Unified Visas for Gulf Cooperation Council Would Supercharge Regional Tourism

Experiential travel as a motive for a holiday has increased by 8 percentage points globally since 2019, with motivations to visit Europe following a similar pattern.

The cruise industry is seeing a surge in demand for expeditions that bring us closer to the diversity of wildlife inhabiting some of the most pristine parts of our natural world. From journeys through Arctic waters, expeditions in the Amazon rainforest and island-hopping in the volcanic Galápagos archipelago, we round up 11 of our favourites for the year ahead.

With world-renowned beaches, mesmerizing bioluminescent bays and tropical rainforests, it’s no wonder Puerto Rico is growing in popularity among travelers.

South Florida’s Gold Coast is renowned for its blue skies, pristine beaches, and ritzy lifestyle. Anchored by Miami to the south and Palm Beach to the north, this stretch of Atlantic coastline has long been a playground for the rich and famous. Smack dab in the middle of the Gold Coast is Fort Lauderdale. The tropical metropolis is sometimes overlooked for its glitzier neighbors when it comes to vacation locales — the city was once best known as the capital of spring break pilgrimages and, in more recent years, as a popular cruise ship port — but thanks to recent development, a thriving arts and culture community, an evolving culinary scene, and its laid-back vibe, Fort Lauderdale is now one of the state’s must-visit destinations.

As the seasons change, there’s no better time to escape the busy city life and take a road trip. The New England region has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for scenic drives. If you’re in the northeastern United States looking for an escape, here’s an extended weekend guide sharing the best places to visit on a road trip through Central and Western Massachusetts, including small towns, historical landmarks, mountainous terrain — all with a stunning backdrop.

The outbound travel recovery in China is stuck at just over half of 2019 levels, but there’s at least one promising sign of future demand: Domestic tourism is 90% above 2019 levels.

Dubai has completed its journey from the “dot in the desert” to a truly global city that more than 200 nationalities call home. The modern emirate is now so well-connected and cosmopolitan, that its large number of expat residents are truly “global citizens” rather than “Dubians.”

Saudi Arabia is truly leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit to become a tourism superpower. The kingdom’s latest move is to create the “Dan Company”, an organization under the sovereign wealth fund designed to promote and develop agritourism and eco-tourism.

Saudi Arabia’s Belgium-sized city of Neom has unveiled another giga-project. It’s called the Gulf of Aqaba and will contain many of the futuristic hotels the $500 billion project has announced in recent months.

A tourism development company in Mexico announced plans to build an ultra-luxury resort and residential project on the coast of Jalisco, dubbed Xala, for around $1 billion.

The most powerful decision-makers from across the region’s travel and tourism landscape will be attending the Skift Global Forum East over the course of three days. The event kicks off tonight (Tuesday, December 12), with an invite-only networking event at Atlantis The Royal’s panoramic Cloud 22 venue. On Wednesday and Thursday, the Diamond Ballroom of the Atlantis will set the stage for two days of thought-provoking panels and discussions with the greatest minds in the Middle East.

Jamaica, known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches and spirited people, attracts travelers from around the globe.