The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today unveiled the remarkable growth of Travel & Tourism in France last year, with the sector’s GDP contribution surging by nearly 6% year-on-year to a record-breaking €246BN.

Step aside bachelorette parties and history buffs, there’s a new sheriff (or should we say, puppeteer) in town! Puppet City Tours is shaking up the Nashville tourism scene with a one-of-a-kind walking tour led by a charismatic puppet guide.

This week marks the winter solstice in Australia, and the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. As this marker of the changing seasons passes us yet again, we reflect on the meaning of light…it really is different down here. The wonder of first light as dawn breaks on every new day. The romance of last light and lingering sunsets. The rising of the moon in all her glory. The deep blackness of the night sky sprinkled with the light of a million stars.

The UK economy is expected to receive a significant boost as fans spend an additional £233 million during the European Championships and Paris Olympics this summer. Experian Economics highlights increased spending in pubs, bars, supermarkets, and on electronics as major drivers. Experian advises fans to manage their budgets wisely, use official websites for tickets, and avoid counterfeit merchandise.

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, celebrates a successful year since the debut of its Premium Economy product in Singapore, having so far carried 26,000 passengers on nearly 730 four-class A380 flights between Singapore and Dubai from June 2023 to May 2024. The airline’s Premium Economy product was especially popular among families and solo travellers from Singapore, with top outbound destinations including London, Dubai, Paris, Barcelona, and New York JFK.

Recently voted Europe’s Best Urban Destination at the World Travel Awards, visitors to Lisbon could be excused for remaining in the heart of the city to soak in its vibrant culture, cuisine and numerous tourist attractions, however, they are well-advised to also check out the surrounding region too. Here, the team at Visit Lisboa (https://www.visitlisboa.com/en), highlights five day trips that can be taken by bus or train and cost less than €5 each way (and are free with the money-saving Lisboa Card).