From a major European airport being brought to a standstill, a storied European city celebrating a big birthday and some major hotel openings, March was full of big news in the world of European travel. Read on to catch up on the big stories of the third month of 2025, and be sure to register for the TravelPulse newsletter to keep up to date with the latest travel industry news all year long.
Heathrow Comes to a Halt
Earlier this month, a fire in a nearby substation caused London Heathrow Airport to lose power and subsequently close down to air traffic for around 24 hours, resulting in hundreds of flight cancellations. Heathrow is one of the world's busiest international hubs and cancellations caused by the fire quickly cascaded around the globe. After an investigation, the fire was deemed not to be suspicious.?
World Navigator. (photo via Atlas Ocean Voyages)
Atlas Reveals Delicious Details
Yacht expedition cruise brand Atlas Ocean Voyages?announced the A-list lineup?for the 2025 season of its Epicurean Expeditions. On these intimate cruises, the cultures, cuisines and wines of a European region will be featured in addition to each cruise playing host to a food star who will immerse cruisers in their culinary world. Off the ship, shore excursions will see guests exploring local eateries and markets to get to know each region and its rich traditions.?
Raffles Will Open Its First Italian Hotel
Raffles Hotels & Resorts, the renowned hospitality brand that began in Singapore, will open its?first Italian location?on the shores of Lake Como in 2027.? The Lake Como location will be in the former Grand Hotel Imperiale, a lovely 1920s art nouveau-inspired building located on the western shores of the lake.
Traveler entering the European Union. (Photo Credit: Adobe/mirsad)
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ETIAS Pushed Back to 2026?
Don't adjust your screen, you are reading this again: the launch date of the European Travel and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been delayed. Originally scheduled to launch in 2020, the digital entry system that will see visitors from 60 countries including the United States have to gain pre-approval (and pay a small fee) before entering a bloc of 30 European nations was scheduled to roll out later this year. Officials announced this month though that ETIAS will now launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. Stay tuned. ??
TravelPulse Reflects on COVID Changes
March marked the fifth anniversary of the world essentially shutting down in response to the COVID pandemic, and here at TravelPulse, we took the occasion to reflect on what's changed in the world of European travel. From a renewed focus on overtourism to technological changes, a lot has changed in five years.
Historic buildings and canal in Amsterdam's historic center. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Yasonya)
Amsterdam Announces Birthday Bash
The Dutch capital will celebrate its 750th birthday on October 27, but the entire year will be full of activities and celebrations. From festivals, amped-up versions of annual events and showcases of culture, Amsterdam will be alive this year and you or your clients are more than welcome to get in on the fun. Amsterdam doesn't look older than a few hundred years old, does she??
New Uniworld Ships To Cruise in 2027
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announced this month that it will be?adding three new ships?to its fleet in 2027 and that the trio will be plying the waters of the Danube, Rhine, Main and Douro rivers. The new ships will all fall under the 'Super Ship' class and will take their inspiration from notable figures that have strong connections to a particular European region.
La Cupula, the stained glass and iron dome inside The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Madrid. (Photo Credit: Marriott)
Marriott Makes Madrid Move
After a thorough two-year renovation, The Palace in Madrid is now a part of Marriott¡¯s Luxury Collection. Dating back to 1912, The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel is located in the heart of Madrid (near both Plaza Mayor and the Prado Museum) and has 470 guest rooms. The hotel also features a breathtaking stained glass & iron dome and nods to historical figures that have stayed there like Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso.
One of Always Croatia's ships. The Spring Sale will allow guests to take a 7-day cruise to popular Croatian destinations. (Photo Credit: Always Croatia)
Croatian Cruises on Sale?
Always Croatia cruise line announced a sale this month on July and August cruises if they are booked during March and April. Select itineraries can see savings of $300 like the seven-night, island-hopping cruise itineraries like 'Dubrovnik to ?ibenik', which sees guests cruise into some of Croatia's most famous islands alongside some hidden gems.?
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