Tourism News Page 19
41 million visitors "put off" holidaying in Europe if EES Border Delays Reach Three Hours
New research commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) warns that prolonged border delays linked to the rollout of Europe's new Entry/Exit System (EES) could put up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending at risk from four of Europe's most important source markets. The analysis, based on a survey of more than 2,500 travellers from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia, found that if travellers face regular border waits of three to four hours when entering the Schengen Area, around one-third would become much less likely to travel to Schengen or would choose not to visit at all.
New research shows appetite for overseas travel remains
New consumer sentiment research, released today from ABTA – The Travel Association, explores the impact of the conflict in the Middle East and the rising cost of living on people’s intention to travel over the next 12 months. It shows that a strong appetite to travel abroad remains, with 64% of people planning to travel overseas during the next 12 months
Middle East conflict: Mallorca emerges as a reliable vacation destination
Just before the start of the summer travel season, Eurowings is sending a clear message to all travellers: despite the tense geopolitical situation in the Middle East, the 2026 summer flight schedule is secure. Fuel supplies for Germany’s largest holiday airline are guaranteed at all European bases. This ensures the conditions for stable flight operations during the busy summer travel months.
Dubai's First-Time Home Buyer Program drives over AED 5 billion in sales
Dubai Land Department (DLD), in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has announced that the First-Time Home Buyer Program, available to all UAE residents aged 18 and above who do not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai. It has enabled more than 3,200 residents to own their first homes in the emirate since its launch in July 2025, generating residential property transactions exceeding AED 5 billion.
Visit Qatar CEO Concludes Official Visit to China
As part of strategic efforts to attract more visitors from the Chinese market, Eng Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, led an official delegation to China, signing two strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with industry leaders Fliggy and Huawei to elevate the visitor experience through advanced artificial intelligence (AI).
Qatar Calendar Launches ColorVerse Experience
Qatar Calendar has announced the launch of the ColorVerse Experience, a next generation immersive entertainment attraction developed in partnership with Spacetoon. Taking place at Katara Cultural Village's South Parking from July 15 to September 15, 2026, the experience will add a new family-focused attraction to Qatar's summer events calendar. The ColorVerse Experience invites visitors on an interactive storytelling journey through the world of Colorama, a once vibrant realm that has lost all colour and vitality. Throughout the experience, visitors become "Restorers", tasked with reactivating the core RGB colour system, overcoming the colour-consuming creatures known as the "Munchers", and ultimately restoring balance and life to the world.
Monstropolis, A New Land Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Newly revealed story details introduce the narrative that will invite guests into Monstropolis, the first-ever land inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The experience is built around H.U.M.A.N. Day, short for “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice”, a citywide celebration that brings humans into the monster world for the first time. Set after the events of the original film, the story builds on the discovery by James P. Sullivan and Mike Wazowski that human laughter is significantly more powerful than screams. This breakthrough not only transformed the city’s energy source but also reshaped how monsters view the human world.
TAT elevates Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 with Thai brand experiences
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with public and private sector partners, is presenting the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 from June to August, inviting Thai and international tourists to discover Thai brands, local identity, and creative tourism experiences under the concept Unforgettable Experience of Thai Brands. Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “The next value of Thai tourism will come from experiences travellers remember, share, and return to. Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2026 is designed to make Thai brands a living expression of Thailand’s creativity, from fashion and craft to lifestyle and community products. When a purchase carries a story of place and people, it extends the journey beyond the trip and creates lasting value for Thailand.”
Anguilla Tourist Board Unveils “Taste. Feel. Live.” Summer Campaign
The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) has officially launched its 2026 Summer Campaign, “Anguilla: Taste. Feel. Live.”, alongside the introduction of the innovative Xcape App, marking a significant step forward in the destination’s efforts to enhance visitor engagement, strengthen destination awareness, and position Anguilla as a year-round Caribbean destination.
Caribbean Week concludes in New York
Caribbean Week in New York 2026 concluded after four days of high-level dialogue, strategic partnerships and thought leadership, reinforcing the Caribbean’s unified vision under the theme “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences.” Hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) at InterContinental New York Times Square, the event brought together tourism ministers, commissioners, industry leaders, media, travel advisors and students from across the region and beyond.
CTO Launches Landmark Tourism Supply Side Committee
Calling for a new model of tourism that creates and retains greater value within the Caribbean, Dr. Terrance Drew, prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and chairman of CARICOM, has endorsed the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) new Tourism Supply Side Initiative, describing it as a critical step toward ensuring that tourism benefits the region’s people and its economies. Prime Minister Drew delivered virtual remarks Thursday during the launch of the new committee at Caribbean Week in New York, held at InterContinental New York Times Square.
Jalisco, Mexico Takes Center Stage as Host of the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Ceremony
Jalisco, Mexico has firmly established itself on the global culinary stage as the official host of the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Mexico Ceremony, marking a historic milestone for the destination and its rapidly growing gastronomic influence.