Dubai has long been a global travel magnet, but in 2025 the city (and its hospitality players) achieved a new level of visibility. At the 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards’ Middle East ceremony, Dubai’s infrastructure, hotels, resorts and service providers secured several key awards, underscoring the city’s role not just as a destination but as a standard-setter. Perhaps most globally significant: Dubai itself was named “Middle East’s Leading Destination 2025”. That reflects not just its skyline and resorts, but the full breadth of experience — from desert adventures and cultural heritage to mega-events and luxury hospitality. For travellers, this means choosing Dubai isn’t just picking a city to stay in — it’s selecting a place that is rated the region’s best all-round travel destination for the year.

A global entertainment phenomenon is about to descend upon Yas Island, and it's bringing the Upside Down with it. The Island will host the debut of 'Stranger Things: The Experience,' bringing the immersive world of Hawkins, Indiana, to life in the Middle East for the very first time.

One of only five Blue Zones in the world, Okinawa has been named by Expedia as one of its Destinations of the Year 2026, ranking second on the list following a remarkable 71% year-on-year increase in flight and accommodation searches. The recognition also aligns with Expedia's new Smart Travel Health Check framework, developed with insights from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to highlight destinations demonstrating sustainable tourism management. Okinawa's inclusion reflects not only its growing global popularity, but also its commitment to responsible tourism and community wellbeing

Four in five (79%) travellers in EMEA intend to go on more or the same amount of holidays in 2026 compared to 2025, including 39% who plan to go on an increased number, according to new industry research conducted by Mortar, of more than 22,000 adults across 11 key travel markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Figures from the research, included in Marriott Bonvoy’s 2026 EMEA Ticket to Travel Report, suggest continued overall momentum for the region’s travel sector next year. The average traveller in EMEA is planning five holidays in 2026, with two domestic holidays within their own country, two short-haul breaks (a four-hour flight or less), and one long-haul trip.

Vail Mountain, the world's premier alpine destination, is redefining winter travel with an extraordinary blend of sport, culture, and entertainment for the 2025/26 winter season. More than 50 live music events will span the mountain and the villages, featuring headline performances by GRAMMY-nominated duo Sofi Tukker (Dec. 13 at Ford Park) and EDM icon Dillon Francis (Jan. 9 at Chasing Rabbits). This season kicks off with Stoke Sessions (Nov. 14–Dec. 5), featuring Blu DeTiger, Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, The Runaway Groms, and American Authors in Vail Village, and Après at the Amp (April 10–11) rounds out a season of sound, snow, and celebration.

Two years after the devastating Hamas assault on October 7, 2023, Israel's tourism industry is showing strong signs of revival, according to America Israel Tours® (AIT), one of the U.S.'s leading Holy Land travel providers. Hotels, tourist sites, and historic markets are reopening as international visitors return, bringing both economic recovery and renewed hope to the country. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is currently in Israel to monitor and support the ongoing cease-fire, highlighting international confidence in the nation's stability and reassuring returning tourists with signals of future peace initiatives.