Joe McClain

Contrary to expectations, the busiest air routes in Europe are not connecting any of the continents’ business capitals. They are not connecting Barcelona and Bilbao, as one may suspect, but rather Barcelona and another Mediterranean destination – Palma de Mallorca. With up to 23 flights on both weekdays, allowing for a flight every 45 minutes, three of Spain’s largest carriers – Vueling, Ryanair, and Air Europa – compete with one another for traffic.

From the hajj to Mecca to the local shrine, religious practices are undergoing a transformation as tourism grows and debates rage. It is difficult to talk about overtourism, but the liberalization of travel and the reduction in air fares over the last two decades have facilitated an explosion of tourism, including religious tourism. There is a certain ambiguity in the concept of ‘religious tourism’, as the word tourism implies traveling, while the adjective religious suggests pilgrimage.

Nowadays, business trips involve more than just scheduled appointments. Many workers now add personal time in professional visits, opening fresh paths for German tourism. The "Bleisure & Workation Monitor Germany" reveals these shifts - this report marks the first detailed collaboration on the subject. Nearly half of those traveling for work stay longer to enjoy local offerings. Meanwhile, roughly every fifth traveler opts for structured work-focused vacation plans.