Travel

Prague to Ban Late-Night Pub Crawls Amid Efforts to Curb Rowdy Tourism

Published

3 months ago

October 15, 2024

RTX

Prague, Czech Republic – The Czech capital, renowned for its picturesque historic architecture and vibrant nightlife, is set to impose a ban on late-night pub crawls in an effort to reduce disruptive behavior and improve the quality of life for residents. The decision is part of a broader initiative to shift Prague’s image from a rowdy party destination to one that attracts more culturally minded and affluent tourists.

Prague’s deputy mayor, Jiri Pospisil, emphasized the city’s intention to discourage tourists who come “for a short time only to get drunk,” encouraging instead a “more cultured, wealthier tourist,” according to AFP news agency.

For years, Prague has been a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties, particularly from the United Kingdom, partly due to the rise of budget airlines. However, residents, especially those in Prague 1—home to key landmarks such as the UNESCO-protected Old Town Square, Prague Castle, and the Charles Bridge—have raised complaints about the noise and disturbances caused by rowdy pub crawls, prompting the city to take action.

Ban to Take Effect in November

The new regulations, set to take effect in early November, will prohibit organized pub crawls between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. in the city’s historic district. In a statement provided to CNN Travel, the Office of the Municipal District of Prague 1 confirmed the ban, aimed at reducing late-night disruptions.

Terezie Radoměřská, the mayor of Prague 1, said the ban was “driven by our desire to reduce disruptive behavior, especially in connection with events such as stag and hen parties.” She added that these activities often result in excessive noise and disturbances for both locals and other visitors, which is not the type of tourism the city aims to encourage.

Mixed Reactions to the Ban

The decision has received support from local hospitality industry leaders. Vaclav Starek, head of the Czech Association of Hotels and Restaurants, welcomed the move, stating that pub crawl groups seeking beer have been a significant issue for both locals and other tourists. He stressed, however, that the ban would only affect agency-organized pub crawls, not individual tourists. “Nobody will be banned from going to a pub,” Starek noted.

However, some in the tourism industry are skeptical about the effectiveness of the ban. Simon Old, a specialist from UK-based tour agencies StagWeb.co.uk and GoHen.com, which organize bachelor and bachelorette parties for British tourists, suggested the ban won’t deter tourists from heading to Prague. Old described the measure as “half-hearted,” predicting that tourists would simply organize their own pub crawls or move their outings to earlier in the evening.

Part of a Broader European Trend

Prague is the latest in a series of European cities pushing back against overtourism and its associated problems. Cities like Venice and Barcelona have also introduced measures aimed at controlling the influx of tourists. Venice recently restricted tour group sizes and banned megaphones, while Barcelona’s mayor announced plans to end short-term apartment rentals for tourists by 2028.

As Prague prepares to implement its ban, the city faces the challenge of balancing its reputation as a vibrant destination with the need to protect its residents and preserve its cultural heritage.

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.