Türkiye welcomed 25.8 million international visitors in the first six months of 2026, while tourism revenues remained stable compared with the previous year at $25.8 billion, according to Mehmet Ersoy, Türkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism.
Oman’s Al Jabal Al Akhdar Festival 2026 has attracted over 100,000 visitors, boosting tourism and local economic activity. The 45-day event features cultural, sporting and entertainment activities while supporting SMEs, family businesses and farmers.
Record Travel & Tourism investment exceeding $1 trillion in 2025, driven by major markets including the US, China, India and Saudi Arabia, is fueling global economic growth, improving connectivity and creating jobs, according to the latest report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Saudi Arabia's hotel market lost momentum in the first half of the year as corporate travel slowed and regional uncertainty dampened demand, but industry fundamentals remain intact, backed by higher domestic tourism spend and an expanding pipeline of hotel projects, an industry expert said.
Atlantis Dubai has reinforced its position as a leader in responsible tourism after securing three sustainability accreditations recognising its continued commitment to environmental stewardship, responsible operations and community engagement.
Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Mastercard have partnered to boost Saudi Arabia’s tourism growth, using data insights, targeted campaigns, and digital experiences to attract international visitors.
Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, the Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, has highlighted the importance of collaboration, cultural preservation, and sustainable development in shaping the future of the island’s tourism sector as he officially opened Connect Barbados 2026.
Connect Barbados 2026 recorded its highest buyer participation to date, concluding a week of tourism networking and industry engagement with an awards ceremony recognising 20 contributors across the tourism, media, and travel sectors.
Bahrain's Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi and Bahrain Development Bank CEO Dalal Al Qais discussed expanding cooperation to boost tourism investment and SMEs, while reviewing joint initiatives supporting the Tourism Strategy 2022–2026 and Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s licensed tourism hospitality facilities increased 22.7% year-on-year to 6,122 in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting continued growth in the Kingdom’s tourism sector, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT).
