Aroya Cruises debuts Arabian Gulf Voyages for 2026
Sun, 08 Feb 2026
Aroya Cruises, a subsidiary of PIF-owned Cruise Saudi, has officially launched its inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf. Running from February 21 to May 8, the season marks a milestone in regional tourism by blending authentic Saudi hospitality with global maritime standards.
Top firms in deal to invest in KAEC tourism, lifestyle projects
Wed, 04 Feb 2026
K Hovnanian ME Investments (KHME), a subsidiary of Hovnanian Enterprises, and the majority shareholder of Al Tahaluf Real Estate Company, CJSC, has signed an MoU with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) and Emaar, The Economic City (EEC) to enable high-quality tourism investment and lifestyle-focused residential opportunities in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
WTM Spotlight Riyadh to explore hotel growth, influence of Saudi travellers
Mon, 02 Feb 2026
The inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh, which will take place from September 8 to 10 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center (RFECC), will focus on the large-scale hotel development, and the increasing influence of Saudi travellers at home and abroad.
Türkiye’s tourism revenues reach $65bn in 2025
Mon, 02 Feb 2026
Türkiye welcomed 64 million visitors in 2025 and recorded tourism revenues totalling $65.231 billion for the previous year, Mehmet Ersoy, Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, revealed at a press conference held in İstanbul. He said Türkiye is aiming for $68 billion in 2026.
Syria's foreign and Arab tourist numbers jump 80%
Thu, 29 Jan 2026
Syria’s tourism sector recorded a strong recovery in 2025, with Arab and foreign arrivals rising sharply as improved security conditions and policy measures helped revive travel flows, the Syrian Ministry of Tourism said.
Heritage, tourism sectors in Oman achieve positive growth indicators
Wed, 28 Jan 2026
Oman’s tourism sector is rapidly growing, boosting GDP from 1.6% in 2020 to 2.7% in 2024. Minister Sayyid Ibrahim Al Busaidi highlighted the sector’s role in economic diversification, supported by policies and RO 2.6 billion ($6.7 billion) in investments under the Tenth Five-Year Plan.
PATA, APOLA join forces on Asia Pacific tourism
Tue, 27 Jan 2026
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Asia-Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA) have signed an MoU formalising their partnership. As a not-for-profit, APOLA aims to drive sustainable growth, innovation, and excellence across the Asia Pacific outdoor lodging, or “glamping,” sector.
UAE Minister engages tourism counterparts from 4 nations
Mon, 26 Jan 2026
Abdullah Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, held bilateral meetings with tourism officials from Brazil, Portugal, Azerbaijan, and Argentina to strengthen cooperation, promote sustainable tourism, exchange expertise, and advance partnerships toward more developed and prosperous levels in the global tourism sector.
Ajman’s modern, natural, heritage attractions boost tourism
Mon, 26 Jan 2026
Ajman has strengthened its tourism offering through innovative projects and services that cater to visitors seeking leisure, culture and relaxation. The emirate presents a diverse tourism panorama that weaves together modern destinations, protected natural reserves and heritage landmarks, delivering a fully integrated travel experience.
Bahrain, Cyprus sign MoU to strengthen cooperation in tourism
Mon, 26 Jan 2026
During President Nikos Christodoulides’ visit to Bahrain, Cyprus and Bahrain signed a tourism MoU. The agreement strengthens economic ties through tourist exchange, joint events, business visibility, public-private partnerships, shared expertise, market research, and coordinated participation in global tourism forums.
UAE's hotel revenues surge 8.8pc to $12bn in 2025
Sat, 24 Jan 2026
UAE's hotel revenues for the 11-month period from January to November 2025 rose to AED44.4 billion ($12 billion), up 8.8% over the previous year, said a report. This was mainly driven by a spurt in the number of hotel guests which soared to 29.1 million, while guest nights exceeded 99.4 million.
Saudi Arabia invests $400bn in tourism sector: Minister
Fri, 23 Jan 2026
Saudi Arabia has become a major global player in tourism, with the sector now contributing approximately 5% of the kingdom’s GDP and accounting for nearly 5% of total employment, said Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Qatar Tourism Chairman highlights tourism’s role in global collaboration
Thu, 22 Jan 2026
Saad Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, joined the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, highlighting tourism’s growing role in global cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development, and outlining Qatar’s long-term vision focused on partnerships, economic diversification, and future-ready visitor experiences.
AlUla, Pompeii collaborate to elevate historical tourism
Tue, 20 Jan 2026
AlUla in Saudi Arabia and Pompeii in Italy have partnered to redefine cultural tourism, hosting a high-level delegation from the Archaeological Park of Pompeii under the Saudi-Italian Cultural Cooperation Framework to enhance how travellers experience historical sites.
Saudi Arabia updates beach regulations to boost tourism
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has launched requirements and regulations for beach operators that redefine beaches as regulated operational environments rather than mere public spaces, establishing a unified national framework to develop the coastal tourism sector by managing risks, enhancing quality, and prioritising the protection of life.
Startups drive tourism growth in Ras Al Khaimah
Sun, 18 Jan 2026
Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector is the emirate’s fastest growing, driven by diversified services, competitive markets, and leisure projects leveraging mountains, beaches, and deserts. These features enable distinctive experiences and create strong opportunities for startups, supported by world-class hospitality infrastructure.
SKH Family Office buys Rotana's RAK resort from Orascom
Tue, 13 Jan 2026
SKH Family Office, registered with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), said it has completed the acquisition of The Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah from Orascom Development Holding, following the fulfilment of all contractual, financial, and regulatory requirements.
Vatel Bahrain showcases hospitality opportunities to St. Christopher’s students
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Vatel Bahrain organised a workshop for students from St. Christopher’s School who are enrolled in the BTEC Travel and Tourism pathway.
Vietnam tourism accelerates green transition to power 2026 growth
Sun, 11 Jan 2026
Vietnam’s tourism sector is shifting toward green development, emphasising service quality, workforce training and promotion. Growing 21% in 2025, it aims to sustain momentum in 2026 through enhanced competitiveness and improved visa policies supporting sustainable travel.
Sohar International advances tourism through strategic events
Thu, 08 Jan 2026
Sohar International is supporting Oman’s tourism and economic growth through strategic partnerships, nationwide platforms, and flagship events, including roadshows in Sohar, Ibri, and Musandam, engaging communities and local teams to boost regional activation and audience participation.
Tourism sector's contribution to UAE GDP hits $79.24bn
Wed, 07 Jan 2026
The UAE tourism sector delivered a robust performance last year, with its contribution to the national GDP rising to 15 per cent, compared to six per cent in 2021, said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism.