And other travel news you may have missed.
This week in travel, we’ve uncovered several stories that might have flown under your radar. Among them: Ibiza is limited rentals cars this summer; a Norwegian Cruise Line passenger fell overboard after high winds struck the ship; and another country is ramping up tourist taxes.
Dive into these and more as we examine the latest in travel news.
NO.1
IBIZA LIMITS TOURIST CARS FOR THE SUMMER
This summer, the Spanish island of Ibiza will restrict the number of cars and caravans. From June 1 to Sept. 30, only 20,168 vehicles driven by nonresidents—16,000 rentals and the remainder from other cities like Barcelona—will be allowed on the island. Tourists must pay €1 per day for a permit, and caravans will need reservations at camping sites. Bicycles are not currently included in the plan.
The move comes in response to overtourism, a growing issue for the island of 160,000 residents, which hosts 3 million tourists annually. According to EuroNews, the number of vehicles has increased from 51,000 in 2002 to 207,000 in 2022.
NO.2
NORWAY INTRODUCES TOURIST TAXES
“Coolcations” are driving a tourism boom in northern Europe, and Norway has seen a sharp rise in international arrivals. More than 38 million overnight stays were booked in the country last year—an eye-catching figure for a nation with a population of just 5 million.
To improve infrastructure for both locals and tourists, Norway has become the latest European country to introduce tourist taxes. Local authorities can now levy a tax of up to 3% on overnight stays, using their discretion to decide the rate and how it is applied.
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Norway’s trade and industry minister, Cecilie Myrseth, said the policy is consistent with measures taken in other European destinations. Amsterdam has the highest tourist tax in Europe, but Venice, Paris, Barcelona, and Berlin also implement similar charges.
Related: Hawaii Vacations Will Soon Cost More With New Lodging Taxes
NO.3
PASSENGERS TAKE BUS AFTER PLANE ISN’T ALLOWED TO LAND
An American Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Naples, Italy, faced an unusual issue last week when the aircraft was unable to land—because it was too large. The route typically uses a Boeing 787-8, but a larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was deployed instead. The plane, carrying 231 passengers, was forced to turn around over the Tyrrhenian Sea and land in Rome due to “operational issues.”
Passengers then completed the journey to Naples—a three-hour ride—by bus. The airline apologized to customers in a statement to CBS News.
NO.4
CRAZY WINDS KNOCKS CRUISE PASSENGER INTO WATER
A passenger aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic fell into the water while disembarking in Sicily after the ship broke free from its moorings due to high winds. The incident occurred on May 30. According to the cruise line, the crew quickly responded, and the guest was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Disembarkation was suspended following the incident as winds reached 45 mph. Once conditions improved, the ship was able to dock again. The vessel is on a 10-day itinerary with stops in Italy, Greece, and France.
NO.5
TRUMP’S BAN ON 12 COUNTRIES GOES INTO EFFECT
U.S. President Trump has enacted a travel ban affecting citizens from 12 countries. Nationals of Afghanistan, Haiti, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Myanmar, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Equatorial Guinea, and Eritrea are barred from entering the United States as of today.
Cuba, Laos, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Togo face partial restrictions.
Lawful permanent U.S. residents, athletes, and U.S. government employees may be exempt from the ban. Exceptions may also be granted on a case-by-case basis. The president stated that the restrictions could be lifted if conditions improve, and additional countries may be added if they are deemed a threat.
Related: Venezuela Warns the U.S. Is Dangerous and Urges Citizens to Flee
