If everyone is extraordinary, then what, exactly, are we celebrating? In tourism’s booming marketplace of manufactured prestige, honors are bought as easily as advertisements, and research often arrives with the certainty of a sales pitch. The industry risks mistaking payment for merit in a system increasingly untethered from genuine accomplishment

Travelers once saw the United States of America as an easy, welcoming destination. Now, many approach it with caution, citing harsh immigration enforcement, LGBTQ-hostile laws, and cases of Western tourists detained by ICE. For visitors abroad, the United States has become a place of dazzling promise shadowed by growing uncertainty at the border an

Skål International India inaugurated its 20th club in Srinagar, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah launching Skål International Kashmir, marking a historic milestone for the valley’s tourism growth and global industry collaboration.

Indonesia’s renewed interest in extending its high-speed rail network to Bali has reignited debate over the nation’s ambitions and the formidable challenges ahead. The proposal, still unofficial, promises faster travel and economic gains but faces cultural, environmental and engineering barriers — with the volatile Bali Strait at the project’s cent

G20 leaders meeting in Johannesburg placed ocean health and sustainable tourism at the forefront of the global agenda. OACM welcomed the commitments, with its Ambassador (ret.) Michael B. Christides stresses that protecting marine ecosystems is essential for food security, economic stability, and the long-term resilience of tourism-dependent region

Airbus has issued urgent safety measures after discovering that intense solar radiation can momentarily corrupt flight-control data on some A320 aircraft, prompting regulators to mandate immediate software and hardware protections to ensure continued airworthiness and passenger safety worldwide at scale.

Some western nations have issued travel advisories for Tanzania following recent unrest and human rights concerns, yet local tourism leaders insist the country remains safe and ready for visitors. Despite advisories, visitor numbers continue to rise, and officials emphasize that parks, beaches, and tourism operations have remained calm, stable, and

More consumers are turning to travel as a meaningful alternative to traditional holiday gifts, fueling growth in incentive travel, loyalty-point gifting, and employee rewards. The trend reflects a shift toward experiences over possessions, offering lasting memories and economic benefits for destinations. This is according to the latest Tourism Tidb

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan has appointed Tim Churchmack as Resort Manager, stepping in as Ubud faces rising tourism pressures and heightened sustainability expectations. His leadership comes at a crucial moment for one of the region’s most competitive luxury hospitality markets.

A 25-story hotel rising in Havana’s Vedado district nears completion, built by foreign contractors as Cuba’s tourism sector struggles under sanctions and low occupancy. The towering project highlights the government’s push for resilience amid deep urban decay and economic hardship.

The Ocean Alliance Conservation Members (OACM) have approved a €51 million CSMA Bond to combat severe plastic pollution in the Mediterranean. The bond funds Certified SAFE Marine Areas, ensuring year-round cleanup, protecting tourism economies, attracting ESG investment, and creating long-term local jobs while boosting the region’s sustainable tour

International tourism surpassed 1.1 billion arrivals in the first nine months of 2025, driven by strong demand despite inflation and geopolitical tensions. Africa and Europe led growth, while several destinations, including Brazil, Egypt, and Japan, saw double-digit increases. Visitor spending also remained robust across key markets, signaling cont

IMS25 highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing ambitions in the global MICE sector, drawing 3,000 delegates and new investment commitments. While IMEX remains the industry’s leading international marketplace, IMS25 is emerging as a strategic platform showcasing the Kingdom’s expanding infrastructure and its goal to become a competitive regional destinati

The U.S. National Park Service will sharply increase fees for foreign visitors under a new “America First” policy directed by President Trump, tripling annual pass costs and adding a $100 surcharge at top parks. Tourism officials warn the changes could further depress international travel and harm gateway communities.

The ICAO Council, the 36-member governing body of the International Civil Aviation Organization, has elected Toshiyuki Onuma of Japan as its President for a

The European Travel Commission has adopted the Reykjavík Declaration, a joint commitment to place communities at the core of Europe’s tourism future. Signed by 35 national tourism organisations, the declaration outlines a people-centred, sustainable vision aimed at balancing tourism growth with resident wellbeing, cultural preservation and environm

Niger has completed a 1,031-km fibre-optic backbone and a Tier III data centre, strengthening digital connectivity nationwide. The project promises improved security through better communication and data management, but its impact on tourism remains limited until broader safety and infrastructure challenges are resolved. The upgrade lays groundwork

Highline Warsaw, atop the EU’s tallest tower, offers a cloud-level view of a city on the rise. With record visitor numbers and growing global interest, Warsaw blends history, modern architecture, and immersive experiences. From panoramic terraces to vibrant culture, the Polish capital is fast becoming a top European destination.

UN Tourism has presented Professor Larry Dwyer with the prestigious Ulysses Prize in recognition of his commitment to using knowledge to guide action and creating lasting, positive change.

The Blue Jasmine, a sophisticated rail adventure through Thailand’s cultural heartlands and scenic countryside. From temple-studded cities like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai to the mountain charm of Chiang Mai, this immersive journey blends rich heritage, refined cuisine, and unforgettable landscapes—all with the comfort of elegant train travel and curat

WTAAA has appointed Eva Blasco as its new Chair for 2026, leading a refreshed global Executive Committee as the alliance focuses on advisor recognition, industry collaboration and navigating emerging technological challenges.

The Mediterranean faces irreversible ecological and economic decline as pollution and climate pressures intensify. A new IUCN report urges urgent transformation, while OACM offers a scalable solution to restore coastlines and safeguard the region’s tourism-dependent future.

WTTC has welcomed Bain & Company as a new Industry Partner, bringing global consulting expertise to support data-driven strategies, enhance resilience, and help travel and tourism businesses navigate evolving challenges.

Tenerife’s escalating squatting crisis has turned an abandoned resort into a symbol of the island’s strained relationship with mass tourism and housing scarcity. As authorities move to evacuate the occupied hotel, the episode exposes deeper tensions over rising rents, overcrowded tourist zones, and the urgent need for a more sustainable model.

“Industry stakeholders are raising concerns that the growing focus on creative arts is overshadowing Ghana’s tourism sector. While film, music, and festivals gain attention, tourism operators argue that the sector needs equal visibility, investment, and strategic promotion to unlock its full economic potential and drive national development."