Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia set to open in Riyadh
Sun, 21 Jun 2026
The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia, opening in Riyadh on 22 June, will bring together investors, developers and industry leaders to accelerate hospitality and tourism growth across the Kingdom.
Saudi tourism spending reaches record $81bn in 2025
Thu, 18 Jun 2026
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector hit record highs in 2025, welcoming 123 million visitors and generating SAR304 billion ($81 billion) in spending. Tourism contributed 4.9% of GDP, created 1.03 million jobs, and saw women account for 47% of Saudi tourism employment.
Abu Dhabi hosts India’s travel leaders to drive next phase of growth
Tue, 16 Jun 2026
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in collaboration with Etihad Airways and leading tourism stakeholders, has concluded a C-level trade visit from India, reinforcing long-standing partnerships and setting a clear direction for the next phase of growth across one of the emirate’s most important source markets.
WTTC warns EU border delays could jeopardise $45bn in tourism spending
Sun, 14 Jun 2026
New research commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) warns that prolonged border delays linked to the rollout of Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) could put up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending at risk from four of Europe's most important source markets.
Saudi Arabia, Indonesia expand tourism ties
Sun, 14 Jun 2026
Saudi Arabia and Indonesia reaffirmed tourism cooperation during a meeting in Toledo, Spain, focusing on boosting visitor flows, enhancing Hajj and Umrah experiences, and expanding leisure travel under their existing tourism partnership agreement.
Saudi Arabia, France sign joint action programme to advance tourism cooperation
Sun, 14 Jun 2026
Saudi Arabia and France have signed a joint action programme to deepen tourism cooperation, focusing on investment, sustainability, innovation, workforce development, data sharing and destination marketing, following high-level talks on the sidelines of the UN Tourism Executive Council.
Syria launches summer tourism season as recovery gains momentum
Tue, 09 Jun 2026
Syria’s Ministry of Tourism has officially launched the 2026 summer tourism season in the presence of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, as part of ongoing efforts to revive the sector during the post-liberation recovery phase.
Bahrain Tourism Minister meets hotel sector to strengthen ties
Sun, 07 Jun 2026
Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, held a meeting with representatives of Bahrain’s hotel sector as part of regular meetings aimed at strengthening partnership with the hotel sector and following up on preparations for upcoming tourism seasons and events.
China set to double tourism economy to $3.5trn by 2036: WTTC
Sun, 07 Jun 2026
China’s travel and tourism sector is set for strong growth, with World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) data projecting a 5.3% expansion in 2026 and 6.5% annual growth over the next decade, reaching $3.5 trillion by 2036.
EU tourism overnight stays rise 3pc in Q1 2026: Eurostat
Sun, 07 Jun 2026
EU tourist accommodation recorded 471.1 million overnight stays in the first quarter of 2026, up 3.4% from a year earlier. Overnight stays increased steadily throughout the quarter, reaching 143.5 million in January, 154.4 million in February and 173.2 million in March.
Eid visitors bolster hospitality industry in Bahrain
Tue, 02 Jun 2026
Eid visitors have given a much-needed boost to the hospitality industry in Bahrain battered in recent months by Iranian aggression. Thankfully, Bahrain’s tourism sector recorded strong growth during the recent extended holidays, said a top minister.
Bahrain records strong tourism growth following “We Miss You” initiative
Mon, 01 Jun 2026
Bahrain’s tourism sector has seen strong growth since the “We Miss You” campaign, with increased GCC arrivals during Eid Al Adha. The Minister said the country is prepared for summer demand with expanded leisure offerings and regional promotions.
US faces worst tourism decline since 2020
Tue, 26 May 2026
US international tourism fell 5.5% in 2025, with four million fewer visitors and over $8 billion lost in spending, marking the sharpest decline since the pandemic and surpassing losses seen during the 2008 financial crisis.
UAE’s Elevate World to convene tourism leaders online
Mon, 25 May 2026
UAE-based Elevate World will host a virtual tourism summit from June 2-4, 2026, bringing together over 250 global industry leaders, hotels, travel agents and tour operators, with Dubai serving as the event hub for participating partners.
ATM 2026 rescheduled to September 14–17
Thu, 21 May 2026
RX has announced that Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 will now take place from September 14–17 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), following extensive consultation with exhibitors and industry stakeholders.
Ajman strengthens German tourism ties with industry reception
Tue, 19 May 2026
Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media hosted a reception in Germany ahead of its participation in IMEX Frankfurt 2026, the leading global trade show for the MICE sector.
Malaysia launches 2026 events, tourism push for GCC travellers
Tue, 19 May 2026
Malaysia is set to roll out a line-up of festivals, events, and retail experiences across the country, positioning the destination as an option for GCC travellers planning holidays around the Eid al Adha period.
Ajman showcases emirate’s tourism offerings at IMEX Frankfurt 2026
Sun, 17 May 2026
Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media is participating in IMEX Frankfurt 2026, one of the world’s leading exhibitions specialising in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany from May 17-22.
170,000 UAE tourists visit Thailand annually as ties grow in 2026
Sat, 16 May 2026
Thailand and the UAE are strengthening cooperation in 2026, with tourism a key driver of growth. Around 160,000–170,000 UAE visitors travel to Thailand annually, with rising demand, stronger connectivity, and expanding economic and people-to-people ties.
Ras Al Khaimah’s Rotana Mangroves nears debut
Sat, 16 May 2026
The upcoming Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves is nearing completion, featuring 258 keys within a mangrove setting and set to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector as a destination for business, leisure, and events.
Bahrain targets GCC families with tourism push
Thu, 14 May 2026
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) launched a campaign promoting Bahrain’s concerts, festivals, family attractions, sports and shopping experiences, aiming to attract GCC visitors seeking entertainment-filled weekend breaks and short regional getaways.