Tourism News
Record year for Caribbean tourism as hurricane damage recedes
Sparked by robust recovery in the destinations that were affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, Caribbean tourism rebounded soundly to post record stayover and cruise arrivals in 2019.
Saudi Arabia bans umrah pilgrims from holy sites
Saudi Arabia will block Muslim pilgrims seeking to reach the holy cities of Mecca and Medina as the country seeks to control the spread of coronavirus.
New markets drive Ras Al Khaimah to new tourism record
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has announced strong visitor figures for 2019, with arrivals up almost four per cent to 1.12 million.
Qatar Airways cuts capacity to South Korea and Iran
Qatar Airways has cut capacity to Iran and South Korea as both countries battle the coronavirus outbreak. Flights to and from Seoul will temporarily operate with a smaller aircraft, while some services to Iran will be halted.
Foreign Office urges Brits to avoid north Italy towns
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has begun to urge against all but essential travel to a number of towns in northern Italy. The communities have been isolated by the Italian authorities due to an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus.
WTTC chief calls for proportionate response to coronavirus outbreak
Closing borders, blanket travel bans and more extreme government policies will not stop the spread of coronavirus, World Travel & Tourism Council president Gloria Guevara has argued.
Chinese travellers disappear from key overseas markets
Asia Pacific destinations popular with travellers from mainland China continue to report a huge hotel occupancy impact from the coronavirus outbreak, according to preliminary February data from STR.
Abu Dhabi records strong visitor numbers for 2019
Figures collated by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi have revealed that the number of international visitors coming to the UAE capital is estimated to have reached 11.35 million in 2019.
Russia appointed Convention & Culture Partner for ITB Berlin
Russia has stepped up as the Convention & Culture Partner for ITB Berlin 2020. In the role, Russia will be represented with several sessions at the ITB Berlin Convention.
Canary Islands flights hit by sandstorm
Tourists travelling to and from the Canary Islands have seen flights disrupted by a huge sandstorm. Airport operator Aena cancelled, suspended or diverted all flights to and from the islands on Sunday, citing low visibility.
Ras Al Khaimah to welcome new adventure facilities
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority will officially open a skatepark at Saqr Park later this week. The brand-new outdoor attraction is located in the largest recreational park in the emirate.
Brits offered visa free travel to Turkey
The United Kingdom is among six countries to be offered visa free travel to Turkey. Foreign ministry officials confirmed earlier tourists from Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain would also see fees waived.