Daily Archives: December 23, 2024

The incredible £37m project set to transform a beautiful city loved by tourists

The Žnjan neighbourhood in Split is undergoing the Croatian city’s largest urban redevelopment in over half a century. The coastal neighbourhood is being transformed in a 45 million euro (£37 million) project that is poised to turn it into a state-of-the-art recreational hub.The development, funded primarily by the European Investment Bank, is carefully balancing modernisation with preservation, leaving the iconic coastline of Žnjan Beach largely untouched. However, significant enhancements are underway just behind the shore, with plans to create sports courts, cycling paths, promenades, and children’s playgrounds.A large amphitheatre is also being built, alongside a new garage and parking facilities for up to 1,000 vehicles. There will also be 11 designated hospitality venues and the addition of 40,000 square metres of green spaces.As of December, over 75% of the promenade construction is complete, with paths being built from both directions. The dome of the amphitheatre is also being installed, and work on its seating area is being done.The redevelopment also prioritises environmental improvements. The grounds are being cleared, levelled, and prepared for extensive landscaping.Green spaces near the beach, referred to as “green islands,” are being filled with soil in anticipation of planting.“These efforts are part of a broader commitment to ensure that Žnjan remains one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches,” Grad Split said.Žnjan is known for having the largest beach in Spilt, located in the city’s eastern part. It is the perfect destination for those looking for a beach to swim and sunbathe, as well as recreational and fun activities such as beach volleyball, jet-skiing, and parasailing. Both tourists and locals enjoy spending time there, no matter the season.Despite its popularity, it is very rare to not be able to find enough free space for a beach towel or sun lounger. There are also many cafes, beach bars, food stands and restaurants near the coast where you can grab a coffee, cocktail or a bite to eat during your beach day. At night, many of these venues turn into clubs where the music and dancing continue well into the next morning. It has recently been through the process of demolishing illegal structures along the beach.Two local buses directly connect Split’s Old Town with Žnjan Beach for those travelling without a car. 

Locals reveal they are turning back on top European city as tourists make it ‘unliveable’

The Dutch capital of Amsterdam has joined other European hotspots where residents’ backlash against the ever-increasing number of tourists is gathering pace, with residents taking to the streets over the weekend. Amsterdam, like a growing number of European cities, is trying to move to a new model of tourism, which focuses on fewer, high-spending middle-class tourists who stay for longer. One the city known for its century-old canals and museums celebrating the works of Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer, Amsterdam’s reputation has since become marred by out-of-place modern hotels, giant cruise ships and stag parties. The “Het is Genoeg”, or “that’s enough”, campaign was launched outside a controversial new city centre hotel – a design which has been compared to a motorway toilet.“Another one of those horrible hotels, which attract even more tourists and look awful,” said Dingeman Coumou, the organiser of the campaign, according to The Times. “The Diamond has become a symbolic place for us.”The new hotel replaced the former Heineken Hoek, or corner, an iconic meeting place and landmark with neon signs and two giant beer glass advertisements on its roof.“The tourism that is flooding our city has now become disruptive. It ensures that our children can no longer live in the city because of the high real estate prices, it creates a monoculture but, above all, the centre of Amsterdam is becoming unliveable because of the crowds,” said Coumou.One of the key issues the city suffers from is in its old town and red-light district, renowned for its legalised brothels and sex workers in shop windows. These have become a particular problem for the authorities, who have to deal with groups of young men – often Brits – drunk or stoned on drugs sold in Amsterdam’s cannabis cafes, who create noise and nuisance for locals. “You have to fight your way through the crowds to get home,” said Ed Huijg, one of the protesters, who lives in the Wallen red-light district.With visitor numbers not showing any sign of slowing down and locals becoming angrier, Amsterdam’s administration has pledged to end over-tourism and clean up the city, offering up 12 million euros of extra spending this year. Last year, about 22 million overnight stays were made in the city’s hotels and other accommodations, two million more than the target.Between 22.9 million and 25.4 million visitors are expected to have visited this year, with numbers expected to increase again to 26.6 million by 2026.Frits Huffnagel, a former city councillor responsible for tourism, coined the successful phrase “I Amsterdam,” which was displayed in giant letters on the national Rijksmuseum until 2018.“You shouldn’t say: let everyone come and p*** and puke in my city. You have to take action against those people,” he told the NOS state broadcaster.

Locals reveal they are turning back on top European city as tourists make it ‘unliveable’

The Dutch capital of Amsterdam has joined other European hotspots where residents’ backlash against the ever-increasing number of tourists is gathering pace, with residents taking to the streets over the weekend. Amsterdam, like a growing number of European cities, is trying to move to a new model of tourism, which focuses on fewer, high-spending middle-class tourists who stay for longer. One the city known for its century-old canals and museums celebrating the works of Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Vermeer, Amsterdam’s reputation has since become marred by out-of-place modern hotels, giant cruise ships and stag parties. The “Het is Genoeg”, or “that’s enough”, campaign was launched outside a controversial new city centre hotel – a design which has been compared to a motorway toilet.“Another one of those horrible hotels, which attract even more tourists and look awful,” said Dingeman Coumou, the organiser of the campaign, according to The Times. “The Diamond has become a symbolic place for us.”The new hotel replaced the former Heineken Hoek, or corner, an iconic meeting place and landmark with neon signs and two giant beer glass advertisements on its roof.“The tourism that is flooding our city has now become disruptive. It ensures that our children can no longer live in the city because of the high real estate prices, it creates a monoculture but, above all, the centre of Amsterdam is becoming unliveable because of the crowds,” said Coumou.One of the key issues the city suffers from is in its old town and red-light district, renowned for its legalised brothels and sex workers in shop windows. These have become a particular problem for the authorities, who have to deal with groups of young men – often Brits – drunk or stoned on drugs sold in Amsterdam’s cannabis cafes, who create noise and nuisance for locals. “You have to fight your way through the crowds to get home,” said Ed Huijg, one of the protesters, who lives in the Wallen red-light district.With visitor numbers not showing any sign of slowing down and locals becoming angrier, Amsterdam’s administration has pledged to end over-tourism and clean up the city, offering up 12 million euros of extra spending this year. Last year, about 22 million overnight stays were made in the city’s hotels and other accommodations, two million more than the target.Between 22.9 million and 25.4 million visitors are expected to have visited this year, with numbers expected to increase again to 26.6 million by 2026.Frits Huffnagel, a former city councillor responsible for tourism, coined the successful phrase “I Amsterdam,” which was displayed in giant letters on the national Rijksmuseum until 2018.“You shouldn’t say: let everyone come and p*** and puke in my city. You have to take action against those people,” he told the NOS state broadcaster.

The new incredible £397m futuristic train station transforming travel in European country

Belgium is a vital transport hub in the heart of Europe, allowing travellers to connect seamlessly with other parts of the continent.Trains regularly run to Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.The number of people travelling by rail has increased, with a whopping 244 million recorded last year.Belgian authorities have sought to modernise rail infrastructure, including stations, to encourage even more travellers to travel by train.Last week, Mons opened its station to the public after an extensive upgrade and refurbishment was finally completed.The futuristic new design cost an eye-watering €480 million (£397m) and was carried out by the Santiago Calatrava company of architects and engineers.Mons station is undoubtedly an important international hub with 57,000 passengers a week and 189 trains a day.Modern, accessible and at the city’s heart, the station and its new footbridge offer even greater intramodality.People can access the bus station, Kiss&Ride and take a cab directly from the new station.There are five covered platforms, two parking lots and 350 bicycle parking spaces, while the new footbridge houses 14 retail and service areas.The station has been designed to enable all passengers to travel barrier-free and independently.The new walkway has 12 elevators, raised platforms and pedometers for the visually impaired.Although already operational, an official inauguration will occur on 31 January 2025 during the “Mons en lumières” festival.The latest design is the fourth iteration of the Mons train station, which first opened its doors in 1841.The original station was part of the Midi-line connecting Brussels and the French border via Quiévrain to Paris.This first building was replaced in 1874 by its successor, who was nearly 200 metres long.The second station was destroyed by American bombs on 10 May 1944 and was replaced by a third structure in 1952.The third station closed to passengers in March 2013 and was demolished three months later as part of the modernisation plans.

Twin Cities metro gearing up for busy holiday travel week

Two days before Christmas, a fast-moving winter storm to the east threatens to complicate what’s expected to be a record holiday travel season.Whether it’s by plane, train, or car, every busy travel period has a new record this year.Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport expects Thursday, the day after Christmas, to be the busiest travel day, with just under 50,000 people going through TSA.United and American Airlines expect Friday to be one of its busiest days nationally.5 EYEWITNESS NEWS is at MSP Monday morning, and you can see current conditions by watching livestream player above. Despite holiday air travel, AAA says more people are hitting the roads, with 90% of travelers driving. Peak congestion in the metro is expected around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday for travelers going west on I-94 from Eau Claire to Minneapolis, which is expected to take just under two hours. An interactive traffic map showing current conditions can be found at the bottom of this article. Additionally, more travelers are hopping on trains this year — a 15% increase compared to last year.
For Related Stories: Holiday Travel  Kamaria Braye  MSP Airport

UK tourists warned to ‘avoid’ nine places in Spain, Portugal, Italy in 2025

UK tourists have been warned to avoid a string of holiday spots in Spain, Portugal and Italy. Fodor has issued its no travel list for 2025 – and has warned UK holidaymakers heading out to the European Union for sun-kissed trips and vacations. “Some of these highly coveted tourist spots are collapsing under the burden…

Intense Peru Celebrates Eight Years of Bolivia Travel Innovation and Sustainability Despite Challenges

Intense Peru Celebrates Eight Years of Bolivia Travel Innovation and Sustainability Despite Challenges – Travel Industry Today – EIN Presswire

Travel Trends Report 2025: Frontier Travel

Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to LinkedinIn this last article on Travel Trends for 2025, I write about frontier travel and the impact of looking for untouched environments for the thrill-factor.
Once the sole activity of intrepid explorers only, frontier tourism—or going where no one (or, in reality, hardly anyone) has gone before—is on the rise. National Geographic explains the trend as one that is more likely to see people wanting to visit remote destinations (rather than finding places no one has actually ever been). It links frontier tourism to one of 2024’s defining cultural trends of ‘cowboy core’. “Thanks, in part, to the Yellowstone TV series and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, ‘cowboy core’ has found its way firmly into the travel market. Skyscanner even added a ‘horse riding’ filter into its search engine last summer, reporting that a quarter of its users listed ‘eating around a campfire’ and ‘sleeping under the stars’ as the experiences they were most excited about for 2025.”

In Lemongrass Marketing’s Travel Trends Report 2025, frontier travel, however, is described in its truest sense, as “an exclusive and extreme form of adventure travel”. “From the deepest depths of the seas across the polar regions to the highest mountains and into outer space, if a place exists, it is now fair game for tourism,” says the report. “Frontier tourism, however, is prohibitively expensive for most people, the only benefit being that it feeds the ego.”
Embracing the wild is part of the appeal of frontier travel.(Credit: lemongrass)
“This trend hasn’t gone unchecked. In fact, it’s sparked important conversations about whether people should actually be visiting these places at all. Take Antarctica and the Arctic, both of which have experienced increased traffic in recent years. Yet the uptick in travel to the ends of Earth has a detrimental impact on the environment, further exacerbating the impact of the climate crisis on fragile ecosystems. Considered from a different angle, though, interest in places that weren’t previously on tourists’ radars can be beneficial. Travel companies ISHKAR and Wild Frontiers, for example, are setting a positive example by facilitating trips to destinations like Pakistan and Tajikistan. While these often misunderstood destinations might attract travelers seeking ‘novel’ experiences, the companies emphasise the long-term economic importance of tourism to impacted communities while encouraging travellers to have intentional experiences. So long as these types of frontier holidays are organised with the host communities and nature front and centre of mind, they are a good thing. Like so often in life it’s not the what, it’s the how.”

Kuang Si Falls in Laos—one of the destinations on the map for 2025, says Lonely Planet.(Credit: ©Diy13/Getty Images/iStock)
In Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 25, the trusted travel brand reveals its pick of 30 must-see destinations across the globe for the year ahead. Topping the country list is Cameroon, followed by Lithuania, Fiji, Laos and Kazakhstan—all countries which are lesser-explored destinations and can be considered off the main tourist trails.The Chaullaccocha community members gathered for the Queuña Raymi tree-planting festival in Vilcanota, Peru.(Credit: H. Michell Leon)
Journeys with Purpose, the conservation travel specialist, is seeking to do good from the trend by marrying travel to remote spots with some of the world’s most advanced conservation projects. Its new collection of extraordinary journeys focus on top conservation milestones to experience in 2025. The idea is that by making these trips, travelers can make a positive impact on the environment, local communities and wildlife across the globe. The collection, all new for 2025, celebrates the achievements of some of the world’s most ambitious projects and the breakthroughs they’re expecting to realise in the next 12 months.Kestrel Camp, Montana: you can join the American Prairie Reserve in its mission to create a multi-million-acre nature reserve in Montana to conserve the species-rich grasslands of the iconic Great Plains for future generations.(Credit: Journeys with Purpose)
Venetia Martin, managing director of Journeys With Purpose, says: “Our guests lives in a world where anything is possible. As a result, they seek more fulfilment and richer experiences. We facilitate meaningful connections in wild destinations that catalyse authentic immersion and learning. Our guests encounter extraordinary people and places that force them to break out of their comfort zone and engage with the environment in ways they could not have imagined. These experiences leave guests deeply inspired, with a new appreciation for the promise of the natural world, so that they may become lifetime advocates and change makers for the planet.”Armendaris, New Mexico. Experience the groundbreaking conservation projects, led by Ted Turner Reserves, the founder of CNN and philanthropist’s organisation, working to protect over one million acres of New Mexico’s majestic landscapes.(Credit: Journeys with Purpose)
As part of the offering with Journeys With Purpose, guests can traverse the northern great plains of Montana with American Prairie Reserve in what will become the largest national park in the contiguous USA; join Earthshot Prize winner, Acción Andina, in the restoration of one million hectares of rainforest in the Peruvian Andes; contribute to the recovery of the native Chiricahua leopard frog population in New Mexico; and chart the return of the lynx to Spain’s Iberian Peninsula. It’s giving new meaning to wild adventures.

Coming up next: my Wellness Travel Trends series will be published in January.