5 hours ago, Screaming said:

Why the US is the top country for tourism in 2024

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20240617-why-the-us-is-the-top-country-for-tourism-in-2024

 

In 2024, the United States was in the top five most popular countries to visit. Now that Donald Trump is President, the United States will be at the top of the list. Trump is making America great again. 

What a pity that the rest of the world is in 2025 and you are quoting 2024.

 

It might have been in 2024, but it is now in the #3 slot so far in 2025.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=top+10+tourist+countries+in+2025&sca_esv=2b30a2d6adf9d914&sxsrf=AE3TifOrmh0Lw0Ro9xme0CAfPnU4anJYLQ%3A1756716606136&ei=Pl61aIiKCPKI4-EPvdyAmQY&ved=0ahUKEwiIoZ6ql7ePAxVyxDgGHT0uIGMQ4dUDCBA&oq=top+10+tourist+countries+in+2025&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiIHRvcCAxMCB0b3VyaXN0IGNvdW50cmllcyBpbiAyMDI1SABQAFgAcAB4AZABAJgBAKABAKoBALgBDMgBAJgCAKACAJgDAJIHAKAHALIHALgHAMIHAMgHAA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

 

It is only an AI response I am sad to say.

 

Top 10 Most Visited Countries (based on various reports): 
France: Continues to hold the top spot as a global tourism leader.
Spain: Known for its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.
United States: A perennial favorite for travelers.
China: Climbing the ranks, fueled by growth in Asia.
Italy: A long-standing European tourism powerhouse.
Mexico: A popular destination, especially known for its cultural celebrations.
Turkey: Continues to be a significant player in the global tourism market.
Thailand: A popular Asian destination with beautiful landscapes.
Germany: Recognized for its well-developed infrastructure and cultural sites.
United Kingdom: A strong presence in global tourism rankings.
Emerging and Notable Destinations:
Vietnam: Showing strong upward momentum and attracting increased attention. 
South Korea: Gaining popularity as a tourism destination. 
Other Mentions: Some sources also highlight countries like Portugal, Greece, India, and various African nations such as Zambia and Kenya, indicating a move toward a more diverse tourism landscape. 
Factors Influencing These Rankings:
Visitor numbers: Lists often cite data from organizations like the UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism). 
Cultural and Natural attractions: A combination of iconic landmarks and unique experiences. 
Tourism Infrastructure: Well-developed infrastructure plays a crucial role in attracting visitors. 
Evolving Traveler Priorities: Factors like authenticity, sustainability, and digital convenience are influencing travel decisions and competition among destinations. 
 

 

4 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

 

That may change, so don't gloat.

 

You're  cute. 

7 hours ago, thesetat said:

Perhaps.  Or misunderstood. Even AI is quoting this. 

AI Overview

Yes, under a new policy, some U.S. visitors from certain countries may need to pay a visa bond (a refundable deposit) or a visa integrity fee ($250) upon arrival. The visa bond is a security deposit, and both the bond and the integrity fee are refundable under specific conditions, such as complying with visa rules and departing the U.S. by the established deadline. The visa integrity fee is a new, non-refundable fee in addition to the standard visa application fee. The specific requirements will depend on the individual traveler's country of origin. 

 

After a little checking though. Thais are required to post a visa bond up to 15000 USD for certain types of visa holders. But this 250 extra is an actual fee. This began Aug 20 2025. I think their raising the visa cost though is related to the immigration problems the US is currently facing. So perhaps that fee will not be there once the illegals have been removed allowing less personnel to seek out those illegals. 

Also, if a traveller can not afford 442 for their visa, then how can they afford more than 3 days in the US? Hotels, transportation, food, sightseeing, will all cost more than that for the visitor.

 

The visa bond program sounds harsh to accomplish but it is a good idea. Given that so many enter the country on valid Visas but then disappear and never leave. 

How the Visa Bond Program Works

Eligibility: The program is for certain B-1/B-2 visa applicants, and the requirement will be determined by a U.S. consular officer during the visa interview. 

Bond Amounts: The bond amount can be $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. 

Payment: If required, you will be directed to pay the bond online through the Department of the Treasury's Pay.gov portal using a Form I-352. 

Refund: The bond will be refunded after you leave the U.S. on time. 

Forfeiture: The bond will be forfeited to the government if you overstay your visa. 

 

This is a pilot program, so its implementation is ongoing. 

A bond is not automatically required for all applicants. 

You should not use third-party websites for payment, as the U.S. government is not responsible for any money paid outside of its official systems. 

Consular officers will decide the bond amount based on factors such as your purpose of travel, current employment, and income

 

2 minutes ago, Searat7 said:

Can you show where Thailand is on the list of countries for the current trial visa bond ? 

4 hours ago, billd766 said:

And of course you believe what AI says. Do you have a link for that?

AI was on top of the search.. there were other report links below it if you need clarification. Or are you just arguing the point because you dont want to believe it. 

5 hours ago, billd766 said:

Why not simply answer the question, instead of trying to divert the post?

Because the post was diverting the OP. Without reason. 

3 minutes ago, Searat7 said:

5 minutes ago, Searat7 said:

Can you show where Thailand is on the list of countries for the current trial visa bond ? 

Countries Subject to Visa Bonds - Travel

Look yourself

 

 

U.S. Department of State (.gov)

https://travel.state.gov › travel › News › visas-news › co...

The man being interviewed says self-inflicted I say Trump inflicted. 

 

Joe Koenen has not seen a single Toronto Blue Jays baseball hat all summer. Typically, Canadians will flood the streets of Seattle during the summer, but Koenen, who runs Seattle Free Walking Tours (where people pay what they can), said Canadian tourists are almost gone. Streets look emptier to him.

 

Canadians calling to cancel their tours “explicitly told me that it was because of the policies and the behavior of our current president,” he said. As a result of seeing 30% fewer customers this year overall, Koenen has been paying his employees but not himself. This is also the first year since he took over the tour company in 2021 that he has had to put his own savings into the business to keep it afloat. "I am super-duper angry. I’m also disappointed, but I’m more sad … it’s such a self-inflicted injury,” Koenen said.

 

Another Seattle tour operator, John Brink, said “usually you kill it that weekend,” referring to the annual May series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. But the foot traffic wasn’t there this year. The Blue Jays are Canada’s only Major League Baseball team, so while the team is based in Toronto, many fans from Western Canada passionately sport their Blue Jays gear when they come to Seattle each summer.

 

What do you want to bet Koenen was a trump supporter -  up until now? Even though you might have voted for him it's hard to support a guy who's killing your livelihood. 

 

https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/31/travel/international-tourist-decline-united-states?cid=android_app

 

 

 

1 hour ago, thesetat said:

Countries Subject to Visa Bonds - Travel

Look yourself

 

 

U.S. Department of State (.gov)

https://travel.state.gov › travel › News › visas-news › co...

 

5 hours ago, blaze master said:

 

You're  cute. 

 

Thank you. Although, I would have preferred it had come from a lovely lady. 

14 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 

Thank you. Although, I would have preferred it had come from a lovely lady. 

 

Are you assuming my gender ? 

14 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

 

 

"The $250 U.S. Visa Integrity Fee is designed to be refundable to applicants who comply with their visa terms, but the refund process is still unclear and pending detailed implementation by the government. Therefore, returning to your country after complying with your visa will not automatically guarantee a refund; the specifics of how and when you receive it are not yet established, and you should expect a delay, possibly for years."

 

That in itself is enough to deter the majority of travelers.

Are we done with all this winning yet?

The winning side will be those countries that welcome tourists with no or low visa fees.  American cities and states whose economies rely heavily on tourism will be the losers.

I feel sorry for the exchange and other students 

21 hours ago, thesetat said:

Haha... the cost for a cheap motel is now between 60 to 150 USD nightly. Imagine the cost for a hotel. How can a tourist pay for that if paying the visa fee makes a problem for them? 

Four days ago, July 28, I paid $196.00 for a hotel room at the Double Tree Hilton..   That was through some business similar to expedia.   That price included some taxes and fees. 

 

Hilton website said it had no rooms available on the 28 and offered a room on the 27th for $45.00 more than I paid through the other company for my stay on the 28th.. 

14 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

The man being interviewed says self-inflicted I say Trump inflicted. 

 

Joe Koenen has not seen a single Toronto Blue Jays baseball hat all summer. Typically, Canadians will flood the streets of Seattle during the summer, but Koenen, who runs Seattle Free Walking Tours (where people pay what they can), said Canadian tourists are almost gone. Streets look emptier to him.

 

Canadians calling to cancel their tours “explicitly told me that it was because of the policies and the behavior of our current president,” he said. As a result of seeing 30% fewer customers this year overall, Koenen has been paying his employees but not himself. This is also the first year since he took over the tour company in 2021 that he has had to put his own savings into the business to keep it afloat. "I am super-duper angry. I’m also disappointed, but I’m more sad … it’s such a self-inflicted injury,” Koenen said.

 

Another Seattle tour operator, John Brink, said “usually you kill it that weekend,” referring to the annual May series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners. But the foot traffic wasn’t there this year. The Blue Jays are Canada’s only Major League Baseball team, so while the team is based in Toronto, many fans from Western Canada passionately sport their Blue Jays gear when they come to Seattle each summer.

 

What do you want to bet Koenen was a trump supporter -  up until now? Even though you might have voted for him it's hard to support a guy who's killing your livelihood. 

 

https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/31/travel/international-tourist-decline-united-states?cid=android_app

 

 

 

 

 

10.06.2025. News

Overseas travel intentions to Europe soften for summer 2025 amid global tensions and rising costs

 

• The share of travellers planning a trip to Europe this summer has dipped from 41% in 2024 to 39% in 2025, reflecting a drop in enthusiasm across key long-haul markets such as the US, Brazil, Canada, and Japan.
• In sharp contrast, China’s interest in Europe climbs to 72%, amid economic revival and shifting spending habits.
• High travel costs remain the top barrier across all analysed markets, cited by nearly half of those not planning a European trip.
• However, interest in earlier summer travel is rising, and travellers are shifting to mid-range daily budgets with food, activities, and shopping as key spending priorities.

https://etc-corporate.org/news/overseas-travel-intentions-to-europe-soften-for-summer-2025-amid-global-tensions-and-rising-costs/

 

 

5 hours ago, Hawaiian said:

The winning side will be those countries that welcome tourists with no or low visa fees.  American cities and states whose economies rely heavily on tourism will be the losers.

Already happening, with Trump's bad policies.

12 hours ago, blaze master said:

 

Are you assuming my gender ? 

 

Transgenders who identify as female may be women to some, but for me, they are still men.

5 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

 

Transgenders who identify as female may be women to some, but for me, they are still men.

 

Canadians can choose X on their passport for gender. What a world. 

On 9/1/2025 at 9:38 AM, angryguy said:

Hotels should lower their prices anyways. They are getting away with murder

I really don’t know so I cannot make an informed price comparison. As to my room choices, I look fora three or four star (if I can find them at $1500 - 2500 baht with breakfast. I oft look to get one room for the three of us. Sometimes have to take two rooms at a lower price. Ha! One of the first things my Wife taught me was the different Thai words for “cheap” versus “thrifty”. Vocabulary is a great tool …