News

Tourism Update - May 2025

Global Tourism Trends & Industry Shifts • China’s Travel Resurgence: During the May Day holiday (May 1–5), China experienced a significant surge in outbound travel, indicating a robust recovery in global tourism demand. • U.S. Tourism Dynamics: The U.S. tourism sector faces challenges, with a reported 40% drop in bookings from Canadian travelers in February 2025 compared to the previous year. • Tourism Trends for 2025: Key trends shaping the industry include wellness and retreat tourism, solo and eco travel, personalized experiences, and the integration of AI and sustainability practices. Infrastructure & Destination Developments • Guwahati’s Hospitality Expansion: Guwahati, India, is set to become a major hospitality hub with the introduction of 11 new five-star hotels. • Connecticut’s Culinary Trail: Connecticut has launched the 'Taste-Train' initiative, promoting culinary tourism with about 50 culturally significant restaurants along rail lines. • Peat Island Redevelopment: In Australia, plans are underway to transform the former Peat Island asylum site into a cultural and tourism destination. Tourism Challenges & Policy Responses • Orkney’s Tourism Tax Proposal: Orkney, Scotland, is considering implementing a Venice-style tourism tax to manage overtourism. • Kashmir’s Tourism Decline: Following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir’s tourism industry has suffered a 90–95% decline in bookings. • U.S. National Parks Privatization Concerns: There are concerns over potential privatization of America's national parks and the risks of commercialization.