Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-travellers-daily/id1842920062
True Travellers Society Podcast — October 10, 2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
This expert says ‘degrowth’ is the most powerful solution to overtourism
Tourism scholar Shirley Nieuwland argues that “degrowth” isn’t anti-travel—it prioritizes social well-being and ecological limits, and sometimes means reducing visitor numbers where overtourism harms local life. Examples range from capping cruises and limiting accommodations in places like Venice and Amsterdam to curbing short-haul flights in favor of trains. The core idea: measure success beyond economic growth, rebalance hotspots, and travel lower-carbon whenever possible.
What you should know about ‘tattourism’
More travelers—especially Gen Z and millennials—are planning trips around getting tattoos from coveted artists and culturally significant styles, with hotels and cruise lines even hosting tattoo pop-ups. Experts say to research artists and studio standards, plan for aftercare, and be respectful of cultural traditions to avoid appropriation. The appeal blends personal expression with lasting souvenirs, sometimes even at lower cost abroad.
Europe seen as safest global destination thanks to political stability and personal security
Despite softer long-haul demand overall, 38% of travelers still plan to visit Europe this autumn, citing safety as a key draw. Affordability remains a major barrier—especially for younger visitors—while interest in the Nordics and multi-country itineraries climbs, with more travelers opting for trains and cars over flights. The takeaway: Europe’s safety advantage is strong, but value will determine who actually books.
El Plan de Acción Climática de El Hierro revela que el 87% de las emisiones asociadas al turismo provienen del transporte aéreo
El Hierro approved a Climate Action Plan showing that 87% of tourism-related emissions come from air travel, with smaller shares from local transport and lodging. The island will focus on decarbonizing mobility and energy, ecosystem regeneration, and community collaboration to build a more resilient, regenerative destination. The plan reinforces El Hierro’s global sustainability leadership while pushing for practical cuts where emissions are highest.
Yogyakarta’s new coastal bridge seen as tourism magnet
The 2.3-kilometer Pandansimo Bridge links Bantul and Kulon Progo along Yogyakarta’s southern coast, blending ocean views with cultural design motifs and pedestrian lanes. Officials expect it to become a landmark attraction and catalyst for regional investment, with amenities like a rest area and pavilion. The state-funded project aims to improve connectivity while elevating visitor experience.
Inside the spending frenzy to renovate New York’s most legendary hotels
NYC’s icons—from the Waldorf Astoria to The St. Regis and The Carlyle—have emerged from big-ticket renovations, with a renewed focus on destination-worthy bars and restaurants to lure locals and travelers alike. The Waldorf’s $2B reboot and the W Union Square’s brand-defining refresh underscore how food-and-bev programs can make Midtown cool again. The strategy: win the neighborhood first, and global prestige follows.
Celebrating 50 years with Greece’s premier hospitality group
Grecotel marks its 50th anniversary with a major investment plan, expanding and upgrading a 40-property portfolio rooted in philoxenia—Greek hospitality that treats guests like family. New openings, refreshed resorts, and a shift to year-round stays aim to deepen cultural connection and sense of place, from Athens’ Acropolis views to Corfu’s immersive village experiences. The brand is positioning “Resorts to Live” as a lifestyle, not just a stay.
Liguria e Piemonte siglano un’alleanza per lo sviluppo turistico
Liguria and Piemonte signed a cooperation pact to build an integrated, sustainable tourism offer that links sea and mountains—especially via outdoor routes and cycling networks. The deal aims to create joint products and boost competitiveness in domestic and international markets. Historic “salt routes” become modern, cross-regional experiences to disperse demand and extend stays.
HSMAI welcomes the Florida Gulf Coast as its newest chapter
HSMAI launched its Florida Gulf Coast chapter to serve a fast-growing tourism corridor from Tampa Bay to Sarasota with localized education and networking. At the inaugural event, leaders emphasized integrated commercial strategy—aligning sales, marketing, and revenue management—to drive sustainable performance. Backed by regional DMOs, the chapter will foster collaboration and professional development across the market.
Skift Global Forum 2025 expert roundtable: The travel marketer’s role in an AI world
Travel leaders say AI is moving beyond buzzword status, enabling intent-based personalization, forecasting, and full-funnel optimization—so long as humans set guardrails. Dynamic pricing, targeting, and creative testing work best when transparency and trust are prioritized, and teams remain accountable for context and ethics. The near future points to unified, real-time stacks connecting data, creative, and measurement—scaling empathy, not replacing it.
