European Travel 2023: Highlights and Challenges

European Travel Resurgence
A year without travel restrictions marks a triumphant return for European tourism, brimming with noteworthy tales from heat waves to ongoing overtourism struggles.
Europe Welcomes All
A surge in North American visitors propels Europe’s popularity to new heights, reaching or surpassing 2019 tourism levels.
Amsterdam’s Image Shift
Amsterdam makes bold changes to its famed Red Light District, banning street-side marijuana use, restricting alcohol sales, and redefining its cruise ship terminals.
Central Europe Takes Spotlight
Recognition grows for “Central Europe,” with countries like Poland, Hungary, and Czech Republic shedding the Eastern Europe label, reflecting their distinct identity.
Venice’s Ongoing Overtourism Battle

Transportation Strikes Cause Chaos
Strikes disrupt European travel, impacting France, Sweden, Italy, Germany, and Spain, with sporadic industrial actions lingering into 2024.
Barcelona’s Cruise Ship Ban
In a bid to combat overtourism and environmental concerns, Barcelona enforces a ban on cruise ships docking at the central World Trade Center pier.
King Charles III’s Coronation

Revival of Night Trains
European Sleeper and Austrian Railways lead the resurgence of night trains, marking a new era in rail travel.
ETIAS Delayed Until 2025
The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is postponed until 2025, resembling the U.S.’s ESTA program.
Heat Waves Grip Europe

The Cerberus Heatwave hits Europe with triple-digit temperatures, impacting travel and raising questions about potential changes in travel patterns.
Greece Battles Wildfires
Unprecedented wildfires in Greece during a heatwave lead to evacuations, affecting travel plans and causing tragic losses.
Bags Fly Free” Resolution
The European Parliament supports a resolution guaranteeing passengers the right to carry reasonably-sized cabin baggage without fees.
Paris Bed Bug Hype
Rumors of bed bugs in Paris circulate on the internet, sparking a debate about the extent of the issue and its impact on tourism.
Schiphol Airport Twists
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport sees a rollercoaster of plans to reduce flights, with a surprise twist ending in an unexpected increase for 2024.