tourism news

Uzbekistan is launching a visionary 2026-2027 tourism strategy centered on the preservation of its UNESCO Silk Road sites, including 31 mega-projects to safeguard Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new rule requiring ESTA applicants to provide social media identifiers, a move that could impact millions of international travelers from VWP nations.

UN Tourism’s Marrakech conference focused on AI-powered startups, digital storytelling, and rural development as the primary drivers of sustainable tourism growth in 2026.

Travelodge Hotels Asia will launch its largest property in Japan in August 2026, adding 300+ rooms to the heart of Osaka's Shinsaibashi tourism and retail district.

A 2026 survey of 103 travel industry leaders reveals that 64% plan to increase AI investment as the sector shifts from digital experimentation to large-scale operational use.

Tourism Ireland's new 'Ireland Unrushed' campaign is targeting 100 million travelers across 15 global markets, promoting immersive slow tourism and supporting the island's €6 billion tourism economy.

Thailand has surpassed 11.97 million foreign arrivals in the first five months of 2026, with China, Malaysia, and Japan driving a robust economic recovery despite global geopolitical challenges.

Thailand has recorded a 28% year-on-year surge in Chinese arrivals in early May 2026, leading a regional tourism boom as travelers pivot away from unstable Middle Eastern and European corridors.

Thailand has reported nearly 12 million foreign arrivals in the first four months of 2026, with a strong 31.9% rebound in the Chinese market offsetting declines from Malaysia and the UK.

Fenglin Township in eastern Taiwan is spearheading Hualien's post-earthquake tourism recovery in 2026 with its viral Snail Racing Festival and sustainable 'slow travel' model.

SWISS has unveiled a bold 2026 expansion strategy, introducing new routes to Rijeka, Poznań, and Seoul, alongside daily Tokyo service and increased capacity for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Spirit Airlines officially ceased all operations on May 2, 2026. Displaced passengers can now access capped rescue fares from major carriers and must follow specific protocols to secure refunds.