India's travel and tourism sector contributed $263.6 billion to the economy and supported 46.2 million jobs in 2025, with World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasting continued strong growth as the country targets becoming the world's fourth-largest tourism economy by 2036.
Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), in collaboration with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), has organised a workshop for professionals in the events management sector. The initiative forms part of joint efforts to strengthen private-sector participation in developing Bahrain’s events ecosystem and enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to capitalise on emerging growth opportunities within the sector.
Syria's Ministry of Tourism has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three Saudi technology firms, Tamkeen, Cipher and Hawaz, to accelerate the digital transformation of the country's tourism sector and enhance its competitiveness in regional and international markets.
The Bahrain Chamber launched its Tojjar Talk initiative with a tourism-focused inaugural session, bringing together industry leaders and investors to discuss sector growth, development priorities, and public-private collaboration opportunities.
The Gulf hospitality sector is expected to begin recovering in the fourth quarter of 2026 as geopolitical tensions ease, although hotel occupancy is unlikely to return to pre-war levels before the end of 2027, according to S&P Global Ratings.
Syria recorded a 111% rise in visitor arrivals during the first half of 2026, welcoming 3.52 million visitors. International tourism surged 448%, reaching 719,000 arrivals, according to Ministry of Tourism data.
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries tourist arrivals hit a record 847 million in 2025, up 3.4%. However, geopolitical tensions, climate events and cost pressures are creating uncertainty and shifting travellers toward cheaper, shorter, safer trips.
The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media has appointed Hunan Overseas Travel Co as its official representative office in China.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Etihad Airways and key tourism stakeholders, has concluded a strategic familiarisation visit for senior travel industry leaders from China, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s long-term focus on one of its most important international source markets.
Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Region recorded over 4 million domestic and international overnight visitors in 2025, marking a 47% increase compared to 2024, according to tourism figures. Total visitor spending exceeded SAR3 billion, reflecting a 19% year-on-year rise.
