Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silk-logic-travel-daily/id1842162269
Travel Daily Podcast 01/16/2026
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories: a record-setting year for Spain, new pricing at the Louvre, why Naples is capturing hearts, a major new golf resort in Florida, updated power bank rules from Lufthansa, and a fast-rising market for space tourism infrastructure.
Spain closes 2025 with a record 97 million foreign tourists, up 3.5%
Spain set a new benchmark in 2025 with 97 million international visitors (+3.5% year over year) and €135 billion in spend (+6.8%). Officials emphasize longer stays (693 million overnights) and a strategy centered on sustainability and regional diversification beyond traditional hotspots. Looking to 2026, growth is expected to moderate, with Q1 arrivals forecast to rise 3.7% and a FITUR push for slow and experiential travel.
What to know as the Louvre’s ticket price goes up by 45%
The Louvre is raising admission for most non‑EU visitors by 45% to €32 as part of a national differentiated pricing policy also affecting Versailles and Sainte‑Chapelle. Unions argue the change limits access as the museum confronts strikes and crowding; the Louvre says added revenue will fund its “New Renaissance” modernization. Some categories remain free (including under‑18s), and guided groups will pay €28 with tours capped at 20 visitors.
Naples is winning over travelers as Italy’s “most authentic” city
This guide celebrates Naples as a living, breathing city where slow travel shines—think market mornings, artisan alleys, street food rituals, and neighborhood life. Practical takeaways: aim for shoulder seasons (Oct–Nov, Mar–May), use the metro and funiculars, be mindful with photos and valuables, and support local artisans for a lighter footprint. It’s a reminder that fewer, richer moments can beat checklist tourism.
Old Shores reveals plans for 4 more golf courses at Florida resort
Old Shores has broken ground on a destination‑golf complex in Florida with five distinct courses planned: a Tom Doak/Angela Moser design, a Brian Schneider layout inspired by 1930s Augusta, a 12‑hole “precision” course, a par‑3, and a rare standalone regulation 9‑hole. A walkable village with lodging and homes anchors the 4,000+‑acre site, with preview play on select holes possible later this year and a full opening of the first course slated for fall 2027. Expect dramatic topography, sinkhole lakes, and design variety uncommon for Florida golf.
Lufthansa passengers face new rules for taking power banks on planes
The Lufthansa Group now bans using or charging power banks on board; passengers may carry up to two in hand luggage (not checked), kept on your person or under the seat, with a 100 Wh limit unless pre‑approved (100–160 Wh requires registration). E‑cigarettes face similar restrictions: in carry‑on only, switched off and secured for the entire flight. The policy aligns with international safety guidance following battery fire incidents—check your device specs before you fly.
Space tourism infrastructure market forecast to reach $4.17 billion by 2030
New analysis projects space tourism infrastructure to grow from $1.72B in 2026 to $4.17B by 2030, driven by reusable launch tech, expanding spaceports, and aerospace‑hospitality partnerships. With North America leading and players like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Virgin Galactic, the sector rides a broader space economy expected to reach $1.8T by 2035. Trade frictions may reshape supply chains, but innovation and falling costs continue to lower barriers to commercial human spaceflight.
