Latest Operational
Updates

UK Government has announced an ETA is no longer required when transiting the UK and remain 'airside'. Also, an increase in the application fee to £16 per person has been proposed (application fee remains at £10 until change agreed).

EU/EFTA nationals (excluding Irish) can now apply for an ETA. This is required for EU/EFTA nationals (excluding Irish) to travel to the UK from 2 April 2025.

New start date(s) planned for EES and ETIAS following the latest European Council Home Affairs meeting.

The regional government (Generalitat de Catalunya) has announced a 100% increase in the regional tourist tax.

Edinburgh City Council has approved a Visitor Levy of 5% to be implemented from 24 July 2026.

Rate increases applicable for the 'accommodation tax' have been confirmed for 2025. Also, a new levy for cruise passengers applies from 1 January 2025

Bologna, Milan and Naples have announced an increase in the tourist tax for 2025, as permitted by the Budget Law for the Jubilee.

From January 1st 2025, Switzerland has announced its intention to impose VAT on all consumer sales of Swiss hotel products that take place outside a “bundled” itinerary

There has been a new development about the ZTL in Porto

From April 2025, a fee will be charged to coaches stopping in the city centre

Phase 2 of the road reconstruction works at the Lawnmarket have begun with impact on access.

In response to concerns regarding the new ordinance changing the cost for ZTL, ETOA signed a press release to express concerns about its potential impact on the sector

Following a meeting with St Peter's Basilica, ETOA created a FAQ about their new booking system

Guided visits are not permitted until 9 June. The group booking platform is expected to open in March.

A new ticketing platform will be accessible starting Wednesday, 15 January. It will be necessary to create a new account to book individual tickets for visits with fewer than 7 participants.

After maintenance work, the Trevi Fountain has reopened with new arrangements

The European Council proposes removing Linked Travel Arrangements (LTAs) and instead requiring consumer notification if a booking isn’t a package. The European Parliament's IMCO committee will draft a report, with a vote expected by June 2025

Revision of some EU driving and rest time rules for occasional services (i.e. coach tours) is now in force across the EU. These changes do not currently apply in the UK, where the EU rules prior to 22 May 2024 remain in effect

Joint industry position about the European Commission’s proposed amendments to the Package Travel Directive

For recording of 19th March 2024 webinar on new regulation affecting guiding in Italy click on Read More below

Italy has published new law affecting provision of guiding services. This will have significant impact on professional not established in Italy intended to provide services there. Submitting a ‘prior declaration’ as soon as practical is advised to minimise risk of fine

The European Commission approved reforms to the Package Travel Directive, including a cap on prepayments at booking to 25% of the package price, except when higher costs (e.g., full flight payments) justify more. The proposals now go to the European Parliament and Council for further review.

The UK government was reported to have been considering all options, including a complete redraft of its Package Travel Regulations. Members were invited to answer to the consultation closed on 13th December 2023.