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In Barbuda, locals ask: Do the costs of luxury developments outweigh the benefits?

Jan 23, 2024
Luxury residences, a golf course and international airport have harmful environmental impacts, some locals argue. But they're also big job creators in a tourism-driven economy.
Above, an areal view of Dickenson Bay in Antigua and Barbuda. Tourism is hugely important to the island nation of and accounts for 60% of GDP.
cdwheatley/Getty Images

Rising temperatures threaten the Mediterranean's tourism industry

Oct 12, 2023
Temperatures are increasing in the Mediterranean 20% faster than the global average. That's likely to have an impact on tourism.
A man cools off at a fountain in Xàtiva, in eastern Spain, during a heatwave on Aug. 10.
Jose Jordan/AFP via Getty Images

What China's domestic tourism recovery looks like at a seafood market

Aug 30, 2023
There's more foot traffic than in December, but that doesn't always translate into more spending at Xiamen's Bashi.
Seafood snack and fruit stall vendors in Xiamen say the crowds are back to pre-pandemic levels at Bashi, the Eight Seafood Market, but business is just OK.
Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

Business is still unpredictable for this Hawaii boat tour owner

Aug 4, 2023
The pandemic almost sunk Manu Powers' company. Though it's mounted a recovery, the summer rush still isn't what it used to be.
Manu Powers and husband Liam outside the office of Sea Quest Hawaii.
Courtesy Manu Powers

International tourists are coming back to the U.S. ... slowly

May 30, 2023
Americans are traveling domestically again, but the tourism industry is waiting for foreign visitors to come back in pre-pandemic force.
While domestic tourism is roaring back, international tourism to the States has been partially hampered by visa wait times.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

Is traveling to Instagram-famous vacation spots ever worth the money?

Oct 18, 2022
"You'll have so much more fun going somewhere else that is more catered to you," says Rebecca Jennings of Vox.
Don't limit your travel research to Instagram.
Filippo Monteforte/AFP via Getty Images

Should Russians be allowed to vacation in Europe while the Kremlin wages war on Ukraine?

Sep 6, 2022
The EU is to make it tougher for Russians to holiday in Europe as a sanction against the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. But why not a total ban?
Finland is among the five European Union member countries pushing for a blanket ban on travel visas for Russian citizens. Above, travelers at Finland's Helsinki Airport in August.
Alessandro Rampazzo/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

How much tax-funded tourist promotion money does a popular destination need?

Aug 18, 2022
In the tourist hot spot of the Texas Big Bend, some raise concerns about taxes used to promote even more tourism.
Some locals in the Big Bend area would like to see the hotel occupancy tax go toward housing assistance or building new roads. Above, the entrance to the Terlingua Ghost Town in the Big Bend region.
Hannah Gentiles

Tourism boosts the Greek islands, but not all seek the spotlight

Aug 12, 2022
With its sunshine and turquoise waters, Greece draws travelers worldwide. Now the government is promoting lesser-known islands.
The Greek government is trying to attract tourists to lesser-known islands that may lack spectacular features. In some cases, the locals have mixed feelings.
Victoria Craig/Marketplace

Continuing the work of Lakota education

Jun 16, 2022
"Within the next two-to-five-year span [...] we want to be a full-on bed and breakfast," said Tianna Yellowhair, co-owner of Tatanka Rez Tourz.
Tianna Yellowhair, right, with her father, Gus Yellowhair.
Courtesy photo