Connect with us

Funding & Investment in Travel

Greece Top Balkan Country for Italian Inbound Tourism

Published

on


Over 254,000 Greek visitors traveled to Italy in the first six months of the year, confirming its leading role as the top Balkan country for inbound tourism to Italy during the first half of 2025, according to a study by Enit presented at “Bridging Destinations,” the first Italy-Balkans tourism forum held in Rome.

This marks a 7.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The trend reflects the growing preference of Greek travelers for Italy, attributed to the geographic proximity, strong cultural ties, and expanded air connections that have made travel between the two countries easier.

Greece also emerged as the highest-spending Balkan country in Italy in 2024, with Greek tourists spending a total of €367 million, according to the Bank of Italy. This figure surpassed Albania (€363 million) and Croatia (€290 million).

The data highlight that Greek tourists not only travel frequently to Italy but also spend significantly, contributing to the Italian tourism sector.

Greek travelers typically favor cultural tourism, art, gastronomy, and luxury accommodations. Popular destinations include Rome, Florence, and Venice, as well as smaller cities with distinctive character, such as Bologna and Turin.



Source link

Funding & Investment in Travel

New travel fees for Brits heading to Mallorca

Published

on


British travellers will soon need to fork out 7€ for an ETIAS permit to visit popular holiday destinations like Spain though the system’s implementation has been pushed back to 2027. The fee will only apply to tourists aged between 18 and 70, whilst younger and older visitors won’t face any charges.

The European Commission’s latest timeline reveals that the new travel requirement won’t come into force until late 2026, with a grace period extending into April 2027. This delay is tied to the rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), another crucial border control measure being introduced by the EU.

The EES digital border system, set to replace passport stamping, will begin its phased implementation in October 2025. EU member states will have a six-month window to gradually adopt the new procedures, with biometric data collection – including fingerprints and facial scans – becoming mandatory from January 2026.

How will the new system work?

The ETIAS travel permit will be electronically linked to passengers’ passports and remain valid for three years or until passport expiration. It’ll allow multiple short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across 30 European countries, though having a permit won’t guarantee entry.

Key dates for British tourists

  • October 2025: EES phased rollout begins
  • January 2026: Mandatory biometric data collection starts
  • October 2026: ETIAS introduction expected
  • April 2027: Full enforcement of ETIAS
  • October 2027: Complete compliance required

The system will cover the entire Schengen area, including popular destinations like Spain. British passport holders will need to provide biometric data when crossing these borders once the system is fully operational.



Source link

Continue Reading

Funding & Investment in Travel

Jelly Ko expands refill options on the back of strong sales and demand

Published

on


The in-house brand of Style Story, an Australia-based online retailer of South Korean beauty products, has added a fourth refill product to its portfolio.

Its global bestseller, Bubble Tea Steam Cream, recently joined Dewy Glaze Toner, Be Jelly Overnight Dream Serum, and White Truffle Souffle Serum in having a 50ml version.

“Bubble Tea Steam Cream is the product that put Jelly Ko on the map, and it is now available in a convenient refill pouch that’s perfect for topping up your empty jar or packing in your carry-on luggage.

“Refills are performing really well for us. Last month, across our sales channels, refill packs made up almost 40% of total sales for Bubble Tea Steam Cream, which is our hero SKU and most repurchased product. That is a huge adoption rate and shows that customers are not only repurchasing, but actively opting for the more sustainable option,” Lauren Lee, founder of Jelly Ko and Style Story, told CosmeticsDesign-Asia.

In fact, the travel-friendliness of the refill packs was pointed out to Lee by customers.

“Many started using the refill packs as travel companions because they are resealable, lightweight, and easy to pack due to its flat packaging. It wasn’t actually something that we realised when we originally designed them, but now that we’ve seen how people are using them, we have adopted that into our messaging as well.

“It makes sense because traditional cosmetics can be bulky, breakable, heavy, and just a bit annoying to cart around, even if they are travel-sized. These refill packs take all the fuss out of travelling with your go-to skin care products.”

Going forward, Jelly Ko plans to continue growing its refillable offerings.

“We will be adding a refill version for our Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask, which will also double as a travel pack, in the next production run. As for dedicated travel-sized products, we are not planning any at this stage. We currently offer sachet samples and these refill packs, which fill the gap for now.”

Smooth like bubble

Jelly Ko’s Bubble Tea Steam Creamis claimed to be the world’s first bubble tea skin care, which has sold out six times since its launch in 2020.

Infused with collagen, panthenol, probiotics, squalane, and four types of hyaluronic acid, it is a nourishing yet lightweight moisturiser that “replaces oil, serum and cream in one step”.

Inspired by the popular beverage, this cream is fast-absorbing, and delivers deep hydration and buttery-soft smoothness targeted at improving dark spots, blemishes, and visible signs of ageing.

According to the brand, it helps to refine texture and tone for all skin types and ages; smooths and firms skin for a more even, radiant complexion; and does not contain additives, such as artificial fragrances, dyes, sulphates and parabens, that may trigger reactions.

In addition, the newly launched refillable pouch is said to use 90% less plastic, glass and paper, contributing to reduction of carbon emissions and packaging waste.



Source link

Continue Reading

Funding & Investment in Travel

Cambodia’s Government Advances Travel to the sea with the Funan Techo Canal Project

Published

on


In a significant move to enhance connectivity and promote travel from Siem Reap to the sea, the Royal Government of Cambodia is championing the development of the Funan Techo Canal. This initiative aims to facilitate smoother transportation for citizens and boost the nation’s economic prospects.

During the inauguration of the Senior Technical Officer of the Senior Technical Officers’ Framework as Head of the Siem Reap Province Department of Public Works and Transport on July 16, 2025, H.E. Peng Po Nea, Minister of Public Works and Transport, articulated the government’s vision for this ambitious project. “We are committed to ensuring that travel from Siem Reap to the sea via the Funan Techo Canal becomes a reality,” he stated, emphasizing that the project is on track for completion.

The Funan Techo Canal, measuring 180 kilometers in length, officially broke ground on August 5, 2024. Spanning four provinces—Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep—the canal is designed to support vessels weighing up to 3,000 DWT, enhancing trade and tourism capabilities in the region.

H.E. Peng Po Nea further underscored that the development of waterways aligns with the government’s policy to transform Cambodia into a high-income country by 2050. “This initiative reflects our visionary leadership and aims to integrate public works and transportation, connecting urban and rural areas to streamline travel for all citizens,” he added. (Read more)

As Cambodia moves forward with this transformative infrastructure project, the Funan Techo Canal is set to play a vital role in fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

– Video Advertisement –





Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 AISTORIZ. For enquiries email at prompt@travelstoriz.com