Overtourism remedies: Are they working?

Despite a hotel development ban put in place in 2024, overnight stays in Amsterdam are projected to be up in 2026. Photo Credit: Serhii Tesliuk Tesla/Shutterstock.com

Some of the world’s most visitor-saturated destinations have taken steps to control crowds. Our editors take a look at five of those places and whether the initiatives are making a difference.

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Checking In Christina Jelski Tourism industry taking a stand in U.S.-Canada feud

Norwegian Cruise Line said its Whitney Houston production will be a "contemporary concert experience created exclusively for NCL." Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line The Norwegian Aura's headline show will be a Whitney Houston tributeNCL said the show will "reimagine Whitney's legendary catalogue through contemporary arrangements, dynamic storytelling, stunning visuals and powerful live performances."

The lounge will offer seating for more than 400 people, including dining and bar space.

Air France will open a lounge in JFK's new Terminal 1Debuting at the New York airport in 2027, the lounge will be the airline's largest outside of France.

Disney World is testing new tools to help consumers select a hotelSome of the features will be powered by AI.

White Desert brings guests to an even more remote part of Antarctica than typically accessed, blending luxury and expedition.

Lindblad Expeditions acquires majority stake in bespoke Antarctica operatorLindblad is paying approximately $67 million for 60% stakes in White Desert, a luxury tour operator specializing in Antarctica, and Echo Charlie, a provider of private plane adventures.

OutsideAgents promotes Missy ReedThe host agency named Reed vice president of industry relations and key accounts.

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Tours

TTC will make its "biggest-ever investment" in Trafalgar in 2027, said deputy CEO and chief sales officer Melissa DaSilva.

In consolidating brands, TTC bets on the power of TrafalgarTrafalgar will become a tour operator offering three price tiers, while Insight Vacations and Costsaver will be phased out gradually.

Cruise Insights

The Viking Star in Corfu during a winter Mediterranean cruise.

Winter Med cruising is a trend, and Viking was a trendsetterSome luxury lines will spend their first winters sailing the Mediterranean. Viking has been doing it for a decade.

Caribbean Travel

The 305-room resorted will be located in Willemstad's Unesco-listed Pietermaai district.

Marriott to open its first adults-only all-inclusive on CuracaoThe Pyrmont Curacao Beach Resort, located in Willemstad's Pietermaai district, will be part of Marriott's Autograph Collection.

Tours

Melissa Krueger joined Classic Vacations in 2013 as a sales director, after spending nearly a decade with Travel Impressions.

Classic Vacations CEO Melissa Krueger steps downKrueger was with Classic for 13 years, taking the helm in 2022. CFO Sharon Conway will serve as interim CEO effective immediately.

Hotel News

The property will feature 202 guestrooms and 42 suites as well as two four-bedroom villas.

Omni opens reservations for Mexico luxury resortThe Omni Pontoque Resort at Punta de Mita marks a return to Mexico for the Omni brand, which previously operated a resort in Cancun.

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Despite a hotel development ban put in place in 2024, overnight stays in Amsterdam are projected to be up in 2026. Photo Credit: Serhii Tesliuk Tesla/Shutterstock.com

Retail

Overtourism remedies: Are they working?Some of the world’s most visitor-saturated destinations have taken steps to control crowds. Our editors take a look at five of those places and whether the initiatives are making a difference.

Optional Ghan excursions include a flight from Alice Springs to Uluru, formerly called Ayers Rock. Photo Credit: Arnie Weissmann

Asia / Pacific Travel

A journey through Australia, from top to bottomThis summer -- Australia’s winter -- explorer at large Arnie Weissmann traversed the country in a straight line (more or less), crossing tropical, subtropical, arid and temperate zones.

A Bombardier Challenger 350 at Van Nuys Airport in California. VistaJet’s XO platform offers access to 2,000 planes from other operators in addition to Vista’s fleet of 280 planes. Photo Credit: VistaJet

Aviation

Private charter booking enters the digital ageWebsites and apps are increasingly being used to book on-demand flights, a big change for a business that has long relied on a more personal touch.

Highlights

Namaqualand, located in South Africa's Northern Cape Province, is experiencing what experts are calling a "superbloom" due to recent record rainfall.

Africa / Middle East Travel Flower power in South Africa's Namaqualand regionIt's wildflower season every summer in this section of the Northern Cape Province, but record rainfall this winter has produced an explosion of daisies, gazanias and vygies.

The main pool at Crete’s Daios Cove has the scenic Vathi Bay as its backdrop.

Life on the edge at Crete's cliffside Daios CoveThe resort has long been a favorite for families, thanks to its kids' club and choice of restaurants. But this year, the property is upping the ante with new wellness offerings.

The Explora Valle Sagrado is nestled in a cornfield in Peru's Sacred Valley.

Elevated experiences at Peru's Explora Valle SagradoScenic landscapes and knowledgeable guides highlighted a stay at the mountain resort.

Take our poll: How is your business trending?Building on our ongoing industry benchmarking surveys from 2025 and earlier this year, this short survey tracks shifting booking windows, client price sensitivity and your outlook for the months ahead.

Opinion

A view of Chimney Bluffs State Park, a destination on the lakeshore near Rochester, N.Y.

The Takeaway Questioning the 'Lake America' effect on tourismTrump administration official Nick Adams said on X that changing Lake Ontario's name to Lake America will be big for tourism. I asked him about that.

When the twin towers fell, a new cycle began that divided time into "before" and "after."

25 years since 9/11: Innocence lost, resilience gainedIn retrospect, pre-9/11 feels like an innocent time. In the 25 years since, the industry has learned it could face an unprecedented existential crisis and survive.

Tourism industry taking a stand in U.S.-Canada feudIn response to President Trump's latest provocations, some hotel players are speaking out in a tone that feels more direct than previous industry pushback.

Lessons for travelers in the aftermath of Hurricane LowellWhen travelers ask whether they should still go, the answer is not always a simple yes or no. Timing, a storm's specific impact and the needs of the community all need to be considered.

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All of SHA Mexico's 100 guestrooms have an oceanfront view. Photo Credit: SHA Mexico

Destination wellness: A stay at the SHA Mexico resortFor those accustomed to wellness resorts centered around yoga schedules and green juice bars, SHA's approach immediately feels different.

The 12-cabin Mist Cove, one of two small ships the nonprofit Boat Company operates in southeast Alaska. It has sailed for the line since 2000. Photo Credit: Jeri Clausing

Overtourism remedies: Are they working?

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