by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 7:50 AM ET, Thu February 27, 2025
As we turn our minds towards longer daylight hours, spring and—hopefully—warmer days ahead, we at TravelPulse have been writing a lot of destination news.
This February, news has surrounded destinations’ 2024 tourism numbers, many of which are seeing new records, the impact of Trump’s busy administration on our beloved national parks and American tourism industry, the White Lotus Effect hitting Thailand and much more.
Check out the biggest news impacting destinations down below.
Gearing Up for Spring Break 2025
Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Photo Credit: aiisha/Adobe Stock)
The world’s been preparing this month for the next busy travel season: spring break 2025! This year, AAA Travel has identified Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa as some of the top destinations for spring breakers traveling domestically this year. For international travelers, top destinations include Rome, London, Paris and Amsterdam.
AAA also reported that prices for the busy travel season are increasing: domestic flights are up seven percent, international flights are up two percent and hotels have increased four to eight percent by location.
Additionally, those traveling to Mexico should be aware of a new travel advisory issued by the US Embassy in Mexico urging travelers to exercise caution when traveling to popular tourist regions like Cancun and Tulum. Possession and use of drugs and weapons is illegal, and those who indulge in substances or alcohol are at an increased risk for crime, sexual assault, robbery and drowning.
Trump’s Travel Impact: Tariffs and National Parks
View over the Merced River onto Yosemite National Park landmarks. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Paul)
Despite being in office only a few weeks, the Trump Administration has been making waves, and their ripples have been felt in the travel industry.
Early in February, the U.S. Travel Association warned that Trump’s tariff plan for Canada, which saw Trudeau encouraging Canadian travelers to effectively boycott American products and American destinations, could lead to the U.S. travel industry’s detriment.
It reported that even if only ten percent of Canadians choose not to visit the U.S. this year, the nation would lose 14,000 American jobs and generate $2.1 billion less in travel spending. While his tariff plan has been halted for now, there are no guarantees he won’t implement them in the future.
Additionally, Trump and the non-official Department of Government Efficiency’s firings of federal workers have impacted our national parks: at least 1,000 parks employees have been fired, leaving critically necessary guest-facing, conservation and even firefighting roles empty.
The parks have felt the impact: Saguaro National Park closed its two visitor centers. Yosemite National Park stopped its reservation system for over 500 camping spots. Carlsbad Caverns National Park canceled all guided tours. Effigy Mounds in Iowa is closing its visitor center two days a week until its summer rush.
"We've spent millions and millions and millions of dollars marketing America's National Parks to the world and now we're just throwing away that money," said Cassidy Jones, a former ranger and current worker at the National Parks Conservation Association. "Are we making these cuts to low-paying jobs so we can give a bigger tax break to the rich? Is that the plan?”
The White Lotus Travel Boom Begins in Thailand
Koh Samui, Thailand. (Photo Credit: natalia_maroz/Adobe)
The third season of the hit show The White Lotus began in February, and Thailand is expecting a travel boom, with about 5 percent more Americans visiting the Asian kingdom than in past years. Tour operators and other travel companies have been offering their own White Lotus-inspired trips and experiences for travelers to enjoy.
“Being featured in The White Lotus Season 3 offers a unique opportunity to showcase Thailand’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culinary scene, vibrant culture, and, most importantly, the warmth of Thai hospitality to a global audience,” said Director Chompu Marusachot, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand New York Office.
The TAT also launched its own White Lotus-themed website encouraging travelers to learn more about Thailand.
Overtourism
Florence, Italy. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Ekaterina Belova)
We all know Italy has been struggling with the burdens of overtourism in recent years. This past month, the popular city of Florence banned self-check-in key boxes for short-term property rentals like Airbnbs, hoping to get rid of the eyesores and potential security risks. Property owners who don’t comply with the new rules might be fined up to 400 euros.
Florence is currently struggling with a housing crisis, with around 15,000 apartments and homes currently being rented as short-term tourist rentals instead of livable homes, driving up prices for residents.
Destinations Exceed Tourism Records
Tourism Fiji new brand campaign (Photo Credit: Tourism Fiji)
Some destinations, however, are only celebrating the increase in tourism.
In the Caribbean, destinations like Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas and Jamaica all reported more travelers visiting the islands compared to 2023. The Bahamas alone reported an increase of 1.57 million travelers last year, while Antigua and Barbuda’s cruise passenger totals exceeded the pre-pandemic 2019 level.
Meanwhile, Belize saw a 21 percent year-over-year increase in land-based visitors, welcoming over 560,000 people to visit the Central American country.
Fiji also celebrated a record-breaking tourism year, welcoming 8 percent more travelers for a total of 982,000-some land-based visitors and over 81,000 cruise travelers.
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