New Travel: Air traveler tax, access to Berlin by TGV, and much more in 80 seconds!

IN BRIEF Impact of the American elections on tourism, particularly in Washington. Introduction of a tax for frequent flyers in Europe, called the “jet-setter tax.” This tax could generate 64 billion euros per year and aims to reduce emissions. Termination of stopovers in Dammam by TUI Cruises due to customer complaints. Europe: direct train connection between Paris and Berlin with the ICE starting December 16. Tickets starting at 59 euros in second class for the journey.

This week, let’s dive into the world of travel news that are shaping the tourism landscape today. From discussions about a tax targeted at frequent flyers in Europe to the announcement of a new high-speed train connection between Paris and Berlin, current trends are capturing the interest of globetrotters. Here are the main highlights of these potential changes.

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A tax for frequent flyers #

A proposal for a tax on frequent flyers is currently making headlines in Europe. Nicknamed the “jet-setter tax,” it could be implemented to slow down climate change while generating significant funds for the economy, estimated at around 64 billion euros per year. This tax would be applied to passengers once they exceed one return flight per year, with each additional flight taxed starting at 100 euros, with higher amounts for long-haul flights and first class.

This tax model would target a minority of travelers, where only 5% of passengers, those who fly most frequently, would contribute to the majority of financial resources. More than 72% of people would take only one flight a year or none, and thus would be exempt from this surcharge. The generated revenue would be channeled to support public transport infrastructure, like trains and buses, thereby encouraging less intensive use of airplanes. According to analyses, the implementation of this tax could drastically reduce the number of passengers by about 26% by 2028.

Direct access to Berlin by TGV #

Another exciting development for travelers is the creation of a new TGV connection between Paris and Berlin. Starting December 16, passengers will have the opportunity to travel by high-speed train, directly linking the two capitals. This daily service will include stops in Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, and Frankfurt, making the journey even more accessible and pleasant.

Tickets have already been on sale since October 16, with attractive prices starting at 59 euros in second class. Travelers can expect a journey of nearly 8 hours, perfect for enjoying a good book during the trip. Additionally, the reintroduction of the night train connecting these two metropolises, which has been suspended for a few months, is expected by the end of this month, providing an additional option for night travel enthusiasts.

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Other trends to watch #

Alongside these new developments, the world of tourism continues to evolve with other trends to consider. As Saudi Arabia diversifies its tourism offerings, TUI Cruises is giving up its stopovers in Dammam due to customer complaints regarding strict rules. The ship Mein Schiff 4 will change its itinerary to visit more welcoming destinations, such as the island of Sir Bani Yas in the United Arab Emirates and Khasab in the Sultanate of Oman.

The climate crisis and the environmental impact of travel remain major concerns for the sector. Initiatives such as regulating air traffic and supporting land transport, like with the >jet-setter tax<, indicate a growing willingness to reconcile tourism exploitation with ecological awareness.