News

International Tourist Arrivals Rise Five Per Cent in Q1 2025, Marks Strong Global Tourism Recovery

International tourism continued its robust recovery in the first quarter of 2025, with over 300 million tourists traveling globally—a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This figure also surpasses the pre-pandemic level of 2019 by 3%, underscoring the resilience of the tourism sector amid ongoing global economic and geopolitical headwinds. According to the World Tourism Barometer, published by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in May 2025, the global tourism sector has demonstrated sustained growth despite inflationary pressures, trade tensions, and geopolitical uncertainties impacting travel demand. The sector remains a critical economic driver worldwide, supporting millions of jobs and businesses, particularly in developing economies. Asia and the Pacific: This region led global growth with a 12% increase in international arrivals, reaching 92% of 2019 levels. North-East Asia recorded the strongest rebound with a 23% increase. This surge is supported by the reopening of borders and the resurgence of key source markets like China, Japan, and South Korea, aligned with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) tourism framework.

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China’s Visa-Free Access and Entry Permit Boost Make Beijing a Global Travel Market with More Than One Million Foreign Entries Already in 2025

China’s visa-free access and expanded entry permit policies have played a pivotal role in transforming Beijing into a dynamic global travel market in 2025, drawing in more than one million foreign entries within the first half of the year. These traveler-focused initiatives have simplified international access, encouraged longer and more diverse visits, and positioned the Chinese capital as a top destination for tourists, business travelers, and global explorers alike. Beijing has experienced a notable surge in international travel activity in 2025, with over two million three hundred thousand foreign inbound and outbound trips recorded as of late May, marking an impressive year-on-year increase of thirty-nine point three percent. This sharp rise in foreign visitation comes as a direct result of China’s evolving travel-friendly policies, including expanded visa-free access and departure tax refund programs aimed at boosting inbound tourism and international engagement. China’s visa-free access and expanded entry permit policies have played a pivotal role in transforming Beijing into a dynamic global travel market in 2025, drawing in more than one million foreign entries within the first half of the year. These traveler-focused initiatives have simplified international access, encouraged longer and more diverse visits, and positioned the Chinese capital as a top destination for tourists, business travelers, and global explorers alike. Beijing has experienced a notable surge in international travel activity in 2025, with over two million three hundred thousand foreign inbound and outbound trips recorded as of late May, marking an impressive year-on-year increase of thirty-nine point three percent. This sharp rise in foreign visitation comes as a direct result of China’s evolving travel-friendly policies, including expanded visa-free access and departure tax refund programs aimed at boosting inbound tourism and international engagement.

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Thailand’s ‘Tout à Fait Thaï 2025’ Festival in Paris Draws Thousands, Celebrates Franco-Thai Ties

Thailand’s “Tout à fait Thaï 2025” Festival in Paris has left a lasting impression, breaking barriers and mesmerizing over 10,000 attendees with a vibrant cultural presentation that commemorates 340 years of Franco-Thailand relations. The event not only showcased the vitality of the cultural and diplomatic relations between the two countries but also raised a new standard of cultural diplomacy, introducing Thailand’s rich cultural heritage to the epicenter of Paris. With its unforgettable moments, the festival reaffirmed Thailand’s presence in the global map and opened the door to future tourism development, leaving the audiences spell-bound by the country’s unmatchable cultural richness. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has celebrated the resounding success of the “Tout à fait Thaï 2025” festival in Paris, which took place from May 24 to 25 at the Parc de Bagatelle. The two-day cultural event attracted more than 10,000 visitors, offering a vibrant showcase of Thai culture to the French capital under the theme “5 Must Do in Thailand.” This festival not only encouraged French travelers to discover Thailand’s rich heritage but also commemorated significant milestones in the Franco-Thai relationship, marking 340 years since the first contact between Siam and France and 170 years of formal diplomatic relations. The event emphasized France’s crucial position as a key long-haul tourism market for Thailand. Organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris, in collaboration with TAT and supported by a wide array of public and private partners, the festival was an integral component as a key component of the 2025 Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year campaign. It demonstrated Thailand’s growing global reach through engaging cultural experiences and impactful interactions, shining a spotlight on the country’s diverse tourism offerings beyond its iconic attractions.

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Tokyo, London, Paris and Beyond How Economic Shifts Are Shaping Budget-Friendly Summer Travel Choices and Impacting Popular Destinations

ummer Travel Trends: Shifting Preferences in a Changing Economic Landscape As summer approaches, travelers are finding themselves reassessing their vacation plans. While the desire to travel remains strong, many are adapting their choices due to rising costs and broader economic uncertainties. Travelers are not only adjusting their destinations but also reconsidering the duration and nature of their trips to better fit their financial circumstances. Advertisement Travel Behavior Shifting Amid Economic Pressures A survey conducted between April 28 and May 1, 2025, which included responses from 2,000 U.S. adults, revealed that a staggering 90% of participants were actively searching for ways to reduce their travel costs. This survey, commissioned by the home-swapping platform Kindred, highlights a growing trend where more travelers are leaning toward local, cost-effective, and flexible vacation options. In a world where prices are rising, this shift represents the reality of a new travel era, where spending less and staying closer to home are becoming more appealing. In light of these findings, various industry reports, including one from USA TODAY, show key trends that will influence travel choices this summer. These trends provide valuable insights into how travelers are adjusting their plans, offering a glimpse into the future of the global travel industry.

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Korean Airlines Expands Exclusive International Routes to Unlock Revenue and Redefine Growth

Korean Airlines is shaping the future of air travel by focusing on exclusive international routes designed to unlock new revenue streams and redefine growth models in the aviation industry. With a strategic focus on expanding its global network, the airline is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging markets, enhancing passenger experience while driving sustained growth. Here are the latest updates on how Korean Airlines is building a future-ready network. South Korean Airlines Expand Exclusive International Routes Amid Rising Competition and Market Shifts As South Korea’s aviation industry navigates through increasing market competition and structural changes, domestic airlines are adopting a strategic pivot toward exclusive international routes. These unique flight paths, not served by any other South Korean carrier, are emerging as vital tools for differentiation, profitability, and long-term growth in the evolving global travel landscape. According to data from May 2025, South Korean carriers currently operate seventy-six international routes without overlap from any domestic competitor—an increase from sixty-five just one year ago. This upward trend highlights the growing emphasis on penetrating underrepresented and niche markets, where competition is less intense, and the potential for passenger growth is higher.

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Vegas Mall Dwarka Brings The Mighty Jurassic Era To Life With The Grand Opening Of Dino Park Featuring Awe-Inspiring Life-Size Dinosaurs And Cutting-Edge Technology

Vegas Mall Dwarka is excited to introduce its newest and most captivating attraction yet—Dino Park. Opening on May twenty-second in the Central Atrium, Dino Park promises an unforgettable experience for families and children. With operating hours from eleven in the morning to nine at night, this immersive attraction blends education and entertainment in a fully air-conditioned, safe environment, making it the perfect family outing during the summer months. Dino Park brings the ancient world to life with stunning life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Visitors can step into the Jurassic era and come face to face with iconic creatures such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Brachiosaurus, and Spinosaurus. These incredible models aren’t just static displays; they move, roar, and offer a realistic representation of the prehistoric giants. Children and adults alike will marvel at the attention to detail in each dinosaur, making it feel like they’ve stepped back in time.

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