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Now, domestic travel grows among young Japanese as Overseas Trips Become Costlier and Less Accessible

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Home » Japan Travel News » Now, domestic travel grows among young Japanese as Overseas Trips Become Costlier and Less Accessible

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Apparently, though, not so among their youngest citizens, with a new study showing that only 17.5% of young Japanese adults hold a passport, in stark contrast to worldwide travel statistics. This phenomenon is part of a broader trend among younger generations in Japan that prefer to travel domestically rather than internationally, a combination of a weakened yen, increased flight costs and security concerns overseas have all caused the growing trend. This new trend is having an effect on Japan’s outbound travel, but at the same time bringing changes to the travel industry in Japan, more and more people are now deciding to look around Japan instead of going abroad.

The study, which was done using the new travel app, compared passport ownership in Japan in other major developed economies and showed that countries including South Korea, the United States and Taiwan have far higher percentages of passport holders. This disparity highlights young Japanese people’s reluctance to travel abroad at a time when travel abroad has a tradition in Japan.

Overseas leisure travel affected by weak yen and increasing flight charges

Subtle messages are being spread by young Japanese travelers that the era of traveling abroad among Japanese travelers is over and that they won’t be traveling abroad. One of the reasons for that is the weak yen. With the yen tumbling further relative to major currencies, travel abroad has just got a lot more expensive for the Japanese people. The cost of travel overseas already very expensive with airfare, accommodations, and other expenses has only gotten more expensive with the fall of the yen. Yet for a lot of younger Japanese, it means less incentive to travel the world when there are cheap alternatives at home.

Increasing flight prices have made things worse. The airline industry has been challenged by increasing fuel prices and other financial headwinds, and international ticket prices have gone higher. For young people, many of whom spend gap years or time abroad on a budget, flight costs can be the most significant barrier. Instead, domestic planes and trains in Japan, even with the effective but dated Shinkansen (bullet train) system, provide a more economical and accessible alternative.

Japan’s weakening yen has sapped purchasing power and made travel costlier for its nationals, and this has prompted more Japanese to simply travel at home, where costs are more manageable and predictable. Consequently, there are many hot domestic spots, such as Okinawa, Hokkaido, and Kyoto, thanks to this travel style transition.

Safety Concerns and Implications for International Travel

Besides economy, also safety concerns overseas are hindering the travel of young Japanese. With global happenings such as political unrest, natural disasters, and lingering worries of COVID-19, there are now certain international destinations that might not seem as appealing for trekkers. Passengers may be discouraged by media reporting of instability or public health risks, particularly by the younger generation that are more risk adverse on the global safety situation.

These worries are made worse by the lack of clarity about travel bans and health policies in many nations. So even as international borders have begun to reopen, the shifting nature of travel regulations, the threat of new restrictions and differing health conditions can make travel overseas a seemingly unpredictable and risky proposition.

Moreover, a relatively high sense of safety and public health here in Japan, even in the age of COVID-19, can also make travelling domestically seem a more safe and hassle-free option. Japan’s stable infrastructure and rigorous safety policies make it possible for locals to take domestic trips without experiencing the uncertainty and hassle of international travel.

Domestic Tourism Development and Regional Economic Revival

Local tourism sees significant boom on the back of young Japanese turning their eyes to domestic travel. Japan’s famous for its rich cultural history, dramatic scenery and exciting urban centers, and now its culture and landscape are attracting the Japanese themselves in record numbers. Even places like Hokkaido’s snow capped mountains, Kyoto’s ancient temples and Okinawa’s tropical beaches are being more widely visited by Japanese tourists.

Growth in domestic tourism is helping to spread the wealth of tourism income around Japan more equally. Historically, international visitors to Japan have been largely concentrated in big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. But as more Japanese nationals begin travel within the country, regions once left in the shadows have begun experiencing a tourism boom. The result has been rural economic growth, as more people visit small towns, national parks and historic sites that often are outside the reach of international travelers.

Or, for that matter, domestic tourism has sparked new local travel trends. For example, numerous young Japanese voyagers are looking to become immersed in culture experiences, namely, check in at a ryokan, participating in a local gastronomic tour, hiking in rural Japan. This trend promotes the local economy by stimulating spending at small businesses, such as restaurants, local shops and regional tour companies.

The government also moved to spur domestic tourism, with campaigns such as the Go To Travel initiative, offering discounts to Japanese who travel within the country. These initiatives have been crucial in keeping the tourism at bay during the challenging time of economic uncertainty while people have been motivated to get to know ideas, regions and resources in their own backyards.

What Japan’s New Tourism Agency Should Do

Although people are anxious or financially constrained toward travelling overseas, the domestic tourist market is full of potential for Japan. The nation has an impressive transportation network (best known for the Shinkansen rail network and cheap flights) so citizens can experience a new area without traveling abroad. While attitudes have been shaped by the pandemic, continued economic recovery and increased safety and security could lead young Japanese to venture overseas once more.

But in the meantime, domestic tourism continues to dominate Japan’s tourism landscape. As young people travel around the country to see its fascinating natural beauty and cultural diversity, the tourism industry is going to keep getting bigger, no matter what problems crop up with international travel. Given the rising interest in local destinations, Japan’s tourism industry is poised to make a speedy recovery and do very well in the years to come.

With young Japanese increasingly favoring the pleasures of domestic travel, the tourism in Japan for the future will most likely be about how to fashion memorable domestic travel experiences capable of competing with the attractions of foreign lands. It can do so by devoting itself to sustainability and accessibility and, in the process, make sure that its tourism market stays resilient, varied and relevant to a changing resident population.

(Source: Japan Tourism.)

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Travel Trends

Discover how Nigeria, India, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Spain, and Mexico Leading the Way in Travel Trends for 2025: What’s New To Know?

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July 27, 2025

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Home » India Travel News » Discover how Nigeria, India, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Spain, and Mexico Leading the Way in Travel Trends for 2025: What’s New To Know?

Sunday, July 27, 2025

With the world slowly reopening to the public after two tough years, travel trends are changing quickly. Countries including Nigeria, India, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Spain and Mexico have been leading the transition. Each of these countries is playing a part in these global travel trends, and it’s proving that what modern tourists want is constantly changing. With the ‘bleisure’ (business-leisure) boom in Nigeria and the immersive cultural experiences being offered in Mexico and Japan, these are the countries cashing in on the travel trends shaping 2020.

Nigeria, in particular, has begun to be noticed by industry analysts. Nigeria has been recognised as a huge reservoir of travel demand by no less a global consulting giant than Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Its cultural depth, religious variety and newfound focus on safety and infrastructure have put it at the intersection of durable tourism trends in 2025. But Nigeria not alone, other nations such as India, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Spain, and Mexico are also bullish with tourism strategies. Collectively, these countries are not just sparking new modes of travel, they’re preparing themselves to be pivotal players in the global $15 trillion leisure travel market of 2040.

Nigeria: Leading the Pack in Bleisure and Safety-Cautious Travel

Nigeria is leading the ‘bleisure’ revolution worldwide, as business travelers extend their itinerary for pleasure. With 73% of Nigerian travelers planning to mix business and leisure on their next trip, according to the BCG survey, Nigerians are leading the trend. This percent is well above one found in countries such as Germany (30%), UK (22%), or the US (15%). This realization therefore puts Nigerian travelers ahead of the tourism career by mixing work and play in ways that give businesses an opportunity to exploit these spaces and make a kill.

The Nigerian travel market is also particularly well adapted to safety-crazy travellers. With growing concerns about health and security, it is perhaps not surprising Nigeria’s recent investments into healthcare infrastructure, coupled with a focus on public safety, are expected to encourage increasing numbers of tourists whose top considerations are safety and wellness. This has been to the country’s benefit because of its rich cultural offering, its religious tourism and growing interest in health and safety, all of which has come to its advantage now, making it an attractive choice for the new “safety-seeking” traveler.

India: A Land of Culture for Spiritual and Heritage Tourism

India has always been a great country for the religious, cultural traveller. Come 2025, the country will still be wowing international travellers with its vibrant culture and increasing emphasis on wellness and sustainable tourism. With more and more travelers looking for an experiential, immersive holiday, India provides a variety of destinations that is unparalleled — whether it’s the ancient temples of Varanasi or the serene backwaters of Kerala.

Tourism in India has evolved to include not only historical sites but also wellness tourism, the likes of yoga retreats, Ayurveda healing and wellness getaways, becoming a key part of travel for both leisure and leisure-oriented business travelers. The Enhancements cater to a great demand for Spiritual and Restorative tourism, placing India at the top in the global market for wellness tourism. What’s more, global and local citizens are getting easier access with Indian government working on infrastructure upgrade and regional tourism promotion.

Luxury and Heritage Tourism Investment in Saudi Arabia

Launching Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has embraced the diverse tourism experiences that the country has to offer and has developed a tourism system and infrastructure that has positioned the Kingdom to attract increasing numbers of international visitors to the land of Saudi”.Generally speaking, Vision 2030 has thrust Saudi Arabia onto the world stage of tourism. With new cultural and entertainment attractions, such as the historic city of Al-Ula, and the Red Sea Project, Saudi Arabia is setting its sights on becoming a can’t-miss destination for the world’s high spending travelers. The Kingdom’s investments in cutting-edge resorts, upscale hotels, cultural festivals – all of it is changing the way you experience the Middle East.

And even while it draws more international tourists to the luxury of its offerings, the country is also marketing a deep dive into its rich history, putting on display ancient archaeological sites that go back thousands of years. This blend of heritage and elegance will attract tourists looking for culture and luxury in equal measures, now showcasing Saudi’s role in the luxury tourism sector.

Japan: A world leader in technology and sustainability

For years, Japan has been known for futuristic technology, but 2025 will also see it become one of the leading ecotourism destinations on our planet. As eco-friendly travel continues to move to the forefront, Japan has paved a path of high-tech experiences that boost efficiency but also decrease the ill effects of tourism on the environment. From AI-guided Japanese travel guides to the robotic concierge services, here are five examples to illustrate how Japan’s tourism tech revolution is redefining custom travel.

Furthermore, Japan’s dedication to sustainable tourism can be seen in its rural eco-tourism, which allows travellers to enjoy a true Japanese experience in the authentic Japanese countryside devoid of traffic and urbania. This increasing focus on decent sustainability and tech-forward travel is drawing an increasing number of eco-conscious travellers to Japan, thereby placing Japan on the forefront of advancing technology and sustainability without stifling cultural development.

Spain in Top 5 for Travelers Seeking Wellness, Cultural and Food Tourism

The country draws millions of tourists each year, who come for its sun, sand, culture and cuisine. Spain is catching up the increasing fashion of wellness tourism, in 2025 traveller can find a variety of wellness retreats and luxury spas specialized on health, relaxation and rejuvenation. Along the Mediterranean coast to the Balearic Islands, Spain’s wellness resorts are gaining worldwide recognition for their emphasis on natural healing, mindfulness and fitness.

And beyond wellness, Spain’s varied cultural offerings — from Andalusia’s flamenco dance to Barcelona’s world-famous architecture — make it a top cultural tourism destination. Spain also is benefiting from a combination of celebrity chefs and culinary innovation, playing into the burgeoning trend of food tourism. The wellness, culture, and food tourism blend positions Spain as a multi-faceted country with something for everyone.SOCKSBOXESCAPPes and culture, foodie tourists and general lovers of wellness making the country a diverse draw.

Mexico: Diving into Immersive Travel and Cultural Spectacles

Mexico is fast becoming a world hub for immersive cultural tourism, giving visitors a chance to dive deep into the country’s rich history, diverse cuisine and local traditions. Its wealth of indigenous culture, combined with world-class beach destinations, make it an attractive destination for travellers who seek adventure alongside cultural experience. This new wave of interest for Mexico’s traditional festivals, such as Día de los Muertos and Carnival, combined with the rise for visitors looking to seek authentic cultural experiences, prepares Mexico to receive new people who are joining this growing global movement.

The nation is also working on developing its eco-tourism sector with several areas already embracing eco-friendly practices to preserve its natural radiance and also provide exciting pledge-filled experiences to tourists. As travellers grow more aware of their impact on the Earth, Mexico’s focus on protecting its rare ecologies while providing responsible tourism leaves it well placed for the future of global tourism.

The Impact on Global Tourism

The travel trends that emerged in countries such as Nigeria, India, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Spain and Mexico, also indicate a significant departure in the way travelers plan vacations. More and more, they are looking for more meaningful experiences, more immersive experiences, and not just to see.” Call it a convergence of business and leisure,an emphasis on health and safety from entering and leaving a destination, cultural and wellness escapades away from the grid or a more meaningful connection to the self and the places they visit, travel experiences are increasingly adopting a more exploratory pace and mindset.

For tourism, these new trends are a chance to tailor their product offerings to what they need to meet the requirements of the modern traveler. As long as these countries keep innovating and building up their tourism infrastructure, they’re not just competing today and preparing for long-term growth; they’re also influencing the future of international travel.

In embracing pleasures such as the bleisure, local culture, well-being and sustainability, they are heralding a new generation of tourism, one that prioritizes experience, safety and togetherness. As global tourism continues to grow in the decades to come, destinations such as Nigeria, India, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Spain and Mexico belong on the leading edge of this exciting transition.



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Travel Trends

Terminal transformation at Kolkata Airport

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18 hours ago

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July 26, 2025

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Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata is undergoing a major expansion. The Airports Authority of India plans to demolish the old domestic terminal and replace it with a new U-shaped international terminal. This is in response to rising passenger numbers and the need for increased capacity. The current integrated terminal already handles 26 million passengers annually and is expected to reach its full limit by 2025–26.

Once the new international terminal is completed, the current terminal will be used exclusively for domestic flights. Its capacity will be increased to accommodate 34 million domestic passengers each year. The new international terminal will initially add capacity for 2 million more international travellers, with the possibility of phased expansion in the future. In the meantime, 5,600 square meters are being added to the current terminal to temporarily increase its capacity from 26 to 28 million passengers annually.

The old domestic terminal, constructed in 1995, has been largely unused since 2013 except during emergencies. It served as a COVID-19 quarantine facility and was used for Haj operations. Full demolition of the structure is expected by early 2026, clearing space for the new terminal construction and modern upgrades.

Once the expansion is complete, NSCBI Airport will be able to handle 45 million passengers each year—36 million domestic and 9 million international. The project is part of a broader effort to modernise the airport, improve the travel experience, and support Kolkata’s growing importance as a regional and international hub.



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Destinations & Things To Do

This Hidden Beach in India Glows at Night-But Only in One Secret Season

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20 hours ago

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July 26, 2025

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Glowing Mattu Beach

The coastline of India, while vast and diverse, holds many untold natural wonders. While most beaches beckon with golden sands and crashing waves under the sun, one particular stretch in Karnataka transforms into an otherworldly spectacle after dusk. This isn’t just about a beautiful sunset; it’s about a rare, mesmerizing phenomenon that turns the ocean into a canvas of shimmering, neon-blue light. Welcome to Mattu Beach, a hidden gem that glows at night, but only if you know its secret season.

Chasing Elusive Glows

Many travelers dream of witnessing bioluminescent beaches, those magical shores where the waves sparkle with an ethereal light. However, such phenomena are often unpredictable, fleeting, and require specific conditions. This can lead to disappointment for those who journey across continents only to find the “light show” isn’t happening. The challenge lies in knowing precisely when and where to find this natural marvel, especially in a region as vast as India.

The Science of the Sparkle: Dinoflagellates in Bloom

The dazzling blue glow at Mattu Beach isn’t magic; it’s science. This natural light emission, known as bioluminescence, is primarily caused by a dense bloom of microscopic marine organisms called dinoflagellates, specifically Noctiluca scintillans, often referred to as “sea sparkle.” These tiny organisms produce light through a biochemical reaction when agitated—by a breaking wave, a disturbance from a boat, or even the gentle movement of sand. The energy from this reaction is released as visible light, creating the mesmerizing blue-green shimmer that transforms the shoreline into a living light show. This phenomenon thrives under particular conditions, including specific water temperatures and nutrient levels, which contribute to the dinoflagellates’ proliferation.

Unlocking Mattu’s Secret Season

While bioluminescence can occur sporadically in various coastal areas, Mattu Beach near Udupi, Karnataka, has gained recognition for its relatively consistent displays, especially during a particular “secret” season. Based on recent observations and local insights, the best time to witness the glowing waters at Mattu Beach is typically between June and September, during the monsoon and post-monsoon months. This period often brings the ideal combination of nutrient-rich waters and specific temperatures that encourage the dense bloom of bioluminescent plankton. The glow is most visible on moonless nights, when the darkness enhances the shimmering light produced by these microscopic organisms.

My own fascination with discovering such natural wonders led me to deep dive into this phenomenon. A friend, a marine biology enthusiast who frequents the Karnataka coast, shared tales of these luminous nights. While predicting natural events is inherently tricky, the consistent reports during the monsoon period from locals and environmental groups offered a crucial tactical insight. It’s a testament to nature’s timing – a period often associated with heavy rains reveals this delicate, stunning display.

To maximize your chances, plan your visit during the new moon phase within this window, ensuring the darkest possible skies. Mattu Beach itself is a tranquil, less-crowded destination, making it ideal for experiencing this delicate spectacle away from urban light pollution. The approach road can be dark, so arrive prepared, and remember that patience is key.

A Journey into the Unseen

Witnessing Mattu Beach glow under a dark sky is more than just a visual treat; it’s a profound experience that connects you with the hidden wonders of our planet. It’s a reminder that even in seemingly ordinary places, extraordinary beauty can emerge when conditions align. This tactical insight into Mattu’s secret season offers travelers a genuine opportunity to experience one of India’s most breathtaking, yet elusive, natural phenomena. It’s about being in the right place at the right time to see the ocean quite literally come alive with light.

Before You Go:

If you’re planning to catch the beach when it glows, here’s a quiet travel hack: some travelers now use cheQin.ai where instead of booking instantly, you post what you need and nearby hotels bargain in real time to offer their best rates. No hunting through listings, just a little back-and-forth magic, kind of like the beach itself.

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