Eid visitors have given a much-needed boost to the hospitality industry in Bahrain battered in recent months by Iranian aggression. Thankfully, Bahrain’s tourism sector recorded strong growth during the recent extended holidays, said a top minister.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector hit record highs in 2025, welcoming 123 million visitors and generating SAR304 billion ($81 billion) in spending. Tourism contributed 4.9% of GDP, created 1.03 million jobs, and saw women account for 47% of Saudi tourism employment.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in collaboration with Etihad Airways and leading tourism stakeholders, has concluded a C-level trade visit from India, reinforcing long-standing partnerships and setting a clear direction for the next phase of growth across one of the emirate’s most important source markets.
Saudi-based Shalfa Facilities Management has announced that it has secured a key contract from Tatweer Buildings Company to provide FM services at its school buildings in the kingdom's Qassim Region. The scope of work includes cleaning, maintenance and gatekeeper services.
New research commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) warns that prolonged border delays linked to the rollout of Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) could put up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending at risk from four of Europe's most important source markets.
Saudi Arabia and Indonesia reaffirmed tourism cooperation during a meeting in Toledo, Spain, focusing on boosting visitor flows, enhancing Hajj and Umrah experiences, and expanding leisure travel under their existing tourism partnership agreement.
Saudi Arabia and France have signed a joint action programme to deepen tourism cooperation, focusing on investment, sustainability, innovation, workforce development, data sharing and destination marketing, following high-level talks on the sidelines of the UN Tourism Executive Council.
Bahrain’s tourism sector has seen strong growth since the “We Miss You” campaign, with increased GCC arrivals during Eid Al Adha. The Minister said the country is prepared for summer demand with expanded leisure offerings and regional promotions.
The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) launched its Tourism Hackathons Programme on April 28, 2026, through TDF Grow, to foster innovative, entrepreneur-led solutions that support Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and contribute to Vision 2030 economic goals.
US international tourism fell 5.5% in 2025, with four million fewer visitors and over $8 billion lost in spending, marking the sharpest decline since the pandemic and surpassing losses seen during the 2008 financial crisis.
