Foreign tourist spending in South Korea hit a record 2.12 trillion won in May, a 67.1% yearly increase. Spending by Chinese tourists more than tripled, with significant growth in shopping, transportation, and wellness services.
South Korea's tourism agency is offering a 5,000 won discount on bus fares to 8,000 foreign visitors to encourage travel outside Seoul. The initiative, in partnership with Klook and Go Hanpass, aims to boost regional tourism and ease overcrowding in the capital.
Foreign tourists spent a record 251.1 billion won (US$165.2 million) on medical services in South Korea in May, driven by demand for health, beauty, and pharmaceutical products. Dermatology and plastic surgery were the most popular services.
A Thai court sentenced two Uyghur men to death for the 2015 Erawan Shrine bombing in Bangkok, which killed 20 people and injured 120. The men, Adem Karadag and Yusufu Mieraili, deny the charges and plan to appeal. China supports the verdict, calling the perpetrators "inhumane."
Dubai's luxury hotels, typically catering to wealthy foreign visitors, are offering attractive deals to residents to compensate for the decline in international tourism due to the Middle East conflict. The conflict has led to flight cancellations, airspace closures, and significant financial losses for the region's tourism sector.
The Trump administration plans to halt immigration and customs processing at airports in Democratic-run 'sanctuary cities', potentially disrupting travel and trade ahead of the FIFA World Cup, sparking warnings of severe economic harm from airlines, tourism groups, and some administration officials.
Bursa's İznik district, rich in historical sites from Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, is anticipating a substantial influx of foreign tourists after May. Following the visit of Pope Francis, faith tourism has gained prominence, with tour operators in countries like Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands developing packages for the region.
Thailand has cancelled its 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries, reducing it to 30 days for 54 nations and introducing a 15-day exemption for three others, aiming to curb crime and visa abuse.
Foreign tourists are increasingly exploring China's county-level cities and towns, drawn by unique cultural experiences and a desire to follow in the footsteps of ancient traveler Xu Xiake. This trend reflects a growing interest in China's traditional and modern beauty beyond major metropolises.
Goa sees a significant drop in foreign tourists, with numbers falling by nearly half since 2017. Factors include expensive flights, complex visa procedures, and competition from cheaper Asian destinations like Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Domestic tourism, however, is booming.
Goa's foreign tourist numbers have halved since 2017, while domestic visitors have surged. Factors include expensive flights, visa issues, and competition from cheaper Asian destinations like Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
Goa's foreign tourist numbers have halved since 2017, while domestic visitors have surged. Factors include expensive flights, visa complexities, competition from cheaper Asian destinations, and local issues like taxi fares and cleanliness.
Foreign tourists attending BTS concerts in South Korea stayed an average of 8.7 days and spent 3.53 million won ($2,377), significantly exceeding general inbound tourist averages of 6.1 days and 2.45 million won. The government aims to leverage K-pop's global popularity to promote tourism beyond Seoul into regional areas, with a welcome event planned in Busan in June.
