Canary Islands introduce new extra 13p daily charge for British tourists

Travel

The Canary Islands is introducing an extra 13p daily charge for British tourists.Mogán, situated in Gran Canaria, has taken an unprecedented step by declaring plans for a novel tourist tax—the first of its kind in Spain at the municipal level.Revealed by Mayor Onalia Bueno during a media briefing, visitors to Mogán’s hotels, apartments, and holiday homes from 2025 onwards will be charged an additional €0.15 per day.This fee will also apply to Canary Island residents staying in these accommodations.With Mogán being a coveted holiday hotspot within the Canary Islands, this tax is designed to encourage sustainable tourism practices.In contrast to other tourist taxes enacted in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the soon-to-be-implemented charge in Galicia, the revenue from Mogán’s touristic levy will be fully “finalist” – exclusively dedicated to bolstering services, activities, or infrastructural betterment within the town’s tourist locations.Mayor Bueno clarified that the exact daily rate could alter annually based on the investments scheduled by the municipality to elevate the overall visitor experience.Emphasising the goal of sustainability, she stated: “This tax for the provision of services and activities related to tourism and sustainability obligations” marks Mogán’s dedication to preserving its status as a premier travel choice, reports Birmingham Live.Gran Canaria, home to the Canary Islands’ largest city, Las Palmas, welcomes around 4 million tourists annually. Maspalomas is one of its most popular attractions, as per holiday data.In 2022, visitor numbers in Gran Canaria, Spain surged to nearly 3.8 million, a significant increase from the previous years when figures fell below two million due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Prior to the pandemic, in the late 2010s, this Spanish island saw more than four million tourists each year.

Spain warning for Brits as tourists could need to provide four pieces of ‘evidence’

Travel

British holidaymakers heading to Spain are being warned that they could need to provide four pieces of “evidence” to get in. This comes as part of the country’s latest entry requirements as a significant change at border control is set to affect trips in 2025. The EU’s new Entry/Exit System, which was postponed again in November, is now anticipated to be implemented later this year.This new automated system will require UK tourists to scan their passports at an automated self-service kiosk rather than having it manually stamped by officials at the border.The system will record the individual’s name, type of travel document, the date and place of entry and exit, along with biometric data such as fingerprints and a facial image.The revised date for this change has not yet been announced, but it’s expected to occur in 2025. Until then, tourists will still need to have their passports stamped upon arrival and departure.The Spanish government has specific entry conditions for travellers from outside of the EU, including the UK, as reported by Birmingham Live. This includes being able to provide “evidence” of meeting entry requirements when requested by border control officials.Besides a valid passport, the Foreign Office advises that visitors may be asked to show a return or onward ticket, proof of their travel insurance, a hotel booking confirmation or invitation if staying with friends or family, and evidence that you have sufficient funds for your stay.As per the information on Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, each traveller is required to have a minimum of €114 (approximately £95) per day.If the stay extends beyond nine days, the requirement increases to at least €1,021 (around £859).However, these figures are yet to be updated for 2025 and may change. Tourists can demonstrate their financial capacity by presenting cash, a traveller’s cheque, or a credit card along with a bank statement.It’s important to note that online bank statements will not be accepted.While many tourists may not be asked to provide this proof, it’s advisable to have these documents ready upon arrival as failure to present them when requested could lead to denial of entry.

UK market town where peacocks wander the streets most tourists overlook

Travel

Even during the winter months, the Cotswolds remain a magnet for tourists seeking an authentic English experience.If watching The Holiday at Christmas sparked dreams of a cosy cottage getaway, there are numerous charming destinations right on our doorstep.From the bustling Bourton-on-the-Water to Bibury, dubbed ‘the most beautiful village’, visitors are spoilt for choice when planning a trip to this corner of the South West.However, some towns have yet to make their mark on the tourist map.While many will be familiar with Lacock, the quaint ‘timewarp’ National Trust village, a town just three miles away also deserves attention.Nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds, the Wiltshire market town of Corsham is slightly off the beaten path that includes its more renowned neighbours.Located just 40 minutes from Bristol and 25 minutes from Bath, Corsham boasts a unique attraction – peacocks freely wandering its streets. These vibrant birds call Corsham Court, a grand stately home open to the public, their home, but they are often seen around the town centre’s cobbled lanes.Visit Corsham describes the town as “a hidden gem waiting to be explored”, boasting a lively art scene, Georgian stone buildings and a range of independent retailers.When Bristol Live visited, it was noticeably devoid of the crowds often encountered in Lacock.Corsham, a town known for its appearances in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, is also recognisable to fans of Poldark.The BBC drama’s first series was partially filmed here, with the town centre standing in for 18th century Cornwall despite its inland location.The historic centre boasts stunning architecture, including the 1668 schoolroom and Almshouses. However, if architecture isn’t your cup of tea, the shopping scene might be more appealing.Boutiques selling antiques, jewellery, and homeware are scattered around the town, along with a traditional butcher, greengrocer, and an upmarket deli for those looking to pick up something special for dinner.Bargain hunters will appreciate the three charity shops, and art enthusiasts can stop by Corsham Gallery, which showcases contemporary artwork from local artists.For those needing a caffeine fix, there are plenty of cafes including the popular Grounded and Mother and Wild.If driving here, parking in the town centre is complimentary for two hours, and on Sundays, an all-day charge of just 70p applies.

Protecting “Free Speech” Can’t Just Be About Targeting Political Opponents

EFF, Technology

The White House executive order “restoring freedom of speech and ending federal censorship,” published Monday, misses the mark on truly protecting Americans’ First Amendment rights.  The order calls for an investigation of efforts under the Biden administration to “moderate, deplatform, or otherwise suppress speech,” especially on social media companies. It goes on to order an…

Citizens United Cancer Case

2024 Election

Jerry Summers The gluttonous contributions to political campaigns by the super rich in 2024, and before, under the authority of the United States Supreme Court decision of Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission 558 US 310 (2010) has bestowed unlimited power to affect the rights of the vast majority of citizens, while reaping unlimited financial…

Trump administration cancels travel for refugees approved to resettle in US

Travel

Refugees who had been approved to travel to the United States before a 27 January deadline suspending America’s refugee resettlement program have had their travel plans canceled by the Trump administration.Thousands of refugees are now stranded at various locations around the globe.The suspension was in an executive order signed by Donald Trump on Monday. It left open the possibility that people who had undergone the lengthy process to be approved as refugees and permitted to come to the US, and had flights booked before that deadline, might still be able to get in under the wire.But in an email reviewed Wednesday by the Associated Press, the US agency overseeing refugee processing and arrival told staff and stakeholders that “refugee arrival to the United States have been suspended until further notice”.skip past newsletter promotionafter newsletter promotionMore details soon…