Lunar New Year (LNY) 2025 is anticipated to be a season of exploration and connection as families and friends celebrate. The Year of the Snake symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and transformation, reflecting changes in the travel sector. Travelers are prioritizing longer stays and meaningful experiences. Trip.com Group's data indicates year-on-year growth for cross-border travel, with travelers combining public holidays and annual leave to extend their trips. In mainland China, New Year’s Eve is an official holiday in 2025, allowing travelers to take minimal leave for an extended break. Asia-Pacific travelers are staying approximately 10% longer this festive period, with Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and mainland China being popular destinations.

The 2025 FITUR international tourism exhibition in Madrid demonstrated a robust recovery in global tourism. Over 9,000 companies from 156 countries participated in the event. The United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) reported that international tourism fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2024, recording 1.4 billion international travelers and forecasts a 3-5 percent growth for 2025. Spain reported a record-breaking 94 million visitors in 2024. Brazil was the invited nation at FITUR. The Asia-Pacific region has recovered 87 percent of its pre-pandemic tourist numbers. Several Chinese companies, including Enjoy China and Focus China, were present at FITUR.

France remained the world’s top tourist destination in 2024 with 100 million visitors, surpassing Spain. Global tourism returned to pre-pandemic levels with 1.4 billion international trips. Spain recorded 94 million foreign tourists in 2024, a 10 percent increase from the previous year. France, which hosted the Olympic Games, welcomed two million more visitors in 2024, a two percent increase compared to 2023. However, tourists in Spain spent more (126 billion euros) compared to France (71 billion euros). France saw a 12 percent year-on-year increase in takings from international tourists, driven by visitors from Belgium, England, Germany, Switzerland, and the US. The number of Chinese visitors to France remained 60 percent lower than pre-pandemic levels, and Japanese visitors were down by 30 percent compared to 2019. Good snowfall in late 2024 boosted end-of-year holiday travel to French ski slopes.

Nepal has increased Everest climbing permit fees and introduced measures to manage garbage and prevent accidents. Every two climbers must now hire a guide for mountains over 8,000 meters, including Everest. The royalty fee for foreigners climbing Everest via the normal south route in the spring has risen from $11,000 to $15,000 per person. Autumn season fees have increased from $5,500 to $7,500, while winter and monsoon season fees have risen from $2,750 to $3,750. These rates take effect on September 1, 2025. For Nepali climbers, the spring season fee has doubled from Rs75,000 to Rs150,000. Climbing permits are now valid for 55 days, reduced from 75. Climbers must bring their waste back to base camp in biodegradable bags. Insurance coverage for high-altitude guides has increased to Rs2 million ($14,400), and for base camp workers, it has been raised to Rs1.5 million ($10,800). Since 1953, over 200 people have died on the Nepal side of Everest, and nearly 8,900 have summited the peak.

Bangkok has been named the world’s second-best city by Time Out, based on surveys of city dwellers. The ranking considers culture, food, affordability, and overall happiness. Bangkok climbed from 24th place to second due to its cultural heritage, dynamic food scene, and vibrant lifestyle. 84% of residents agree that dining out is accessible. 86% rated Bangkok’s food as “good” or “excellent”. Bangkok offers contrasts, with street food, Michelin-starred restaurants, and cultural icons like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, along with modern parks like Benjakitti Park. The city exudes happiness and warmth, offering Thai hospitality, night markets, and nightlife districts. Public transport networks have made the city more accessible. Bangkok’s diverse culinary scene and street food were also highlighted. Cape Town, South Africa, was ranked first, followed by New York City. Chiang Mai secured the 28th spot. Bangkok blends tradition and modernity, making it a desirable place to live.