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.
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).