Top Destination Travel News From February

Check out the biggest destination news you might’ve missed this February right here!
From new sustainable tourism strategies and developments to reports on cities’ and countries’ post-pandemic economic recoveries, February saw its fair share of big news in the destination category. Plus, February now has a new day of recognition for the industry: Global Tourism Resilience Day, which was celebrated for the first time in over 90 countries on February 17, 2023. Curious to read the biggest headlines? Click through this slideshow to see them, and click the links in each slide to read the full stories.

Tahiti Embraces Slow-Growth, Sustainable Tourism Strategy
The Islands of Tahiti have begun a new sustainable tourism strategy that includes encouraging travelers to visit other, less popular, islands to spread tourism’s positive impact throughout the islands and combat overtourism on popular islands such as Papeete.

WTTC Reveals the Top US Travel and Tourism City Destinations
The WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Report for the U.S. has found that the top travel destinations leading the country’s post-pandemic recovery include heavy hitters such as Orlando, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Qatar Updates Its Travel Policies
Qatar made a few updates to its travel policies in February; for those who obtained a Hayya Card for visiting the country during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 can now extend their visitor visas for one year, provided they follow a few rules, including obtaining health insurance for the duration of their trip. Hayya Card holders can also continue the Hayya with Me program, which allows them to bring three extra travelers using the card system.

Hawaii Considering Tourism Fee Bill
In early February, Hawaii Governor Josh Green introduced several bills that would create a “paradise passport” for travelers and require them to pay $50 for anyone who visited a state-owned park, beach or other natural area.

Visit California Releases 2023 Guide, Launches Development Initiative
Visit California published a new 2023 travel guide for travelers wanting to learn all about the state’s different destinations this February. The destination marketing organization is also implementing a new regionally focused development initiative throughout the state.

UN Declares February 17 Global Tourism Resilience Day
The island of Jamaica made history on February 17 as its resolution to create a new holiday focused on tourism resilience was approved by the United Nations General Assembly. Global Tourism Resilience Day will be recognized across more than 90 countries on February 17 each year.

Japan Hopes To Reach a New Record-Level of Visitors in 2025
Newly reopened Japan hopes to increase the number of overnight stays in regional areas across the country by 10 percent by 2025, and hopes to exceed tourist spending in 2019.

Dubai Considers Constructing a Sustainable 58-Mile Climate-Controlled Corridor
Dubai, already a leader in futuristic city planning, is considering constructing THE LOOP, a sustainable – and carless – climate-controlled urban highway that would stretch 58 miles around the city, allowing 80 percent of its commuters to be able to walk or ride bikes to and from work as their primary methods of travel. It would be filled with plants, powered by renewable resources and its irrigation would utilize entirely recycled water. Renderings are available to view in this story.

Top Emerging Travel Destinations in 2023
While travelers continue flocking to uber-popular cities like Paris and Orlando, there are a few destinations that are just getting the attention they deserve this year, including South Korea and Portugal. Click here to view the entire list of destinations we think are on the rise this year.

An Update on Portugal Travel From Visit Portugal President & CEO Luis Araujo
An exclusive interview with Visit Portugal’s President & CEO showcases Portugal’s rise as an emerging destination among American travelers and how the country is doing following the pandemic.

International Tourist Spending in the US Hit $16.5 Billion in December
International travelers spent the highest amount in the U.S. since the pandemic began this December 2022, spending just under $16.5 billion in December for an annual total of about $162 billion.

Machu Picchu Reopens to Tourism
On February 15, the iconic Peruvian archaeological site Machu Picchu reopened following its closure due to political instability in the country. While the country is still experiencing instability, the park has reopened to tourists and travelers.

Brazil Relaunches ‘Marca Brasil’ Branding
Brazil’s tourism approach has changed to its “Marca Brasil” branding, which had been implemented from 2005 to 2018. This change coincides with the country’s new focus on promotion sustainable tourism.

Paris Leads the Way in Travel and Tourism Recovery
An Economic Impact Report focusing on cities around the world published by WTTC finds that Paris is leading the way in the industry’s recovery. Find out why here.

Portugal Puts an End to Airbnb Purchases
New laws will reduce the number of Airbnbs available to rent in Portugal following a struggling housing market, the prices of which was driven up dramatically as foreigners scooped up apartments and houses to turn into rentable properties, hurting locals’ ability to purchase affordable housing.

Tourism to Asia Is Making a Comeback
Another WTTC report finds that Asian travel and tourism is slowly starting to recover, especially in big-city destinations such as Beijing, Tokyo and Singapore.

Fiji Lifts All Pandemic-Related Travel Requirements
As of February 14, Fiji no longer requires any pandemic-related entry protocols! Read more about it here.

Europe’s 2023 Outlook: Continued Tourism Rebound
According to new data by the European Travel Commission, the region of the world reached 75 percent of its normal travel volumes in 2022. The recovery is expected to continue through to 2025, but at a much slower pace.

Hawai’i Tourism Authority Releases Ma‘ema‘e Toolkit to Encourage Accurate Representation of The Hawaiian Islands
This February, the Hawai’i Tourism Authority published its newest issue of the Ma’ema’e Toolkit, a go-to resource for promoters and travel agents to learn about Hawaiian culture, its islands and best practices. It’s a great instructional resource that is available for anyone to view.

Venice’s Canals Dry Up as Italy Faces Another Devastating Drought
Around 150 of Venice’s iconic canals have suffered severe lack of water during a time of the year when the city should enjoy its rainy season, which is instead suffering a long period of drought. Climate change is taking the blame for the drought, which has left water taxis, gondolas and other boats unable to traverse the worst-affected canals.