Latest Operational
Updates

The European Commission announce that EES implementation will start on 12 October

ETOA together with partner associations issued a press release expressing concerns about proposed ETIAS price increase

The European Commission has proposed raising the ETIAS fee from €7 to €20 per person

Official figures published on the number of Schengen visas issued and applied for in 2024.

EU/EFTA nationals (excluding Irish) require an ETA to travel to the UK unless exempt e.g. resident in UK.

City Council approved a tourist tax starting October 1

The Scottish government has proposed new national exemptions intended to address intermediaries’ concerns about commercial margin or commission disclosure

The European Commission has launched a consultation on the special VAT scheme for travel agents (TOMS) and VAT rules on passenger transport.

A new law allowing councils to tax visitors staying overnight in Wales has been agreed by the Senedd

New overnight stay tax proposed to be implemented from 1 October 2025.

The Norwegian Parliament has approved the bill that would allow municipalities to charge a 3% tourist tax on paid overnight stays

A 'City Visitor Charge' of £2 per room, per night (excl. VAT) has been approved to be implemented from 1 June 2025.

Starting in autumn 2025, a new pick-up and drop-off fee will be introduced

New Tourist Bus Stop at Piazza Vittorio Veneto Replaces Lungarno Pecori Giraldi

Coach Parking: Pass Autocar Service reopening gradually from 23 June

Increased tourist bus permit rates introduced on 24 December 2024 have been reinstated.

New coach access arrangements implemented on a trial basis.

Vehicle access restriction at the Lawnmarket planned to be implemented between certain times from July 2025.

Cathedral reservations for autumn and winter opening soon

Major renovation planned from 2026: what operators need to know

NEW UPDATE from the Basilica - deadline for application has been postponed

Trial Exit Route from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Square has been reintroduced - with guide only

Zaanstad plans to introduce mandatory tourist tickets for Zaanse Schans starting in April 2026

Key features include the deletion of the concept of Linked Travel Arrangement, but uncertainty remains. Final approval expected in September.

UK Government has launched a consultation on review of its Package Travel Regulations which will close on 30th June.

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 EU approved reforms to the Package Travel Directive, including a cap on prepayments to 25% of the package price, except when higher costs (e.g., full flight payments) justify more.

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