Too-Hot Eiffel Tower, Brand USA Budget Anxieties and a Scrapped Climate Fee

On today's pod we're talking about an overheated Europe, Brand USA's funding threat, and Sweden's questionable fee rollback.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Wednesday, July 2. Here's what you need to know about the business of travel today.

The brutal heatwave that’s hit Europe recently has led the Eiffel Tower to temporarily close, writes Climate Reporter Darin Graham.

The Eiffel Tower, which typically draws about 7 million visitors a year, said in a post on its official X account that its summit would be closed through July 2. Graham reports the scorching temperatures are also affecting landmarks beyond France as the Atomium in Brussels has reduced its opening hours due to the extreme heat.

Authorities in the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Austria have issued heat-related travel advisories for popular tourist destinations in southern Europe.

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Next, the U.S. Senate narrowly passed a Republican-backed budget bill on Tuesday that would cut Brand USA’s funding at the same time the organization is facing a budget crisis, reports Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.

The controversial bill, which now moves to the House of Representatives, would slash Brand USA’s matching funds from $100 million annually to just $20 million. In addition, Brand USA hasn’t received any matching funds from the federal government since January.

Brand USA’s funding shortfalls are putting a strain on its resources, and the organization is planning for the worst with downsizing one option in the event matching funds do not come soon.

Finally, Sweden’s government has abolished its air travel tax, a move applauded by several airlines, writes Climate Reporter Darin Graham.

The tax, which went into effect in 2018, charged airlines up to $54 per passenger per flight, depending on the distance. The Swedish government had said the purpose of the tax was to help reduce the climate impact of aviation.

Graham notes the decision to scrap the aviation tax is leading airlines to change strategies. Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson said the carrier is looking forward to announcing significant growth and expansion in Sweden while SAS CEO Anko ver der Werff said the airline would be in a better position to reduce emissions.