Tourism

A thriving tourism scene along Maine’s coast hides a growing hardship in rural Hancock County. As visitors flock to Mount Desert Island and nearby attractions, families live in tents, cars, or abandoned spaces, often on land they don’t own. The trend echoes challenges seen in other travel hubs and resonates with Thai readers who recognize how growth can bypass vulnerable communities.

In the corridor from Ellsworth to Machias, a local food pantry has expanded from serving 35 families to nearly 500 households. Authorities warn that at least 20 people are living precariously, with some housed in tents, campers, or derelict properties along back roads. This reflects a broader rural pattern: homelessness rising out of sight even as urban counts attract more attention.

Abandoned and forgotten places across the globe are experiencing an unlikely revival — as must-see tourist attractions, according to a recent overview by CNBC. Once neglected due to war, natural disasters, industry collapse, or the inexorable passage of time, these evocative spaces are drawing travelers in ever-growing numbers, offering both a thrill and a powerful lesson in history and resilience. The transformation of derelict ruins, shipwrecks, ghost towns, and relics of war into popular travel destinations signals a broader shift in tourism, where fascination with the uncanny and a hunger for unique experiences collide with heritage preservation and community revitalization efforts.

A new worldwide caution from the US State Department is prompting readers to rethink travel plans. Thai travelers should expect that geopolitical tensions, regional instability, and security concerns could influence destinations, routes, and preparations.

Issued in mid-2025, the caution signals elevated risk in several regions. It advises heightened vigilance in volatile areas due to the potential for terrorism, protests, or violence against travelers. The message resonates beyond the United States, affecting travelers of all nationalities, including Thais considering international trips. Regional travel experts note that warnings aim to heighten awareness rather than deter travel outright.

A recent alert issued by the US State Department warning Americans of potential dangers when travelling abroad has sparked a global conversation about travel safety, raising urgent questions for Thai citizens planning international trips. With concerns of geopolitical instability, evolving regional conflicts, and the heightened threat of terrorism, the world’s tourism industry once again finds itself at a crossroads, balancing wanderlust with the need for personal security.

The US State Department’s ‘worldwide caution’ advisory, updated in June 2025, arrives in a period marked by mounting international tensions and an increase in incidents such as politically motivated protests, violent attacks, and travel disruptions in various parts of the world. According to the official alert, Americans are advised to “exercise increased caution” when travelling, especially to volatile regions, due to “the increased potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against US citizens and interests.” This development carries broader implications for travelers of all nationalities, including Thais, who may be considering journeys to affected areas (BBC Travel).

Abandoned places are no longer mere relics of neglect. They are becoming compelling destinations for travelers seeking authenticity, risk, and meaningful lessons from history. A new overview shows derelict ruins, shipwrecks, and former war sites being revived as educational, emotionally resonant experiences. The trend blends heritage preservation with community renewal, turning ghost towns and industrial ruins into purposeful journeys for visitors.

For Thai readers, this global shift mirrors local ambitions to transform neglected spaces into unique attractions. From Europe to the Asia-Pacific, these sites demonstrate how tragedy can be reframed into storytelling that resonates with modern travelers who crave significance, not just scenery.

A new global assessment shows why travel remains a major engine of prosperity. In 2024, the United States and China lead the world’s largest tourism economies. The U.S. tourism sector generated about $2.36 trillion, while China reached around $1.3 trillion. The findings, based on WTTC data and independent visual analyses, highlight how domestic demand, infrastructure, and policy choices shape national fortunes.

Tourism is not just about beaches and landmarks. It sustains jobs, funds infrastructure, and deepens international exchange. For Thailand, a country with a long history of growth driven by travel, the report underscores the need for strategic planning and adaptation to shifting regional dynamics as the recovery continues.

A recent analysis of the world’s largest tourism economies underscores the immense financial impact of travel on nations’ prosperity, with the United States and China leading the global hierarchy in 2024. Data published by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and visualized by Visual Capitalist shows that the U.S. tourism sector generated a staggering US$2.36 trillion this year, while China followed as a rapidly growing market at $1.3 trillion Visual Capitalist.

In a dramatic shift echoing across the tourism and diplomatic landscapes, China has introduced sweeping visa-free access for citizens from over 70 countries, seeking to reinvigorate its travel sector and global engagement. Meanwhile, the United States—especially under the influence of former President Donald Trump’s ongoing views—has moved in the opposite direction, rolling out new restrictions, higher fees, and bans affecting travelers from a growing list of nations. These divergent paths are not only defining the international tourism recovery post-pandemic, but also symbolizing larger trends in global openness and isolationism—raising questions on what this means for Thai travelers, the region, and the future of cross-border mobility.

A global shift in travel policy is reshaping planning for work, study, and holidays among Thai readers. China has broadened visa-free access to 74 countries for stays up to 30 days, part of a drive to revive tourism and strengthen people-to-people ties. By contrast, the United States is tightening entry rules with higher visa fees and shorter visa validity in many cases. The divergence underscores changing attitudes toward openness and borders, with direct implications for Thai students, workers, and vacationers.

A new tourism promotional campaign from Taliban-affiliated sources has ignited global shockwaves after circulating widely on social media, directly targeting American tourists with the message: “Welcome to Afghanistan.” The campaign, featuring a surreal video depicting armed militants and even comedic hostage scenes, has gone viral, sparking both outrage and a flurry of debate regarding tourism in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The highly unorthodox approach and its timing—just four years after the violent fall of Kabul—have raised serious questions about safety, messaging, and the country’s intent in courting Western travelers.

A recent promotional video linked to Taliban-affiliated groups invites American tourists to Afghanistan and has sparked global debate. The clip, which includes militant imagery and surreal humor, spread quickly online, prompting questions about safety, ethics, and whether tourism can be responsibly pursued under Taliban rule. The release came four years after Kabul’s fall and has many wondering about the regime’s intentions and the risks for Western visitors.

Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, Afghanistan has been deemed high-risk for foreigners. Travel advisories emphasize ongoing instability, strict social norms, and security threats. The viral video contrasts starkly with typical travel messaging and highlights the country’s challenges in attracting international visitors. Data from international safety rankings place Afghanistan among the lower-scoring destinations for inbound tourism due to persistent conflict.

A new 2025 snapshot shows rising expenses for Las Vegas visits, with overall tourist arrivals dipping and air traffic and gaming revenue softening. For Thai travelers, this means reassessing budgets and seeking clearer value when planning a North American getaway. The shift comes as costs creep higher, challenging Las Vegas’s reputation as an affordable escape for a broad range of travelers.

Hidden fees and service charges sit at the heart of the concern. Social media chatter highlights steep costs, from minibar charges to early check-in surcharges, room-service fees, and dining extras. Industry voices note growing frustrations on the Strip, where resort fees and parking costs increasingly add to the trip tally. For many visitors, this has created a sense of being nickel-and-dimed, complicating budgeting.

Las Vegas, once celebrated as the playground for everyday Americans and international thrill-seekers, is experiencing a significant downturn in visitor numbers due to what many are calling “ridiculous prices” and hidden fees. New data for 2025 reveal a 6.5% drop in tourists compared to the previous year, with airport traffic and gaming revenue both sliding—trends experts blame on a combination of economic uncertainty and escalating costs of a Vegas holiday (The Times).

As record numbers of Americans plan to travel internationally in 2025, a new wave of animosity toward U.S. tourists is shaping global travel experiences and prompting many to reassess how they present themselves overseas. This trend, marked by political, cultural, and social undercurrents, is redefining what it means to be a U.S. tourist in today’s interconnected—but sometimes divided—world (Travel and Tour World).

For Thai readers, the significance of this news goes beyond curiosity about American travelers. Thailand, as both a prominent outbound and inbound tourism market, is directly impacted by evolving global sentiments. The experiences of U.S. tourists reflect broader challenges around cultural sensitivity, political perceptions, and the power of soft diplomacy in tourism—a trend that Thai travelers, businesses, and policymakers must watch closely.

A heatwave is challenging Europe this summer, pushing travelers to rethink itineraries and protect health while exploring iconic cities. From Paris to Barcelona, heat records are driving smarter planning. Research from European meteorological centers and health authorities stresses hydration, indoor breaks, and seeking shade or cooling whenever possible.

Thai travelers should anticipate areas where air conditioning is less common and temperatures spike for days at a stretch. Data from climate research groups indicates prolonged heat events in major cities, while public health bodies urge avoiding strenuous activity during peak sun hours. As heatwaves become more frequent, adaptable plans and reliable cooling options matter more than ever.

With Europe experiencing yet another record-breaking heat wave, tourists from Thailand and around the world are faced with the challenge of staying comfortable as temperatures soar across the continent. Major destinations such as Paris, Rome, London, and Barcelona are seeing highs well above what many visitors may be accustomed to, forcing travelers to adjust their plans and prioritize health and safety while sightseeing (NYTimes).

For Thai travelers heading to Europe this summer, understanding the risks associated with extreme heat is essential, especially as few European cities feature the widespread air conditioning commonly found in many parts of Thailand. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) has reported numerous cities experiencing prolonged heat events, while public health bodies urge visitors to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities during midday. With heatwaves projected to become more frequent and intense due to climate change (World Health Organization), adaptability and creative cooling arrangements are more important than ever.

A rebound in international travel in 2025 coincides with a subtle shift in how American visitors are perceived abroad. Political and cultural tensions are influencing how travelers are treated, prompting careful attention to behavior, attire, and conversations. Industry voices suggest a more nuanced travel climate in several regions, with implications for Thai travelers and those who work in hospitality and tourism.

For Thai readers, this trend matters beyond mere curiosity. Thailand sits at the heart of Southeast Asia’s dynamic tourism scene, welcoming millions of visitors while sending many Thais abroad. The evolving mood around U.S. travel intersects with hospitality strategies, diplomatic nuance through tourism, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in creating memorable experiences.

A surge in global tourism to Antarctica, the earth’s last great wilderness, has alarmed environmental researchers as nearly 125,000 travelers set foot or sailed its icy waters in the 2023–24 season—a leap from less than 8,000 annual visitors thirty years ago. New research warns that unless robust protective measures are enforced, Antarctica’s unique and fragile ecosystems risk irreversible damage from this increasing human presence (The Conversation).

This sharp rise in Antarctic tourism matters to Thai readers not only for environmental reasons but also because it mirrors the worldwide boom in “extreme” travel and eco-tourism, trends growing among Thai travelers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As Thai travel agencies begin advertising Antarctic cruises and expeditions, understanding the environmental price of such adventures has never been more important.

Travel is rebounding after the pandemic, yet bold ad campaigns and geopolitical tensions shape Thai travelers’ choices in 2025. A global shift shows promotions competing with real-world safety concerns and reputational risks that can affect planning, insurance, and experiences abroad.

Sleek campaigns promoting cities like Los Angeles and nations such as Saudi Arabia often sit beside ongoing ground realities. The “We Love LA” marketing contrasted with wildfires and displacement, underscoring the gap between glossy ads and lived conditions. Saudi Arabia’s push to position itself as a year-round gateway for visitors runs alongside debates over rights and the progress of megaprojects like Neom. Construction delays and budget overruns have sparked scrutiny, while conversations about speech restrictions and reputational harm complicate travel expectations. Data from international research bodies underscore these themes and their relevance to travelers.

Kyoto, Japan’s fabled city of tranquil temples and ancient tradition, is groaning under the weight of a tourism boom so intense that even its famed serenity seems to be fading. As foreign visitors surge to record highs, experts and locals are asking: Has the search for ‘real Japan’ turned Kyoto into a tourist trap, and what lessons does this overtourism crisis hold for other Asia-Pacific destinations, including Thailand?

Kyoto’s growing pains are a parable for the age of global wanderlust. Once famed for the hush of its geisha districts, quiet lanes, and mossy Zen gardens, the city now wears the marks of its billion-yen popularity. According to the report in New York Magazine’s Intelligencer (nymag.com), the city welcomed almost 37 million international visitors in 2024—a staggering leap from 6 million in 2011. This year’s arrivals are running another 25% higher. The allure? Social media’s stylized images, a favorable currency rate, and the ease of digital navigation have made Kyoto more accessible than ever. But the impact is visceral: iconic streets pack thick with streams of photo-chasing travelers, while local culture contorts to accommodate the global demand.

Kyoto’s tourism boom has tested the city’s serene identity. Record visitor numbers, boosted by social media and favorable exchange rates, strain narrow lanes and sacred sites. The question for Thai travelers and policymakers is how to sustain economic benefits while protecting culture and daily life.

Recent data shows Kyoto welcomed nearly 37 million international visitors in 2024, with numbers continuing to grow in 2025. The influx has transformed quiet streets into crowded corridors filled with photo seekers, challenging residents and the authenticity travelers seek. This serves as a cautionary tale: tourism can boost economies yet disrupt communities if not carefully managed.

Global interest in Antarctica has surged, with about 125,000 visitors in the 2023–24 season up from under 8,000 three decades earlier. Researchers warn that without stronger protections, fragile ecosystems could suffer irreversible damage. Environmental and polar experts emphasize robust, enforceable safeguards to manage growing human activity.

For Thai readers, the issue resonates beyond conservation. It mirrors a worldwide boom in extreme and eco-friendly travel, trends that attract Thai adventurers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As Thai agencies introduce Antarctic cruise options, it’s essential to understand the environmental costs.

As the international travel industry mounts a determined comeback after pandemic-era setbacks, new skepticism is emerging among would-be tourists, fueled by controversial ad campaigns and rising concerns over safety, reputation, and human rights in key destinations. A recent opinion column published in The Boston Globe on July 3, 2025, highlights a growing wave of “wayward tourism promotions” and the complex, often contradictory realities facing travelers in 2025, raising questions especially relevant for Thai travelers considering outbound journeys (Boston Globe).

A cautious revival of Afghanistan’s tourism is drawing international attention as curious travelers seek adventure despite ongoing security concerns. Government officials promote tourism as an economic lifeline for a country long isolated and deeply impoverished. For Thai readers, this story highlights travel trends, geopolitics, and the ethics of visiting fragile destinations.

People arrive by plane, motorbike, camper van, or bicycle, while officials expect tourism to boost revenue in a climate of scarce foreign investment. Taliban authorities describe tourism as a catalyst for growth and modernization, a view echoed by international observers who see potential for jobs and revenue growth in the sector.