Saudi RGA outlines key routes linking Riyadh to Hail heritage sites
Wed, 29 Jul 2026
The Roads General Authority (RGA) has outlined two main routes linking Riyadh to Hail as part of its efforts to improve access to one of the kingdom's major tourism destinations located in the northwestern region, known for its mountain landscapes and historical sites.
India's tourism sector hits $263.6bn, eyes global top four: WTTC
Tue, 28 Jul 2026
India's travel and tourism sector contributed $263.6 billion to the economy and supported 46.2 million jobs in 2025, with World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasting continued strong growth as the country targets becoming the world's fourth-largest tourism economy by 2036.
BDB, BTEA host events management workshop for Bahrain SMEs
Fri, 24 Jul 2026
Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), in collaboration with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), has organised a workshop for professionals in the events management sector. The initiative forms part of joint efforts to strengthen private-sector participation in developing Bahrain’s events ecosystem and enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to capitalise on emerging growth opportunities within the sector.
Syria signs Saudi tech partnership to digitise tourism sector
Thu, 23 Jul 2026
Syria's Ministry of Tourism has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three Saudi technology firms, Tamkeen, Cipher and Hawaz, to accelerate the digital transformation of the country's tourism sector and enhance its competitiveness in regional and international markets.
Bahrain Chamber launches Tojjar Talk Initiative with tourism focus
Wed, 22 Jul 2026
The Bahrain Chamber launched its Tojjar Talk initiative with a tourism-focused inaugural session, bringing together industry leaders and investors to discuss sector growth, development priorities, and public-private collaboration opportunities.
Gulf hospitality sector recovery to begin in Q4, but likely gradual
Wed, 22 Jul 2026
The Gulf hospitality sector is expected to begin recovering in the fourth quarter of 2026 as geopolitical tensions ease, although hotel occupancy is unlikely to return to pre-war levels before the end of 2027, according to S&P Global Ratings.
Syria records 111pc surge in visitor arrivals in first half of 2026
Tue, 21 Jul 2026
Syria recorded a 111% rise in visitor arrivals during the first half of 2026, welcoming 3.52 million visitors. International tourism surged 448%, reaching 719,000 arrivals, according to Ministry of Tourism data.
ATM research forecasts resilient future for tourism despite regional challenges
Thu, 16 Jul 2026
The global travel industry is entering a new era of growth, with consumer demand remaining strong despite geopolitical challenges and market disruptions affecting parts of the Middle East, according to new research from Arabian Travel Market’s (ATM) official research partners STR and Euromonitor International.
Oman’s future fund unveils $1.74bn development projects
Thu, 16 Jul 2026
Future Fund Oman (FFO), a portfolio of the sultanate's sovereign wealth fund Oman Investment Authority (OIA), has announced a new package of 105 strategic projects and investments worth $1.74 billion, spanning renewable energy, manufacturing and tourism industries.
Confidence is the catalyst for tourism’s next chapter
Wed, 15 Jul 2026
According to Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director–UAE at RX Global, Dubai and the GCC are reinforcing tourism resilience through innovation, collaboration and long-term planning, with ATM 2026 highlighting AI and travel technology as key drivers of future industry growth.
Six Flags theme park with world-class attractions proposed in Bahrain
Mon, 13 Jul 2026
Bahrain could become only the second country in the region to host a Six Flags theme park under an ambitious proposal designed to create a world-class entertainment destination that complements, rather than competes with, the successful Saudi attraction, a Gulf Daily News report said.
Sharjah's SEWA offers package of incentives for tourism establishments
Mon, 13 Jul 2026
Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has announced a package of incentives and facilities to support tourism establishments in the emirate.
Aseer resort unveils 120-metre fountain as new tourism landmark
Sun, 12 Jul 2026
Al-Wadi Resort in Saudi Arabia’s Aseer Region has unveiled the Kingdom’s tallest fountain, soaring 120 metres. The SAR16 million ($4.3 million) attraction holds over seven million litres of water and anchors a 300,000-square-metre tourism development.
Tourism minister outlines vision for sustainable growth at Connect Barbados 2026
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, the Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, has highlighted the importance of collaboration, cultural preservation, and sustainable development in shaping the future of the island’s tourism sector as he officially opened Connect Barbados 2026.
Connect Barbados 2026 sets buyer participation record, celebrates tourism partnerships
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
Connect Barbados 2026 recorded its highest buyer participation to date, concluding a week of tourism networking and industry engagement with an awards ceremony recognising 20 contributors across the tourism, media, and travel sectors.
Bahrain explores stronger tourism-SME collaboration
Wed, 08 Jul 2026
Bahrain's Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi and Bahrain Development Bank CEO Dalal Al Qais discussed expanding cooperation to boost tourism investment and SMEs, while reviewing joint initiatives supporting the Tourism Strategy 2022–2026 and Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s licensed tourism facilities rise 22.7pc in Q1 2026
Tue, 07 Jul 2026
Saudi Arabia’s licensed tourism hospitality facilities increased 22.7% year-on-year to 6,122 in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting continued growth in the Kingdom’s tourism sector, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
ADNEC Group delivers record $2.5bn in economic impact
Mon, 06 Jul 2026
ADNEC Group, the primary driver of Modon’s events, catering and tourism pillar, has delivered its most successful year to date in 2025, setting new milestones across all six of its business clusters, including venues, events, services, catering, tourism and media.
Germany targets safety, culture, value to boost tourism in 2026
Mon, 06 Jul 2026
Germany is positioning itself as a safe, value-for-money and culturally diverse destination as global travel trends shift towards shorter booking windows and demand for secure, easily accessible destinations, according to Petra Hedorfer, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB).
Oman Travel Hub launches to promote tourism, local experiences
Mon, 06 Jul 2026
Oman Travel Hub, a new tourism digital platform founded by Oman-based couple Bader Al Lawati and Anna Chesalina, has been launched to promote the country’s landscapes, cultural heritage, and hidden experiences while connecting small and medium tourism operators with a global audience.
Emirates adds third daily Dubai–Phuket flight with A350
Mon, 06 Jul 2026
Emirates is adding a third daily Dubai–Phuket flight operated by its Airbus A350, increasing flexibility and Premium Economy capacity. The airline will now operate 21 weekly flights to Phuket using Boeing 777 and A350 aircraft.