Cruise operators explore Caribbean routes amid Mediterranean pushback
Tourism is bigger than ever before. In recent years, the number of travelers has increased exponentially across the globe, and many cities and attractions are completely overrun by tourists. This might fuel the economy, but when locals begin to suffer, it's time to reevaluate and adopt measures to curb the influx of visitors. Cruise operators are cautious of the backlash in Europe and are prepared to take action to address concerns. Rather than expanding in the crowded European market, cruise lines are enhancing their onboard experiences and developing new attractions in the more welcoming Caribbean. This year, the Caribbean will see port calls on par with Europe, a notable change from just three years ago when European dockings exceeded those in the Caribbean by over 7,000. With over a billion dollars invested in private islands and beach developments in locations like Mexico, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic, cruise lines are also upgrading ships with features like rock-climbing walls and go-kart tracks. This is expected to boost industry sales by 33% over pre-pandemic levels. Aware of Europe's hostility, the sector is working to be part of the solution. From tourist taxes to bans and restrictions, in this gallery, you'll get to know how popular destinations are fighting overtourism. Click through to get started.
2024-05-02T09:09:17Z
New safety hotlines launched by Taiwan for travelers in China
On December 2, it was announced that new hotlines would be launched to support Taiwanese travelers in China with any “safety risks,” amid new Chinese guidelines for tougher sentencing on supporters of Taiwan independence. This follows Taiwan's top China policy body, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), raising China’s travel warning to orange earlier this year, which is the second highest level. This came in response to the introduction of stricter punishments for anyone showing support for Taiwan's independence. These include illegal detention, arrest, interrogation, and even the death penalty for severe cases in which extreme support is shown. Despite this, the number of Taiwanese people registering to travel to China has risen by approximately 14 times compared to last year—with travel to Hong Kong and Macau increasing by over five times. As such, the hotline extends to those traveling in these areas and provides “emergency assistance services” for anyone feeling at risk due to these new measures. This high-level tension and divide comes from decades of China's ruling Communist Party claiming Taiwan as part of its territory, and its vow to use force, if necessary, to make this happen. But how did this all begin? Click through for an overview of the complicated relationship between Taiwan and China.
2024-05-29T15:03:19Z
Popular tourist destinations with weird laws (that you should be careful about)
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, right? This holds true to this day, as when we travel we should be aware of local customs and laws so that we don't end up in an unpleasant situation, or worse: fined or arrested. Indeed, most countries have bizarre laws, even if some are not strictly enforced. As visitors, we should be aware of them, as they can make a difference in the quality of our vacation. If you were planning a steamy vacation with your unwed partner in Bali, you might want to do it sooner rather than later. Indonesia’s parliament passed a controversial and long-awaited revision of its penal code on December 6 which criminalizes extramarital intimacy for both citizens and tourists. After ratification, the new criminal code must be signed by the president, and it will be applied for up to three years, according to NBC. The amended criminal code makes intimacy outside marriage punishable by a year in jail, as well as cohabitation of unmarried couples punishable by six months. It also says the promotion of contraception and religious blasphemy are illegal. Curious for more? Click through this gallery and discover the weird laws of popular tourist destinations.
2022-05-31T15:26:45Z