Top Destination News From September

September was a big month for travel news, specifically headlines impacting popular destinations around the world.

Whether it was new tourist taxes, record-breaking visitation or post-pandemic rebounds, there's a lot to catch up on when it comes to the planet's most beloved locales.

Here's a recap of the biggest stories from the past month. 

September began with news that New Zealand would increase its tax on international tourists by nearly triple, increasing the rate from $35 New Zealand dollars to $100, beginning October 1. The country's government said the move was made to "ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand.”

Thailand's travel and tourism industry continues to experience a post-pandemic surge, with the country expected to host approximately 36 million visitors by the end of 2024. Those visitors will generate about $53 billion in income for the popular Asian destination.

In September, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced the U.S. as the world's most powerful travel an tourism market, contributing a record-breaking $2.36 trillion to the nation’s economy in 2023. The U.S. beat out China, which is predicted to become the biggest travel and tourism market over the next decade.

The U.S. State Department issued several travel advisory updates in September, including some important bits of guidance for a handful of popular European countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy and Denmark due to the threat of terrorism.

Overtourism was a dominating topic in September as many beloved travel destinations battled unsustainable crowds.

One such place, Greece, took action by introducing a new tax for cruise ship passengers visiting the islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season.

The U.S. continues to draw travelers from all around the globe and most choose to visit New York City, specifically the Big Apple's sprawling Central Park.

"Overall, New York’s Central Park is the most worthwhile attraction in the US. Offering 843 acres of lush greenery in the middle of the city, it’s an urban escape unlike any other in the world," states a WTTC report.

Israel is reporting some encouraging tourism trends as we approach the one-year anniversary of Hamas' surprise attack on the country, which has since prompted airlines to suspend service and government agencies to announce travel advisories.

"Although the tourism industry in Israel – and the entire country – have faced tremendous challenges since the events of Oct. 7, many tourists are coming to Israel to visit friends, family, to volunteer, or to simply experience the many incredible things the country has to offer right now," said Chad Martin, director, Northeast region, Israel Ministry of Tourism.

"Seeing new hotels, restaurants and attractions opening even now, shows the true nature of Israel’s spirit."

The official tourism marketing body for Greater Fort Lauderdale, Florida Visit Lauderdale launched a new "No End to the Rainbows" social media campaign highlighting the region’s dedication to inclusivity and its support for the LGBTQ+ community in the wake of the state's main tourism organization's controversial decision to remove the LGBTQ+ section from its website.

Jamaica's popularity shows no signs of slowing as the Caribbean island destination hosted more than two million overnight, land-based visitors and one million cruise arrivals between January 1 and September 14, 2024.

Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s tourism minister, said those visitors represent "an increase over last year's figures for the same period."