A look back at the information and other announcements that have marked the world of tourism and travel in recent days. A selection – entirely subjective – of the main ones in this area…
1 – Quebec is still looking for French-speaking migrants
The decline of French in Quebec remains a source of concern for many Quebecers. In fact, the proportion of the population whose first language is French has been decreasing for several years. From 79% eight years ago, we went to 77% currently. As a result, the Quebec authorities decided to react and invest $603 million in order to encourage French-speaking immigration and promote the language in the Province.
2 – Travel to Japan currently costs much less than before
It is a country that has always been renowned for being among the most expensive in the world. Except that things have changed for some time with the collapse of the yen, the local currency, against the euro and the American dollar; 10% less in one year and even 25% drop against these currencies since the pre-Covid period. As a result, if the purchasing power of the Japanese is decreasing to say the least, foreign tourists, Americans and Europeans in the lead, are rather satisfied since all prices have fallen against their currencies and travel in the country is starting to become affordable. If not, more.
3 – Soon fewer climbers will climb Everest
In order to limit overtourism on the Roof of the World (it also exists there), the Nepalese authorities are seriously considering limiting the number of permits allowing the ascent of Everest and a few other Himalayan peaks present on their territory. Added to this would also be a ban on the use of helicopters to get to Everest Base Camp as some climbers do.
4 – The multilingual SNCF
The SNCF has decided to adopt languages to welcome its non-French-speaking passengers. This is how 4,500 SNCF reception staff have just been equipped with the TradSNCF application, allowing them to communicate instantly in 130 languages using vocabulary specific to the world of rail transport. And by summer there could be 50,000 agents who would have this in different French stations.
5 – A future metro between Singapore and neighboring Malaysia
There are already road, bus, train and even ferries to get from Singapore to the Malaysia neighbor. But within two or three years there will also be a metro line which will connect the “city-state” and the city of Johor Bahru located not even a kilometer on the other side of the arm of the sea which serves as a border between the two countries. This will connect the two cities in 5 minutes and will be able to transport up to 10,000 passengers per hour with frequencies of 4 minutes during peak hours.
6 – The Balearics want to reduce tourists’ alcohol consumption
To deal with festive overtourism but also and above all to fight against the not always very positive image of vacationers who are more than tipsy, the consumption of alcohol in public and parties on boats will now be more regulated in the archipelago. In the most touristy areas ofIbiza and Majorca, it will no longer be possible to buy alcohol in stores between 9:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
7 – India has just introduced a “traditional medicine” visa for its foreign visitors
And to Thailand has implemented a special “Thai boxing” visa, India has just released what it calls the “Ayush Visa”. This is aimed at foreigners wishing to come to the country to learn or benefit from traditional Indian medicines. It is obtained like the others on the approved platform indianvisaonline.gov.in at the price of €75 for 60 days of validity and three possible entries into the country.
8 – Journeys to the Luxembourg soon free for cross-border workers
It has now been four years since the Luxembourg made all its public transport free. Open to all, this free service only concerns the Luxembourg part of the journeys and not, when it concerns border shuttles for example, the portions carried out in neighboring countries such as the France. But things could change since a test will be set up from several neighboring French municipalities housing high proportions of cross-border workers. They have in fact decided to offer free shuttles to the Luxembourg border during rush hours, making the journey completely free.
9 – An e-Visa for Sri Lanka
Without much warning, Sri Lanka has decided to replace its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system with an electronic visa system (e-Visa). The measure has been in effect since the 17th april 2024 and concerns everyone who wants to go to the country.
10 – Pointe-à-Pitre airport changes name
Change of name for Pointe-à-Pitre airport in Guadeloupe. The former Pôle Caraibes airport has just been renamed Maryse Condé airport after the Guadeloupean writer who died on 4 april.