The Hidden Route on Google Maps:

Hi there,

Like many other popular destinations, Barcelona struggles with overtourism - but the city is getting creative with the issue. I have to say I was a bit surprised to hear that last week they’ve removed a bus route to a popular spot (Parc Güell) from Google Maps. This was a route that was always packed with tourists, often leaving no room for locals.

Things changed overnight. By carefully curating what’s visible online, Barcelona has been smoothly diverting tourists, at least in that area. Of course this is just one small part of a larger strategy focused on balancing tourist attractions with residents' daily lives - but a good point.

Here’s the lesson: in times of digital-everything, managing what people see online makes a huge difference. With some clever digital maneuvering, cities can effectively manage crowds and try to preserve the local spirit.

Have you come across any creative ways cities are dealing with overtourism Maybe it’s something you’ve noticed on your travels or back in your hometown. We're curious to hear all about it!

Just hit reply to and share your stories or ideas with us. It’s a great chance for us all to learn from each other and highlight successful strategies from around the world. <3

And now - here's your weekly roundup of the latest trends, innovations, and startup news in travel.

• Thinking about making travel better for the planet? Travel4Impact, launched by Amadeus and IE University, is a fully funded program designed just for small and medium businesses eager to champion sustainability. It’s all about using travel to do good—both socially and environmentally. Sound like your kind of thing? Apply now! They’re accepting applications from around the world, inviting you to join a community that believes travel can be a force for good. But rush - the deadline is April 30th!

• Zero missed calls. A while back, I got this call about an AI startup that's all about automating phone calls and managing bookings on its own. Bookline definitely got my attention. They were aiming to shake up the travel industry, particularly for hotels. Fast forward to this week, and they've just kicked off a partnership with Tripadvisor/TheFork, focusing on Spain for now.

• Can poo be the new jet fuel? Wizz Air is getting into something pretty groundbreaking - they're teaming up with the British company Firefly to turn human waste into jet fuel. Yes, you heard that right! The process they're working on could make flying a lot greener by using a biofuel that cuts carbon emissions by about 70% compared to traditional jet fuels. It’s not going to replace regular fuel entirely, but it can blend up to 50% with kerosene without any modifications to plane engines. Wizz Air is aiming to use this sustainable fuel for 10% of their flights by 2030. 

• Adventures everywhere you go. TUI Group and Ya Vas (the OTA from Volaris) have formed a strategic partnership to enhance Ya Vas' service offerings with TUI's expansive tours and activities. This will let Ya Vas customers to instantly book a wide range of experiences across 50 destinations in five countries, integrating seamlessly. For TUI, this partnership with the Mexican airline strenghten their commitment to digital distribution expansion and omnichannel strategy, aiming to deliver diverse, high-quality travel experiences globally.

• We all love a deep dive. The latest report from Deloitte gives us a peek into the future of travel, showing that big changes are on the way. Economic, social, and technological shifts are driving these changes, and the younger generations are at the forefront. Seems like Millenials and Gen-Z are choosing travel options that match their tech-savvy lifestyles and personal values. Meanwhile, countries like India are quickly embracing mobile and social tech, changing what travelers expect. The report also points out that climate change and tech adoption are more than just trends; they're fundamentally changing how we approach travel, presenting significant challenges and opportunities for industry leaders. Definitely check it out for some insights into where travel is headed!

• Rethinking Short-Term Rentals. Mark your calendar for Vitur Summit, a key event for anyone involved in short-term rentals and alternative accommodations. On May 8-9, you can spend two days in Malaga networking with industry leaders sharing expertise, and exploring new business opportunities. As the industry is expected to soar to $315 billion by 2031, attending the Vitur Summit could really shake things up for your business. And with the code FutureTravel24 you can get a special 15% discount on your ticket. You’re welcome :)

See you next week,
Ana

Thank you for reading until the end.

The content of this newsletter is curated and published by Ana Metz, an innovation expert, passionate about technology and excited about the future of travel.

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