Tourism News

Tourist arrivals in Syria surged 111% to 3.52 million in the first half of 2026 versus 2025. Visitors from non-Arab countries rose 448%, while tourists from Arab countries increased 107%, say Syrian officials.

Tulsa City Council approved a hotel tax increase from 5% to 9.9% on July 22, 2026, to fund venue maintenance and support tourism. The measure will be on the November ballot for voter approval.

Syria received 3.52 million tourists in the first half of 2026, up 111% from the previous year. Visitors from non-Arab countries increased 448%, according to official data.

Tanzania's Minister Ashatu Kijaji urged the embassy in South Korea to boost tourism promotion to attract more Asian visitors. The government targets eight million international tourists by 2030.

Israeli tourist arrivals to Cyprus in June 2026 rose by 165.7% compared to June 2025, reaching 80,343 visitors. Despite a 10.1% decline in total arrivals in the first half of 2026 compared to 2025, figures were slightly higher than in 2024.

Tulsa City Council approved sending a hotel tax hike from 5% to 9.9% to the November ballot. Funds will support repairs at BOK and Arvest Convention Centers and enhance tourism efforts.

The 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market will host the second African Tour Operators’ Summit in Lagos from 13-15 September 2026. The summit aims to develop tourism linked to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Tanzanian Minister Kijaji has called on the embassy in South Korea to strengthen efforts to promote tourism. The focus is on expanding tourist arrivals from the Korean market.

Israeli tourist arrivals in Cyprus more than doubled in June 2026 compared to June 2025. This surge helped stabilize overall tourist numbers amid regional challenges in the first half of 2026.

World Travel & Culture Expo 2026 is set for October 29-31 at IMPACT Mueang Thong Thani, Bangkok. The event promotes tourism, trade, and investment, reinforcing Thailand as an ASEAN tourism hub.