#Tourism

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, 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 recent report from the United States has revealed a shocking public health statistic: one in five Americans now lives with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive sexual health education and testing. With the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that nearly 68 million Americans were infected with an STI in 2018 alone, the scale of the issue signals growing global concerns and poses clear implications for countries like Thailand, where shifting social norms and international tourism influence sexual health patterns (KX News).

A surge in tourism has brought record-breaking economic benefits to the Driftless Area and the broader state of Wisconsin, according to newly released data—demonstrating how rural natural destinations can fuel regional growth despite pockets of local decline. As area communities double down on strategic promotion and local partnerships, their ambitions to build a thriving, sustainable tourism sector are under more optimistic scrutiny than ever before (Telegraph Herald).

The Driftless Area—a rugged expanse of southwest Wisconsin, notable for escaping glacial flattening—has long drawn naturalists, paddlers, and cyclists captivated by its dramatic ridgelines, twisting waterways, and quaint towns. According to the latest figures from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, 2024 marked the third consecutive year of record growth, with the state seeing a whopping $25.8 billion economic impact and a heady 114.4 million visits—more than a million above the last pre-pandemic peak (Travel Wisconsin). This boom has made headlines across statewide news platforms, confirming tourism’s vital role not just in big cities but also in rural counties.

In a surprising twist to the American tourism landscape, the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida has soared to the coveted No. 1 spot among US attractions, according to Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do. Heralded as the nation’s top draw, the Kennedy Space Center edged out the state’s normally dominant beaches and theme parks, adding rocket fuel to Florida’s reputation for unique, world-class destinations. The announcement comes as Tripadvisor, the globe’s largest travel guidance platform, revealed its list based on reviews and ratings collected over the twelve months leading up to March 31, 2025. Other Florida sites making the top ranks include the Stetson Mansion in DeLand at No. 5 and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo at No. 6, reinforcing the state’s diverse appeal to both domestic and international tourists (Miami Herald).

Asia Pacific’s hospitality sector is experiencing a record-setting surge in lifestyle hotel development, sparking both investor frenzy and a new era of experiential travel across the region. According to a new report by JLL, lifestyle hotel rooms in Asia Pacific have quadrupled since 2014, adding nearly 65,000 rooms, with the momentum set to accelerate sharply through 2027. Projections estimate that lifestyle hotels will make up 6-9% of all new hotel supply in the region by 2027, with the sector poised for a 34% increase in inventory during that period (JLL via Travel Daily Media, Skift).

A surge of extreme heatwaves climbing across the Mediterranean this summer has prompted medical experts, local authorities, and seasoned travelers to issue urgent guidance for holidaymakers determined to make the most of the region’s famed sunshine. As temperatures routinely soar above seasonal averages in countries like Italy, Greece, France, and Spain, an emerging body of research shows that many tourists remain dangerously unprepared for the health risks posed by heat, requiring a rethink in how both visitors and local tourism operators approach summer safety.

For many Thai travelers seeking a more rewarding and memorable journey, new insights from an experienced travel advisor are shining a spotlight on how to transform typical trips into deeply fulfilling adventures. Drawing from over two decades of specialized experience, recent findings published by a leading travel consultant reveal a refined formula for itinerary planning that balances novelty, comfort, and authentic local engagement, offering timely guidance as global tourism rebounds post-pandemic (Yahoo Lifestyle).

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing a dramatic rise in the development of lifestyle hotels, as revealed in a new report by global real estate consultancy JLL. Nearly 65,000 lifestyle hotel rooms have been added since 2014, marking a fourfold increase and signaling a transformation in both the regional hospitality landscape and traveler expectations. This surge in alternative, design-forward accommodations is poised to reshape tourism, especially in destinations popular with the younger, experience-seeking demographic—including Thailand.

Recent travel research and social media trends converge in highlighting a common, yet often overlooked, mistake made by American tourists in Europe: overpacking and bringing oversized suitcases. The issue, brought into focus by a widely shared Travel + Leisure article, underscores not only logistical challenges but also cultural differences that set travelers from the United States apart in the eyes of Europeans.

For tourists from Thailand, who are themselves part of a vibrant and ever-growing international travel community, understanding the pitfalls of overpacking is crucial, especially as more Thai travelers embark on multi-country tours through Europe. These lessons resonate in our interconnected world, where social media shapes travel norms and etiquette.

Group family vacations, once considered logistically daunting and emotionally fraught, are enjoying a renewed wave of popularity and positive reappraisal, according to recent reports and expert commentary. This growing trend, observed both in global travel circles and among Thai families, is more than a matter of convenience or shared expenses—it’s a profound reflection of changing family dynamics, social needs, and a pursuit of deeper connections in an increasingly fragmented world.

After decades of isolation due to war and political upheaval, Angola’s pristine natural wonders—largely untouched by mass tourism—are now stepping into the global spotlight. CNN Travel’s recent in-depth feature reveals how this vast southern African nation is opening its doors to travellers, offering a spectacular array of landscapes and cultural heritage that, until recently, few outsiders had witnessed firsthand (CNN Travel).

Angola, double the size of Texas, boasts a wealth of dramatic scenery, from dazzling Atlantic beaches and mysterious lunar-like rock formations to expansive national parks. The country has begun investing in tourism infrastructure, with new roads, accommodations, and tour operators enabling safer and easier access to its remote interior. For Thai travellers—already seasoned in exploring Southeast Asia’s wonders—the emergence of Angola as a fresh destination offers not only geographical diversity but also a fascinating case study of how a nation recovers, rewilds, and reimagines itself for a sustainable tourist future.

As global tensions since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine continue to reshape international travel, the latest research and reporting reveal that visiting Russia has become a far more complicated—and, for some, contentious—journey than in years past. Despite Western sanctions, flight route disruptions, and dramatic changes to digital and financial infrastructure, thousands—including sizeable numbers from Asia and the Middle East—still make the trip each year. Understanding the new landscape is crucial for Thai citizens and all potential travelers as the realities of 2025 require unprecedented preparation and vigilance. This report distills the most up-to-date advice and developments for those considering travel to Russia, with special attention to safety, logistics, and implications for Thai travelers.

As vacationers flock to the scenic beauty of coastal Maine, a rising tide of invisible hardship persists, just beyond the sightlines of Mount Desert Island’s bustling tourist hubs. The latest reports reveal a significant escalation in rural homelessness across Hancock County, where forested lanes and tranquil coves mask a swelling crisis among residents living in tents, vehicles, abandoned homes, or on borrowed plots of land—an issue mirrored in many global tourism hotspots, including Thailand’s own rural and resort-adjacent provinces.

As urban living and digital distractions draw Thais ever deeper indoors, new research highlights a compelling case for stepping outside after dark and looking up: stargazing and mindful time in nature at night may offer remarkable benefits for our mental wellbeing. This emerging perspective, advocated by astronomers and supported by recent scientific studies, suggests that time spent outside under the stars can do much more than simply foster curiosity—it can help ease stress, boost mood, and cultivate a deeper sense of connection that modern life often erodes.

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 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).

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.

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.

As July unfolds and Thais begin their annual mid-year escapes, the latest scientific insights suggest that the way we take vacations may matter more than the time or place. While many look forward to a break as a chance to replenish after months of work or study, research highlighted in Psychology Today reveals that not all holidays actually leave us feeling revived. It turns out, how we spend our vacation—and our ability to mentally step away from work—plays a significant role in whether a holiday truly recharges us or merely delivers fleeting relief (psychologytoday.com).

In the crowded alleyways of Southeast Asia’s cities, the trade in counterfeit goods—designer handbags, watches, electronics, and even medicines—continues to thrive despite mounting international pressure and legal crackdowns. The latest developments have put the region squarely in the sights of the United States, which is threatening punishing tariffs on countries it believes are complicit in the flow of illicit goods. These moves, while targeted at protecting intellectual property and domestic industries, risk triggering broad economic and social consequences across Thailand and its neighbors.

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.

Asia has claimed more than half of this summer’s most popular emerging travel destinations, according to fresh research from the Mastercard Economics Institute, marking a powerful resurgence for the region’s tourism sector and signaling several shifts in global travel preferences. With Tokyo and Osaka leading the global growth charts and several other Asian cities—such as Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, and Singapore—joining the ranks, the findings highlight evolving traveler motivations and economic influences shaping how and where people explore the world in 2025 (CNBC).