Tourists Swarm Route 66 and Japan’s Seaweed as Goa Loses Half Its Foreign Visitors
Tourists Swarm Route 66 and Japan’s Seaweed as Goa Loses Half Its Foreign Visitors
The global tourism industry is seeing a sharp split: historic roads and niche local experiences are booming, while once-popular beach destinations like Goa are losing their international appeal. U.S. Route 66 is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a surge of foreign visitors seeking the "true America," while Japan’s Toyama prefecture is luring tourists with century-old seaweed traditions. Meanwhile, Goa has lost nearly half its foreign tourists compared to pre-pandemic levels, even as domestic travel to the state booms [151273].
Route 66, officially removed from the U.S. highway system in the 1980s, is now experiencing a rebirth. Small towns along the historic road that had fallen into decline are seeing a surge in visitors [150861]. Despite political tensions, travelers from Europe, Asia, and Australia are flocking to the "Mother Road," driving classic cars and stopping at old diners and gas stations to experience what they call the real America [140432]. Local businesses report a steady flow of international customers who want more than just photos [140432].
In Japan, a different strategy is working. Toyama prefecture is betting on *kombu* (kelp), a local food staple traded for centuries, to attract international visitors [150807]. Instead of offering the usual sushi or ramen, the region highlights *kombu* in soups, snacks, and sweets. Visitors can take workshops to learn how to prepare *kombu* rolls or visit generations-old shops. This unique experience is convincing foreign tourists to make short trips away from the popular hubs of Tokyo and Kyoto, with early results showing promise [150807].
The shift is visible in other regions as well. In the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, the economy of the valley leading to Mount Toubkal has transformed. Local guide Hussein reports that most people now work in tourism, replacing the traditional walnut farming and subsistence agriculture with tourist work [83740]. In the Himalayas, the Village Ways project has spent 21 years connecting travelers with remote Indian villages to support traditional life and reduce urban flight, with over 30 villages now participating [100125].
However, not all destinations are benefiting. Goa, long known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife, has seen the number of foreign tourists drop by nearly half compared to pre-pandemic levels [151273]. Experts point to changing travel trends and rising competition from other destinations, even as Indian travelers flock to the coastal state in record numbers [151273]. The shift raises questions about what is driving foreign visitors away from this once-global hotspot.
Traditionally, The Gambia has relied on visitors arriving by plane for longer beach holidays, but it is actively trying to diversify by attracting cruise ships. The arrival of the *Oceania Sirena* is seen as a key success in becoming a major cruise destination in West Africa, with officials stating that each cruise ship brings economic growth through spending on local tours, markets, and services [130879].