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Saudi Arabia Sees Surge In Domestic Tourism As Eid Travel Reaches New Heights

Saudi Arabia’s local tourism scene is witnessing a remarkable upswing as Eid Al-Fitr drives a wave of domestic travel, injecting renewed energy into the Kingdom’s hospitality and leisure sectors. More residents are choosing to explore attractions within the country, fueling a shift toward culturally rich and experience-driven travel close to home. According to Almosafer’s January 2024 travel trend report, bookings for domestic flights surged by 45 percent compared to the previous year. The uptick is largely attributed to an expanded portfolio of tourism activities and enhanced connectivity offered by budget-friendly airlines operating within the Kingdom. Almosafer’s latest findings reveal a 39 percent uptick in domestic hotel room night bookings, while the combined share of local flight and accommodation reservations now makes up more than 40 percent of the national travel market—an 11 percent increase compared to last year. This upward trend in domestic travel is being propelled by a wider variety of destinations, lodging options, and curated experiences that appeal to Saudi residents seeking leisure within their own borders. A significant portion of this growth stems from family and group travel, with bookings in these categories climbing by more than 70 percent.

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Alappuzha and Malampuzha Boosted by Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Water Tourism Investments in Kerala

Kerala Tourism has received a significant advancement with the approval of two substantial projects by the Central Government, totaling an investment of ₹169.05 crores. These initiatives aim to enhance the allure of water tourism in Alappuzha and the Malampuzha Garden in Palakkad under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, led by the Union Tourism Ministry. Submitted for approval by the State Tourism Department, the projects underwent thorough evaluation by the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee before receiving the green light. The project titled ‘Alappuzha – A Global Water Wonderland’ is set to transform the region into a premier water tourism destination with an allocated budget of ₹93.17 crores. Simultaneously, the ‘Enhancement of Tourist Experience at Malampuzha Garden and Leisure Park’ aims to revitalize the visitor experience in Malampuzha with an estimated budget of ₹75.87 crores. The endorsement of these projects by the Central Government was met with enthusiasm from Shri P A Mohamed Riyas, the Minister of Tourism for Kerala. He expressed that these developments would bolster Kerala’s reputation as a leading tourist destination nationally and internationally. Alappuzha is poised to become a top-tier global water tourism hub, expected to boost the local economy and enhance the livelihoods of community members and stakeholders throughout southern Kerala. On the other hand, the Malampuzha Garden and Leisure Park project promises to elevate the status of this popular northern Kerala destination by enhancing its appeal to tourists.

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France's Wine Regions Boom as Travelers Seek Immersive Vineyard Experiences

France’s wine tourism sees a 43% increase in visitors, with travelers seeking immersive vineyard experiences, thematic tastings, and authentic cultural encounters. The wine tourism trend is gaining momentum as travelers seek more than just wine tasting. According to the Opodo 2025 Barometer, 43% of French adults aged 15 and older took short leisure shopping trips in 2024, marking a record number. This surge reflects a growing desire for hands-on, immersive experiences. In fact, nearly half (48%) of visitors to France’s wine regions in 2024 were couples, combining wine exploration with romance. Tourists often enjoy vineyard tours, tastings, and leisurely walks among the vines, with many purchasing wine directly from the estates. One in three visitors spends between €50 and €100, while another third spends between €100 and €500 on wine. Looking at France’s wine regions, Nouvelle-Aquitaine remains the top destination, drawing nearly 6 million visitors in 2024. Iconic areas like Médoc and Saint-Émilion continue to captivate tourists with their tasting routes. Champagne follows closely, attracting around 3.5 million visitors, especially after the addition of the Champagne closely follows, drawing approximately 3.5 million visitors, particularly after the “Champagne Hillsides, Houses and The “Champagne Hillsides, Houses, andThe “Champagne Hillsides, Houses, and Cellars” were recently included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.This recognition has sparked local pride, with 86% of residents expressing their joy, and overnight stays in Reims jumping by over 60% from 2016 to 2023. Tourism-related jobs in the region also grew by 33%, reaching about 8,240 by the end of 2023. Burgundy saw around 2.8 million visitors, drawn to its famous wine routes in Côtes de Beaune and Nuits, while Provence, famed for rosé, attracted approximately 2 million tourists, particularly during summer. Alsace, known for its scenic vineyards, brought in about 1.8 million visitors.

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Bangladesh Reveals One of the World’s Largest Untouched Megacities Overflowing with Culture History and Unexpected Travel Wonders

Bangladesh is home to Dhaka, a massive megacity rich in culture and history, yet surprisingly unknown to many British travellers seeking unique adventures. The world is home to just 34 megacities—urban giants each with more than 10 million people. While cities like Tokyo, New York, and Mumbai are household names, there’s one colossal Asian metropolis that often flies under the radar for British travellers. It’s massive in size, rich in culture, and yet surprisingly overlooked. Tucked between India and Myanmar lies Bangladesh, and at its heart is Dhaka—an energetic capital that ranks as the 12th largest city in the world by population. With a staggering 23.9 million residents, it’s larger than some countries. Still, despite its size, Dhaka remains off the mainstream travel itinerary for many Brits. Unlike the tourist-laden streets of Bangkok or the skyscraper skyline of Shanghai, Dhaka offers a very different experience. It’s gritty, fast-paced, and undeniably chaotic—but for those willing to embrace it, it can also be one of the most rewarding destinations in South Asia.

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Indonesia’s Travel Revival Hits Fourteen Million in 2024 as Raja Ampat, Komodo, and Lake Toba Attract Global Interest

Indonesia saw a strong revival in its tourism sector in 2024, recording a nearly 20% increase in international arrivals compared to the previous year. Nearly 14 million tourists visited the vast and diverse archipelago, signaling a robust rebound from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The country’s tourism strategy continues to evolve as it encourages international travellers to explore destinations beyond Bali, which remains the top entry point for global visitors. According to the latest data, Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport received 6.3 million international arrivals in 2024—more than twice the number that entered through Jakarta, the country’s capital and largest city. That figure for Bali is nearly identical to the island’s pre-pandemic performance in 2019, highlighting its enduring appeal. In 2019, Indonesia recorded an all-time high of 16.1 million international arrivals, with Bali playing a major role. To balance the country’s tourism landscape and reduce overtourism in Bali, Indonesia has been spotlighting alternative destinations across its 17,000 islands. Locations such as Raja Ampat in West Papua, known for its vibrant marine biodiversity and clear turquoise waters, and Komodo Island, famed for its namesake giant lizards, are among the standout alternatives being promoted.

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Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait Boost Global Travel Industry with Luxury Hotels

The tourism industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rapidly evolving, with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and Turkey playing pivotal roles in this transformation. These countries are increasingly investing in their hotel industry and enhancing their tourism sectors to cater to the growing demand for luxury travel experiences. By developing world-class luxury hotels, expanding airlines, and promoting diverse tourism offerings, these nations are positioning themselves as key players in the global travel industry. In Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, luxury hotels and resorts are playing a significant role in attracting high-net-worth travelers looking for a blend of comfort, culture, and exclusive experiences. These countries are investing heavily in infrastructure, with internationally renowned hotel chains establishing a strong presence. Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with their ambitious Vision 2030 plans, are creating world-class tourism destinations and luxury accommodations that are set to become iconic. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been a global leader in luxury tourism, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi offering a vast array of five-star hotels and attractions that draw millions of international visitors each year.

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