Tourism tips

“An unexplored territory….Untouched. Uncharted.” That’s the message in Saudi Arabia’s new global tourism campaign to attract overseas travelers to the kingdom.

America’s national parks have been swamped with visitors. To help them, the Lily Endowment awarded the National Park Foundation a $100 million grant.

For years, L.G.B.T.Q. people planning a trip to Florida could turn to the official website for Visit Florida, the state’s tourism marketing organization, for resources on where to go, what to eat and where to stay. While there are other resources for queer travelers, the site offered information about L.G.B.T.Q.-owned businesses that visitors could patronize as well as activities “appealing to a gay community looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance,” a page on the site once read.

Arguably Greece’s most iconic island group, the Cyclades got their name because, if you squint, the 30-odd main islands form a circle, or , around the sacred island of Delos, birthplace of the twin gods Artemis and Apollo. In the southwestern curve of that circle sit Milos, Sifnos and Serifos, three Aegean islands that share a stark, wild beauty owing in part to the minerals that made them mining hubs well into the last century. (Mining continues on Milos, where it vies with tourism as one of the island’s main industries.)

There has been a surge in bookings for short-term rentals this Labor Day weekend.

Skift’s State of Travel 2024 report highlighted that the Middle East and Africa are seeing a surge in international tourism, driven largely by Saudi Arabia’s push in recent years.

Between Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO world heritage sites, its thriving wildlife, and pristine white sand beaches, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” has enough glimmer for everyone—and now, visiting the South Asia island nation, located off the coast of India, is about to get easier (and cheaper) for travelers from 35 countries.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Simon Cockerell, a manager at the travel agency Koryo Tours. It has been edited for length and clarity.

With rising temperatures in southern Europe, more and more tourists are flocking to cooler destinations in the north.

Visit Florida has taken down its “LGBTQ Travel” page, a decision that could further damage relations with the LGBTQ community. And at least one other destination marketing organization in the state – Visit Lauderdale – has publicly distanced itself from the move. 

With summer coming to an end, make the best of it by embarking on a holiday in Türkiye. Perfect for solo travels and family trips, Türkiye offers the most varied experiences in the Mediterranean. From the vibrant cultural tapestry of İstanbul to the sun-kissed shores of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, each Turkish destination offers a journey filled with many unforgettable experiences, complemented by world-famous Turkish hospitality and cuisine.

There has been a shift in travel preferences with emerging trends such as quiet travel and the pursuit of a slow-paced life gaining popularity in recent months. Quiet travel is a way of exploring that emphasises tranquillity, mindfulness, and a closer connection to nature. Scotland’s serene landscapes offer a perfect escape for those seeking quiet, reflective travel in nature’s embrace.

The year 2024 marks the 900th anniversary of the birth of Eleanor of Aquitaine, queen of both France and England in the 12th century. The Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud in the Atlantic Loire Valley (Pays de la Loire), her final resting place alongside her husband Henry II and son Richard the Lionheart, is organising a series of initiatives this autumn and winter, inviting the public to rediscover one of the greatest female figures in history.

The First Roma by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts has launched the Ultimate Golf Getaway in partnership with Parco di Roma Golf Club. Starting from EUR 2,820++ (approx.. GBP 2,415++), the new three-night experience* seamlessly blends exploration of the Eternal City and its timeless beauty, with exquisite accommodation and time on Parco di Roma’s pristine greens and fairways, complete with views of St Peter’s Dome. 

With less than one month until the much-anticipated 8th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism, excitement is building worldwide. Taking place in Yerevan, Armenia, from September 11 to September 13, 2024, this prestigious UN Tourism event is hosted by the Government of the Republic of Armenia. Renowned for its rich and ancient winemaking traditions, Armenia offers an ideal backdrop for this esteemed gathering, promising a truly immersive experience for attendees.

Grenada, the Spice Isle of the Caribbean, is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and warm hospitality. Since 2022, the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) has celebrated the island’s diverse, family run stays with Simple Stays Grenada - a carefully curated collection of boutique hotels and villas. Simple Stays Grenada offers a distinct opportunity to experience the island’s captivating charm and genuine character through thoughtfully curated, unpretentious accommodation. These intimate, family-owned properties embody the essence of laid-back Caribbean living, attracting travellers who seek authenticity and meaningful connections. A ‘Simple Stay’ appeals to conscious explorers, cultural enthusiasts, and those desiring a more grounded travel experience. These establishments, nestled amidst lush tropical gardens or perched along the island’s expansive coastlines, provide an ideal base for guests who appreciate the beauty in simplicity and wish to forge a deeper connection with Grenada’s natural wonders and rich culture.

Abu Dhabi stands out as a top choice for long-haul Russian travellers, driven by a significant rise in seat availability for the second half of 2024. Insights from Mabrian, part of The Data Appeal Company, reveal the capital of UAE is among their top choices in GCC destinations, where Russian visitors are opting for luxury accommodations in stays that tend to be extended, providing the Abu Dhabi with a unique opportunity to enhance its economic impact through targeted marketing and strategic investment in this growing market. According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), Russian outbound travel increased by 14% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, driven by long-haul destinations like the United Arab Emirates. As per FSB Borders Service data, nearly a million Russian travellers visited the UAE, an 11% increase from 2023, making it the second most visited country by Russians.

Savute Safari Lodge, part of the Desert & Delta Safaris portfolio of luxury lodges, has officially reopened after a complete rebuild. A highlight for travellers for the past 25 years, the new Savute Safari Lodge elevates the safari experience to new luxury standards. Each of the 11 standard rooms and one family room features a combination of natural thatching and canvas, to envelop guests in a stunning natural environment and welcome temperature control during the hotter months. Guest rooms have been designed to offer breathtaking views of the prolific amounts of wildlife that congregate around the famous waterholes along the Savute Channel. The rooms feature private outdoor showers offering guests the magic of a starlit shower or a brisk cool-down after an exhilarating morning on safari. The sophisticated yet simple interior décor blends elements of traditional safari lodge design with a clean, contemporary feel. The colour palette draws inspiration from the striking contrasts of the Kalahari, blending earthy greens and the vibrant colours of the life-giving rains.

Civitatis, the leading curated marketplace for tours and activities in Spanish, is proud to announce the appointment of Juan Rossello as the new Business Development Manager for the United States. This strategic move underscores Civitatis’ dedication to strengthening its presence in the U.S., a key market where Spanish is the second most spoken language, reflecting the significant demand for Spanish-language travel services.

New data from ABTA Travel Money, finds 58% of people are buying fewer souvenirs when going on a holiday abroad than they used to, with the change driven by tighter holiday spending budgets and environmental concerns.

New research from Arival reveals that outdoor adventure activities remain a popular choice for travelers, with 59% participating in such activities during their trips in 2023.  The report, titled “The 2024 U.S. Outdoor Adventure & Activities Traveler,” surveyed 1,000 U.S. citizens who have traveled in the past year, and found that 80% those participating in outdoor activities were under 55.