All articles tagged with #travel and tourism
Zagreb's Christmas market, known as Zagreb Advent, has become a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Croatia's efforts to promote year-round tourism, with the city aiming to compete with Europe's top markets by offering diverse, themed venues and attracting visitors from across Europe, contributing significantly to the local economy and tourism growth.
In 2025, Thailand's tourism industry faces challenges from border conflicts with Cambodia, increased competition from Malaysia and Vietnam, political instability, overtourism, and economic factors, leading to a 7% decline in visitors. Despite these setbacks, Thailand is focusing on sustainable tourism and diversifying its offerings to recover and maintain its position as Southeast Asia's top destination.
Lombok, Indonesia's laidback surfer's paradise, is undergoing rapid development to emulate Bali's success as a tourist destination, leading to economic opportunities but also social and environmental concerns, including evictions and cultural changes.
Bali, once celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural richness, is facing challenges due to a tourism boom driven by social media, leading to overcrowding, environmental degradation, and disillusionment among visitors, prompting local efforts for sustainable development.
Tourism in Las Vegas has declined by 11% this summer, with a significant drop in international visitors from Canada and Mexico, partly attributed to the Trump administration's tariffs and immigration policies, leading to concerns about the city's economic recovery and efforts to make visits more affordable.
Las Vegas is experiencing a significant decline in tourism, partly due to hidden and unexpected fees like a $50 charge for unplugging a cord at Paris Las Vegas, along with broader economic pressures such as inflation, high wages, and reduced visitor numbers, leading to a backlash against fees and a drop in hotel occupancy and revenue.
The September 7, 2025, lunar eclipse offers a unique opportunity for Scotland to boost its tourism sector by attracting visitors interested in stargazing and celestial events, leveraging its dark-sky parks and scenic locations, and fostering community engagement and educational activities, with potential economic and cultural benefits extending across the UK, Europe, and beyond.
New Brunswick is developing the Fundy Dark-Sky Corridor, a dense cluster of dark-sky reserves along the Bay of Fundy, to promote astrotourism with accessible and remote stargazing sites, aiming to boost local economies and protect dark skies.
Russian tourists will be the first international visitors to North Korea’s new Kalma Resort in Wonsan, launching travel packages amid improving diplomatic relations between Moscow and Pyongyang, marking North Korea’s cautious reopening to international tourism.
A controversial deal between Airbnb and the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome has sparked outrage among local officials and cultural advocates. The $1.5 million agreement allows 16 tourists to participate in a "gladiator" experience at the historic site, coinciding with the release of "Gladiator II." Critics, including Rome's councilor for culture, argue that the promotion demeans the Colosseum's historical significance and contributes to the city's overtourism issues. Supporters claim the event will enhance cultural appreciation and fund conservation efforts.
Thailand has expanded its visa-free entry scheme to 93 countries, allowing visitors to stay for up to 60 days, in an effort to boost its tourism industry. The country also introduced a new five-year visa for remote workers and extended a waiver on hoteliers' operating fees. Despite a 35% increase in tourist arrivals in the first half of 2024, numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels. Concerns have been raised about the country's infrastructure and safety issues potentially affecting the tourist experience.
Venice's pilot program charging day-trippers an entrance fee raised $2.2 million but failed to deter visitors, according to opponents. Despite the revenue, critics argue the tax did not alleviate overcrowding or improve livability for residents. The city plans to continue and possibly increase the levy, while concerns grow over surveillance and data privacy.
Venice's pilot program of charging a 5-euro entrance fee to manage tourist congestion has been criticized as ineffective, with opponents arguing it failed to deter visitors on peak days. Despite raising 2.19 million euros, critics claim the fee turns Venice into a "museum" and advocate for alternative measures like a free booking system. City officials plan to double the fee next year and continue the program in 2025, while concerns about surveillance and data privacy persist.
A video showing a pipe supplying water to the famous Yuntai Waterfall in China's Henan province has gone viral, raising questions about the naturalness of the falls. The park's management explained that the pipe is used to maintain the waterfall's appearance during the dry season. While some were shocked, others supported the park's efforts to ensure a consistent visitor experience.
The town of Fujikawaguchiko in Japan installed a large black screen to prevent tourists from overcrowding the area to photograph Mount Fuji. Shortly after installation, officials found around 10 holes in the screen, all at eye level and sized for camera lenses. The town spent $8,285 on the screen, which has helped reduce congestion despite the damage.