News

Saudi Arabia Leads Middle East Tourism Boom with $178 Billion GDP Contribution

Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of a remarkable tourism boom in the Middle East, contributing an impressive $178 billion to the region’s travel economy in 2025. This substantial growth is driven by the Kingdom’s strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, its increasing appeal as a global business hub, and its successful efforts to diversify its economy. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the sector, marked by a 7.4% increase in its travel and tourism GDP, underscores its central role in shaping the Middle East’s status as one of the fastest-growing travel markets globally. This growth is fueled by a surge in international visitor spending, business travel, and the Kingdom’s position as a key destination for major global events. In 2025, the Middle East experienced exceptional growth in travel and tourism, with Saudi Arabia taking the lead in the region’s expansion. According to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Saudi Arabia remains the region’s largest travel and tourism economy, contributing a significant $178 billion to its GDP. This represents an impressive 46 percent of the Middle East’s total travel and tourism economy. The WTTC’s research underscores the strength of the region’s tourism sector, which is flourishing across various key indicators. International visitor spending, domestic travel, and business travel are all on the rise. In fact, the Middle East’s tourism sector grew by 5.3 percent in 2025, surpassing the global average growth of 4.1 percent. This achievement places the region at the forefront of global travel, positioning it as one of the most dynamic travel markets worldwide.

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Air India launches direct Delhi–Hanoi flights unlocking new Vietnam gateway

Air India has started a new non stop service between Delhi and Hanoi, marking another step in its international expansion across Southeast Asia. The new connection builds on its existing flights to Ho Chi Minh City and establishes a stronger two city presence in Vietnam. The launch comes at a time when travel demand between India and Vietnam is steadily increasing, supported by tourism growth, improving business ties, and a shift toward flexible multi city travel planning. The new route is designed to offer more choice for passengers while strengthening Air India’s global network through its Delhi hub. Five weekly service with hub focused timing The Delhi–Hanoi flights operate five times a week with timings structured to maximise connectivity. Flight AI2390 departs Delhi at 01:20 and reaches Hanoi at 07:20 local time. The return service AI2391 leaves Hanoi at 08:20 and lands in Delhi at 11:35.

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Thailand to Host International Tourism Summit Asia 2026 Driving Global Growth

International Tourism Summit Asia Thailand 2026 returns as a game-changing B2B networking powerhouse driving global travel growth, and therefore the industry shifts fast. Moreover, the International Tourism Summit Asia Thailand 2026 returns stronger, and it becomes a true game-changing B2B networking powerhouse. However, this powerhouse is not symbolic, it is driving global travel growth with measurable impact. Consequently, partnerships rise, deals expand, and markets open. Set in Pattaya, Thailand—widely recognised as one of the world’s most iconic luxury tourism destinations and celebrated as the Pearl of Asia—the International Tourism Summit – Asia Conference & B2B Networking will take place from 12 to 15 May 2026. The event will convene influential global leaders, policymakers, and travel industry stakeholders under one platform. It aims to drive strategic collaboration, foster high-value partnerships, and shape the future trajectory of global tourism through structured networking, insightful discussions, and results-oriented business engagements across Asia and international markets. The International Tourism Summit Asia Thailand 2026 emerges as a highly focused B2B platform designed to deliver measurable commercial outcomes rather than passive industry engagement. Unlike traditional travel events, the summit prioritises structured matchmaking, enabling travel professionals to engage in pre-scheduled, purpose-driven meetings that directly influence partnerships and revenue streams. This targeted approach ensures that every interaction is commercially valuable and aligned with strategic business goals.

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Top Budget Shopping Destinations Abroad for Indian Travellers

Indian travellers love a good bargain, and these seven cities abroad deliver exactly that, with buzzing markets, stylish malls, and pocket-friendly finds worth flying for. Bangkok, Thailand: Shopper's Paradise From luxe malls to street fashion, Bangkok offers it all. Chatuchak Weekend Market, Siam Paragon, MBK Centre, and Pratunam Market are hotspots for affordable clothing, footwear, and accessories. Hanoi, Vietnam: Old Quarter Charm Hanoi is a top choice for budget shopping. The Old Quarter is brimming with markets and shops offering traditional outfits, silk products, and unique handcrafted items at affordable prices. Bali, Indonesia: Souvenirs and Style Bali draws Indian shoppers with its vibrant markets. Ubud Art Market and Seminyak Flea Market are favourites for cultural souvenirs, handmade jewellery, and colourful accessories.

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Qatar Airways Restores Iraq Routes, Strengthening Regional Travel Links

Qatar and Iraq Reconnect Air Travel as Qatar Airways Resumes Direct Flights to Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil Starting May 10, 2026 due to improved regional stability and rising demand for travel, signaling a major step forward in restoring vital air links between the two nations. This move comes as Iraq continues its recovery from years of conflict and instability, and Qatar Airways seeks to bolster regional connectivity, fostering stronger economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties. The resumption of flights to key Iraqi cities will open up new opportunities for tourism, business, and cross-border collaboration, helping to reintegrate Iraq into the global travel network. In a major step towards restoring vital regional connectivity, Qatar Airways has announced the resumption of direct flights to Iraq beginning on May 10, 2026. This marks a significant development in the Middle Eastern aviation industry, as the airline reopens essential travel links to the country, which had been suspended due to regional airspace disruptions. As Iraq emerges from its tumultuous past and looks towards economic growth and stability, Qatar Airways’ decision to reinstate these routes is poised to play a crucial role in strengthening ties between the two nations and boosting Iraq’s tourism, trade, and diplomatic relationships.

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Middle East Skies Reopen as Airlines Boost Regional Connectivity

United Arab Emirates has joined Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other nations in the Middle East in resuming full flight operations, significantly boosting aviation recovery across the region. This comes as airlines such as Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways, Saudia, and Gulf Air rapidly ramp up operations, reaching up to seventy-five percent recovery after a lengthy period of disruption. With the easing of geopolitical tensions and the ceasefire bringing calm to the skies, these countries are pushing forward to restore vital air traffic links, revitalizing tourism, trade, and business travel, making the Middle East once again a hub of global connectivity. The Middle East is experiencing an aviation revival like no other. In a remarkable turn of events, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially resumed full flight operations, joining other key players in the region such as Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and even Iran, in an unprecedented push to restore air traffic and boost operational capacity. As regional geopolitical tensions ease, major airlines like Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways, Saudia, and Gulf Air are aggressively scaling up operations, with many airlines already achieving seventy-five percent of their pre-crisis capacity.

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