Destinations

‘More to Japan than cherry blossoms’, tourist board insists in message to agents

Agents will be fundamental in positioning Japan as a year-round destination and to avoid overcrowding, Japan National Tourism Organisation boss Airi Motokura tells TTG at WTM London

Tenerife looking to attract ‘more affluent’ tourists in 2025

Tenerife Tourism Corporation chief executive, Dimple Melwani, said tourism numbers have increased from 2019 to 2023 but revealed the island is looking for ‘new visitors’

Sri Lanka tourism chief: ‘We're a safe, year-round destination’

Buddhika Herwawasam, chair of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, told TTG UK arrivals constituted 20% of all international visitors this year so far

Greece urges cruise lines to do more to tackle mass tourism

It comes as the country refocuses efforts to disperse tourists and encourage visitors to Greece throughout the year rather than in just the summer and the shoulder seasons

4 hidden Thai gems offering enriching experiences away from the crowds

Switch up Thailand’s most popular resorts for hidden gems that will make your clients fall in love with the destination all over again

Majorcans ‘live off tourism’ argues tourism chief amid protests

Susanna Sciacovelli, director of the island’s tourism board, highlighted the confusion that can arise from using the word ’overtourism’ in media reports

Tourism minister pledges to amplify outbound sector's voice at government level

Speaking to TTG at WTM London, tourism minister Sir Chris Bryant pledged to invite more outbound industry members onto a key government committee, saying he wants to listen

'Houston, we appear to have an image problem'

’Whether travellers factor the governance of a destination into their holiday booking decisions is something those involved in promoting and selling the US will learn over the next four years,’ writes Phil Bloomfield for TTG following Donald Trump’s re-election

Another ‘Trump slump’? What the US election result means for travel

Trump’s 2016 victory slowed tourism to the US, and agents believe his re-election could give UK travellers ‘pause for thought’

Ade Adepitan hails Spain's ‘game-changing’ accessibility report ‘a blueprint for progress’

TV presenter and basketball paralympian Ade Adepitan linked up with Spain to help the country launch its ‘transformative’ report into accessibility, which he hailed a ‘blueprint’ for progress

Portugal's Algarve region fixes sights on becoming ‘top diving destination’

The Portuguese region is ‘working on becoming a top dive destination’, according to Andre Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Bureau

Malta hopeful of converting Gozo day trips into longer stays with new airfield

A new rural airfield will open in Gozo in late-2026 which Gozo’s tourism authorities hope will allow it to convert traditional day trippers into longer-stay tourists

Egypt 'can't grow as projected until there is peace in the region'

The Israel-Gaza conflict has stunted the destination’s growth this year, according to Egypt’s new minister of tourism and antiquities

Palestine ready to welcome 'a different kind of tourist’ once war ends

Tourism in Palestine is set to look vastly different after the war in Gaza, with UK travellers in particular looking to increase spend in local communities according to the state’s tourism chief

Thailand: 'Highlight The White Lotus filming locations and legalisation of same-sex marriage'

The Thai governor shared exciting developments such as the country legalising same-sex marriage in January 2025 and appearing in highly anticipated films and TV series [partner content]

Dubai keen to 'change the narrative' around safety and accessibility

The emirate has enjoyed a record number of arrivals, but tourism chief says she wants to ensure everyone feels welcome

Agents should feel confident selling Florida after 'fantastic' post-hurricane clean-up

Florida is open for business and agents can feel confident selling the destination – that was the message from Visit Florida at WTM, less than two months after the US state was hit by successive hurricanes

Israel begins laying the ground for tourists' return at WTM London

Israel has returned to WTM London after withdrawing last year following the 7 October attacks by Hamas

Tobago to target more direct flights with new $1bn airport terminal

Tobago plans to attract more direct flights with the opening of an enlarged airport terminal and at least one new hotel development

Costa Rica to up focus on tourist dispersal in bid to cut overtourism threat

The Central American country hopes to prevent any risk of the kind of overcrowding seen in parts of Europe by encouraging tourists to travel to the south

Croatia: 'Nowhere does a Christmas market better than Zagreb'

The capital’s citywide celebrations are a festive must-do, said Bisera Fabrio, new UK director of the Croatia National Tourist Board

Italy to shake up offer to mature markets as focus turns to the east

Italian Tourism Board director of marketing and promotion Maria Elena Rossi told TTG about the country’s plans to attract more repeat and high-spending visitors at WTM London

New luxury Maldives resort to place locals at the forefront of the guest experience

Villa Resorts Maldives says local people and culture are integral to its brand and will front the operation

Adventures, orangutans and cultural experiences: how to sell Sarawak

Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia and home to an array of incredible adventures and experiences. Discover which clients will love the destination, the activities available and the natural wonders they should see.