News

Dubai Revamps Deira Souks to Boost Heritage Tourism

In a significant step to preserve its cultural heritage and enhance tourism experiences, Dubai Municipality has completed a major heritage development project in the Deira Souks area, revitalizing three traditional tourist trails spanning 1,784 meters at a cost of approximately US$2.6 million. The initiative, aimed at safeguarding the historical character of Dubai’s traditional markets, is set to enhance the visitor experience while promoting the city’s commitment to cultural preservation. Sustainable Revitalization with Local Materials to Preserve Dubai’s Authenticity The revitalization of the Deira Souks serves as a model for sustainable tourism development, featuring upgrades that not only enhance the aesthetic of the markets but also preserve their authentic appeal. Public spaces, walkways, and critical infrastructure have been refurbished using traditional materials such as locally sourced sarooj (a type of clay used in traditional construction). These renovations maintain the historic feel of the markets while introducing modern elements to improve the visitor experience.

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Cyprus & Saudi Arabia Sign Strategic Tourism Agreement

Cyprus and Saudi Arabia are set to sign a historic tourism cooperation agreement, strengthening their ties in response to the Middle East’s rapidly growing tourism sector. The purpose of this collaboration is to improve transportation links, promote tourism, and facilitate more thorough cultural and economic relations between the two countries. Considering Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism sector and the interest of Cyprus to exploit this growing market, the collaboration is expected to create more opportunities for travelers and business interests. The memorandum which will establish a joint technical committee contains provisions for the making of both countries to facilitate travel and promote tourism. In an effort to capitalize on the Middle East’s rapidly growing tourism sector, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia have announced plans to sign a tourism cooperation memorandum. This move comes after a productive videoconference between Cyprus’ Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis and Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Tourism Minister Princess Haifa Al Saud on Tuesday. With both countries keen to boost their tourism profiles, the agreement is poised to open new opportunities for cross-border travel and economic growth in the tourism industry.

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Santorini Tourism Revenue Drops 20% in 2025, Economy Hit Hard

Santorini, one of Greece’s most iconic travel destinations, is facing a sharp economic shock in 2025 as tourism revenue plunges by more than twenty percent, leaving the island’s economy and local businesses struggling to cope. Once heavily reliant on steady streams of international visitors, the drop reflects shifting travel patterns, rising global costs, and growing competition from other Mediterranean hotspots, all of which have shaken Santorini’s financial foundation and deeply disrupted the livelihoods of its residents. Santorini, long celebrated as one of Greece’s most iconic travel destinations, is experiencing a striking downturn in tourism revenue in 2025. Recent data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority reveal that both the island’s hotel and restaurant sectors have faced sharp declines this year, underscoring the fragility of even the most popular tourist hubs. Hotels on Santorini recorded a 22.1% drop in turnover during the second quarter compared to the same period in 2024, while restaurant revenues fell by 21%. These declines are particularly alarming given the island’s reputation as a top choice for international travelers seeking sun-soaked landscapes, picturesque villages, and luxury hospitality.

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Discover Bali’s Cultural Heart in Semarapura, Klungkung Regency

Tucked inside Klungkung Regency, Semarapura City invites visitors to step right into the beating heart of Bali’s cultural past. While people usually picture Bali’s greenery, cliffs, and peaceful paddies, there are also towns that whisper stories from centuries ago. Semarapura is one of them, also called Kota Semarapura or simply Klungkung, and it’s the go-to place for those curious about the island’s royal stories, traditions, and long, colorful timeline. Once the capital of the Klungkung Kingdom, founded in 1686, Semarapura was the last Balinese royal capital to fall under Dutch rule. The kingdom’s rise and the city’s development mark some of the key chapters in Bali’s history and in Indonesia’s wider narrative. The most striking episode was the 1908 Puputan Klungkung, when the royal family and townspeople chose a ceremonial death rather than surrender to foreign troops. This solemn yet proud moment is remembered every April 28, when a special ceremony fills the city streets with a mix of reverence and celebrates a spirit that absolutely refuses to fade.

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Thailand Launches ‘Trusted Thailand’ Stamp for Safer Global Travel

In a strategic move of Thailand to enhance the image and attract global travelers, the Thai government has introduced the Trusted Thailand stamp, a symbol of safety and reliability. This initiative is designed to build international confidence in Thailand as a top travel destination, reinforcing its commitment to upholding the highest safety standards for visitors. The stamp will serve as an assurance to tourists, offering peace of mind when selecting Thailand as their next destination. A New Era for Tourism Industry of Thailand As the global tourism industry recovers, safety has become a critical factor for travelers, particularly families, solo travelers, and international visitors from key markets such as China, South Korea, Japan, and Europe. The introduction of the Trusted Thailand stamp reflects the government’s acknowledgment of this shift in priorities. It highlights the need for rigorous safety measures across the tourism sector, while also ensuring that travelers feel secure, welcomed, and valued throughout their journey.

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Türkiye Cruise Tourism Hits 12-Year High with 326K+ Passengers

Türkiye’s cruise tourism has reached a historic milestone in July 2025, with over 326,000 passengers visiting key ports. This remarkable growth is driven by an increase in cruise calls at major ports like Istanbul, Marmaris, Bodrum, İzmir, and Kuşadası, combined with Türkiye’s strategic investments in port infrastructure and the growing global demand for Mediterranean cruise destinations. This surge marks the best performance in over twelve years, reflecting Türkiye’s rising appeal as a top cruise destination. Türkiye has achieved a record-breaking milestone in its cruise tourism sector, with July 2025 marking the highest number of passengers in over a decade. The country welcomed 326,450 cruise passengers across its 18 ports, reflecting a 3.3% year-on-year increase compared to July 2024. In the first seven months of 2025, the total number of cruise passengers reached 1.06 million, representing a 19% rise compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge marks the strongest performance for Türkiye in the first half of the year since 2013. Looking ahead, Türkiye is targeting a significant boost in its cruise tourism sector. After reaching nearly 1.9 million passengers in 2024, the country aims to attract around 2.5 million cruise passengers by the end of 2025, signaling an ambitious drive to expand its market share. Industry experts believe that, based on the current growth trends, Türkiye is on track to achieve its 2025 goal if the momentum is maintained

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