News

Tourism Today - April 2025

Global Tourism Trends Record-Breaking Global Tourism Growth: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects that in 2025, the travel and tourism sector will contribute an unprecedented $11.7 trillion to the global economy, accounting for 10.3% of global GDP. International visitor spending is also expected to reach a historic $2.1 trillion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Shift Towards Sustainable Travel: According to Booking.com’s 2025 research, over half of travelers (53%) are now conscious of tourism’s impact on local communities and the environment. This reflects a growing trend towards sustainable and responsible travel choices. North America Canadian Boycott Impacts U.S. Tourism: In April, Canada’s boycott of U.S. travel intensified, leading to a 35% year-over-year decline in Canadian car trips to the U.S. and a nearly 20% drop in air travel. This movement is a response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and controversial political statements. U.S. Travel Industry Faces Slowdown: Major U.S. travel companies, including Expedia and Hilton, reported reduced demand. Expedia missed its quarterly revenue estimates due to weakened U.S. travel demand amid economic uncertainty and cautious consumer spending. Europe Spain’s Anti-Tourism Protests Resurface: In early April, Spain witnessed a resurgence of anti-tourism protests across over 40 cities. Residents expressed frustration over high housing costs and the government’s handling of tourism-related issues, leading to demonstrations and symbolic acts against tourists. Asia Dharamsala Hotels Bounce Back: Hotels operated by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation in Dharamsala reported significant income growth in April, marking a strong recovery from previous downturns. This resurgence is attributed to strategic reforms and upgrades by the management.