Prix Médicis 2026: Philippe Vasset wins for a journey along France’s power lines
France’s 2026 Prix Médicis goes to Philippe Vasset’s Dans les grandes lignes. Eva Baltasar, Jean-Baptiste Del Amo and Richard Zenith also receive awards.
Travel
Travel, destinations, airlines, hotels and tourism.
Thailand reaches 25.46m foreign arrivals through October as long-haul winter travel rebounds
Preliminary 2 November figures show 25.46 million foreign arrivals through October, down 4.59% year on year, while the final October week rose 7.31% and long-haul visits grew 13.60%.
Schiphol's new operating rules take effect on 1 November: 478,000 flight movements and 148 noise-monitoring points
The Netherlands has enacted a new Schiphol operating decree, setting a 478,000-movement ceiling and expanding enforceable noise-monitoring points from 35 to 148. It does not automatically cancel booked flights.
Gujarat’s Rann Utsav season begins: Kutch folk music and White Desert stays through 7 March
The 2026/27 Rann Utsav season starts on 1 November in Dhordo with Kutch folk performances, crafts and White Rann visits. The Tent City season is scheduled to run through 7 March; desert-entry permits and accommodation bookings are separate.
Lufthansa Group expands Travel ID requirement for online check-in on 2 November: airports and exceptions
From 2 November, Travel ID is required for online check-in on most departures from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and non-Schengen Europe; Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich follow later. Airport desks remain exempt.
Japan switches to tax-free shopping refunds on 1 November: visitors pay tax first
From 1 November 2026, eligible visitors pay consumption tax upfront in Japan's tax-free shops and receive a refund only after customs confirms that the goods are leaving the country.
South Africa raises national park entry fees from 1 November: Kruger now R692 for overseas visitors
From 1 November, Kruger's international adult entry fee rises to R692 from R602. The Cape of Good Hope and Boulders also cost more. Official tariffs and exceptions explained.