Top Destination Travel News Stories From February 2022

It's easy to miss getting important news in between your busy life, so we put together a list of the biggest news about destinations worldwide from February, so you can stay up-to-date easily. From reopening borders in New Zealand and Australia to easing testing requirements in destinations like Aruba, Sweden and Canada and new developments in destinations across the globe, the shortest month of 2022 has seen quite a lot of big news. Read on to see more of the month's biggest destination news.

Just in time for Black History Month, Tennessee added two new stops along the state's U.S. Civil Rights Trail, with a total of fourteen stops in the state. The new additions include Nashville's National Museum of African American Music and Memphis' Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

In the first week of February, a new report found that Greece's economy is expected to grow at least 4.5 percent this year alone due to the growth in tourism as more international travelers begin flocking to the ancient land once more. The analysis also found that Greece's tourism revenue is expected to reach at least 80 percent of its pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The World Travel & Tourism Council has released its own report predicting a major tourism rebound this year, predicting the industry could generate 58 million jobs this year alone and gain $8.6 trillion in revenue, only 6.4 percent behind 2019's pre-pandemic levels.

Aruba has made it easier for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers to enter the country, requiring only unvaccinated travelers to provide proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test, while vaccinated travelers can enjoy entering without a testing requirement.

New Zealand announced at the beginning of February that it will begin a phased reopening of the country's borders, first allowing citizens, residents and some visa holders to enter beginning February 27. The country anticipates a reopening to international travelers in October of this year.

Nuevo Vallarta is no more! The destination has become Nuevo Nayarit instead, the name change coming from a desire to grow its tourism industry and attract more visitors.

Travelers visiting popular national parks and monuments this year might have to reserve their spot again this year. Many of the nation's most popular parks have implemented reservation systems to spread out the crowd of people due to overtourism, and it's likely the crowd will be even bigger this year with the reopening of international travel. Some of the ones already announcing necessary reservations include Acadia National Park, Arches National Park, Glacier National Park and more.

On February 7, Cancun's COVID-19 alert put in place by the Mexican government was dropped to yellow in a red-orange-yellow-green stoplight system that is expected to draw more tourists to stay in the city. The yellow alert will be reassessed as needed.

Also beginning February 7, the Hawaiian island of Maui dropped its booster requirement to enter businesses like bars, restaurants and gyms. The Maui mayor cited lowering case counts and high rates of vaccination as reasons to loosen the pandemic protocol.

Travel advisors: get ready to learn about a Caribbean island growing as a new tourist destination: Dominica. The island recently launched a new brand identity, including a new logo, in order to position itself as a unique and identifiable destination.

Travelers wanting to spend more quality time in Brazil can do so with its new remote work visa program, which allows travelers to work remotely in Brazil without registering work in Brazil.

Bermuda has announced that it will be changing its entry requirements on March 7, requiring all travelers to provide proof of vaccination and a recent negative COVID-19 test. They'll also have to fill out the Travelers Authorization Form.

France has dropped COVID-19 testing requirements for international travelers who are fully vaccinated, making it easier to enter the popular destination.

Hawaii is looking to promote the destination to responsible travelers by marketing its voluntourism initiatives and enhancing its sustainable offerings. The Hawaii Tourism Authority will begin rebranding as a sustainable, responsible travel destination to help attract more thoughtful travelers.

The countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark have dropped their testing requirements for travelers from Switzerland, the E.U. and the European Economic Area, though travelers from the U.S. still have to do the same requirements as before. The restrictions in Sweden, however, have also relaxed, ending the curfew for bars and restaurants and ending restrictions on social gatherings.

Tourism Australia launched a massive $40 million campaign ahead of the country's reopening on February 21. With a tagline of "Don't Go Small. Go Australia," the campaign hopes to draw international interest for the country.

Fully vaccinated travelers entering Canada can now take a rapid antigen test to satisfy the country's testing requirement. Prior to the new rule, only PCR tests were considered acceptable tests.

A new GlobalData study found that Americans will be spending more on international travel over the next two years, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 2024 and leading the world in its recovery of international tourism.

For a quick look at new reopening statuses, entry requirements and other travel restrictions in Asian countries, check out this helpful guide. From Japan to Cambodia and more, it offers a quick and easy to read update on the latest travel requirements for the countries in this region.

On February 8, the Hawaiian Governor David Ige told the press that the state will not require booster shots for travelers arriving to the state to be considered fully vaccinated. Some countries are now editing the definition of what they consider "full vaccination," requiring boosters after a period of anywhere between six months to a year after the required two doses of a two-dose vaccine.

Thinking of taking that Alaskan cruise this year? Check out the latest developments in cruising, hotels and destinations within Alaska with this knowledgeable guide.

Papua New Guinea reopened on February 16 to international travelers who are fully vaccinated. No quarantines are required except for travelers who test positive for COVID-19.

The Germany National Tourist Office is encouraging travelers to visit Germany this year, publishing helpful new guides on everything from accessibility to sustainability and more.

The country of Jordan is easing restrictions for international travelers on March 1. Travelers will no longer have to test negative prior to entry or test upon arrival, making it easier to enter the country, which is home to many attractions like the Dead Sea, Petra and Wadi Rum.

The Cayman Islands have also eased entry restrictions, no longer requiring travelers to take tests throughout their stay on the islands. Before this new rule, travelers had to test themselves on day two, five and seven of their trip.

Beginning March 1, Israel will reopen to all travelers regardless of vaccination status. Travelers must test negative prior to arrival and test again upon entry. The country was one of the first to close to travelers and was also one of the best in researching COVID-19 throughout the pandemic.

On February 21, the first commercial flights carrying international travelers to Australia landed, bringing with it a hopeful return to international tourism to the large continent. For a refresher on some of the latest new developments in Australia over the past two years, please click here.

March 15 is the date that Vietnam has chosen to reopen to international travelers. Travelers must test negative prior to arrival and quarantine for one day upon arrival, in which they wait for results of another test.

Beginning March 7, Bermuda will no longer allow anyone over the age of twelve who is unvaccinated to enter Bermuda. Additionally, vaccinated travelers will no longer need to test upon arrival or throughout their stay on days four and ten of their trip.

One country's return to travel and tourism means the beginning of a recovered economy hit hard by the pandemic. In this new feature, Turkey's return to the international tourism scene is a success story.

The Dutch side of St. Maarten will transition itself from pandemic to endemic status beginning March 1, including easing its entry requirements. All vaccinated and recovered travelers will no longer have to test negative prior to arrival. The unvaccinated and unrecovered must test prior to arrival. The pre-authorization form is still required for everyone.

On February 25, Iceland has dropped all of its pandemic protocols, including any vaccination or testing requirements for international travelers! The government cited a drop in mortality due to COVID-19 and the country's high vaccination rate, with 80 percent of its people fully vaccinated.

For a quick, easy guide at the latest changes to Caribbean nations' entry requirements, restrictions and more, check out our helpful guide.

Beginning February 26, the United Arab Emirates now allows fully vaccinated international travelers to enter the country without having to satisfy any testing requirements. Unvaccinated individuals must still follow the testing rules.