Top Destination News From October 2022

Catch up on the Biggest Destination Headlines from October, 2022
Destinations had their fair share of news in October, from Japan’s highly anticipated reopening to international tourism to plentiful reports on how beloved destinations continue to recover following the COVID-19 pandemic. Click through the slideshow to see the biggest news about destinations around the world, and make sure to click the link provided in each slide to read the full stories. Don’t want to miss a beat? Register for our daily TravelPulse newsletter today!

Los Cabos Achieves Strong Tourism Numbers
A new feature takes a deep dive into Los Cabos as a tourism destination, and how it’s been doing post-pandemic. Like many popular Mexican destinations, it’s doing well.

CDC to Drop Coronavirus-Related Travel Advisories for Individual Countries
In early October, the CDC announced it would stop updating its country-by-country guidance on COVID-19-related travel advisories, only updating as needed in the case of a new variant or other similar situation.

Strong Summer Arrivals Boost Jamaica Tourism Growth
Jamaica welcomed 5 million arrivals to its shores since it reopened in June of 2020, surpassing its pre-pandemic monthly number of arrivals this June, 2022.

Mediterranean Countries Experiencing Strong Tourism Recovery
Curious to learn more about how countries in the Mediterranean region of Europe are doing with their own tourism recoveries? A new feature takes a look at the travel industries in Spain, Portugal and Greece.

Florida Keys Quickly Bounce Back After Hurricane Ian
Following Hurricane Ian, the Florida Keys provides an update into the destination’s recovery and encourages travelers to continue considering the destination.

Forest Fire Damages Iconic Easter Island Statues
A forest fire that is most likely an intentional act of arson on the secluded island of Rapa Nui off the coast of Chile has led to several iconic Moai statues (also known as Easter Island heads) to be charred and disfigured. The fire spread 247 acres of the island at Rapa Nui National Park.

What You Need To Know as Japan Fully Reopens for Tourism
One of the most highly anticipated countries reopened for tourism on October 11. This feature is a great resource for travelers looking to head to Japan in the wake of its recent reopening to international tourists.

Saudi Arabia Hosts WTTC Global Summit This November
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s upcoming Global Summit will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is considered an emerging global destination, having invested heavily in tourism over the past few years.

Caribbean’s Rapid Tourism Recovery Continues in Fourth Quarter
New data from ForwardKeys highlights the Caribbean’s tourism recovery as we enter the fourth and final quarter of the year.

Discover Puerto Rico CEO Brad Dean Provides Island Update
Following Hurricane Fiona, the CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, Brad Dean, provided an optimistic outlook on the U.S. territory’s tourism recovery.

The Top Destinations Still Enforcing COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
While much of the world is enjoying post-pandemic travel bliss, there are still a few countries that continue to enforce pandemic-related vaccine and testing requirements, such as China, Qatar and others.

New Orleans Offers Holiday Fam Trips for Travel Advisors
Travel advisors wanting to experience New Orleans for themselves can apply for New Orleans & Company’s Holiday Travel Advisor FAM trip for this December, where they can enjoy the Luna Fete, NOLA Christmas Fest and so much more in a city that celebrates every holiday with zest.

Spain Lifts All Remaining COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
Beginning October 21, Spain rescinded its remaining pandemic-related travel restrictions, no longer requiring anyone to provide a recent negative test result or their vaccine card in order to enter the country. It’s one of the last European countries to do so.

Travel Rebounding Amid Dwindling COVID Entry Restrictions
Despite inflation, dwindling COVID-19 entry restrictions are encouraging travelers to travel everywhere they can. Learn about it more in this feature.

Day of the Dead To Generate an Estimated $1.8 Billion in Mexico
Mexico’s annual “Dia de los Muertos” or Day of the Dead celebrations are expected to generate $1.8 billion in tourism revenue during the event. The multi-day holiday, which spans from October 28 through November 2, is an event similar to Halloween but offers a stronger tie to loved ones who have died with elaborate rememberance ceremonies.

Bridge To Hotel Zone in Cancun Is Temporarily Suspended Due to Environmental Concerns
The $250-million Nichupté Vehicular Bridge project has been halted in Cancun after environmental groups raised concerns that it might be damaging to local flora and fauna, especially in the important and biodiverse Nichupté Lagoon.

St. Maarten to Lift COVID-Related Travel Restrictions
St. Maarten announced in October that it would rescind its remaining COVID-19 pandemic entry restrictions and requirements beginning on November 1.

Saudi Arabia Waiving Visa Fee Ahead of World Cup
Saudi Arabia, the neighboring country to FIFA World Cup 2022’s host country of Qatar, is offering attendees to the global event a free traveler’s visa to encourage them to stop by and experience the country. Any Hayya Card holders, which are required to attend the matches, can get a free traveler’s visa.