Madrid's tourism sector recorded €10.007 billion in international spending in H1 2026, an 11.4% increase, attracting 5.66 million visitors. The US remains the top source market, while Brazil showed the fastest growth, strengthening the city's global appeal.
Myanmar's tourism sector is seeing increased efforts to recover after the 2021 coup. The country welcomed over 973,000 foreign tourists last year and aims to nearly double this to 1.8 million in 2024, with a focus on Chinese and Thai visitors.
Saudi Arabia has piloted its new Package Visa initiative, a digital service integrating tourist visa applications with travel bookings for flights, accommodation, and experiences. This aims to streamline the planning process for eligible travelers through selected international providers.
A complete ban on Schengen visas for Russian tourists is unlikely soon, as France, Italy, Spain, and Greece oppose it due to economic and political reasons. Instead, the EU is tightening procedures, with major decisions possibly in Fall 2026.
France's tourism industry faces significant challenges due to volatile weather patterns, with sudden temperature shifts impacting bookings, visitor numbers, and revenue across various regions. Businesses are adapting with flexible offers to mitigate losses.
The Emilia-Romagna region's plan to open elementary schools on August 31st has drawn criticism from the tourism industry, particularly in Rimini. Business owners argue it could cost them a month of work and contradict efforts to extend the tourist season.
A plan by Emilia-Romagna to open elementary schools early, starting August 31st for optional educational activities, has sparked outrage among Rimini's tourism businesses. They fear it will negatively impact the end of the summer season, which is closely tied to the school calendar.
Italy's Ministry of Tourism (MiTur) expects a 2% rise in arrivals and a 4% increase in tourist spending for 2026, despite international crises. A €45 million campaign aims to boost organized travel.
Qatar's tourism sector is open for business again after a difficult period. The country supported stranded travelers, offering free accommodation and visas, and is now launching summer festivals and events to attract visitors.
Hong Kong’s tourism sectors have entered 2026 with renewed momentum. The broader economy has strengthened, expanding by 5.9 per cent in the first quarter, its fastest pace in nearly five years. Visitor arrivals also reached 14.3 million in the first quarter, up 17 per cent year on year. The recent Labour Day “golden week” holiday offered a further boost, with the city receiving more than 1 million mainland visitors. Across the border, travel volumes reached unprecedented levels, with an...
Singapore Airlines reports 14.7% year-on-year passenger traffic growth in March, driven by Easter holiday demand and spillover Europe-bound traffic as travellers avoid Middle Eastern hubs disrupted by drone and missile attacks. Europe flight capacity rose to 93.5% from 79.7% the prior year.
