Blogs & News

June 2024 proved to be a pivotal month in European travel, marked by significant developments across the continent. From policy changes impacting vacation rentals to groundbreaking infrastructure projects and emerging travel trends, the month unfolded with notable events that are set to shape the future of European tourism.

Barcelona's Stricter Stance on Vacation Rentals

One of the most striking announcements came from Barcelona, where Mayor Jaume Collboni unveiled plans to phase out short-term vacation rentals by 2028. This decision aims to address mounting concerns over housing availability and affordability for locals, exacerbated by the conversion of residential properties into tourist accommodations. The move reflects a broader trend among European cities grappling with the dual pressures of tourism growth and housing shortages.

Fehmarnbelt Tunnel: Bridging Denmark and Germany

In northern Europe, construction commenced on the ambitious Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, slated to become the world's longest underwater road and rail tunnel upon completion in 2029. Spanning over 11 miles beneath the Baltic Sea, this tunnel promises to revolutionize travel between Denmark and Germany, significantly reducing transit times from a 45-minute ferry ride to a brief seven-minute train journey. The project underscores Europe's commitment to enhancing connectivity and infrastructure across its regions.

Costa Cruises Enhances Family Experiences

Meanwhile, Costa Cruises introduced new family-oriented experiences throughout the Mediterranean, catering to travelers of all ages. From interactive visits to local markets for culinary adventures to engaging street art photo safaris tailored for teens, these initiatives aim to enrich the onboard experience and deepen connections with regional cultures. Such innovations reflect a growing demand for immersive travel experiences that cater to diverse interests and ages.

Europe Grapples with Early Heat Waves

June also saw Europe contend with early heat waves, particularly affecting Italy and Greece, where soaring temperatures prompted health warnings and restricted access to popular tourist sites like the Acropolis. The extreme weather served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of outdoor tourism activities to climate variability, urging both travelers and local authorities to adopt adaptive strategies to mitigate risks and ensure visitor safety.

Eurail Pass Trends and Travel Insights

In terms of travel trends, Eurail reported notable shifts in consumer behavior, with an uptick in Americans opting for extended rail passes, signaling a preference for slower, more immersive travel experiences across Europe. Concurrently, regions like Limoges in France and Appenzell in Switzerland saw spikes in popularity, reflecting evolving traveler preferences for off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer unique cultural experiences and natural beauty.

Greece Considers Limits on Cruise Tourism

Turning to Greece, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis voiced intentions to regulate cruise tourism, particularly around popular destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos. Citing concerns over overcrowding and environmental impact, Mitsotakis proposed measures that may include bidding systems for docking rights or restrictions on the number of cruise ships allowed to berth, underscoring efforts to balance tourism growth with sustainability and local quality of life.

RegioJet Expansion and Rail Accessibility

In transportation news, Rail Europe expanded its booking offerings to include RegioJet, a private rail operator serving destinations across Czechia, Slovakia, Austria, Croatia, and Hungary. This expansion aims to enhance accessibility and flexibility for travelers exploring Central Europe, leveraging private sector innovation to improve interconnectivity and travel experiences across the region.

AmaWaterways Unveils 2026 Plans

Looking ahead, AmaWaterways opened bookings for 2026, unveiling new itineraries and experiences for European river cruises. Highlights include the debut of the AmaSofia on the Danube River, along with expanded land packages encompassing cultural hubs like Madrid, San Sebastián, Utrecht, Strasbourg, and Baden-Baden. These offerings underscore a commitment to luxury travel and curated experiences that blend scenic cruising with immersive onshore activities.