Travel around the world: Bali, Venice and the latest news 🌍✈️

IN BRIEF

Eurostar will see its monopoly on the Paris-London route threatened by new competitors by 2029.
Changi Airport in Singapore is crowned the best in the world, while Paris-Roissy remains the number one in Europe.
Venice risks being submerged by the end of the century despite current protections.
Tourism shows solid growth with +3.6% in 2024.
Bali aims for total cleanliness by 2027 and bans solo ascents of Mount Agung.
The European bus network will double, driven by the growth of Blablacar.
Ho Chi Minh City inaugurates its first metro line.
Brest confirms its status as a new stopover port for cruises.
The airport in Athens will double its capacity by 2032.

Ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the latest news in the tourism world? Between high-speed trains daring to challenge Eurostar, Venice threatened to sink beneath the waves, Bali in the midst of an ecological revolution, and buses joyfully invading all of Europe, there is no shortage of excitement! Add to this the opening of a long-awaited metro in Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling port in Brest, and airports that are thinking big, and you’ll see, things are happening everywhere! Grab your suitcases; travel information has never been so exciting.

The world of tourism and travel never stops moving, driven by innovations, environmental ambitions, and major announcements around the globe. From Bali dreaming of absolute cleanliness to Venice threatened by rising waters, through the transportation revolution (train, bus, metro) shaking Europe and Asia, and the growing excitement in cities like Brest or Athens, there’s more than enough to go around the world. Discover here a colorful and entertaining panorama of the major news redefining the way we move, explore… and sometimes even marvel!

Bali: Between Ecological Commitment and New Rules for Adventurers #

Cleanliness, Bali’s New Calling Card

The image of Bali, a star destination for its paradisiacal beaches and mysterious temples, is today tainted by a very earthly scourge: that of litter accumulating over the years. In response to this reality, the Balinese authorities have embarked on a somewhat crazy (but oh-so-necessary!) bet: to transform the island into a model of cleanliness by 2027. The strategy: awareness campaigns along with massive cleaning operations, not forgetting intense collaboration with tourism professionals on sorting, recycling, and composting. Visitors could soon enjoy a Bali as stunning as in an Instagram photo… for real!

Climbing Mount Agung? Yes, But Only with a Guide, Please!

Hiking and adrenaline enthusiasts will now have to revise their plans: solo climbing of the summit of Mount Agung is prohibited. The new regulation requires anyone wishing to conquer the 3,142 meters of the Balinese volcano to be accompanied by a certified guide, due to unpredictable weather and eruption risks. Beware of reckless adventurers: several tourists have already been expelled for not adhering to this rule. A good reason to properly prepare for your adventure… and your selfie at the top!

Train and Bus: High-Speed Transport and Giant Expansion #

Paris-London: The Rail War is On

Eurostar better watch out! By 2029, two new competitors will challenge its monopoly between Paris and London: Trenitalia and the Virgin Group’s project. This excitement promises lower fares and improved service, just like on other European routes where competition has benefited travelers. Who would have thought that crossing the Channel would become as thrilling as arriving at St Pancras?

Buses Expanding Their Network Across Europe

Thought buses were outdated? Wrong! The sector is booming, especially under the banner of Blablacar, which plans to double its European network by 2030. With already over a thousand routes in 16 countries and a 20% increase in passengers in France last year, taking the bus is emerging as an economical and friendly alternative for explorers of the old continent. For more information and inspiration, click here.

Metro in Ho Chi Minh City: The Era of Underground Transport

The Vietnamese metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City jumps into modernity with the long-awaited inauguration of its first metro line! After more than ten years of construction, line 1, with 14 stations over 20 kilometers, is expected to ease (a bit) the city’s colossal traffic jams. Whether above ground or underground, it’s now possible to travel differently in ex-Saigon.

Venice and the Challenges Ahead #

Venice: The Beautiful Italian City Threatened by Rising Waters

To admire Venice is to witness a fragile miracle. But according to the latest studies by Italian researchers, the Serene City could sink beneath the waters by the end of the century, despite the modern barriers in place. This dramatic forecast invites us to (re)discover Venice while there’s still time… and to support the preservation of this unique world heritage, a collateral victim of climate change. For those wanting to understand the current international challenges, it may be helpful to consult a practical guide on passports and official recommendations.

Airports and Cruise Ports Thriving in Europe #

Singapore and Roissy in the Global Top

The Skytrax ranking has struck again! Changi Airport in Singapore once again earns the title of the best airport in the world, while Paris-Roissy solidifies its position in the top 10 and retains its European crown. It’s no surprise that more and more travelers are relying on these hubs to transition to their next adventures. For more information on global airport trends, visit here.

Brest, the New Cruise Hotspot

Long overshadowed by major port cities, Brest is attracting more and more cruise ships. With nearly 31,000 cruise passengers expected this year and about twenty ships making port calls, the Breton city is now sailing in the big leagues. This dynamism is boosting both the local economy and the tourism offerings for those curious about the Atlantic coast.

Athens on the Podium of Mediterranean Air Traffic

The international airport of Athens, already a must-stop for lovers of Hellas, is preparing to double its capacity. A new terminal dedicated to non-Schengen flights will soon be opened, increasing the reception capacity to 40 million passengers. A colossal investment of 500 million euros that positions the Greek capital at the heart of Mediterranean air traffic, while hopefully ensuring a smoother boarding process for all.

The Tourism Industry: An (Almost) Insatiable Growth #

While some economic sectors struggle to catch their breath, the world of tourism is showing a growth of 3.6% this year. Research confirms: traveling has never been so popular. The new connections, infrastructure improvements, and expanding offers – whether for escaping to Bali, tackling European railways, or discovering hidden gems like Brest – are making the world come alive. To stay informed about practical and legislative issues, feel free to consult these useful resources: guide in Italian and guide in Dutch.