Tourism News

Syria’s Ministry of Tourism signed an MoU in July 2026 with three Saudi tech firms to develop a comprehensive digital tourism ecosystem. Visitor arrivals more than doubled in H1 2026 to 3.52 million, fueling the push for modernization.

Albania’s foreign tourist arrivals rose to 5 million in the first half of 2026, up 6.2% from 4.8 million in 2025. Declines from Kosova, North Macedonia, Germany, Turkey, and Montenegro were offset by growth from other markets.

The 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos will host the African Tour Operators Summit from September 13-15, 2026, to develop tourism linked to AFCON 2027. The summit focuses on East-West African partnerships and includes the Africa Travel 100 Awards recognizing leading tour operators.

Papua New Guinea won the Best Booth award at the 2026 Travel Madness Expo in Manila, attended by over 170 tourism entities from Asia. Air Niugini and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority will continue promoting the country at upcoming fairs in Singapore and Hong Kong.

ITB Americas 2026 attracted leading tourism brands and major destinations. Seventy percent of the exhibition floor space was confirmed booked ahead of the event.

Syria’s Ministry of Tourism signed an MoU in July 2026 with Saudi firms Tamkeen, Cipher, and Hawaz to build an integrated digital tourism ecosystem. Visitor arrivals surged 111% in early 2026, spurring this sector modernization.

The Isle of Man's tourism revenue reached a record £433.4 million in 2026, up £256 million since 2016. Visitor numbers rose 6.9% to over 352,000 in 2025, with spending and satisfaction also increasing.

Papua New Guinea won the Best Booth award at the 2026 Travel Madness Expo in Manila with over 170 Asian travel organisations participating. Air Niugini and PNGTPA will also promote PNG at upcoming tourism fairs in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Tourist arrivals in Syria reached 3.52 million in the first half of 2026, a 111% increase from 2025. Growth includes a 448% rise in visitors from non-Arab countries and a 107% rise from Arab countries.

Israeli tourist arrivals in Cyprus more than doubled in June 2026 compared to 2025, reaching 80,343. This growth helped offset an overall decline in visitor numbers caused by regional tensions.