#InternationalTravel

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).

Afghanistan, long marred by decades of conflict, is witnessing an unexpected and slow revival in tourism since the return of Taliban rule, according to the latest report by the Associated Press. The current rulers, whose government has not yet been recognized by the international community, are actively encouraging foreign visitation, touting the revenue and cultural exchange potential for a nation in deep economic and social flux (apnews.com).

For Thai readers, the story offers a gripping lens into how economic desperation, societal transformation, and international isolation can upend even the most unlikely sectors—like tourism—in conflict-ridden nations. As Thailand’s own tourism industry serves as the economic backbone and a major conduit for cultural dialogue, the Afghan situation is a case study in how travel and tourism can become both a form of soft diplomacy and a crucible for ethical debate.