tourism news

Pattaya hosted Thailand's first-ever Tough Mudder festival in May 2026, attracting over 2,000 international athletes and generating 150 million baht for the Chonburi economy.

Greece has joined a coalition of 16 European nations in urgent talks to prevent major flight reductions at Thessaloniki Airport, protecting vital tourism and business links.

Following a Middle East ceasefire, Qatar Airways has accelerated its network expansion, reinstating direct flights to London, Bangkok, Dubai, Damascus, and Baghdad.

Visa officially launches its premium 'Visa Destinations' program in Asia Pacific, starting with Thailand, to offer curated luxury experiences and seamless connectivity across the region.

The UK outpaces major European markets as Malta records an 11.3% surge in tourist arrivals for March 2026, driving total expenditure to over €234 million.

Sri Lanka implements major VAT changes for 2026, lowering registration thresholds to LKR 36 million and taxing foreign digital services, sparking concern across the tourism and IT sectors.

Indonesia introduces a temporary 60-day tax reset for domestic air travel, removing VAT from fares and fuel surcharges to encourage exploration of Sumba, Labuan Bajo, and beyond.

At the 59th ADB Meeting, Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia announced a landmark partnership to develop sustainable tourism clusters, smart city infrastructure, and green energy solutions.

Mozambique has revolutionized its travel sector with a new e-Visa system for 183 countries, simplifying entry for tourists and investors from Canada, the US, UK, and India.

In a major move to boost bilateral ties, China has introduced a 10-year multiple-entry travel visa for South Koreans, unlocking seamless access to Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

Following the 3rd Responsible Tourism Conference, Eswatini announces the establishment of a 105-hectare Flora Reserve at Piggs Peak to promote sustainable practices and economic growth.

Indonesia records a robust 8.62% year-on-year growth in international tourism for Q1 2026, welcoming 3.44 million visitors across Bali and emerging destinations.