News

Dubai Clocks 900,000 Arrivals as Tourism Comeback Enters New Phase

Dubai Travellers are witnessing a remarkable tourism comeback as the emirate recorded nearly nine hundred thousand international overnight visitors in August, signalling a powerful recovery driven by renewed travel confidence, strong global connectivity and improving hotel performance. The surge reflects Dubai’s resilience despite regional challenges, with the destination continuing to attract visitors through its world-class hospitality, diverse attractions, business events and year-round experiences. Rising hotel occupancy, expanding international demand and steady population growth further highlight Dubai’s ability to maintain its position as a leading global tourism hub while entering a new phase of recovery and growth Dubai’s tourism sector is showing a powerful recovery as international visitor numbers rise and hotels regain stability despite ongoing regional challenges. The emirate welcomed 869,000 international overnight travellers in August, marking its strongest monthly performance since the beginning of the Iran conflict in late February. The latest figures highlight Dubai’s resilience as a global travel hub, supported by strong demand, international connectivity, major events and continued confidence from visitors and businesses.

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Kenya Expands Luxury Travel Reach via Tatler Partnership as US Leads Tourism Growth

The US along with more key source markets continues to drive Kenya tourism as the Tatler partnership expands luxury travel reach across major international markets. According to one report, this partnership gets Kenya an edge with visitors in the higher market segment as it expands the safari, coastal, cultural, wellness, conservation and business travel tourism segments. With this partnership, Kenyan business hope to access global luxury travel segments. This partnership puts a focus on Kenya’s premium travel offerings in the region and maintains long haul travel demand. This new partnership supports Kenya’s goal of creating more diverse travel options and better quality travel offerings at the luxury end of the travel market. Tourpackages Kenya Tourism 2026 Gains Strength as US, Uganda and Tanzania Anchor International Demand Kenya enters the 2026 travel cycle with a stronger international tourism base and a clear mix of long-haul and regional demand. The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife reported about 2.7 million international visitors in calendar 2025, up from roughly 2.47 million in 2024. Africa supplied 47% of international arrivals, while the Americas accounted for 14%. The United States remained Kenya’s largest individual source market, followed by Uganda and Tanzania. Leisure generated 46% of arrivals, while social travel accounted for 20% and business travel 19%. This mix gives Kenya tourism a broader demand base than safari holidays alone.

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India Offers Thailand Free 30-Day Double-Entry e-Tourist Visa Until 2027

India has introduced a new visa-fee waiver allowing Thai nationals to obtain a 30-day double-entry e-Tourist visa free of charge, creating easier travel opportunities between the two countries. The arrangement, announced by the Embassy of India in Bangkok, will remain valid until 31 December 2027 or until further government instructions are issued. The move is expected to support tourism growth, strengthen bilateral ties and encourage more Thai visitors to explore India’s cultural, historical and natural attractions. Travelalerts The new measure provides a financial benefit for Thai travellers planning short visits to India, while maintaining the existing requirement for an approved electronic visa before arrival. Under the updated arrangement, eligible Thai passport holders can apply online for a 30-day e-Tourist visa with double-entry permission without paying the standard visa fee.

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Vietnam's Can Tho Rises as a Cross-Border Tourism Hub as Ties with Japan Deepen

Vietnam-Japan tourism relations are further enhanced with the help of 2026 exchange program that promotes culture, trade, and cross-border tourism cooperation. The city of Can Tho in Vietnam has established itself as an emerging bridge between Vietnam and Japan with the 2026 Vietnam-Japan Cultural and Trade Exchange Program, where tourism promotion, cultural cooperation, and business aspects have been merged. The three-day event, held from September 11 to 13 at Luau Huh Phu Park, places Can Tho at the centre of Vietnam–Japan cooperation by combining cultural experiences, trade networking and tourism development activities. The programme features around 100 exhibition booths from businesses and organisations from both countries, including approximately 40 Japanese participants. The exchange highlights the growing importance of tourism and cultural connections between Vietnam and Japan while reinforcing Can Tho ‘s role as a key destination in the Mekong Delta for international partnerships.

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Thailand's Amphawa 2026 Light Festival Launches Biggest Night Tourism Spectacle on the Riverside

Thailand’s Amphawa is an attraction of 2026 with the increase of traveling and introduction of a light festival. The Neramit Amphawa 2026 festival will take place in Samut Songkhram between September 11-20, 2026. The festival will include illuminated structures and performances, river and heritage storytelling, and also experiences near the Floating Market. Other attractions such as the King Rama II Memorial Park and other nearby riverside areas will be available for visitors. This light festival is meant to attract thousands of people and is meant to increase the tourism income of the community. The festival operates daily from 4 PM to 10 PM, creating a new evening experience for travellers exploring one of Thailand’s most famous riverside destinations. The event highlights Amphawa’s cultural identity while introducing modern creative displays designed to encourage longer stays, higher visitor spending and year-round tourism growth.

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Malaysia's Sarawak Emerges as Asia's Music Tourism Hotspot After Borderland Festival Draws 9,000 in One Night

Malaysia's Sarawak Malaysia begins music tourism with Borderland Festival bringing in 9,000 visitors and a wave of attention. Sarawak Malaysia is moving towards the creation of an international level music tourist attraction with the increasing popularity of the Borderland Music Festival that draws thousands of visitors, reinforcing the state’s aim of becoming a leader for large entertainment events. The fourth edition of Borderland Music Festival 2026 has highlighted the growing potential of music-driven tourism in Sarawak, with its electronic dance music (EDM) programme attracting a strong response from young travellers, professionals and music enthusiasts. The festival is emerging as a new cultural and tourism asset that could expand visitor arrivals beyond the state’s capital and encourage more travellers to explore the Damai area.

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