Travel, tourism’s global GDP hits record $11.6trn in 2025: WTTC
Wed, 15 Apr 2026
Travel & Tourism remained the fastest-growing sector in 2025, with WTTC data showing a record $11.6 trillion GDP contribution, 9.8% of the global economy, growing 4.1% and significantly outpacing global economic growth of 2.8%.
Maldives to host World Creator Summit, World Creator Awards
Mon, 13 Apr 2026
The Maldives will host the World Creator Summit and World Creator Awards 2026, powered by Creatoll, from 20–25 September, bringing global creators, platforms, publishers, and tourism stakeholders together to highlight creator-led storytelling’s growing impact on travel.
GCC projects tourism losses of up to $32bn amid regional tensions
Sun, 12 Apr 2026
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said rising regional tensions are a major test for member states’ stability and vital sectors, warning tourism could fall by 8–19 million visitors, risking $13–$32 billion in losses.
Saudi Tourism Authority, Expo 2030 Riyadh sign MoU to boost tourism
Sun, 12 Apr 2026
The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Expo 2030 Riyadh signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing joint cooperation in promoting Saudi tourism and attracting visitors to Expo 2030 Riyadh.
Spring rose season boosts tourism in A’Dakhiliyah, Oman
Sun, 12 Apr 2026
The Spring Rose Season in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, A’Dakhiliyah Governorate, is witnessing growing visitor turnout, reaffirming its status as one of the most prominent tourist seasons in Oman.
Saudi domestic tourism grows 16pc in Q1 2026
Sun, 12 Apr 2026
Saudi Arabia reported strong domestic tourism growth in Q1 2026, with 28.9 million tourists, up 16% year-on-year, and spending reaching SAR34.7 billion ($9 billion), an 8% increase, highlighting sustained demand supporting the tourism sector.
Syria unveils $300m Damascus mega-project to boost tourism
Tue, 07 Apr 2026
Syria’s Tourism Ministry and Ezdihar Holding will develop “The Beaumont,” a $250–300 million, 77,000 sqm integrated residential, commercial, and leisure project, aiming to boost tourism, investment, job creation, and talent development in the country.
ATB promotes Azerbaijan as “Umrah Plus” destination in Indonesia
Tue, 07 Apr 2026
Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) participates for the first time at the Indonesia Travel Expo (ITE) 2026. The participation marked a key step in engaging Indonesian travelers and promoting Azerbaijan as an appealing “Umrah Plus” pilgrimage extension destination.
Tourism leaders convene on Zero Waste Day to launch global “Recipe of Change”
Tue, 31 Mar 2026
On Zero Waste Day, UNEP and UN Tourism launched “Recipe of Change,” uniting major tourism businesses serving 600 million guests to reduce food waste, influence consumer behaviour, and promote sustainable global food systems.
Al Ain Region boosts tourism with Hotel Refurbishment Scheme
Sun, 29 Mar 2026
A Hotel Refurbishment Scheme aims to position Al Ain as a key tourist destination by upgrading accommodations, aligning with tourism projects, and, led by DCT Abu Dhabi, ensuring hospitality infrastructure meets and exceeds global standards.
Campaign to promote Oman’s local tourism during Eid Al Fitr holiday
Wed, 18 Mar 2026
Eid Al Fitr offers residents in Oman a chance to explore diverse tourist attractions, supported by a Ministry of Heritage and Tourism campaign enabling governorates to host cultural and entertainment events during the holiday.
Gulf tourism faces short-term losses, but recovery will be quick
Tue, 17 Mar 2026
The Gulf’s tourism sector is expected to take a significant short-term hit as regional conflict disrupts air travel, weakens traveller confidence and forces widespread flight cancellations, but analysts say regional markets retain the financial strength and infrastructure needed for recovery once hostilities ease.
Oman’s ancient quarters undergo tourism-led revival
Mon, 16 Mar 2026
Oman's ancient quarters are experiencing a renaissance, with intensifying restoration and development efforts transforming these heritage sites into vibrant tourism destinations that seamlessly blend authenticity with contemporary renewal.
War is costing region's Travel & Tourism sector $600 million a day
Thu, 12 Mar 2026
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is costing the region’s Travel & Tourism sector about $600 million a day in lost international visitor spending, as disruptions to air travel, declining traveller confidence and weakened regional connectivity begin to hit demand, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
$12.5trn in travel, tourism investment to boost G20 competitiveness through 2035: WTTC
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) says $12.5 trillion in travel and tourism investment across major economies will shape competitiveness and growth through 2035, with capital investment expected to grow 4.6% annually, stressing the need to align spending with demand.
Oman issues 12 licences for tourism, commercial berths
Mon, 09 Mar 2026
Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology issued 12 licences to 11 companies over the past year to manage and operate tourism and commercial maritime berths outside ports, after the firms met regulatory requirements.
Dubai issues new public safety law to support tourism, sustainable growth
Sun, 08 Mar 2026
Dubai's ruler has issued a new law aimed at establishing a clear legislative framework to ensure high safety standards for individuals and property. Effective June 1, the new law also aims to strengthen safety standards at venues and events in support of Dubai’s tourism and leisure sectors.
UAE tourism operations remain safe, ongoing despite regional events
Sun, 08 Mar 2026
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism confirmed that, despite regional developments, hotels, resorts, landmarks, and shopping centers remain open, operating under regulatory guidelines with continuous monitoring and strict adherence to safety and quality standards.
Mideast airspace crisis puts aviation, tourism on edge, says expert
Thu, 05 Mar 2026
The duration of the aviation disruption following the joint Israel-US strike on Iran and its subsequent attacks on countries in Gulf region, will be fundamental to determining the implications for affected sectors, including airlines, airports, lodging and lessors, said an expert.
Saudi Red Sea Authority appoints new CEO
Thu, 05 Mar 2026
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has appointed Dr Maryam Ali Ficociello as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 22. Her appointment marks a new phase in the authority’s continued mandate to regulate and enable navigational and marine tourism activities across the kingdom’s Red Sea.
Omran seeks consultancy bids for Wadi Shab adventure destination
Thu, 05 Mar 2026
Omran Group, the executive arm of Oman's tourism development, has invited bids from multidisciplinary engineering consultancy firms to provide masterplanning, detailed design and construction supervision services for the development of Wadi Shab as an adventure destination.