Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Inbound tourism fuels land price surge across Japan
TOKYO – Strong demand from inbound tourism has significantly driven up land prices in tourist destinations nationwide, a trend extending to areas around the 2025 Osaka Expo. According to an announcement by the National Tax Agency on July 2, land...
France bans smoking in parks and beaches
This summer in Paris, a sunset cigarette under the Eiffel Tower could come with an unexpected price tag. Starting July 1, France has banned smoking in all outdoor areas frequented by children — including parks, beaches, public gardens, bus stops,...

Act fast to secure Ryanair discounts for holidays between August and September
If you're looking for an affordable last-minute getaway this summer, Ryanair could be the ideal choice. The budget airline has just reduced flight prices to two European destinations as part of a quick flash sale. This limited 48-hour deal offers...

Brits warned about Brexit rule that could see travellers banned for 3 years
Going away is exciting, but before setting off, it's important for anyone planning to visit certain countries to be well-informed. This is especially true in the post-Brexit era, which has seen the introduction of new regulations in recent years....

Ryanair slashes £20 off flights to two holiday destinations - but you need to be quick
If you're hunting for a bargain last-minute summer getaway, Ryanair may have just the ticket with their latest slash in fares. The low-cost carrier has unveiled a new flash sale offering discounted fares to two European hotspots. In a time-limited...

Ryanair 48-hour deal for travel to 2 European hotspots - including Spanish beach city
If you're seeking an affordable last-minute escape this summer, Ryanair might just have the perfect option. The budget airline has now slashed ticket prices to two European destinations in a new flash sale. This deal, available for just 48 hours,...
Tomorrowland and Gentse Feesten step up accessibility efforts
Belgium's festivals draw thousands of visitors every year, but for people with disabilities, attending can be a logistical challenge. In response, festival organisers at Tomorrowland and Gentse Feesten are increasingly making efforts to improve...

Inbound Tourism Fuels Land Price Surge Across Japan; High Hopes for Development Projects Ahead
The Yomiuri Shimbun Foreign tourists visit the old townscape of Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, on June 25. By Akane Yamaki, Hiromi Ochiai and Ryoma Shintani / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writers 20:00 JST, July 1, 2025 Strong demand from inbound...

American tourists spend most per person in Cyprus
Cyprus tourism revenue up 39.9 per cent in April Tourism revenue in Cyprus experienced a significant rise in April 2025, reaching €304.2 million according to the latest results from the passengers survey conducted by the state statistical service....

F1 pundit expresses surprise at Lewis Hamilton admitting he made a mistake
Ferrari star Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in the first round of sprint qualifying at the Belgian GP as the Briton spun on his final lap in SQ1 on Friday, July 25. Hamilton was downbeat after the session and took the blame for it. However, F1...

April 2025: Easter vacations support European hospitality activity by MKG Consulting
While Easter weekend fell at the end of March in 2024, this year it fell in April. The spring vacations fell in the same timeframe, which helped to keep leisure destinations busy. Stabilization of occupancy and average daily rate trends in...

Azores outpaces national tourism growth
“In May, all tourist accommodation establishments (hotels, local accommodation and rural tourism) in the Azores recorded 444.8 thousand overnight stays, a figure 3.1% higher than that recorded in the same month last year”, reads the SREA Tourism...

Smurfs: Every movie from the franchise ranked
The Smurfs have kept viewers engaged globally for decades. It was initially created by the Belgian artist Peyo as a comic strip and soon developed into a full-fledged franchise of animated series and major motion pictures. These small blue...

France leads Europe in saying au revoir to beach and park smoking
Paris (CNN) — This summer in Paris, a sunset cigarette under the Eiffel Tower could come with an unexpected price tag. Starting July 1, France has banned smoking in all outdoor areas frequented by children — including parks, beaches, public...

How hot is Europe? Iconic tourist attraction closes to visitors for several days
By Samuel Petrequin and Joseph Wilson, The Associated Press PARIS — Barcelona recorded its hottest June in over a century, the summit of Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors and hundreds of French schools shut on Tuesday as Europe...

Greece Reopens Honorary Consulate in Ghent, Strengthening Ties with Belgium
New Honorary Consul Mark Janse and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yiannis Loverdos. Photo source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Greece has reopened its Honorary Consulate in Ghent after a 21-year hiatus, restoring its diplomatic presence in...

Rural tourism businesses hopeful for the rest of summer
This summer, residents of the Baltic states plan to travel mostly within their own countries, as well as visit neighbouring countries, according to a survey conducted by representatives of the Latvian autonomous intermediary company Booking Group...

Unique landmark that popular beach wouldn't be the same without
It's now been 20 years since 100 iron men, staring enigmatically out to sea, were first installed on Crosby beach. And for many, it's hard to remember what the area looked like before Antony Gormley’s Another Place was officially unveiled....

Crawl, Walk, Ride: Belgian Special Forces Attend iWaterman Course at Marine Corps Base Hawaii
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HAWAII, UNITED STATES 06.30.2025 MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII – Belgian special forces service members attended Tactical Watercraft Rescue (TWR) training hosted by the iWaterman organization, a specialized water rescue group...

Drunk Monk owner talks beers, Wrexham AFC takeover and proving doubters wrong!
The Drunk Monk is tucked away in Overton Arcade on Wrexham High Street. Run by Kieran Irwin, his fiancée Dannii Rathbone and Kieran's brother Sean, the idea of starting the business was first discussed during the Covid-19 pandemic. By now, it has...