Bahrain records strong tourism growth following “We Miss You” initiative
Mon, 01 Jun 2026
Bahrain’s tourism sector has seen strong growth since the “We Miss You” campaign, with increased GCC arrivals during Eid Al Adha. The Minister said the country is prepared for summer demand with expanded leisure offerings and regional promotions.
US faces worst tourism decline since 2020
Tue, 26 May 2026
US international tourism fell 5.5% in 2025, with four million fewer visitors and over $8 billion lost in spending, marking the sharpest decline since the pandemic and surpassing losses seen during the 2008 financial crisis.
UAE’s Elevate World to convene tourism leaders online
Mon, 25 May 2026
UAE-based Elevate World will host a virtual tourism summit from June 2-4, 2026, bringing together over 250 global industry leaders, hotels, travel agents and tour operators, with Dubai serving as the event hub for participating partners.
ATM 2026 rescheduled to September 14–17
Thu, 21 May 2026
RX has announced that Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 will now take place from September 14–17 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), following extensive consultation with exhibitors and industry stakeholders.
Ajman strengthens German tourism ties with industry reception
Tue, 19 May 2026
Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media hosted a reception in Germany ahead of its participation in IMEX Frankfurt 2026, the leading global trade show for the MICE sector.
Malaysia launches 2026 events, tourism push for GCC travellers
Tue, 19 May 2026
Malaysia is set to roll out a line-up of festivals, events, and retail experiences across the country, positioning the destination as an option for GCC travellers planning holidays around the Eid al Adha period.
Ajman showcases emirate’s tourism offerings at IMEX Frankfurt 2026
Sun, 17 May 2026
Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media is participating in IMEX Frankfurt 2026, one of the world’s leading exhibitions specialising in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany from May 17-22.
170,000 UAE tourists visit Thailand annually as ties grow in 2026
Sat, 16 May 2026
Thailand and the UAE are strengthening cooperation in 2026, with tourism a key driver of growth. Around 160,000–170,000 UAE visitors travel to Thailand annually, with rising demand, stronger connectivity, and expanding economic and people-to-people ties.
Ras Al Khaimah’s Rotana Mangroves nears debut
Sat, 16 May 2026
The upcoming Rotana Ras Al Khaimah – The Mangroves is nearing completion, featuring 258 keys within a mangrove setting and set to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality sector as a destination for business, leisure, and events.
Bahrain targets GCC families with tourism push
Thu, 14 May 2026
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) launched a campaign promoting Bahrain’s concerts, festivals, family attractions, sports and shopping experiences, aiming to attract GCC visitors seeking entertainment-filled weekend breaks and short regional getaways.
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.