Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) participates for the first time at the Indonesia Travel Expo (ITE) 2026. The participation marked a key step in engaging Indonesian travelers and promoting Azerbaijan as an appealing “Umrah Plus” pilgrimage extension destination.
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.
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.
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.
Oman's tourism sector continued growth in 2025, with gross domestic product (GDP) contribution reaching OMR 1.135 billion ($3 billion), up 3.7% from 2024's OMR 1.095 billion.
Oman signed an MoU with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), with the Ministry joining as a government body representing Omani tourist destinations, aiming to strengthen sustainable tourism practices and international collaboration.
The Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media has announced the launch of a comprehensive package of incentives aimed at supporting tourism activities, attracting investments, and enhancing the competitiveness of the tourism sector in the northern emirate.
Oman and Thailand are stepping up efforts to forge a more strategic tourism partnership, with both countries exploring a roadmap that blends sustainability, high-value travel and stronger private-sector collaboration to elevate their global appeal.
Bhutan will launch the Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) 2026 to strengthen its global tourism position. The inaugural event will be held in Thimphu from June 11 to 13, 2026, bringing international stakeholders together.
Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) has invited qualified specialised and experienced contractors to submit bids for the design and construction of the main building and associated facilities for the Majlis Al Jinn Cave Development Project.
