Edinburgh will soon charge hotel guests an extra 5% tax, and the idea is catching on fast across the UK, impacting hotels, short-term rentals, and cruise lines.
With budget hotels facing increasing challenges in the UK, Oyo is smartly shifting its focus toward premium properties. With this, Oyo is not just diversifying its portfolio, but also ensuring a sustainable, long-term growth.
Hyatt is breaking out of its luxury mold in Europe, betting big on the UK's mid-market sector in a move that signals a broader transformation across the continent.
The new, mandatory entry permit to the UK costs only £10, but Northern Irish businesses and politicians are seeking a full exemption for the region, saying it risks "diminishing our global tourism appeal".
"People think this is some sort of property game," says Robin Hutson, founder of The Pig brand of boutique hotels. "It's not a property game. ... This is a people game."
Thanks to powers granted by the Scottish parliament, Edinburgh is leading the way on charging its visitors taxes on their hotel stays. We could see more tourist taxes pop up in Scotland, making the destination more expensive.
Thailand, Malaysia, China – and now Sri Lanka – are catching on: relaxing travel rules boosts tourism. With Sri Lanka eyeing a jump from 1.49 million visitors last year to 2.5 million this year, easing entry is their big play.
TUI's travel insurance tie-up with Allianz Partners UK suggests two things. The tour operator is betting that vacationers prefer one-stop shopping for trips and coverage. For Allianz, it's a volume play in a crowded market.