Europe Travel Destination Industry News & Information by Skift

Some European Cities Don’t Want Tourism Caps Even as Congestion Problems Grow

Dan Peltier and Patrick Whyte, Skift

Given how attitudes over tourism have been boiling over across Europe's hotspots in recent years, some of the findings in this report, such as residents not wanting tourism numbers to be capped, are very surprising.

5 days ago

Czech Ghost Church Is Tourism Hit Thanks to Art Student Thesis

Adam Pemble and Petr Josek, Associated Press

The ghost church is a lesson and reminder for all destinations to embrace local artists and their work to help breathe new life into old or forgotten attractions.

2 weeks ago

Denmark Is Heading Toward a Record Year for Tourism

Nick Rigillo and Peter Levring, Bloomberg

Denmark ticks a lot of boxes for visitors, so it's not a big surprise to see the industry booming. But the country should be careful what it wishes for, given the problems elsewhere in Europe with overtourism.

1 month ago

What It Means to Be an Emerging Destination in New Europe: A Sofia Deep Dive

Rebecca Stone, Skift

While destinations with overtourism issues are getting a lot of attention, other cities are emerging as new frontiers for tourism. Sofia, Bulgaria, is one of those cities with a unique opportunity to declare to the world what it wants to be as a destination, and to define a vision and strategy for how tourism can develop sustainably.

2 months ago

New Cultural and Business Hub Will Reshape Zurich’s Tourism Image

Laura Powell, Skift

As we have seen in recent years, new multi-use developments can have transformative effects on under-utilized sections of major cities. Zurich is banking on The Circle to create a new reason for tourists to visit the city.

2 months ago

Why Europe Needs to Make Long-Haul Travel Easier

Hannah Sampson, Skift

Europe has seen significant tourism growth recently, but there is still more the destination can do to encourage visitors to come from afar.

2 months ago

What a Month of Bicycle Rides Through Valencia Reveals about Authenticity in Tourism

Rebecca Stone, Skift

For all its imperfections, Valencia still has its spirit and a sense of authenticity that other destinations have lost in some ways in the age of overtourism. As the city fights to maintain equilibrium, it has a unique opportunity to set an example via the proper management of tourism. Don't put doors in the field. Set up bike lanes instead.

2 months ago

Russia Enjoys Short-Term Tourism Boost Thanks to World Cup Arrivals

Angela Charlton, Associated Press

So far the World Cup appears to have been a big success for Russia — especially with the national team doing so well. The big issue the country has is keeping the tourism feel-good factor going after the tournament has ended.

3 months ago

Old World French Countryside is Getting New Luxury Hotels This Summer

Nikki Ekstein, Bloomberg

Just another reason for the rich and famous to pay a visit to the French countryside this year. The bourgeois traveling class will come, too, but they'll probably opt for a train or car rather than a private yacht.

3 months ago

London Uses Mobile Gaming App to Help Tackle Overtourism

Dan Peltier, Skift

Many travelers are glued to their phones, so why not put them to even greater use? That's what London tourism officials are hoping to do but whether this will actually help disperse tourism throughout the city rather than generate revenue for already crowded attractions remains to be seen.

3 months ago

Lonely Planet to Investigate Racial Profiling in Switzerland

Mara Bernath, Bloomberg

By extension, we wonder if the same kind of travel warning should be issued for the United States.

3 months ago

Video: Iceland Denies Overtourism as Europe Searches for Solutions

Dan Peltier, Skift

Iceland doesn't believe it's overrun with tourists but it's also been proactive in managing tourism growth. That's in sharp contrast to many other destinations only focused on higher numbers with no long-term game plans.

3 months ago