The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Asia-Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA) have signed an MoU formalising their partnership. As a not-for-profit, APOLA aims to drive sustainable growth, innovation, and excellence across the Asia Pacific outdoor lodging, or “glamping,” sector.
Ajman has strengthened its tourism offering through innovative projects and services that cater to visitors seeking leisure, culture and relaxation. The emirate presents a diverse tourism panorama that weaves together modern destinations, protected natural reserves and heritage landmarks, delivering a fully integrated travel experience.
During President Nikos Christodoulides’ visit to Bahrain, Cyprus and Bahrain signed a tourism MoU. The agreement strengthens economic ties through tourist exchange, joint events, business visibility, public-private partnerships, shared expertise, market research, and coordinated participation in global tourism forums.
Abdullah Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, held bilateral meetings with tourism officials from Brazil, Portugal, Azerbaijan, and Argentina to strengthen cooperation, promote sustainable tourism, exchange expertise, and advance partnerships toward more developed and prosperous levels in the global tourism sector.
UAE's hotel revenues for the 11-month period from January to November 2025 rose to AED44.4 billion ($12 billion), up 8.8% over the previous year, said a report. This was mainly driven by a spurt in the number of hotel guests which soared to 29.1 million, while guest nights exceeded 99.4 million.
Saudi Arabia has become a major global player in tourism, with the sector now contributing approximately 5% of the kingdom’s GDP and accounting for nearly 5% of total employment, said Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saad Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, joined the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, highlighting tourism’s growing role in global cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development, and outlining Qatar’s long-term vision focused on partnerships, economic diversification, and future-ready visitor experiences.
AlUla in Saudi Arabia and Pompeii in Italy have partnered to redefine cultural tourism, hosting a high-level delegation from the Archaeological Park of Pompeii under the Saudi-Italian Cultural Cooperation Framework to enhance how travellers experience historical sites.
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has launched requirements and regulations for beach operators that redefine beaches as regulated operational environments rather than mere public spaces, establishing a unified national framework to develop the coastal tourism sector by managing risks, enhancing quality, and prioritising the protection of life.
Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector is the emirate’s fastest growing, driven by diversified services, competitive markets, and leisure projects leveraging mountains, beaches, and deserts. These features enable distinctive experiences and create strong opportunities for startups, supported by world-class hospitality infrastructure.
