of the World Tourism and Travel Council. This is the first global travel safety initiative against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic . The city’s tourist companies, agencies, hotels and infrastructure facilities will now be able to receive a special Safe Travels Discover Moscow badge, indicating that they are compliant with all the hygiene standards and recommendations of the relevant authorities.

Moscow companies and institutions have started receiving international Safe Travels badges. Over 100 of these badges have already been issued, confirming that the organizations receiving them follow all the applicable regulations in Moscow and World Health Organization recommendations. This covers a set of measures, including social distancing, monitoring the health of employees, disinfection, personal protective equipment and so on.

In order to develop safe tourism and digitalization, the Government of Moscow creates a digital service RUSSPASS. Residents can plan their own tourist routes and make them safe with the RUSSPASS. Led by the Moscow Tourism Committee and the city’s Department of Information Technology, the service has been used by 700,000 people for six months of works.

The Safe Travels standards were drawn up by the World Travel and Tourism Council for hotels, airports, conference centers, tourist attractions (such as parks and cultural spaces), accommodation and car rental services, tour operators and agencies. The Safe Travels safety protocols recommend following local and national laws, as well as instructions issued by international organizations, including the World Health Organization.

To get the badge, Moscow organizations need to submit an application on the official website of the Safe Travels initiative in Moscow. Ten days are allowed for an inspection of each site or organization. If the applicant meets all the requirements, it is registered in the Safe Travels system and information about it is placed in the Safe Travels Discover Moscow register.

The local operator for issuing Safe Travels Discover Moscow badges is the Moscow Project Office for Tourism and Hospitality Development.

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Why You’ll Pay More and Behave Better When You Travel This Summer

From Barcelona to Bali, higher fees and new rules are targeting overtourism and unruly behavior. Some locals are worried the changes will keep tourists away.

By Paige McClanahan

A new tourist fee in Bali. Higher hotel taxes in Amsterdam and Paris. Stricter rules on public drinking in Milan and Majorca. Ahead of the summer travel season, leaders in many tourist spots have adopted measures to tame the tourist crowds — or at least earn more revenue from them.

All of this may pose headaches for travelers, although in most cases, the new fees or tax increases represent only a tiny fraction of the total cost of a trip. The goal is to ensure that tourism functions smoothly for visitors and locals alike, said Megan Epler Wood, managing director of the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program at Cornell University.

“All tourism is dependent on beautiful natural and cultural resources. You have to protect those resources in order to be a viable tourism destination — and if you don’t, they degrade,” Ms. Epler Wood said.

In some places, proposals for new fees or visitor rules have drawn opposition from residents, who fear they might scare away the tourists who bolster the local economy. But destinations need to find ways to counteract what Ms. Epler Wood calls “ the invisible burden ” of tourism, which includes strains on a community’s infrastructure, utilities and housing stock, as well as tourists’ carbon footprint and any challenges they might impose on residents’ daily lives.

“You put so much pressure on the place that the people who live there become unhappy, and then they don’t present a very good face to tourists,” Ms. Epler Wood said. “The longer you wait, the higher the cost to fix it.”

Here is a look at new measures that travelers can expect this summer, and where others might be coming in the future.

New visitor fees

Since February, visitors to the Indonesian island of Bali have been asked to pay a levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiahs, or about $9.40 per visit. Revenue will be used to support the preservation of cultural and natural assets on the island, where tourism has brought major challenges related to litter, water supply and overcrowding. Visitors are encouraged to pay the new fee online before departure, although it’s also possible to pay on arrival at the airport.

Beginning Aug. 1, most foreign travelers to the Galápagos Islands — which had a record-breaking 330,000 visitors last year — must pay a $200 entry fee, double the current rate. The money raised will be used to support conservation, improve infrastructure and fund community programs.

The change is the first increase to the entry fee since it was introduced in 1998, said Tom O’Hara, communications manager for the Galápagos Conservation Trust . Mr. O’Hara noted that the increase comes a year after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee urged the government of Ecuador to work toward a “zero-growth model” for tourism in the Galápagos.

“It’s quite a complicated topic,” Mr. O’Hara said, noting that the fee increase has been viewed “as part of the solution to overtourism.” On the other hand, he added, “everyone is trying to reassure the local tourist industry that this isn’t going to kill tourism on the islands.

In April, Venice began imposing a fee — 5 euros, about $5.40 — on day-trippers visiting on peak days, with the goal of striking “a new balance between the tourists and residents.”

But the new Venice Access Fee has drawn criticism from residents. “This project is a disaster for us. We are a city, not a park,” said Matteo Secchi, the president of Venessia.com, an association of Venice residents. Mr. Secchi said that a communications campaign would have been more effective.

The possibility of a new tourist fee has also drawn local opposition in Hawaii, where Gov. Josh Green has proposed a “climate impact fee” for visitors to the state. The measure failed during a recent meeting of the State Legislature, but Governor Green has persisted in calling for visitors to help fund the state’s preparation for future climate shocks.

“We have to get this tiger by the tail,” he told journalists in May, adding that $25 per visitor could raise $250 million a year, which the state could use to guard against climate disasters, manage erosion, strengthen infrastructure and protect parks.

Hotel fees and other taxes get a bump

Hotel taxes, also known as occupancy or accommodation taxes, are widespread in the United States and Europe, where they were on the rise for a decade leading up to the pandemic. With tourism’s rebound to prepandemic levels, several destinations have increased or adjusted the tax to capture more revenue.

Like Hawaii, Greece — which also suffered severe wildfires last summer — is looking to steel itself against climate disasters, and the government wants tourists to help foot the bill. Greece is calling the charge a climate crisis resilience fee , and it will be collected by accommodation providers. The tax will be higher from March to October, when it will top out at €10 per night at five-star hotels. The rate drops from November to February, and for hotels with fewer stars. The fee replaces the previous hotel tax, which ranged from €0.50 to €4 per night.

In Amsterdam, the hotel tax, which was already one of the highest in Europe, rose to 12.5 percent from 7 percent on Jan. 1. City lawmakers have also raised the tax on cruise passengers to €14 from €11 per person per night.

The hotel tax in Barcelona also rose this year, increasing to €3.25 per night. The measure was the final step-up in a gradual increase that began before the pandemic. A spokesman for Barcelona City Hall said that further tax increases would be aimed at tourist rental apartments and cruises that make short stopovers, which contribute less to the city’s income. The spokesman also noted that revenue generated by the tourist tax is being used, among other things, to fund the installation of solar panels and air-conditioning in Barcelona’s public schools.

Ahead of this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, lawmakers in the Île-de-France region have imposed a new tax, on top of the normal hotel levy. With the new tax, which will fund public transportation in the region, a guest in a five-star hotel now owes a total of €10.73 in tax per night stayed, while a stay in a two-star hotel incurs a tax of €3.25 per night.

Though the measure was adopted by the regional government, it was not supported by the leadership in Paris itself. A spokeswoman for Paris City Hall called the move “a democratic power grab” that “in no way benefits the city of Paris.” She noted that even with the funds generated by the new tax, the region still raised the price of tickets for public transportation in the city during the Olympics — a measure that has disgruntled many Paris residents.

Introducing new rules

In other tourist spots, the focus is on curbing behavior that pollutes the local environment or harms residents’ quality of life.

In Japan, authorities at Mount Fuji will cap visitors at 4,000 per day. They have also imposed a new fee of 2,000 yen (about $13) for access to the iconic summit. Elsewhere in the country, a community council in the Gion neighborhood of Kyoto has closed some small roads to tourists, after complaints that the area, home to the city’s geisha district, was suffering from crowds.

“We will ask tourists to refrain from entering narrow private streets in or after April,” Isokazu Ota, a leading member of the community council, told Agence-France Presse in March. “We don’t want to do this, but we’re desperate.”

A spokeswoman for the city’s tourism board described the road closures as “a local initiative,” adding that “neither Kyoto City nor the Kyoto City Tourism Association are aware of any details beyond what is reported in the media.”

Rowdy visitor behavior has been the target of new rules in Milan. In some areas, city leaders have banned outdoor seating after 12:30 a.m. during the week and 1:30 a.m. on the weekend in response to resident complaints. They have also limited the late-night sale of takeaway food and drinks.

And in certain areas on the Spanish Balearic Islands of Majorca and Ibiza that are overrun with drunk tourists, the government has imposed a ban on late-night sales of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in the street. New restrictions have also been imposed on party boats in the same areas.

“Tourism has negative externalities that must be managed and minimized,” Marga Prohens, the president of the Balearic Islands, told a local gathering this month , according to The Majorca Daily Bulletin. Local tourism, she said, “cannot continue to grow in volume.”

Paige McClanahan, a regular contributor to the Travel section, is author of “The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel,” forthcoming from Scribner on June 18.

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Visa-free Travel Between India-Russia Proposed, Here Are Places To Visit In The Country

A ccording to the latest reports, Russia and India are holding talks to make travel easy between both countries, the talks of which will commence in June. These discussions mark a significant step towards strengthening tourism ties between Moscow and New Delhi, considering one of the proposed plans is to introduce visa-free group tourist exchanges.

Previously, Russia has seen success with similar policies with China and if all goes well, it might be finalised by year-end with India too. If Russia is on your travel bucket list, here are must-visit places you need to check out.

Moscow, Russia's capital, is a city that seamlessly blends historical grandeur with modern sophistication. The iconic Red Square is the heart of Moscow, home to the majestic Kremlin and the colorful domes of St. Basil's Cathedral. Visitors can explore the historic treasures within the Kremlin, including its grand cathedrals and the Armory Chamber, which houses Russian state regalia and treasures. The Bolshoi Theatre, renowned for its ballet and opera performances, and Gorky Park, a vast recreational area, are also essential stops in this vibrant metropolis.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, often referred to as Russia's cultural capital, is famous for its elegant architecture, waterways, and cultural institutions. The State Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, boasts an extensive collection of art and artifacts. The Winter Palace, part of the Hermitage complex, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. St. Petersburg's historic center, with its picturesque canals and grand palaces, offers a glimpse into the opulence of the Russian Empire. Don't miss the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, with its intricate mosaics and colorful domes.

The Golden Ring

The Golden Ring is a chain of ancient towns northeast of Moscow, known for their historical and architectural significance. These towns, including Vladimir, Suzdal, and Sergiyev Posad, feature well-preserved examples of Russian Orthodox architecture, including onion-domed churches, monasteries, and wooden houses. The Golden Ring offers a peaceful retreat into Russia's past, with scenic landscapes and charming rural settings.

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal, the world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake, is a natural wonder located in Siberia and Russia. Known as the "Pearl of Siberia," Baikal is surrounded by stunning landscapes of mountains and forests. The lake is home to unique wildlife, including the Baikal seal. Visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, and in winter, ice skating on the frozen lake. The Trans-Siberian Railway, which runs along the southern shore of Baikal, offers breathtaking views and a chance to experience the remote beauty of Siberia.

Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, is a city where Russian and Tatar cultures blend together. The Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features the striking Kul Sharif Mosque and the historic Annunciation Cathedral. Kazan's diverse cultural heritage is also evident in its cuisine, festivals, and architectural styles. The city's vibrant atmosphere and rich history make it a fascinating destination for travelers.

Sochi, located on the Black Sea coast, is a popular resort city known for its beaches, spas, and mountainous backdrop. Sochi gained international prominence as the host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics. In addition to its sunny beaches, visitors can explore the nearby Caucasus Mountains for hiking and skiing. The city's subtropical climate and beautiful coastal scenery make it a year-round destination.