Raini Hamdi, Skift
Saudi Arabia has unwittingly learned that to open its doors to international leisure travelers, a good start is to first open the hearts of its own local population to discover the country's unique destinations.
1 month ago
Colin Nagy, Skift
Dubai is offering a master class on safety, operational protocols, and reopening to the world. Other countries, including the U.S., need to take note.
3 months ago
Ece Toksabay and Daren Butler, Reuters
Officials still want Hagia Sophia to draw about four million tourists a year. But authorities may obscure some of the structure's glorious mosaics and frescoes to comply with interpretations of Islam that ban the portrayal of people and animals.
4 months ago
Jacob Greaves and Aziz El Yaakoubi, Reuters
Dubai hoteliers say they are relying on staycations for near-term business, but hotels in the tourist-centric emirate can't survive on local travel alone.
4 months ago
Reuters, Reuters
Saudi Arabia has erred on the side of caution for this year's hajj — the first time in modern history that Muslims from around the world will be unable to make the religious pilgrimage.
4 months ago
Samar Hassan, Reuters
All positive news is welcome these days.
4 months ago
Rosie Spinks, Skift
Even during what is perhaps the worst crisis for global tourism in modern times, Saudi Arabia is redoubling its efforts to become a world class tourism destination.
4 months ago
Korey Matthews, Skift
Expanding in a pandemic is a bold move unto itself. But Dubai-based Leva Hotels' plans to operate hotels in the U.S. are doubly courageous — and its success or failure will be closely watched back in the Middle East.
4 months ago
Tuvan Gumrukcu, Reuters
Governments are going to huge efforts to open up for the summer season, and in Turkey's case that means discussions with some 92 countries.
5 months ago
Daren Butler, Reuters
It's a symbolic move for Turkey to reopen one of its most famous attractions, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. But it's also important that the country has been able to stick with its timetable of easing restrictions taken against the pandemic.
5 months ago
Nayera Abdallah and Samar Hassan, Reuters
The reopening of this critical gateway airport will be welcome news for those airlines pinning hopes on an initial Asian and Australian tourism revival.
5 months ago
Jon Gambrell, Associated Press
Forget the idea that butterfly wings trigger hurricanes. With its Expo 2020 postponed, flights grounded, and investment halted, this sheikdom in the United Arab Emirates has seen how a pandemic can trigger an economic crisis in a very practical way.
6 months ago
