GCC Tourism Contributes $254.7 Billion with 75.7 Million Visitors in 2025
The GCC tourism sector contributed $254.7 billion to the economy with 75.7 million visitors in 2025, growing faster than global tourism. A two-day workshop in Muscat focused on improving tourism data integration across GCC member states.
Spain Reaches 58.1 Million Visitors by July 2026, With 4.6% Annual Growth
Spain welcomed 58.1 million international tourists in the first seven months of 2026, up 4.6% from 2025. The Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Andalusia led arrivals in July 2026.
Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days From September 2026
Thailand will end its 60-day visa exemption from September 15, 2026, replacing it with 30- and 15-day visa-free stays. Moroccan nationals lose visa-free entry, while 60 countries remain eligible for 30-day stays.
GCC Tourism Generates $254.7B with 75.7 Million Visitors in 2025
The GCC tourism industry generated $254.7 billion in economic impact with 75.7 million visitors in 2025. The sector grew at 7.3% annually, exceeding global tourism growth rates.
Spain Records 58.1 Million International Tourists January-July 2026
Spain welcomed a record 58.1 million international tourists from January to July 2026, a 4.6% increase over 2025. Tourism revenues in July alone rose 10.9% to €18.22 billion, with strong arrivals from the UK and growth in regions including Madrid and Valencian Community.
US Temporarily Halts Immigrant Visa Appointments Worldwide for Staff Training
The US State Department halted all immigrant visa appointments worldwide in August 2026 for staff training on public charge rules. This suspension affects visa processing, international home purchases, and construction labor markets across key states.
Thailand Cuts Visa-Free Stay to 30 Days, Ends 60-Day Exemption Sept 15, 2026
Thailand ends its 60-day visa exemption for selected travelers on September 15, 2026, and introduces new 30- and 15-day visa-free stays. Moroccan citizens lose eligibility for visa-free entry.
Mexico Hits 51.1 Million International Visitors in H1 2026
Mexico attracted a record 51.1 million international visitors in the first half of 2026, a 7.7% increase year-on-year. Growth was driven by 6.6 million cruise passengers and 51 million air travelers, with tourism revenue reaching $18.78 billion.
Morocco Welcomes 9.4 Million Visitors and Boosts Travel Revenue in H1 2026
Morocco received 9.4 million visitors in the first half of 2026, a 6% increase over 2025. Travel revenues grew 14.6%, reaching approximately 53.8 billion dirhams.
Spain Registers 58.1 Million International Tourists by July 2026
Spain registered 58.1 million international tourists in the first seven months of 2026, a 4.6% increase over 2025. Tourism revenues rose 7.8% to €82.05 billion during the same period.
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Slovenia Presents Pavilion Concept at EXPO 2027 Belgrade Networking Event
Slovenia unveiled its pavilion concept for EXPO 2027 Belgrade at a networking event in Ljubljana attended by over 50 business and tourism representatives. The Expo, running from 15 May to 15 August 2027, will be the first Specialised Expo in the Western Balkans, themed "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All."
Runway 22L Closed at Chicago Midway Airport from Oct 20; Flight Delays Expected
Chicago Midway International Airport closed Runway 22L on October 20, 2026, for safety repairs on the Engineered Material Arresting System. Flight delays and cancellations are expected until repairs finish by mid-November.
Billy Bishop Airport Tops US and Canada in Flight Cancellations on October 20, 2026
Billy Bishop Airport leads US and Canada in flight cancellations on October 20, 2026, after a water main break disrupted operations. Air Canada has canceled multiple flights due to the issue.