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passport

U.S. Passport Falls Out of Global Top 10 for the First Time in 20 Years

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For the first time in two decades, the U.S. passport no longer ranks among the world’s ten most powerful, according to the Henley Passport Index, which measures how freely citizens can travel without a visa.

The 2025 ranking crowns Singapore, South Korea, and Japan as the most travel-friendly passports, offering their holders visa-free entry to 193, 190, and 189 destinations, respectively. The United States, by contrast, has fallen to 12th place, tied with Malaysia, granting visa-free access to 180 of the 227 destinations tracked by Henley & Partners.

The London-based firm compiles the index using data from the International Air Transport Association, and because countries with equal scores share a single rank, the U.S. passport technically trails 36 other nations this year.

Back in 2014, the U.S. topped the chart. Even as recently as mid-2025, it managed to cling to the top 10. But a series of shifting visa policies worldwide has changed the landscape dramatically.

Brazil’s decision in April to revoke visa-free access for Americans, Canadians, and Australians, citing a lack of reciprocity, dealt an early blow. Meanwhile, China has been opening its doors wider, granting visa exemptions to European nations like Germany and France, but not to the United States. Papua New Guinea and Myanmar have also made entry rule changes that improved their own standings while pushing the U.S. further down.

According to Henley’s report, the latest setback came when Somalia launched a new eVisa system and Vietnam excluded the U.S. from its latest batch of visa-free additions.

“The declining strength of the US passport over the past decade is more than just a reshuffle in rankings — it signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics,” said Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners.

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“Nations that embrace openness and cooperation are surging ahead, while those resting on past privilege are being left behind.”

The United Kingdom, which topped the index in 2015, has also reached its lowest-ever position, falling from 6th to 8th since July. In contrast, several countries have made rapid climbs. China has jumped from 94th place in 2015 to 64th today, gaining visa-free access to 37 new destinations.

Henley attributes that rise to Beijing’s expanding diplomatic outreach, including visa-free deals with Russia, Gulf states, South America, and Europe. The United Arab Emirates is another success story, soaring 34 spots over the last decade—from No. 42 to No. 8—thanks to a slew of reciprocal agreements.

At the other end of the spectrum sits Afghanistan, holding last place at No. 106, with visa-free access to just 24 destinations, down two since the start of the year. Syria (26) and Iraq (29) follow just above it. That leaves a 169-country gap between the most and least mobile passports on earth.

Henley’s current top 12 are as follows:

  1. Singapore (193 destinations)
  2. South Korea (190)
  3. Japan (189)
  4. Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland (188)
  5. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands (187)
  6. Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden (186)
  7. Australia, Czech Republic, Malta, Poland (185)
  8. Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, UAE, UK (184)
  9. Canada (183)
  10. Latvia, Liechtenstein (182)
  11. Iceland, Lithuania (181)
  12. United States, Malaysia (180)

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Back in July, CNN Business editor-at-large Richard Quest noted that new entry requirements, such as ESTAs in the European Union and the UK, were further limiting Americans’ mobility.

“Can we make a linkage, if you will, to immigration policies of the Trump administration? Yes, you probably can, at some level, say there is a direct relation between one and the other.”

Still, he said, elite passports remain coveted assets. “There are certainly citizenships that give greater access and availability to travel,” Quest explained. Wealthy individuals often pursue such documents through investment schemes—like the $5 million “gold card” program once floated by Donald Trump.

“But for the average person, it’s not a jot of difference. You’ve got your passport, you’ve got where you are. Learn and live with it.”

The Henley Passport Index isn’t the only global mobility scoreboard. Financial consultancy Arton Capital publishes its own Global Passport Power Rank, updated in real time by tracking government portals. Arton’s 2025 ranking currently puts the United Arab Emirates in first place, with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 179, followed by Singapore and Spain (each at 175).

passport

US Drops Off World’s 10 Most Powerful Passports List For First Time In Two Decades

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For the first time in 20 years, the US has dropped out of the world’s top 10 most powerful passports, signifying a major dethroning for one of the world’s biggest superpowers. 

According to the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks and measures how many nations a traveler can visit without needing a visa, the US passport is now ranked at 12th internationally and shares that position with Malaysia. 

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Henley & Partners is a London-based firm that specializes in citizenship and residency consulting. The firm has been compiling these rankings for around 20 years, and they do so by utilizing data from the International Air Transport Association. 

Last year, the US was ranked in seventh place before moving down to 10th in July this year. When we look back a decade, the US was at the very top of the ranking. 

“The declining strength of the US passport over the past decade is more than just a reshuffle in rankings – it signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics,” Christian H Kaelin, chair of Henley & Partners and creator of the index, said in a press release. 

“Nations that embrace openness and cooperation are surging ahead, while those resting on past privilege are being left behind.”

The current ranking is mainly made up of nations in Asia. Singapore is leading with visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea with 190, and Japan with 189, the Guardian reports.

The drop in the US’s position on the list is being attributed to America’s immigration and travel policies under President Donald Trump. The policies initially targeted unauthorized migration, but have also extended to crackdowns on tourism, foreign workers, and international students. 

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Henley & Partners also noted that while US passport holders can access 180 destinations without a visa, the US itself only allows 46 other nationalities to enter the borders without a visa. 

Access changes in other nations have also caused them to drop on the list. For example, in April, Brazil ended their visa-free entry for Americans, Canadians, and Australians due to a “lack of reciprocity.”

While some countries have expanded their visa waivers, they have not done so for Americans. Both China and Vietnam have excluded the US from their newly expanded list of countries eligible for visa-free tourism. 

Henley & Partners stated that nations who offer their citizens broad travel freedoms but limit visa-free entry for others, like the US, have seen their passport strengths either remain stagnant or decrease. 

“The dramatic fall in ranking is already fueling a desire for dual citizenship among Americans,” the firm stated. 

“In coming years, more Americans will be acquiring additional citizenships in whatever way they can,” Peter J Spiro, professor of law at Temple University Law School, said in a statement. 

“Multiple citizenship is being normalized in American society, dual citizenship is the new American dream.”

travel

International Travel To The US Has Been On The Decline, And Will Continue

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The decline in international tourism to the US could persist, and likely increase, in the future, according to travel analysts. Major travel destinations around the nation like Las Vegas and Los Angeles, have reported hosting fewer foreign visitors this summer, according to the Associated Press. 

Experts and local travel officials have stated that this decline first began in February after President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Specifically, his tariffs, immigration crackdowns, and repeated claims that the US will acquire Canada and Greenland, has made a lot of international travelers feel alienated and less willing to come to the US. 

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Patrick Kaler, CEO of the local tourism organization Visit Buffalo Niagara, created a marketing campaign to greet Canadian drivers with a billboard that states “Buffalo Loves Canada.” 

“To see the traffic drop off so significantly, especially because of rhetoric that can be changed, is so disheartening,” Kaler said.

Earlier in the year, the World Travel & Tourism Council projected that the US would be the only nation, out of the 184 they studied, where foreign visitor spending would decline in 2025. 

“[These findings] are a clear indicator that the global appeal of the US is slipping,” the global industry association stated.

“The world’s biggest travel and tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction. While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign,” said Julia Simpson, the council’s president and CEO.

Tourism Economics, a travel research firm, predicted this month that the US will see 8.2% fewer international arrivals by the end of 2025, which is a significant drop in the number of foreign visitors to the US before the Covid-19 pandemic. 

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“The sentiment drag has proven to be severe, airline bookings indicate the sharp inbound travel slowdown” of the summer that will likely persist, the firm noted. 

Deborah Friedland, managing director at the financial services firm Eisner Advisory Group, said “the U.S. travel industry faced multiple headwinds — rising travel costs, political uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical tensions.”

Since returning to office, Trump has revived his travel ban that mainly targets African and Middle Eastern countries, and has tightened the rules around visa approvals while increasing mass immigration raids. 

His push for tariffs on foreign goods have also made citizens in multiple countries feel unwanted in the US. 

“Perception is reality,” Friedland said. 

Washington D.C. has also noticed an impact on the travel industry. Local tourism officials projected a 5.1% decrease in international visitors for the year, and marketing organization Destination DC said just last week they planned to “counter negative rhetoric” regarding the city. 

US government data confirmed a general decrease in international arrivals during the first seven months of the year. The number of foreign visitors, excluding Mexico and Canada, have decreased by 3 million (1.6%) compared to the same period last year, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office.

air canada

Ottawa Orders Air Canada Striking Flight Attendants Back to Work Amid Mass Disruption

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Canada’s federal government has stepped into the escalating labor dispute at Air Canada, directing more than 10,000 striking flight attendants to return to their posts as nationwide air travel grinds to a halt.

Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu announced Saturday that she instructed the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to order the airline and its unionized staff to resume operations, citing the urgent need to safeguard both the economy and Canadians stranded by the work stoppage.

“The impact of the work stoppage at Air Canada that began early this morning is already being felt by travelers. This is causing significant harm and has negative impacts on Canadians and the Canadian economy.”

Hajdu added that the cancellations led to thousands of Canadians being stranded and pharmaceuticals left with no means of transport.

The walkout began around 1 a.m. ET Saturday, after flight attendants—represented by the Air Canada component of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)—voted 99.7% in favor of strike action. Their demands include higher wages and compensation for duties performed when aircraft are grounded.

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By late morning, the strike’s impact was stark: aviation data firm Cirium reported 662 canceled flights, including 342 within Canada and 320 international routes. Flight-tracking service FlightAware estimated that nearly nine in ten Air Canada flights, along with nearly all of its Rouge subsidiary’s departures, had been scrapped. The airline warned that as many as 130,000 customers could be affected each day the shutdown drags on.

Air Canada suspended all operations shortly after the strike began. It is premature to comment, as the CIRB process is still underway,” the company said in a statement to CNN, urging passengers to confirm their bookings before heading to the airport.

Hajdu invoked Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, a seldom-used measure that allows the minister to direct an arbitrator to impose a settlement. The CIRB, which will oversee negotiations, is also expected to extend the terms of the existing collective agreement while the process unfolds.

Air Canada formally requested government intervention earlier in the week, according to CUPE. The union sharply criticized Ottawa’s move, with Wesley Lesosky, president of the CUPE’s Air Canada component, accusing the Liberals of undermining workers’ rights.

“Now, when we’re at the bargaining table with an obstinate employer, the Liberals are violating our Charter rights to take job action and give Air Canada exactly what they want – hours and hours of unpaid labour from underpaid flight attendants, while the company pulls in sky-high profits and extraordinary executive compensation.”

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Hajdu rejected suggestions that the government was taking sides, insisting that the aim was to break the impasse and that this was not about being anti-union.

The airline has stated that its latest proposal would increase hourly pay by 12% to 16% in the first year, with total compensation rising by 38% over four years. Air Canada maintains that the package would make its flight attendants the best-paid in the country.

CUPE, however, argues that the figures mask systemic issues, such as unpaid hours on the ground, which significantly reduce attendants’ actual earnings.

The strike has left competitors scrambling to fill the void. WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, said it is deploying larger aircraft on busy routes and adding extra flights “where possible” to absorb displaced travelers.

Still, with Air Canada accounting for a dominant share of the domestic and transatlantic market, the disruptions are expected to linger even after operations restart. Hajdu noted it could take between five and ten days for regular schedules to resume once the strike ends.

The CIRB is now reviewing submissions from both Air Canada and CUPE. Hajdu said a ruling could come within 24 to 48 hours, but she cautioned against speculating.

For now, thousands of passengers remain stranded, airports across the country are in limbo, and one of Canada’s most vital industries hangs in the balance.

vaccine

China Deploys Drones and Mosquito-Eating Fish to Combat Chikungunya Outbreak

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Southern China is grappling with a major outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral illness that has rapidly infected thousands in recent weeks—marking one of the country’s largest recorded surges since the disease was first detected there nearly 20 years ago.

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louvre

Louvre Closes as Staff Protest Overwhelming Crowds and ‘Untenable’ Conditions

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The Louvre, internationally renowned as the most visited museum and a cherished symbol of culture and resilience, was unexpectedly closed on Monday because its staff had reached a breaking point. Exhausted employees claim the famed institution is on the verge of collapse internally, burdened by unprecedented visitor numbers and inadequate resources.

The sudden walkout began unexpectedly during a regular internal meeting. Staff, including gallery guards, ticket handlers, and security personnel, collectively refused to resume their duties, protesting extreme crowding, persistent understaffing, and working conditions described by union representatives as “untenable.”

“It’s the Mona Lisa moan out here,” said Kevin Ward, a 62-year-old visitor from Milwaukee, stranded among crowds beneath architect I.M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid. “Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation. I guess even she needs a day off.”

The museum, famous for housing Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces and numerous historical artifacts, stood idle; yet, the situation resonated far beyond a typical workplace dispute, highlighting a broader issue—overtourism. As iconic destinations like Venice and Greece’s Acropolis increasingly restrict crowds, the Louvre faces its own critical moment of reckoning.

This closure follows closely on the heels of President Emmanuel Macron’s ambitious initiative, announced earlier this year—a ten-year renovation project aimed at resolving longstanding issues, including leaking ceilings, destructive temperature fluctuations, outdated infrastructure, and overwhelming visitor numbers. However, frontline employees, such as Sarah Sefian from the CGT-Culture union, argue that these long-term plans fail to address their immediate, critical concerns.

“We cannot endure six more years waiting for solutions. Our teams are already stretched beyond their limits. It isn’t only about preserving art—it’s about protecting the people who safeguard it.”

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While rare, the Louvre has previously shut its doors during wartime, pandemics, and several past labor strikes, including those sparked by overcrowding in 2019 and security concerns in 2013. Yet Monday’s closure struck differently, as confused tourists stood in lines, tickets ready, but without any official explanation for the abrupt halt.

At the heart of the museum’s overcrowding woes remains Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, a 16th-century painting that attracts massive daily crowds. Approximately 20,000 visitors daily cram into the Salle des États to catch a fleeting glimpse of the famed portrait. The room frequently becomes disordered, with visitors maneuvering aggressively for selfies, scarcely noticing surrounding masterpieces by artists like Titian and Veronese.

Ji-Hyun Park, 28, who traveled from Seoul, told The Associated Press that the scene inside the museum was chaotic.

“You don’t see a painting. You see phones. You see elbows. You feel heat. And then, you’re pushed out.”

President Macron’s renovation project, titled the “Louvre New Renaissance,” aims to improve this situation. Plans include providing the Mona Lisa with a separate exhibition space accessible through timed-entry reservations and adding a new visitor entrance by the Seine River by 2031, easing pressure from the congested pyramid entrance.

“Conditions of display, explanation and presentation will be up to what the Mona Lisa deserves,” Macron stated in January.

Last year, the Louvre recorded an overwhelming 8.7 million visitors, more than double its originally designed capacity. Despite capping daily admissions at 30,000, staff report a severe strain, inadequate restroom facilities, and limited rest spaces, with the intensified summer heat exacerbated by the glass pyramid’s greenhouse-like conditions.

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In a recently leaked internal memo, Louvre President Laurence des Cars revealed stark realities, describing parts of the museum as no longer watertight and susceptible to damaging temperature swings. She further highlighted serious inadequacies in basic visitor amenities—like dining areas, restrooms, and signage—declaring the visitor experience “a physical ordeal.”

“What began as a scheduled monthly information session turned into a mass expression of exasperation.”

Negotiations between museum management and employees continued into Monday afternoon, with the museum remaining closed into the evening.

The extensive renovation project is to be funded through ticket sales, private contributions, government support, and revenues from the Louvre’s Abu Dhabi branch. Non-EU visitor ticket prices are expected to increase later this year.

However, museum employees stress that their immediate needs outweigh any promise of a decade-long renovation. Unlike other sites in Paris, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Centre Pompidou, both of which are undergoing significant state-supported restoration, the Louvre remains in a state of financial and operational limbo, neither adequately funded nor sufficiently supported.

President Macron, who celebrated his 2017 election victory at the Louvre and prominently featured it during the 2024 Paris Olympics, assures a modernized, safer museum within this decade. Until then, France’s premier cultural landmark and the crowds clamoring to visit remain trapped between ambitious plans and current realities.

everest

Nepal Proposes Everest Climbing Law Requiring Prior 7,000-Meter Ascent

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Nepal is preparing to implement new regulations aimed at reducing overcrowding and enhancing climber safety on Mount Everest by restricting climbing permits exclusively to climbers who have previously ascended at least one mountain of 7,000 meters or higher within Nepal.

The legislation, known as the Integrated Tourism Bill, was presented in Nepal’s upper house of Parliament on April 18. It specifically targets pressing ecological issues, safety concerns, and overcrowding on Mount Everest, which at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) remains the highest peak above sea level, confirmed by a 2020 joint survey between Nepal and China.

Nepal’s economy heavily relies on tourism income, especially mountaineering, trekking, and related activities. Revenue generated from climbing permits represents a substantial source of foreign exchange for the nation, which boasts eight of the world’s 14 tallest mountains.

However, this reliance has led to widespread criticism of the government’s permit issuance practices, particularly in allowing inexperienced climbers to attempt Everest, resulting in dangerous situations.

Recently, Nepal raised the price of Everest climbing permits by 36 percent, increasing from approximately £8,249 to £11,248. This was the first significant price adjustment in nearly a decade.

Despite the financial benefits, the environmental repercussions of increasing tourist traffic are severe. Everest faces mounting issues of pollution, including accumulated garbage, human waste, and broader ecological damage to the fragile alpine environment. Additionally, rescue operations at extreme altitudes are both exceptionally dangerous and costly.

Overcrowding in critical sections of Everest, particularly the notorious “death zone” where oxygen is insufficient for human survival, has created hazardous bottlenecks, significantly increasing risks for climbers.

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The new regulations aim to mitigate these problems by requiring prospective Everest climbers to submit documented proof of previously ascending a Nepal-based peak of at least 7,000 meters before applying for an Everest permit. This measure intends to ensure climbers have sufficient high-altitude experience, thus minimizing risks associated with inexperienced mountaineering.

Additionally, climbers must undergo a thorough medical examination by a government-approved medical institution within one month of the planned expedition. Applicants must also declare in advance any intentions to set or attempt records during their climbs.

The consequences for violating rules are set to increase in severity. Nepali climbers discovered to be in violation of regulations could face a decade-long ban from climbing, alongside fines equivalent to the cost of their climbing permits or a combination of both penalties. Foreigners could encounter identical penalties, along with a five-year prohibition on re-entering Nepal.

The proposed legislation also mandates that the primary guide, known locally as the Sardar, and accompanying mountain guides must be Nepali citizens. Furthermore, permit fees, once paid, cannot be transferred to another individual. In cases where expeditions are disrupted due to uncontrollable circumstances such as natural disasters or conflicts, permits will remain valid for a two-year period without refund.

International climbing companies have expressed significant concerns over the proposed restrictions, particularly regarding the exclusive requirement of prior ascents on Nepali peaks. Lukas Furtenbach, founder of the Austrian expedition organizer Furtenbach Adventures, argues that well-known international peaks should be recognized as qualifying climbs.

“That wouldn’t make any sense. And I would also add mountains that are close to 7,000 meters to that list and that are widely used as preparation, like Ama Dablam, Aconcagua, Denali and others.”

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Furtenbach also emphasized to Reuters the importance of allowing qualified international guides to operate on Everest due to a shortage of adequately qualified Nepali guides.

“It is important that mountain guides have a qualification like IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations), no matter what nationality they are. We do also welcome Nepali IFMGA guides to work in the Alps in Europe.”

The Kathmandu Post reports that the new bill also includes provisions for improved dead body management insurance. The process of recovering bodies from Everest presents significant financial and logistical challenges, with costs ranging from $20,000 to $200,000, reflecting the inherent risks involved.

Additionally, the proposed legislation aims to substitute the existing $4,000 refundable garbage deposit with a non-refundable garbage fee. The funds will go toward climber welfare and environmental conservation.

“What’s already outlined in the bill paints a clear picture: the government is trying to bring order, accountability, and safety to the mountains.”

Nepal’s 2025 Everest climbing season began in April, and the country has already issued approximately 402 permits. The total number of permits issued is expected to exceed 500 during the peak climbing window in May.

Still in draft form, the law has to go through deliberations in both houses of Parliament. Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism officials claim changes are likely before the final bill is approved.

plane

America No Longer on the Itinerary: Global Travelers Rethink U.S. Trips Amid Rising Tensions

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International travelers are increasingly reconsidering trips to the United States amid growing concerns over feeling unsafe or unwelcome due to controversial policies and diplomatic tensions linked to the Trump administration. Issues such as border detentions, heightened trade conflicts, and strained relations with longstanding allies are causing many tourists to rethink their support for the U.S. economy.

A proposed new travel ban could restrict citizens from up to 43 countries, including Belarus, Cambodia, and St. Lucia, further complicating international relations and fueling traveler anxieties.

Mallory Henderson, a London-based marketing consultant who regularly visited the U.S. to see family, told The New York Times she canceled her upcoming trip to Boston, citing discomfort with the “unpredictable” environment.

“So many Americans are looking to escape the tense and toxic atmosphere at home. Why would anyone want to visit, especially right now, with all the arbitrary detentions at immigration? It’s a really hostile and scary time, and quite frankly, there’s plenty of other inviting and pleasant places I can go to meet up with my family.”

Even before recent political shifts, the American tourism sector was already struggling to rebound from the pandemic. The strong U.S. dollar and prolonged visa processing had delayed recovery, with international visitor numbers projected not to reach pre-pandemic levels until late 2025 and tourist spending not fully rebounding until 2026, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Tourism Economics, a research firm, initially predicted a 9 percent growth in travel to the U.S. this year but recently revised forecasts to reflect a 5.1 percent decline in inbound visitors.
This downturn is expected to result in an $18 billion reduction in visitor spending, significantly driven by Canadian travelers responding to newly imposed tariffs. In February, cross-border Canadian visits dropped by 24 percent year-over-year.

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Major airlines like Delta, American, and United have adjusted financial forecasts and reduced flights, especially to and from Canada, reflecting the diminished demand. United CEO Scott Kirby explicitly noted a substantial drop in Canadian passengers.

President of Tourism Economics, Adam Sacks, attributes this decline to perceptions caused by aggressive policy decisions.

“The negative sentiment shift is anticipated to be sustained by an evolving mix of Trump administration factors, including geopolitical friction on trade and national security policies, charged rhetoric and adversarial posturing. High-visibility border security and immigration policies and enforcement actions are also expected to discourage visits.”

Several nations, including the U.K., Canada, and Germany, have updated travel advisories cautioning citizens that visa waivers do not guarantee smooth entry into the U.S. following several highly publicized border detentions involving foreign nationals. For example, France recently protested after a French scientist was denied entry, allegedly due to his personal opinions about American politics discovered during a phone inspection—an assertion the U.S. denied.

While Europe has not seen cancellations at Canada’s scale, many travelers are reconsidering future trips to the United States. European Travel Agents’ Secretary General Eric Dresin warned that continued policy turbulence might lead to greater disruption in the European tourism market. In February, arrivals from Western Europe dipped by 1 percent compared to a 14 percent increase the previous year.

Tourists like Christoph Bartel, a German citizen who lives in Norway, are choosing alternate destinations after U.S. policy shifts. Bartel had initially planned to visit Arizona in the summer to tour national parks but canceled his plans when Trump fired park employees and reversed environmental regulations.

“It does not feel right to support the American economy when the president is causing so much sabotage. It is disappointing to abandon a special trip we planned for months, but we will go to Canada or Mexico instead.”

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British travelers, traditionally the largest European visitor group after Canada and Mexico, are also becoming cautious. Alan Wilson of Bon Voyage Travel & Tours noted a 5 percent drop in bookings for U.S. trips this year, driven partly by increased hotel costs and frustration with tipping culture.

“The British market absolutely hates the 20 percent tipping culture and how America always has its hand held out for the next gratuity. They would rather pay the money upfront.”

Small businesses reliant on tourism in popular destinations like New York and California feel the pinch. Luke Miller of Real New York Tours reported devastating cancellations, especially from Canadian visitors, with a bleak outlook for future bookings. If business doesn’t rebound, Miller fears layoffs will be inevitable. “I just had 20 busloads of seniors cancel their upcoming tours. That’s thousands of dollars of losses for my small business,” Mr. Miller said.

In response, state tourism agencies are stepping up marketing to reassure travelers. Visit California, the state’s tourism agency, slightly lowered its 2025 spending forecast, citing reduced international arrivals and recent wildfires.

“The good news is, thanks to California’s strong brand on the global stage, international visitors continue to show a strong affinity for the Golden State,” Caroline Beteta, the agency’s president, said in a statement.

New York City Tourism+ Conventions is emphasizing affordability and attractions beyond Manhattan, confident that the city will ultimately achieve its recovery goals despite present challenges.

“This is an excellent opportunity to highlight the other boroughs and parts of New York City outside of Manhattan that are just as vibrant and have amazing, award-winning culinary, arts and cultural experiences.”

Still, business owners like Miller remain concerned. “The reality is that we are being hit the hardest and might not survive,” he said.

spring break

FBI Issues Travel Warning as Spring Break Approaches: What You Need to Know

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As spring break approaches, the FBI has issued an alert urging travelers, including students and families, to exercise increased caution while vacationing overseas.

Spring break significantly benefits local economies worldwide, bolstering revenues for hotels, restaurants, bars, and other businesses while also increasing seasonal employment. However, amid the festivities, travelers must remain alert to potential safety threats, such as crime, political instability, and ongoing conflicts.

In a recent statement, Akil Davis, FBI Assistant Director in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Office, warned that travelers should be aware of the risks while traveling abroad.

“Whether it’s families looking to escape the final throes of winter or a college student seeking a brief respite from the rigors of academic life, know that the risks are there. Maintain vigilance throughout your travels and be prepared to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate should the need arise.”

The FBI’s warning follows the disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki during her visit to Punta Cana, a popular resort destination in the Dominican Republic.

With the spring break period extending through March and April, airports and airlines anticipate higher traffic this year. According to CBS News, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicts approximately a 5% increase in passengers compared to last year’s travel season.

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The FBI recommends that travelers maintain a heightened awareness of their surroundings for personal safety. Specific tips include setting up emergency points of contact for families to reference, utilizing only officially authorized taxis or shuttles, and closely observing behaviors that appear suspicious or intrusive.

“Beware of new acquaintances who probe for information about you or who attempt to get you involved in what could become a compromising situation.”

Additionally, the agency advises travelers to steer clear of activities that are “illegal, improper, or discreet” and to avoid situations involving sexual solicitations, which could result in room raids, illicit photographs, or extortion attempts. Traveling in groups, particularly at night, rather than alone, is strongly recommended to mitigate potential dangers.

The FBI also highlights the importance of consulting travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department before departure. These advisories, classified into four levels, provide updated safety assessments of countries and regions based on crime rates, terrorism threats, civil disturbances, health risks, and natural disaster likelihood.

Level 1 indicates normal precautions, with the understanding that all international travel carries some inherent degree of risk. Level 2 suggests extra caution due to “heightened risks to safety and security.” Level 3 recommends reconsidering travel plans, and Level 4 strongly discourages travel to the location altogether.

Recent advisories have placed countries like Afghanistan, Belarus, North Korea, Russia, and Ukraine under “Level 4: Do Not Travel,” underscoring the severity of conditions in those nations.

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Common international spring break destinations include Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Spain, and the Dominican Republic, each with varying safety ratings:

  • Mexico: Cancun (Quintana Roo) and Cabo San Lucas (Baja California Sur) are listed at Level 2 due to crime concerns. However, the advisory escalates to Level 3 for Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco) due to increased risks of kidnapping and crime.
  • Jamaica: Rated as Level 3, Jamaica faces widespread violent crime, including sexual assaults and armed robberies. Tourist areas generally experience lower crime rates but are not entirely exempt from serious incidents.
  • The Bahamas: Holds a Level 2 advisory, primarily due to crime concentrated in Nassau (New Providence) and Freeport (Grand Bahama). Violent crimes such as armed robberies and sexual assaults have been reported even in tourist zones.
  • Spain: Also at Level 2, Spain faces threats from civil unrest and terrorism. Demonstrations occur frequently, and officials caution travelers about potential terrorist activities targeting public places, including tourist attractions, transportation hubs, hotels, and cultural venues.
  • Dominican Republic: Classified at Level 2 due to ongoing issues with violent crime, including robberies, homicides, and sexual assaults. Tourist regions are now more secure due to enhanced policing and modernized emergency response systems.

An additional but frequently overlooked travel safety concern is carbon monoxide poisoning. Although not mentioned directly by the FBI, carbon monoxide poses a significant risk, causing over 400 fatalities annually in the United States alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recent incidents involving American tourists in Mexico and the Bahamas highlight the dangers of this invisible and odorless gas.

Experts recommend ensuring accommodations have functioning carbon monoxide detectors or bringing along portable detection devices. Immediate evacuation and seeking fresh air are crucial if alarms sound. Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, chest discomfort, and confusion, though not everyone experiences clear symptoms immediately.

Tourism Returns To Pre-Pandemic Highs With More Than 1.4 Billion People Traveling Last Year 

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The UN’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has released its annual year-in-review data for 2024, revealing that the tourism industry around the world has returned to pre-pandemic levels. 

The report stated that around 1.4 billion traveled internationally last year. The exact number of individuals makes up 99% of the amount of travelers from 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the world and isolated everyone. 

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For 2024, that amount of traveling led to $1.9 trillion being spent within the tourism industry. On average, that means each traveler spent more than $1,000 during their trips. 

More specifically, Europe was the most-visited continent with 747 million people traveling there in 2024, according to the UNWTO. 

France ended up being the world’s most-visited nation in 2024 with about 100 million visitors, according to France’s own figures from their tourism board. Spain was close behind them with about 98 million tourists last year. 

“2024 was an exceptional year for French tourism, promising prospects for 2025!” Atout France, the country’s national tourism marketing department, said in a statement.

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The 2024 Summer Olympics was a major reason for these high numbers, as well as the re-opening of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, and the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. 

The UNWTO reports that around 316 million people traveled to Asia and the Pacific last year, 213 million went to the Americas, 95 million to the Middle East, and 74 million to Africa. 

In the Middle East, Qatar saw a 137% increase in tourism, which many are crediting to the nation’s investments in infrastructure. Additionally, Qatar Airways was named the world’s best airline in 2024.

Based on this report, global tourism isn’t just returning to previous pre-pandemic levels, it’s actually exceeding them.

The UNWTO’s panel of experts cautioned that “balancing growth and sustainability will be critical in 2025 [and advised] the discovery of lesser-known destinations.”