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Top U.S. Summer 2025 Destinations: Parks, Coasts & More

As the summer of 2025 approaches, the American West calls out to travelers who crave breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, and irreplaceable culture. You can climb dramatic mountain trails, relax on hidden beaches, and stroll through bustling small towns—all without ever doubling back. Here’s your quick guide to the top places in the West to pencil in for your summer vacation. National Parks: Jaw-Dropping Views and Endless Fun The West boasts some of the nation’s favorite national parks, which whisk you into untamed beauty, reveal ever-changing habitats, and offer hiking, biking, stargazing, and river rafting—all in one breathtaking day. Yosemite National Park, California: You’ve probably seen the iconic cliffs of granite on postcards, but standing in front of them is something else. Waterfalls roar all spring, and the world’s biggest sequoias silently reach for the sky. Walk a mile on a flat trail, or strap on climbing shoes for a scramble up the cables on Half Dome. Summer days are warm, usually between 84°F and 96°F, perfect for picnics or finding a shady spot under a giant tree. Join a park ranger for a talk, or dance on the grass during the Yosemite Music Festival, with the night sky for a roof.

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New Zealand to Introduce Eco-Tourism Tax for Natural Sites

In 2027, New Zealand plans to introduce a new eco tourism tax, uniting with US, Spain, France, Greece, Iceland, Japan, Portugal, South Africa and more in the growing list of countries implementing such fees to preserve their natural sites. The eco tax to be levied on foreign tourists visiting iconic natural sites like Milford Sound and Tongariro Crossing will be between US$20 to US$40 (approximately NZ$34 to NZ$68). New Zealand aims to garner US$ 36.58 million (approximately NZ$ 62 million) to fund conservation efforts and ensure the maintenance of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes which are under the constant pressure of mass tourism. These countries have been struggling to balance the environmental impact of tourism, and eco tourism taxes are proving to be a great solution to be able to protect and preserve their treasured natural resources. New Zealand’s move aligns with a growing global trend where countries are introducing similar fees to protect their natural heritage. The tourism sector is one of New Zealand’s most significant contributors to the economy, but the government has faced increasing pressure to balance tourism growth with environmental sustainability. This eco-tourism tax is seen as an essential step in maintaining the country’s unique landscapes while addressing the negative effects of overtourism.

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Alstom to Upgrade Singapore’s Rail with Driverless Tech

Alstom, a world leader in smart mobility and sustainable transport solutions, has been awarded a significant contract from Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) to provide an advanced, high-density driverless signalling system. The development will be incorporated into the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) extension and the East West Line (EWL), representing a major milestone in Singapore’s ambitious Land Transport Master Plan 2040 (LTMP 2040). Project Overview Alstom has been awarded a contract valued at several hundred million euros, focusing on upgrading crucial stations such as Tanah Merah, Expo, and Changi Airport to integrate them with the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) extension. Additionally, the project includes extending the system to the future Changi Airport Terminal 5 station, establishing a direct connection between TEL and Changi Airport. This expansion will greatly enhance travel efficiency and comfort for passengers, responding to the rising demand for an integrated, modern public transportation network. By improving connections across key Singaporean districts, the project supports the Land Transport Master Plan 2040 (LTMP 2040), working towards a seamless, efficient, and interconnected transport system.

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Tunisia Joins Global Tourism Boom with Record 2025 Arrivals

Tunisia joins Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, is also experiencing a remarkable tourism boom in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenue. Tunisia’s tourism sector also saw a boost in the use of its tourism services and infrastructure, With the growth pace of tourism services use from several countries, By mid 2025, Tunisia received over five million tourists which is surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. Tunisia’s ongoing tourism boom is a result of a combination of factors, especially from the international demand, and European and regional markets, including enhanced hotel occupancy rates, growing tourism and public investments in tourism infrastructure. These factors are leading Tunisia to emerge as a commendable destination in the Mediterranean and North Africa.

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Dusit to Open Luxury Resort in Saudi’s Al Ahsa Oasis by 2027

The launch of the dusitD2 Al Ahsa resort has been announced, and along with it, the plans by Dusit International for their new venture in Saudi Arabia. This upper upscale resort will combine luxury, wellness, and cultural immersion, as it is located in the Al Ahsa Oasis which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This will be Dusit’s second hotel in Saudi Arabia and is set to open in 2027, which is a significant milestone for the brand’s expansion in the Gulf region. A Jewel in a UNESCO Oasis Located in the heart of Al Ahsa Oasis, the resort will stand as a stunning testament to the region’s natural beauty and rich history. Al Ahsa is the largest oasis in the world, and its UNESCO World Heritage status only adds to its allure as a prime travel destination. The signing of the hotel management agreement was an event of great significance, attended by key figures including HRH Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr Al Saud, Governor of Al Ahsa, and senior representatives from the Tourism Development Fund and Dusit International.

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Oman Air & TUI Launch Digital Holidays Platform to Boost Tourism

Oman Air has made an important step towards boosting its travel services by introducing its new digital platform, Oman Air Holidays, in collaboration with TUI, the world’s renowned tourism group. The move was announced in a press conference in Muscat, which represents a crucial milestone in the ongoing attempts of the airline to transform travel experience both for local and foreign tourists. This launch is set to be a game-changer, not only for the airline company but for Oman’s tourism sector as well. Oman Air Holidays is a digital platform that seeks to broaden the horizons for travelers, making it easier for them to explore more than 20 countries across the globe. Through this platform, guests from Oman can seamlessly access a variety of holiday packages, offering an array of destinations, activities, and experiences. Whether it’s a luxury beach getaway, cultural exploration, or an adventurous trip, the platform caters to a wide range of interests. For international travelers, the platform also opens the doors to Oman as a unique and accessible travel destination. Oman, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, has become an increasingly attractive destination for tourists. Oman Air Holidays helps to showcase the Sultanate’s diverse offerings, from its historic forts and majestic mountains to its tranquil beaches and bustling souks.

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