Travel, tourism accelerates after effective recovery: WTTC
Mon, 11 May 2026
World Travel & Tourism Council research shows global tourism consistently recovers from crises, often stronger than before. The report highlights resilience, rapid post-pandemic rebound, and the importance of government leadership, investment, connectivity, and public-private cooperation for sustainable long-term growth.
Visa-free travel takes effect between Saudi Arabia, Russia
Mon, 11 May 2026
Building on the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, the mutual visa exemption agreement between the two countries entered into force on May 11, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing tourism and cultural exchange.
Shangri-La unveils wellness-led summer travel experience
Mon, 11 May 2026
Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts has launched “Summer In Motion” (May 11–Aug 31), a global campaign spanning the Middle East, Europe, Canada, India, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius, offering wellness-led, sport-inspired luxury stays with complimentary nights and curated experiences.
18 hospitality projects drive mountain tourism in South Al Batinah, Oman
Sun, 10 May 2026
Tourism investment in the mountain villages of Oman’s South Al Batinah Governorate is growing rapidly, with 18 hospitality establishments across A’Rustaq, Nakhal, and Al Awabi supporting sustainable tourism, local economic development, and authentic environmental and cultural experiences.
German airports warn fuel costs may cut millions of flights
Sun, 10 May 2026
German Airports Association warned rising kerosene prices and supply shortages could trigger millions of flight cancellations, higher fares, reduced airport capacity, and fewer routes, with up to 20 million passengers potentially affected in 2026.
Ajman boosts sports tourism with WPSL Services partnership
Sun, 10 May 2026
Department of Tourism Development Ajman partnered with WPSL Services to attract international golf events, supporting Ajman Vision 2030 and strengthening the emirate’s position as a destination for sports, leisure, and premium lifestyle tourism.
TDF launches hackathons to boost Saudi tourism solutions
Mon, 04 May 2026
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) launched its Tourism Hackathons Programme on April 28, 2026, through TDF Grow, to foster innovative, entrepreneur-led solutions that support Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and contribute to Vision 2030 economic goals.
Türkiye welcomes 9.2m international visitors in Q1, up 4.2%
Fri, 01 May 2026
Türkiye experienced a 4.2% rise in international visitors, totalling 9.2 million in the first quarter of this year. The country also reported an impressive $9.896 billion in tourism revenue for the quarter.
Bahrain offers optional Q1 fee deferral for tourism establishments
Tue, 28 Apr 2026
Tourist-focused establishments can choose to postpone payment of their Q1 fees to the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA). The optional measure applies to hotels, hotel apartments, furnished apartments, and tourist restaurants.
Vision 2030 turns Saudi Arabia into tourism hotspot
Tue, 28 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia’s tourism, hospitality, and events sectors have transformed under Vision 2030. By 2025, tourism contributed 5% of GDP, attracted 123 million visitors, generated SAR300 billion ($80 billion), and supported strong non-oil economic growth.
Saudi Arabia drives Mideast tourism growth with $178bn contribution: WTTC
Tue, 28 Apr 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that Middle East Travel & Tourism grew 5.3% in 2025, surpassing global rates. Strong visitor spending lifted the GDP contribution to $385.8 billion and supported 7.1 million jobs, with Saudi Arabia leading regional growth, accounting for $178 billion in GDP.
Oman tourism GDP contribution rises to $3bn
Mon, 27 Apr 2026
Oman's tourism sector continued growth in 2025, with gross domestic product (GDP) contribution reaching OMR 1.135 billion ($3 billion), up 3.7% from 2024's OMR 1.095 billion.
Ajman announces launch of comprehensive tourism support package
Thu, 23 Apr 2026
The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media has announced the launch of a comprehensive package of incentives aimed at supporting tourism activities, attracting investments, and enhancing the competitiveness of the tourism sector in the northern emirate.
Oman inks MoU with Global Sustainable Tourism Council
Thu, 23 Apr 2026
Oman signed an MoU with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), with the Ministry joining as a government body representing Omani tourist destinations, aiming to strengthen sustainable tourism practices and international collaboration.
Oman, Thailand explore tourism cooperation avenues
Wed, 22 Apr 2026
Oman and Thailand are stepping up efforts to forge a more strategic tourism partnership, with both countries exploring a roadmap that blends sustainability, high-value travel and stronger private-sector collaboration to elevate their global appeal.
Bhutan to host first International Travel Mart
Tue, 21 Apr 2026
Bhutan will launch the Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) 2026 to strengthen its global tourism position. The inaugural event will be held in Thimphu from June 11 to 13, 2026, bringing international stakeholders together.
US tourism dominance continues, but faces critical turning point: WTTC
Sun, 19 Apr 2026
The US remained the largest Travel & Tourism market in the world in 2025 but is losing market share according to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) latest Economic Impact Research.
Ethiopia targets tourism takeoff with Africa’s largest airport
Sun, 19 Apr 2026
Ethiopia has unveiled an ambitious national tourism strategy aimed at positioning the country among Africa's leading emerging destinations, while simultaneously advancing a landmark project to construct the continent's largest international airport.
Jeddah emerges as sports-tourism hub during AFC knockouts
Sun, 19 Apr 2026
Jeddah is witnessing a tourism surge while hosting the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026, running until April 25, with strong attendance from fans across Asia.
Emirates, Wesgro sign MoU to boost Western Cape tourism
Thu, 16 Apr 2026
Emirates and Wesgro have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive inbound tourism and boost visitors to Cape Town and the Western Cape, on the sidelines of Africa’s World Travel Market (WTM).
PIF to support development of 100,000 hotel rooms, 70 tourism experiences
Thu, 16 Apr 2026
Saudi Public Investment Fund's (PIF) tourism, travel, and entertainment ecosystem aims to capitalise on the growing Saudi tourism industry by developing strategic assets that generate reliable returns, improving air‑connectivity and leveraging world‑class events to attract visitors.