The theme of the Expo 2025 is "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" with participants sharing their ideas and technologies in dozens of pavilions across the expo site, which is located on a man-made island just off the coast of central Osaka. The director of the Turkmenistan-based company 'BD-TRAVEL' has arrived in Osaka, Japan to participate in the World Expo 2025. Meetings with several Japanese travel companies are scheduled to take place during the visit.
MATTA Fair is the largest travel fair organized by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents. Held annually, the fair offers visitors some of the best travel deals ranging from flight tickets to resort packages and more. The director of the Turkmenistan-based tourism company 'BD-TRAVEL' is participating in MATTA FAIR 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The exhibition opened on April 18, 2025
BD-TRAVEL Showcases Turkmenistan at COTTM 2025 in Beijing
The Director of BD-TRAVEL, a leading tourism company based in Turkmenistan, is proudly participating in COTTM 2025 (China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market) in Beijing. This renowned international event gathers top professionals and decision-makers from the global tourism industry.
Our goal is to highlight the unique charm, culture, and untapped potential of Turkmenistan as an emerging travel destination. During the exhibition, we are actively engaging with local travel companies interested in sending tourists to Turkmenistan, forging new partnerships, and expanding our global network.
BD-TRAVEL continues to promote Turkmenistan to the world — one connection at a time.
Global Tourism Recovery
• International Tourism Nears Full Recovery: According to the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2024, marking a 99% recovery to pre-pandemic levels. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa surpassed 2019 numbers, while the Americas came close, and Asia and the Pacific remained 13% below due to slower lifting of restrictions.
• Surge in Travel Demand: January 2025 saw a 12.4% year-over-year increase in international travel demand, with the international load factor rising to 82.1%.
Emerging Travel Trends
• Digital Detox Tourism: Travelers are increasingly seeking vacations without digital devices, opting for Wi-Fi-free retreats to disconnect and engage in real-world activities.
• Noctourism: Night-sky tourism is gaining popularity as travelers visit remote, dark-sky locations for stargazing experiences.
• Longer Stays in Fewer Places: Tourists are choosing longer stays in fewer destinations to experience deeper cultural immersion and relaxation.
Sustainability and Overtourism
• Overtourism Concerns in Asia: A tourism boom in Asia post-COVID has led to issues in destinations like Phuket, Bali, and Kyoto, such as waste problems, infrastructure strain, and cultural degradation.
• Sustainable Initiatives in China: China is promoting renewable energy in tourism infrastructure, including solar-powered theme parks and geothermal airport systems.
Policy Changes
• UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Launched on January 8, this new £10 travel fee initially applied to transit passengers but was later reversed due to industry backlash.
Global Tourism Trends
Digital Detox Retreats: A growing trend sees travelers opting to disconnect from digital devices during vacations. These retreats, often set in serene locations, offer experiences like board games and nature walks, allowing individuals to reclaim their time and mental space.
Over-Tourism Concerns in Asia: Post-pandemic tourism in Asia has surged, raising concerns about over-tourism and environmental sustainability. Popular destinations like Phuket, Bali, and Kyoto are grappling with waste, infrastructure strain, and cultural erosion despite efforts to promote sustainable tourism.
U.S. Tourism Outlook
Slowing Demand: The U.S. travel industry is showing signs of a slowdown as summer approaches, with major companies reporting reduced demand. Expedia revealed lower-than-expected first-quarter revenue, citing a 7% drop in U.S. bookings and nearly 30% decline from Canada.
European Tourism Highlights
Increased Visitor Numbers: VisitBritain’s 2025 inbound tourism forecast shows that international visits overall and visitor spending to the UK are set to increase on 2024 levels. A record 43.4 million visits are forecast, up 5% on the 41.2 million expected in 2024.
Emerging Travel Trends
Set-Jetting: Travelers are increasingly visiting locations featured in popular TV shows and films, a trend known as “set-jetting.” Influential series like Yellowstone, Emily in Paris, and White Lotus have spiked interest in destinations such as Montana, Paris, Hawaii, Sardinia, and Koh Samui.
Alternative Destinations: With overtourism concerns, travelers are seeking less crowded alternatives. Destinations like Reims instead of Paris and Brescia instead of Milan are gaining popularity for budget-friendly and tranquil experiences.
1. Global Developments
• UN Tourism reports 2025 Q1 global tourism is up 6% compared to 2019, led by strong recovery in Asia-Pacific.
• Japan and South Korea see double-digit growth in inbound tourism due to lifted visa restrictions and increased flight capacity.
2. New Destinations and Initiatives
• Saudi Arabia launched its 'Spring Adventures' campaign to promote eco and desert tourism ahead of Ramadan.
• Portugal introduced new digital nomad visas in March, targeting long-term remote workers with tax incentives.
3. Challenges and Policy Shifts
• Italy's Venice started its long-awaited tourist entry fee trial in March, aimed at curbing mass tourism in the historic center.
• Climate concerns drive increased promotion of train travel across the EU, with new routes connecting popular tourist cities.
4. Trends and Events
• Eco-conscious travel continues to gain traction with tour operators offering carbon-offset packages and plastic-free tours.
• Berlin hosted the ITB Berlin 2025 travel fair in early March, showcasing innovations in AI-driven tourism and immersive experiences.
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.
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.
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