The Top Destination News From October 2023

Check out the biggest headlines from the month, right here!

1/13
From new tourist taxes to West Maui's debated reopening plans, destinations across the globe have been announcing some big changes this October. Click through this slideshow to read a quick overview of the biggest headlines, and don't forget to click the links provided to read the full stories. Don't want to miss a beat? Register for the TravelPulse newsletter today!

Amsterdam’s Increased Tourist Tax for 2024 to Become Most Expensive in Europe

2/13
Amsterdam's tourist tax is expected to become the most expensive in Europe next year, with cruise passengers each paying 11 euro and overnight guests paying 12.5 percent extra of the cost of their hotel rooms.

Jamaica Reports Sustained Visitor Growth Through Summer

3/13
Jamaica's third quarter visitor numbers project that the small Caribbean island, long a titan of tourism, will break its annual visitor record this year, welcoming 3.9 million travelers in 2023.

Hawaii Grapples With 'Overtourism' Debate Amid West Maui Reopening

4/13
West Maui's reopening to tourists in early October sparked a new debate about the state's reliance upon tourism: what's respectful and what's necessary?  

Mexican President Reveals Opening Date for Cancun Section of Maya Train

5/13
The Maya Train development is going to open its first portion on December 15. The first route will take travelers between Cancun and Chiapas.

Disrespectful Influencers, Tourists Forced Pomfret, Vermont to Close Popular Fall Foliage Road

6/13
Even small towns have had to find ways to curb overtourism. The small, social media-famous town of Pomfret, Vermont had to close a road to non-residents after experiencing an unsustainable influx of fall photographers and social media influencers descending on the town to take photos, often to the residents' detriment.

Grenada to Host the CTO Sustainable Tourism Conference

7/13
Grenada will be the host destination of the Caribbean Tourism Organization's Sustainable Tourism Conference, held next April over Earth Day.

Where Are Americans Traveling This Thanksgiving?

8/13
Allianz Partners' Top 10 Thanksgiving Destination Index reveals that warm-weather beach vacations and fun city stays reign supreme, with destinations like New York City and Cancun once more topping the list for the most popular destinations Americans are visiting for Turkey Day.

UNWTO Names Its Best Tourism Villages for 2023

9/13
The UN World Tourism Organization added 54 new villages to its list of Best Tourism Villages, which are rural destinations worldwide that offer unique attractions and sustainable infrastructure for travelers and residents alike.

Japan Announces Measures to Combat Overtourism

10/13
As one of the most popular destinations in the world, Japan has seen its fair share of overtourism this year, and it's introducing measures to make it easier on residents and tourists alike, including showcasing less popular destinations and starting transit options just for travelers.

Europe Postpones Launch of Its New ETIAS Border Entry Security System Until 2025

11/13
This October, the EU has once again postponed the launch of its ETIAS program, which is now expected to launch in 2025. The agency reported that it needed more time to implement the technology.

Hawaii Reveals Next Phase of West Maui Reopening

12/13
On November 1, a larger portion of West Maui, from Kahana to Kaanapali, will be reopening to tourists, including their resorts and accommodations.

Shanghai Disneyland Sets Opening Date for Zootopia-Themed World

13/13
Shanghai Disneyland's Zootopia-themed world will be opening December 20, 2023, complete with the movie's beloved animal cast.

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Check out the biggest headlines you might've missed from October right here! From new tourist taxes to West Maui's debated reopening plans, destinations across the globe have been announcing some big changes this October. Click through this slideshow to read a quick overview of the biggest headlines, and don't forget to click the links provided to read the full stories. Don't want to miss a beat? Register for the TravelPulse newsletter today!


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Agent At Home

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

Subscribe For Free

Agent Specialization: Group Travel

Laurence Pinckney

Laurence Pinckney

CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC

About Me