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French tourism fears a new tax burden
The 2027 Finance Bill is reigniting the tax pressure on the tourism sector. The Confederation of Tourism Actors (CAT), chaired by Valérie Boned, is sounding the alarm over the accumulation of measures: tourist taxes, new tourism levies, a €125 million exceptional withdrawal from the ANCV, and an increase in airport taxes. Following the tripling of the TSBA in 2025—where revenue rose from €462 million in 2024 to €1.151 billion in 2025 and could reach €1.359 billion in 2026—the industry is primarily calling for stability to continue investing and remain competitive.
Normandy wants to make the off-season a thing of the past
The "Nothing but Normandy" campaign highlights the destination throughout the seasons — Photo: Normandie Tourisme.
Normandy Tourism wants to make the region a year-round destination. With "Nothing but Normandy," a campaign designed with Bayside Story, the Regional Tourism Committee is primarily targeting the Île-de-France region, which accounted for 36.6% of regional tourist overnight stays in 2025. Using digital media, the Paris metro from October 12 to 25, and the press, the "four-season" strategy seeks to better distribute visitor flows over time and space, using simple and clever taglines like "No fuss" or "Take your time."
OTAs or direct: the real issue is the cost of each booking
Booking.com and Expedia Group provide visibility that is difficult to replicate alone, but this acquisition comes at a price. In the example studied by HDB Solutions, a room sold for €120 via an OTA with an 18% commission costs about €24.60 to acquire, compared to an estimated €8 for a direct booking. The goal is therefore not to eliminate platforms, but to manage the mix based on occupancy rates, margins, and the hotel's ability to generate its own demand. For an independent hotel, the article suggests a benchmark mix of 60 to 70% direct and 30 to 40% OTA.
Fairmont chooses Crete for its first Greek location
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is preparing for its arrival in Greece with the Fairmont Chania Resort, developed by Accor with Hersonissos Group Hotels. Scheduled for 2029 in Chania, on the northwest coast of Crete, the resort will feature 104 keys—64 rooms and 40 suites—along with a beach club, six dining outlets, and a 900 m² spa. Weddings, families, and event groups are clearly part of the equation: luxury is being positioned here as a complete destination, not just as accommodation.
287 people, two toilets: long-haul flight makes an unexpected stop
On American Airlines flight AA37 from Madrid to Dallas-Fort Worth, six of the eight toilets on a Boeing 777-200 went out of service. With 287 people on board and only two usable restrooms—more than 140 people per toilet—the crew diverted the aircraft to New York-JFK. The flight resumed after a stopover of more than three hours. A very down-to-earth breakdown that serves as a reminder that in aviation, even cabin equipment can end up dictating the itinerary.
In 2027, travelers want to do less performing and more breathing
Hilton and Morning Consult surveyed over 14,000 travelers across 14 countries to map out the trends for 2027. Well-being is taking center stage: 65% are interested in rituals that soothe the body and nervous system, 79% consider fresh air and the outdoors essential to their relaxation, and 41% are planning a solo trip. Another strong signal: 70% trust hotel staff to organize their travel. After years of hyper-optimization, experience, expert advice, and breathing room are regaining value.
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