EasyJet’s New Alicante Base: 9 Fresh Routes!

by | 8/11/23 | News & Views

 

During his visit to the UK, Carlos Mazón, President of the Valencia Region, announced that EasyJet is set to establish a new base at the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport. From this base, the airline will introduce nine new routes connecting with the UK, France, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

This development was confirmed following a meeting with representatives from the British airline, who reaffirmed their dedication to the Valencian Community. This will be EasyJet’s fourth base in Spain, operational from March 2024, and is expected to generate around 100 new jobs.

EasyJet's New Alicante Base: 9 Fresh Routes!"

Mazón has confirmed that these new connections will facilitate the arrival of approximately 125,000 passengers to the region during the next summer season, promising a significant economic boost for the local tourism industry. This comes amidst concerns that the airport is currently under pressure to handle the surge in summer traffic, with ongoing debates about the need for a second runway and improved public transport links.

The new routes will specifically link Alicante to Southampton and Zurich starting from 31 March next year, and to Newcastle, Belfast, Prague, Lyon, Lille, Nantes, and Nice from April and May 2024.

The establishment of these new air routes is particularly advantageous for the Alicante area, offering owners and visitors, especially golf enthusiasts, improved connectivity and access to one of Spain’s premier golfing destinations.

ETIAS: New Travel Authorisation for UK Citizens Visiting the EU from 2025

by | 6/11/23 | News & Views

New Travel Authorisation for UK Citizens Visiting the EU from 202

The introduction of the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) now has a confirmed start date for when it will become a requirement for UK citizens wishing to enter any of the 30 EU member states. This system, informally likened to a visa, is part of the new travel requirements following the UK’s exit from the EU. It is set to be a prerequisite for those planning to visit popular destinations such as Spain, Greece, France, and Italy, with a fee attached.

For a number of years, the launch of ETIAS has been in the pipeline, but its deployment has faced multiple delays. The system, which will cost around £6, exempts travellers below the age of 18, those above 80, and EU nationals from its requirement.

The latest updates from the Schengen Council indicate a new timeline for rolling out the necessary IT systems. These systems, essential for combating crime, managing borders, and overseeing migration flows, need to be operational before the ETIAS can take effect.

An Entry/Exit System is also being introduced to replace manual passport stamping with an electronic registration process. This system, along with the ETIAS—an online travel authorisation for visa-exempt third-country nationals, including UK citizens—is in the stages of implementation.

The roadmap for this new IT architecture suggests that the Entry/Exit System should be operational by Autumn 2024 and the ETIAS by Spring 2025. This means that from Spring 2025, UK citizens planning to visit EU countries will need to apply for ETIAS, which will cost £6 and remain valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner. Applications for the ETIAS will be accessible via the official ETIAS website.

 

 

Digital Euro Advances: Spain Leads with Cashless Society Ambitions

by | 2/11/23 | News & Views

The European Central Bank is advancing its plans for the digital euro, with the Bank of Spain not only in support but also leading, being six months ahead of its counterparts. Spain’s interim Socialist Government has shown its inclination toward a cashless society, evident from its legislative measures limiting cash payments in excess of €2,000 and then  €1,000

The attractiveness of a cashless society to many banks lies in the potential for transaction charges on card payments or transfers.

Interestingly, the Bank of Spain, although favouring the digital euro, commissioned market research firm IPSOS to gauge public sentiment.

These surveys, encompassing 1,600 individuals and small businesses, revealed limited knowledge and enthusiasm for the digital currency. Only 20% of respondents were familiar with the digital euro, and just 20% of businesses were open to accepting it.

Surprisingly, 65% explicitly expressed no intention to accept the digital euro, showing a 7% increase from a 2022 survey.

Among the 18-24 age bracket, seen as the most tech-savvy, only 36% were inclined to use the digital euro. This figure dwindles with increasing age, with a mere 7% of those over 65 favouring it.

Thus, while the digital euro might find its place in high-value transactions between corporations, it’s unlikely to be a prevalent payment method for everyday purchases in the near future.

 

Plans for the Digital Euro / The European Central Bank is Advancing Plans

The Ongoing Quest of British Tourists for More Days in Sunny Spain

by | 2/11/23 | News & Views

Despite the ever-changing dynamics of global travel, British tourists remain at the forefront of those gracing the sun-soaked shores of Spain. They don’t just come for visits; a significant number also express a keen interest in having a holiday home in the country. Spain, with its rich culture and beautiful coastlines like Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, heavily relies on these holidaymakers. However, it’s been observed that there’s a gradual dip in the number of British visitors and property enthusiasts. Why, you might ask? It seems the allure of destinations like Cyprus is turning some heads.

A considerable hiccup for Brits, especially those with a penchant for spending the colder months in warmer Spanish climes, is the 90/180 day rule imposed in the Schengen area for Non-EU residents. It restricts them to a mere three months in Spain for every six months. It’s particularly irksome for those wishing to escape the chilly British winter. To add to the woes, those who own properties in managed communities face the brunt of paying full-year community charges but are restricted to use the amenities for just half the year.

This conundrum has given birth to an active Facebook group, ‘180 Days in Spain’. Their mission? To campaign rigorously for the rights of British passport holders. They advocate not just for the opportunity to spend an uninterrupted six months in Spain, but also for relaxed travel to other Schengen countries beyond the current Spanish constraints.

Sign up and add your weight to the challenge.

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