Croatia has taken a bold step in redefining remote-work travel: starting March 2025, non-EU digital nomads can now stay for a full three years – 18 months initially, with the option to extend for the same period. Previously capped at one year, this strategic update transforms tourism dynamics, offering remote professionals more time to immerse themselves in the Adriatic lifestyle – from Dubrovnik’s medieval streets to the sunlit terraces of Hvar. It’s a game-changer for destination strategy, lifestyle travel, and local business growth.

Immersive Stays Become Reality

This extension isn’t just about extra time – it’s about depth. With the full three years now open, remote workers can shift from transient visitors to semi-immersive residents. They’ll frequent local cafés, attend language classes, try regional wines, rent seasonal villas, and perhaps adopt Croatian as their temporary home. These longer stays provide a revenue boost not just to coastal hotels, but also inland towns, authentic dining spots, tradition-rich markets, and small-business artisans.

Importantly, the updated visa retains the core eligibility requirements: proof of remote work (employment contract, freelancer agreement, or business registration abroad), a monthly income threshold of around €3,295, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The rules also now allow family members to reunite under the same permit – expanding Croatia’s appeal for remote-working couples and families seeking both adventure and stability.

A Maritime Haven Strengthened by Strategic Policy

Croatia’s amended legislation – reflected in updates to its Aliens Act – moves remote tourism from short-term splashes of seasonal demand to year-round stability. This influx of longer-term visitors helps soften tourism’s cyclical nature and supports infrastructure growth, from co-working spaces and healthcare to urban internet networks and local transport.

Beyond economics, the policy positions Croatia as a forward-thinking ally of flexible work culture. With over 60 countries offering nomad-friendly options, few provide this extended duration. It places Croatia near the top for countries like Thailand or Portugal – and even ahead of them in length of stay, combined with family inclusivity. In the evolving hybrid-work world, this visa makes Croatia not just a vacation spot, but a possible new residence – a working base where quality of life, community, and heritage coalesce.

In a concerning development, Air France-KLM has confirmed that it suffered a data breach stemming from vulnerabilities in a third-party platform it uses. While the airline group has not disclosed detailed specifics of which data has been impacted or the number of affected customers, it has issued public warnings urging vigilance. This incident places Air France-KLM alongside other airlines like Qantas, WestJet, United, and Aeroflot that have recently grappled with cybersecurity threats and outages.

Customer Alert and Airline Response

Air France-KLM has proactively reached out to customers who might be affected, encouraging them to monitor accounts and change passwords. The airline group emphasized that no internal systems have been compromised – the issue stems solely from its reliance on the external platform. The confidentiality and integrity of direct airline data remain protected, according to internal assurances.

Still, the incident has prompted calls for airlines to reevaluate their reliance on third-party systems. Even platforms that serve routine tasks such as booking management or customer notifications can expose airlines to high-stakes vulnerabilities if not rigorously secured and monitored. It raises questions about security standards, oversight, and data access controls across the travel technology ecosystem.

Broader Implications and Industry Context

This breach arrives amid an uptick in cybersecurity incidents within the aviation industry. Airlines are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, and Air France-KLM’s alert underscores the urgency of fortifying digital defenses. For passengers, the trust implications are significant – knowing their data may be compromised, even indirectly, can erode confidence in airline systems.

To address these challenges, experts recommend conducting comprehensive security audits of all third-party partners, implementing more robust encryption and access policies, and offering credit-monitoring or identity-protection services to affected customers. Transparency and remediation efforts will be pivotal in maintaining customer trust and positioning the airline group as a responsible steward of sensitive information.

OutsideAgents.com has launched MAGgie, an AI assistant aimed at transforming how travel advisors work by automating routine tasks. It enables advisors to craft personalized itineraries, send client emails, manage marketing strategies, and even plan blog and social media campaigns – saving time while improving productivity. Claiming to cater to advisors at any experience level, MAGgie integrates AI into daily workflows to elevate advisory services.

According to OutsideAgents co-owner Chad Burt, MAGgie goes beyond task automation by combining AI-enabled insights with each advisor’s training, sales background, brand voice, and client experience. This allows MAGgie to offer hyper-personalized assistance, helping advisors engage more meaningfully with clients and creating higher-quality proposals without the overhead.

Personalized Content and Structural Assistance

One of MAGgie’s standout capabilities is organizing research and streamlining proposal creation. Advisors can save research content – such as files, notes, or sentences – to a searchable research library and organize materials effectively, ensuring critical information never gets lost. MAGgie can also generate interactive proposal pages for advisors’ websites, dynamically incorporating client details, travel dates, preferences, and supplier data.

Beyond itinerary management, MAGgie supports marketing and communications by drafting email campaigns, optimizing posts for SEO, and automating social media workflow. Whether repurposing content or scheduling posts, MAGgie’s multi-phase assistance equips advisors with tools to boost visibility and engagement online.

Embracing AI Without Losing the Human Element

MAGgie is designed to augment advisors, not replace them. By freeing up time spent on administrative and repetitive tasks, advisors can focus more on value-added activities such as curating uniquely tailored travel experiences or building their brand narrative. MAGgie’s content and proposals reflect advisor-specific voice and preferences, helping maintain authenticity even while scaling efficiency.

The move by OutsideAgents.com underlines how AI in travel is maturing from novelty to practical necessity. With MAGgie, advisors are empowered to deliver polished results – faster and smarter – without sacrificing personalization or customer connection.

Ryanair has taken a bold step in reshaping its relationship with traditional travel agencies through the launch of Travel Agent Direct (TAD). This new booking platform gives offline, authorized agents direct access to Ryanair’s flight inventory, allowing them to reserve tickets at the airline’s real fares without hidden markups. The move comes as part of the airline’s broader push for consumer protection, aiming to eliminate issues caused by unauthorized agents who often inflate prices or fail to pass on critical flight information.

Through TAD, agencies gain access to Ryanair’s massive network of over 3,600 daily flights to more than 230 destinations across Europe and beyond. Bookings made via the platform require agents to submit accurate customer details, which allows the airline to communicate directly with passengers about schedule changes, delays, or other important updates. This direct line between airline, agent, and traveler not only improves efficiency but also helps avoid misunderstandings and service disruptions.

The interface is designed with simplicity in mind, allowing even smaller independent agencies to use the system effectively without the need for complex training. For Ryanair, the goal is clear: strengthen trust, ensure transparency, and give agencies the tools to deliver a better, more reliable travel experience to their customers.

Transparency, Trust, and the Future of Distribution

The launch of Travel Agent Direct signals a significant change in the way Ryanair approaches ticket distribution. By limiting access to licensed and approved agencies, the airline is creating a safer, more transparent sales environment for passengers. Customers can be confident they are paying the same fares they would find on Ryanair’s own website, while still benefiting from the personalized service and travel planning expertise of offline agents.

This initiative also has strategic implications for Ryanair’s long-term growth. With a target of reaching 300 million annual passengers by 2034, building stronger relationships with trusted agency partners will be key to expanding its reach and maintaining its reputation as Europe’s leading low-cost carrier. The airline believes that combining its competitive pricing with agency-led customer service can attract travelers who still prefer booking face-to-face or through local, specialized agents.

Ultimately, TAD represents more than just a booking platform – it’s a statement about the future of air travel distribution. In an industry where transparency and customer trust are increasingly vital, Ryanair’s decision to work more closely with authorized agencies positions it as both a protector of consumer interests and an innovator in how flights are sold.

South Korea has announced it will reinstate visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists beginning in late September 2025. The move is seen as part of Seoul’s broader push to revitalize inbound tourism and mend economic ties with Beijing. Group travelers from China will be allowed to enter the country without a visa when arriving via specific entry points such as cruise ships or chartered flights.

The policy had been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, effectively halting the once-thriving Chinese group travel segment. Now, with international travel rebounding, South Korea is strategically opening its borders to one of its most important tourism markets. Officials hope the measure will attract more than just tourists – also signaling improved diplomatic and cultural relations.

A Strategic Economic Move

The tourism sector in South Korea has long relied on Chinese visitors, who made up a significant share of pre-pandemic arrivals. The return of group travel is expected to bring a meaningful uptick in economic activity, particularly in retail, hospitality, and entertainment. Tour operators and local businesses are preparing for the surge, hoping for a repeat of the strong numbers seen before 2020.

The government has emphasized that this is not just about boosting arrival numbers but about creating a better travel experience overall. By facilitating smoother entry processes and targeting high-value group tourism, South Korea aims to balance quantity with quality. This visa-free program may also evolve over time, depending on traveler demand and bilateral relations.

Tourism Revival and Regional Competition

This policy shift comes amid growing competition across Asia to lure Chinese tourists. Countries like Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia have all rolled out aggressive tourism campaigns aimed at Chinese travelers. South Korea’s visa-free reintroduction aligns with this trend, showing its intent to remain competitive and relevant in the region’s tourism landscape.

Beyond economics, the move reflects soft diplomacy and the desire to deepen people-to-people exchanges. With easier access and curated group itineraries, Chinese visitors will have more opportunities to explore South Korea’s diverse offerings – from K-culture hotspots in Seoul to historic cities like Gyeongju and coastal escapes in Busan. As the fall travel season approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly group bookings rebound.

Trivago achieved €139.3 million in revenue for the second quarter of 2025, marking a 17% year-over-year increase and extending its growth trajectory to a third consecutive quarter. The key driver was Referral Revenue, which rose 18% to €138.5 million, with robust performance across all geographic segments – 10% in the Americas, 20% in Developed Europe, and an impressive 32% in Rest of World.

While the company’s net loss widened to €6.5 million, a positive silver lining was the improved loss in Adjusted EBITDA, which improved slightly to €5.1 million. The gains reflect effective brand marketing, product enhancements, and strong execution by the global team aimed at enhancing conversion rates and user loyalty.

Strategic AI-Powered Tech Acquisition: Holisto

On July 31, 2025, Trivago completed its acquisition of Holisto Limited for approximately €22.3 million. Holisto, an AI-driven travel tech provider specializing in hotel rate aggregation and a white-label booking engine, immediately becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary.

With a team of 211 employees and merchant-of-record capabilities, Holisto’s technology promises to enhance Trivago’s booking funnel and reduce reliance on metasearch models. This acquisition lays the foundation for diversifying revenue streams and improving user experience.

However, Trivago has not provided specific financial metrics for Holisto, leaving the integration execution and synergy realization as key uncertainties to watch. The company expects low double-digit million euros in additional revenue from Holisto by the end of 2025, without significantly affecting its Adjusted EBITDA guidance.

Looking Ahead to Continued Growth

Trivago reaffirmed its outlook for Q3, anticipating continued double-digit revenue growth, although possibly at a slightly reduced rate compared to Q2 owing to tough year-over-year comparisons. Logged-in users contributed 20% of Referral Revenue, highlighting enhanced engagement and deeper loyalty among returning users.

Looking further ahead, the company remains committed to disciplined brand marketing and operational efficiency. Success will depend on its ability to capitalize on Holisto’s technology, sustain high-performing branded traffic growth, and ultimately translate its new capabilities into a richer, more integrated booking experience.

Airbnb posted a strong second quarter, with revenue hitting $3.1 billion, up 13% year-over-year. Growth was driven by increased nights booked, higher average daily rates, and strong demand trends across key regions. Net income rose 16% to $642 million, delivering a 21% net margin – evidence of sustained profitability and scale.

The company also reported adjusted EBITDA of $1 billion, maintaining a 34% margin, and its free cash flow reached $1 billion as well. With these results, Airbnb announced a $6 billion share buyback program, reinforcing its confidence in long-term performance and shareholder value.

Services Launch and AI as Strategic Growth Catalysts

Airbnb’s ambitions go beyond lodging. In Q2, it began rolling out new offerings under the “Airbnb Services” banner, alongside a relaunch of Airbnb Experiences. These additions aim to position the platform as a one-stop solution for all parts of the travel journey. A redesigned app now allows users to seamlessly explore stays, activities, and services all in one place.

Meanwhile, Airbnb is leaning deeper into artificial intelligence. AI-powered customer service tools have already reduced reliance on human support by around 15%. The company is also exploring AI “travel agents” capable of building itineraries and assisting users in booking – potentially reshaping how people plan trips.

Looking Ahead: Optimism with Cautious Outlook

Looking forward, Airbnb expects Q3 revenue to land between $4.02 and $4.10 billion, slightly ahead of market expectations. Demand in domestic travel, particularly in the U.S., continues to grow, and North American average daily rates rose 3% in Q2. Gross booking value climbed 11% to $23.5 billion, further highlighting Airbnb’s reach.

At the same time, the company remains cautious. It anticipates that growth may moderate in Q3 and Q4 due to tougher comparisons with last year and continued investments in new verticals and regulatory efforts. After the earnings call, shares dipped slightly in after-hours trading – underscoring investor sensitivity to forward guidance.

Booking.com has officially entered the U.S. credit card market with the launch of its first-ever card, the Genius Rewards Visa Signature. Designed to incentivize direct bookings on its platform, the card offers travel credits instead of traditional points or cash back, making travel more rewarding for frequent users of Booking.com.

Generous Earning Structure and Welcome Incentives

Cardholders can earn up to 6% back in travel credits on accommodations booked via the Booking.com mobile app, and 5% back on other travel categories booked through the platform, including flights, car rentals, cruises, attractions, and airport taxis.

Additionally, the card offers 3% back on dining, gas, and groceries, as well as 3% back on in-person purchases made during a stay – within 50 miles of your booked accommodation on Booking.com, up to $10,000 per year. All other purchases earn 2% back.

New cardholders receive $150 in Booking.com travel credits after spending $1,500 within the first 90 days. They also earn an additional $100 in travel credits annually for spending $15,000 in a cardholder year.

Elite Tier Upgrade and Travel Protections

As a key perk, the card grants instant Genius Level 3 status, normally earned after 15 bookings. This tier provides 10–20% discounts on eligible stays, free breakfast, room upgrades, and priority customer support.

The card also waives the annual fee, has no foreign transaction fees, and includes travel benefits such as auto rental insurance, trip cancellation, and travel accident coverage – solid incentives for frequent travelers.

What Makes This Card Stand Out

This offering is tailored for travelers deeply committed to Booking.com, particularly those staying in independent or boutique lodgings that offer Genius perks. With its elite tier benefits and strong earning rates, the card delivers immediate value – especially given the $0 annual fee.

However, its platform-restricted travel credits diminish flexibility; unlike transferable points programs, these rewards can only be used on Booking.com. Frequent users of hotel loyalty programs may find this limiting.

That said, for those who consistently use Booking.com as their primary travel booking platform, the simplicity of earning and redeeming credits, combined with automatic status upgrades, could make this a hassle-free and rewarding travel tool. It’s not aiming to compete with premium travel cards, but rather carve out its own niche for loyal users seeking convenience and direct-value travel perks.

Travelers worldwide are increasingly turning to AI tools for vacation discovery and bookings. Adyen’s latest report finds that roughly one-third of travelers use AI to book summer getaways, marking a nearly 74% increase year-over-year. In markets like the UK, older generations are embracing AI at notable rates – Boomers showed a 147% increase in adoption – demonstrating that the appeal spans generations. Travelers cite AI’s ability to cut through noise and deliver faster, personalized inspiration compared to cluttered social media platforms.

Hospitality businesses are responding to these shifting expectations. Over half say AI-enabled search tools and guest personalization are poised to reshape the travel booking experience in 2025. AI isn’t just for discovery – it’s becoming a core enabler across the guest journey, from inspiration to final booking.

Payments Evolution: Flexibility and Security as Foundations

Beyond planning, Adyen’s report underscores the importance of integrated, seamless payment experiences. Most travelers abandon bookings when faced with rigid or fragmented checkout options; a third cite inflexible payments as a deal-breaker. To address this, hotels are investing in unified commerce platforms, enabling seamless transactions across booking, in-app, and in-person channels.

Security remains a top concern – nearly 40% of accommodation providers reported increased fraud attempts in the past year. Adyen’s AI-powered fraud solution, Protect, reduces false positives by 86%, ensuring genuine bookings are processed smoothly. As booking workflows and payment methods converge, AI becomes the essential link between efficient operations and guest satisfaction.

Balancing Tech with Trust: The Human Element Remains Vital

While AI is gaining traction, data reveals that full trust in automation remains limited: only a small fraction of consumers are comfortable with AI making key decisions independently. Many travelers still fact-check AI-generated results and prefer the option to retain human guidance, especially in complex or emotionally driven decisions like travel planning.

This sentiment is reflected across global audiences: AI is viewed as a tool that enhances, not replaces, the human experience. The most successful hospitality brands will integrate AI insightfully – supporting guest needs while preserving trust and transparency.

Saudi Arabia is accelerating its tourism ambitions by turning Aseer province into a world-class destination that highlights the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Known for its green mountains, cooler climate, mud palaces, and sweeping desert plains, the region is being positioned as a year-round getaway for both domestic and international travelers.

The government and major investors, including the Public Investment Fund (PIF), are developing billion-dollar master plans to create new tourism experiences that are immersive, sustainable, and rooted in local culture. Unlike the ultramodern developments of Riyadh or NEOM, Aseer’s strategy focuses on nature-based attractions and adventure tourism, appealing to visitors seeking authentic experiences and outdoor activities.

From Mud Palaces to Mountain Adventures

Aseer’s charm lies in its blend of history and nature. The province is dotted with traditional mud-brick palaces, vibrant local markets, and UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage sites. Its coastal areas provide beaches and desert landscapes, while the mountainous interior offers hiking, paragliding, and nature trails.

The cooler climate sets Aseer apart from many other Saudi regions, making it suitable for year-round tourism. This climate advantage aligns with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and increase international arrivals to 70 million annually within the next five years.

Billion-Dollar Tourism Vision

Officials are prioritizing sustainable development in the region, ensuring that tourism growth supports environmental preservation while generating economic opportunities for local communities. Large-scale investment is flowing into resorts, eco-lodges, and infrastructure projects designed to enhance accessibility without compromising the province’s natural charm.

Industry experts suggest that Aseer could become Saudi Arabia’s answer to Alpine and Mediterranean retreats, offering luxury and adventure in a region historically overlooked by international travelers. The blend of heritage and modern amenities is expected to attract nature enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and high-end tourists alike.

A Key Step Toward the 2030 Tourism Target

The development of Aseer is a critical pillar in Saudi Arabia’s plan to become a top global tourism destination. By diversifying its attractions beyond megacities and desert resorts, the Kingdom aims to capture a wider share of the global travel market and redefine its international image.

As the projects progress, Aseer is poised to play a central role in the Kingdom’s tourism story, balancing preservation and innovation. If successful, the region will showcase how Saudi Arabia can merge its natural assets with global tourism trends, bringing the nation closer to its ambitious 2030 goals.