Browsing: Travel

In July 2026, South Korea welcomed over 2 million foreign travelers, marking a continued rebound above pre-pandemic levels. Data indicate widespread growth across South Korea’s key inbound markets, with China remaining the dominant source. Chinese travelers contributed roughly 777,000 arrivals, followed by visitors from Japan, Taiwan, the United States, and Hong Kong. Leading Asian Markets Drive Visitor Increases The U.S. saw a 54.4% rise in arrivals compared to July 2019, and Hong Kong’s visitors grew by 29.1%. Seven-Month Visitor Count Hits 12.8 Million During the first half of 2026, Hong Kong contributed approximately 420,000 visitors.

Air Arabia plans to commence direct flights between Sharjah and Gdansk starting December 14, 2026. This new route will connect Sharjah International Airport with Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport five times per week, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The addition enhances direct travel options between the UAE and northern Poland, broadening Air Arabia’s network within the country. Tickets for the new service are currently available through the airline’s sales outlets.

Etihad’s Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service will operate four times weekly this winter. This new route marks Gothenburg’s first direct flight connection to the United Arab Emirates, providing the city its inaugural nonstop route to the Middle East and Asia. Travelers from western Sweden can now connect via Abu Dhabi to numerous destinations across India and Asia. Conversely, travelers departing from Gothenburg will have direct access to Abu Dhabi, facilitating easy transit to wider regions.

South Korea posted a $596.6 million tourism surplus in June 2026, marking its strongest monthly result since the COVID-19 pandemic. South Korea welcomed 1,993,128 international tourists in June, reflecting a 23.1% increase from the same month last year. During the first half of 2026, international arrivals totaled 10,709,919, which is 21% higher than the previous year. Foreign tourist credit card spending in this period hit 10.0389 trillion won, a 50.8% increase.

Spain has restored temporary border checks for travelers arriving from Italy under Schengen rules. On the first day of enforcement, Spain’s Interior Ministry checked 199 travelers on 12 flights from Italy. Security personnel carried out passport, nationality, and visa checks on passengers arriving from Italy at airports including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, Alicante, and Valencia. While these border controls are in effect, air and sea routes between Spain and Italy continue functioning normally. Italy introduced its restrictions on Aug. 1 following a significant influx of migrants into Ceuta, Spain’s North African territory. Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reported that roughly 70,000 of those arrivals had left the enclave by Aug. 4. Italy responded by stating it would keep its controls in place until the risk was deemed to have subsided. Spain scheduled its border checks to end on Sept. 7.

Dubai-based airline flydubai announced a significant boost to its European route network on Wednesday, with increased flight frequencies to major Italian destinations to meet growing international travel demand. According to Emirates News Agency, flydubai is enhancing its Italian operations by adding more flights to Milan-Bergamo and Naples, thereby strengthening direct connections between the United Arab Emirates and Southern Europe. Starting July 31, 2026, the airline will operate a double-daily service linking Dubai International Airport and Milan-Bergamo Airport, while also increasing flights to Naples International Airport to a daily schedule.

Emirates and Crypto.com have partnered to provide customers with a new payment method, allowing travelers to purchase flights using digital assets through the airline’s website and mobile application. This digital payment platform is accessible to residents of the UAE for both domestic and international flight bookings, with transactions settled in Emirati Dirhams. The system’s architecture enables users to seamlessly transfer to their digital wallet to authorize flight payments and receive e-tickets instantly. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s Cashless Strategy and aims to promote digital settlement in various sectors.

The museum’s architecture includes 30 indoor galleries offering 11,600 square metres of exhibition space, complemented by 23,000 square metres of outdoor display zones. A central atrium links the spaces, with ten sculptural cones defining the skyline—nine clad in stainless steel mesh and one featuring onyx and glass. These cones, reaching up to 88 metres, are more than aesthetic features; they facilitate natural breezes and shade, utilizing passive cooling methods to mitigate energy use in the desert climate. The complex also features a dedicated arts and technology centre, specialized children’s facilities, historical archives, a research library, and an advanced conservation lab.

The Republic of Korea saw nearly 2 million foreign visitors in June, propelling the total number of international arrivals in the first half of the year past a notable milestone. Official figures from the government confirm that Korea’s foreign tourist numbers surpassed 10 million in H1, driven by persistent double-digit growth from key regional markets. Regional tourist destinations report strong international visitor growth beyond capital hubs. Mainland China continued as the top source, with 650,000 arrivals in June, and the fastest annual growth rate among major markets. Japan ranked second, with 350,000 visitors in June, totaling 1.95 million in the first half. Taiwan maintained its third-place position, adding 220,000 arrivals in June and reaching 1.15 million visitors over six months.

New government data shows South Korea’s travel account posts surplus for 3rd consecutive month in May amid rising tourist arrivals. The post May foreign tourist arrivals drive South Korea travel surplus appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..