Beijing has expanded its visa-free travel policy for citizens from over 50 countries, leading to a significant increase in foreign visitors. This move, contrasting global trends of closure, aims to boost inbound tourism and allow visitors to form their own perceptions of China, despite existing limits on long-term stay.
Russia saw a 23% surge in foreign tourist arrivals from January to May 2026, reaching 2 million visitors. This growth is attributed to simplified visa procedures and expanded air travel routes.
South Korea saw over 200,000 foreign cruise ship visitors in May, a 13.4% increase from April and 12.2% from last year. Chinese travelers formed the largest group, accounting for 45.1% of arrivals.
South Korea has surpassed 10 million foreign visitors in the first half of the year, a record achieved about a month earlier than last year. May saw 1.95 million visitors, with Chinese tourists leading, and regional airport entries also increased. Monthly spending by foreign visitors exceeded 2 trillion won for the first time.
Japan is set to increase tourist visa fees fivefold, from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 for single-entry and ¥6,000 to ¥30,000 for multiple-entry, effective July 1, 2026. This is the first revision since 1978, aimed at covering administrative costs and inflation. The government expects minimal impact on tourism.
Spain's tourism minister, Jordi Hereu, is pushing to diversify the country's appeal beyond traditional "sun and sand" offerings as it anticipates a record 100 million foreign visitors. The strategy aims for "calm growth" to manage overtourism concerns and climate impacts, focusing on inland and cultural experiences.
Foreign tourist arrivals in Cuba have plummeted by 58.4% in the first five months of 2026 due to tightened US sanctions targeting the tourism sector. Airlines and hotel chains have suspended operations, impacting Canada, the largest source of tourists, and Spanish firms Meliá and Iberostar. The sanctions have also exacerbated shortages of fuel, medicine, and food, leading to economic paralysis and rare public protests.
The 2026 Men's World Cup in the US is criticized for its "performative cruelty" and indifference to international perception, contrasting with the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The article highlights issues like visa rejections for participating nations and the detention of a Somali referee, suggesting FIFA has lost control to the host nation.
South Korea welcomed over 2.07 million foreign visitors in April, marking the second consecutive month with over 2 million arrivals. This represents an 18.5% increase compared to April of the previous year, driven by rising tourism demand, particularly from China, and the influence of the Korean Wave.
The 33rd Haman Nakwhanori event in Gyeongsangnam-do attracted 5,800 visitors, including many foreigners, who enjoyed the traditional spectacle of thousands of fireworks falling like flower petals. Wishes for success and health were written on the firework wicks.
Japan's inbound foreign visitors in April decreased by 5.5% year-on-year to 3,692,200, the first drop in three months. South Korea and Taiwan saw significant increases.
Goa's foreign tourist numbers have halved since 2017, while domestic visitors have surged. Factors include expensive flights, visa complexities, competition from cheaper Asian destinations, and local issues like taxi fares and cleanliness.
Goa sees a significant drop in foreign tourists, with numbers falling by nearly half since 2017. Factors include expensive flights, complex visa procedures, and competition from cheaper Asian destinations like Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Domestic tourism, however, is booming.
Goa's foreign tourist numbers have halved since 2017, while domestic visitors have surged. Factors include expensive flights, visa issues, and competition from cheaper Asian destinations like Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
Profits jump to £122m at ticketing retailer but it expects flat or declining revenues over the coming year Business live – latest updatesTrainline has said the US standoff with Iran is hitting its revenues, with rail ticket sales to foreign visitors to Europe affected.The UK-based ticketing retailer said it expected revenues to stay flat or decline over the coming year, citing “the effects of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on inbound air traffic into Europe”. Continue reading...
North Korea welcomed foreign visitors and firms to a trade fair this week, showcasing home-grown products including the latest model of its sleek Jindallae smartphone. Diplomatically isolated and under biting sanctions over its nuclear and weapons programmes, North Korea has an ageing manufacturing base which analysts doubt has the ability to make high-quality consumer technology. Still, Pyongyang has touted Jindallae – “azalea” in Korean – as a convenient way for citizens to stay connected,...
BUSAN, May 5 (Yonhap) -- Public-run accommodations for foreign visitors in Busan...
