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).

The fee for a UK standard visitor visa is not proposed to increase in the latest immigration fees review. However, some sponsorship fees for UK employers are proposed to increase when hiring from outside the UK.

Latest ETOA survey on visa facilitation in Asia outbound markets launched – industry insight welcome – open to all.

ETOA impact survey launched to assess potential impact of the UK ETA on tourism in Northern Ireland. Please complete if you are a tour operator or DMC. Survey closes on 11 February.

Etoa held a seminar on Tour Operator Taxation. Watch the webinar to find out more about the latest developments at European level on Platform Rules and the prospects for reform for the Tour Operators Margin Scheme.

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

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

There has been a new development about the ZTL in Porto

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

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

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

Starting from 1 March 2025, St. Peter's Basilica will implement a new booking system, introducing significant changes to its operations

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.

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

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

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

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.