TOURISM NEWS

Benin has introduced three new ecotourism circuits supported by a US$1.4 billion investment framework under its 2025–2029 Strategic Development Plan.

Heritage Line has relaunched its fully redesigned Anouvong river cruise ship on the Upper Mekong route between Luang Prabang and the Golden Triangle, debuting upgraded suites, a transformed spa and bar, heritage-inspired exteriors, and new cultural shore excursions starting July 31, 2026.

Peru tourism searches surge 369 percent, driving record demand for Machu Picchu over Lima and Cusco, with Chile and the US leading arrivals.

Hawaii visitor arrivals from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile dropped 12.3% in early 2026, driven by high airfares and currency pressures.

Belgium records 46.1 million overnight stays in 2025 as the US issues an updated Level Two travel advisory, warning tourists about pickpocketing and petty crime in Brussels and major cities.

San Francisco is experiencing a major convention tourism boom, with technology and AI conferences accounting for nearly half of its annual events.

The Maldives Ministry of Tourism reported 1,173,922 international visitor arrivals by July 18, 2026, led by double-digit growth from China and Russia.

The global ecotourism market is projected to rise from USD 320.74 billion in 2025 to USD 561.13 billion by 2031, led by green policies in France and Germany.

A rare fireball meteor illuminated New Zealand's North Island, driving a seasonal astro-tourism boom across Auckland and Wairarapa dark-sky reserves.

India's hotel and services sector recorded exceptional revenue growth in early 2026, driven by domestic staycations and rising foreign exchange receipts.

Mount Isa has launched Moondarra Cruises on Lake Moondarra to expand Outback Queensland's regional tourism beyond traditional rodeo events.

Victoria's visitor economy reached a record AU$48.6 billion in expenditure, supported by Melbourne events and regional alpine tourism.