The European travel landscape has kicked off 2025 with a series of groundbreaking developments, from policy changes to the launch of a new river cruise line. Here’s a closer look at the major stories shaping the industry this January.
UK Drops Fee for Transit Passengers
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The United Kingdom’s new electronic travel authorization (ETA) program, which launched on January 8, underwent a critically important change almost immediately. Originally, the £10 (approximately $12.40) fee was required even for passengers transiting through the UK en route to other countries. though, this requirement was reversed this month, much to the relief of the British aviation industry.Airlines had feared the fee would deter travelers from choosing British carriers for non-UK destinations. This move is expected to boost the UK’s position as a global transit hub.
Celebrity River Cruises Will Debut in Europe
In a bold move, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason liberty announced the launch of Celebrity River Cruises, marking the company’s entry into the river cruise market. The new brand has already signed an order for 10 ships, with its first voyages set to sail on the rivers of Europe in 2027. Passengers can expect to explore historically and culturally significant cities, savor locally inspired cuisine, and participate in unique shore experiences. This expansion aims to bring the premium service and innovative design of Celebrity Cruises to the river cruise sector.
Croatia, Spain, and Vienna post Record 2024s
January also brought news of record-breaking tourism numbers for 2024. Croatia, Spain, and the city of Vienna all reported historic visitor arrivals, cementing their status as top European destinations. These achievements highlight the growing appeal of Europe’s diverse cultural and natural attractions, even as destinations like Croatia aim to prioritize lasting travel practices for the future.
| Key Highlights of January 2025 |
|————————————|
| UK ETA Program | Fee for transit passengers dropped |
| Celebrity River Cruises | 10 ships ordered, debut in 2027 |
| Record Tourism in 2024 | Croatia, Spain, and Vienna |
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Travel Industry Updates: cruise Bans, Tourism Taxes, and River Cruises
The travel industry is buzzing with significant developments, from new cruise restrictions to innovative educational programs for travel advisors. Here’s a roundup of the latest news shaping the world of travel.
Nice Proposes ban on Large Cruise Ships
Mayor Christian Estrosi of Nice, France, has proposed a ban on all cruise ships carrying more than 900 passengers or exceeding 620 feet in length. If approved by regional authorities, this ban could impact major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Holland America, celebrity Cruises, Norwegian, and Cunard. The move aims to reduce the environmental and infrastructural strain caused by large vessels in the picturesque French Riviera port.
!Nice, France cruise port
Nice, France cruise port (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
AmaWaterways Launches French river Cruise Course
Earlier this month, AmaWaterways unveiled a new educational course designed for travel advisors to deepen their knowledge of the brand’s French river cruises. the program explores iconic waterways like the Rhône, Saône, and Seine rivers, along with their tributaries. Participants can also earn discounts on familiarization (FAM) trips and other exclusive benefits, making it a valuable resource for travel professionals.
Edinburgh Introduces UK’s First Tourist Tax
Edinburgh has made history as the first city in the UK to enact a tourist tax, set to take effect in mid-2026. Visitors will pay a fee equivalent to five percent of their accommodation cost per night. The revenue generated will be reinvested into the city’s infrastructure and the quality of life for its residents,ensuring sustainable tourism growth.
!Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/bnoragitt)
Record Tourism Numbers Across Europe
Europe continues to thrive as a top travel destination, with several countries reporting record-breaking visitor numbers. Croatia welcomed over 21 million visitors and 108 million overnight stays in 2023, marking a shift toward year-round travel. Meanwhile, Spain set a new record with 94 million international visitors, despite local protests against overtourism. Vienna also celebrated its most triumphant tourism year to date, with 8.9 million overnight stays—a nine percent increase from 2023.
| Destination | 2023 Visitor Numbers | Key highlights |
|——————|————————–|——————–|
| Croatia | 21 million visitors | Shift to year-round travel |
| Spain | 94 million visitors | Record despite local protests |
| Vienna | 8.9 million overnight stays | Highest sence records began |
European Waterways Expands with Luxurious Irish Barge
In other news, European Waterways has added a luxurious irish barge to its fleet, offering travelers a unique way to explore the Emerald Isle’s scenic waterways.This addition underscores the growing demand for intimate and high-end river cruising experiences.
These developments highlight the dynamic nature of the travel industry, from sustainability initiatives to innovative educational programs. Stay tuned for more updates as the sector continues to evolve.European Waterways, the leading luxury barge cruise company in Europe, has expanded its fleet with the addition of the Shannon Princess. This vessel, which has been navigating the River Shannon since 2003, now joins european Waterways’ collection of 18 vessels. Known for its focus on slow travel and immersive local experiences, the company continues to offer unique journeys across Europe’s waterways. The Shannon Princess’s inclusion promises to enhance these offerings, providing travelers with even more opportunities to explore the region’s rich cultural and natural landscapes.Simultaneously occurring, in Spain, the coastal city of Alicante has taken a bold step to address its housing challenges. Earlier this month, the city banned new vacation short-term rentals for two years. This decision aims to tackle the growing issues around local housing availability. The local council hopes to use this period to establish a sustainable balance for short-term rentals in the city, ensuring that both residents and visitors can coexist harmoniously.
In Paris, The Louvre is set to undergo a significant change. French president Emmanuel Macron announced the “New Renaissance” project,which includes relocating the Mona Lisa to improve its display and enhance visitor experience. This renovation comes in response to concerns about the museum’s ability to manage its daily crowds. Additionally, starting in January 2026, non-EU visitors will face higher entry fees compared to EU residents, a move that could reshape the museum’s visitor demographics.
| Key Updates | Details |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| European Waterways Expansion | Shannon Princess added to the fleet, enhancing luxury barge cruise options. |
| Alicante’s Short-Term Rental Ban| Two-year ban on new vacation rentals to address local housing issues. |
| The Louvre Renovation | “New renaissance” project includes relocating the Mona Lisa and new pricing.|
These developments highlight the dynamic changes shaping travel and cultural experiences across Europe. Whether it’s the serene journeys offered by European Waterways, the evolving landscape of Alicante, or the transformative plans at The Louvre, there’s much to look forward to in the coming years.
Interview: Exploring the Latest travel Developments in Europe
Editor: AmaWaterways recently launched a new educational course for travel advisors focused on French river cruises. Can you tell us more about this initiative and it’s importance?
Guest: Absolutely! AmaWaterways unveiled this course earlier this month to help travel advisors deepen their knowledge of the brand’s French river cruises. The program delves into iconic waterways like the Rhône, Saône, and Seine rivers, and also their tributaries. participants can also earn discounts on familiarization trips and other exclusive benefits,making it a valuable resource for travel professionals looking to enhance their expertise and offerings.
Editor: Edinburgh has made headlines as the first UK city to introduce a tourist tax. What are your thoughts on this move?
Guest: Edinburgh’s decision to implement a tourist tax is historic and forward-thinking. Set to take effect in mid-2026, visitors will pay a fee equivalent to five percent of their accommodation cost per night. The revenue will be reinvested into the city’s infrastructure and the quality of life for its residents.This approach ensures enduring tourism growth while balancing the needs of visitors and locals.
Editor: Europe is seeing record tourism numbers. Which destinations stand out, and what trends are shaping this growth?
Guest: Europe is indeed thriving as a top travel destination. Croatia welcomed over 21 million visitors and 108 million overnight stays in 2023, marking a shift toward year-round travel. Spain set a new record with 94 million international visitors, despite local protests against overtourism. Simultaneously occurring, Vienna celebrated its most successful tourism year to date, with 8.9 million overnight stays—a nine percent increase from 2023. These numbers highlight europe’s enduring appeal and the diversification of travel seasons.
Editor: European Waterways has expanded its fleet with a luxurious Irish barge. How does this fit into the broader trends in river cruising?
Guest: The addition of the Shannon Princess to European Waterways’ fleet underscores the growing demand for intimate, high-end river cruising experiences. This vessel, which has been navigating the River Shannon since 2003, offers travelers a unique way to explore Ireland’s scenic waterways. It aligns with the trend toward slow travel and immersive local experiences, catering to travelers seeking more personalized and luxurious journeys.
Editor: what are some key updates in cities like Alicante and Paris?
Guest: Alicante has taken a bold step by banning new vacation short-term rentals for two years to address local housing challenges. simultaneously occurring, in paris, The Louvre is undergoing a critically important renovation under the “New Renaissance” project, including relocating the Mona Lisa to improve its display. Starting in January 2026,non-EU visitors will also face higher entry fees compared to EU residents. These changes reflect efforts to balance tourism growth with local needs and enhance cultural experiences.
Editor: Thank you for these insightful updates! It’s clear that Europe’s travel industry is evolving in dynamic and exciting ways.
Guest: Absolutely! From sustainability initiatives like Edinburgh’s tourist tax to innovative offerings like AmaWaterways’ educational course and European Waterways’ fleet expansion, there’s much to look forward to in the coming years. these developments highlight the industry’s commitment to enhancing traveler experiences while addressing local challenges.
