All about Destinations and Tourism Development
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News
16Greek Deputy Prime Minister Expects New Record Year for Tourism
Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis said his country is heading toward a new record year for tourism in 2026, following a 10% growth in arrivals and a 9.4% rise in revenue through August.
Korea Approaches 1.3 Million Cruise Visitors, Targeting a Record Year
The number of foreign cruise visitors to South Korea reached 1.28 million from January to August, up 12%, with annual visitors expected to top 2 million.
British Companies Expand North Africa Programs as Egypt and Tunisia Rise
British visitors to Tunisia rose by 11% and to Egypt by 9.4%, reaching 838,000 between January and September, as TUI, Jet2, Saga, and Exodus expand their North Africa programs.
Oil Spill Closes Beaches in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Sharjah
Ras Al Khaimah has closed all its beaches until further notice following an offshore oil spill, while Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah have restricted access to coastal areas.
'Skyscanner': Bishkek Tops 2027 Destinations with 501% Search Growth
The Kyrgyz capital Bishkek topped Skyscanner's list of trending destinations for 2027, with flight searches soaring by 501%, followed by Hurghada with a 186% growth and Malmö at 103%.
4.4 Million Outbound Trips from China During the Holiday, Thailand the Biggest Beneficiary
China recorded 4.4 million outbound trips during the national holiday, a 9.3% increase, and Thailand welcomed 133,946 Chinese visitors in a week, while Japan fell off the list of top destinations.
Morocco Nears 16 Million Tourists in Nine Months, Targets 26 Million
Morocco welcomed 15.7 million tourists in the first nine months of 2026, a 5% increase over last year, with September visitors alone surpassing 1.5 million.
China: 826 Million Trips During 'Golden Week' and Per-Trip Spending Drops 1.9%
China recorded 826 million domestic trips during 'Golden Week', but average spending per trip dropped 1.9% to its lowest level since 2022, while intention to travel abroad rose to 54%.
China Welcomes 682,000 Foreigners During National Holiday, 505,000 Visa-Free
Around 682,000 foreigners entered China during the national holiday, with 505,000 arriving visa-free, according to China's National Immigration Administration.
Qatar Welcomes 2.614 Million Visitors in 9 Months, GCC Is Largest Source Market at 40.9%
Qatar welcomed 2.614 million visitors via land, air, and sea ports in the first nine months of 2026, with the GCC accounting for 40.9% of arrivals at 1.069 million visitors.
Chinese Return to Travel: 54% Plan Outbound Trip During Golden Week
The proportion of Chinese citizens intending to travel abroad during Golden Week rose to 54% from 35% in 2025, with South Korea topping the destinations alongside a surge in Chinese arrivals in Thailand.
Vietnam Approaches 18 Million Foreign Visitors in 9 Months with 14.5% Growth
Vietnam welcomed over 17.7 million international visitors in the first nine months of 2026, representing a growth of 14.5% and achieving nearly 71% of its annual target of 25 million visitors.
Jordan Hosts First Global Hot Air Balloon Skydiving Event in Wadi Rum
The first event in Jordan combining hot air balloon skydiving and paramotoring launched in Wadi Rum with 16 professionals participating, amid expectations of creating over 70 local jobs.
Qatar Welcomes 2.338 Million Visitors in 8 Months, Down 30% From Last Year
Qatar welcomed 2.338 million visitors during the first eight months of 2026, a decline of 30% compared to last year, while August numbers rose 6.3% from July.
Saudi Arabia Adds Kosovo and Guyana to Nationalities Eligible for Tourist Visit Visa
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs added Kosovo and Guyana to the list of nationalities eligible for a tourist visit visa, which can be obtained online prior to travel or upon arrival.
Angkor Visitors Drop 27.6% in 9 Months as Tourism Minister Reveals Reasons
The number of international visitors to Angkor Park in Cambodia dropped 27.6% in nine months to 510,000, with revenue falling 25.9%.
Articles & Analysis
1
2027 and the Battle to Own the Tourist's Bill
From Riyadh and Ras Al Khaimah to Rabat, Nairobi, and Lagos, tourism billions are shifting from room construction to owning bookings, payments, and mobility; that is where national returns will be decided in 2027.