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.
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.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized PM Modi's government for India's declining passport rankings, citing a drop to 125th place and increased passport fees. He questioned the government's tourism policies and visa services, linking them to a weakened global reputation.
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.
Foreign tourist spending in Korea exceeded 2 trillion won for the first time in May, with Chinese tourists driving a threefold increase in spending. Major commercial districts like Myeongdong and Seongsu-dong saw significant sales growth.
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.
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.
Indonesia welcomed 4.68 million foreign tourists from January to April 2026, the highest figure for the period since 2020. Arrivals in April increased month-on-month and year-on-year, driven by visitors from Malaysia, Australia, and China. Domestic tourism saw a decline after the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
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.
A foreign tourist intervened when a man allegedly attempted to film a woman's skirt on the stairs of Taipei's Guting MRT station. The suspect was apprehended by police with incriminating footage found on his phone.
Japan saw a 5.5% drop in foreign tourists in April, reaching 3.69 million, after a record high in March. This decline was influenced by a significant plunge in Chinese visitors and cancellations linked to the Mideast war.
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.
