IT’S NOT US, IT’S YOU: Overseas visitors also shunning US
- The U.S. expected 2025 to be a big travel year, but overseas visitors – angered by Trump – are heading elsewhere. The number of international visitors to the United States jumped in 2024, and some forecasts predicted arrivals from abroad this year would reach pre-COVID levels.
A MASSIVE OPPORTUNITY: How to win big with sports tourism
- New research from Expedia reveals that sports tourism is transforming how people travel and, at the same time, creating massive opportunities for the travel industry. Indeed, the niche now represents 10% of global tourism spending and is projected to reach US$1.3 trillion by 2032; and six in 10 Canadians travel internationally to do so.
OSAKA EXPO OPENS IN JAPAN AMID GLOBAL TURMOIL
- The Expo 2025 opened in Osaka, Japan, on Sunday with more than 10,000 people singing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony to celebrate the start of the six-month event that Japan hopes will unite the world divided by tensions and wars. Here is what to know about the Expo 2025 Osaka.
THE FINAL FRONTIER: Space tourists complete historic mission
- Looking to really, truly get away from it all in these turbulent times? Four space tourists who orbited the north and south poles did just that earlier this month before returning to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific to end their historic, privately funded polar tour.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA UPDATE ARRIVALS PROTOCOLS
- Antigua and Barbuda launched a “modern” digital arrival and departure system designed to help visitors get from gate to beach faster when arriving in the Caribbean islands. Accessible through ArriveAntigua.com, the new protocols are in effect at V.C. Bird International Airport and will be expanded to seaports arrivals and private jets in the future.
UNIVERSAL TO BUILD FIRST EUROPEAN THEME PARK
- Universal has chosen the homeland of Harry Potter to build its first theme park and resort in Europe, the entertainment company and British officials announced Wednesday. The studio and theme park operator that has drawn millions to its Potter-themed wizarding words and other attractions said it would begin construction next year just beyond the outskirts of London.
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AN ESSENTIAL BORDER PRIVACY PRIMER: And who’s at risk when entering US
- Experts say leaving your phone at home is the only certain way to ensure it isn’t searched by customs officials when entering the U.S. Yet, for most, that’s not a feasible option. So, with the Canadian government warning that U.S. border agents are entitled to search travellers’ electronic devices and “don’t need to provide a reason” to do so, how best to mitigate any risk?
YVR SCORES SKYTRAX HAUL: Singapore named world’s best
- Singapore Changi Airport has been named the World’s Best Airport 2025 in the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards, held last week in Madrid. Notably, Vancouver was named best airport in North America, 2nd-best globally in its category (20-30 million passengers) and 13th globally in the Awards’ pre-eminent best-overall category, leading a trio Canadian airport rankings in the top 100.
RISING SUSTAINABILITY INTEREST AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AGENTS
- No longer simply a concern of backpackers, sustainability for luxury travellers increasingly is becoming a top priority that influences their choices and reshapes the way they explore the planet, says a survey of Virtuoso clients conducted in March. That includes choosing travel companies with strong sustainability policies and seeking guidance from professionals to help them make the right choice.
THAILAND INTRODUCES NEW DIGITAL ENTRY CARD
- Starting May 1, 2025, all non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within three days before arrival. The new system replaces the traditional paper-based disembarkation form required for all foreign arrivals.
FOOT-AND-MOUTH OUTBREAK DISRUPTS EUROPEAN BORDERS
- Authorities in several countries in Central Europe are working to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease among cattle populations that has caused widespread border closures and required the killing of thousands of animals.
ROUND-UP: April 7-11, 2025
- News nuggets, airlines, hotels/resorts, cruising, tours, events, FAMS/incentives, deals, destinations and more are covered in our weekly round-up of travel industry news you may have missed.
