Passport power doubles as global peace declines

Passport power has nearly doubled over the past 20 years, with the average passport now providing visa-free access to 108 destinations worldwide. According to the 20th anniversary edition of the Henley Passport Index, the comparable figure stood at 58 destinations when the ranking was launched in 2006.

News in Brief:GBTA Convention 20

 

Cruise industry mourns Bermello Ajamil ports planner Mark Ittel He was known for spotting destinations' potential and an authoritative voice, gifted communicator and a friend to many. Read full story

48 Hours Left Before the Convention Print Deadline

 

With the July 23 print deadline just two days away, now is the time to secure your space at GBTA Convention 2026.

Several of our most sought-after pavilions are nearly sold out:

Dutch Rail bans bags from occupying train seats

 

Dutch rail operator NS has introduced new luggage rules prohibiting passengers from placing bags on seats, even when trains are largely empty.

Virgin Atlantic trims Heathrow flights to five destinations this fall

 

Virgin Atlantic is temporarily scaling back flights from London Heathrow to five international destinations this fall, reducing frequencies to four US cities and Bengaluru in India during September and October.

PortAventura World unveils two family attractions in July

 

PortAventura World is expanding its family entertainment offering this summer with two new attractions designed to appeal to visitors of all ages. The Spanish outdoor entertainment park near Barceona will debut Coral Bay, The Lost Legend at Caribe Aquatic Park on July 23 and Makamanu Jungle, The Adventure Trek in the Polynesia area of PortAventura Park on July 30.

Czechia regional gems increasingly draw international travelers

Tourists are increasingly venturing beyond Prague to discover more of Czechia, according to new 2025 figures from CzechTourism, which show visitor numbers are becoming more evenly distributed across the country.

Global air travel reaches new milestones in 2025, says IATA

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Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the latest edition of the World Air Transport Statistics (WATS), providing comprehensive statistical data through to 2025.

Denmark tourism supports one in 20 jobs, particularly in rural destinations

 

Tourism contributed a record DKK171 billion (about US$26.5 billion) to the Danish economy in 2025, while supporting nearly 157,000 jobs, according to a new economic impact report from VisitDenmark.

Air Canada and Airbus plan C$13.7m SAF investment platform

 MONTRÉAL – Air Canada and Airbus have announced plans to establish a jointly funded Sustainability Co-Investment Platform to support the development of commercial-scale sustainable aviation fuel production in Canada.