Tourism News delivers timely updates on sustainable travel trends, destination developments, hospitality expansions, tourism policy changes and exclusive insights to inspire your next journey.
Morocco is accelerating one of the most ambitious tourism and hospitality expansion programmes in Africa as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. The North African destination is planning approximately 60,000 additional hotel beds, significantly expanding accommodation capacity ahead of an expected surge in international demand. At the same […]
New Zealand’s regional hospitality landscape has gained fresh momentum with the opening of Mercure Tauranga, strengthening accommodation options for business travellers, holidaymakers, conference delegates and groups visiting the Bay of Plenty. The opening expands Accor’s New Zealand presence to 49 properties and reinforces Tauranga’s growing importance within the country’s tourism and business travel network. Located
The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train has returned to regular operations, restoring one of India’s most affordable heritage railway experiences and giving travellers another scenic way to reach the Himalayan hill station of Shimla. The Mix-Up-Down service resumed after the conclusion of the summer special operating period, bringing back a remarkably economical journey between Kalka and Shimla.
Switzerland is placing historic rail travel firmly back in the tourism spotlight as the legendary Furka mountain railway marks a major 100-year milestone in 2026, highlighting a wider European revival of scenic trains, railway heritage and experience-led journeys. The centenary celebrates the historic Alpine rail connection between Oberwald and Realp, with special anniversary activities held
Cuba’s tourism industry is facing one of its most significant transitions in recent years after Spain’s Meliá Hotels International announced it will immediately end the management, marketing and branding of 15 hotels across the island. The decision reflects mounting operational pressures affecting the Caribbean destination, including prolonged energy shortages, declining visitor demand and a more
Seychelles is rebuilding its international tourism momentum after geopolitical disruption across the Middle East affected aviation connections and contributed to a sharp temporary decline in visitor arrivals during March 2026. The Indian Ocean island nation had entered the year with positive tourism growth. However, instability affecting major aviation corridors weakened international travel flows, highlighting Seychelles’
El Alamein International Airport has recorded strong passenger and flight growth during the first half of 2026, strengthening its emerging role as a Mediterranean aviation gateway supporting tourism, investment and the year-round development of New Alamein City. Passenger traffic increased by 57% compared with the corresponding period of 2025, reaching approximately 266,600 travellers. Aircraft movements
Rajasthan’s celebrated Jawai region has welcomed Bijapur Lodge, the first retreat from new Indian luxury hospitality brand Zari, marking the beginning of an ambitious collection of intimate properties rooted in culture, nature and personalised travel. Located amid Jawai’s ancient granite hills and wildlife-rich landscape, the lodge features only six luxury suites spread across five acres.
Spain has emerged as one of the clearest symbols of the global overtourism challenge in 2026 as Barcelona, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands confront rising pressure on housing, public space, infrastructure and local quality of life. However, no official international ranking proves that Spain has definitively overtaken France, Italy, Greece, Japan, India or
Sharjah has launched a major summer hospitality promotion offering travellers 30% off stays at four distinctive retreats across the emirate, creating a timely opportunity for families, couples and regional visitors seeking luxury experiences at reduced seasonal rates. The offer applies to Kingfisher Retreat, Al Badayer Retreat, Najd Al Meqsar and Al Rayaheen Retreat, with stays
Sharjah’s tourism and hospitality sector has entered a new phase of expansion after hotels across the emirate welcomed approximately 2.1 million guests in 2025, supported by rising international arrivals, stronger air connectivity and continued investment in transport infrastructure. Hotel revenue increased by 20 percent to reach AED780 million, while average occupancy climbed to 78 percent.
Thailand is accelerating its transformation of rail travel into a premium tourism experience, using luxury sightseeing trains, themed journeys and scenic routes to attract high-spending international visitors while spreading tourism revenue beyond Bangkok and the country’s established resort centres. The strategy brings together the Ministry of Transport, the State Railway of Thailand, tourism authorities and
