Syria’s Ministry of Tourism has officially launched the 2026 summer tourism season in the presence of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, as part of ongoing efforts to revive the sector during the post-liberation recovery phase.
Fatima Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism, held a meeting with representatives of Bahrain’s hotel sector as part of regular meetings aimed at strengthening partnership with the hotel sector and following up on preparations for upcoming tourism seasons and events.
China’s travel and tourism sector is set for strong growth, with World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) data projecting a 5.3% expansion in 2026 and 6.5% annual growth over the next decade, reaching $3.5 trillion by 2036.
EU tourist accommodation recorded 471.1 million overnight stays in the first quarter of 2026, up 3.4% from a year earlier. Overnight stays increased steadily throughout the quarter, reaching 143.5 million in January, 154.4 million in February and 173.2 million in March.
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.
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.
UAE-based Elevate World will host a virtual tourism summit from June 2-4, 2026, bringing together over 250 global industry leaders, hotels, travel agents and tour operators, with Dubai serving as the event hub for participating partners.
Dubai has approved a second package of economic incentives valued at AED1.5 billion ($408.44 billion). The package spans a range of sectors, including government fees and services, tourism, trade and logistics, real estate, construction, education, and arts and cultural activities.
