Portugal has secured its seventh 'Best Destination in Europe' title at the 32nd World Travel Awards in Sardinia, Italy. The country was recognized for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and exceptional hospitality, alongside wins for Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira.
Statistics Canada reports a nearly 30% year-over-year decrease in Canadian resident return trips from the U.S. in August 2025, marking the seventh consecutive month of decline. Automobile travel fell by 34%, and air travel by over 25%, influenced by political tensions, trade policies, and shifting travel preferences.
Mexico's Ministry of Culture and INAH will raise admission fees for foreign visitors to archaeological sites and museums starting January 1, 2026. The increases, part of the 2026 Economic Package, aim to fund cultural preservation. Fees for Mexican nationals and residents will remain largely unchanged, with some Category I sites seeing foreign visitor costs more than double.
Marriott International's Autograph Collection is set to debut in the Maldives on November 1, 2025, with the rebranding of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo to The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives. This 38-villa luxury resort, owned by CDL Hospitality Trusts, will join Marriott's portfolio, offering guests unique experiences and Marriott Bonvoy benefits.
Iceland's new infrastructure tax of ISK 2,500 per cruise passenger, effective January 1, 2025, has led to a sharp decline in port calls and significant revenue losses. Over 80 cancellations were reported in January, with major ports like Akureyri, Westman Islands, and Grundarfjörður heavily impacted, raising concerns for local economies.
San Marino convened the 'World Amateur Sports Forum – Small Nations, Big Impact' on October 16, 2025. The event, held at the Welcome Hotel in Dogana, focused on the sustainability, social value, and community development potential of amateur sports, particularly for smaller nations, and was an opener to the 47th CSIT Congress.
China's Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is experiencing robust growth, with market valuations projected to reach $140 billion by 2030. This expansion, driven by post-pandemic recovery and strong government support, is drawing significant international attention, including plans for Cirque du Soleil's return to the country.
South Australia has been named the Best Event State at the 2025 Australian Event Awards and Symposium in Coffs Harbour. This marks the fourth time the state has received the national honour, recognising its outstanding calendar of high-quality events and significant contributions to the events industry.
Egypt's Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has temporarily closed its doors from October 15 to November 3, 2025, to finalize preparations for its highly anticipated official inauguration. The grand opening ceremony for dignitaries is set for November 1, with public access resuming on November 4, coinciding with the 103rd anniversary of Tutankhamun's tomb discovery.
Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Season 2025, the sixth edition of the cultural and entertainment festival, commenced on October 10 under the theme 'Big Time'. The event features 11 zones, 15 world championships, and 34 exhibitions, with a grand opening parade and international partnerships, aiming to attract millions of visitors.
Saudi Arabia's Jazan region is undergoing a significant transformation with extensive development and recreational projects. These initiatives, aligned with Vision 2030, aim to enhance tourism, improve public infrastructure, and diversify the economy, leveraging the region's diverse natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
Belarus and Vietnam are actively discussing the establishment of regular direct flights, building on the recent success of charter services between Minsk and Phu Quoc. This initiative follows a strategic partnership agreement and aims to bolster tourism and economic ties, with an intergovernmental agreement currently being finalized.
Bulgaria's tourism industry recorded a significant 41% increase in travel revenue from Germany during the 2025 summer season, positioning the country as a leading destination for German travelers. This growth was highlighted at the DRV Capital Congress 2025 in Berlin, driven by competitive pricing, diverse attractions, and strategic marketing efforts.
The World Exposition 2025 in Osaka, Japan, has officially concluded its six-month run on Yumeshima Island. The event, themed 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives,' drew over 25 million visitors and showcased global innovations and cultural exchanges.
Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, recognized Spain as a crucial partner in the island's economic growth, particularly in tourism, during Spain's National Day reception on October 9, 2025. Spanish investments in Jamaica's tourism sector have exceeded US$2.5 billion, with significant projects underway.
Villa Hegra, the first joint Saudi-French cultural foundation, officially launched in AlUla on October 2, 2025. Inaugurated by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud and French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, it serves as an international platform for dialogue, creativity, and cultural exchange, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
China's extended National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, dubbed 'Super Golden Week,' saw a significant surge in domestic tourism and consumption. Over 826 million domestic trips generated RMB 753.43 billion in tourism revenue, signaling strong economic vitality and evolving consumer trends.
Ryanair announced a 20% reduction in its Riga Airport operations for the upcoming winter season, canceling seven international routes and 160,000 seats. The airline cited a 15% increase in airport fees and aviation taxes since 2021, making Riga less competitive compared to other European destinations.
The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin its phased rollout on October 12, 2025, impacting non-EU Schengen countries like Liechtenstein. The system will require biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints, from third-country nationals for short stays, replacing traditional passport stamping.
A recent 'Game Jam: Estonian Folklore Edition' hackathon in Tallinn saw nearly 80 developers and folklorists collaborate to create 15 unique video game prototypes based on Estonian myths and fairytales. The 48-hour event, held at Tallinn Creative Hub, aimed to showcase the rich cultural heritage and boost the local gaming industry.
