#GlobalTourism

Turkmenistan, a country long shrouded in isolation and strict entry requirements, is making tentative moves toward opening up to more international tourists, according to recent reports and statements from travel industry experts. The Turkmen government’s announcement of streamlined visa procedures earlier this year has generated cautious optimism among travelers and tour operators worldwide, potentially signaling a strategic pivot as the nation faces ongoing economic challenges. Although full implementation of the visa reforms remains pending, tourism stakeholders and observers view these developments as a noteworthy departure from decades of impenetrability—for both adventurous travelers and Southeast Asian nations such as Thailand eager to deepen regional connectivity and expand cultural ties.

Turkmenistan is on the cusp of a major shift in access for international visitors. New visa reforms could simplify entry and boost tourism, marking the most significant opening since the Soviet era. For Thai travelers and Southeast Asian visitors, this could unlock transformative cultural experiences beyond the usual destinations while strengthening regional connectivity.

Historically, entering Turkmenistan required Letters of Introduction via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and approval from government-approved tour operators. The process was long, opaque, and restrictive, limiting spontaneous travel and independent exploration.

Turkmenistan, renowned as one of the world’s most isolated and enigmatic nations, stands poised to undergo a revolutionary transformation in international accessibility through ambitious visa reform initiatives that could fundamentally reshape Central Asian tourism dynamics. This unprecedented policy shift, representing the most significant opening since the Soviet era, creates extraordinary opportunities for Thai adventurers and Southeast Asian travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond conventional tourist destinations while contributing to broader regional connectivity and cross-cultural understanding.

A new study has revealed stark contrasts in the cost of international travel for 2025, ranking Iceland as the most expensive country to visit, whereas Thailand continues to offer some of the best value for global tourists. The findings carry major implications for travelers from Thailand and Southeast Asia, highlighting the continued importance of currency trends and inflation in shaping vacation budgets worldwide.

According to the latest research released by The Forex Complex and shared with Travel + Leisure, Iceland outranks all other major tourism destinations in terms of cost, with the average traveler needing to spend more than $400 per day to visit the Nordic island nation. The analysis, which evaluated 19 popular countries, factored in core travel expenses like accommodations, transport, and meals, as well as local inflation rates and year-to-year shifts in currency strength against the US dollar (Travel + Leisure). For Iceland, a 5.5% inflation rate has led to noticeable jumps in the prices of hotels, food, and transit—exacerbating the financial challenges for American and other international tourists, even before considering airfare.

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.

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).

Hawaii, often synonymous with idyllic beaches and dream holidays, is in the grip of an unexpectedly soft summer, with tourism numbers and travel bookings “significantly down”—a development causing deep concern among hospitality leaders, economists, and travel experts both in the US and worldwide. The trend, detailed in a recent report by SFGate, is not just a temporary dip but suggests ongoing challenges that hold insights for other international tourist destinations—Thailand included—still striving to recover and adapt after years of pandemic and disaster disruptions (SFGate).

A recent slowdown in Hawaii’s tourism offers timely lessons for Thailand as it rebuilds after years of disruption. Hospitality leaders, economists, and travel experts say the pause underscores how fragile tourism-dependent economies can be, and how resilience hinges on smart planning.

Hawaii’s peak season, traditionally June to August, has not delivered the expected rebound. A leading travel advisor notes that June was the slowest in quite some time. While July and August show some momentum, the early-year surge many hoped for remains elusive. Researchers tracking Hawaii’s visitor data indicate that annual visitation has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, with full recovery not anticipated before 2028.

A downturn in Hawaii’s tourism this summer serves as a warning to island destinations worldwide. A new report shows fewer visitors than last year, signaling potential stress on local livelihoods and the broader travel economy. Thailand, navigating post-pandemic shifts, can draw important lessons from Hawaii’s experience.

Historically, Hawaii welcomed more than 10 million visitors annually, a benchmark for island economies. The decline results from several factors, including lingering effects of the 2023 Lahaina fire, higher travel costs, and broader global economic changes. Economists warn the downturn could persist, with implications for jobs and business activity in the months ahead. The situation highlights how quickly tourism-dependent communities feel the impact of shocks.

Hawaii’s tourism sector — long considered a bellwether for global island destinations — is experiencing a significant downturn this summer, sparking worry among industry experts, policymakers, and local businesses. A new report by SFGate highlights that June’s daily visitor counts are down sharply compared to 2024, with similar trends expected for July and August, shattering hopes for a robust seasonal recovery (SFGate). The story holds vital lessons for the Thai tourism industry, which faces its own post-pandemic uncertainties.

A growing wave of international travelers is swapping classic American holidays for European experiences. Travel experts say concerns about U.S. politics and higher travel costs are prompting a shift toward destinations with distinct European flavors and easier logistics. Reports highlight how iconic American moments—from California surf to New England cabins—are being reimagined through a European lens.

Across the last several months, travel data and industry notes point to a deliberate rethink of U.S. trips. Practical barriers like visa complexity and rising prices, alongside principled responses to policy debates, are shaping new itineraries across Europe—from sun-soaked beaches in Portugal to tranquil Finnish forests.

Amid growing concerns among international holidaymakers about recent political and social developments in the United States, European destinations are enjoying a surge in popularity as travelers look for alternatives to classic American holidays. The latest travel research and expert commentary, as seen in The Guardian’s recent feature “Surfin’ USA? Not this year: 10 European alternatives to classic American holiday destinations”, highlights a marked trend: iconic US experiences, from California surfing to New England cabins, are being swapped for experiences with a distinctly European flavour.

International tourists, once a familiar sight at American landmarks and city centers during the peak summer vacation months, are increasingly opting to take their holidays elsewhere, according to the latest news analysis and tourism research. With North America’s iconic destinations now reporting fewer foreign visitors—particularly from Canada, Europe, and other long-standing source markets—the trend signals a shift with broad implications for both the global and Thai tourism sectors (Wall Street Journal via MSN).

International visitors have begun bypassing the United States this summer due to policy shifts and safety concerns, reshaping global travel patterns and offering new opportunities for Thai tourism. Data from tourism research shows a noticeable dip in visitors from Canada, Europe, and other traditional markets, signaling a broader reallocation of travel to destinations perceived as safer and easier to access.

Historically, the United States drew huge crowds to iconic sites like the Statue of Liberty and Disneyland, alongside extensive shopping and varied landscapes. For Thai travelers, the U.S. has long represented access to education, business opportunities, and rich cultural exchanges. Yet this season, hotels, airports, and tour operators report quieter peak months, with fewer international arrivals and altered itineraries.