Belgium has dropped from second to fourth place on the Rainbow Map & Index 2026, ILGA Europe’s annual ranking of LGBTQIA+ rights across the continent. The ranking, published on 12 May 2026, reveals a troubling trend: while Belgium has long been regarded as a pioneer in LGBTQIA+ rights, its failure to address critical gaps has…
Tag: Spain
RAINBOW EUROPE MAP AND INDEX 2026 | Spain breaks Malta’s decade-long hold on Europe’s LGBTQIA+ rights top spot
As the rules-based international order fractures and democracy is under pressure from east and west, Spain‘s top ranking in ILGA-Europe‘s Rainbow Map of 49 countries on LGBTI human rights laws and policies stands as proof that political courage remains the most powerful answer. Belgium retains its score of 85% but falls to forth in the ranking,…
10 things to do at your next Gran Canaria visit
This weekend the Maspalomas Pride Parade 2026 culminates with the parade in Playa del Inglés. Many LGBT tourists will be locking themselves up in the gay bars of Yumbo Shopping Centre. But why not enjoy the entire island on your next visit? I rented a car, traveled the island and experienced first-hand ten things that…
Italo plans €3.6 billion challenge to Deutsche Bahn with major expansion into Germany
Italian high-speed rail operator Italo is preparing a major expansion into Germany with a €3.6 billion investment plan aimed at challenging Deutsche Bahn’s dominance of the country’s long-distance rail market.
LEO EXPRESS | Renfe deploys Talgo VI trains in Central Europe to launch new Czech-Slovak rail links
Spain‘s state-owned operator Renfe has introduced its Talgo VI rolling stock in Central Europe, enabling its subsidiary Leo Express to launch new international services between Czechia and Slovakia.
Sweden invests in Talgo night trains: “a sustainable, comfortable leap for northern travel”
Sweden’s national transport authority, Trafikverket, signed a landmark €756 million contract with Spanish manufacturer Talgo on 20 April 2026, securing a new fleet of modern night and daytime trains. The agreement, celebrated in Stockholm with Sweden’s minister of infrastructure and housing, Andreas Carlson, and Talgo’s president, José Antonio Jainaga, marks a major step towards revitalising…
Flemish vacationers shift to southern Europe and Africa amid Middle East conflict
ravellers from Flanders are increasingly avoiding destinations in the Middle East due to ongoing conflict, opting instead for locations in southern Europe and parts of Africa. Countries such as Spain and Portugal are seeing a notable rise in bookings, alongside destinations including Tunisia and Senegal.
Morocco records historic tourism year with 19.8 million visitors in 2025
The Kingdom of Morocco welcomed approximately 19.8 million visitors in 2025, marking the highest number of tourists ever recorded by the country. The figure represents a year-on-year increase of 14% compared with 2024 and brings the North African destination to the threshold of what the government has described as the “symbolic milestone” of 20 million…
Brussels Airlines adds extra flights across Europe this summer as Belgian airline notes increasing demand for travel within Europe
Brussels Airlines notes increased demand for travel within Europe and is therefore adding approximately 170 flights to several European destinations this summer. In parallel, Brussels Airlines also sees strong demand for leisure destinations in Africa and adds capacity to Kilimanjaro in Tanzania during the winter season.
BELGIUM | Overtourism already an issue… in 1926
Complaints about overcrowding, disruptive visitors and pressure on cities may feel like a distinctly modern problem, associated with places such as Venice in Italy, Barcelona in Spain or Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Yet Belgium experienced remarkably similar tensions a century ago, when a surge in foreign visitors sparked widespread unease among local residents.