Saudi Arabia has marked a historic milestone in its tourism sector, with international visitor spending reaching an unprecedented SR49.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 9.7 percent increase from the same period in 2024. This surge contributed to a travel surplus of SR26.8 billion, up 11.7 percent year-on-year, underscoring the Kingdom’s rapid transformation into a global tourism powerhouse.

This remarkable growth is fueled by strategic initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and position tourism as a key pillar. The Ministry of Tourism credits this success to enhanced visa facilitation, innovative digital platforms like the ‘Spirit of Saudi Arabia’ app and the smart tour guide ‘Sara’, and the development of diverse tourism segments including adventure, ecotourism, cultural, medical, and business tourism.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism renaissance is anchored by world-class projects and heritage sites. The ultra-luxury Red Sea Project offers pristine coastal experiences such as snorkeling and scuba diving, while NEOM’s sustainable eco-tourism initiatives attract environmentally conscious travelers seeking unique adventures. Cultural tourism flourishes with revitalized sites like AlUla and Diriyah Gate, enhanced by immersive technologies that enrich visitor engagement.

Luxury tourism is also booming, with significant investments in high-end resorts and hospitality infrastructure. For instance, AlUla’s “Journey Through Time” masterplan, a $15 billion initiative, is set to generate tens of thousands of jobs and billions in GDP by 2035, featuring new luxury hotels like Marriott and Six Senses. NEOM’s Sindalah Island resort, with its upscale retail, dining, and leisure offerings, exemplifies the Kingdom’s ambition to attract affluent global travelers.

Building on this momentum, Saudi Arabia recently launched TOURISE, a groundbreaking 50-year tourism roadmap designed to sustain and accelerate growth. The initiative, supported by global industry leaders, focuses on AI-powered tourism, innovative business models, travel experience enhancement, and sustainable development. The first TOURISE Summit is scheduled for November 2025 in Riyadh, promising to showcase high-value investment opportunities and foster international collaboration.

The Kingdom’s tourism sector now contributes nearly five percent of GDP, second only to oil, and is projected to grow by 8 percent in 2025, with visitor numbers expected to surpass 30 million by year-end. This rapid expansion is backed by an $800 billion investment commitment and a vibrant calendar of global events, including the upcoming Esports World Cup and FIFA World Cup 2034.

At the Arabian Travel Market 2025, Saudi Arabia reinforced its global tourism leadership by securing 14 major international partnerships with hotel groups, travel platforms, and regional operators. The “Saudi Land” pavilion attracted over 46,000 visitors, showcasing the Kingdom’s diverse destinations and cultural heritage. These collaborations aim to enhance connectivity, diversify tourism products, and boost international arrivals.

The Saudi Tourism Authority’s summer 2025 program, ‘Colour Your Summer’, highlights the Kingdom’s year-round appeal, promoting coastal escapes along the Red Sea and adventure tourism in mountainous regions like Aseer and Taif. These efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy to cater to diverse traveler preferences and further integrate tourism into the national economy.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom in early 2025 is a testament to the Kingdom’s visionary leadership and strategic execution. By blending heritage preservation, luxury development, technological innovation, and sustainability, Saudi Arabia is rewriting the global tourism playbook. As the Kingdom accelerates toward its Vision 2030 targets, it is poised to become a dynamic, multifaceted destination that offers unparalleled experiences to travelers worldwide.

Italy is preparing for a major disruption in air transport on September 26, 2025, when unions representing airline and airport workers have planned a nationwide 24-hour strike. This follows the end of the legally mandated summer ban on strikes, which lasted from late July to early September.

 Recent weeks have already seen localized strikes, such as by handling staff at Milan Linate and Malpensa airports and train staff in Calabria.

The September 26 walkout, organized primarily by the transport union CUB Trasporti, is expected to involve baggage handlers, ground crews, and security staff at airports across Italy. Milan’s Linate and Malpensa airports will see handling teams stop work for four hours, creating pressure on operations at two of the country’s busiest hubs.

 Security staff at Cagliari Elmas Airport in Sardinia will strike for the full day. The low-cost carrier Volotea’s staff will also join the action, affecting domestic and short-haul European routes.

Italian authorities have cautioned travelers to expect significant delays, longer lines at check-in and baggage drop areas, and possible flight disruptions due to reduced staffing.

Italian law mandates “guaranteed flights” during protected time slots early in the morning and late at night; however, airlines advise passengers to monitor their flight statuses closely and prepare for schedule changes. Travelers connecting through Italian airports or flying from affected hubs should build in extra time for their journeys.

This industrial action stems from unresolved disputes over wages, working conditions, and staffing levels within the transport sector, a conflict mirrored in other nearby countries such as Portugal, where ground handling staff at Menzies Aviation have also launched ongoing industrial protests.

The strike poses a significant challenge for a country where air travel is a key component of mobility and tourism, especially in a post-pandemic period marked by rising passenger numbers. Travelers are urged to stay updated through official transport ministry resources and airlines to minimize inconvenience amidst the expected nationwide disruption.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently made it much harder for Nepali citizens to get visit visas to Dubai and other emirates. Starting September 15, 2025, the UAE temporarily suspended issuing visit visas for Nepalis amid concerns about misuse of visas, political unrest in Nepal, and security issues. Although the Nepali Embassy in the UAE has not received any official notice, UAE authorities have confirmed this decision informally.

The move was motivated by investigations into the vandalism, arson, and looting during the September 9 protests in Nepal, as well as a prison break from Jhumka Prison. Another key concern is the long-standing issue of human trafficking, where some brokers use visit visas to illegally send Nepali women to Gulf countries like Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain for domestic work.

Before this suspension, Dubai had already stopped accepting most visit visa applications from Nepali nationals, forcing many travelers to apply through Sharjah. However, Sharjah's visa approvals for Nepalis have also been suspended, effectively blocking most tourist visit visas. The requirement of stricter documentation and tighter immigration rules in 2025 has further complicated the visa process.

Travel agencies in Nepal report that many applicants face sudden visa rejections without clear reasons, causing frustration and financial losses.

The UAE hosts about 800,000 Nepali workers, many of whom initially traveled on visit visas before securing work permits. These new visa restrictions disrupt a common migration route for many Nepalis seeking employment in the UAE or other Gulf countries. In addition, travel plans are complicated by recent flight cancellations and disruptions caused by political unrest and airport closures in Kathmandu.

Officials and travel agents in Nepal advise travelers to exercise caution and keep updated with official information. For those still eligible, a UAE visit visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days, and processing generally takes about 20 business days. Valid visa applications require complete documents such as flight bookings, passport, accommodation proof, and sometimes a letter of invitation or proof of business activity.

In summary, the UAE’s new visa restrictions have made it very difficult for Nepali nationals to obtain visit visas, affecting tourism and short-term visits severely. These measures are driven by security and immigration concerns, political factors, and efforts to crack down on illegal activities such as human trafficking. Nepali travelers now face uncertainty and delays, and many are forced to reconsider their travel and work plans related to the UAE.

An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Dunedin was forced into a dramatic turnaround on Saturday, September 13, 2025, after encountering dangerous windshear during two aborted landing attempts. Flight NZ676, operated by an Airbus A320, struggled to safely touch down at Dunedin Airport amid gusts reaching 78 km/h, before the pilot made the difficult decision to return to Auckland.

Chief Operating Officer Alex Marren confirmed that all passengers were re-accommodated on subsequent flights and issued an apology for the disruption caused by the volatile weather. “The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority,” Marren said. “Given the severe and sudden wind changes during the approach, the decision to divert was necessary.”

The aircraft, an 8.9-year-old A320 registered ZK-OXM, approached Dunedin twice but was forced to abort landings due to the windshear—a phenomenon involving a rapid shift in wind speed and direction that presents serious hazards for pilots, especially during critical phases like landing. Winds over the Otago region gusted fiercely throughout the day, with a 78 km/h peak recorded near the runway.

Broadcaster Matty McLean, among the passengers aboard, shared gripping footage on social media showing the aircraft swaying as it neared touchdown. Passengers initially cheered as the plane appeared to land, only for the pilot to suddenly pull up again in a go-around maneuver. McLean described the experience as “pretty scary,” noting that the first landing attempt ended abruptly, and the second almost reached the runway before the safety procedure was enacted.

Despite the tension, McLean praised the crew for their professionalism and calm demeanor during the ordeal. “The pilots and cabin crew handled it exceptionally well. Their priority was keeping us safe, which was very reassuring,” he told Stuff.co.nz. McLean, who was travelling with his husband Ryan Teece, also voiced disappointment over missing the Dunedin Marathon, an event he had been eagerly preparing for. “We were both really excited about the race and the weekend in Dunedin. It was frustrating, but in the end, the weather dictates what happens in aviation.”

Meteorologists had forecast gusty conditions for Otago on Saturday, caused by a strong low-pressure system interacting with the region’s terrain. Aviation experts note that Dunedin Airport’s coastal location often subjects it to challenging wind patterns. The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand highlights that “windshear incidents, while rare, are treated with utmost caution due to the significant risk they pose during takeoff and landing.”

Sunday’s weather was expected to bring more settled conditions, allowing flights to proceed without major disruptions. Air New Zealand reportedly adjusted its schedules to manage delays caused by the earlier cancellations.

McLean, undeterred by the setback, joked that after circling in the air for hours, he and Teece returned to Auckland to pick up their dog from friends. He also expressed his determination to return next year for the marathon, saying, “I’ll definitely give Dunedin another shot in 2026—hopefully with clearer skies.”

This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of weather and its impact on regional air travel in New Zealand, emphasizing how airlines and crews prioritize safety even as passengers grapple with disappointment.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is set to begin phased operations of its expanded Terminal 2 next Tuesday, with the new coach waiting lounge being the first facility to open, according to the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK). This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance airport capacity, streamline operations, and boost the city's tourism sector.

The new coach waiting lounge, a key feature of the Terminal 2 expansion, will accommodate 41 parking bays for various transport services, including tour coaches, cross-boundary buses, limousines, and resident shuttle buses. Steven Yiu Siu-chung, the Airport Operations Executive Director, highlighted this as a significant upgrade to ground transportation facilities, improving efficiency for both travelers and operators.

In approximately six months, the departure level of Terminal 2 is expected to become operational. At that point, certain airlines will relocate their check-in counters from the existing Terminal 1 to the new Terminal 2, further distributing passenger flow and optimizing space. This strategic move aims to alleviate congestion in Terminal 1 and provide a more seamless travel experience as HKIA continues to recover and expand its services.

Further infrastructural changes include the repurposing of the existing Terminal 1 car park by the end of this year. It will be transformed into dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones for pre-booked taxis, ride-hailing services, and traditional taxi fleets. This re-organization is designed to improve traffic flow and convenience for passengers accessing ground transportation.

In an effort to stimulate tourism and retail, Yiu also announced an expansion of the airport departure tax exemption scope. While the departure tax will increase from HK$120 to HK$200 starting next month, travelers entering Hong Kong by land or sea and departing via HKIA within two days will be eligible for a refund. This initiative aims to attract more transit passengers to make short stopovers in the city, providing a boost to local businesses.

Passengers seeking a refund can apply through a new electronic platform within 28 days after their departure. The application process will be largely paperless, requiring the submission of three key documents: proof of tax payment, the travel document used for entry into Hong Kong, and their boarding pass. Refunds will be disbursed via credit card, e-wallet, or cash at designated money changers within the airport, offering flexibility to travelers.

This phased expansion and the strategic tax exemption program underscore HKIA's commitment to reinforcing its status as a premier international aviation hub. The enhancements are part of the larger Three-runway System project, which aims to significantly increase HKIA's capacity to handle projected passenger and cargo growth in the coming decades. Industry analysts note that such upgrades are crucial for Hong Kong to maintain its competitive edge against other major Asian airports, particularly as regional travel continues to rebound.

Starting October 12, 2025, non-European visitors to the European Union will no longer receive traditional passport stamps, as the EU introduces the biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) across 29 countries. This new digital system, affecting around 700 million annual border crossings, aims to modernize border controls by replacing manual stamping with biometric data collection such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning.

The EES will be gradually deployed over six months at airports, seaports, and land border crossings, with full implementation targeted by April 10, 2026, across all external Schengen borders. First-time visitors will undergo biometric enrollment, where facial photographs and four fingerprints are taken to create secure digital profiles. Children under 12 will provide facial images only. Repeat visitors who submitted fingerprints when applying for visas will only need to have their facial image captured at the border.

Designed to replace the time-consuming and unreliable manual passport stamping, the EES will enable automatic tracking of visitor stays and more efficient identification of overstayers, addressing long-standing enforcement issues within the Schengen Area. The system applies to all non-EU nationals on short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, regardless of visa-free access or visa possession.

Travelers with biometric passports will benefit from self-service kiosks at participating border crossings to speed up processing after their initial enrollment, although some delays are expected during the early rollout. Major European airports such as Frankfurt and Paris Charles de Gaulle will lead the deployment, while smaller and remote crossings will follow at a slower pace, with some continuing traditional stamping temporarily until system readiness.

Stored biometric and travel records will be retained for three years, extending to five years in cases of overstayers or non-registered exits. The system complies with stringent EU privacy regulations by limiting database access to authorized law enforcement and border control agencies only.

Several member states, including Malta, face challenges in upgrading infrastructure and training personnel in time for the October deadline. Industry groups welcome the phased implementation to allow airlines and ferry operators to adapt but caution about potential initial disruptions.

The EES rollout also lays the groundwork for the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), slated for launch in late 2026. ETIAS will require visa-exempt travelers to apply for pre-travel authorization at a cost of €20, similar to the U.S. ESTA system, further tightening Europe’s border security.

This move places Europe among the first regions to deploy a comprehensive digital border management system, following precedents like Australia, which ended passport stamping in 2012, and Argentina and several Asian countries more recently. European officials emphasize that the system incorporates lessons learned from these earlier adopters while addressing the continent’s specific security and travel volume challenges.

Despite initial delays and criticism over the extended development timeline—ETIAS itself has been postponed five times since its originally planned 2021 launch officials expect both EES and ETIAS to improve security and streamline traveler processing for the millions entering Europe annually.