Despite a 6% increase in transactions, foreign tourists in Portugal spent less on average (€35.70) in the first half of 2026, with retail, restaurants, and accommodation absorbing most spending, concentrated in Lisbon and Algarve.
A Cessna Grand Caravan carrying 11 tourists and two pilots crashed near Peru's Nazca Lines, killing all 13 on board. The victims included Italians, Germans, and Spanish nationals. An investigation into the cause is underway.
A Cessna Grand Caravan plane crashed near Peru's Nazca Lines, killing all 13 on board, including 11 foreign tourists (seven Italians, two Germans, two Spanish) and two Peruvian pilots. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the accident.
A Seoul AI Foundation report, using SK Telecom and Google Maps data, indicates foreign tourists are increasingly exploring traditional markets and hiking spots in Seoul. Dongdaemun Design Plaza saw a 12.1% visitor increase in 2025, with Mount Acha and Gwangjang Market also growing. Myeongdong and N Seoul Tower recorded the highest daily foreign populations.
A wildfire in the Spanish village of Bedar has killed 11 people and left 19 missing. Authorities believe many victims may be foreign tourists. The blaze, which may have been started by a fallen power line, erupted amid high temperatures and dry conditions, with firefighters battling the inferno in the southern Andalusia region.
Hong Kong welcomed 26.71 million visitors in the first half of 2026, a 13% increase year-on-year. Arrivals from mainland China rose 16% and foreign tourists 5%. Spending patterns are shifting towards culture and experiences, with per capita spending by overnight visitors projected to reach HK$5,530 in 2026.
Himeji Castle in Japan has increased admission prices for non-residents to 2,500 yen ($15.50) from 1,000 yen ($6.20) for city residents. While admissions dropped 17% in the first month, ticket revenue more than doubled. This move is part of Japan's strategy to manage overtourism and fund maintenance for historic sites.
Brazilian federal police detained a Spanish citizen at São Paulo's Guarulhos airport for alleged racist remarks against airline workers, marking the latest in a series of arrests of foreign tourists under Brazil's strict anti-racism laws, which include imprisonment penalties.
The US surpasses South Korea as the Philippines' leading source of foreign tourists, with 531,859 US visitors from January to May, driven by diaspora travel and strengthened US-Philippines defence and economic ties.
Foreign tourists, including those from Russia and France, are increasingly visiting China's Hainan island to witness rocket launches from the Wenchang Space Launch Site. The unique coastal location and China's active space program are driving this growing trend in space tourism.
Foreign tourist spending in South Korea hit a record 2.12 trillion won in May, a 67.1% yearly increase. Spending by Chinese tourists more than tripled, with significant growth in shopping, transportation, and wellness services.
South Korea's tourism agency is offering a 5,000 won discount on bus fares to 8,000 foreign visitors to encourage travel outside Seoul. The initiative, in partnership with Klook and Go Hanpass, aims to boost regional tourism and ease overcrowding in the capital.
Foreign tourists spent a record 251.1 billion won (US$165.2 million) on medical services in South Korea in May, driven by demand for health, beauty, and pharmaceutical products. Dermatology and plastic surgery were the most popular services.
A Thai court sentenced two Uyghur men to death for the 2015 Erawan Shrine bombing in Bangkok, which killed 20 people and injured 120. The men, Adem Karadag and Yusufu Mieraili, deny the charges and plan to appeal. China supports the verdict, calling the perpetrators "inhumane."
Dubai's luxury hotels, typically catering to wealthy foreign visitors, are offering attractive deals to residents to compensate for the decline in international tourism due to the Middle East conflict. The conflict has led to flight cancellations, airspace closures, and significant financial losses for the region's tourism sector.
The Trump administration plans to halt immigration and customs processing at airports in Democratic-run 'sanctuary cities', potentially disrupting travel and trade ahead of the FIFA World Cup, sparking warnings of severe economic harm from airlines, tourism groups, and some administration officials.
Bursa's İznik district, rich in historical sites from Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, is anticipating a substantial influx of foreign tourists after May. Following the visit of Pope Francis, faith tourism has gained prominence, with tour operators in countries like Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands developing packages for the region.
Thailand has cancelled its 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries, reducing it to 30 days for 54 nations and introducing a 15-day exemption for three others, aiming to curb crime and visa abuse.
Foreign tourists are increasingly exploring China's county-level cities and towns, drawn by unique cultural experiences and a desire to follow in the footsteps of ancient traveler Xu Xiake. This trend reflects a growing interest in China's traditional and modern beauty beyond major metropolises.
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.
Foreign tourists attending BTS concerts in South Korea stayed an average of 8.7 days and spent 3.53 million won ($2,377), significantly exceeding general inbound tourist averages of 6.1 days and 2.45 million won. The government aims to leverage K-pop's global popularity to promote tourism beyond Seoul into regional areas, with a welcome event planned in Busan in June.
