Live Updates
Swiss Rail: A 6.3. Billion Passenger Record
Passenger rail transport in Switzerland reached a new record in the second quarter of 2026, totalling 6.3 billion passenger-kilometres. Freight traffic is also showing signs of a slight recovery, according to figures released on Thursday by LITRA and the Public Transport Union (UTP).
Washington Dulles: After 60 Years in Service No More Mobile Lounges
Washington Dulles International Airport is saying goodbye to its mobile lounges, the strange, stilted vehicles that have carried passengers to their aircraft since the airport opened in 1962.
Under the airport's new modernization plan, the entire fleet will be retired: 19 original mobile lounges, each carrying up to 102 passengers, plus around 30 similar "Plane Mates" dating to 1971.
If you have never ridden one, picture a bus the size of a small building, raised on hydraulic legs, that drives right up to your plane and rises to meet the door. They are diesel-powered and slow, and Dulles is the last major US airport that still runs a full fleet of them.
When Dulles opened, they were the future, part of architect Eero Saarinen's original vision. But over the decades they became one of the most divisive parts of flying through Dulles, and far less essential since the underground AeroTrain opened in 2010.
Now they will give way to an expanded AeroTrain, walking tunnels, and moving walkways. Still, plenty of travelers have a soft spot for them, and locals are already joking about what to do with the retired fleet, from an airport bar to a dog park.
Strange, slow, and one of a kind. The Dulles mobile lounges had a good run
Lufthansa Tests Next-Generation AeroSHARK Technology on Airbus A319 in Aviation Sustainability First
Lufthansa City Airlines has begun testing the next generation of its fuel-saving AeroSHARK technology on an Airbus A319, marking the first time the innovative surface film has been evaluated on a short-haul aircraft. Around 70 transparent test patches have been applied to selected areas of the aircraft's fuselage and engine cowlings during regular flights between Munich and Hamburg through February 2027.
Inspired by the microscopic riblets found on shark skin, AeroSHARK is designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel efficiency. Researchers from Lufthansa Technik and development partner Surventis will assess which material combinations offer the best durability and performance before considering wider applications, including aircraft wings and tail surfaces.
The Lufthansa Group has already fitted 22 long-haul aircraft with AeroSHARK, with the technology currently reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions by around one percent on equipped aircraft.
Coach Access | Florence
โโโโFrom 1 September, tourist bus entry fees will rise. In addition, the city plans to replace some tourist bus parking.
Coach Access | Nice
In June 2026, the City of Nice has repealed the 2025 "red routes" and coach traffic restrictions on the Promenade des Anglais and surrounding roads.
Vehicle Access | Sintra
The Municipality of Sintra has implemented new rules governing vehicle circulation and stopping in the village.
Ljubljana Town Hall
Organised groups visiting Ljubljana Town Hall are now limited to fewer people, with each tour lasting up to 30 minutes.
Tourism Tax | Vienna & Tromsø
Tromsø is the first Norwegian municipality to have decided to introduce a tourist tax. In Vienna, effective from 1 July 2026, there is a % tax of the accommodation charge, increasing again in 2027.
Ticketing | Vatican
From 1 January 2027, Tour Operator tickets require the visitor's name at the time of booking, with no changes permitted.
WestJet responds to union's 72-hour strike notification and issues lockout notification
WestJet today responded to a 72-hour strike notification from the union that represents WestJet Cabin Crew by issuing a lockout notice. These notices do not immediately impact operations or mean that a labour disruption will occur. WestJet and CUPE are still actively negotiating to reach an agreement, avoiding impact to our guests.
"The decision to issue a lockout notice, in response to the actions taken by the union, was not one that was made lightly. We sincerely regret the inconvenience and uncertainty this continues to cause for our guests," said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of the WestJet Group. "We greatly value the work and contributions of our Cabin Crew, and it is our responsibility to ensure the integrity of our network and to minimize the risk of stranding our guests, crew and aircraft. Our commitment remains at the bargaining table, where we will continue to work around the clock to come to an agreement that provides value and meaningful improvements for our Cabin Crew and is sustainable for our company."
If an agreement is not reached, a work stoppage could occur as early as Aug. 2 at 00:01 MT. In the coming days, WestJet will take all necessary actions to manage the potential impacts as much as possible, including:
Managing changes and cancellations, to ensure the ability to communicate with guests in advance of changes.Continue to offer Flexible Change/Cancel policies for those guests with travel bookings between July 30, 2026, and August 4, 2026, who wish to make alternate arrangements.
Should flight delays or cancellations occur, impacted guests will be refunded or reaccommodated, as applicable. Guests who booked directly with WestJet will be directly communicated via the email address provided at the time of booking for any changes to their travel. Guests who booked through a travel agent or online booking agency are asked to contact those third-parties directly.
Please visit WestJet's Travel Advisory page for all guest and travel-related questions and westjet.com/cabincrew for the latest updates on bargaining.
Vanuatu Tourism Launches ‘Welkam Vanuatu’ Online Training for Global Travel Trade
The Vanuatu Tourism Office has launched **Welkam Vanuatu**, a new online training platform designed to equip travel agents, wholesalers and media with in-depth destination knowledge across Europe, New Zealand, New Caledonia and North America. The programme offers a structured learning journey covering Vanuatu’s natural attractions, cultural heritage, accommodation, sustainable tourism, aviation updates and itinerary planning.
Participants progress through four themed levels inspired by local icons, culminating in certification as a Vanuatu specialist with access to exclusive rewards and ongoing destination updates. According to Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru, the initiative aims to strengthen the global travel trade’s ability to showcase the Pacific island nation’s authentic experiences, from active volcanoes and coral reefs to traditional village life.
The programme forms part of Vanuatu’s broader strategy to expand international destination awareness and support travel industry partners with specialist product knowledge.
Hungary Tourism Records June Slowdown as Domestic Travel and Guest Nights Decline
Hungary’s tourism sector experienced a slight slowdown in June, with total guest numbers falling 2.2% year-on-year to 1.86 million and guest nights decreasing 2.5% to 4.33 million, according to the Central Statistics Office (KSH).
Domestic tourism saw the sharper decline, while international travel remained comparatively resilient, supported by continued growth in commercial accommodation. Guest nights from North America rose 9% following the return of direct flights, while arrivals from Asia declined 9.2%. Germany remained Hungary’s largest inbound tourism market, followed by Poland and the UK. Analysts attributed the weaker domestic performance to a late-June heatwave and a stronger forint encouraging outbound travel.
Despite the softer June figures, Hungary’s tourism industry remained stable in the first half of 2026, with guest numbers increasing 1% year-on-year, although challenges including drought, currency strength, and growing regional competition continue to influence the outlook.
Luxembourg–New York Direct Flights Gain Momentum as US Ambassador Pushes for Nonstop Air
Efforts to restore direct flights between Luxembourg and New York are gaining momentum, with US Ambassador Stacey Feinberg identifying the route as a top priority. More than 25 years after the last scheduled transatlantic service ended, discussions are underway between US and Luxembourg stakeholders to re-establish a nonstop connection.
Plans could include US customs pre-clearance at Luxembourg Airport, allowing travellers to complete immigration formalities before departure and speed up arrivals in the United States. Luxembourg's government has backed the proposal, citing benefits for tourism, trade, and international business. While Luxair supports the initiative, the airline says it currently lacks the long-haul aircraft needed to operate the service and is open to partnering with a US carrier. Any final decision will depend on a US airline adding Luxembourg to its transatlantic network.
Shebara Eco Resort Expands Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Luxury Tourism Vision in the Red Sea
Saudi Arabia’s Shebara Resort, a 73-key hyper-luxury eco retreat developed by Red Sea Global, is redefining sustainable hospitality on Sheybarah Island in the Red Sea. Located 25km off the Saudi coast, the off-grid resort operates with zero-energy, zero-water, and zero-waste systems powered by a 110,000sqm solar farm, while remaining accessible only by boat or seaplane.
Built using an offshore modular construction approach to reduce environmental impact, the LEED Platinum resort features reflective orb-shaped villas positioned above protected marine habitats. Beyond luxury accommodation, Shebara integrates coral gardening, mangrove regeneration, turtle conservation, and educational programmes into the guest experience. The project also supports local employment and women’s empowerment initiatives, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and broader efforts to promote environmentally responsible marine tourism while preserving one of the Red Sea’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
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