How Deep Is Tourism’s Carbon Footprint? New Skift Research

Airlines, cruise lines and even hotels have all been measured for their impacts on the environment. But destinations themselves are hurting the environment as well. Find out which ones, and how extensive the problem, in our first-of-its-kind report. -Varsha Arora

Global Tourism Recovery Still 2 Years Off Due to Vaccine Inequity: New Report

The report is a reminder that tourism's impact goes far beyond the airport, hotel lobby, or attraction. -Skift

The Private Equity Firm Behind Some of France’s Smartest Travel Startups

If you're a French travel company right now, you very much want to be on Montefiore's radar, a $2.74 billion fund that's become a kingmaker through the Nov Tourisme fund. -Sean O'Neill

Google to End Tours and Activities Booking Next Month

Google's retreat in tours and activities booking services doesn't mean Google is becoming less powerful in travel. It's part of Google's strategy to wrangle consistency across its products in offering a combination of advertisements and free listings to gain an even wider audience. -Dennis Schaal

What Does United’s Historic Jet Order Say About the Recovery?

United's 270-jet order is a milestone for the airline, but the carrier is playing catch-up with its rivals, Delta and American, which have newer aircraft in their fleets. Still, the order is a bet that the industry will not just bounce back but grow as it emerges from the pandemic. -Madhu Unnikrishnan

Skylarks, sunshine and solidarity on Winter Hill, Lancashire

From the first mass trespass to mass communications, the West Pennine Moors have always brought northerners together If the devil had been a Lancastrian, he’d have taken Jesus up Winter Hill and said: worship me and all that thou sees before thee shall be thine. Because the view really is extraordinary, taking in swathes of the north-west, from the expanse of the flat coastal plain to the landmarks at its outermost edges, including Blackpool Tower, Fiddlers Ferry power station, Liverpool docks and the Ribble estuary. Down below is Bolton Wanderers’ stadium, the pride and joy of the town the government advised us was no-go and no-exit in late May – advice it later retracted. Continue reading...

Oliver Twist’s London spotlit in new exhibition and walking tour

Charles Dickens Museum opens new display, which will encourage visitors to follow in the author’s footsteps around the nearby sites that inspired the novel When Charles Dickens was writing Oliver Twist in 1837, he required a suitably horrible magistrate to preside over Oliver’s trial for pick-pocketing. Dickens knew exactly who to base the character on: a notorious Mr Laing, who worked in Hatton Garden, down the road from the author’s London home on Doughty Street. Dickens asked an acquaintance to “smuggle” him into Laing’s offices. The man would go on to appear in the novel, thinly disguised as the dreadful Mr Fang, a man of “flushed face” who, “if he were really not in the habit of drinking rather more than was exactly good for him, he might have brought action against his countenance for libel, and have recovered heavy damages”. Continue reading...

Nude sunbathers running from deer fined for violating Sydney lockdown

Two men in Australia have been fined $760 each for violating Sydney's latest round of lockdowns after police found them naked and lost in the bush as they apparently fled from a wild animal.

14 of Britain’s best pubs with self-catering accommodation

These lovely old pubs from a new Cool Places guide come with cottages, lodges, yurts and campsites attached, as well as great beer and food In the heart of the Forest of Bowland, the Inn at Whitewell has a proper middle-of-nowhere feel, though actually it’s right in the middle of the country (the nearest village, Dunsop Bridge, has a phone box which officially marks the geographic centre of the UK). As well as 15 bedrooms the inn has a self-catering cottage, the Piggeries, with three double bedrooms (one en suite), a large kitchen-diner and a spacious sitting room with views over the river – plus a large garden. With plenty of walks from the door and wholesome, hearty meals to come back to, this is a perfect, dog-friendly retreat any time of the year. • The Piggeries sleeps six, in high season it costs £1,740 for three nights or £2,080-£2,740 for seven nights Continue reading...

Airlines Will Have to Wait Longer on Next Gen Boeing 777 Jet

Although Boeing executives will be disappointed that the model won't fly for at least another two years, the delay provides the company more time to make safety improvements. -Rashaad Jorden

Canoeing and mindfulness retreat, Devon

A historic estate overlooking the River Dart is the base for a mindful connection with nature that’s all about ‘stillness and flow’ The setting sun is bathing the River Dart in gold and pink as our small flotilla of canoes journeys upstream. I reach for my phone to take a picture, then remember it is switched off and stashed in my tent, where it will remain for the next four days. I bite back a remark to Emily, with whom I am sharing a canoe, as we have been asked to paddle in silence. We are trying to find “stillness and flow”. At twilight, our hush is rewarded when we hear an owl hooting. Darkness has descended by the time we reach dry land and walk back to camp, head torches lighting the way. Continue reading...

10 of Britain’s best farmhouse hotels

Hoof it down to one of these lovely farms for gourmet cooking and a room with a moo This bastion of natural wine-making near Romney Marsh (left) is still rooted in its 13th-century farm with fruit trees and livestock – including chicken, goats, sheep and mangalica pigs – alongside 10,000 vines. There are also 11 comfy bedrooms situated in an old hop barn, a pizzeria and a restaurant with a strong vegetarian menu. The desserts are delicious, too – especially the rhubarb poached in Tillingham rosé wine. • Doubles from £165 B&B, tillingham.com Continue reading...

10 UK retreats to re-energise mind, body and soul

If the past year has been a slog, these breaks focusing on yoga and mindfulness can help restore balance, health and creativity On historic Dartington estate in the South Hams, Schumacher College offers a range of short retreats aimed at helping people deepen their relationship with nature. Gardening as a Spiritual Practice, in July, is led by Emma Clark, an expert in Islamic garden design, and the college’s co-founder, Satish Kumar, a former monk. In workshops and garden time, participants explore the relationship between gardens, civilisation and the soul. There’s also daily qigong and veggie meals. Small, single rooms have shared bathrooms. • 8-11 July, from £625pp for 3 nights all-inclusive, schumachercollege.org.uk Continue reading...

No More Masks on Planes for Vaxxed Americans Says Group of U.S. Senators

For now, masks for everyone is the easiest, safest, and most efficient way to fly large groups of people. A plan like this would require more lines and screenings or require passengers and airline employees to trust one another – and trust is in short supply in the U.S. right now. -Jason Clampet

Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic Approved to Fly With Aim to Conquer Space Tourism

The competition to determine who will conquer space tourism features some of the world's richest men. So it'll be fascinating to see which heavyweight billionaire can attract the most passengers willing to spend a pretty penny to go into space. -Rashaad Jorden

Drama and beauty, hot sun and cool surfing: how Madeira stole my heart

Despite its image as pensioner central, the Portuguese island now on the UK’s green list offers beach bars, tropical treks, great breakers and a buzzy capital Madeira, voted Europe’s best island destination at the World Travel Awards in 2020, is the most sought-after place to go this summer. Flight bookings shot up by 625% last Friday, according to Skyscanner, while lastminute.com also noted a 1,131% increase in searches for this “pearl of the Atlantic” in the days following the announcement of England’s travel green list. This is largely because the island is one of few traditional British beach holiday destinations on the list (mainland Portugal and Gibraltar being the others). It also helps that visitors can get a free PCR test on arrival or departure. However, that’s not all the rocky archipelago off the west coast of Africa has to offer, as I found out when I visited for five weeks in November last year. Continue reading...

There Is A Good Chance Google Travel’s Ambitions Are About To Be Reined In, Legislatively

There is a long lobbyist-filled journey ahead for this House committee-backed bill to cut Google Travel down to size. But it's an important step that was almost unthinkable a few years ago. -Dennis Schaal

Hawaii to soon allow vaccinated US travelers to skip quarantine and pre-flight testing

With Hawaii close to hitting key vaccination milestones, Gov. David Ige announced Thursday the state will soon begin to relax some of the travel restrictions currently in place.

10 of Britain’s best pick-your-own fruit farms, chosen by readers

Fill your punnets with summer fruits and keep picking through to Halloween pumpkins at these scenic, family-friendly farms Let me take you down … to the cream of the crop, an 81-hectare (200-acre) slice of Devon heaven on the banks of the River Lyd, where you’ll discover life isn’t a bowl of cherries … it’s actually a punnet of strawberries. Nestled on the doorstep of Wooladon Estate and known locally as Lifton’s Strawberry Fields, you can berry pick here to your heart’s content among hay bales decorated as Peter Rabbit and novelty scarecrows that would give Worzel a run for his money. The farm also offers PYO apples and pears, and miniature picnic tables stacked high with pasties and pastries, that make you feel like Gulliver in Lilliput. It’s £1.50 a booking slot for PYO and from £7.50 per 1kg. • strawberryfieldslifton.co.uk Lisa H Continue reading...

Giant panda gives birth to twin cubs at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo

A month ahead of the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, the city has another reason to celebrate -- giant panda Shin Shin has given birth to twin cubs at Ueno Zoo, the first panda birth there in four years.

Theodore Roosevelt statue will be removed from the front steps of the Museum of Natural History

A statue of President Theodore Roosevelt in front of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City will be removed, a statement from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio's office said Sunday.

United Mandates Full Vaccination for Crew Flying to High-Risk Countries

The more people traveling who are vaccinated, the better. Other airlines should follow United's lead, or go further. -Jason Clampet

Rothesay is a microcosm of the best of the west coast of Scotland

The Isle of Bute seaside resort where our writer spent childhood holidays has added a gin distillery and Syrian-made pastries to its perennial charms It’s the early 1970s and we’re in the Austin 1100. Me, my mum and dad and my granda, and Simon and Garfunkel on the eight-track. We’re heading for the Firth of Clyde and the ferry to Rothesay, where we’ll play pitch and putt, walk along the esplanade gardens, eat fish and chips and, if my granda will watch me, my mum and dad might go for a wee night to Foley’s Hotel, to listen to the “chanters”. “Rothesay was chockablock during the Glasgow fair,” says my dad. “People went to the dancing and up the road to Foley’s to sing songs. Glasgow people loved getting a mic and getting up and being allowed to sing.” Continue reading...

Tip your favourite themed UK trail for the chance to win a holiday voucher

From sculpture path to history walk, share a tip on a great trail; the best one wins £200 towards a Sawday’s stay A themed trail can turn a walk into an adventure, keep children occupied and be educational, too – and we’re keen to hear your favourites. Whether it’s a child-friendly Gruffalo trail or an arty route following sculptures along the coast, a literary trail tracing the haunts of an author, or a historic walk, we want to know about it. They might be trails you’ve found in a guidebook, downloaded on an app or invented yourself – send us the web link if necessary. If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words that will be judged for the competition. Continue reading...

Hancock plans to scrap quarantine for fully vaccinated amber-list travellers

Government ‘working on’ ending requirement in England for 10 days’ isolation upon return * Coronavirus – latest updates * See all our coronavirus coverage Ministers are planning to allow quarantine-free travel to amber-list countries for people in England who have been fully vaccinated, the health secretary has said. Matt Hancock confirmed that ministers were considering how to scrap the requirement for people to isolate for 10 days on return from a country on the list, adding he was is “in favour of moving forward in this area”. Continue reading...

What are floating breakfasts, and why have they become so popular?

If you follow luxury resorts or travel influencers on Instagram, odds are good that you've seen at least one "floating breakfast."

Eastbourne’s arty new hotel marks it out as a seaside town on the up

The once-staid East Sussex resort now has a lively bar scene and a cool new place to stay, as well as the striking Towner gallery and those soaring white cliffs The airy restaurant-cum-reception of Eastbourne’s newest hotel, Port, has blush pink walls hung with local art above mid-century modern furniture, and is filled with the clatter of sharing plates being passed around. Sitting here, I find it hard to imagine how this boutique newcomer could provoke any controversy. Yet it did. Before Port opened its doors in May, a local Facebook page was flooded with comments. Residents argued about the black facade standing out from the traditional white seafront buildings. Was Port adding a touch of modern design to the town and broadening its appeal; or ruining the very essence of this grand seaside spot? Continue reading...

Road to Recovery: New Research Shows That Event Planners Feel More Confident About In-Person Meetings

After a yearlong pause for the travel industry, it’s now starting to feel like the cloud of uncertainty is being lifted. Planners are increasingly optimistic about the state of meetings and events and are growing more confident by the day about the future of the industry. -

Midsummer mystery on a walk in Herefordshire’s Twin Valleys

A new long-distance trail links ley lines, neolithic stones aligned for today’s summer solstice, churches and delectable views to the Black Mountain What makes a great long distance walk? The UK has more than 1,600 with more popping up every year. Some are geographically obvious: ridge lines and riverside rambles that jump off the map. But what about the rest? Which will succeed and become hiking stalwarts like the Pennine Way or Coast-to-Coast? Herefordshire’s latest candidate is the 45-mile Twin Valley Ley Line Trail. On 30 June 1921, 100 years ago, antiquarian Alfred Watkins, a born and bred Herefordian, took a walk through the Herefordhsire hills and decided he could detect straight lines connecting ancient sites and spiritual landmarks across the countryside. He dubbed them ley lines – routes crisscrossing the landscape that our ancestors might have followed. The archaeological community was not entirely persuaded, but half a century later the counterculture movement picked up the idea. Before long, ley lines were being interpreted as anything from neolithic trade routes to UFO navigational aids. Continue reading...

Hilton Goes All-In on a Vegas Future With $4.3 Billion Resort 🔒

Hilton’s rapid growth in Sin City signals the company sees a full travel rebound for Las Vegas, which greatly suffered from a year of no major events during the pandemic. But developing a successful Las Vegas mega-resort doesn't come cheap: Celine Dion wouldn't leave Caesars Palace for pennies. -Cameron Sperance

Pressure Grows to Lift Britain’s Travel Restrictions as Airlines, Tour Companies Plan ‘Day of Action’ Wednesday

Enough is enough. Representatives from airlines and the big holiday companies will gather across Britain on Wednesday to put pressure on the government to lift restrictions. How loud can they make their voices? -Tom Lowry

You don’t come on holiday to Blackpool for a good night’s sleep

The resort still offers fun and naughtiness, but now has an arty B&B and some classy food if, for some reason, you don’t want cod and chips A trip to Ibiza to watch the sunset at Cafe del Mar may be off the cards for most this summer, but there’s always Blackpool. Sitting with a gin and tonic in the Bloom Bar at the end of the North Pier reaffirmed my long-held belief that there is nowhere better to watch the sun dip below the horizon than the Lancastrian coast. Even the seagulls, chip-nicking menaces by day, take on a poetic quality as silhouettes in the pinky-purple evening light, with Black Combe, the Lake District’s most western fell, just visible to the north. Continue reading...

Hotel Marketing Conundrum and 9 Other Top Travel Stories This Week

In Skift’s top stories this week, marketing hotels will be easier this summer, Skift acquires the Daily Lodging Report, Hyatt looks away from Asia, and cruises are back but with a rough start. -Angel Adegbesan

See Airstream's first all-terrain adventure van

The maker of the iconic aluminum travel trailer is jumping into the off-road van business with the Interstate 24X.

Podcast: What Happens When Big Events Return?

Despite saying "nothing has changed," Hornbuckle knows things have changed and it's up to smart brands to figure out how to best position themselves. -Cameron Sperance

New Plastics Report Warns Travel Industry and Calls for Unity to Address

As the travel industry slowly emerges from the pandemic, it will soon have to re-engage with dropping single-use plastics because regulators aren't waiting until the travel sector's profitability recovers to tighten laws. -Sean O'Neill

10 of Britain’s best indie bookshops

We mark Independent Bookshop Week with an expert’s pick of 10 stores embedded in local life, from Edinburgh to Brixton Bringing a little Parisian vibe to London, Word on the Water can be found on the Regent’s Canal towpath in an old canal boat, just off York Way in the rejuvenated and buzzy district of King’s Cross. I discovered it relatively recently, but it’s a great bookshop with new and second-hand titles carefully chosen by owner Jonathan. Bookshop dog Star usually keeps a sleepy eye on the passersby from her spot by the door. Visit on a sunny afternoon (it opens from 12 to 7pm each day) and combine your trip with a picnic on the embankment above or a visit to one of the alfresco restaurants and bars in the square nearby. • Regent’s Canal Towpath, Kings Cross Continue reading...

CDC Eases Cruise Restrictions But Warns the Unvaccinated as Covid Cases Return

If you're not vaccinated, don't sail — that's the CDC's latest recommendation on cruises anywhere in the world. For the cruise lines, it's becoming clear that the message is, if you want a fully vaccinated ship, don't sail out of Florida. -Lebawit Lily Girma

Green activists criticise easyJet for launching 12 new UK routes

Airline’s new domestic routes include Birmingham to Newquay, less than 200 miles, for £22.99 EasyJet launched 12 new domestic UK flying routes on Thursday, a decision criticised by green campaigners as likely to increase greenhouse gas emissions. The airline said the routes, which will include Birmingham to Newquay for £22.99 – less than 200 miles – as well as Liverpool to Bournemouth at £22.99 and Manchester to Edinburgh at £30.00, as well as to Belfast and the Channel Islands, were in response to passenger demand following restrictions on travel during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the new routes were served by other airlines, including Stobart Air, which recently went bust. Continue reading...

Double-jabbed UK tourists could skip amber-list quarantine under proposals

Ministers looking at loosening travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travellers returning to England * Coronavirus – latest updates * See all our coronavirus coverage British travellers who have had two Covid vaccines could be allowed quarantine-free entry into England under plans being considered by ministers, the Guardian understands. As the government grapples with allowing more trips abroad while trying to prevent the importation of new variants, changes are being considered to the traffic light system under which places are graded according to their Covid case and jab rate, determining whether and how people coming from them must isolate. Continue reading...

European Tourism Turns a Corner Towards a Strong Recovery: New Skift Recovery Index 🔒

Europe is finally seeing its fortunes turning. Almost the whole continent saw cases dropping rapidly in May, with an immediate effect on travel's recovery. France, Italy, Spain, and Germany are the big winners, but the UK is on the eve of a contraction in our score. -Wouter Geerts

10 of the best piers and promenades in the UK: readers’ travel tips

Seaside strolls are all the better for a classic, characterful pier or the views and attractions of a waterside prom Bangor pier holds many memories for us. It’s the place where my husband lost his car keys 50 years ago. Luckily those were the days when you could hotwire a car (or in this case minivan) to start it. We return there often. The pier has breathtaking views of the Menai straits on one side and to the Great Orme behind Llandudno on the other. In front is beautiful Anglesey; turn round for wonderful views of Snowdonia. It is a pier that is unrivalled anywhere. It has refreshments and ice-cream too! • bangorpier.org Ruth Continue reading...

Why I love going to nudist beaches

My appreciation for nude beaches officially began in 2016 when I embarked on my first naked sunbathing experience on the uninhabited Lokrum Island in Croatia. Soon I was seeking them out everywhere I went.

Cyprus struggles with lack of UK tourists after years of record growth

Despite its best Covid-secure efforts, the destination remains on the UK government’s amber list and with its tourism businesses in limbo * Coronavirus – latest updates * See all our coronavirus coverage In the cavernous hall that hosts the humungous breakfast buffet at Limassol’s Four Seasons, Pam Vernon and Sue Sampson cut solitary figures. At this time of year, the hotel would usually be bursting at the seams with British holidaymakers. Instead, the restaurant, like the curvaceous, palm-fringed pool outside, is full of Russians. Vernon, a regular visitor for the past 25 years, can’t recall anything like it. “Normally there’d be hundreds of us here,” she said, as staff intermittently greeted the Britons with good-humoured banter and evident delight. “At this time of year there are always lots of families here. Me and John [her husband] would never miss May, or early June, in Cyprus. It’s like coming home.” Continue reading...

Tell us about a UK pick-your-own farm for the chance to win a holiday voucher

Where do you go to pick strawberries, raspberries and other summer fruit? The best tip wins £200 towards a Sawday’s stay Few things scream summer more than strawberries and cream – and with DIY picking now in full swing (with social distancing measures in place), we want to hear about your favourite farms for filling your punnet. Whether it’s strawberries, raspberries, cherries, rhubarb, blackberries – or anything else that’s in season, tell us where you love for a bit of pick-your-own and why. We promise not to tell if you follow the “one for the basket, two for me” technique! Continue reading...

We can be heroes: in Garibaldi’s footsteps from Arezzo to the sea | Tim Parks

The great general of Italy’s unification undertook an epic march to Venice in 1849. Following his route today is less of a feat, but still brings majestic rewards Arezzo to the Adriatic, that’s the plan. Which means crossing the Apennines, Italy’s mountainous spine. Most hikers walk these hills in the other direction, using the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrim path from northern Europe to Rome. But when we made this trip, we were following in the footsteps of the Risorgimento hero Giuseppe Garibaldi as he tried to march 4,000 men from Rome to Venice after the fall of the Roman Republic in July 1849. Continue reading...

UK Tourism Recovery Delayed as Lockdown Extends to July 19

The UK government says it's unlikely there will be another extension, as tourism recovery sees another month of pause while the rest of the EU reopens. -Lebawit Lily Girma

Accor Expands in Dubai Despite Middle East’s Slowdown on Hotel Development

Accor's push into the Middle East is a needed shot in the arm for the region's tepid pace of hotel development. But success hinges on mega-projects and events in markets like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia actually panning out. -Cameron Sperance

Five great British walks with a literary twist

From Boswell and Johnson bickering in Scotland to the coast that inspired Enid Blyton’s Famous Five Enid Blyton took her holidays on the Isle of Purbeck (not in fact an island, but a chunky peninsula, with cliff-top walks, moors, hidden coves, a steam train, ruined castle and a lingering air of adventure). She came up with the idea for The Famous Five when staying at the Ship Inn in Swanage in 1942, so that’s as good a place as any to set off for a bracing walk in the company of the hyperactive Enid. Continue reading...

Recovering Cruise Industry Will Battle Temptation to Revert to Old Status Quos

Big cruise is back, even as Florida and Texas turn cruising vaccination requirements into a political football. With industry giants eager to start making money again, it'll be a tough road ahead, from rebuilding consumer confidence to sailing to where vaccines are lagging. Is this restart premature? -Lebawit Lily Girma