Forget Everything You Know About Travel—Dubai’s Meridian One Is the Ultimate Luxury Odyssey for the World’s Elite!

In an era when travel has become more about experiences than destinations, Dubai is pushing the boundaries of ultra-luxury tourism with the introduction of Meridian One. This exclusive, around-the-world journey offers 40 select guests the chance to embark on a 22-night voyage aboard a private Boeing 757, which will visit eight destinations across five continents. The journey is more than just about luxury travel; it’s about connecting travelers with cultures, nature, and communities in a way that traditional tourism cannot. This innovative approach to luxury tourism not only redefines what it means to travel in style but also has the potential to elevate tourism across the destinations featured on the itinerary.

The journey, set to begin in November 2026, will take guests to some of the world’s most unique and remote locations, starting and ending in Dubai. The destinations include Iceland, Cuba, the Peruvian Amazon, Easter Island, French Polynesia, Australia, Thailand, and finally back to Dubai. The specially designed trip is built around providing immersive cultural experiences that few tourists get to enjoy. These exclusive experiences range from private ceremonies at sacred sites to sunset rituals at UNESCO World Heritage locations. Such offerings are not only highly unique but also deeply rooted in local traditions and customs.

One of the key elements of this tour is the idea of experiential tourism, which goes beyond the typical tourist activities. Instead of the usual sightseeing, the focus is on the intimate, emotional connection between travelers and the places they visit. In Iceland, for example, guests will participate in a geothermal dawn ceremony, while in Cuba, a private dinner at a historical mansion will be held with local musicians and historians. These kinds of exclusive, culturally immersive experiences offer far more than just a visit—they provide an authentic encounter with the destination’s heritage. This, in turn, boosts local tourism by showcasing a country’s culture in a way that mass tourism simply cannot replicate.

Meridian One’s journey is an excellent example of sustainable tourism, as it highlights the importance of responsible travel. By limiting the number of guests and ensuring that the experiences are rooted in authenticity, the initiative supports both the preservation of the locations visited and the local communities. These experiences can provide substantial economic benefits to the destinations involved, from job creation in hospitality to the promotion of local crafts, food, and traditions to international guests. Additionally, the use of private terminals for seamless travel, along with the chartered flights, significantly reduces the impact on crowded airports and public transport systems, ensuring that tourism remains as unobtrusive as possible.

The tourism sector worldwide has been witnessing a shift towards more personalized and unique travel experiences. Travelers are increasingly looking for trips that are not just luxurious, but also meaningful. This trend is gaining ground as travelers demand greater involvement with the local culture, rather than just checking off a list of tourist attractions. According to recent reports, the luxury travel market is expected to continue growing as consumers shift their focus toward more exclusive and experience-based tourism. Meridian One taps into this very demand by offering a unique opportunity to experience the world through a personalized, immersive lens, further expanding the scope of luxury tourism.

As the world moves toward more personalized travel experiences, destinations that offer such deep connections with culture, history, and nature will benefit from increased international attention. In fact, Meridian One’s journey is likely to draw not just tourists but also media coverage and influencers eager to share their extraordinary experiences with their audiences. This type of exposure has the potential to bring lasting benefits to the countries and communities visited, promoting them as exclusive, sought-after destinations for high-net-worth travelers.

Not only does this exclusive journey offer guests unparalleled luxury, but it also acts as a platform for boosting global tourism. The destinations featured on this itinerary—from the rugged landscapes of Iceland to the lush rainforests of Thailand—are some of the most visually striking and culturally rich areas in the world. By showcasing these locations to an elite group of travelers, it helps to raise their profiles and attract future visitors, supporting the local economies and tourism industries.

As Dubai’s Lushescapes continues to innovate in luxury tourism, Meridian One sets a new benchmark in what it means to travel in style, comfort, and profound cultural engagement. For those who can afford the experience, this world journey is more than just a trip; it is a chance to create lasting memories while simultaneously helping to elevate the destinations along the way. It’s a reminder that, in tourism, the journey is just as important as the destination, and experiences that connect us to the world’s unique cultures and landscapes are truly the future of travel.

Meridian One is not just a luxury travel experience—it is a movement towards more meaningful tourism that values local culture, sustainability, and exclusive access. By embracing these values, Dubai has once again positioned itself as a global leader in the luxury tourism sector, inspiring travelers to go beyond the typical vacation and seek out experiences that will leave them with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the world around them.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

Cruise Travel Takes Centre Stage in Kenya’s Tourism Revival

At a time when Kenya’s tourism industry is rebounding strongly, cruise travel is emerging as a powerful new engine of growth, bringing with it visitors, revenue, and fresh opportunities for travel agents across the region.

In 2024, Kenya recorded 6,561 cruise passenger arrivals, a dramatic 163 percent increase over the previous year. Each cruise vessel that docks at the Port of Mombasa can unload 600 to 1,000 travelers at a time, turning a single call into an instant influx of spending on hotels, transport, food, and local excursions. Industry projections suggest that cruise tourism could contribute hundreds of millions of shillings annually to the coastal economy alone if current growth continues.

Against that backdrop, the 2025 Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) AGM & Convention in Mombasa signaled a strategic shift, placing cruise travel firmly on the agenda of Kenya’s mainstream travel industry. Held at the PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort under the banner “Going Further, together,” the three-day conference brought together more than 350 travel professionals, policymakers, and aviation and hospitality stakeholders to chart a coordinated path forward for post-pandemic tourism growth.

The convention opened with a commanding Masterclass on Selling Cruise Travel, a session designed to equip travel agents with the tools needed to tap into this fast-growing segment. Delegates were immersed in the mechanics of cruise product sales, from segment profiling and itinerary crafting to unpacking pricing structures and product packaging, to turn cruise offerings into a reliable revenue stream.

Cruise passengers are not just transit visitors. Data from global travel analysts show that cruising travellers spend more on average than typical shore-based tourists, often extending their stays before or after ship calls to enjoy safari experiences, beach resorts, and cultural excursions. That spillover has a multiplying effect on local value chains, from transport and hospitality to tour operations and retail.

The significance of cruise travel was underscored by the participation of members such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Whitestar Cruise, both of which are part of KATA’s expanding network. Their presence in Kenya’s travel ecosystem confirms that major global cruise brands view Kenya as a serious emerging market and that travel agents can play a central role as facilitators of this growth.

Through such partnerships, travel sellers continue to learn how to craft multi-component packages that blend maritime voyages with inland attractions, increasing per‑traveller revenue and extending booking windows. Moving on, agents are urged to treat cruise travel not as an occasional add-on, but as a core line of business capable of driving significant year-round volume.

This evolution comes as Kenya’s broader tourism numbers continue climbing, with international arrivals up by nearly 15 percent and receipts moving toward Ksh 450 billion in recent reporting periods. Cruise tourism — once a minor footnote in national travel statistics- is becoming a strategic pillar, especially for the coastal economy.

For travel agents and operators, the message is clear: cruise travel is no longer on the periphery. With robust demand, rising arrivals, and growing global confidence in Kenya’s maritime assets, the time to act is now. The industry that equips itself with skills, product knowledge, and cross-sector partnerships stands to capture a share of the lucrative cruise traveller market as Kenya positions itself as a leading cruise destination in Africa.

When AI Gets It Wrong: A Warning for Travel Agents

Imagine sending clients on a trip to a destination that doesn’t exist. It sounds impossible, yet last month, tourists were misled to Weldborough, a small village in Tasmania, by an AI-generated travel article claiming the town had world-class hot springs. The catch? Weldborough has no hot springs, and visitors arriving in the remote area were left confused, frustrated, and inconvenienced.

The incident highlights a growing risk for the travel industry. AI tools are increasingly being used to generate travel content, from destination guides to recommendations for hotels, tours, and attractions. While AI can produce content quickly and at scale, it does not inherently verify facts. Travel agents relying solely on AI outputs without cross-checking risk sending clients into experiences that are inaccurate, impractical, or even unsafe.

Local businesses in Tasmania reported that visitors continued arriving, expecting hot springs. Some took lengthy detours, wasting time and money. While the AI-generated content included convincing images and descriptions, it was entirely fabricated. This is not an isolated case; other AI tools have been found to invent attractions, misstate services, and produce misleading travel itineraries.

For travel agents, the lesson is clear: AI should be treated as a tool, not an authority. It can speed up itinerary planning, generate inspiration, and assist with research, but human oversight remains essential. Agents must verify all details, confirm attractions and services exist, and ensure travel logistics are realistic.

Clients trust agents to provide accurate, reliable advice. A single AI error can damage that trust, lead to unhappy travellers, and tarnish an agency’s reputation. Verification is especially critical for remote or lesser-known destinations, where AI may fill gaps with invented information.

The Tasmanian Weldborough example is a warning shot. AI is transforming travel, but technology cannot replace expertise, attention to detail, and the human judgment that clients rely on. For agents, embracing AI safely means combining efficiency with careful verification. Otherwise, the risk is clear: sending travellers somewhere that exists only in code, not reality.

Travel agents are no longer just bookers—they are guardians of trust in a growing AI-driven landscape. The Weldborough hot springs may never have existed, but the lesson for the industry is real.

Source: euronews.com

Travel Technology Set for Rapid Transformation in Corporate Travel

Corporate travel technology is entering a period of rapid change, driven primarily by advances in artificial intelligence and evolving distribution models. Analysts predict that these changes will affect all stages of the travel experience, from search and booking to servicing and disruption management.

Artificial intelligence, particularly autonomous or “agentic” systems, is expected to play a central role. These systems will increasingly handle tasks such as searching for flights and hotels, comparing options, booking itineraries, and adjusting plans in real time. Corporate self-booking tools may be complemented or partially replaced by AI capable of following corporate policies while tailoring travel to individual preferences.

Distribution channels are also transforming. Modern platforms like New Distribution Capability (NDC) are being adopted to streamline interactions between airlines, travel agencies, and corporate travellers. The goal is to provide more flexible, direct, and AI-enabled access to travel inventory while maintaining compliance with corporate travel policies.

Online travel platforms are predicted to evolve toward more integrated experiences, reducing reliance on external search engines and emphasizing direct engagement with travellers. AI-enabled interfaces are expected to enhance user experience by making personalized recommendations, optimizing routes, and managing disruptions efficiently.

Economic projections suggest that automation and AI-driven tools could reduce operational costs for corporate travel programs, increase booking speed, and improve data insights for travel managers. Pilot programs in multiple regions are already testing AI-powered disruption management, including automated itinerary adjustments, multi-language support, and rapid response to changes in flight or hotel availability.

While the exact outcomes remain uncertain, the industry consensus is that AI adoption will significantly accelerate transformation across travel technology platforms over the next five years. Collaboration among airlines, agencies, and technology providers will be key to ensuring that the adoption of AI and new distribution standards enhances efficiency without compromising user experience or corporate policy compliance.

The trajectory of corporate travel technology suggests a future in which AI tools play a central role in decision-making, self-booking, and operational management, marking one of the fastest periods of structural change in the industry.

Source: businesstravelnews.com

Game On: How Kenya’s Sporting Calendar is Boosting Tourism

By the time the final putt dropped at Karen Country Club on Sunday evening, it was clear that Kenya had delivered back-to-back sporting spectacles that stretched far beyond the scoreboard.

Just days earlier, Nairobi had hosted the HSBC World Rugby Sevens SVNS Division 2 tournament at Nyayo National Stadium, drawing more than 15,000 fans across two days of high-intensity international rugby. The event marked a milestone for Kenya as one of the few African nations to host a leg of the global sevens circuit, reinforcing the country’s growing credentials in international event organisation.

From February 19 to 22, attention shifted to the fairways as the Magical Kenya Open unfolded in Nairobi, part of the DP World Tour calendar. The tournament featured a field of more than 140 professional golfers from over 25 countries competing for a prize purse of approximately 2.7 million US dollars. Sponsors injected tens of millions of shillings into the event, while global broadcast coverage projected Kenya’s image to international audiences.

Together, the two events turned the capital into a sporting hub for more than a week.

Hotels Filled, Flights Booked, Revenue Circulating

Nairobi hotels reported strong occupancy as players, officials, sponsors, and travelling fans checked in. Tourism sector data shows Kenya welcomed 2.39 million international visitors in 2024, a 14.7 percent increase from the previous year, generating hundreds of billions of shillings in tourism earnings. Events such as these contribute to sustaining that upward momentum.

Sports economists note that international tournaments of this scale can inject tens or even hundreds of millions of shillings into host cities through accommodation, dining, transport, merchandising, and entertainment spending. Golf tourists in particular are considered high-value visitors. They tend to stay longer, spend more per day, and combine tournaments with safaris or coastal holidays.

Restaurants saw increased weekend traffic. Ride-hailing services reported peak demand around stadiums and golf venues. Travel agents and Tour operators confirmed that some visiting spectators extended their stays beyond the sporting calendar.

Beyond direct revenue lies global visibility. Television coverage of both tournaments beamed Nairobi’s skyline, hospitality facilities, and sporting infrastructure to millions of viewers worldwide. In marketing terms, that exposure would cost far more if purchased through traditional advertising.

A Bigger Stage Ahead

These successful events come at a pivotal moment. In 2023, Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, was officially awarded hosting rights for the Africa Cup of Nations by the Confederation of African Football. The 2027 tournament will mark the first time the three East African nations jointly host Africa’s premier football competition.

AFCON is Africa’s largest sporting event, attracting billions of cumulative television viewers globally and tens of thousands of travelling fans. Hosting it will require significant stadium upgrades, transport improvements, and hospitality expansion. But it also represents an unprecedented tourism opportunity. Past editions of AFCON have generated substantial host nation revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, visitor spending, and global broadcast exposure.

The rugby sevens weekend and the Magical Kenya Open, therefore, serve as more than isolated successes. They are rehearsal moments. They test logistics, security, hospitality readiness, and crowd management. They build confidence among international governing bodies and investors that Kenya can deliver on a continental stage.

Rugby’s Energy, Golf’s Prestige, Football’s Promise

Rugby continues to energise urban crowds and strengthen Kenya’s presence in the global sevens conversation. Golf enhances the country’s reputation among elite sporting circuits and high-spending travellers. AFCON 2027 promises mass continental movement, large-scale fan travel, and unprecedented media attention.

Sport is no longer a side attraction in Kenya’s tourism strategy. It is becoming a pillar.

As the stadium lights dimmed and the final applause echoed across Karen’s fairways, Kenya was not merely closing two tournaments. It was demonstrating readiness for something far larger.

The scoreboard may have reset to zero. The opportunity ahead has only just begun.

When the Planes Stopped, Travel Agents Carried the Nation

Last week, when aviation workers walked off the job at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other airports in Kenya, the silence on the runway was immediate. Departure boards flickered from on time to delayed to cancelled. Long queues formed at airline counters. Families sat on luggage. Business travellers refreshed their phones in disbelief.

But while aircraft engines fell quiet, telephones inside travel agencies across Nairobi and beyond began ringing without pause.

The recent strike by aviation workers disrupted operations at Kenya’s main gateway, grounding flights and delaying departures for hours. JKIA is not just another airport. It is the artery through which millions of passengers travel each year and through which billions of shillings in tourism revenue and exports flow. Aviation contributes about 3 percent of Kenya’s GDP and supports more than 450,000 jobs directly and indirectly. When activity at the airport slows, the economy feels it almost instantly.

Passengers were stranded in terminals, some missing international connections, others sleeping in chairs while awaiting updates. Exporters worried about perishable cargo such as flowers and fresh produce destined for European markets. Hotels braced for cancellations. Tour operators recalculated itineraries.

Yet at the centre of this disruption stood a group often overlooked in ordinary times: travel agents.

In the age of online bookings, travel agents are sometimes dismissed as optional. The strike told a different story. As flights were cancelled and schedules rewritten by the hour, travellers did not log into apps seeking comfort. They called their agents.

Inside small offices and large agencies alike, staff worked late into the night. They negotiated rebookings with airlines, searched for alternative routes through regional hubs, secured hotel rooms for stranded clients, and explained shifting regulations. Each cancelled ticket meant lost commission. Each rebooking required hours of coordination. For many agencies operating on narrow margins, the financial strain was immediate.

Industry players estimate that major flight disruptions can wipe out millions of shillings in ticket sales and generate high additional costs within days. Beyond revenue losses lies reputational risk. When a client misses a wedding, a conference, or a medical appointment, it is often the agent who absorbs the frustration.

The strike also reminded the public of the indispensable role of aviation workers themselves. Air traffic controllers, ground handlers, engineers, security personnel, and emergency crews perform safety-critical duties that make every departure possible. Aircraft cannot legally take off without their coordination. Their grievances, centred on working conditions and labour agreements, brought operations to a halt and exposed how dependent the system is on skilled human labour.

Still, what stood out most was the quiet resilience of travel professionals. They became interpreters of chaos, translating uncertainty into options. They reassured anxious parents. They rearranged safaris and business itineraries. They kept communication flowing between airlines and passengers when official channels were overwhelmed.

Kenya positions itself as East Africa’s aviation hub. Stability at JKIA is therefore a matter of national interest. Repeated disruptions risk damaging investor confidence and tourism growth. Preventing future crises requires structured dialogue between unions and management, timely resolution of labour agreements, and coordinated contingency planning that includes travel agencies as essential partners rather than afterthoughts.

The strike was a reminder that aviation is not sustained by infrastructure alone. It is powered by people. When the runway falls silent, it is travel agents who keep journeys alive in different ways. They protect relationships, salvage plans, and preserve trust in a fragile moment.

When the planes stopped, the nation saw who truly keeps it moving.

Kenya is Africa’s Air Travel Hub — How Connectivity is Transforming Tourism and Business

Kenya’s place in the skies is evolving rapidly. Once primarily known as a gateway between East Africa and global destinations, the country is now emerging as Africa’s air travel hub, driven by expanding regional and domestic connectivity that is transforming tourism, commerce, and economic growth.

According to IATA Direct Data Solutions (DDS), Kenya recorded 2.3 million international origin-destination passenger departures in 2023, accounting for 40 per cent of all passenger departures from the country. Of those, Africa captured 37 per cent of outbound passengers, ahead of Europe at 28 per cent and the Middle East at 13 per cent. Early industry indications suggest that by 2025, this regional segment will have grown by more than 10 per cent, underscoring Kenya’s central role in continental air travel.

Regional Routes Driving Passenger Growth

While long-haul connections to Europe and the Gulf remain important, intra-African routes now dominate Kenya’s international traffic map. Flights from Nairobi to Entebbe, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, Kigali, and Johannesburg consistently rank among the busiest. Services like Safarilink’s Nairobi–Kisumu–Entebbe route provide direct connections that save travellers time and streamline regional mobility. Kenya Airways’ codeshare networks further expand options across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, enabling seamless multi-stop journeys.

This trend reflects more than convenience. It strengthens economic ties between key African capitals and markets, supporting business travel, trade activity, and cultural exchange in ways that were previously limited by geography and infrastructure.

Domestic Connectivity Unlocks New Corridors

Kenya’s domestic air network has become a backbone of internal mobility and tourism. Airlines such as iFly have launched flights to Mandera and northern airstrips, opening previously remote regions to commercial travel. Meanwhile, airlines like Jambojet, Fly540, Skyward Airlines, Renegade Air, and Safarilink link Nairobi to other destinations, including Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Malindi, Meru, Ukunda, and Vipingo Ridge, connecting safari lodges, lakeside attractions, and coastal retreats with Kenya’s urban centres.

These routes do more than reduce travel time. They facilitate tourism that spans wildlife conservancies, cultural circuits, beaches, and investment zones, while supporting local business growth and jobs.

Travel Agents Powering Kenya’s Aviation Growth

At the heart of this transformation are travel agents, who convert connectivity into economic value and authentic experiences. The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has evolved into a powerhouse within the Kenyan travel sector, representing a growing network of agencies across the country and advocating for policies that protect and strengthen the industry.

KATA provides training in digital distribution, retailing, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance, equipping members to respond to evolving traveller expectations and take advantage of new domestic and regional routes. By curating multi-destination packages, offering market intelligence, and facilitating partnerships with airlines and international tourism bodies, KATA members ensure that passengers enjoy seamless travel while airlines maximise route utilisation.

The association has also secured formal representation in policymaking, ensuring that the voices of travel agents influence decisions on commission structures, aviation policy, and tourism regulations. KATA is continuously helping Kenyan travel agents position themselves as strategic drivers of tourism, business travel, and continental connectivity, turning air routes into tangible economic opportunities for communities and businesses alike.

Renovation of Wilson Airport and Infrastructure Expansion

The transformation in Kenya’s aviation story is supported by significant investment in infrastructure. Wilson Airport, historically the hub for domestic and regional flights, is undergoing comprehensive upgrades aimed at increasing capacity, improving passenger amenities, and modernising air traffic systems. The renovation includes expanded apron space, improved terminal facilities, better parking, new safety systems, and enhanced navigation equipment to support rising traffic volumes.

These improvements at Wilson come alongside broader plans to modernise Kenya’s airport network, including upgrades to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to expand terminal capacity and cargo handling, and the development of secondary airports to relieve pressure on major hubs. The goal is to ensure that as flight volumes grow, infrastructure keeps pace, enabling safe, efficient, and reliable service for passengers and airlines alike.

Tourism and Economic Impact

Ease of access has a direct effect on Kenya’s tourism and business sectors. Travellers can now link safari destinations, coastal experiences, and city engagements in a single itinerary, enhancing multi-destination travel and lengthening visitor stays. Business travellers benefit from quick, direct routes that support meetings, conferences, and investment missions across the region.

Madam Selina Gor, Regional Airport Manager at Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), has emphasised that improved air links are critical to economic growth. She notes that infrastructure investments, complemented by supportive aviation policy, encourage airlines to expand routes, stimulate trade, and create jobs in hospitality, services, and logistics.

Strategic Position and Future Growth

Kenya’s geographic position at the crossroads of East, Central, and Southern Africa, together with initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market, reinforces its hub status. Yet challenges remain. Airports are operating near capacity, and intra-African fares can still be high, limiting broader mobility. Continued investment in infrastructure, regulatory alignment, and competitive pricing will be essential to sustaining growth.

A Continent Connected Through Kenyan Skies

The data and traffic patterns make one thing clear: Kenya is not just flying farther — it is flying smarter. By developing regional and domestic routes, expanding airport infrastructure, and supporting strategic partnerships, the country is enabling tourism growth, stimulating commerce, and connecting markets that were once isolated.

Kenya’s aviation network is more than a route map; it is a catalyst for economic integration, cultural exchange, and continental connectivity, cementing the nation’s role as Africa’s air travel hub and a critical engine for future growth.

World Travel Records 1.52 Billion Tourists In 2025, Africa Leads Regional Growth

International travel picked up pace in 2025 as more people around the world returned to travelling abroad. According to the first World Tourism Barometer of the year, destinations around the world welcomed 1.52 billion international tourists last year, marking a steady rise over 2024 and signalling that global travel is finding its rhythm again. Better flight connections, easier visa rules and pent-up demand helped keep tourism buoyant, bringing the industry closer to the growth patterns seen before the pandemic.

Global Tourist Arrivals Rise Steadily In 2025

International tourist arrivals grew by 4 per cent in 2025. An estimated 1.52 billion international tourists travelled globally during the year, nearly 60 million more than in 2024. These figures mark a return to pre-pandemic growth trends, aligning closely with the average annual increase of around 5 per cent recorded between 2009 and 2019. The recovery was supported by sustained demand and the continued rebound of destinations in Asia and the Pacific.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais noted that travel demand remained strong throughout 2025 despite higher costs and global uncertainties, adding that the positive trend is expected to continue into 2026 as lagging destinations fully recover.

Africa Leads Growth As Asia And The Pacific Rebound

  • Regional data from the World Tourism Barometer highlights Africa as the strongest performer in 2025, with international arrivals rising 8 per cent to 81 million. North Africa led the surge with an 11 per cent increase.
  • Europe, the world’s most visited region, welcomed 793 million international tourists, up 4 per cent from 2024 and 6 per cent above 2019 levels. Western Europe and Southern Mediterranean Europe recorded solid growth, while Central and Eastern Europe saw a strong rebound, although arrivals remained below pre-pandemic figures.
  • The Americas recorded modest growth of 1 per cent, with South America and Central America outperforming other subregions.
  • The Middle East continued to post exceptional results, growing 3 per cent in 2025 and reaching nearly 100 million visitors, placing it 39 per cent above pre-pandemic levels.
  • Asia and the Pacific saw arrivals increase by 6 per cent to 331 million, though numbers remained 9 per cent below 2019. North-East Asia led the recovery, while South Asia returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Strongest Performing Destinations For 2025

Several destinations reported double-digit growth in international arrivals during 2025. Brazil, Egypt, Morocco and Seychelles were among the strongest performers for the full year.

Data available through November also pointed to sharp rises in arrivals to destinations such as Bhutan, Iceland, Guyana, South Africa and Japan, reflecting renewed confidence in long-haul and experiential travel.

International Tourism Receipts Estimated At USD 1.9 Trillion

Visitor spending remained robust throughout 2025, with international tourism receipts estimated at USD 1.9 trillion, a 5 per cent increase over 2024. Total export revenues from tourism, including passenger transport, are estimated at a record USD 2.2 trillion.

Destinations reporting strong growth in tourism receipts included Morocco, the Republic of Korea, Egypt, Mongolia and Japan, calculated in local currencies.

Among the world’s top tourism earners, the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Turkiye also posted healthy growth compared to 2024.

What To Expect In 2026

International tourism is projected to grow by 3 to 4 per cent in 2026, assuming continued recovery in Asia and the Pacific and stable global economic conditions.

While solid consumer demand, improved connectivity and major global events such as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup 2026 are expected to boost travel, geopolitical tensions and high travel costs remain key risks for the year ahead.

Source: ndtv.com

Dubai hails third successive year of record arrival figures

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has hailed the third successive year of record-setting international arrival figures.

The Gulf state saw total annual visitors reach almost 19.6 million, up 5% on the previous year.

December saw 2.04 million international overnight visitors, up 6% year on year.

The previous record month was January 2025, with 1.94 million visitors.

UK travellers to Dubai grew by 11% year on year in 2025 to reach 1.47 milliion. 

Dubai’s hotel inventory reached 154,264 rooms across 827 properties by the end of the year, putting it “well ahead” of global peer cities such as Bangkok, New York, Paris and Singapore, and almost on par with London, according to the DET.

Average occupancy for hotels in Dubai stood at 80.7% in 2025, up from 78.2% the previous year, according to DET’s hospitality metrics. 

Dubai International retained its position as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers for the 11th consecutive year, according to Airports Council International (ACI).

The hub achieved its highest quarterly traffic last summer, handling 24.2 million passengers between July and September, up 1.9% year on year.

The total for the first nine months of 2025 was 70.1 million, a 2.1% increase.​

Issam Kazim, chief executive of Visit Dubai, part of DET, said: “Guided by visionary leadership, Dubai’s record international visitation is a testament to global confidence in the destination.

“As we look forward, our priorities will be to continue enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness through digital innovation and providing exceptional guest experiences at every touchpoint, with powerful momentum after surpassing the 2 million figure for a single month in December for the first time.

“In partnership with stakeholders across the public and sectors, we remain dedicated to sustained investment in capacity, infrastructure development, and initiatives to make Dubai the world’s best city to visit, live and work in.”

Source: travelweekly.co.uk

Skyward Airlines Touches Down in Vipingo, Opening North Coast Gateway

Last Friday, the tarmac at Wilson Airport was alive with anticipation as passengers prepared to board Skyward Airlines’ inaugural flight to Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County. At 2:30 pm, travellers — from tourists to business executives and investors — gathered at the boarding gate. Hon. Lady Justice Njoki Susanna Ndung’u — a renowned judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya — officially called passengers to board, marking the ceremonial start of a route that promises to redefine access to Kenya’s North Coast.

Hon. Lady Justice Njoki Susanna Ndung’u

From Boarding to Takeoff

Boarding was smooth and organised, with airline staff scanning tickets, assisting with luggage, and welcoming passengers. Inside the Dash 8‑200 turboprop, sunlight streamed through the cabin windows, offering a glimpse of Nairobi’s skyline as the aircraft taxied and lifted off toward the coast.

Diana Nyambura, CEO of Skyward Airlines

The approximately one-hour flight revealed Kenya’s diverse landscapes in transition, from sprawling urban centres to the lush greens of Kilifi County. The descent into the Vipingo Ridge Airstrip was gentle, facilitated by the recently upgraded runway, allowing a safe and level landing. Diana Nyambura, CEO of Skyward Airlines, said: “This route exemplifies our commitment to smart connectivity, serving both exclusive communities and the wider coastal ecosystem, and offering travellers reliability and convenience.”

Economic and Tourism Significance

Madam Selina Gor, Regional Airport Manager at Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), welcomed the milestone, emphasising KAA’s continuous investment in infrastructure that enables airline expansion. “We encourage more airlines to explore new destinations,” she said. “Access drives convenience, business growth, and economic development.”

Selina Gor, Regional Airport Manager at Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)

The new flight is expected to boost domestic tourism, stimulate local enterprise, and attract both domestic and international investment. Golf enthusiasts, conference organisers, and lifestyle tourists can now reach Vipingo Ridge quickly, stimulating activity across hospitality, retail, and leisure sectors.

Vipingo Ridge: 20 Years of Lifestyle, Luxury, and Conservation

Celebrating its 20th anniversary as a premier lifestyle destination, Vipingo Ridge boasts an 18-hole PGA-accredited championship golf course, luxury villas, and a wildlife conservation sanctuary registered with the Kenya Conservation and Wildlife Association (KCWA) and licensed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

Alex Horsey, CEO of Vipingo Ridge

Alex Horsey, CEO of Vipingo Ridge, said: “This inaugural flight is not just about connectivity; it is about creating opportunities for Kilifi County. Improved access means more tourism, new investment, and stronger support for local businesses. It also enables us to host international conferences and sporting events with ease.”

The Bigger Picture

The Nairobi–Vipingo link underscores the strategic importance of domestic air connectivity. By linking emerging lifestyle, investment, and tourism hubs to Kenya’s urban centres, airlines like Skyward are stimulating regional economies, generating jobs, and unlocking long-term development opportunities.

With regular flights now operational, the partnership between Skyward Airlines and Vipingo Ridge represents a new chapter for Kenya’s North Coast, where convenience, economic growth, and sustainable tourism converge to create lasting value for travellers and the local community alike.