Category: Uncategorized

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

EU Warns of Suspending Georgia’s Visa-Free Travel

The European Union (EU) is considering the drastic move of suspending Georgia’s visa-free travel arrangement if the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 26 are not conducted freely, fairly, and peacefully.  This warning, issued by the EU’s ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, on September 20, has sparked concerns where visa-free access to Europe is seen as…
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EU Rejects Relaxing Post-Brexit Restrictions on UK Musicians Touring Europe

The European Union has ruled out easing post-Brexit restrictions for British artists touring Europe, citing the need for substantial changes to existing EU regulations. This is a setback for the UK’s Labour government, which had promised to reduce barriers for performers, such as additional travel permits and merchandise restrictions. Internal EU documents reveal that any…
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US Still Holds Top Spot as World’s Strongest Travel & Tourism Market

In 2023, the United States (US) was once again recognised as the world’s most powerful travel and tourism market, contributing a record $2.36 trillion to the economy, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report. Even with slower spending from international visitors, the U.S. nearly doubled the economic contribution…
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New Zealand Hikes Tourist Tax: How It Will Affect Your Visit

Planning a trip to New Zealand? Starting October 1, 2024, the cost of entry will be significantly higher, with the country’s International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) set to nearly triple. The IVL, originally introduced in 2019 to support environmental conservation efforts, will increase from NZ$35 to NZ$100. This hike comes despite international tourist…
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Edinburgh Set to Implement Tourist Tax by 2026

Edinburgh is poised to become the first city in Scotland to implement a tourist tax. Scheduled for introduction in the summer of 2026, this new levy aims to generate significant revenue for the city, providing much-needed funds to address critical issues like housing and urban infrastructure. With an expected income of £45-50 million annually by…
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