Henkell-Freixenet has taken full control of Spanish cava producer Freixenet after the company’s former owners sold their remaining shares. The Ferrer family and José Luis Bonet completed the sale to the Wiesbaden-based sparkling wine group, […]
Spain’s renowned San Sebastian International Film Festival has officially begun the search for a new director. The announcement was made on Wednesday, March 4.
The call for applications was issued by the festival’s executive board. The board includes the San Sebastian City Council, the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, the Basque Government, and Spain’s Ministry of Culture.
This leadership transition marks a major moment for one of Europe’s most scenic and culturally vibrant film destinations.
The selected candidate will take office on January 1, 2027. The new director will succeed Jose Luis Rebordinos, who has led the festival since 2011.
Rebordinos will oversee one final edition in September 2026 before stepping down. His tenure has been defined by international growth, industry respect, and cultural stability.
For global travelers, this transition adds historic significance to upcoming editions. Visiting during this period offers a chance to witness a festival at a turning point.
The 2026 festival will run from September 18 to 26. It will be the final edition under Rebordinos’s leadership.
September is one of the most pleasant months to visit San Sebastian. The summer crowds ease slightly, but the weather remains warm and inviting. The city’s beaches, promenades, and historic streets create a spectacular backdrop for a world-class cinema celebration.
During festival week, the Kursaal Congress Centre becomes the heart of global filmmaking. International guests, filmmakers, and tourists fill hotels, restaurants, and public spaces.
For visitors, the atmosphere blends glamour with coastal charm.
The application process sets clear academic and linguistic standards. Candidates must hold a university degree and demonstrate strong English proficiency.
They must also be able to communicate in both Basque and Spanish. Knowledge of French is considered an advantage.
These requirements reflect the cultural identity of the Basque Country. The Basque Government actively promotes the Basque language and regional heritage. Spain’s Ministry of Culture supports multilingual cultural initiatives across the country.
This linguistic diversity adds depth to the visitor experience. Travelers encounter a region proud of its traditions while fully engaged with international audiences.
San Sebastian, also known as Donostia, is located in Gipuzkoa province in northern Spain. Official Spanish tourism authorities consistently highlight the city as one of the country’s top cultural and gastronomic destinations.
La Concha Beach is often described as one of Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches. The Old Town offers narrow streets filled with pintxos bars and historic architecture.
Monte Igueldo provides panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay. Visitors can combine film screenings with coastal walks, culinary experiences, and cultural exploration.
The film festival amplifies this appeal. It transforms the city into a global meeting point for cinema lovers.
The announcement in San Sebastian comes at a time when leadership discussions are unfolding across Europe’s major festivals.
In Germany, Berlin International Film Festival is undergoing internal discussions about its future direction. Festival director Tricia Tuttle recently clarified her intention to remain in her role after a politically sensitive edition.
A group of 32 international festival directors and programmers, including Rebordinos, expressed collective support for maintaining festivals as spaces that encourage artistic freedom.
In Italy, Alberto Barbera secured a two-year extension as director of the Venice Film Festival. His continued leadership signals stability for another iconic European event.
These developments highlight how closely festival governance and cultural tourism are linked.
Spain’s Ministry of Culture recognizes film and audiovisual arts as strategic sectors. National tourism strategies also emphasize cultural travel as a key driver of economic growth.
The Basque Government promotes creative industries as part of its regional development goals. Festivals like San Sebastian generate international visibility and attract high-value tourism.
Hotels, restaurants, transport services, and local businesses benefit from the global attention. Visitors often extend their stay to explore nearby Basque towns and even cross into France.
This synergy between culture and tourism strengthens the festival’s international standing.
Film festivals are not only industry events. They are immersive travel experiences.
Visitors can attend premieres, participate in public screenings, and walk through lively festival zones. Street life becomes vibrant. Conversations shift toward cinema, culture, and global storytelling.
San Sebastian offers a compact setting. Everything is within walking distance. A morning screening can be followed by lunch overlooking the sea.
Travelers often combine their visit with regional exploration. Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum lies within reach. The French Basque coast is a short drive away.
The festival week offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural excitement.
The 2026 edition carries added significance. It marks the closing chapter of a 15-year leadership era.
Travelers planning to attend should secure accommodation early. Demand rises quickly once the official program is announced.
September weather is typically mild. Daytime temperatures allow beach visits and outdoor dining. Evenings are comfortable for red-carpet events and open-air gatherings.
San Sebastian is accessible by train from Madrid and Barcelona. Regional airports and cross-border connections make international access convenient.
The city’s manageable size ensures a stress-free festival experience compared to larger metropolitan events.
The search for a new director signals renewal. Leadership changes often bring fresh programming ideas, expanded partnerships, and new creative directions.
For visitors, this transition period offers a unique opportunity. Attending the festival during a historic shift adds meaning to the travel experience.
San Sebastian remains one of Europe’s most picturesque festival destinations. Its combination of cinema, coastline, gastronomy, and cultural depth is rare.
As applications are reviewed and the future director is selected, global travelers can look ahead to a 2026 edition filled with celebration, reflection, and cinematic discovery.
In this Basque coastal city, film and travel continue to meet in unforgettable ways.
The post San Sebastian Film Festival Launches Global Search for New Director as 2026 Edition Beckons Travelers appeared first on Travel And Tour World.In an impressive start to 2026, Spain’s tourist accommodation sector saw a 3.6% increase in overnight stays for January, showcasing the growing demand for alternative lodging options such as apartments, hostels, and camping sites. A significant part of this growth is attributed to the digital nomad wave, with international remote workers flocking to Spain to escape the harsh northern-European winters. This trend highlights Spain’s growing appeal as a remote work hub, making it a prominent player in the global tourism market. Additionally, the country’s focused efforts on promoting rural tourism have paid off, with regions like the Canary Islands seeing record-breaking occupancy rates. As Spain positions itself as a destination for long stays, it continues to outperform its competitors, including Portugal and Greece, while maintaining quality over quantity in tourism.
The remote-work trend has made Spain one of the most attractive destinations for digital nomads. According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), overnight stays in non-hotel accommodations such as rural lodges and campsites were up by 1.9% in January 2026, driven by international visitors. Among these, Germany stood out as the primary source market, with German remote workers opting for the Canary Islands and other Spanish rural destinations to enjoy the winter months. This surge in international stays highlights Spain’s growing position as the leading destination for remote work in Europe, outpacing traditional hotspots like Portugal and Greece.
Spain’s strategic Digital Nomad Visa has played a pivotal role in attracting long-stay visitors, with accommodation providers in rural Spain reporting increased demand and higher prices. Catalonia, Castilla y León, and Andalusia have seen substantial increases in bookings, particularly in self-catering and non-traditional accommodations, where digital nomads are drawn to a combination of affordable living and scenic work environments.
Spain’s push for off-season tourism has found an eager audience. Rural tourism has experienced an extraordinary 24% increase in January 2026, defying traditional seasonal patterns. Destinations such as Castilla-La Mancha, Galicia, and the Pyrenees have capitalized on this growth, attracting both domestic and international travelers who are looking to escape crowded tourist hotspots. Visitors are increasingly choosing to explore hidden gems and local villages that offer a unique cultural experience, organic food, and stunning landscapes.
This surge is in line with Spain’s slow travel initiative, encouraging tourists to extend their stays in rural areas, rather than opting for short trips to over-saturated cities. These trends are also supported by government tourism campaigns that emphasize sustainability, authenticity, and community engagement. As a result, local economies are thriving as tourists seek to immerse themselves in the Spanish lifestyle and spend time in traditional rural accommodations like cottages, farms, and bed-and-breakfasts.
When it comes to long-term stays, the Canary Islands remain the crown jewel of Spain’s tourism market. With nearly 2.4 million apartment nights logged in January, the region boasts an occupancy rate close to 90%. The islands’ appeal is not just limited to sun-seekers; it has now become a hub for digital nomads due to its mild climate, high-speed internet, and co-working spaces. These factors have positioned the Canary Islands as a top destination for people seeking a balance between work and leisure.
The region has seen a remarkable increase in international visitors from countries like Germany, France, and the UK, all of whom are opting for longer stays during the colder months. The influx of remote workers has created a boom in alternative accommodation types, including luxury apartments and well-connected Airbnb-style homes.
The introduction of Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa has proven to be a game-changer for the tourism sector. With more people embracing the concept of work-from-anywhere, Spain’s visa program is gaining attention worldwide. The visa allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Spain for up to one year, with the possibility of extension. This has made Spain an increasingly popular destination for location-independent professionals, particularly those looking for a base in Europe.
The long-stay visitors arriving under this program have contributed to a steady rise in accommodation bookings, especially in areas outside Spain’s main cities. These regions are benefiting not only from the increase in foreign arrivals but also from higher spend as digital nomads tend to stay longer and spend more compared to traditional tourists.
As demand increases, accommodation costs in some of Spain’s most popular regions are on the rise. Rural and insular areas such as the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands are seeing higher rates, particularly in apartments and holiday homes, as local businesses capitalize on the influx of remote workers. While this trend signals a thriving tourism market, travelers are advised to book their stays well in advance to secure competitive rates.
It’s worth noting that although average daily rates (ADR) have increased by 1.4%, this rise is relatively moderate compared to other European destinations, which are experiencing even steeper price hikes. However, it’s still important for tourists to keep an eye on pricing trends, particularly in rural areas that have limited accommodation options and may not offer the same flexibility in terms of availability and broadband infrastructure.
For digital nomads planning to base themselves in Spain, here are some travel tips to make the most of your stay:
Indonesia has joined a growing list of countries, including the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, and Mexico, by implementing new regulations for Airbnb-style stays. This move is aimed at boosting compliance within the short-term rental market, ensuring that properties meet legal standards, and protecting local housing markets from the impact of unregulated vacation rentals. By tightening its rules, Indonesia is addressing concerns about housing availability, traveler safety, and fair competition, while creating a more transparent and reliable accommodation ecosystem for both locals and visitors.
As global tourism continues to expand rapidly, governments around the world are taking action to ensure a safer, more reliable, and regulated accommodation sector. In line with these efforts, Indonesia has introduced new regulations that will directly impact short-term rental services, specifically targeting Airbnb-style accommodations. This move aligns Indonesia with several other countries and regions that have already enacted or are working on similar laws, ensuring that visitors enjoy secure stays while maintaining fair competition for traditional hospitality establishments.
This article examines Indonesia’s newly implemented short-term rental regulations, drawing comparisons with the actions taken by other countries and regions worldwide that have introduced similar laws.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism has announced a collaboration with several key players in the online travel agency (OTA) market to ensure the smooth implementation of these new regulations. The list of OTAs includes global giants like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Agoda, as well as popular local platforms such as Traveloka and Tiket.com.
These collaborations aim to guarantee that all accommodation listings, whether traditional hotels or independent vacation rentals, meet the necessary legal and licensing standards before being offered to travelers. This collaboration follows the enactment of Government Regulation No. 80 of 2019 and Government Regulation No. 28 of 2025, which dictate that all short-term rental operators must obtain proper licenses. Additionally, platforms listing these properties are also required to ensure compliance, with strict penalties for violations.
Indonesia’s regulatory changes mirror actions that have already been taken by several other countries and regions across the globe. These moves are often driven by concerns about housing availability, the need to ensure fair competition, and ensuring that short-term rentals meet safety standards. Below are key countries and regions that have introduced similar regulations:
In the United States, cities like New York City and Los Angeles have implemented strict short-term rental regulations in response to the increasing number of unlicensed properties.
These laws are part of a broader national trend where cities and states have recognized the need to balance the rise of short-term rentals with the preservation of long-term housing options for residents.
Spain is another country where short-term rental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. Cities like Barcelona and Madrid have introduced measures to combat the impact of Airbnb-style rentals on local housing markets.
In the United Kingdom, particularly in London, regulations around short-term rentals have been evolving to ensure that these properties do not affect the local housing market.
This regulation aims to ensure that the housing stock remains available for residents and that rental properties are held to high standards.
Germany has been proactive in regulating short-term rentals, especially in cities like Berlin. The country’s Berlin law requires property owners to obtain a special permit if they wish to rent their property for short stays.
This legislation aims to control the number of short-term rentals available, ensuring that housing remains available for long-term residents.
Portugal has also followed the trend of regulating short-term rentals, particularly in its capital city, Lisbon.
In Mexico, particularly in Mexico City, regulations are being implemented to ensure that short-term rentals comply with tax and safety regulations.
These moves aim to ensure that Mexico’s rapidly growing tourism sector benefits both travelers and local communities, while maintaining control over housing markets.
Several other countries and cities around the world have also moved toward regulating short-term rentals:
Indonesia’s newly introduced regulations for short-term rentals are in line with a growing global movement towards ensuring the safety and reliability of the accommodation sector. Countries and cities across the world, including the United States, Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Mexico, and many others, are introducing similar rules to regulate the growing short-term rental market.
As travelers around the world continue to seek new destinations, the importance of transparent, legal, and regulated accommodations has never been more critical. Indonesia’s new regulations not only ensure that tourists will have access to safer and more reliable stays but also contribute to the sustainability of local housing markets and fair competition in the tourism sector.
Indonesia joins the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Mexico, and more by rolling out new regulations for Airbnb-style rentals to ensure legal compliance and protect local housing markets from unregulated vacation rentals. This move addresses concerns about housing availability and promotes a safer, more transparent accommodation system.
In the coming months and years, other countries are likely to follow suit, recognizing the need for regulatory oversight in an increasingly popular and competitive global travel market. Travelers can expect more transparent, legally compliant, and secure accommodation options, ensuring a safer experience for all.
The post Indonesia Joins United States, Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, Portugal, Mexico And More As It Rolls Out New Regulations For Airbnb-Style Stays, Boosting Compliance And Protecting Housing Markets appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Accessibility and inclusive travel are fundamental rights, not just trends. Across Europe, official data show that several countries have pioneered ways to make travel inclusive for disabled tourists. By examining government policies, a clear picture can be drawn of how the Netherlands, UK, Sweden, Austria, Spain, and France are taking the lead. Strategies include accessible transport, inclusive attractions, digital services and supportive laws. These efforts show a shift from marginalised tourism to mainstream inclusion and offer lessons for other destinations. Their collective efforts inspire global destinations to improve.
In the Netherlands, inclusive travel has been supported by practical measures in public transport and attractions. Government guidance notes that passenger transport operators must provide accessible boarding and facilities for wheelchair users on trains and buses. Intercity trains offer wheelchair-accessible toilets and dedicated spaces. Accessible canal cruises with lifts allow disabled visitors to experience Amsterdam’s waterways. Wheelchair-friendly beaches with specialised chairs and adapted bicycles encourage independent exploration. These measures show that the country’s tourism strategy is built on the belief that inclusive experiences enrich both visitors and communities.
Regulations in the Netherlands require transport operators to make websites, apps and tickets usable by people with visual or hearing impairments. Compliance is monitored by a government inspectorate to ensure clear information. A companion travel pass (OV‑Begeleiderskaart) allows helpers to travel free. These aids reduce financial barriers and encourage social inclusion. By pairing physical accessibility with accessible digital interfaces, the Netherlands offers a seamless experience.
In the United Kingdom, the Inclusive Transport Strategy aims for equal access by 2030 and acknowledges that more than 13.9 million residents have disabilities. The Access for All programme provides lifts, ramps and tactile paving at stations, with more than 150 stations upgraded. Step‑free routes and accessible footbridges benefit wheelchair users, older travellers and parents. By investing in such infrastructure, the UK seeks to remove barriers in public transport.
Accessible tourism is recognised as an economic force. Research commissioned by VisitBritain estimates that domestic trips by disabled travellers and their companions generate £14.6 billion of spending annually[8]. To support this market, the government launched a campaign known as it is everyone’s journey, encouraging other passengers to respect wheelchair spaces and offer assistance. These awareness initiatives complement physical upgrades. They acknowledge that infrastructure alone cannot change attitudes; public behaviour must also become inclusive. By highlighting the economic benefits of the purple pound, the UK underscores that accessible tourism is both morally and financially rewarding.
Sweden has enshrined accessibility in national policy. The disability policy commits to ensuring equitable living conditions and full participation for people with disabilities. Municipalities are required to make bus and tram stops accessible, and housing adaptations are publicly funded when required. Car allowances are available for individuals who need specially adapted vehicles. This comprehensive approach integrates transport with housing and personal mobility. By focusing on everyday equality, Sweden demonstrates that inclusive travel begins with accessible local environments. Tourists benefit from the same infrastructure, resulting in a visitor experience that is consistent and dependable.
The Swedish Act concerning Support and Service to Persons with Certain Functional Disabilities (LSS) guarantees support for individuals with profound impairments. Along with the 2009 Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination in goods and services, these laws protect disabled travellers from barriers and exclusion. National authorities disseminate guidelines to ensure transport providers comply with accessibility regulations. Sweden’s model illustrates how legislative frameworks and supportive services can reinforce a rights‑based approach to tourism. Rather than viewing accessible tourism as a niche market, it is treated as a manifestation of broader social justice.
Austria positions itself as a hub for barrier‑free holidays. The national tourism portal emphasises accessible hotels, restaurants and inclusive museums that exceed legal requirements. Adaptive cycling, hand biking and sledging provide outdoor activities, while inclusive ski schools make the Alps accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Many hosts offer tactile guidance systems and step‑free access, making heritage buildings easier to navigate. By promoting adaptive sports and cultural experiences, Austria demonstrates that accessibility can be an adventure rather than a limitation. The country’s tourism narrative centres on participation and enjoyment.
Cultural accessibility is furthered through museums that remove sensory barriers, providing tactile exhibits and captioned audio guides. Austria also grants parking privileges to holders of the EU disability permit: people may park in no‑stopping zones and use reserved spaces without charges. These legal provisions recognise the diverse needs of travellers and simplify logistics for accessible journeys. By combining accessible culture with pragmatic legal support, Austria encourages disabled tourists to explore historic towns and alpine landscapes with confidence.
Spain has made progress in accessible infrastructure. Government sources note that most tourism services now meet accessibility requirements. Free assistance is available at airports and on Renfe trains. Metro systems in Madrid and Barcelona are largely barrier free, and buses in major cities have ramps and low floors. The Tur4All platform lists accessible hotels, restaurants and attractions. By combining assistance services with digital information, Spain helps visitors plan journeys with confidence.
Beyond transport, Spain promotes inclusive cultural experiences. Official tourism guides present accessible tours in Madrid and Barcelona, including adapted visits to the Prado Museum and the Sagrada Família. Architectural barriers are removed through ramps and lifts, and sign language interpretation is available on guided tours. Cable cars in cities like Barcelona are equipped with wheelchair platforms, and beaches across the country offer accessible walkways and amphibious chairs. Free assistance services extend to museums and heritage sites. Through Tur4All and regional initiatives, Spain integrates accessible culture into mainstream tourism, demonstrating that heritage can be shared without barriers.
France promotes accessibility through the Tourism and Handicap label. Over 4,000 tourist locations are certified for meeting accessibility criteria. A Destination for All label recognises territories that provide comprehensive accessible tourism experiences. Eight territories hold this accreditation, offering integrated services and accessible sites. An interactive map on the government portal helps visitors find labelled sites and plan accessible trips. By consolidating information and formalising standards, France creates transparency for travellers. The labels serve as quality assurance, signalling that accessible facilities and trained staff can be expected at certified locations.
Accessibility extends to outdoor activities. Government resources list 121 beaches under the Handiplage label, where amphibious wheelchairs, accessible toilets and trained lifeguards are provided. Handiski ski schools offer adaptive ski equipment and guidance so that disabled visitors can enjoy mountain resorts. City tours in Paris, Lyon and other regions include tactile paths and hearing loops. These programmes illustrate France’s commitment to inclusive recreation. By ensuring that beaches and mountains are accessible, the tourism strategy emphasises that natural landscapes should be enjoyed by all.
Across these countries, both common strategies and unique approaches can be seen. The Netherlands, UK and Sweden prioritise national strategies and rights‑based legislation, whereas Austria and Spain focus on accessible experiences. France blends both by certifying destinations and investing in inclusive recreation. Research highlights that accessible information and universal design are crucial. Thus, Dutch digital regulations and Spain’s Tur4All platform are noteworthy. Inclusive tourism is also an economic opportunity, shown by the UK’s recognition of the purple pound. Challenges include old buildings, natural sites and the need for staff training. Cross‑border learning can strengthen Europe’s leadership.
| Category | Netherlands | United Kingdom | Sweden | Austria | Spain | France |
| Accessible transport | Wheelchair spaces, accessible trains and canal boats | Step‑free stations and tactile paving | Accessible bus and tram stops | Barrier‑free hotels and transport | Accessible trains, metro and buses | Labelled accessible stations and services |
| Policy and legislation | Companion travel pass for carers | Inclusive Transport Strategy | Disability and discrimination laws | Parking and service privileges | National regulations on accessibility | Tourism and Handicap labels |
| Culture and leisure | Multi‑sensory museums and beach wheelchairs | Respect campaigns and accessible nature trail | Universal design in culture | Adaptive sports and tactile museums | Accessible tours, cable cars and beaches | Respect campaigns and an accessible nature trail |
Despite progress, accessibility gaps remain. Many areas still contend with outdated infrastructure and limited rural access, and universal design is a process rather than a final state. Policies like the UK’s Inclusive Transport Strategy and Sweden’s disability legislation drive change. Austria’s inclusive culture, Spain’s infrastructure upgrades and France’s certified labels show that tourism and accessibility can be integrated. The Netherlands’ digital requirements stress the value of accessible information. To move forward, nations should share best practices, invest in inclusive innovation and collaborate across borders. Inclusive travel strengthens social cohesion and economies, proving that tourism is inclusive when rights, infrastructure and attitudes align.
The post Netherlands Joins UK, Sweden, Austria, Spain, and More in Pioneering Accessible and Inclusive Travel for Disabled Tourists Across Europe and Beyond – Discover the Groundbreaking Changes Here! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Mobile World Congress is drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Barcelona this week, pushing hotels close to full occupancy while aviation disruptions linked to airspace closures in parts of the Middle East affect travel […]
Login