Browsing: Travel

South Korea’s Tourism Surplus Hits Highest Level Since the Pandemic, Driven by Visitor Growth

South Korea achieved a tourism surplus of $596.6 million in June 2026, marking its strongest monthly performance since the onset of COVID-19. This figure reflects an improvement of $1.44 billion compared to June 2025, when the country’s balance was at an $846.8 million deficit. According to data from the Korea Tourism Organization, June’s surplus was the second-highest monthly record ever, with only October 2008 surpassing it at $661.5 million.

Spain enforces temporary border checks on travelers arriving from Italy, following Italian restrictions

Starting from midnight on Aug. 8, Spain has implemented temporary border controls on travelers arriving from Italy by air and sea, with plans to keep them in place until Sept. 7. The move came in response to Italy’s own temporary measures on arrivals from Spain. These checks introduce document verification procedures along routes that are typically part of the European Union’s Schengen zone of free movement.

flydubai Boosts Flight Frequencies to Milan Bergamo and Naples as Part of Expansion Strategy

The extended routes to Milan-Bergamo and Naples continue to operate under the established codeshare partnership between flydubai and the international flag carrier Emirates. This collaboration enables passengers to benefit from integrated travel plans, unified ticketing options, synchronized schedules, and through-checked baggage handling across both networks. Utilizing the joint route network through Dubai’s central hub allows travelers connecting from Italian airports to access long-haul destinations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East more efficiently, including direct flights to Kenya, Oman, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Zanzibar.

Crypto.com and Emirates Collaborate to Introduce Digital Wallet Payment Options for Flights

Emirates has launched a new cryptocurrency payment feature on Tuesday, allowing eligible travelers to purchase flights using digital assets via its website and mobile application. Officially confirmed by Emirates News Agency, this development is a result of a strategic memorandum of understanding signed in July 2025 between Emirates and Crypto.com. The digital asset payment system is accessible to residents of the United Arab Emirates booking both international and domestic flights paid for in Emirati Dirhams (AED). Payments are processed through Crypto.com’s checkout platform, granting travelers direct access to their digital wallets during ticket purchase.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Set to Open on December 11, 2026, as Announced by Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi

Exterior view of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi entrance plaza on Saadiyat Island. (Credit – WAM) The museum’s architectural design includes 30 interior galleries offering 11,600 square metres of exhibition space, complemented by 23,000 square metres of outdoor display zones. A central atrium links these areas, while ten sculptural cones define the skyline—nine clad in stainless steel mesh and one finished with onyx and glass. These cones, reaching heights of up to 88 metres, serve more than an aesthetic purpose; they are engineered to harness natural breezes and provide shading, integrating passive cooling methods to minimize energy use in the desert climate. The institution also features a dedicated art and technology centre, specialized facilities for children’s education, historical archives, a research library, and a state-of-the-art conservation lab. Since beginning its collection efforts in 2009, the museum has methodically built an extensive permanent collection that bridges local, regional, and international artistic trends. The curatorial approach emphasizes thematic rather than strictly chronological displays, exploring transregional stories across different geographies, generations, and mediums from the mid-twentieth century to today. The collection underscores the historical role of the Emirates at the crossroads of global trade and cultural exchanges spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. By establishing connections among diverse artistic voices, the museum aims to offer visitors innovative perspectives for understanding contemporary global art history. Curatorial Strategy Links International Modern and Contemporary Art Narratives G

Korea Tourism Organization Reports Over 10.71 Million Foreign Visitors Arrived in H1

The Republic of Korea recorded nearly 2 million international arrivals in June, propelling the total number of foreign travelers entering the country during the first six months of the year beyond a significant milestone. Official data from the government, published by Emirates News Agency, confirms that Korea’s foreign tourist arrivals surpassed 10 million in H1, driven by consistent double-digit growth in key regional markets. Data compiled by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism indicates that 1.99 million foreigners visited in June alone, marking a 23.1 percent rise compared to the same month last year. This strong monthly growth pushed the total for the first half to 10.71 million visitors, representing a 21.3 percent increase from the 8.8 million recorded during the same period in 2025 and surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 26.9 percent.

Indians in Iran urged to depart using commercial flights

India warns against Iran travel asks citizens already there to consider leaving as conflict intensifies. Book commercial flights now. The post Indians in Iran urged to depart using commercial flights appeared first on Gulf Daily Report: The Gulf’s daily news, fully reported..