Tourism

08:00

View from Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan welcomes more than 6.5 million foreign tourists in first half of 2026

Uzbekistan welcomed 6.56 million foreign tourists in the first six months of 2026, a 24.9% increase compared with the same period last year, according to the National Statistics Committee. The figures underline the country's growing appeal as one of Central Asia's leading travel destinations.

07:14

Extreme Heat

Italy's heatwaves could cost economy up to €12 billion a year

Persistent high temperatures could cost Italy between €6 billion and €12 billion annually, according to a report released on Saturday (18 July). Prolonged heat continues to weigh on businesses, workers and the country's tourism sector.

20:11

View from Afghanistan

Afghanistan and Türkiye explore tourism partnership to boost heritage travel

Afghanistan and Türkiye are considering a tourism agreement to promote historic and religious sites, ease travel and train tourism workers, Afghan authorities said after talks in Kabul on Monday.

19:12

Agritourism

Lavender fields help Azerbaijan's Gabala bloom as agritourism destination

Known for its rich history and mountain landscapes, Azerbaijan's Gabala district is attracting visitors with another seasonal highlight. Vast lavender fields are becoming a key attraction in the region's growing agritourism sector.

12:06

Japan tourism

Japan's tourism boom drives wider use of accommodation taxes

Japan’s tourism boom is adding pressure on local authorities to expand accommodation taxes as cities and prefectures seek to manage rising visitor numbers and fund services amid record international arrivals.

11:18

Tourism

Drone fears drive tourists away from eastern Latvia

Tourism operators in eastern Latvia say repeated incursions by stray military drones linked to the war in Ukraine are driving visitors away from one of the country's most popular summer destinations, threatening hundreds of small businesses that rely on seasonal trade.

12:38

Explainer

Why is Kushner's resort project sparking protests in Albania?

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Albania in recent days to protest against a luxury tourism project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, and his wife Ivanka Trump.

16:10

Protest

Protesters shut key route in Austria over truck and tourist congestion

Thousands of residents blocked Austria’s Brenner motorway on Saturday (30 May), shutting down a major north-south transport route through the Alps in protest against persistent congestion from heavy truck traffic and tourism.

11:06

INDIA RESCUE

320 tourists rescued after Kashmir gondola disruption strands passengers in cable cars

Emergency teams rescued 320 tourists stranded in 65 cable cars in Kashmir after a gondola disruption triggered a six-hour evacuation operation.

19:05

View from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan retains lead as Central Asia tourism expands rapidly

Tourism across Central Asia is expanding rapidly, with millions of visitors arriving each year as the region becomes an increasingly competitive global travel destination, though growth rates vary significantly between countries.

16:24

View from Afghanistan

Afghanistan pursues cotton, tourism and mining opportunities with Uzbekistan and Türkiye

Afghanistan is exploring new business opportunities in cotton, tourism and minerals following trade and investment talks this week with officials from Uzbekistan and Türkiye.

19:34

Luxury hotels

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab to close for first-ever 18-month refurbishment amid tourism slowdown

Dubai’s most iconic hotel, the Burj Al Arab, is set to close for the first time since opening in 1999 as it begins an extensive 18-month refurbishment aimed at preserving its status as a global symbol of luxury.

19:27

View from Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan expands privatisation drive and launches VAT refunds for foreign tourists

Uzbekistan is advancing plans to reduce the state’s role in the economy while introducing a VAT refund system for foreign visitors, as part of broader efforts to attract investment and boost tourism.

20:52

Tourism Impact

Middle East crisis disrupts travel flows, $56B loss and millions of trips at risk

The ongoing conflict involving Iran is set to disrupt global travel on a massive scale, with nearly 28 million outbound trips from the Middle East at risk this year, according to Oxford Economics.

15:45

Historic Reopening

Rome opens Colosseum’s southern walkways as public square for tourists

The Colosseum in Rome has reopened its southern corridors as a public square following a four-year restoration, giving visitors free access to a long-lost part of the ancient monument. The newly restored area was unveiled on Tuesday (17 March).

16:20

Middle East Conflict

Iran conflict slashes Middle East tourism, costing $600M daily

The escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran is already hitting the Middle East travel and tourism sector hard, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimating losses of at least $600 million per day in international visitor spending.

13:16

Energy Crisis

U.S. sanctions worsen Cuba fuel shortage, affect tourism and transport

Cuban aviation authorities have warned airlines of jet fuel shortages at nine airports, including Havana’s José Martí International Airport, from 10 February to 11 March, as a worsening energy crisis, intensified by U.S. sanctions, hits the country.

15:55

Space tourism

Baikonur to welcome visitors as Kazakhstan launches new Space access programme

The Aerospace Committee of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry has declared 2026 the Year of Visiting Baikonur, marking a strategic shift in how the famous cosmodrome is presented internationally.

20:32

Tianshan Shengli Tunnel

World’s longest expressway tunnel opens to traffic in Xinjiang, China

China has opened the world’s longest expressway tunnel to traffic in the Xinjiang region, across one of the country’s most challenging mountain areas.