Global Tourism Growth, New Entry Forms & Alaska Cruise Port: Top October Destination News

Image: The Colosseum in Rome, Italy (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Image: The Colosseum in Rome, Italy (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
Lacey Pfalz
by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:05 AM ET, Mon October 28, 2024

There’s been a lot of big news for destinations around the world, from two Caribbean islands that began requiring new electronic entry forms to Europe’s new entry requirements being delayed yet again. 

Check out the biggest headlines from the month down below, and click the links provided to read the full stories. 

The Most and Least Safe US Cities in 2024

A new comprehensive report found that the top ten safest cities in the U.S. this year were largely on the East Coast. The winner? South Burlington, Vermont! The least safe? Memphis, Tennessee. See the full list here

WTTC Global Summit Highlights Tourism Growth and Sustainability

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s Global Summit, held in Perth, Western Australia, concluded this October and showcased how the industry continues to outpace its carbon emissions, how it’s growing across the globe, and what new things we can expect to become more popular and important in the years to come. 

European Union Delays Rollout of New Entry Requirements

The European Union’s new electronic Entry/Exit system was supposed to be launched November 10, but has been delayed due to several countries’ IT issues. The system has been delayed several times from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to the present day. While we don’t have a new launch date, it could be anywhere from later in November to sometime next year. 

Royal Caribbean Partners With Alaska Native Company On New Juneau Cruise Port

Royal Caribbean Group and Alaska Native company Goldbelt Incorporated have partnered to develop a new port in Juneau, Alaska. The new port will be located on Douglas Island and will have two floating berths for cruise ships to dock. Travelers will be able to disembark and encounter a reconstructed Alaska Native Tlingit village from the 1800s and provide access to excursions for whale watching and to the Mendenhall Glacier, easing cruise tourism’s impact on the city’s roadways. 

Tourism in Japan Continues To Break Records Amid Weak Yen

Mount fuji, japan, famous mountains

Mount Fuji viewed from the lake in autumn. (Photo Credit: Phattana / Adobe Stock)

Tourism spending in Japan is expected to be the second largest export in the country, second only to automotives, this year as more travelers flock to the beloved island nation than ever before. The weak Yen is encouraging greater spending, which broke records during the first nine months of the year. 

Rome Restricting Access to the Trevi Fountain in November – What Travelers Need to Know

Travelers heading to Rome in November should be aware that the Trevi Fountain will be drained and cleaned during the month, which will restrict their access to the beloved and popular monument. A small number of travelers will be allowed to walk above it on a glass walkway each day, though. 

Dubai Unveils Rural Tourism Master Plan Totaling $106 Million

Dubai is expected to develop thirty-seven different rural tourism attractions in the next few years, totalling $106 million. The city expects the rural areas to grow in popularity from 500,000 annual visitors to 3 million by 2040 thanks to the new developments. Some projects in the works include cycling tracks, kayaking tours, hot air balloon rides and other experiences. 

Saint Martin Changes Entry Requirements for Travelers

Travelers heading to the dual-nation island of Saint Martin and entering from the Princess Juliana Airport are now required to register their travel through the island’s electronic Embarkation/Disembarkation Entry Form up to seven days ahead of travel. The form is available online and is required for every traveler, regardless of reason for visiting the island. 

Rome to Host World Travel & Tourism Council's 2025 Global Summit

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2024 Global Summit drew to a close this month in Perth, Western Australia. It announced the next summit’s location: the ancient city and popular destination of Rome, Italy. It’s the first time the summit will be held in a European city since 2019. 

Dominica Launches Online Immigration Forms to Ease Entry

The Caribbean island of Dominica is the second Caribbean island implementing a new electronic entry form for travelers. After submitting their travel information, travelers will receive an email with a QR code, which immigration officials will scan upon entry. 


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Lacey Pfalz

Lacey Pfalz

Senior Editor, News & Features

Lacey Pfalz is Associate Editor at TravelPulse. She's a passionate advocate of responsible travel and believes the best travel experiences happen outside of a planned itinerary. Lacey currently lives in rural Wisconsin. She can be reached at [email protected].

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