Fears over how Americans are perceived abroad dampen US travel enthusiasm
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CNA
6 hours ago
- CNA
Table tennis-World Cup winner Calderano to miss Las Vegas event over visa issues
BERLIN :Brazilian Hugo Calderano, who won the gold medal in the 2025 table tennis World Cup, said he will miss the WTT U.S. smash event in Las Vegas this month following delays in getting a visa to the United States. Calderano, a 2025 world championships silver medallist who also holds a Portuguese passport, said he had been informed by U.S. authorities that he was no longer eligible for visa waiver for European Union countries, due to a trip to Cuba in 2023 to compete in international competitions and qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 29-year-old said he then tried to get an emergency visa but ran out of time with the event already under way on Thursday. "I followed the same protocol as all my previous trips to the United States using my Portuguese passport," Calderano said in a statement on his website late on Thursday. "When I was informed of the situation, I mobilized my entire team to obtain an emergency visa, but unfortunately, there was not enough time." "It is frustrating to be left out of one of the most important competitions of the season for reasons beyond my control, especially coming off such positive results," he added. The U.S. Smash event is one of the highlights of the year for the WTT, a body created by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), to stage commercial competitions to broaden the appeal of the sport, with higher prize money. The United States will also play host to the 2026 soccer World Cup while Los Angeles will stage the 2028 summer Olympics with athletes from more than 200 countries set to take part.
CNA
10 hours ago
- CNA
As Europe's summer travel season heats up, transatlantic travel to the US declines
PARIS: Europe's sun-soaked beaches and scenic countryside are once again bustling with activity as the peak summer season kicks into gear, with tourists from across the globe flocking to the continent in large numbers. While many tourists from the United States have made plans to visit Europe, the flow of travellers appears to be less reciprocal. Transatlantic travel to the US is in decline, according to aviation analysts. Bookings to the US for July have dropped 13 per cent compared to the same period last year. Some European airlines are slashing transatlantic airfares in a bid to counter softening demand. DECLINING TRANSATLANTIC AIRFARES Some Europeans told CNA that fears over safety, especially around US President Donald Trump's unwelcoming policies that focus on stricter border policy, are making America a less appealing destination. The decline in travel to the US reflects broader headwinds in the global travel sector, as ongoing geopolitical tensions and tightened consumer budgets weigh on international plans. Meanwhile, businesses across Europe are aiming to capitalise on strong inbound tourism, hoping for a bumper July and August season. Yet, industry insiders caution that certain challenges are beginning to emerge, particularly around infrastructure and accommodation. The European Tourism Association's chief executive Tom Jenkins said: 'To a certain extent we are starting to see problems with over-demand in certain areas. Certainly (in) places such as Paris, Rome, Venice, even London, we are seeing capacity constraints cut in.' France remains the most visited country in the world, welcoming about 90 million international tourists each year. Its capital Paris draws millions with iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. DEMAND FROM ASIA Tourists from Asia continue to be a crucial driver of Europe's tourism economy, providing a reliable stream of summer revenue. However, shifts in origin markets are changing the dynamics of this long-standing relationship. In a June survey conducted by the non-profit European Travel Commission, 72 per cent of Chinese respondents said they plan to travel to Europe this summer, up from last year. However, the share of respondents who said they were planning to spend more than US$230 a day has fallen by 11 per cent compared to the same period last year. 'Because of the problems with Russia and Ukraine, we are seeing a real suppression in demand from Asia. Some people are defying this,' said Jenkins. 'Certainly, India is booming as an origin market for Europe. Indonesia is doing very very well. Places such as Vietnam are surprisingly active at sending people to Europe. 'But in broad terms, the big origin markets such as Japan and China are down from where they used to be.'
Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Straits Times
Japan's Michael Jackson impersonator helps tackle overtourism woes
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox OSAKA – A Michael Jackson impersonator in Osaka is using his popularity on social media to help address issues such as overcrowding and littering caused by overtourism. The moonwalking performer, who calls himself 'Michael Jackton' and has amassed nearly 13 million followers on video platform TikTok, frequently turns heads in Osaka's bustling Dotombori entertainment district and elsewhere in the western Japan city. In May, he was spotted performing the late American pop star's signature moves and suggesting a less congested area of interest to a group of foreign tourists. He also received applause for picking litter up off the street and putting it in a trash bin while dancing. According to the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau, Osaka received 14.59 million visitors in 2024, many drawn by its tourist appeal, convenient access and proximity to nearby attractions such as Kyoto and Nara. 'We are exceeding our capacity to accept (tourists),' a bureau official said. 'Drawing people to less crowded areas is a big challenge, so we're grateful for the support of influencers.' KYODO NEWS
