#Sustainabletravel

A new BBC feature highlights ethical risks in last-chance tourism. ( BBC Travel: An ethical guide to last-chance tourism )

Researchers warn that tourists who rush to vanishing sites can worsen environmental decline. ( BBC Travel: An ethical guide to last-chance tourism )

The story draws on recent academic work about grief, management, and visitor pressure. ( KU News: Eco-necrotourism study summary ) ( SSRN: Eco-Necrotourism and Public Land Management )

Last-chance tourism means visiting places likely to disappear from climate change. ( BBC Travel: An ethical guide to last-chance tourism )

The crystal waters around Maya Bay once sparkled like jewels in Thailand’s tourism crown. Today, after years of closure and careful restoration, this iconic destination offers a powerful lesson about the double-edged sword of “last-chance” tourism—the global phenomenon driving millions to witness natural wonders before climate change erases them forever.

The Paradox of Farewell Tourism

Recent research from BBC Travel and academic institutions reveals a troubling paradox: the very tourists rushing to save memories of disappearing places may be accelerating their destruction. This emerging field, termed “eco-necrotourism” by researchers, examines how grief over environmental loss drives travel decisions—often with devastating consequences.

As travellers increasingly seek out landscapes and species thought to be vanishing under rising seas, warming oceans and melting ice, researchers warn that last-chance or “see-it-before-it’s-gone” tourism can both raise awareness and accelerate destruction if poorly managed. New scholarship frames the trend as a distinct policy challenge — dubbed eco-necrotourism — that forces park managers, tour operators and governments to contend with visitors’ grief, grief-driven demand, and the legal and practical limits of access. The debate matters for Thailand because coral reefs, mangroves and other coastal attractions already under stress draw millions of domestic and international visitors whose choices will shape local livelihoods and the country’s nature-based tourism future.

As travellers increasingly seek out landscapes and species thought to be vanishing under rising seas, warming oceans and melting ice, researchers warn that last-chance or “see-it-before-it’s-gone” tourism can both raise awareness and accelerate destruction if poorly managed. New scholarship frames the trend as a distinct policy challenge — dubbed eco-necrotourism — that forces park managers, tour operators and governments to contend with visitors’ grief, grief-driven demand, and the legal and practical limits of access. The debate matters for Thailand because coral reefs, mangroves and other coastal attractions already under stress draw millions of domestic and international visitors whose choices will shape local livelihoods and the country’s nature-based tourism future (An ethical guide to last-chance tourism).

A remote, mountainous corner of northern Greece known as the Prespa lakes basin—a crossroads of Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia—is rapidly gaining attention among nature tourists and conservationists, thanks to new research and grassroots efforts to boost sustainable travel while preserving its stunning biodiversity. Once virtually unknown outside dedicated ornithologist and ecotourist circles, this region is now being promoted as a destination for walkers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with unspoiled landscapes, centuries-old culture, and unique wildlife ().

Japan is experiencing an unprecedented tourism surge in 2025, with record-breaking numbers of international visitors flocking to its major cities, historical landmarks, and global cultural icons. Yet as the nation grapples with the double-edged sword of economic gain and overtourism fatigue, new research and travel narratives are highlighting a calming solution: the country’s lesser-known but culturally essential gardens, which promise a tranquil escape for both domestic and international tourists during even the most crowded peak seasons.

With Japan’s tourism industry surging to unprecedented levels—welcoming a record 14.4 million visitors in the first four months of 2025 alone according to The Japan Times—travelers from around the world continue to flock to the Land of the Rising Sun for its iconic cherry blossoms, culinary delights, and historic temples. As global wanderers pack famous locales like Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market and Kyoto’s bamboo groves, a growing number of tourists are seeking alternatives to crowded sites. Recent travel experiences and expert observations indicate that Japan’s centuries-old gardens offer a practical and affordable solution for those longing for genuine immersion and tranquility amid surging tourist numbers (The Japan Times).

A recent spotlight from international travel media has cast fresh light on the appeal of multi-country Asian cruises, reflecting a growing trend among Thai travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation on the high seas. The profile of a 14-day Asian cruise with “unforgettable views” highlights both the luxurious comforts and the cultural immersion that these modern voyages now offer, signaling a shift in travel patterns post-pandemic as Thais and other Asian tourists increasingly explore their own region by sea.

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.

A growing global trend points to travelers longing to unplug from relentless digital interruptions, political turmoil, and everyday drama. According to a recent Booking.com survey, more than half of global travelers—56 percent—are now seeking “off the beaten path” getaways, opting for seclusion and tranquility over crowds and connectivity, as recently reported by The New York Times (nytimes.com). From wood-fired hot tubs on the glacial shores of Lake Superior to starlit beds on remote Swedish islands, new research and industry reports reveal how a desire for peace, personal reconnection, and even a touch of adventure are driving the boom in “off-the-grid” resorts worldwide.

For many travelers, the iconic African safari conjures images of thundering wildebeest, golden savannas, and up-close encounters with elephants and lions. Over the years, the high season—those dry, chilly months from June through October—has become synonymous with classic safari experiences. However, recent insights from a leading travel advisor specializing in African adventures suggest that the best time for an unforgettable safari might be during the lesser-known “secret seasons,” offering both spectacular sights and significant cost savings (Travel + Leisure).

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 recent travel report from a seasoned Southeast Asia explorer has spotlighted profound improvements in three standout cities—Siem Reap, Ipoh, and Hanoi—underscoring a regional trend of urban revival and sustainable tourism. The findings, chronicled by a writer who has chronicled regional shifts for nearly 30 years, are significant for both the tourism sector and local policymakers eyeing a post-pandemic recovery and future-friendly city development (Business Insider).

The transformation of these Southeast Asian cities matters to Thai readers and regional stakeholders for several reasons. Thailand’s own journey as a tourism powerhouse is reflected in the successes and stumbles of its neighbors—a comparative lens that can help both government and industry learn from best practices. Revitalizing city centers, safeguarding heritage, and stewarding sustainable growth are challenges faced right across the region. As domestic and outbound travel resumes with vigor, these stories also provide inspiration and caution for Thai cities seeking to balance authenticity, livability, and profitability.

Three cities in Southeast Asia—Siem Reap in Cambodia, Ipoh in Malaysia, and Hanoi in Vietnam—have recently emerged as beacons of urban transformation, according to a traveler and correspondent with three decades of firsthand observation across the region. Their trajectory showcases how regional destinations can thrive and improve under carefully managed growth, balancing heritage preservation with dynamic modernization. This story holds valuable lessons for Thailand as it seeks sustainable pathways to develop and promote its own cities on the world tourism map (Business Insider).

Asia has soared to the top of travelers’ wishlists this summer, accounting for more than half of the season’s most popular destinations, according to a recent report highlighted by CNBC. As worldwide travel rebounds in the post-pandemic era, industry data signal a growing preference for Asian hotspots, reflecting shifting tourism trends, evolving traveler demographics, and renewed cultural curiosity.

Heightened demand for Asian destinations is particularly significant for Thai readers, as Thailand’s tourism industry is both a direct participant in and a beneficiary of this global pattern. The rebound underscores the resilience of Asian tourism sectors and brings renewed opportunities and challenges for Thailand as it competes for international arrivals and seeks to rejuvenate its domestic travel economy.