South Korea recorded its highest-ever first-quarter tourism figures in 2026, welcoming 4.76 million international visitors, marking a 23% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on April 16.

Despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East emerging in March, the country maintained strong momentum. March alone drew approximately 2.06 million foreign visitors, a 27% year-on-year rise and a new monthly record. The surge coincided with the highly anticipated return performance of global K-pop group BTS on March 21.

Officials attributed the growth to the continued global appeal of Korean culture, noting that the country is strengthening its position as a leading international tourism destination.

China remained the largest source of visitors, contributing more than 1.45 million arrivals, up 29% from a year earlier. Japan followed with 940,000 visitors, reflecting a 20.2% increase. Taiwan recorded the fastest growth among major markets, with arrivals rising 37.7% to 540,000.

Long-haul travel also expanded, with visitors from the United States and Europe reaching a combined 690,000, up 17.1%, indicating a broader diversification of inbound tourism sources.

The cruise tourism segment showed notable growth, with 338 ship calls recorded at key ports such as Jeju, Busan, and Incheon—an increase of 52.9% year-on-year. Authorities credited improvements in port infrastructure and the development of tourism offerings for this rise.

Travel patterns also shifted, with arrivals via regional airports surging 49.7%. The proportion of tourists visiting destinations outside Seoul increased to 34.5%, up 3.2 percentage points compared to last year.

Tourist spending trends improved alongside arrival numbers. Foreign card transactions rose by 23%, underlining tourism’s growing contribution to domestic consumption. Visitor satisfaction remained high, with an overall score of 90.8.

The strong start to the year strengthens the likelihood of South Korea achieving its revised 2026 tourism target of 23 million visitors, a 21.4% increase from 18.94 million recorded in 2025.

The government has intensified efforts to support the sector following the expansion of a national tourism strategy announced by President Lee Jae Myung in February.

Recent measures include expanded eligibility for multiple-entry visas—valid for five and ten years—for nationals from 12 countries, including China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Additionally, the number of countries eligible for automated immigration clearance has increased from 18 to 42.

To further enhance travel convenience, expedited immigration processing for international conference participants was extended from April 1 to include up to two accompanying individuals. On April 10, authorities also launched a joint public-private initiative with Korea Railroad to improve transportation access to regional destinations.

Kang Jung-won, head of the Tourism Policy Office, said the government would continue implementing strategies under the national tourism framework to boost competitiveness. He also highlighted potential challenges, including rising airfare driven by higher fuel costs and uncertainties in global travel demand.

Source: straitstimes

South Korea recorded its highest-ever first-quarter tourism figures in 2026, welcoming 4.76 million international visitors, marking a 23% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on April 16.

Despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East emerging in March, the country maintained strong momentum. March alone drew approximately 2.06 million foreign visitors, a 27% year-on-year rise and a new monthly record. The surge coincided with the highly anticipated return performance of global K-pop group BTS on March 21.

Officials attributed the growth to the continued global appeal of Korean culture, noting that the country is strengthening its position as a leading international tourism destination.

China remained the largest source of visitors, contributing more than 1.45 million arrivals, up 29% from a year earlier. Japan followed with 940,000 visitors, reflecting a 20.2% increase. Taiwan recorded the fastest growth among major markets, with arrivals rising 37.7% to 540,000.

Long-haul travel also expanded, with visitors from the United States and Europe reaching a combined 690,000, up 17.1%, indicating a broader diversification of inbound tourism sources.

The cruise tourism segment showed notable growth, with 338 ship calls recorded at key ports such as Jeju, Busan, and Incheon—an increase of 52.9% year-on-year. Authorities credited improvements in port infrastructure and the development of tourism offerings for this rise.

Travel patterns also shifted, with arrivals via regional airports surging 49.7%. The proportion of tourists visiting destinations outside Seoul increased to 34.5%, up 3.2 percentage points compared to last year.

Tourist spending trends improved alongside arrival numbers. Foreign card transactions rose by 23%, underlining tourism’s growing contribution to domestic consumption. Visitor satisfaction remained high, with an overall score of 90.8.

The strong start to the year strengthens the likelihood of South Korea achieving its revised 2026 tourism target of 23 million visitors, a 21.4% increase from 18.94 million recorded in 2025.

The government has intensified efforts to support the sector following the expansion of a national tourism strategy announced by President Lee Jae Myung in February.

Recent measures include expanded eligibility for multiple-entry visas—valid for five and ten years—for nationals from 12 countries, including China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Additionally, the number of countries eligible for automated immigration clearance has increased from 18 to 42.

To further enhance travel convenience, expedited immigration processing for international conference participants was extended from April 1 to include up to two accompanying individuals. On April 10, authorities also launched a joint public-private initiative with Korea Railroad to improve transportation access to regional destinations.

Kang Jung-won, head of the Tourism Policy Office, said the government would continue implementing strategies under the national tourism framework to boost competitiveness. He also highlighted potential challenges, including rising airfare driven by higher fuel costs and uncertainties in global travel demand.

Source: straitstimes

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has expanded its inspection campaigns targeting licensed hospitality establishments, focusing on compliance with staff data registration and update requirements.

According to the ministry, the enhanced inspections are part of broader efforts to strengthen adherence to sector regulations, improve the overall quality of services provided to visitors, and ensure greater transparency in operational data.

Officials emphasized that maintaining accurate and up-to-date employee records is essential for effective monitoring and regulatory oversight within the rapidly growing tourism industry.

The ministry also urged all hospitality operators to complete the required data registration and updates within the designated timeframe. Failure to comply, it warned, could result in penalties in line with existing regulations.

Qatar Tourism has confirmed that its support hotline, 106, is fully operational and available to assist visitors to the State of Qatar amid ongoing regional developments. The hotline, which is available 24/7, provides real-time guidance and support for tourists facing any difficulties during this period.

In addition to helping with general inquiries, the service is offering critical assistance, including information on travel disruptions, safety measures, and alternative arrangements. Qatar Tourism encourages all visitors to reach out if they require any support or have concerns regarding their stay in the country. The initiative underscores Qatar's commitment to ensuring the well-being and security of its visitors during challenging times.

Saudi Arabia is working to double the economic contribution of its tourism industry, targeting an increase from SAR300 billion to SAR600 billion ($160 billion), Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb announced on Monday.

Speaking during the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Private Sector Forum in Riyadh, Al-Khateeb said the sector’s share of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product has grown steadily—from 3.5 percent in 2019 to about 5 percent today—with ambitions to reach 10 percent in the coming years. He added that tourism remains one of the nation’s fastest-growing job markets, now employing more than one million Saudis, up from roughly 750,000 only a few years ago.

The minister noted that this progress reflects the success of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy by strengthening non-oil sectors such as tourism, culture, and entertainment. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s tourism expansion has positioned the sector as a key pillar of the Kingdom’s economic transformation.

According to early data from the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia welcomed more than 122 million visitors—both domestic and international—in 2025, representing a 5 percent annual increase. The milestone brings the country closer to its strategic goal of attracting 150 million yearly visitors by 2030.

Tourism spending also rose to around SAR300 billion ($80 billion) last year, up 6 percent from 2024, underscoring the growing appeal of Saudi destinations and visitor experiences.

Al-Khateeb highlighted the PIF’s vital role in developing flagship tourism and entertainment projects such as the Red Sea development and Qiddiya, both expected to attract major investment, create jobs, and boost the private sector’s participation in building hotels, resorts, and leisure facilities.

He pointed out that the government continues to enhance the Kingdom’s investment climate through incentives and financing solutions provided by the Tourism Development Fund, enabling local and international investors to seize new opportunities in the expanding market.

Tourism, Al-Khateeb stressed, is a major global employer contributing about 10 percent to the world’s GDP. He said Saudi Arabia is leveraging this potential to create a more sustainable, diversified, and competitive economy anchored in national capabilities.

Upcoming international events and sports competitions hosted by the Kingdom are expected to further boost visitor numbers and accelerate progress toward the 150 million-visitor target.

The fourth edition of the PIF Private Sector Forum—opened by Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center—has become Saudi Arabia’s leading event for fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors. Since its launch in 2023, the forum has drawn over 25,000 local and global participants.

At last year’s edition, the PIF translated discussions into action by facilitating more than 140 agreements with a combined value exceeding SAR15 billion, strengthening private sector contributions to national growth.

Malaysia’s Parliament has passed the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link Bill 2026, paving the way for the launch of a cross-border rail service connecting Johor Bahru and Singapore. The legislation establishes the legal framework for the system’s operation, marking a major milestone in efforts to reduce congestion at the Johor–Singapore Causeway and enhance economic cooperation between both nations.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the RTS Link will cut travel time to just five minutes and operate frequently enough to accommodate around 10,000 passengers every hour.

He noted that the bill is built on three principles—empowering, complementing, and protecting. Addressing concerns over jurisdiction, Shamsul explained that Malaysian officers carrying out official duties in Singapore will be granted legal immunity there while remaining subject to Malaysian law.

To ensure smooth operations, 794 new positions have been created across the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA), the Customs Department, and the police. These officers will be deployed at the Bukit Chagar and Woodlands stations starting October 1.

The two stations will also be equipped with 100 AI-powered e-gates to speed up border clearance, allowing passengers to pass through in as little as seven seconds.

Shamsul added that all sensitive information, including biometric data, will be stored in secure Malaysian government data centers with strict cybersecurity protections. No personal data will be shared with foreign servers without official authorization, he stressed.