Etihad Rail signals new era for UAE tourism
Sun, 05 Jul 2026
Etihad Rail’s passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah is expected to boost tourism, improve inter-emirate connectivity and drive economic growth. The 105-minute journey will support Fujairah’s tourism sector, with the network projected to serve 10 million passengers annually.
Ajman Department of Tourism appoints representative office in China
Thu, 02 Jul 2026
The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media has appointed Hunan Overseas Travel Co as its official representative office in China.
Jazan tourism surges with 47pc visitor growth in 2025
Thu, 02 Jul 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Region recorded over 4 million domestic and international overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 47% increase compared to 2024, according to tourism figures. Total visitor spending exceeded SAR3 billion, reflecting a 19% year-on-year rise.
Abu Dhabi deepens China tourism engagement with high-level delegation
Thu, 02 Jul 2026
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Etihad Airways and key tourism stakeholders, has concluded a strategic familiarisation visit for senior travel industry leaders from China, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s long-term focus on one of its most important international source markets.
Tourism growth continues but risks are rising: OECD
Thu, 02 Jul 2026
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries tourist arrivals hit a record 847 million in 2025, up 3.4%. However, geopolitical tensions, climate events and cost pressures are creating uncertainty and shifting travellers toward cheaper, shorter, safer trips.
Aseer offers 44 tourism investment sites for summer season
Tue, 30 Jun 2026
Saudi Arabia's Aseer Region Municipality is expanding investment opportunities in the tourism sector by offering 44 seasonal investment sites for the summer tourism season as it seeks to attract private investment and support the region's growing tourism sector, said a report.
Qatar sees 1.13m visitors in Q1 2026, targets summer growth
Tue, 30 Jun 2026
Qatar Tourism recorded 1.13 million visitors in Q1 2026, including 646,000 in January, 423,000 in February and 63,000 in March, with experts expecting further growth in summer driven by events and family-focused activities.
Al Mouj Muscat adds $2.3bn to Oman's GDP in 20 years, says study
Tue, 30 Jun 2026
Al Mouj Muscat, Oman's flagship integrated tourism destination, has contributed $2.3 billion to the sultanate's GDP over the past two decades, said a study, adding that it had evolved from a pioneering waterfront development into one of the region's most mature integrated destinations.
Red Sea Global graduates 386 trainees in Vocational Training Programme
Mon, 29 Jun 2026
Red Sea Global (RSG) has celebrated the graduation of its fourth cohort of the Red Sea Vocational Training Programme, with 386 graduates completing specialised training for careers in tourism and hospitality.
Saudi Arabia rolls out AI tourism strategy to enhance visitor experience
Mon, 29 Jun 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has unveiled its AI Tourism Vision, a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating digital transformation and positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in tourism innovation.
Saudi TDF marks completion of tourism incubator for 30 startups
Sun, 28 Jun 2026
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has completed the first edition of its Grow Tourism Incubator, supporting 30 Saudi startups over 10 months. Delivered with Almosafer, the programme provided business development sessions and service grants to participating companies.
Global tour operators unite in Barbados for Connect 2026
Thu, 25 Jun 2026
Barbados recently welcomed tourism leaders, travel professionals, media representatives and industry stakeholders for Connect Barbados 2026, the island’s business-to-business tourism conference hosted by the Barbados Tourism Marketing (BTMI).
Saudi Tourism Ministry showcases growth at FHS Saudi Arabia 2026
Thu, 25 Jun 2026
The Saudi Ministry of Tourism used its participation at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia 2026 in Riyadh to unveil the Global Investment in Saudi Tourism Report, highlighting the Kingdom’s expanding tourism sector and growing attractiveness to international investors.
ATM 2026 to highlight Dubai’s global tourism strength
Wed, 24 Jun 2026
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 will highlight Dubai’s resilience and global tourism leadership as the event returns from September 14–17, 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Global travel brands unite for WTE Miami 2026
Wed, 24 Jun 2026
WTE Miami will bring together the global travel industry to explore the trends, technologies and partnerships shaping the future of tourism on October 27-28, 2026 at the Miami Beach Convention Centre.
Hail Region attracts more than 2.5m visitors in 2025
Wed, 24 Jun 2026
The Hail Region in Saudi Arabia recorded more than 2.5 million visitors in 2025, reflecting the accelerating growth of the region's tourism sector and its rising status as a prominent tourist destination in the Kingdom.
Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia to open in Riyadh
Sun, 21 Jun 2026
The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia will open on June 22 in Riyadh, bringing 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.