Travel

Declining Snowfalls Force Closure of French Alpine Ski Resort

Published

3 months ago

October 9, 2024

RTX

In a significant blow to winter sports enthusiasts, the Alpe du Grand Serre ski resort in France’s Isère region will not reopen this year due to declining snowfalls and a lack of funding to transform its facilities into year-round attractions. The decision came after a vote by the local council, which opted to halt funding for plans aimed at reducing reliance on winter sports.

Located near the renowned Alpe d’Huez, Alpe du Grand Serre is among several lower-lying ski resorts in Europe grappling with the realities of climate change, which has led to warmer and shorter winters. The town had previously championed an ambitious initiative called Alpe de Grande Serre 2050, intended to replace ski lifts and enhance the resort for both summer and winter activities.

“This closure would be truly disastrous for the region,” said Marie-Noëlle Battistel, a member of parliament for Isère, during an interview with local television station Télégrenoble last Friday, just before the council’s vote. “Nearly 200 jobs depend on this resort. Closing a station of this importance sends a disastrous signal on a national scale.”

On Saturday, 47 members of the Matheysine council voted to discontinue their contract with the ski lift operator, SATA Group, while only 12 members supported continuing operations.

Council President Coraline Saurat stated that since 2017, approximately 2.8 million euros ($3.07 million) have been invested in transforming the resort into a year-round destination. However, with winter snow increasingly unreliable, the council deemed it too risky to proceed with the remaining phases of the project.

“The impact of committing to two more years was considerable, with no prospect for the future,” Saurat explained to France Bleu. “The state is not providing any concrete support for the future of the resort or for transitional operations.” Earlier this year, she warned that the resort was facing a budget shortfall of 7 million euros ($7.67 million).

The closure of Alpe du Grand Serre serves as a dire warning for many mid-sized alpine ski stations also struggling with diminishing snowfalls. This decision adds to a growing list of resort closures in the region. Over the weekend, the Grand Puy station in France’s Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region was also permanently closed following a public referendum.

Last year, La Sambuy, a family skiing destination near Mont Blanc, dismantled its ski lifts due to a drastically shortened winter season that rendered operations unprofitable. Carlo Carmagnola, a snow expert with Météo France, noted earlier this year that 40% of ski resorts in the French Alps now depend on artificial snow, a figure that rises to 90% in Italy and 80% in Austria.

Travel

‘Quiet Tourism’ Gains Momentum as Travellers Seek Respite from Noise Pollution

Published

4 weeks ago

December 22, 2024

RTX

With rising noise levels in urban areas linked to health issues such as high blood pressure and sleep disturbances, a growing number of travellers are embracing “quiet tourism.” This emerging trend emphasizes peaceful getaways to serene destinations, offering an antidote to the cacophony of daily life.

A report by social media platform Pinterest highlights the surge in interest for tranquil travel, with searches for “quiet places” and “calm places” increasing by 50% and 42% respectively since 2023. Forest walks, mountain cabins, and island retreats are among the most sought-after experiences as travellers prioritize mindfulness and relaxation.

The Impact of Noise Pollution

Noise pollution, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “unwanted or harmful outdoor sound created by human activities,” has been shown to contribute to significant health problems. Over 40% of people in Europe are exposed to transportation noise levels deemed harmful by WHO standards.

“Much of our daily lives is filled with noise and uncontrollable interruptions, especially in urban environments,” says Greg Scott, founder of the SoundPrint app, which measures sound levels in cities. “[Quieter] holidays can be seen as people wanting a respite from all the noise.”

For those seeking peace, various destinations in Europe and beyond are catering to this growing demand for tranquillity.

Top Quiet Tourism Destinations

Powys, Wales
Known for its rolling green hills and ancient heritage sites, Powys is celebrated for its low population density, with just 26 people per square kilometre. Named the “best place for peace and quiet” in a 2023 study by Cottages in Northumberland, the region promises serene landscapes and minimal noise pollution.
Zurich, Switzerland
Despite being a bustling city, Zurich is recognized as the least noise-polluted city globally, according to a 2021 survey by Mimi Hearing Technologies. Snow-capped mountains, tranquil lakes, and walkable streets further enhance Zurich’s reputation as one of Europe’s most liveable cities.
Parc del Montnegre, Spain
This protected natural area in Catalonia, just 40 minutes from Barcelona, became Spain’s first Urban Quiet Park in 2021. Known for its pine woods and medieval churches, Parc del Montnegre offers a serene escape for millions living nearby.
Bohuslän Coast, Sweden
On Sweden’s west coast, Bohuslän boasts picturesque fishing villages, nature reserves, and over 8,000 quiet islands. Recognized by the European Environment Agency, it’s one of Europe’s least noise-polluted areas.
Hoh Rain Forest, Washington, USA
For travellers venturing beyond Europe, the Hoh Rain Forest in western Washington offers a sanctuary of silence and ecological diversity.

As the trend for quiet tourism grows, these destinations provide not just relaxation but a vital reprieve from the increasing health challenges posed by noise pollution.

Travel

China Extends Visa-Free Stay to 10 Days in Bid to Boost Tourism

Published

1 month ago

December 17, 2024

RTX

China has announced a major expansion of its visa-free transit policy, tripling the allowable stay from 72 hours to 240 hours (10 days). The move aims to attract more international visitors as the country continues its efforts to revive tourism post-pandemic.

The Chinese State Administration of Immigration revealed that citizens from over 50 countries, including the United States, are eligible for the extended visa-free layover program. The policy allows travelers with confirmed flight bookings to a third destination to obtain a visa upon arrival at select Chinese airports and explore the country for up to 10 days before departing.

Record Tourism Numbers

The strategy appears to be yielding results. According to the National Immigration Administration, the third quarter of 2024 saw a record number of foreign visitors entering mainland China since tracking began in 2014. Between January and November 2024, over 29 million foreigners entered the country, marking an 86.2% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, 17 million utilized the visa-free program, reflecting a year-on-year surge of 123.3%.

Shanghai emerged as the most popular entry point, welcoming over four million visa-free travelers during this period.

Expanded Regional Access

Under the updated policy, eligible visitors can now travel across 24 provincial regions, an increase from the previous 19. These include major tourist destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. However, access to special regions like Tibet and Xinjiang still requires additional permissions.

Additionally, Hong Kong and Macao qualify as third destinations under the program, further enhancing travel flexibility for international tourists.

Simplified Visa and Payment Processes

In recent years, China has made sweeping changes to simplify travel for foreigners. For U.S. citizens, the country eliminated the need for hotel bookings, tour itineraries, and flight confirmations as part of the visa application process.

Tourism accessibility has also been bolstered through advancements in e-payment systems. China’s two largest platforms, WeChat and Alipay, now accept international credit cards, offer built-in translation tools, and feature streamlined identity verification processes. The government has also mandated that major tourist attractions and high-end hotels accept international credit cards.

Boosting Global Appeal

China’s expanded visa-free program aligns with its broader ambitions to cement its status as a premier global destination. The policy changes not only make travel more convenient but also ensure that international visitors can explore a larger portion of the country without bureaucratic hurdles.

As China reopens to the world, these initiatives signal its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and traveler-friendly environment.

Travel

Spanish Village Uses Olive Trees and Digital Nomads to Reverse Decline

Published

1 month ago

December 7, 2024

RTX

The small village of Oliete, nestled in Spain’s Teruel region, is finding innovative ways to revive its dwindling population, leveraging its abundant olive trees and targeting digital nomads seeking a slower pace of life.

With just 249 residents, Oliete faced a bleak future. However, the village launched a unique project, ApadrinaUnOliva.org (“Adopt an Olive Tree”), aiming to preserve its identity while attracting new residents. Sponsors worldwide contribute €60 annually to adopt olive trees, with funds directed toward local development projects, including converting a cow shed into a co-working space.

The initiative has sparked significant change. Over €71,000 raised through sponsorships, supplemented by €75,000 from government and business grants, has supported the creation of 43 jobs and brought 19 new residents to Oliete in the past year alone.

A New Lease on Life

Mark Rawdon, an Irish ship captain, lives in Oliete part-time with his Venezuelan partner, Carolina Sema. “Property and living costs are very reasonable here,” Rawdon said, describing the village’s draw for those seeking tranquility away from city life.

Digital nomads like Sandra Mairal, an event organizer from Barcelona, also find solace in Oliete. “I just love the slower pace of life,” she shared, describing how working from the co-working space allows her to reset from her high-pressure job.

Saving the School

A key indicator of the village’s success is its local school. Once on the brink of closure, the school now has 27 pupils, up from just three when the project began. Children are a lifeline for rural communities, and their growing presence signals hope for Oliete’s future.

Carlos Blanco, a father of four who moved from Barcelona in 2017, said his family has embraced the rural lifestyle. “It’s much more tranquil, with a better quality of life for the children,” he noted. His work with the olive oil project has been vital in sustaining the community.

A Broader Initiative

Oliete is part of Spain’s Red Nacional de Pueblos, a network of villages aiming to attract remote workers and counteract rural depopulation. Among Spain’s 8,131 municipalities, 1,840 are at risk of disappearing, according to the Autonomous University of Barcelona.

The program’s appeal is broad. Last year, a group of 18 European businesswomen participated in a fellowship in Oliete, and an American school visited to learn about the village’s revitalization efforts.

With its olive trees as the cornerstone of economic revival, Oliete stands as a model for other struggling villages, proving that a blend of tradition and innovation can pave the way for survival.