US and Canadian Travelers Opt for Rail in 2025 to Discover Multi-City Adventures Across Spain, France, Italy, UK, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary: New Update You Need to Know

In 2025, rail travel emerged as the preferred way for US and Canadian visitors to explore Europe, with multi-city itineraries spanning Spain, France, Italy, the UK, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary. Travelers increasingly sought flexibility, scenic routes, and deeper cultural experiences, allowing them to move effortlessly between bustling capitals and picturesque smaller towns. One-way tickets and combined multi-leg bookings became the norm, enabling personalized journeys that balance famous landmarks with hidden gems. From France’s high-speed TGV networks to Switzerland’s stunning alpine railways, train travel offered a seamless, stress-free, and immersive way to experience the continent, perfectly suited for those seeking a slower, more enriching pace.

As the year draws to a close, insights into North American travel patterns highlight their strong influence on European rail. Visitors from the United States and Canada accounted for nearly half of all activity on Rail Europe in 2025, reflecting not only their high engagement but also some of the largest average spend per booking among all international markets. This underscores the growing appeal of rail as a central part of how North Americans explore Europe, combining efficiency, convenience, and unforgettable experiences.

This year, travelers increasingly pursued multi-city itineraries, scenic journeys, and smaller, character-rich destinations, indicating a desire for deeper cultural experiences, relaxed travel rhythms, and a more immersive way to experience Europe beyond its major capitals.

Top Destinations Capturing North American Attention

Among the most popular European cities for North American travelers were Barcelona, Brussels, Edinburgh, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Seville, and Vienna. These cities highlight the strategic advantage of rail travel, enabling seamless and stress-free connections between Europe’s iconic cultural hubs without the challenges of airports or the limitations of domestic air networks.

Emerging Destinations Showcasing Rapid Growth

Several lesser-known cities and regions recorded remarkable growth in 2025. Annecy, Bordeaux, Bolzano, Budapest, Lucerne, and Zermatt drew heightened interest, reflecting an appetite for alpine landscapes, wine regions, lakeside towns, and smaller cities that combine charm with accessibility. These destinations underscore a shift toward experiential travel, where the journey itself—especially scenic rail routes—is as valuable as the destination.

Key Travel Trends of 2025

North American travelers demonstrated distinct booking behaviors this year. Flexibility remained a top priority, with one-way tickets dominating and many passengers combining multiple journeys within single bookings to create bespoke multi-city itineraries. Last-minute travel also played a significant role, with more than 25% of bookings made within seven days of departure, reflecting a willingness to adapt and seize spontaneous travel opportunities.

Summer travel, in contrast, tended to be planned further in advance, typically between 60 and 90 days before departure, aligning with major rail carriers’ booking windows. Solo travel continued to show strong growth, while cross-border itineraries steadily increased, signaling a clear demand for trips that blend different countries, landscapes, and cultural experiences.

Rail Europe continued to offer North American travelers seamless access to more than 250 operators and 25,000 stations, simplifying cross-border travel and enabling the combination of major tourist hubs with quieter, off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Country Highlights: Spain and France

Spain

Rail travel remained central to how North Americans explored Spain, with the Barcelona–Madrid corridor accounting for nearly half of all revenue from U.S. and Canadian visitors. One of the key attractions is the ability to book services from multiple rail operators on the same route, streamlining comparisons and itinerary planning.

Beyond Spain’s primary cities, destinations such as Granada, Seville, and Valencia continued to rise in popularity, reflecting interest in warmer climates, local gastronomy, and culturally rich mid-sized cities that offer authentic regional experiences.

France

France maintained its position as the leading destination for North American rail travelers. Paris held its status as the top choice, while Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice also saw significant growth. High-speed TGV services remained the backbone of long-distance travel, offering speed, frequency, and seamless connections for both domestic and cross-border journeys.

Behavior Patterns Across Regions

Across Spain and France, several behavioral trends stood out. A vast majority of travelers opted for one-way tickets, with 94% favoring multi-city over traditional round-trip bookings. Over half of all travelers (53%) included multiple journeys within a single reservation, while 26% booked within a week of departure, highlighting the popularity of last-minute travel.

Seasonality adjustments were also evident, with nearly 28% of travelers shifting plans to cooler months to avoid peak summer heat, larger crowds, and rising costs.

Looking Ahead

Looking to 2026, the trends suggest continued expansion in cross-border rail travel, increased interest in lesser-known destinations, and a preference for modular itineraries that prioritize flexibility, cultural discovery, and a more personal, immersive way of experiencing Europe. Rail travel is set to remain a cornerstone for North American visitors seeking an authentic and efficient approach to exploring the continent.

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Hyatt Opens Hyatt Studios Huntsville in Alabama Strengthening Extended Stay Growth Across the Southeast

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has officially unveiled Hyatt Studios Huntsville, signaling another major step forward in the global hospitality company’s push into the upper-midscale extended stay segment. The opening represents the brand’s continued momentum following the debut of Hyatt Studios earlier this year and further reinforces Hyatt’s long-term strategy to serve travelers seeking flexible, residential-style accommodations in high-growth U.S. markets.

The Huntsville property deepens Hyatt’s partnership with 3H Group, a developer that has played a central role in bringing the Hyatt Studios concept to life. After successfully launching the brand’s first location in Mobile, Alabama, 3H Group has now introduced the extended stay model to one of the Southeast’s most dynamic and economically diverse cities. With its combination of technological innovation, government investment, and population growth, Huntsville offers a natural fit for a brand designed around longer stays, comfort, and functionality.

Hyatt Studios Huntsville is strategically positioned to meet the needs of professionals, relocating families, project-based workers, and leisure travelers who require more than a traditional hotel room. Located just minutes from Huntsville International Airport and close to the region’s largest employment hubs, the hotel provides easy access to Redstone Arsenal, Cummings Research Park, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and downtown Huntsville. This proximity places guests near the heart of the city’s aerospace, defense, and research industries while still allowing convenient access to cultural attractions and entertainment.

Beyond its business appeal, Huntsville continues to gain recognition as a lifestyle destination, and the hotel’s location allows guests to experience the city’s expanding identity. Visitors can explore the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, stroll through the Huntsville Botanical Garden, discover local creativity at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, or enjoy the city’s growing collection of restaurants, breweries, parks, and outdoor recreation areas. Hyatt Studios Huntsville positions guests to balance work commitments with authentic local experiences.

Designed as part of Hyatt’s Essentials Portfolio, Hyatt Studios focuses on delivering simplicity, efficiency, and comfort for extended stay travelers. The Huntsville property features 120 studio-style suites that blend apartment-inspired living with the consistency and service standards associated with the Hyatt name. Each suite is purposefully laid out to support daily routines, productivity, and relaxation over longer visits.

Every studio includes a fully equipped kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, built-in cooktop, microwave with convection and air-fryer functionality, dishwasher, and essential cookware. These features allow guests to prepare meals with ease, creating a true home-like environment. Sleeping areas are designed for comfort and rest, while separate lounge spaces include a sofa or sleeper sofa, a multifunctional table suitable for dining or work, and generous storage to support extended stays without clutter.

Hyatt Studios Huntsville complements its in-room offerings with a comprehensive set of on-site amenities tailored to modern travelers. Guests have access to a 24-hour market for essentials, complimentary Grab ’n’ Go breakfast, high-speed fiber internet, and EV charging stations. A 24-hour fitness studio supports wellness routines, while self-service laundry facilities add convenience for longer visits. Outdoor spaces, including a patio with a firepit and grill, encourage relaxation and social connection.

The property also features an expanded Borrows Program, allowing guests to access everyday items such as blenders, board games, and supplies for children or pets. This thoughtful approach reflects Hyatt Studios’ focus on practical comfort and flexibility rather than unnecessary frills.

For small meetings, business discussions, or intimate celebrations, Hyatt Studios Huntsville offers dedicated event space designed to support local and visiting groups. The hotel’s 623-square-foot meeting room accommodates up to 15 guests and can be paired with nearby venues for larger gatherings. Personalized planning assistance and coordinated room blocks are available through the hotel team, making the property a convenient option for extended corporate stays and small-scale events.

The opening of Hyatt Studios Huntsville also highlights the strength of Hyatt’s development and operations partnerships across the Southeast. Building on the success of Hyatt Studios Mobile / Tillmans Corner, 3H Group continues to expand its footprint within Hyatt’s Essentials Portfolio, with a particular focus on markets where Hyatt brands are underrepresented or entirely new. Planned projects include a Caption by Hyatt hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, scheduled for 2026, which will introduce the Hyatt brand to the market for the first time.

In addition to new developments, 3H Group has invested in existing Hyatt assets, including the recently renovated Hyatt Place Tampa Airport / Westshore. The company is also advancing construction on dual-brand Hyatt Place and Hyatt House properties in East Nashville, Tennessee, along with a future Hyatt Studios location in Jacksonville, Florida. These projects underscore a long-term commitment to strategic growth in high-potential southeastern markets.

Operational oversight of Hyatt Studios Huntsville is being handled by LBA Hospitality, an experienced hotel management company with a portfolio exceeding 115 properties across the southeastern United States. The collaboration between 3H Group and LBA Hospitality brings deep expertise in extended stay and select-service operations, helping ensure strong performance, consistent service delivery, and a smooth guest experience from opening day forward.

With its debut in Huntsville, Hyatt Studios continues to define its role as a modern extended stay brand built around comfort, practicality, and location-driven relevance. The property reflects Hyatt’s broader vision to meet evolving traveler needs while expanding its presence in fast-growing U.S. cities that demand flexible, high-quality accommodations.

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Macao and Hengqin Open Doors to Indonesian Travel Delegation Under New 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy

Since 5 November 2025, the National Immigration Administration has officially designated Hengqin (Zhuhai) and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge as key ports of entry under China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The move marks a significant step in simplifying border-crossing procedures and promoting multi-destination tourism within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In a strategic collaboration to leverage this new policy, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin invited ten tourism representatives from the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO) for a five-day familiarization and exchange trip from 14 to 18 December 2025.

The initiative aims to provide Indonesian travel professionals with firsthand experience of the convenience and opportunities offered by the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, while showcasing Macao and Hengqin as complementary destinations for international travelers. The program emphasizes the development of twin-destination tourism products and the deepening of regional cooperation between Macao, Hengqin, and the Greater Bay Area.

Arrival and Exploration of Macao’s Tourism Highlights

The delegation, departing from Jakarta via Air Macau, arrived at Macau International Airport and immediately embarked on a comprehensive exploration of Macao’s tourism assets. Their itinerary covered iconic attractions such as the Historic Centre of Macao, the Macao Grand Prix Museum, MinMPlaza, Hotel Central, and the W Macau at Studio City. Delegates experienced the city’s “tourism +” appeal, which blends cultural heritage, entertainment, gastronomy, and innovative technology.

A highlight of the visit was “Light up Macao 2025,” an immersive light installation, and the multimedia spectacle “Macau 2049,” which integrates Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage with cutting-edge visual technology. Additional experiences included teamLab SuperNature Macao and a city-wide open-top bus tour, offering delegates a panoramic view of Macao’s vibrant urban landscape. Culinary exploration was equally rich, featuring Portuguese egg tart baking sessions and sampling a wide array of delicacies, from Halal cuisine to Macanese and traditional Chinese hotpot, reinforcing Macao’s reputation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

To further promote industry collaboration, MGTO hosted a business luncheon, facilitating networking between the Indonesian delegates and local tourism stakeholders to explore potential partnerships and business opportunities.

Visa-Free Transit Experience in Hengqin

Following their stay in Macao, the delegation moved to Hengqin Port to witness the new 240-hour visa-free transit policy in action. A representative from the Public Security Police Force provided an overview of border-crossing procedures for Indonesian and international visitors, detailing the layout and operational advantages of Hengqin Port. Delegates then crossed into the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, experiencing firsthand the ease of travel under the new measure.

In Hengqin, the itinerary included visits to prominent theme parks such as Chimelong Ocean Kingdom and Chimelong Spaceship, where the group enjoyed international circus performances and fireworks displays. Cultural attractions were also highlighted, including the Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Experience Museum and Sumlodol Camping Town. Delegates toured various hotels and tourism facilities to gain a comprehensive understanding of Hengqin’s rapidly expanding tourism infrastructure. The delegation concluded their five-day journey by departing from Guangzhou’s Baiyun International Airport back to Indonesia on 18 December.

Indonesia-Macao Tourism Collaboration Strengthened

Indonesia is currently Macao’s sixth-largest visitor market. Between January and October 2025, Macao welcomed 163,475 Indonesian visitors, representing a 15.5% year-on-year increase. MGTO’s active engagement with the Indonesian travel industry, including participation in ASTINDO Travel Fairs in Jakarta earlier this year and hosting the “Experience Macao Mega Sale” event in October, has solidified the relationship between the two regions.

The recent delegation visit demonstrates how Macao and Hengqin are harnessing the 240-hour visa-free transit policy to create more seamless, multi-destination travel experiences for international markets. By providing professional travel operators with direct exposure to the benefits of the policy and the full range of attractions and amenities, MGTO is laying the groundwork for the promotion of twin-destination tourism products and enhanced regional connectivity.

Future Prospects for Greater Bay Area Tourism

Looking ahead, MGTO plans to maintain close collaboration with the Public Security Police Force and regional partners across China to maximize the potential of the 240-hour visa-free transit measure. The familiarization visit underscores Macao’s commitment to becoming a world center of tourism and leisure while fostering coordinated tourism development across the Greater Bay Area. By facilitating international visitor growth and strengthening industry partnerships, Macao and Hengqin are positioning themselves as premier destinations for multi-destination tourism, catering to evolving market demands and expanding international outreach.

This initiative is not only a step forward in enhancing convenience for travelers but also a strategic move to stimulate cross-border tourism collaboration, enrich visitor experiences, and drive sustainable growth in one of Asia’s most dynamic tourism hubs.

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