Global Tourism Growth, New Entry Forms & Alaska Cruise Port: Top October Destination News

29.10.2024 - 21:53 / travelpulse.com / Lacey Pfalz

There’s been a lot of big news for destinations around the world, from two Caribbean islands that began requiring new electronic entry forms to Europe’s new entry requirements being delayed yet again. 

Check out the biggest headlines from the month down below, and click the links provided to read the full stories. 

A new comprehensive report found that the top ten safest cities in the U.S. this year were largely on the East Coast. The winner? South Burlington, Vermont! The least safe? Memphis, Tennessee. See the full list here. 

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit, held in Perth, Western Australia, concluded this October and showcased how the industry continues to outpace its carbon emissions, how it’s growing across the globe, and what new things we can expect to become more popular and important in the years to come. 

The European Union’s new electronic Entry/Exit system was supposed to be launched November 10, but has been delayed due to several countries’ IT issues. The system has been delayed several times from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to the present day. While we don’t have a new launch date, it could be anywhere from later in November to sometime next year. 

Royal Caribbean Group and Alaska Native company Goldbelt Incorporated have partnered to develop a new port in Juneau, Alaska. The new port will be located on Douglas Island and will have two floating berths for cruise ships to dock. Travelers will be able to disembark and encounter a reconstructed Alaska Native Tlingit village from the 1800s and provide access to excursions for whale watching and to the Mendenhall Glacier, easing cruise tourism’s impact on the city’s roadways. 

Mount Fuji viewed from the lake in autumn. (Photo Credit: Phattana / Adobe Stock)

Tourism spending in Japan is expected to be the second largest export in the country, second only to automotives, this year as more travelers flock to the beloved island nation than ever before. The weak Yen is encouraging greater spending, which broke records during the first nine months of the year. 

Travelers heading to Rome in November should be aware that the Trevi Fountain will be drained and cleaned during the month, which will restrict their access to the beloved and popular monument. A small number of travelers will be allowed to walk above it on a glass walkway each day, though. 

Dubai is expected to develop thirty-seven different rural tourism attractions in the next few years, totalling $106 million. The city expects the rural areas to grow in popularity from 500,000 annual visitors to 3 million by 2040 thanks to the new developments. Some projects in the works include cycling tracks, kayaking tours, hot air balloon rides and other experiences. 

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