All about Tourism Economy
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News
20China: 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%.
Delta Kicks Off Airline Earnings Season as Fuel Clouds Fourth-Quarter Outlook
Delta reports third-quarter results on the morning of October 9 amid expectations of $1.92 in EPS and $17.61 billion in revenue, alongside concerns over fuel costs.
Vrbo Imposes Fixed 12% Commission on Hosts Starting October 29
Vrbo is moving most of its hosts to a fixed 12% commission starting October 29, in a change that sparked widespread objections from hosts.
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.
Banyan Acquires 70% of Newmark for $33 Million
Banyan Group is acquiring a 70% stake in Newmark Hotels and Reserves for approximately 533 million rand ($33 million), in a deal that values the company at 756 million rand.
US Jet Fuel Hits Record High as Airfares Rise 32%
The average US jet fuel price hit a record high of $4.37 per gallon in September, while domestic airfares rose about 32% year-on-year.
Australia lowers travel warning for Qatar and the UAE to level two
Australia has lowered its travel advisory for Qatar and the UAE from level three to level two, while six countries in the region, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, remain at level three.
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.
Oman Signs $1.04 Billion Deal for 'Modana' Tourism Complex in Dhofar
Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism signed an agreement worth over 400 million Omani Rials ($1.04 billion) with Dhofar Tourism Company to establish the 'Modana' Integrated Tourism Complex.
WTTC Expects Global Tourism to Grow 2.5% in 2026, Faster in Europe
The World Travel & Tourism Council expects global tourism to grow 2.5% in 2026 and Europe by 3.1%, based on a record sector contribution of $11.6 trillion in 2025.
Blackstone to List 'Hotel Investment Partners' at a Valuation of Up to 7 Billion Euros
Blackstone and GIC target a valuation between 6 and 7 billion euros for the stock market listing of 'Hotel Investment Partners', compared to 4 billion when GIC entered in 2023.
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.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi Will Not Recover 2025 Hotel Levels Before 2028
STR and Tourism Economics lowered their forecasts, viewing that occupancy in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will remain below 2025 levels until 2028 despite resilient regional demand.
Singapore Airlines and Scoot Extend Cancellation of Dubai and Jeddah Flights Until December
Singapore Airlines and Scoot have extended the cancellation of their flights to Dubai and Jeddah until early December, citing the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, with the potential for other flights to be affected.
UK Eases Travel Warning for UAE and Warns of Potential Airspace Closure
The UK has lifted its warning against non-essential travel to the UAE, but alerted its citizens to the possibility of sudden airspace restrictions and flight cancellations, while airports remain operational.
LRO Buys 240-Room Courtyard Hotel in Edinburgh
LRO Hospitality completed the acquisition of the 240-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Edinburgh from a fund managed by CVC, with Iconic taking over its management.
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.
CPP Investments Acquires 27% Stake in Prestige Hospitality for 30 Billion Rupees
CPP Investments has acquired a 27% stake in Prestige Hospitality in India for 30 billion rupees, in its first direct investment in the Indian hotel sector.
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.
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.