Latest news with #internationaltourism
Gulf Business
15-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Saudi Arabia tops global tourism revenue growth in Q1 2025, shows report
Image: Getty Images Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in the growth of international tourism receipts in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2019, according to the latest The kingdom also placed third worldwide and second in the Middle East in growth of international tourist arrivals, highlighting its expanding role on the global tourism map. During Q1 2025, Saudi Arabia recorded a 102 per cent surge in international arrivals compared with Q1 2019, far exceeding the global average of 3 per cent and the Middle East's 44 per cent, the UN report showed. 'This outstanding growth underscores Saudi Arabia's position as a key player in both regional and global tourism and underlines its unwavering commitment to advancing the sector,' the report noted. Growth aligned with Saudi' Vision 2030 goals The gains reflect Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and attract 100 million annual visitors by the end of the decade. The kingdom has significantly ramped up investment in tourism infrastructure, from mega projects like NEOM and the Red Sea to hosting major sporting and cultural events. A recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), produced in collaboration with Kearney and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Tourism, said tourism is set to outpace global economic growth. The sector is forecast to contribute $16tn to global GDP by 2034 — more than 11 per cent of the world economy, according to WTTC estimates. Saudi Arabia is positioned at the forefront of this shift. 'With its bold Vision 2030, strategic leadership, and record-breaking visitor numbers, Saudi Arabia is redefining how countries can leverage tourism for inclusive prosperity, cultural diplomacy, and long-term resilience,' the Read:
Arabian Business
13-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia tops global ranking for tourism spending growth in Q1 2025
Saudi Arabia has been ranked first in the world for the growth of international tourism receipts in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period in 2019, according to the World Tourism Barometer published by UN Tourism in May. The Kingdom also placed third globally in the growth of international tourist arrivals and second in the Middle East, reaffirming its emergence as a major force in global tourism. In Q1 2025, Saudi Arabia recorded a 102 per cent increase in international tourist arrivals compared to Q1 2019—an extraordinary figure that far exceeds: The global average of just 3 per cent The Middle East regional average of 44 per cent Saudi tourism boom The data underscores Saudi Arabia's rapid transformation into a leading global tourism destination, driven by major investments in infrastructure, hospitality, cultural attractions, and regulatory reforms under Saudi Vision 2030. Officials say this growth highlights the country's unwavering commitment to diversifying its economy and becoming a top choice for international travellers. From record-breaking visitor numbers to the rise of mega-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea, and Diriyah Gate, the Kingdom continues to reshape its tourism landscape and redefine its place on the global travel map.
Skift
08-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Vietnam Posts 30% Tourism Growth, Leads Asia-Pacific Region
The latest World Tourism Barometer from the UN Tourism Organization shows Vietnam emerged as Asia-Pacific's top performer in international tourism growth for the first quarter of 2025, posting the region's highest increase in visitor arrivals. Vietnam experienced a 30% increase in international tourist arrivals in 1Q25, year-over-year. That puts it sixth globally and first in the APAC region, ahead of Japan and Palau. The General Statistics Office of Vietnam reported that the country welcomed nearly 10.7 million international visitors in the first six months of 2025. That was up 26% over the first half of 2019. June saw 1.46 million arrivals. Vietnam ranked second globally in recovery of international arrivals, up 34% over 2019 levels. Key source markets were led by Northeast Asia, contributing nearly 60% of total arrivals. China remains the top source with 2.7 million visitors, followed by South Korea, with over 2.2 million. Vietnam officials have an ambitious goal of 22 million to 23 million visitors as a target for the year, so they are below that pace, but October to December is the peak season. Melia Hotels International is increasing its presence in Asia Pacific, with one in every three new properties planned for the luxury segment. This will include the regional debut of its Paradisus by Melia and The Melia Collection brands, starting with Paradisus Bali, the group's first all-inclusive resort in Asia, scheduled to open in December 2025. Paradisus Bali will have 485 rooms and suites and seven private villas as well as The Reserve, an adults-only area with exclusive services and Family Concierge, a program tailored for families. The Melia Collection will debut in Asia in 2026 with the Melia Ba Vi Mountain Retreat in the Vietnamese highlands; Grand Luang Prabang in Laos and in Inner Mongolia, The Melia Collection Arxan. For context, see Skift's Meliá Hotels CEO Eyes Growth in Emerging Destinations as U.S. Travelers Boost European Resorts. Hyatt Hotels Corp is set to welcome guests to its newest five-star property in Kuala Lumpur, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown. This will mark the return of the Hyatt Regency brand to Kuala Lumpur and represents the group's seventh hotel in the city. The Hyatt Regency will be located opposite the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center, with the standout feature of the property being a dual offering of hotel rooms and fully serviced residences. The hotel offers a total of 15 room types and 22 suites, including Regency Suites, Diplomatic Suites and the exclusive Presidential Suite. The hotel is expected to open on August 26th. Kimpton Hotel is set to make its grand debut in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, launching bookings starting November 1, 2025. The hotel will have nearly 500 contemporary rooms and suites offering sweeping vistas of Victoria Harbour. There are connecting rooms and suites for families, five on-site restaurants, and the Swim Club at the 50th-floor rooftop pool. Wellness offerings include a spacious spa offering rejuvenating treatments. Marriott International's Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts brand announced the opening of Le Meridien Ahmedabad, a transformation of what was the Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad. The hotel is set in the heart of India's first UNESCO World Heritage City. The property features 164 guest rooms and suites, with the bespoke lobby being the visual anchor with art that is an ode to the rich heritage of Ahmedabad. Brigade Hotel Ventures, the second largest private owner of chain-affiliated hotels in South India, successfully raised Rs 126 crore in a pre-IPO placement. The company issued 14 million equity shares to 360 ONE Alternate Asset Management, priced at Rs 90 per share, accounting for 4.74% of the pre-offer share capital. Saigon Tourist Corporation held the groundbreaking ceremony of the 5-star Saigon – Da Nang hotel on July 4th. The hotel is being developed with a total investment of more than 779 billion VND, expected to be completed and put into commercial operation in the third quarter of 2028. The project is designed to include a 23-story building, including 2 basements, 22 floors above ground, and 1 roof floor. The hotel will provide 5-star standard amenities, including luxury rooms, high-class restaurants, modern conference services, an entertainment game area, a swimming pool, an event space, and more. Banyan Group announced the launch of Wisteria, a new residential building at the Residences at Garrya Phuket, located within the integrated Laguna Phuket resort. Wisteria is located just steps from the shores of Bang Tao Beach. The completion of Wisteria will coincide with the opening of Garrya Hotel Phuket, the first new hotel to open in Laguna Phuket for many years. The hotel is being designed to promote health and well-being, offering state-of-the-art facilities such as rejuvenating spa treatments, fitness programs, tranquil relaxation areas, and more. Wisteria will have one and two-bedroom configurations ranging from 57 square meters for one-bedroom units to 116 square meters for two-bedroom units. Australia's Star Entertainment has secured a last-minute reprieve from Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium, the investors who decided to terminate the agreement to buy Star's 50% interest in the Queen's Wharf IR casino. Both sides agreed to extend talks until July 31 to allow parties to finalize long-form documents. While media reports stated that Star would have to repay A$10 million it received from its Hong Kong partners within 30 days, a new report suggests that the actual amount is A$37 million, which Star cannot afford. That must include the reimbursement of the partners' share of equity contribution made to the new casino and hotel complex since March 31. Personnel Moves La Vie Hotels and Resorts announced the appointment of Amanda Cottome as Director of Operations – Pacific, effective immediately. She joins La Vie following her most recent role as Group Director of Brand Experience & Sustainability at Ovolo Hotels.
France 24
07-07-2025
- Business
- France 24
North Korea bars Western influencers from trade fair tour
Diplomatically isolated North Korea has welcomed sporadic groups of international visitors in recent months, including hundreds of foreign athletes in April for the first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years. China has historically been the biggest diplomatic, economic and political backer of North Korea, which remains under crippling international sanctions. Travel agency Young Pioneer Tours (YPT) said on Saturday it would take a group of foreign tourists on a trip to the authoritarian state from October 24 to November 1. However, the tour would not be open to journalists, travel content creators or influencers, the company said on its website. YPT co-founder Rowan Beard told AFP the curbs on creators were "a specific request from the North Korean side". "We anticipate that once the country officially reopens, there may be stricter scrutiny or limitations on influencers and YouTubers joining tours," Beard said. The company had "no visibility" on when Pyongyang would restart official media delegations, he said. Several online influencers have shared slickly produced videos from inside North Korea in recent months. Chad O'Carroll, founder of specialist website NK News, said many influencers tend to have larger audiences than professional journalists, but "they are normally working without editors and tend to gain extra views through sensationalist-style content". "North Korean authorities likely see few benefits and major risks with allowing social media influencers to visit the country, given what we saw earlier this year," O'Carroll told AFP. "The result is a community of potential visitors who, in DPRK authorities' minds, are not likely to produce content that is favourable to state interests," he said, using North Korea's official name. Lavish gifts The YPT tour, priced at 3,995 euros ($4,704), will depart from the Chinese capital Beijing and take in the Pyongyang Autumn International Trade Fair, North Korea's biggest international business exhibition. Participants will have a "unique chance" to stroll through more than 450 trade booths exhibiting machinery, information technology, energy, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and household items. YPT also said the Pyongyang Chamber of Commerce would "hold a VIP presentation for us for an in-depth overview and insights into the (North Korean) economy". The itinerary also includes major sights in Pyongyang as well as the first Western visit in more than five years to Mount Myohyang, which boasts a museum of lavish gifts presented to former North Korean leaders. Chinese people used to make up the bulk of foreign tourists and business visitors to the isolated nuclear nation before it sealed its borders during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, numbers have not rebounded despite Pyongyang's post-pandemic reopening, a trend that some analysts have attributed to Beijing's anger at North Korea's explicit support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
South China Morning Post
13-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Smiling, friendly China a perfect antidote to Trump's angry America
Following the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, China experienced a sharp drop in the number of international visitors and many foreign residents left the country. International tourism was still below pre-pandemic levels as late as 2024. Advertisement When tourists did not return in large numbers after it reopened its borders in 2023, China began to take measures to reverse the trend and bring foreigners back , rolling out a unilateral 30-day visa-free entry scheme, which now encompasses 47 countries, including European nations such as France, Germany and Italy. The scheme did not include the United States or Britain, though Beijing did move to make visa applications by citizens of those countries simpler with streamlined entry requirements and new online systems. It would not be an overstatement to describe post-pandemic China as experiencing a new 'opening up'. In April, I decided to take advantage of this phenomenon and travel to China, where I had taught between 2017 and 2020 before leaving largely because of the pandemic restrictions I wanted to experience the new opening up for myself. I was also keen to revisit China amid reports of its increasing authoritarianism. In 2023, Rishi Sunak, then Britain's prime minister, had warned that China was 'increasingly authoritarian at home and assertive abroad' and labelled it a threat to the British way of life. Government advice for British nationals travelling to China warned of the risk of arbitrary detention. I started my application the day after visa processes for British nationals were made easier by a new online system. The new process was much quicker and simpler than my past experiences of applying for a visa to travel to China or to the European Union after Brexit . I applied, was approved and landed in China within a month. 01:29 China set to open its borders to foreign tourists for the first time since Covid-19 pandemic China set to open its borders to foreign tourists for the first time since Covid-19 pandemic When I arrived at Shanghai's Pudong airport , I was not detained and did not have my devices checked. Instead, I entered with minimal questioning. This did not surprise me – what did take me aback was the change in the vibe upon arriving in China.
