Holiday & Travel

Ras Al Khaimah delivers record tourism performance in 2025 with 1.35m overnight visitors

2026-01-21T12:08:29+00:00

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announces another year of record-breaking results for the Emirate, welcoming 1.35 million overnight visitors in 2025 – a 6% year-on-year increase – alongside a 12% growth in tourism revenues.

New report from VisitBritain/VisitEngland shows tourism industry worth £147bn to UK economy

2026-01-20T19:23:06+00:00

Tourism’s importance to the British economy is highlighted in major new research from national tourism agency VisitBritain/VisitEngland, demonstrating the industry’s significant economic contribution to local communities nationwide and its potential for growth.

Jamaica defies Hurricane Melissa with rapid tourism rebound and 300,000 arrivals

2026-01-19T21:11:35+00:00

Following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, Jamaica’s tourism industry is demonstrating a remarkable comeback.

Official data released today, January 16, 2026, reveals that the island has successfully hosted nearly 300,000 visitors over the past seven weeks. This surge confirms that the nation has met its ambitious goal of restoring full operational capacity in time for the critical winter season, underscoring the resilience of a sector that drives over 30% of the country's gross domestic product.

The logistical recovery has been comprehensive, with international airports in Montego Bay and Kingston now functioning at pre-storm levels. Major carriers have maintained their flight frequencies, ensuring a steady stream of global travellers.

On the ground, prestigious hotel chains like Riu and Sandals have reopened a majority of their properties; currently, 70% of the island's total room inventory is active, with expectations to hit 80% by the end of this month. A unique pillar of this recovery is the Tourism Housing Assistance & Recovery Programme (THARP).

Unlike traditional infrastructure-only approaches, this initiative focuses on the welfare of the tourism workers who were personally affected by the Category 5 storm. By providing grants and vouchers for home repairs, the government is ensuring that the local workforce remains stable and supported, allowing the island's famous hospitality standards to remain uncompromised during the rebuilding phase.

Looking further into 2026, the Jamaica Tourist Board is pivoting toward a "culture-driven" growth strategy to differentiate itself in the competitive Caribbean market. Regions like Ocho Ríos and Negril are seeing a swift reopening of natural attractions and wellness retreats.

A new global marketing campaign, developed in partnership with Accenture Song, aims to position the island as a destination for emotional and spiritual renewal, inviting travellers to "ignite a spark" in the wake of recent global challenges. Connectivity is also set to reach new heights this year through the diversification of international arrivals.

New direct routes from cities such as Lisbon and Bogotá are bringing in a younger demographic of travellers with a keen interest in environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the long-term outlook remains bullish, with international investors committing to the construction of 10,000 additional rooms by the end of the decade, signalling deep confidence in the island's future.

Technological innovation is playing a central role in managing this new wave of growth. The state is integrating artificial intelligence to help personalize the visitor experience and analyse real-time data. These tools allow officials to monitor visitor arrivals and manage crowds more effectively, steering tourists toward lesser-known gems to prevent over-congestion and protect the island's natural resources.

As of mid-January 2026, the message from Kingston is one of strength and economic recovery. While the total visitor count for 2025 fell slightly short of the 5-million-mark due to the hurricane, the current pace of arrivals suggests a record-breaking year ahead. Jamaica’s blend of modern tech, infrastructure investment, and authentic cultural identity continues to make it a primary destination for those seeking a transformative Caribbean experience.

EU’s Tourism Platform supporting green and digital transformation

2026-01-18T20:48:14+00:00

The European Commission’s EU Tourism Platform is a groundbreaking initiative designed to accelerate the tourism sector’s transition to sustainability, digital innovation and resilience.

Minimal Impact Expeditions brings sustainability to luxury polar exploration

2026-01-16T10:02:04+00:00

Minimal Impact Expeditions introduces a new standard of sustainable polar travel for 2026, designed for travellers who seek rare, meaningful experiences in pristine, remote environments.

Luxury Scotland welcomes Ardbeg House and Jetlogic to its curated collection

2026-01-15T09:32:10+00:00

Luxury Scotland, the leading collection of exceptional Scottish hospitality experiences, has announced the addition of two new members to its carefully curated portfolio: Ardbeg House, the reimagined Islay retreat shaped by whisky heritage and island culture, and jetlogic, Scotland's leading private aviation specialist, delivering bespoke jet and helicopter charter services worldwide.

A season-by-season guide to the National Forest's living colour palette

2026-01-12T19:42:15+00:00

Covering 200 square miles across Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire, the National Forest is one of the most ambitious landscape transformation projects in the country.

Caribbean Tourism Open for Business: CTO reaffirms regional resilience and operational stability

2026-01-11T12:00:14+00:00

The CTO (Caribbean Tourism Organization) and their 25 member destinations have been closely monitoring geopolitical developments in Venezuela and addressing disruptions experienced by travellers due to the temporary closure of airspace during the past weekend.

Costa Rica Beyond the Beach: A Holiday where Nature takes Centre Stage

2026-01-09T18:10:27+00:00

With its decades-long commitment to ambitious policies to combat climate change and protect the planet's natural resources, Costa Rica has long punched above its weight as a global green pioneer.

Ocean Fever showcases global ‘Learn to Surf’ packages in paradise locations

2026-01-08T13:52:03+00:00

From warm Indian Ocean swells to the Atlantic's rolling breaks, Ocean Fever, part of Pure One, is excited to showcase its signature ‘Learn to Surf’ holiday experiences across four iconic surf destinations: the Maldives, Morocco's Essaouira, Portugal's Lagos, and Sri Lanka's Hikkaduwa.

UK tourism gears up for record-breaking year

2026-01-05T16:12:11+00:00

The United Kingdom enters 2026 with a optimistic outlook, as industry experts predict a banner year for British tourism.

Riviera Travel launch peak discount on 2026 holidays

2026-01-04T17:00:32+00:00

As travellers look ahead this year, Riviera Travel is responding directly to what holidaymakers now say matters most: authentic experiences, deeper cultural connection and exploring the places that aren’t already all over their Instagram feed.

Rise in solo women travellers prompts new safety-focused travel services

2026-01-03T11:22:03+00:00

Travel agencies in multiple regions report a notable uptick in bookings from solo women travellers, prompting the launch of safety-focused travel services and packages tailored to their needs.

Emerging destinations gain ground as travellers seek new experiences

2026-01-02T12:15:05+00:00

Travelers in 2025 increasingly turned toward emerging destinations, moving away from overcrowded hotspots in search of authenticity, affordability, and unique cultural experiences.

Mleiha National Park launches new season of glamping, stargazing and desert adventures with several celestial events marked for 2026

2026-01-02T12:09:39+00:00

Just over an hour from Sharjah and Dubai, Mleiha National Park welcomes visitors to a new season of immersive desert experiences—spanning premium glamping, astronomy programs, and outdoor adventures—across the Mleiha Glamping site and the Mleiha Archaeological Centre.

Antigua and Barbuda experiences unprecedented tourism surge to close out 2025

2025-12-31T19:50:34+00:00

The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda concluded 2025 on a record-breaking note, witnessing a massive influx of global travellers during the final weeks of the year.