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According to UN Tourism, Urban Tourism is "a type of tourism activity which takes place in an urban space with its inherent attributes characterized by non-agricultural based economy such as administration, manufacturing, trade and services and by being nodal points of transport. Urban/city destinations offer a broad and heterogeneous range of cultural, architectural, technological, social and natural experiences and products for leisure and business".

According to the United Nations, in 2015, 54% of the world’s population lived in urban areas and, by 2030, this share is expected to reach 60%. Along with other key pillars, tourism constitutes a central component in the economy, social life and the geography of many cities in the world and is thus a key element in urban development policies.

Urban tourism can represent a driving force in the development of many cities and countries contributing to the progress of the New Urban Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable . Tourism is intrinsically linked to how a city develops itself and provides more and better living conditions to its residents and visitors.

Fulfilling tourism’s potential as a tool of sustainable and inclusive growth for cities requires a multi-stakeholder and multilevel approach based on close cooperation among tourism and non-tourism administrations at different levels, private sector, local communities and tourists themselves. Likewise, the sustainable development and management of tourism in cities needs to be integrated into the wider urban agenda.

  8th UN Tourism Global Summit on Urban Tourism "Smart Cities, Smart Destinations"   7th UN Tourism Global Summit on Urban Tourism   6th Global Summit on Urban Tourism   5th Global Summit on City Tourism   4th Global Summit on City Tourism   3rd Global Summit on City Tourism   2nd UN TourismGlobal Summit on City Tourism   Global Summit on City Tourism

  UN Tourism Conference on City Breaks: Creating Innovative Tourism Experiences

Mayors Forum for Sustainable Urban Tourism

  3rd edition Mayors Forum for Sustainable Urban Tourism (Madrid)

  2nd edition Mayors Forum for Sustainable Urban Tourism (Porto)   1st edition Mayors Forum for Sustainable Urban Tourism (Lisbon)

Quantifying tourism in city destinations

This joint report of UN Tourism and WTCF assesses the current situation and challenges of tourism data collection and reporting at the city level through the review and analysis of 22 case studies of city destinations covering Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. The analysis will help advance the harmonization of existing data practices in city destinations with the ambition of creating a global database of urban tourism, enabling better understanding and benchmarking of its size, value and impacts, both globally and by region.

UN Tourism Recommendations on Urban Tourism

These recommendations stem from the series of UN Tourism Urban Tourism Summits held since 2012, and the Lisbon Declaration on Sustainable Urban tourism, adopted at the First UN Tourism Mayors Forum for Sustainable Urban Tourism, held in Portugal on 5 April 2019. They also drawn on the research conducted by the UN Tourism Secretariat in the field of urban tourism.

UN Tourism-WTCF City Tourism Performance Research

The UN Tourism/WTCF City Tourism Performance Research brings forward an analysis and evaluation of success stories in urban destinations. The results were collected by experts who applied the methodology created for the initiative through the realization of field visits and interviews of local tourism authorities and the main stakeholders. The publication based on case studies from 15 cities, provides in-depth understanding of each individual city and has the objective to enable other cities to learn from the progress they have achieved in order to enhance their performance, competitiveness and sustainability.

‘Overtourism’? – Understanding and Managing Urban Tourism Growth beyond Perceptions

The management of tourism flows in cities to the benefit of visitors and residents alike is a fundamental issue for the tourism sector. It is critical to understand residents’ attitude towards tourism to ensure the development of successful sustainable tourism strategies. This report analyzes the perception of residents towards tourism in eight European cities – Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Munich, Salzburg and Tallinn – and proposes 11 strategies and 68 measures to help understand and manage visitor’s growth in urban destinations. The implementation of the policy recommendations proposed in this report can advance inclusive and sustainable urban tourism that can contribute to the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.

‘Overtourism’? – Understanding and Managing Urban Tourism Growth beyond Perceptions. Volume 2: Case Studies

This second volume includes 18 case studies across the Americas, Asia and the Pacific and Europe – Amsterdam, Antwerp, Barcelona, Berlin, Besalú, Cambridge, Dubrovnik, Edinburgh, Ghent, Hangzhou, London, Lucerne, Macao (China), New York, Lisbon, Seoul, Porto, Prague and Venice – on how cities are implementing the following eleven strategies: 1. Promote the dispersal of visitors within the city and beyond; 2. Promote time-based dispersal of visitors; 3. Stimulate new visitor itineraries and attractions; 4. Review and adapt regulation; 5. Enhance visitors’ segmentation; 6. Ensure local communities benefit from tourism; 7. Create city experiences that benefit both residents and visitors; 8. Improve city infrastructure and facilities; 9. Communicate with and engage local stakeholders; 10. Communicate with and engage visitors; and 11. Set monitoring and response measures.

Global survey on the perception of residents towards city tourism: impact and measures

This research is a result of a partnership between the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and IPSOS. To better manage the issues arising from the growing tourism demand in urban destinations it is essential to understand resident's experiences and perceptions on city tourism. The research aims at understanding the perception of residents towards city tourism, its impacts, as well as the most adequate strategies to manage the growing tourism flows in cities.

New Business Models in the Accommodation Industry – Benchmarking of Rules and Regulations in the Short-term Rental Market

Several factors explain the growth of the so-called “sharing economy” in the tourism sector over recent years, including the 2010 global economic crisis, digitalization and new trends in travellers’ behaviour and preferences. This growth has been particularly notable in the accommodation industry. With the emergence of online platforms for short-term rentals, the market has been expanding at an unprecedented rate.

Building upon UN Tourism’s 2017 publication New Platform Tourism Services (or the so-called Sharing Economy) – Understand, Rethink and Adapt, this report provides an analysis and benchmarking of 21 case studies in terms of the rules and regulations applied to the short-term rental market, focusing on three key areas: 1) fair competition; 2) consumer protection; and 3) planning and sustainability.

• Tianjin Workshop, 2 September 2017
• Buenos Aires Workshop, 26 September 2017

TRAVEL BLOG

TRAVEL STORIES & ADVENTURES

Journalistic reports from around the world….

  In addition to our streetwise city guides , to all of the best city break destinations in the world, Urban Travel Blog’s collective of on-the-ground travel writers constantly update our blog with a number of regular and special features. Read on and be inspired not just to love – but to live – the city.

REGULAR FEATURES

Experiences.

At Urban Travel Blog we prefer to experience a city, than simply see it. In these regular features our travel writers report on some of the most exciting, fun and/or insightful experiences on offer in urban locations around the world. Read up on exploring Krakow in a Communist era Trabant , ghost tours of London town , Berlin’s balmy beach bars and much more!

The Painting’s On The Wall: New York Graffiti Tour Meets, Shoots & Leaves: Photo Dating in London Some Like It Hot: Budapest’s Thermal Baths That’s The Spirit: Whiskey Tasting in Edinburgh The Bullets Rain: Urban Gaming in London

More adventures in our Experiences category .

Travel needn’t mean performing a tick-box circuit of centuries-old cathedrals and ‘must-see’ museums. With our regular Trends features, Urban Travel Blog aims to lift the lid on the latest fads, fashions and crazes on the continent and beyond to give you something worth flying for. From ‘Glamping’ in Alicante to Turbo Golf in Warsaw we’ll keep you on the cutting edge of travel.

The Inside Story: The Rise of Prison Tourism in Bolivia & Beyond Here Today, Gone Tomorrow: London’s Pop Up Restaurants & Bars Bloc Rockin’ Beats: Festivals for Thirty Somethings The New Klezmers of Krakow: A Jewish Folk Music Makeover in Poland

More adventures in our Trends category .

One Blurry Night in… (Nightlife)

Whereas most nightlife features are written by geriatric walking-stick touting travel writers, based on a bit of local hearsay or an out-of-date guidebook, we are going straight for the jugular with our series of nocturnal adventures in cities around Europe and the world! Our brave reporters aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, and their livers damaged, as they drop in on the hippest hotspots, fearlessly imbibe the regional poisons and engage the locals in conversation (and more if possible!), all in the name of nightlife journalism. From boozy nights in Williamsburg New York , to raving it up in Ljubljana’s Metelkova zone , we’ve been there, done that, and possibly puked down our T-shirt.

One Blurry Night in Amsterdam One Blurry Night in Luxembourg One Blurry Night in Madrid

More nocturnal adventures in our Nightlife category .

Few things excite an Urban Travel Blogger like the promise of a great festival, and in these first hand reports we delve straight into some of the best events and happenings around the world. And by festival we don’t just mean just mega-fiestas like Sziget on Buda Island , but also uncovering bizarre local traditions that have survived the ages, such the Procession of the Serpents in Cocullo , as well as checking out the ever evolving music and culture festivals that take place in every major city around the world, always with their own twist and distinct local character.

Budapest Essentials Festival Carnival in Olinda, Brazil Burning Man in Black Rock Desert

More reports in our festivals category .

Top Five…

Every city has its unique selling points and specialties – and we propose to celebrate them! In our regular Top Five slot, our travel writers cut to the chase and dish the dirt on the very best… microbreweries in Prague , rooftops bars in Madrid, organic markets in Amsterdam, beer gardens in Bristol, bizarre statues in Vilnius and more.

Top Five Modernista Marvels in Barcelona Top Five Weird Treasures in London Top Five Pierogi Restaurants in Krakow Top Five Quirky Attractions in Paris Top Five Ice Rinks in London

More essential travel compilations in our Top Fives category .

Photo Stories

Often even the most talented wordsmith can’t paint the mood and the magic of a new place the way a trained lens can. In our photo essays we publish travel photography that captures the essence of a specific place, street, time or aspect of our city wanderings: such as the spectacular Correfoc (“fire runs”) of Catalonia or the faded allure of Porto’s weary portals .

Potraits of the Traders at Sofia’s Women’s Market Photos of Ko Panyi, Thailand’s Floating Village New York’s High Line Park in Pictures Nashville’s Honky Tonk Row in Neon Lights

More photographic journeys in our Photo Stories category .

Sometimes we not only need a city break, but we need a break from the city. In our Escape series we highlight some amazing locations and places to stay where we can unwind for the weekend or longer. If it’s recuperation more than excitement you seek, check out the following.

Ibiza Under The Covers: The Romantic Side of the White Isle Fuerteventura & The Winds of Fortune Visiting Prangli & The Islands of Estonia

Click for all features in our Escape category .

Special Features

As well as our regular features above, Urban Travel Blog also publishes special features covering diverse travel destinations , hot topics and anything else our team of bloggers encounter as they roam around the globe.

101 Dalmations: Croatia Island Hopping Make For The Monasteries: Cycling Breaks in Armenia Bartitsu: The Gentleman’s Martial Art The Colombian Coffee Revolution in Bogota Bucharest’s Magical Book Shops

More travel reports in our Special Features category .

TRAVEL GUIDES

City guides.

To complement our stories and adventures we also publish insider guides , to our favourite urban hotspots, perfect for planning a long weekend in the city. You can browse alphabetically via continent on our city breaks page , which we update frequently.

District Guides

And, for the truly dedicated city slicker, we’re also now publishing “In The Zone” District Guides for a more in depth look at uberhip barrios like Kreuzberg in Berlin , Gazi in Athens and Le Marais in Paris . If you’ve seen the sights already, and just want to hang out Bohemian style like a hip local make sure you bookmark these neighbourhood reports!

Secret Sevens

Another category that takes you deep into the metropolis, this time by suggesting seven amazing things to see and do, that are firmly off the beaten track. Perfect for those visiting a city for the second time, or anyone tired of the circus, tickets and queues of mass tourism. Check out our recommendations in Berlin , London , Rome and Athens .

To keep up to date with our latest posts and news your best option is to subscribe to our newsletter, which is a brief bulletin of all our latest stories dispatched to your inbox roughly once every two weeks. Alternatively you can find us on Facebook , or follow us on Twitter . The Editor also scribbles a few words about the latest goings on at Urban Travel Blog every couple of months in his From The Editor column , whilst we also give our industry partners and friends a voice in our Travel Info section .

If you are a travel writer (published or aspiring) with a great idea for a feature, then pitch your proposal to the [email protected] along with a short bio/CV and some samples of your work.

For more recommended reading see our list of favourite travel websites and blogs .

Sadly, as we expand and sometimes change our focus, we’ve had to discontinue some strands of our reporting. For example our Eco/Travel section and our On The Road adventures. Boo hoo, I enjoyed publishing many of these stories. I link to them here so that interested parties can read them and so that they remain indexed with our friends at Google and other search engines. However as of right now there are no plans to continue with these sections of the blog.

Green Light (Discontinued)

Climate change and global awareness are already having a major impact on the way we travel, and that is set to increase as saving the planet becomes everyone’s top priority. In our Green Light features we will investigate some of the ways we can travel and look after Mother Earth simultaneously, be it working on dolphin reserves in Croatia or staying in subsistence farms in Greece. We also speak to some of the people making a difference around the world.

Reef Encounter: Conversation Work in Tobago Sowing the Seeds of Anarchy: Guerilla Gardening in London

More environmentally-friendly adventures in our Green & Eco Travel category .

On The Road (Discontinued)

Our On The Road series of posts are diary-style journals that chronicle the (mis)adventures of our team as they set out on the open road with little but their wits and an out-of-date Lonely Planet to guide them. All On The Road posts here .

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March 1, 2023

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America on the move: How urban travel has changed over a decade

by Florida Atlantic University

A new Florida Atlantic University study on America's urban travel trends shows important variations in travel behaviors across income, home ownership, ethnicity, gender, age, and life-cycle stages. The sixth in a series of studies compared changes in travel modes, trip frequency, trip distance and vehicle ownership among a range of socioeconomic groups using nationwide travel survey data since 1977.

The most notable trend, published in the journal Transportation Research Part D , reveals that although private automobiles continue to be the dominant travel mode in American cities, the share of car trips has slightly and steadily decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, the share of transit, non-motorized, and taxicab (including ride-hailing) trips has steadily increased.

The lowest income group ( household income less than $25,000), who were more likely to be minorities and without cars, were heavily reliant on transit—especially buses—to fulfill their mobility needs. Their daily trip frequencies and daily miles traveled were considerably lower than those of higher income groups. Mobility challenges in this income group were more severe in small and mid-size cities, where the supply of transit is more limited than large cities.

"Examining differences in travel patterns can help policy makers to better evaluate the effects of existing transportation services and infrastructure developments, to identify the sub-groups that deserve special attention for future transport plans, and to design more sustainable and equitable transport policies at local, state and federal levels," said John L. Renne, Ph.D., co-author, professor and director, Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions (CUES) in FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Among the study findings:

• Non-Hispanic whites are the most auto-oriented ethnicity group, with 81.5 percent of their trips by automobile, followed by Hispanics with 80.2 percent of their trips by automobile.
• Hispanics are higher in carpooling (48 percent of their total trips), compared to non-Hispanic whites (41.3 percent).
• Blacks were the highest in bus transit trips (5.8 percent), and Asians were the highest in rail transit trips (2.2 percent). Asians also had the highest share of non-motorized trips (17.7 percent); Hispanics had the lowest share of non-motorized trips (13.1 percent).
• Females had slightly higher shares of automobile trips than males (80.6 percent vs. 78.7 percent); specifically, females had a higher share of carpools than males (45.2 percent vs. 39.6 percent), and males had a higher share of solo driving than females (39.1 percent vs. 35.4 percent). Males have higher shares of bicycle trips than females (1.6 percent vs. 0.7 percent).
• Non-motorized trips for whites and blacks are comparable (about 14 percent), however, whites had a much higher share of cycling trips than blacks (1.3 percent vs. 0.5 percent, respectively).
• Although the share of taxicab trips was comparable across different racial profiles, it was lowest among whites, at 0.5 percent.
• For homeowners, from 2009 to 2017, solo driving trips decreased from 42.3 percent to 40.1 percent, and carpooling trips increased from 43.8 percent to 44.7 percent. Renters exhibited the opposite trend: solo driving trips increased from 30.5 percent to 32.1 percent, and carpooling trips decreased from 41.6 percent to 38.8 percent.
• The average miles traveled per day for the lowest income group was 36 percent lower (14.3 miles vs. 19.5 miles) than the second-lowest income group ($25,000 -$49,999).
• The highest income group made 31.4 percent of the total peak-hour transit trips but only 22.1 percent of the non-peak-hour transit trips; the lowest income group made only 28.7 percent of the peak-hour transit trips but 43 percent of the total non-peak-hour transit trips.
• Most older adults heavily relied on driving and are not regular transit patrons, ride-hailing users, or cyclists.

Renne and Xize Yang, Ph.D., co-author, National University of Singapore, suggest many different factors may be contributing to this general trend of "peak and decline." These include robust transit and non-motorized infrastructures in urban neighborhoods and college towns, higher gasoline prices, and the rise of online retailers such as Amazon and Uber Eats as well as shared mobility such as ride-hailing, bike and scooter sharing.

In addition, working from home and flexible working schedules have been gaining popularity. The share of Americans working from home increased from 3.3 percent in 2000 to 4.3 percent in 2009, and 5.2 percent in 2017. The researchers suggest post-covid American cities will see further increases in the share of working-from-home arrangements.

"Our study suggests that certain factors make automobile use particularly dominant in America. These include some combination of households earning more than $25,000, owning a home, owning two or more vehicles, and having children result in a strong propensity to use an automobile for the vast majority of trips," said Renne.

Researchers used the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), which is the most recent nationally representative travel survey in the U.S. It was first released in 2018 and then updated in 2019 and 2020. They compared these variations in the 2017 NHTS with its predecessors, the Nationwide Personal Transportation Surveys (NPTS) in 1969, 1977, 1983, 1990 and 1995; and the NHTS in 2001 and 2009 based on earlier studies in this series.

Provided by Florida Atlantic University

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Sizing Up the Rural-Urban Travel Divide: Who’s Up and Who’s Down

Remote U.S. destinations, where social distancing is easier, are generally faring better than cities, which are trying hard to get a bigger share of the leisure crowd.

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By Elaine Glusac

The pandemic has been hard on travel. According to the U.S. Travel Association, it has caused $386 billion in cumulative losses , but the pain hasn’t been evenly distributed. Cities, which are largely reliant on business and group travel, have suffered more compared to rural and outdoor destinations where it is easier to fulfill social-distancing needs. That sense of safety in extra space has tempted many leisure travelers to venture out on vacation.

Lodging results attest to the urban-rural divide. Short-term rentals were most popular in remote rather than city destinations this summer. According to the hotel benchmarking analysts STR, Inc., urban hotels are worse off compared to accommodations elsewhere, with occupancy down more than half in August nationally compared to August 2019. As a result, high-profile city hotels, from the Hilton Times Square in New York City to the Luxe Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Calif., have closed.

“Leisure travel has been the demand driver that has returned more quickly,” said Patrick Mayock, the vice president of research and development at STR, noting that urban hotels “are more reliant on group and business travel.”

The rural-versus-urban contest for leisure travelers is still a losing game for most contenders; for example, rural places consider being down 20 percent a sign of relative health.

Expect the rivalry to intensify, even as most states maintain restrictions on gatherings. In the eighth of a series of surveys, the travel marketing firm MMGY Travel Intelligence recently found 42 percent of the 1,200 Americans surveyed — the highest since the pandemic — are likely to take a domestic leisure trip in the next six months. Cities are now rolling out staycation programs, discount incentives and safety assurances to try to claim a bigger share of that traffic.

The following is a look at some of the destinations hit hardest and those that have bounced back.

Viva Las Vegas? Not so much.

Some of the biggest convention cities are suffering the most, including Las Vegas , where year-over-year visitor volume was down more than 60 percent to 1.4 million in July, and where the airport was off about the same amount in August, the most recent months for which figures are available.

Conventions, which have been scratched for the last six months, drew 6.6 million of the city’s 42.5 million visitors in 2019, generating $6.6 billion. With gatherings limited to 250, football fans are shut out of the new stadium built for the Raiders , the N.F.L. team that moved to Las Vegas from Oakland, Calif., this season.

With a tack to leisure travel only, hotels and tourism operators are reframing their approaches. MGM Resorts, which operates some of the best-known resorts on the Strip, including the Bellagio, began offering work-from-hotel packages, called “ Viva Las Office ,” starting around $100, including Wi-Fi and some food and beverage credits. The company is also gambling that visitors will appreciate smoke-free casinos; its Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas hotels, which occupy the same building and reopened Sept. 30, are smoke free.

“Everything was convention-based and now it’s changed and we have to adapt,” said Donald Contursi, the founder of the local restaurant tour company Lip Smacking Foodie Tours, which launched Finger Licking Foodie Tours , self-guided outings to three restaurants ($79).

Ever the chameleon, Las Vegas continues to develop its leisure appeal, even though the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that several casinos on the Strip were the leading sources of possible Covid-19 exposures this summer. At the end of the month, the new Circa Resort & Casino , with the city’s largest sports book spread across three stories, is expected to open. The new art and event space AREA15 recently opened, requiring free reservations to control capacity, for visitors to its art installations.

Another popular city for meetings and events, Miami has come a long way since April, when 85 percent of tourism disappeared. In addition to losing business travel, Miami suffered when the United States border was closed — the city is popular with South Americans, in particular — cruises were shut down and cases of Covid-19 spiked over the summer. Now, hotel sales are about half compared to last year, thanks to the uptick in leisure travel.

“A big part of our tourism recovery has been to ask people in our own backyard, people within Florida, to drive,” said Rolando Aedo, the chief operating officer of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The bureau’s marketing campaign has focused on the city’s outdoor attractions, which include three national parks within an hour’s drive of South Beach, uncrowded beaches on Key Biscayne and kayaking amid the mangroves of a river estuary. Dozens of hotels are offering “Work & Learn” packages that offer rooms as day-use offices with access to resort amenities such as pools.

Cities roll out the welcome mat for residents

Back in January, when Dallas resident Murphey Sears, 38, planned to mark her 10th wedding anniversary, she and her husband discussed going abroad, or to Hawaii. By July, the parents of four secured grandparent babysitters and settled on a two-night staycation at The Joule Dallas hotel downtown.

“We needed to get away not only to celebrate ourselves but also to find some rejuvenation,” said Ms. Sears, a nonprofit development officer. “We felt so far away, even though it was 15 minutes from our house.”

Once a weekend afterthought, staycations are now viewed as a lifeline for urban tourism as cities from Boston to Los Angeles are encouraging residents to travel responsibly by staying — and spending — locally.

“We’ve had to shift to really focus on leisure travel until the meetings industry stabilizes,” said David Whitaker, the president and chief executive of Choose Chicago , which promotes travel in the city, adding that conventions normally drive 40 percent of hotel business.

In a weekly survey of 1,200 Americans published Sept. 28, the marketing firm Destination Analysts found that interest in leisure travel in local communities was at 44.5 percent, the highest it had been since mid-March, partially driven by a fear of flying.

While the 1,544-room Hilton Chicago, a large convention hotel, is currently closed, on weekends, the 180-room Viceroy Chicago has been filling nearly 80 percent of its rooms entirely with regional residents who self-park, as valet service is suspended. The rooftop pool, where capacity is restricted to 25 for two-hour slots, has been a big attraction.

“We have adjusted some of our strategies and we’re just super thankful to see there’s that much leisure travel going on,” said Nienke Oosting, the hotel’s general manager.

Locals are a critical market in cities like Chicago and New York City that have extensive quarantine lists for out-of-staters, deterring nonresidents. In New York state, as of Sept. 29, visitors from 34 states and territories are advised to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

The tourism office NYC & Company is encouraging New Yorkers to explore the city’s neighborhoods with incentives that include up to 40 percent off rooms at the Benjamin hotel in Midtown and 20 percent off Harlem Heritage Tours , which offers walking trips. Amal Daghestani, 43, of Brooklyn, who works in meeting and event planning, chose the Mondrian Park Avenue hotel for a weekend stay with her family as a change of scenery and an expression of civic pride.

“New York City has enriched my life so much and doing a staycation was also my way of giving back,” she said.

Mixed results in Colorado

In July and August, Denver International Airport said it was the busiest airport in the country, relatively speaking, pointing to Transportation Security Administration checkpoint figures that showed traffic was down 57 percent, versus 71 percent on average elsewhere.

But arriving passengers didn’t necessarily go to Denver, where the current hotel occupancy rate is about 40 percent; last year at this time, 78 percent of rooms were booked. Instead, cities like Denver, along with Las Vegas, often serve as gateways to more distant vacations. Though visitor figures are down in both cities, Priceline found that Denver was also the top city for car rentals this fall, followed by Las Vegas; the pre-pandemic top cities were Orlando and Los Angeles.

“It’s important to understand that Denver is the gateway for the whole Rocky Mountain West,” said Cathy Ritter, the director of the Colorado Tourism Office. Since early March, travel spending in Colorado dropped to $5 billion, compared to $12 billion for the same period last year. “The activity in mountain resorts over the summer created almost an illusion that tourism had recovered in our state,” she added.

Colorado captures the deceiving nature of tourism spending. Though they loom large, the state’s celebrated mountain towns like Aspen and Crested Butte account for just a quarter of tourism spending. Sixty percent remains in eastern communities, including Denver and smaller cities that attract business and event travelers.

Given the slowdown, tourism officials in Colorado Springs consider themselves lucky to be down about 22 percent in July and August. A “ Get Out Spread Out ” campaign publicized lesser-known hiking trails to ensure social distancing.

“Coloradans were here, but so were Texans, Arizonans, Californians,” said Doug Price, the president and chief executive of Visit Colorado Springs, naming residents of states subject to quarantines elsewhere. “Where a spike was happening, people wanted to get out. Colorado never had restrictions or quarantines on people coming to Colorado. It helped us.”

Some of those Denver arrivals may have traveled to Breckenridge, about 80 miles west, where the town’s taxable sales were behind 18 percent relative to last year, “much better than expected,” said Lucy Kay, the president and chief executive of the Breckenridge Tourism Office.

The lure of space and social distance

Most of those who have taken a vacation since the pandemic chose rural over urban areas for their getaways. Signs point to this pattern of fleeing population centers continuing. In a recent survey, Destination Analysts found nearly 40 percent of respondents who planned to travel this fall planned to visit small towns or rural destinations.

From the Adirondacks to northern Wisconsin, tourism authorities reported business doubling this summer over last. Even so, few will make up for the months of shutdown.

In the Greater Zion region in southwest Utah, which covers more than 2,400 square miles and includes Zion National Park and four state parks, room taxes are down $1.5 million from a year ago, though the last three months have been busier than usual, according to Kevin Lewis, the director of the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office.

“In the past, leisure travel has been thought out and strategic about planning a big national park vacation and spending three to four days here,” he said. “This seems a little more reactionary, wanting to find space but doing it at the last minute.”

Beaches were top destinations over the summer as demonstrated in Panama Beach City in the Florida Panhandle. There, traffic was back to pre-pandemic expectations in June and July. August and September surpassed 2019 results.

“We feel it will continue next year,” said Dan Rowe, the chief executive and president of Visit Panama Beach, predicting that socially distant vacations will remain the norm.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

An earlier version of this article misstated the name of a travel marketing firm. It is MMGY Travel Intelligence, not MMGY Myriad.

How we handle corrections

America on the move: How urban travel has changed over a decade

Study shows variations, trends in nationwide urban travel behaviors among range of socioeconomic groups.

A new Florida Atlantic University study on America's urban travel trends shows important variations in travel behaviors across income, home ownership, ethnicity, gender, age, and life-cycle stages. The sixth in a series of studies compared changes in travel modes, trip frequency, trip distance and vehicle ownership among a range of socioeconomic groups using nationwide travel survey data since 1977.

The most notable trend, published in the journal Transportation Research Part D , reveals that although private automobiles continue to be the dominant travel mode in American cities, the share of car trips has slightly and steadily decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, the share of transit, non-motorized, and taxicab (including ride-hailing) trips has steadily increased.

The lowest income group (household income less than $25,000), who were more likely to be minorities and without cars, were heavily reliant on transit -- especially buses -- to fulfill their mobility needs. Their daily trip frequencies and daily miles traveled were considerably lower than those of higher income groups. Mobility challenges in this income group were more severe in small and mid-size cities, where the supply of transit is more limited than large cities.

"Examining differences in travel patterns can help policy makers to better evaluate the effects of existing transportation services and infrastructure developments, to identify the sub-groups that deserve special attention for future transport plans, and to design more sustainable and equitable transport policies at local, state and federal levels," said John L. Renne, Ph.D., co-author, professor and director, Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions (CUES) in FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

Among the study findings:

• Non-Hispanic whites are the most auto-oriented ethnicity group, with 81.5 percent of their trips by automobile, followed by Hispanics with 80.2 percent of their trips by automobile.
• Hispanics are higher in carpooling (48 percent of their total trips), compared to non-Hispanic whites (41.3 percent).
• Blacks were the highest in bus transit trips (5.8 percent), and Asians were the highest in rail transit trips (2.2 percent). Asians also had the highest share of non-motorized trips (17.7 percent); Hispanics had the lowest share of non-motorized trips (13.1 percent).
• Females had slightly higher shares of automobile trips than males (80.6 percent vs. 78.7 percent); specifically, females had a higher share of carpools than males (45.2 percent vs. 39.6 percent), and males had a higher share of solo driving than females (39.1 percent vs. 35.4 percent). Males have higher shares of bicycle trips than females (1.6 percent vs. 0.7 percent).
• Non-motorized trips for whites and blacks are comparable (about 14 percent), however, whites had a much higher share of cycling trips than blacks (1.3 percent vs. 0.5 percent, respectively).
• Although the share of taxicab trips was comparable across different racial profiles, it was lowest among whites, at 0.5 percent.
• For homeowners, from 2009 to 2017, solo driving trips decreased from 42.3 percent to 40.1 percent, and carpooling trips increased from 43.8 percent to 44.7 percent. Renters exhibited the opposite trend: solo driving trips increased from 30.5 percent to 32.1 percent, and carpooling trips decreased from 41.6 percent to 38.8 percent.
• The average miles traveled per day for the lowest income group was 36 percent lower (14.3 miles vs. 19.5 miles) than the second-lowest income group ($25,000 -$49,999).
• The highest income group made 31.4 percent of the total peak-hour transit trips but only 22.1 percent of the non-peak-hour transit trips; the lowest income group made only 28.7 percent of the peak-hour transit trips but 43 percent of the total non-peak-hour transit trips.
• Most older adults heavily relied on driving and are not regular transit patrons, ride-hailing users, or cyclists.

Renne and Xize Yang, Ph.D., co-author, National University of Singapore, suggest many different factors may be contributing to this general trend of "peak and decline." These include robust transit and non-motorized infrastructures in urban neighborhoods and college towns, higher gasoline prices, and the rise of online retailers such as Amazon and Uber Eats as well as shared mobility such as ride-hailing, bike and scooter sharing.

In addition, working from home and flexible working schedules have been gaining popularity. The share of Americans working from home increased from 3.3 percent in 2000 to 4.3 percent in 2009, and 5.2 percent in 2017. The researchers suggest post-covid American cities will see further increases in the share of working-from-home arrangements.

"Our study suggests that certain factors make automobile use particularly dominant in America. These include some combination of households earning more than $25,000, owning a home, owning two or more vehicles, and having children result in a strong propensity to use an automobile for the vast majority of trips," said Renne.

Researchers used the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), which is the most recent nationally representative travel survey in the U.S. It was first released in 2018 and then updated in 2019 and 2020. They compared these variations in the 2017 NHTS with its predecessors, the Nationwide Personal Transportation Surveys (NPTS) in 1969, 1977, 1983, 1990 and 1995; and the NHTS in 2001 and 2009 based on earlier studies in this series.

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Journal Reference :

• Xize Wang, John L. Renne. Socioeconomics of urban travel in the U.S.: Evidence from the 2017 NHTS . Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment , 2023; 116: 103622 DOI: 10.1016/j.trd.2023.103622

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America on the Move: How Urban Travel Has Changed Over a Decade

Study shows variations, trends in nationwide urban travel behaviors among range of socioeconomic groups.

America’s urban travel trends show important variations in travel behaviors across income, home ownership, ethnicity, gender, age, and life-cycle stages.

Newswise — A new Florida Atlantic University study on America’s urban travel trends shows important variations in travel behaviors across income, home ownership, ethnicity, gender, age, and life-cycle stages. The sixth in a series of studies compared changes in travel modes, trip frequency, trip distance and vehicle ownership among a range of socioeconomic groups using nationwide travel survey data since 1977. 

The most notable trend, published in the journal Transportation Research Part D , reveals that although private automobiles continue to be the dominant travel mode in American cities, the share of car trips has slightly and steadily decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, the share of transit, non-motorized, and taxicab (including ride-hailing) trips has steadily increased. 

The lowest income group (household income less than $25,000), who were more likely to be minorities and without cars, were heavily reliant on transit – especially buses – to fulfill their mobility needs. Their daily trip frequencies and daily miles traveled were considerably lower than those of higher income groups. Mobility challenges in this income group were more severe in small and mid-size cities, where the supply of transit is more limited than large cities.

“Examining differences in travel patterns can help policy makers to better evaluate the effects of existing transportation services and infrastructure developments, to identify the sub-groups that deserve special attention for future transport plans, and to design more sustainable and equitable transport policies at local, state and federal levels,” said John L. Renne , Ph.D., co-author, professor and director, Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions (CUES) in FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science .

Among the study findings: 

• Non-Hispanic whites are the most auto-oriented ethnicity group, with 81.5 percent of their trips by automobile, followed by Hispanics with 80.2 percent of their trips by automobile.
• Hispanics are higher in carpooling (48 percent of their total trips), compared to non-Hispanic whites (41.3 percent).
• Blacks were the highest in bus transit trips (5.8 percent), and Asians were the highest in rail transit trips (2.2 percent). Asians also had the highest share of non-motorized trips (17.7 percent); Hispanics had the lowest share of non-motorized trips (13.1 percent).
• Females had slightly higher shares of automobile trips than males (80.6 percent vs. 78.7 percent); specifically, females had a higher share of carpools than males (45.2 percent vs. 39.6 percent), and males had a higher share of solo driving than females (39.1 percent vs. 35.4 percent). Males have higher shares of bicycle trips than females (1.6 percent vs. 0.7 percent).
• Non-motorized trips for whites and blacks are comparable (about 14 percent), however, whites had a much higher share of cycling trips than blacks (1.3 percent vs. 0.5 percent, respectively).
• Although the share of taxicab trips was comparable across different racial profiles, it was lowest among whites, at 0.5 percent.
• For homeowners, from 2009 to 2017, solo driving trips decreased from 42.3 percent to 40.1 percent, and carpooling trips increased from 43.8 percent to 44.7 percent. Renters exhibited the opposite trend: solo driving trips increased from 30.5 percent to 32.1 percent, and carpooling trips decreased from 41.6 percent to 38.8 percent.
• The average miles traveled per day for the lowest income group was 36 percent lower (14.3 miles vs. 19.5 miles) than the second-lowest income group ($25,000 -$49,999).
• The highest income group made 31.4 percent of the total peak-hour transit trips but only 22.1 percent of the non-peak-hour transit trips; the lowest income group made only 28.7 percent of the peak-hour transit trips but 43 percent of the total non-peak-hour transit trips.
• Most older adults heavily relied on driving and are not regular transit patrons, ride-hailing users, or cyclists.

Renne and Xize Yang, Ph.D., co-author, National University of Singapore, suggest many different factors may be contributing to this general trend of “peak and decline.” These include robust transit and non-motorized infrastructures in urban neighborhoods and college towns, higher gasoline prices, and the rise of online retailers such as Amazon and Uber Eats as well as shared mobility such as ride-hailing, bike and scooter sharing. 

In addition, working from home and flexible working schedules have been gaining popularity. The share of Americans working from home increased from 3.3 percent in 2000 to 4.3 percent in 2009, and 5.2 percent in 2017. The researchers suggest post-covid American cities will see further increases in the share of working-from-home arrangements.

“Our study suggests that certain factors make automobile use particularly dominant in America. These include some combination of households earning more than $25,000, owning a home, owning two or more vehicles, and having children result in a strong propensity to use an automobile for the vast majority of trips," said Renne.

Researchers used the 2017 National Household Travel Survey (NHTS), which is the most recent nationally representative travel survey in the U.S. It was first released in 2018 and then updated in 2019 and 2020. They compared these variations in the 2017 NHTS with its predecessors, the Nationwide Personal Transportation Surveys (NPTS) in 1969, 1977, 1983, 1990 and 1995; and the NHTS in 2001 and 2009 based on earlier studies in this series.

About Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, FAU embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit  www.fau.edu .

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Passing Thru Travel

Exploring 10 Cities Around the World by Bike – Pedal-Powered Discoveries 2024

Posted: February 25, 2024 | Last updated: February 25, 2024

Sustainable city cycling tours offer an eco-friendly and intimate way to explore urban landscapes. These tours allow you to navigate through the heart of cities, often uncovering hidden gems that are not accessible by car or bus. From the bustling streets of Amsterdam to the historic lanes of Kyoto, cycling tours provide a unique perspective on city life, culture, and architecture. This guide takes you on a two-wheeled journey through some of the best cities in the world to explore by bike, each offering a distinct and memorable experience.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

In Amsterdam, cycling is more than a mode of transport; it’s a way of life. The city’s flat terrain, dedicated bike lanes, and respectful traffic culture make it ideal for exploring on two wheels. A bike tour here lets you experience the city like a local, weaving through historic canals, past iconic windmills, and through vibrant neighborhoods like the Jordaan. You’ll discover hidden courtyards and bustling marketplaces and perhaps pause for a coffee at a canal-side café. Cycling in Amsterdam offers a blend of leisure and exploration, allowing you to cover more ground than walking while enjoying the city’s sights up close.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Jordaan neighborhood to glimpse local Amsterdam life away from the tourist crowds.

When To Travel: Late spring to early fall offers pleasant weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The city center is easily accessible by train, and bike rentals are widely available.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s reputation as a bike-friendly city is well-earned. Its extensive network of bike lanes and the Danish culture of cycling make it a joy to explore on two wheels. A bike tour in Copenhagen might include the historic Nyhavn harbor, the whimsical Tivoli Gardens, and the modern architecture of the Ørestad district. Riding through Copenhagen, you’ll experience the city’s commitment to sustainability and quality of life. The tour is not just about seeing the sights; it’s about feeling the city’s pulse and understanding why Copenhagen is often ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world.

Insider’s Tip: Ride through the Assistens Cemetery, a peaceful and beautiful park where famous Danes like Hans Christian Andersen are buried.

When To Travel: May to September for the best cycling weather.

How To Get There: Copenhagen Airport is well-connected internationally, with easy public transport access to the city center.

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s rich history and vibrant culture make it a fascinating city to explore by bike. The city’s flat landscape and comprehensive network of bike paths allow for easy and safe navigation. A cycling tour in Berlin can take you through the remnants of the Berlin Wall, the lush expanses of the Tiergarten, and the bustling squares of Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz.

Along the way, you’ll encounter street art, historic landmarks, and the eclectic mix of modern and traditional architecture that defines Berlin. Cycling here offers a unique perspective on the city’s past and present, connecting you with its stories and spirit.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport turned public park, for a unique cycling experience.

When To Travel: Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.

How To Get There: Two airports serve Berlin, with excellent public transportation links to the city center.

4. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, with its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and tranquil gardens, is a city steeped in history. Exploring Kyoto by bike allows you to move at your own pace, visit famous sites like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and discover hidden alleys and local neighborhoods. Cycling in Kyoto is a journey through time, where modern streets give way to historic districts, and each turn brings a new discovery. The city’s respect for tradition and nature makes it a uniquely serene urban cycling experience.

Insider’s Tip: Take a detour to the Philosopher’s Path, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

When To Travel: Spring for cherry blossoms and fall for colorful foliage.

How To Get There: Fly into Kansai International Airport and take a train or bus to Kyoto. Bike rentals are readily available throughout the city.

5. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s diverse landscape, from Gothic architecture in the old city to modernist landmarks and Mediterranean beaches, makes it an exhilarating city to explore by bike. A cycling tour here can take you through the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, along the vibrant Las Ramblas, and to the famous Sagrada Familia. You’ll experience the city’s artistic flair and lively atmosphere firsthand. Cycling in Barcelona is not just about sightseeing; it’s about immersing yourself in the city’s dynamic culture and enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Insider’s Tip: Cycle up to Montjuic for panoramic views of the city and the sea.

When To Travel: Late spring and early fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.

How To Get There: Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the main gateway, with easy transport options to the city center.

6. Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland’s reputation as one of America’s most bike-friendly cities is evident in its extensive bike lanes and trails network. A bike tour in Portland can include the vibrant downtown area, the serene Waterfront Park, and the quirky neighborhoods that give the city its unique character. With stops at local markets, artisan coffee shops, and craft breweries, you’ll discover Portland’s commitment to sustainability and community. Cycling in Portland is an opportunity to experience the city’s green ethos and creative spirit up close.

Insider’s Tip: Check out the Eastbank Esplanade for a scenic ride along the river.

When To Travel: Summer for the best weather and numerous cycling events.

How To Get There: Fly into Portland International Airport. The city center is easily accessible by public transport, and bike rentals are available throughout Portland.

7. Montreal, Canada

Montreal combines the charm of a French village with the energy of a cosmopolitan city, and exploring it by bike allows you to experience this blend firsthand. A cycling tour in Montreal might include the historic streets of Old Montreal, the bustling Atwater Market, and the scenic Lachine Canal. The city’s bike paths, like the Route Verte, make navigating easy and safe. Cycling in Montreal offers a unique way to experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene.

Insider’s Tip: Ride to the top of Mount Royal for a stunning view of the city.

When To Travel: Late spring to early fall for the best cycling conditions.

How To Get There: Montreal-Trudeau Airport is the main entry point, with good public transportation options to the city.

8. San Francisco, California, USA

San Francisco’s iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods make it a fascinating city to explore by bike. Despite its famous hills, there are plenty of flat and scenic routes, especially along the waterfront and the city’s many parks. A bike tour in San Francisco might include the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square. Cycling here allows you to experience the city’s unique blend of natural beauty, urban culture, and innovative spirit.

Insider’s Tip: Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and take the ferry back for a unique experience.

When To Travel: Late spring and early fall offer the most comfortable weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into San Francisco International Airport. The city is well-connected by public transport, and bike rentals are widely available.

9. Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s grand imperial history and vibrant contemporary culture are best experienced on a bike. The city’s extensive network of bike paths takes you past historic palaces, through charming neighborhoods, and along the blue Danube. A bike tour in Vienna might include the Hofburg Palace, the Prater amusement park, and the trendy districts of Neubau and Mariahilf. Cycling in Vienna is a journey through a city that seamlessly blends its past with the present.

Insider’s Tip: Take a leisurely ride in the Prater, a large public park with a long, tree-lined main avenue perfect for cycling.

When To Travel: Spring and early fall offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

How To Get There: Vienna International Airport is the main gateway, with excellent public transportation links to the city center.

10. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne’s eclectic mix of art, culture, and cuisine makes it an exciting city to discover by bike. A cycling tour here can include the artsy laneways, beautiful parks like the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the vibrant beachside suburb of St Kilda. Melbourne’s flat terrain and well-developed bike paths make it easy to navigate, and you’ll quickly discover why it’s often ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Yarra River trail for scenic views and a peaceful ride away from the city bustle.

When To Travel: Fall (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer the best weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into Melbourne Airport. The city has a comprehensive public transport system, and bike hire is readily available.

The Bottom Line

Exploring cities by bike offers a unique perspective on urban landscapes and promotes a sustainable and healthy way of traveling. Each city on this list offers its own unique charm and attractions, best experienced at the leisurely pace of a bike ride. Remember, cycling tours are not just about physical activity; they’re about connecting with the city, its people, and its culture in an intimate and eco-friendly way. So, grab your helmet, hop on a bike, and start pedaling your way through some of the world’s most bike-friendly cities.

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The post Exploring 10 Cities Around the World by Bike – Pedal-Powered Discoveries 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / PR Image Factory.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Here are the top 10 smartest cities in the world — and none are in the U.S.

Smart cities in Europe and Asia are gaining ground globally while North American cities have fallen down the ranks, according to the 2024 Smart City Index released April.

Of the top 10 smart cities on the list, seven were in Europe.

This year's index was produced by the IMD World Competitiveness Center's Smart City Observatory in collaboration with the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) that's based in Seoul, South Korea.

The report ranks 142 smart cities worldwide based on data analyzed by researchers, as well as survey responses of 120 residents in each city. The study captures an overview of how the infrastructure and technology available in a city impacts the city's performance and the quality of life of its inhabitants.

So, what is a smart city?

According to the IMD , a smart city is defined as "an urban setting that applies technology to enhance the benefits and diminish the shortcomings of urbanization for its citizens."

With very few exceptions, cities in the top 20 are geographically located in areas where social and economic environments are relatively predictable, even against the overall climate of global uncertainties. IMD Smart City Index 2024

The cities that perform well on the list have also developed initiatives that cater to their citizens' overall quality of life.

"Such initiatives have focused on developing green spaces and broadening opportunities for cultural events and social bonding, for example," according to the report.

"In the majority of these leading cities, such efforts have been combined with innovative strategies to attract and retain talent, foster investment in a selective fashion [e.g. pro-sustainability], and tackle long standing issues regarding geographical inequalities and inclusion," the report said.

Here are the top 10 smart cities, according to the 2024 Smart City Index.

• Zurich, Switzerland
• Oslo, Norway
• Canberra, Australia
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Lausanne, Switzerland
• London, England
• Helsinki, Finland
• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Notably, for the first time since the index's inception in 2019, there is an absence of North American cities in the top 20.

"Using three year moving averages (i.e. comparing a city's average ranking for the period 2021-24 to that of the period 2020-23), a significant number of US cities have been losing ground," according to the report.

"This is the case in particular for Washington DC, Denver, and Los Angeles (-12, -12, and -11 respectively), but also for San Francisco (-9), New York City (-7), and Chicago (-4)."

The highest ranking U.S. city this year is New York City which ranked 34th, followed by Boston at 36th and Washington DC, coming in at 50th place.

While European cities dominated the list, Asian cities are gaining ground too.

Here are the top 5 smart cities in Asia:

• Singapore (5th)
• Beijing (13th)
• Taipei City (16th)
• Seoul (17th)
• Shanghai (19th)

Singapore has consistently ranked among the top 10 positions since the index's inception in 2019. It ranked 7th from 2020 to 2023 — except in 2022 when no rankings were released, and jumped up two positions this year.

Taipei City has also jumped 13 positions over the last year, from 29th in 2023 to 16th this year.

"Cities must design and adopt strategies that can resist the test of a future plagued with growing uncertainties, " said Bruno Lanvin, president of the Smart City Observatory.

"Health-related concerns remain high, while climate-related ones grow even larger; a mix complicated by renewed international tensions. Trust and good governance are growing in importance, and the significance of Al in city design and management is set to increase," he said in the report.

"Counterintuitive as it may sound, Al can help cities to become more human-centric," Lanvin added.

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Our Rosedale COMMONS Location is open for safe shopping, as we sanitize our stores regularly, plus we have: •curbside pick-up •free delivery over $30 •internet shopping •personal in-store appointments •virtual shopping appointment by Facetime and Zoom •luggage and gift advice from personal travelgoods consultants •personal in-store or virtual face mask consultants.

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We (the staff at URBAN Traveler) process the paperwork for your order in-house within 24-48 hours, Monday-Friday, and is then forwarded to our warehouse. We then transfer the in-stock merchandise to a common carrier (UPS/FedEx/USPS/Speedy), which takes approximately 5-7 business days to SHIP BY GROUND. Your shipment can be expedited by paying for priority or air. Our ground shipping to your destination is FREE (on orders over $30), unlike Amazon, to whom which you must pay an annual re-occurring fee of $150 or more to get free shipping through them. Please note, stock is very fluid and can change at any moment. Inventory is not held until the order is received by our fulfillment department.

We are not Amazon, therefore, we do our best and give our greatest effort to be transparent by also providing personal emails and/or personal phone calls to our customers in order to expedite the shipping process when necessary. So, if you receive a call from 651-631-9157, please take the call, because we are just trying to give you better-than-average customer service.

URBAN Traveler has now been in business for 37 years, and thanks to the post-pandemic desire to travel again, our business has exploded! Manufacturers and retailers alike are experiencing HUGE supply-chain problems, so please place your order in timely accordance with your travel needs and beat the upcoming price increases.

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How to travel better: a beginner's guide to sustainable travel in 2023 and beyond

Sustainable, green, responsible — planet-friendly ways to explore the world are more popular than ever but how do you start to make better decisions when you travel? The first step is to understand what sustainable travel is and why it’s important.

What’s sustainable travel? Sustainable travel is about travelling in a way that’s sensitive to the climate and nature emergencies while ensuring that the wellbeing of the places we visit gain long-term benefit from us travelling there. It’s a balancing act between maximising the positives of travel while reducing or eliminating the negatives.

What’s happening and why? The concentration of carbon dioxide currently in the atmosphere is well over 400 parts per million higher than at any time in at least 800,000 years — and it’s still increasing, causing global temperatures to rise. The consensus is that a rise of just 1.5C will cause dangerous warming of the planet. The stability of our world’s climate hinges on whether we can keep this small rise in global temperatures in check and time’s running out. This is the decade that counts.

How does this impact the natural world? Commensurate with the climate crisis is the nature emergency: worldwide, 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction due to the intensification of agriculture and forestry, resource extraction, hunting, invasive species, urban sprawl, pollution and climate change. Yet, this is not just about the disappearance of remote rainforests or polar bears at the extremities of the planet – habitat and biodiversity loss are happening on a colossal scale in the UK, to our hedgerows and forests, our garden birds, and the fish in our seas.

What can you do about it? Being a sustainable traveller is not about making grand, one-off gestures, it’s a state of mind, an ongoing attitude to conscious adventure that influences all aspects of how we holiday, including what we pack in our luggage and how we travel out to destinations, as well as the choice of hotels and activities we take part in while we’re there.

How do I even get started? To begin with, consider packing less: travelling lighter will reduce the chances of having to dispose of items; it makes it much easier to travel around, especially on foot, by bike or on public transport; and it’s more fuel efficient — especially noticeable if you’re travelling in an electric car. A useful device for packing economically is to consider the three Rs: Reduce: What can I get away with not taking; are there items that can double up for several uses? Reuse: What can I take that I can reuse over and over again? Recycle: What can I take that can be recycled once I’ve finished using it? Try to avoid taking single-use plastic, such as bottles, bags and straws, which break down over time into tiny microplastics that enter the food chain when they’re consumed by marine wildlife and ultimately cause serious health issues for humans. Instead, pack a refillable water bottle, coffee cup, Tupperware containers for food and toiletries, and a shopping bag — it’ll be handy not just as a replacement for buying a plastic bag at a supermarket, but also when you’re out buying food and groceries at a local market.

What’s the most important change that I can make? The single more significant way to reduce the carbon emissions of travelling is to tackle the transport portion, which is often responsible for at least 70% of the carbon emissions of a holiday. The most effective way to do this is to reduce the distance travelled and to travel in a way that burns less or, even better, no fossil fuels, using more sustainable modes of transport; or by not travelling in a vehicle at all, choosing instead to travel on foot, by bike or under sail. There’s a steep difference in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by aeroplanes compared with most land-based vehicles. There are concerted efforts to decarbonise air travel using alternative fuels and methods of propulsion (such as via electricity and hydrogen), but even the most optimistic predictions support that this change is at least a decade away for most airlines. For the time being, the emissions from just one long-haul flight can be more than those caused by someone driving a standard petrol car for a whole year. Taking the train within the UK emits about six times less than flying and taking the bus emits about nine times less. In Europe, where many trains (including Eurostar) are electric, the emissions from rail travel can be as much as 10 times less than flying.

And what if I do need to fly? If you do fly, bear in mind that there’s quite a large disparity between the carbon emissions of aircraft and the operating procedures of airlines, so do use online tools such as the ‘Greener Choices’ label on the search results provided by the flight search engine skyscanner.net , which flags up those flights that have less than average emissions.

While flying continues to be such a large polluter, consider adopting a more selective approach to flying: just as with the flexitarian approach to food where you eat a mainly plant-based diet and only occasionally eat lean meat and sustainably sourced fish, a similar attitude to flying could be that you mainly travel overland and only occasionally fly, staying for longer, and making the most of the flight by choosing a positive-impact holiday that benefits nature conservation and/or genuinely benefits the wellbeing of local communities.

What does my carbon impact look like once I get to a destination? There are other factors that will affect your carbon emissions when you’re at the destination, including your choice of hotel and the food you eat. The average carbon footprint of a night in a typical hotel in the UK is about 31.1kg CO2, according to the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative, so choosing a hotel that has lower than average carbon emissions can make a significant difference to your holiday’s footprint. Thankfully it’s becoming easier to find green accommodation — keep an eye out for the green filters on specialist accommodation booking sites, such as Airbnb’s ‘off-the-grid’, Sawday’s 'Sustainable stars'   and   i-escape's 'eco rating', there are several online agencies that specialise in green accommodation, such as fairbnb.coop and myecostay.eu , and even the big online agencies, such as Booking.com , TripAdvisor and Google , now flag up eco-certified hotels in their search results. Many of these eco-certified accommodations do much more than reducing their carbon emissions, they’ll also reduce the amount of waste they send to landfill and reduce the use of chemicals and the amount of water they use.

Feasting on local, seasonal food washed down with the local tipple conveys a sense of place better than any travel brochure. It’s also much better for the environment as there are significant emissions of carbon arising from the ‘food miles’ associated with transporting food great distances. Whether it’s freshly baked bread for breakfast, salad from the local market for lunch, or the catch of the day at the nearby restaurant, choosing local isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also healthier and a great way to put money into the local community.

Where to go Some of the most colourful cities in Europe are a great choice for a green break, such as Bristol, Angers, Nantes, Zurich, Ljubljana and Copenhagen. Here, pragmatic local authorities are implementing the circular economy to create sustainable transport, housing and economic development policies that are accelerating their transition to net zero, which has the knock-on effect of improving the experience for sustainable travellers. For example, regenerative wetlands and connected green spaces help manage storm water, air quality and improve biodiversity, but also provide wonderful green sanctuaries that are great for appreciating urban nature or for just chilling out in parks and gardens across urban villages.

And how to get around? Countries that have a modern, high-speed rail infrastructure make it easy to travel with a lower carbon footprint. Switzerland has an extensive public transport network across the country (the Swiss Travel Pass provides free admission to 500 museums as well as unlimited travel on trains, bus, boat and public transport in cities), while France, Spain, Italy and Germany have impressive high-speed rail networks, particularly between major cities.

What about long haul? Further afield, some countries have made concerted efforts to include tourism in their sustainable development goals. Following decades of tree clearing for agriculture and livestock production, in the 1980s the Costa Rican government implemented policies that have halted and reversed this deforestation. Today, over half of Costa Rica’s land is covered by forest, compared to just 26% in 1983, allowing it to make the most of the biodiversity in its rainforests and pioneer the concept of ecotourism, developing small-scale, high-end eco lodges that have contributed to the conservation of its rainforests. Guyana, too, is developing community-based ecotourism to fund the protection of its rainforests. Lodges such as Iwokrama River Lodge , Rewa Eco-Lodge and Surama Eco-Lodge enable visitors to enjoy the country’s incredible biodiversity, while contributing to its conservation and to the livelihoods of remote communities.

Where can I look for more information? Richard Hammond is a sustainable travel expert and founder of Green Traveller and the author of The Green Traveller: Conscious Adventure That Doesn’t Cost the Earth (£18.99, Pavilion).

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Moscow’s new suburban rail lines dramatically improve commutes!

The first two of the five lines of the MCD were launched November 21: the MCD1 line goes to Odintsovo (west) and Lobnya (north), while MCD2 to Podolsk (south) and Nakhabino (west). These towns are some 20-30 km from Moscow, and are inhabited by hundreds of thousands of people traveling to Moscow on business each day.

Vladimir Putin at the opening of the MCD.

Both lines cross over with central Moscow stations, as well as those on the outskirts. You can change over to the Moscow Central Circle or the metro (there is a total of 27 stations where you can make the switch). These changes allow for getting to and from the city center much faster and more conveniently than commuter trains.

Why does Moscow need the MCD?

The MCD will add to the function of the commuter trains, easing part of the daily burden experienced by those lines, as well as reduce car traffic in and out of town. The MCD runs every 5-10 minutes with only a four-hour break at night. The reason the new trains are referred to as Diameters is that they travel not just to Moscow’s main intercity stations, but also from one city on the outskirts of Moscow all the way to another one situated at the other end. 

The service runs similar to an ordinary Metro, from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Directions are available in English, so you won’t get lost.

One important change you must remember is the Aeroexpress trains to Sheremetyevo airport now run differently than before: now one ride from the Belorussky railway to Sheremetyevo will take 50 minutes - instead of the usual 35. Also, on the way from the airport, Belorussky railway will no longer be the final stop - Odintsovo will. But there will also be a few new stations that cross over with the regular metro - in the Moscow City district, on Begovaya, Fili and Kuntsevskaya. All of these interlink with the regular metro.

New internet-capable trains

The MCD trains - in accordance with the Russian custom with giving names of birds to every new train route - will carry the name Ivolga (Russian word for “Eurasian golden oriole”). The carriages are outfitted with bike racks, luggage and stroller compartments, power sockets and USB chargers with every seat, as well as free Wi-Fi - as is the case with all of Moscow’s urban transport. 

39 trains are currently operational.

Free transfers!

Prior to the MCD appearing, passengers wanting to switch between city and suburban trains had to buy separate tickets. The MCD greatly simplifies the process: now you simply need to use your Troika card at the MCD ticket stalls. There are two tariffs - city (38 rubles, or $0.6) and regional (45 rubles, $0.8; meaning cities just on the outskirts of Moscow - not the entire region). If you need to go further afield into the Moscow region, beyond the MCD, then your Troika card will be charged an additional $0.35 (23 rubles) to transfer to the ‘elektrichka’ (electrical commuter trains). 

Switching between MCD and metro trains is free for a 90-minute window, irrespective of the tariff. However, if you don’t check out of the station at the exit stalls, your Troika card will be blocked, and require around $2.30 (150 rubles) to unlock. 

You can also pay via Apple Pay, Google Pay, Mastercard PayPass and Visa PayPass. 

Will there be other ‘diameters’?

Several more MCD are slated to launch before 2025 - the MCD3 (from Ramenskoye to Zelenograd), MCD4 (Zheleznodorozhny to Aprelevka) and MCD5 (from Domodedovo to Pushkino). Right now, the passenger load of the first two Diameters is estimated at 900,000 per day. All five Diameters will serve more than 330 million Moscow passengers every year. 

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The 'magic bullet' driving post-pandemic population revival of major US urban centers

Major cities around the country are experiencing a post-pandemic population revival , with immigrants driving much of the growth, according to a report released this week.

The analysis by The Brookings Institution, gleaned from U.S. Census Bureau national, state, county and city data released earlier this year, shows pandemic-related population losses subsiding in places like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, while in some cases – such as in San Francisco and Washington, D.C. – turning into pre-pandemic-level gains.

“The new Census Bureau numbers make the case that major metro areas and cities are showing signs of coming back ,” Brookings senior fellow William Frey wrote in the report .

The results, he said, indicate that while a full post-pandemic recovery remains years away, improvement in some of the areas hit hardest by COVID-19 is fairly widespread.

Immigration most benefited urban centers

The analysis found that 40 of 56 metro areas with populations of more than 1 million grew more from July 2022 to July 2023 than in the two previous years. That included seven of the nation’s 10 largest metro areas – New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Boston, Miami and Washington.

Births outnumbered deaths nearly everywhere, the report said, but it was changing domestic migration patterns, especially a rise in international immigration, that made the difference.

Immigration from abroad rose considerably over the past two years after nearly historically low levels in 2020-2021, with urban areas the greatest beneficiaries. The 20 metro areas with the most immigrants from 2021 to 2023 represented three fifths of total U.S. immigrant gains despite comprising just 36% of the overall U.S. population.

And 11 metro areas – including Seattle, Boston and Miami – would have lost population over that time had it not been for immigration.

“The rise in immigration from abroad was a unique and demographically welcome contributor,” the report read, noting that such growth will likely continue to drive urban economic vitality. “…. International migration appears to be the ‘magic bullet’ not previously foreseen.”

From 2020 to 2021, it said, the 56 metro areas with populations of 1 million or more saw their first loss as a group in 30 years, driven by a pandemic-related shift to virtual work. But those areas, the data showed, grew by a collective 527,000 residents in 2022 and another 870,000 in 2023.

COVID deaths, low fertility rates also fueled population loss

Ken Johnson, a professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire, said other forces beyond out-migration contributed to the population decrease in urban centers in the early 2020s, including natural decrease – in other words, when the number of deaths exceed births.

“Some 75% of all U.S. counties experienced natural decrease between 2020-2023,” Johnson said. “This far exceeds any historical period.”

Though much of that was a result of COVID-19-related deaths, Johnson noted that fertility rates have also been historically low , particularly among women under 30.

“Without significant natural increase, the growth or decline of a place depends increasingly on migration – both domestic and international,” he said. “Whether these young women are delaying these births or will forgo them entirely remains to be seen, but many are reaching the end of their prime childbearing years.”

The 2010s saw cities and urban cores experience growth spurts in the wake of the Great Recession of 2007-2009 as economically strapped and jobless young adults moved to suburban and urban areas. That growth slowed as the economy and the suburban housing market picked up, prompting migration to the inner and then outer suburbs.

The trend was hastened by the pandemic and remote-work technologies, with San Francisco and New York as prime examples of emptying cities. But the data shows those cities bouncing back and places like Cook County (Chicago), Denver County, Milwaukee County and Washington, D.C., turning their losses into gains.

Immigration also key to Chinatowns' survival

Gary McDonogh, Helen Herrman Professor and Chair of the Growth and Structure of Cities program at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, said the Brookings analysis was important “because it focuses us on the 600,000 to 1 million legal immigrants who arrive each year who are highly vetted and bring skills, capital and often family ties that revitalize cities and suburbs.”

McDonogh, who studies Chinatowns, said such neighborhoods depend on immigrants to stay vital. They often absorb Latino immigrants as employees to stay afloat and also more easily absorb Chinese immigrants who arrive as refugees, he said.

“These new immigrants may settle in suburban areas or participate in the gentrification of older downtown Chinatowns,” McDonogh said. “Together, they revitalize Chinatowns as service hubs.”

Additionally, he said, they can attract domestic migrants by making big cities more cosmopolitan and global.

Migration to non-metropolitan areas drives growth

The Brookings report also found high levels of domestic migration contributing to positive demographic shifts in non-metropolitan areas – even more so than immigration from abroad. The growth reflected a sharp reversal of negative or minuscule gains for those areas in the 2010s, more than offsetting pandemic-related natural decrease.

Johnson, of the University of New Hampshire, said nonmetropolitan growth is heavily concentrated in recreational and retirement areas that have traditionally received migrants from urban ones, as well as nonmetro areas just beyond metropolitan outer edges.

“A key question to be resolved is how many domestic migrants from metro areas who might have been able to move there because of remote work will choose to stay in these areas,” he said.

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United Arab Emirates struggles to recover after heaviest recorded rainfall ever hits desert nation

The United Arab Emirates is struggled to recover from the heaviest recorded rainfall ever to hit the desert nation, as its main airport worked to restore normal operations even as floodwater still covered portions of major highways and roads. (AP video/Malak Harb)

A man walks along a road barrier among floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

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A man carries luggage through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

An abandoned vehicle stands in floodwater caused by heavy rain with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, seen on the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People wait for transportation amidst floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man carries a child through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain on an onramp to Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People wait for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

People walk through floodwater caused by heavy rain while waiting for transportation on Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Abandoned vehicles stand in floodwater caused by heavy rain along Sheikh Zayed Road highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

An abandoned vehicle stands in floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A flooded street by heavy rain is seen, with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, on the background, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, seen in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A group of people work to recover an abandoned vehicle taken by floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

Vehicles drive through standing floodwater caused by heavy rain in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded, a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

A man walks through floodwater in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Civil defense officials bring water on a raft to a family in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Dubai civil defense officials drive through floodwater in the Mudon neighborhood in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The United Arab Emirates attempted to dry out Thursday from the heaviest rain the desert nation has ever recorded — a deluge that flooded out Dubai International Airport and disrupted flights through the world’s busiest airfield for international travel. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United Arab Emirates tried to wring itself out Thursday after the heaviest recorded rainfall ever to hit the desert nation , with its main airport allowing more flights even as floodwater still covered portions of major highways and communities.

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international travel , allowed global carriers on Thursday morning to again fly into Terminal 1 at the airfield. And long-haul carrier Emirates, crucial to East-West travel, began allowing local passengers to arrive at Terminal 3, their base of operations.

However, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said in an interview with The Associated Press that the airfield needed at least another 24 hours to resume operations close to its usual schedule. Meanwhile, one desert community in Dubai saw floodwaters continue to rise Thursday to as much as 1 meter (3 feet) as civil defense officials struggled to pump out the water.

“We were looking at the radar thinking, ‘Goodness, if this hits, then it’s going to be cataclysmic,’” Griffiths said of the storm. “And indeed it was.”

The airport ended up needing 22 tankers with vacuum pumps to get water off its grounds. Griffiths acknowledged that taxiways flooded during the rains, though the airport’s runways remained free of water to safely operate. Online videos of a FlyDubai flight landing with its reverse thrust spraying out water caught the world’s attention.

“It looks dramatic, but it actually isn’t that dramatic,” Griffiths said.

Emirates, whose operations had been struggling since the storm Tuesday, had stopped travelers flying out of the UAE from checking into their flights as they tried to move out connecting passengers. Pilots and flight crews also had a hard time reaching the airport given the water on roadways.

But on Thursday, Emirates lifted that order to allow customers into the airport. That saw some 2,000 people come into Terminal 3, again sparking long lines, Griffiths said.

Others who arrived at the airport described hourslong waits to get their baggage, with some just giving up to head home or to whatever hotel would have them.

Two men walk through floodwater in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

The UAE, a hereditarily ruled, autocratic nation on the Arabian Peninsula, typically sees little rainfall in its arid desert climate. However, a massive storm forecasters had been warning about for days blew through the country’s seven sheikhdoms.

By the end of Tuesday, more than 142 millimeters (5.59 inches) of rainfall had soaked Dubai over 24 hours. An average year sees 94.7 millimeters (3.73 inches) of rain at Dubai International Airport. Other areas of the country saw even more precipitation.

Meanwhile, intense floods also have struck neighboring Oman in recent days. Authorities on Thursday raised the death toll from those storms to at least 21 killed.

The UAE’s drainage systems quickly became overwhelmed Tuesday, flooding out neighborhoods, business districts and even portions of the 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road highway running through Dubai.

The state-run WAM news agency called the rain “a historic weather event” that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.”

In a message to the nation late Wednesday, Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, said authorities would “quickly work on studying the condition of infrastructure throughout the UAE and to limit the damage caused.”

On Thursday, people waded through oil-slicked floodwater to reach cars earlier abandoned, checking to see if their engines still ran. Tanker trucks with vacuums began reaching some areas outside of Dubai’s downtown core for the first time as well. Schools remain closed until next week.

Vehicles sit abandoned in floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)

Authorities have offered no overall damage or injury information from the floods, which killed at least one person.

However, at least one community saw the effects of the rainfall only get worse Thursday. Mudon, a development by the state-owned Dubai Properties, saw flooding in one neighborhood reach as much as 1 meter. Civil defense workers tried to pump the water out, but it was a struggle as people waded through the floodwater.

Residents of Mudon, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity given the UAE’s strict laws governing speech, described putting together the equivalent of nearly $2,000 to get a tanker to the community Wednesday. They alleged the developers did nothing to help prior to that, even as they called and emailed. They also said a nearby sewage processing facility failed, bringing more water into their homes.

“A lot of people were in denial of how bad it was,” one homeowner said as civil defense officials waded through the water, bringing bottled water on a raft.

Dubai Holding, a state-owned company that has Dubai Properties as an arm, did not respond to questions. It’s part of a wider nexus that U.S. diplomats have called “Dubai Inc.” — all properties overseen by the city-state’s ruling family.

The flooding sparked speculation that the UAE’s aggressive campaign of cloud seeding — flying small planes through clouds dispersing chemicals aimed at getting rain to fall — may have contributed to the deluge. But experts said the storm systems that produced the rain were forecast well in advance and that cloud seeding alone would not have caused such flooding.

Scientists also say climate change is responsible for more intense and more frequent extreme storms, droughts, floods and wildfires around the world. Dubai hosted the United Nations’ COP28 climate talks just last year.

Abu Dhabi’s state-linked newspaper The National in an editorial Thursday described the heavy rains as a warning to countries in the wider Persian Gulf region to “climate-proof their futures.”

“The scale of this task is more daunting than it appears even at first glance, because such changes involve changing the urban environment of a region that for as long as it has been inhabited, has experienced little but heat and sand,” the newspaper said.