From AI-powered trip planning to eco-friendly escapes, these 10 travel trends are shaping how the world explores in 2025.
Glasgow has become the first Scottish city to approve a visitor levy, introducing a £5-per-night tourist tax from 2027 to support local infrastructure and public services.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s multi-day wedding in Venice has ignited fierce backlash over ongoing overtourism, with locals proclaiming “No Space for Bezos” amid fears the event underscores the city’s transformation into an elite playground.
AAA projects a historic 72.2 million Americans will travel for the Independence Day holiday week, driven by strong consumer confidence, lower gas prices, and increased air capacity.
Hilton and Marriott have announced ambitious plans to expand across Africa, unveiling dozens of new properties as they position themselves to capitalise on the continent’s growing tourism and hospitality potential.
The Trump campaign is considering reinstating and expanding the U.S. travel ban to include 36 additional countries, citing security concerns and the need for tighter immigration controls.
Starting in 2026, Norway will roll out a phased tourist tax aimed at managing visitor impact, supporting local communities, and preserving its natural landscapes amid record-breaking travel numbers.
Japan is set to require travel insurance, screen for unpaid medical bills, and may adjust tax exemptions to protect its public health system amid soaring international arrivals.
Malaysia has surged ahead of Thailand to become Southeast Asia’s top tourism destination, attracting over 10 million international visitors in Q1 2025 alone.
A landmark partnership between IndiGo and four major global airlines is set to revolutionize connectivity between India, Europe, and North America – creating smoother journeys for international travelers.
With real-time translation, AI-powered navigation, and a sleek traveler-first design, Google’s new smart glasses could soon become the ultimate travel companion.
In 2025, the Happy City Index highlights ten cities—Copenhagen, Zurich, Singapore, Aarhus, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Munich, Wellington, and Helsinki—that lead the way in sustainability, innovation, and quality of life.