The incident occurred on Friday morning aboard Ryanair flight FR1879, operated by Malta Air, which had departed Thessaloniki for Memmingen, near Munich. According to flight tracking data, the Boeing 737 climbed to around 16,000 feet before turning back and landing safely at its departure airport.

Passengers described hearing a loud bang moments after take-off, followed by the deployment of oxygen masks as the aircraft rapidly lost cabin pressure. Several witnesses told Greek media that a male passenger was pulled towards the opening by the force of the airflow after the window became dislodged.

Local reports identified the man as a 61-year-old Serbian national. Some passengers claimed he remained hanging partially outside the aircraft for several minutes before fellow travellers managed to pull him back into the cabin. Other reports said his wife prevented him from being pulled further out by holding onto his legs. Witnesses also said the fact that he was wearing his seat belt may have prevented a more serious outcome.

“We immediately realised there had been a decompression. There were screams. For a moment I thought someone had accidentally opened the emergency door,” one passenger, identified only as Christina, told Radio Thessaloniki.

She added that oxygen masks fell from the ceiling and that there was a strong smell inside the cabin following the incident.

Greek media reported that the passenger was taken to hospital suffering from shock and friction burns caused by exposure to the freezing airflow outside the aircraft. Authorities have not officially confirmed the extent of his injuries.

Some passengers suggested that fragments from one of the aircraft’s engines may have struck the window, causing it to dislodge. However, Ryanair has not confirmed the cause of the incident, and this remains part of the ongoing investigation.

In a statement, Ryanair said: “A Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Memmingen on Friday morning returned to Thessaloniki shortly after takeoff when a passenger window dislodged inflight.”

“The aircraft landed normally and passengers returned to the terminal. One passenger requested and received medical assistance on the ground in Thessaloniki.”

The airline added that a replacement aircraft was arranged, allowing passengers to continue their journey to Memmingen later that morning.

The Irish Aviation Authority confirmed it was aware of the incident involving the Malta Air-operated aircraft and said it would assist the relevant Greek and Maltese aviation authorities if requested as part of the safety investigation.

The aircraft involved is reported to be an 18-year-old Boeing 737. Investigators are expected to examine what caused the window to become dislodged and whether any mechanical failure contributed to the incident.

Although cabin depressurisation events are rare, they are treated as serious aviation emergencies. Modern aircraft are designed to allow pilots to descend rapidly to a safe altitude while maintaining control of the aircraft, and passengers are instructed to use oxygen masks until the cabin is safely repressurised or the aircraft lands.

L’article Passenger nearly sucked out of window on Ryanair flight, witnesses say  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to the latest European Tourism: Trends & Prospects report published by the European Travel Commission (ETC), international tourist arrivals across Europe increased by 5.0% year-to-date compared with the same period in 2025, while overnight stays rose by 4.8%.

The figures indicate that travel remains a priority for consumers, even as travellers become increasingly selective about where, when and how they holiday. Safety, affordability, value for money and proximity are playing a greater role in destination choice, while travel is becoming more evenly distributed throughout the year.

Most European destinations continue to grow

Tourism growth remained broad-based across Europe, with almost 80% of reporting destinations recording increases in international arrivals and around one in five posting double-digit growth.

Greece emerged as Europe’s strongest performer, welcoming 38% more international visitors than during the same period last year. Italy followed with a 21% increase, while Malta recorded growth of 16%, supported by improved air connectivity and efforts to spread demand beyond traditional hotspots and the peak summer season.

Northern Europe outperformed every other subregion, with arrivals increasing by 10% and overnight stays by 8.4%. Central and Eastern Europe also posted healthy gains, with arrivals rising by 5.2% and nights by 6.9%, reflecting growing demand for destinations offering fresh experiences and better value for money.

Southern and Mediterranean Europe continued to deliver solid results in absolute terms, with broad-based growth across destinations including Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain.

Conflict in the Middle East disrupts aviation

Despite the positive overall picture, the report highlights the impact of ongoing conflict in the Middle East on parts of Europe’s tourism sector.

Disruption to air routes between Europe and several mid-haul and long-haul markets slowed aviation growth during the second quarter. European airlines recorded a 7% increase in Revenue Passenger Kilometres during the first quarter of 2026, but growth fell sharply to just 1% in April as regional instability affected flight operations.

Some destinations also experienced weaker tourism performance. Cyprus saw international arrivals decline by 17.9%, partly due to Easter calendar effects but also because of travellers’ concerns about the island’s perceived proximity to the conflict.

Türkiye likewise recorded a 2.1% decline in arrivals, reflecting softer demand from both European and long-haul markets.

Visitor spending generally outpaced arrivals

Travel expenditure increased faster than visitor numbers in many destinations, suggesting that average spending per visitor has risen compared with last year.

Greece again stood out, with tourism receipts increasing by 64.3% alongside a 38.3% rise in arrivals, indicating significantly higher spending per trip.

Italy presented a different picture. Although arrivals grew by 21.1%, travel spending increased by just 4.3%, pointing to lower average expenditure per visitor despite strong demand.

Cyprus and Türkiye were among the few destinations where both visitor numbers and tourism receipts declined.

Value, safety and flexibility shape travel choices

For the rest of 2026, ETC expects leisure travel demand to remain robust despite continued economic uncertainty.

Consumer spending on leisure travel across Europe’s main source markets is forecast to remain stable at around 13% of total household expenditure this year, well above the global average of 8.5%.

At the same time, travellers are becoming increasingly price-sensitive. According to ETC’s latest Travel Industry Monitor, 48% of respondents identified affordability and value for money as one of Europe’s key competitive advantages during the second quarter, up from 32% in the first quarter.

Destinations offering competitive prices, easy accessibility and flexibility are therefore expected to perform particularly well during the summer and autumn travel seasons.

Travellers are also increasingly favouring destinations closer to home. Interest in Southern and Mediterranean Europe for trips between June and November has risen to 61%, while shoulder-season travel continues to gain momentum as visitors seek to avoid overcrowding and increasingly frequent episodes of extreme heat.

Trends reinforce changing traveller behaviour

The latest findings reinforce trends identified in ETC’s recent Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel survey, previously reported by Travel Tomorrow, which found that 81% of Europeans intend to travel between June and November despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

That survey showed travellers increasingly prioritising safety, affordability and climate considerations when choosing destinations. It also found growing interest in lesser-known locations and travel outside the traditional peak summer period, with many visitors seeking quieter experiences and greater flexibility.

Interest in sustainable tourism also continues to grow. Google Trends data show rising searches for sustainable tourism in 2026 compared with the previous year. However, ETC notes that awareness has yet to translate fully into behaviour, with only 41% of consumers saying environmental concerns are likely to influence how they travel.

Commenting on the report, Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission, said European tourism had continued to demonstrate resilience despite an increasingly uncertain global environment.

“Travel remains a priority for consumers, but the way people travel is changing,” he said. “Affordability, safety, proximity and value for money are becoming increasingly important in destination choice. For European destinations, the priority is to remain competitive while supporting more balanced visitor flows across regions and seasons.”

L’article European tourist arrivals rise 5% despite geopolitical tensions  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Following the launch of the pilot programme, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism has published guidance covering eligible countries, package costs, visa validity, processing times and application requirements.

The initiative forms part of the Kingdom’s wider strategy to simplify international travel and expand its tourism sector under Saudi Vision 2030.

What is Saudi Arabia’s Package Visa?

The Package Visa allows eligible travellers to receive an electronic Saudi tourist visa as part of an integrated tourism booking. Instead of arranging flights, accommodation, insurance and a visa separately, visitors can complete the process through an approved travel provider.

Packages include an electronic tourist visa, confirmed return flights, accommodation and travel insurance. Travellers may also add tourism experiences, events, attractions and other activities to their itineraries.

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the initiative was intended to make travel to the Kingdom more seamless by integrating visa issuance with travel bookings.

“As Saudi’s tourism sector continues to grow at pace, Package Visa reflects our commitment to making travel to Saudi more seamless for visitors,” he said. “By integrating visa issuance with travel bookings, we are simplifying the visitor journey and creating a more connected travel experience.”

Al-Khateeb added that the initiative would strengthen collaboration across the tourism industry and support Saudi Arabia’s position as an increasingly accessible international destination.

Everything you need for your trip to Saudi, all in one place.​
Secure your Package Visa, flight, and stay all at the same time.​
Book now and get your Package Visa:

— Visit Saudi (@VisitSaudi) July 9, 2026

Which countries are eligible?

The Package Visa pilot is currently available to citizens of seven countries:

• Jordan
• Egypt
• India
• Bangladesh
• Indonesia
• Mexico
• Pakistan

The Ministry of Tourism said additional nationalities would be added as the programme expands into further international markets.

Which travel companies offer the Package Visa?

The Ministry currently lists two accredited travel agencies participating in the pilot programme: Reserval and Almosafer.

Bookings must be made through an approved travel and tourism service provider with the digital infrastructure and customer support systems required to process the packages.

As the programme develops, further travel companies may be authorised to offer the service.

Your AlUla trip has never been easier
Secure your Package Visa, flight, and stay together in just a few steps.
Book now and get your Package Visa:

— Visit Saudi (@VisitSaudi) July 8, 2026

How to apply for the Package Visa

Travellers must first select a qualifying tourism package through an accredited provider and complete the payment process using the company’s digital platform.

After the booking and personal information have been verified, the electronic tourist visa and travel insurance are issued. The traveller then receives the visa, flight details, hotel confirmation and other relevant travel documents by email.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the entire process is completed electronically and should be finalised within a maximum of 48 hours. Bookings must therefore be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure.

The Red Sea getaway is now closer
Your Package Visa, flight, and accommodation in one place, right at your fingertips.
Book now and get your Package Visa:

— Visit Saudi (@VisitSaudi) July 8, 2026

How much does the Package Visa cost?

The Ministry has set minimum values for qualifying packages rather than establishing a single fixed price.

The package must cost at least SR4,000, approximately $1,065, per adult for the first two days combined. Each additional day must add at least SR1,000, or around $266, to the package value.

The tourist visa itself costs SR402.21, approximately $107. This amount includes both the visa issuance fee and the premium for the mandatory health insurance policy.

The final cost of a trip may be higher depending on the flights, hotel, length of stay and additional tourism experiences selected by the traveller.

Introducing a seamless way to plan your Saudi trip
Your Package Visa, flight, and accommodation together in one place.​
Book now and get your Package Visa​:

— Visit Saudi (@VisitSaudi) July 9, 2026

What must the package include?

At a minimum, Package Visa bookings must include confirmed return flights, an electronic tourist visa application and accommodation in a hotel licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and rated at least four stars.

The accommodation dates must correspond with the flight itinerary and cover the visitor’s entire stay between arrival and departure.

Packages can also include events, activities, attractions and other experiences, allowing travel providers to create more comprehensive itineraries.

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How long can visitors stay?

Qualifying tourism packages must have a minimum duration of two days and a maximum duration of 88 days.

The Package Visa is valid for a single entry and remains valid for three months from the scheduled departure date indicated in the booking.

Travellers should carefully check that their flight and accommodation dates match before completing the purchase, as the visa is linked to the travel package.

Can Package Visa holders perform Umrah?

The tourism packages themselves do not include organised services or activities in the holy cities of Makkah or Madinah.

However, travellers receive a Saudi tourist visa and are permitted to travel elsewhere in the Kingdom after entering the country, including Makkah and Madinah, subject to the applicable rules governing access to the holy sites.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions

The Package Visa builds on Saudi Arabia’s existing range of entry options, including the tourist e-Visa, visa on arrival and Stopover Transit Visa.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, these initiatives contributed to the Kingdom welcoming more than 29 million inbound visitors in 2025. The Package Visa is intended to make travel planning easier, encourage longer stays and strengthen cooperation between authorities, airlines, hotels and tourism companies.

As reported by Travel Tomorrow, Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 150 million visitors annually by 2030, with tourism playing an increasingly important role in the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy.

Saudi Arabia has also sought to expand its influence within the international tourism industry through initiatives such as TOURISE, a global platform bringing together leaders from tourism, technology, investment, sustainability and culture.

IT’S OFFICIAL: FIFA ANNOUNCES SAUDI ARABIA AS THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2034 HOST NATION #WelcomeToSaudi34#Saudi34 pic.twitter.com/2YjTLYvpoA

— Saudi Arabia FIFA World Cup 2034 (@Saudi2034) December 11, 2024

Preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2034 are expected to accelerate investment further. Saudi Arabia plans to stage the tournament across 15 stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha and NEOM, alongside major investment in transport, hospitality and visitor infrastructure.

By combining flights, accommodation, insurance and visa issuance within a single booking, the Package Visa represents another step towards reducing barriers for international visitors and creating a more connected travel experience. 

L’article Everything travellers need to know about Saudi Arabia’s Package Visa est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Although the number of international arrivals continued to rise, growth slowed considerably from the 9.3% increase recorded in 2024, suggesting that the country’s tourism expansion is entering a more moderate phase.

Across all forms of tourist accommodation, Portugal registered 34.8 million guests and 89.7 million overnight stays in 2025, corresponding to year-on-year increases of 2.2% and 1.6%, respectively.

Spain remains Portugal’s largest source market

Spain remained the country’s largest international source market, accounting for 23.8% of foreign tourists, despite arrivals from the neighbouring country declining by 0.6%.

The United Kingdom retained second place, with an 11.9% share of international arrivals. British tourism increased by 1.9%, making the UK the only one of Portugal’s three largest source markets to record growth in 2025.

France ranked third, representing 10.9% of international tourists, although arrivals from the country fell by 2.9%.

Other markets contributed to the continued diversification of Portugal’s international tourism sector. Arrivals from North America increased by 6.9%, while the categories covering other European markets and the rest of the world grew by 13.5% and 12%, respectively.

When measured by overnight stays, the UK remained Portugal’s largest international market, accounting for 17.3% of the foreign total despite a decline of 1.7%.

Germany followed with an 11.8% share and growth of 1.3%. Spain represented 9.4% of foreign overnight stays after a 5.1% decline, while the United States strengthened its position with a 9.1% share and an increase of 5.3%.

Poland also stood out, recording an 11.4% rise in overnight stays, while the French market declined by 6.6%.

Domestic tourism grew faster than international demand

International visitors generated 60.2 million overnight stays in 2025, up 0.6% from the previous year and accounting for 67.1% of all nights spent in tourist accommodation.

Although foreign visitors continued to generate more than two-thirds of Portugal’s overnight stays, the country’s dependence on international markets decreased by 0.6 percentage points compared with 2024.

Domestic tourism grew more strongly. Portuguese residents generated 29.5 million overnight stays, representing 32.9% of the total and an annual increase of 3.5%.

The three largest international source markets accounted for 38.5% of foreign overnight stays, the lowest proportion recorded since 2013. According to the INE, the figures point to a broader and increasingly diversified international visitor base.

In total, 70 Portuguese municipalities recorded more overnight stays from international visitors than from domestic tourists.

Among the 25 municipalities where foreign visitors accounted for more than 75% of overnight stays, 10 were located in Madeira, seven in the Algarve, five in the Azores, two in northern Portugal and one in Greater Lisbon.

Tourism seasonality falls to lowest level since 2013

Portugal’s tourism seasonality rate fell to 36.4% in 2025, its lowest level since 2013, indicating that visitor activity was distributed more evenly throughout the year.

Seasonality remained higher among domestic travellers, at 40.4%, than among international visitors, at 34.4%, although the rate declined for both groups.

The reduction supports Portugal’s efforts to promote year-round tourism and attract travellers beyond the traditional summer season. The country has increasingly expanded its tourism offer beyond Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, promoting cultural, gastronomic, nature and rural tourism across less-visited regions.

Portugal’s reputation for safety, mild climate, historical heritage and established tourism infrastructure has also continued to support demand.

Travel Tomorrow reported in April 2026 that Portugal could benefit from changing international travel patterns as geopolitical instability in the Middle East encouraged some European travellers to favour destinations perceived as safe, politically stable and easily accessible.

A strategic analysis by IPDT – Tourism Intelligence estimated that Portugal could attract around €500 million from the German market alone, potentially bringing approximately 300,000 additional visitors and 2.4 million overnight stays.

The analysis nevertheless warned that further growth would need to be carefully managed, particularly in destinations already facing pressure from overtourism, housing shortages and the expansion of short-term rentals. It recommended directing more visitors towards central Portugal and other less-frequented regions.

Portuguese residents travelled more but spent less per trip

Portuguese residents made 26 million tourism trips in 2025, an increase of 13.7% compared with the previous year. Domestic travel accounted for most of this growth, with trips within Portugal rising by 14% to 22.2 million, while journeys abroad increased by 12.5% to 3.9 million.

Despite travelling more frequently, residents spent less on average during each trip. Average expenditure per traveller fell by 4.2% to €265.10, with spending on domestic trips decreasing by 2.9% to €171.60 and expenditure on trips abroad dropping by 4.8% to €803.20.

The latest figures indicate that Portugal’s tourism industry continued to expand in 2025, although at a slower pace than in the previous year. At the same time, stronger domestic demand, greater diversification among international markets and the lowest seasonality rate in more than a decade point to a broader and more evenly distributed tourism sector.

L’article Portugal welcomed nearly 30 million international tourists in 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

From Tuesday until Friday, the special Airbus A320 will operate only on routes between Brussels Airport and Spanish destinations, including Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga and Alicante. The move is intended as a light-hearted provocation ahead of Friday evening’s World Cup quarter-final, when the Red Devils face Spain in Inglewood, California.

The Trident aircraft normally serves several destinations across the airline’s European network. This week, however, Brussels Airlines has chosen to reserve it for Spain, turning routine flights into a symbolic pre-match message.

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The aircraft is painted in tribute to Belgium’s national football teams. A first Trident, dedicated only to the men’s Red Devils, operated between 2016 and 2022. It was later replaced by a new version celebrating both the Red Devils and the Red Flames, Belgium’s women’s national team.

The current design features a red fuselage, a darker tail and a graphic combining a trident with a flame, bringing together the visual identities of both teams. According to Brussels Airlines, the aircraft is intended not only to celebrate Belgian football but also to promote equal recognition for women and men in sport.

“At Brussels Airlines we bring people together, and thus also our national teams,” the airline says on its website. “Our Trident’s new design is dedicated to our national pride, both the Belgian Red Devils and the Red Flames.”

The airline adds that it is “high time” the women’s team receives as much attention as the men’s team, using the aircraft as a platform to encourage equal attention for women and men on their path to success.

The gesture comes after Belgium secured its place in the quarter-finals with a convincing 4-1 victory over the United States in Seattle on Monday. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and provided an assist, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also found the net for the Red Devils.

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“We played with mastery, with willingness and with determination,” Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said after the match. “We showed a great face to the world.”

Belgium will now face Spain on Friday in one of the tournament’s standout quarter-finals. For Brussels Airlines, the build-up has already taken off, with the Trident carrying Belgium’s colours directly into Spanish airspace.

L’article Brussels Airlines teases Spain with playful provocation ahead of World Cup quarter-final est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

International tourist arrivals to OECD countries increased by an estimated 3.4% in 2025, reaching a record 847 million visitors, following an 8.1% increase in 2024 when arrivals surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time.

While demand remains strong, the report warns that tourism is entering a period of heightened uncertainty, requiring governments and businesses to shift their focus from simply attracting more visitors to managing destinations more sustainably and building resilience against future shocks.

“Tourism continues to grow, generating business opportunities, jobs and tax revenues across the OECD,” said OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann.

“Governments and businesses need to work together to sustain this growth and build resilience. This means applying the lessons of the pandemic and the conflict in the Middle East to strengthen crisis preparedness, and managing tourism and visitor flows to ensure the sector delivers lasting benefits.”

Geopolitical tensions reshape travel patterns

According to the report, the conflict in the Middle East has already disrupted international travel flows, increased operating costs and weakened traveller confidence.

Countries in the region have been the hardest hit, alongside destinations that rely heavily on Gulf aviation hubs for connectivity. The OECD expects these effects to continue in the near term, despite recent diplomatic efforts to restore confidence.

Safety concerns, affordability and the risk of cancellations are increasingly influencing travellers’ decisions. As a result, many tourists are opting for destinations perceived as safer and more familiar, choosing shorter holidays and lower-cost travel options.

The OECD says airlines, tour operators and destinations will need to anticipate these changing patterns as they plan for 2027 and beyond.

Strong performers and lagging markets

Performance varied considerably across OECD countries in 2025.

Finland recorded the strongest growth in international arrivals, up 16.5%, followed closely by Japan (15.8%), South Korea (15.7%) and Norway (12.5%).

Japan and South Korea continued to benefit from the momentum created in 2024, when inbound tourism surged by more than 47% in both countries, supported by expanded air connectivity and the weak Japanese yen.

Not every destination shared in the recovery.

International arrivals declined in Canada (-0.6%), Germany (-0.8%), Ireland (-2.8%) and the United States (-5.5%), with all four countries remaining below pre-pandemic levels. Tourism to Israel continues to be severely affected by regional conflict, with inbound arrivals still down more than 70% compared with before the pandemic.

From tourism promotion to tourism management

Beyond the headline figures, the report argues that tourism policy is undergoing a fundamental shift.

Rather than measuring success purely by visitor numbers, governments are increasingly focusing on how tourism can deliver lasting economic benefits while protecting local communities and the environment.

Destination management, visitor flow distribution and resilience are becoming central policy priorities, particularly as overtourism places increasing pressure on infrastructure in some locations while other regions remain under-visited.

The report also highlights the growing importance of digitalisation and artificial intelligence, which are enabling destinations to improve planning, analyse visitor flows in real time and provide more personalised travel experiences.

Governments are also investing in more sophisticated tourism data systems to support evidence-based decision-making.

To support businesses, the OECD recommends reducing regulatory burdens, improving access to finance, investing in workforce skills and accelerating both digital and sustainable transitions.

Climate resilience moves up the agenda

The report identifies extreme weather-related events as one of the sector’s most significant long-term challenges.

As heatwaves, floods, wildfires and storms become more frequent, governments are being urged to integrate climate risk assessments, early warning systems and crisis planning into tourism strategies.

The OECD also calls for greater investment in resilient tourism infrastructure, including nature-based solutions, while helping tourism businesses develop the skills needed to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

EU prepares new sustainable tourism strategy

The report was launched with support from the European Commission, as the institution prepares its upcoming EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism.

In a statement accompanying the publication, the Commission stressed that tourism is “no longer just about attracting visitors” but about managing destinations in ways that benefit residents, businesses and the environment alike.

Speaking at the report’s launch, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas and Deputy Director-General Maja Bakran highlighted the need to move from tourism promotion towards smarter destination management.

According to the Commission, this includes balancing economic growth with environmental protection and residents’ quality of life, improving the use of data and digital tools, strengthening governance across all levels of government and building a more resilient tourism sector that preserves Europe’s natural and cultural heritage while benefiting local communities.

The OECD concludes that maintaining tourism’s strong economic contribution will depend less on attracting ever-growing visitor numbers and more on managing growth effectively, improving resilience and ensuring that tourism delivers long-term value for destinations and the people who live there.

L’article Tourist arrivals hit record high as OECD urges destinations to adapt to new travel risks est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Addressing President João Lourenço, Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo, Namibia’s Prime Minister, ministers, investors and tourism leaders, Al Nuwais opened her keynote with a clear message: “Investment matters, and this forum matters.”

She said Angola is no longer treating tourism simply as an economic sector, but as a driver of prosperity, opportunity and long-term national transformation.

Confidence is attracting investment

Recalling her meeting with President Lourenço during the World Government Summit in Dubai, Al Nuwais said his commitment to tourism as part of Angola’s future had left a lasting impression.

According to the UN Tourism chief, that vision is now being translated into concrete action.

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She highlighted more than €8 billion mobilised through Angola’s national tourism strategy, PLANATUR, alongside visa-free access for citizens of more than 90 countries and the Luanda Ministerial Statement, which aims to strengthen air connectivity across the region.

Her central message focused on investor confidence.

“Investment follows confidence,” she said, arguing that confidence in Angola is growing.

As evidence, she pointed to the full flight she had taken to Luanda and the strong presence of international hotel brands, tourism investors and business leaders at the summit, describing them as clear signs that Angola is attracting growing international attention.

Closing Africa’s tourism investment gap

Al Nuwais also reflected on Angola’s participation at ITB Berlin earlier this year, where the country showcased its culture, music, cuisine and traditions to an international audience.

She said one of the performances presented there symbolised more than cultural heritage, representing national pride and growing confidence in Angola’s future.

Turning to investment across the continent, she referred to remarks previously made by Angola’s Tourism Minister Márcio Daniel, who noted that Africa continues to receive the lowest share of global tourism investment.

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For UN Tourism, she said, closing that investment gap has become a key priority.

“Potential is distributed widely, but investment is not,” she said, arguing that destinations with strong tourism assets deserve greater access to international capital.

She explained that UN Tourism will continue supporting governments through investment guidelines, investment forums and initiatives designed to connect the public and private sectors.

“Ready, ambitious and open for business”

According to Al Nuwais, Angola is one of the destinations best positioned to benefit from that approach.

She described the country as “ready, ambitious and open for business”, adding that the summit should become a platform for practical partnerships rather than simply speeches and discussions.

Referring to Angola’s national tourism campaign, Visit Angola: The Rhythm of Life, she said the country’s “rhythm” is now being heard far beyond its borders by investors, tourism businesses and travellers alike.

Her address echoed one of the summit’s central themes: that Angola is building a new tourism economy founded on leadership, connectivity, investment and international cooperation.

Strengthening cooperation with UN Tourism

One of the summit’s symbolic moments came when Al Nuwais presented the Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Angola guidelines to President João Lourenço.

The handover underscored the partnership between Angola and UN Tourism while reinforcing the country’s ambition to make tourism a strategic pillar of economic diversification.

The publication is designed to help international investors better understand Angola’s tourism opportunities, priority development areas and long-term investment potential.

Concluding her address, Al Nuwais said Angola is no longer waiting for the future but actively building it.

Its tourism potential, she concluded, “is no longer only a promise – it is becoming a reality.”

L’article “Angola’s tourism potential is becoming reality,” says UN Tourism chief Shaikha Al Nuwais  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Speaking before President João Lourenço, Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo, Namibia’s Prime Minister, ministers, investors and tourism leaders, Daniel said tourism is no longer viewed simply as a sector with future potential but has become a national economic priority and a central pillar of Angola’s diversification strategy.

He described the summit as more than an international conference, calling it “an instrument of transformation” designed to position Angola among Africa’s leading tourism and investment destinations.

Tourism moves to the centre of Angola’s economic strategy

According to the minister, tourism should be seen not only as a leisure industry but also as a driver of employment, infrastructure, foreign investment, mobility, culture and national development.

He argued that, while Angola has long been recognised for its natural resources, the country is now inviting investors to focus on the wealth above the ground, including its landscapes, coastline, rivers, forests, wildlife, culture, gastronomy and hospitality.

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Daniel highlighted Angola’s more than 1,600 kilometres of Atlantic coastline, the Namibe Desert, Kalandula Falls, the Okavango region, national parks and natural reserves as tourism assets capable of competing with the continent’s best-known destinations.

Beyond its landscapes, he also pointed to the country’s people, describing the energy and hospitality of Angolans as an advantage that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

A window of opportunity for investors

One of the keynote’s central messages was that Angola remains at an early stage of its tourism development, creating what Daniel described as a rare opportunity for investors.

“Those who enter early do not only buy an asset; they help shape a market,” he said.

Rather than allowing the summit to become simply a forum for discussion, the government wants it to generate concrete partnerships, investment decisions and tourism projects.

He also linked Angola’s ambitions to broader global tourism trends, arguing that the sector has become one of the world’s strongest engines of inclusive economic growth. The challenge, he said, is identifying which destinations are best positioned to capture the next wave of tourism investment.

“Angola’s answer is clear: the country is prepared,” he said.

Infrastructure and investment tools

Daniel highlighted the government’s efforts to create the conditions needed for sustainable tourism growth.

He said more than €500 million has already been approved for integrated infrastructure projects across the country’s main tourism regions, aimed at improving accessibility, developing tourism zones and making destinations more attractive to private investors.

Among the initiatives already launched are the national tourism brand Visit Angola: The Rhythm of Life, the meetings and events platform Meet in Angola: The Meeting Room in Africa, the opening of Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport and the future Palácio de Convenções, which is expected to accommodate more than 3,000 delegates.

The minister argued, however, that successful tourism development depends on more than infrastructure.

“It requires an ecosystem,” he said, explaining that Angola is bringing together investors, banks, tour operators, digital platforms and public institutions to make tourism projects more visible and financially viable.

As part of that strategy, he presented the Angola Tourism Investment Guide, describing it as a practical roadmap that provides investors with information on priority regions, available projects and investment opportunities.

“Angola does not only want to say it has potential,” he said. “Angola wants to show where the opportunities are.”

Building confidence in the tourism sector

Daniel also pointed to growing investor confidence in Angola’s non-oil economy.

While tourism still represents only a small share of the country’s foreign direct investment, he argued that this reflects the sector’s untapped potential rather than a weakness.

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He added that Angola’s role as one of the co-founders of the UN Tourism Platform for Africa’s Sustainable Tourism Investment (UNTPAS) demonstrates the country’s ambition to play a more active role in global tourism investment.

For international investors, he said, Angola offers a combination of natural assets, government commitment, expanding infrastructure, improving connectivity and a clear strategy for economic diversification.

“The moment is now”

Concluding his address, Daniel called on both domestic and international investors to see themselves not simply as builders of hotels, resorts or convention centres, but as partners in creating a new tourism destination.

He described tourism as Angola’s “green oil”, arguing that unlike finite natural resources, it can continue generating value if properly managed and protected.

“The market is open, the projects are prepared, the moment is now,” he concluded, expressing hope that the summit would be remembered not for its speeches but for the partnerships, investments and decisions it helped generate.

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Speaking in a Presidential Dialogue moderated by CNN Africa correspondent Victoria Rubadiri, Chapo said Mozambique is entering a transformative economic period as major LNG projects move forward with companies including Eni, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil. However, he stressed that the country’s future should not depend solely on natural gas.

“We do not want to concentrate only on LNG,” he said. “We want to diversify our economy.”

Tourism at the heart of diversification

The President described tourism as one of the sectors best placed to support that ambition alongside agriculture, infrastructure, transport, logistics, energy, digital transformation and industry.

He highlighted Mozambique’s nearly 2,700 kilometres of coastline, islands, marine ecosystems, wildlife reserves and conservation areas as major tourism assets capable of attracting visitors from around the world.

According to Chapo, the country’s combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and hospitality gives it the foundations to become one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations.

But he argued that tourism growth requires more than attractive landscapes. Roads, electricity, water supply, development corridors and carefully planned tourism zones are all essential to creating destinations that can attract long-term private investment.

“The government’s responsibility is to prepare the foundations,” he said, explaining that investors need organised tourism zones, reliable infrastructure and a stable business environment before committing to projects.

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Connectivity remains a major challenge

Air connectivity emerged as one of the central themes of the discussion.

Chapo argued that Africa cannot fully unlock its tourism potential while travellers are often forced to transit through Europe or the Middle East to reach neighbouring African countries.

He welcomed the direct Luanda-Maputo air service, which currently operates five times a week, and revealed that Angola and Mozambique are discussing increasing the route to daily flights.

Improving connectivity, he said, would not only benefit tourism but also strengthen trade, investment and regional integration.

The President also backed efforts by the African Development Bank to reinforce the continent’s aviation sector and called for greater investment in African airlines to improve links between destinations.

Tourism creates opportunities across society

Unlike extractive industries, which often rely on highly specialised workers once construction is complete, tourism generates employment across a broad spectrum of society, Chapo argued.

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He said the sector creates opportunities for hotel managers, guides, drivers, fishermen, artisans, farmers, small business owners and local communities.

“Tourism is the industry that creates jobs for all social classes,” he said.

The President also emphasised the importance of digitalisation and visa facilitation, arguing that simpler entry procedures, modern public services and investment-friendly regulations would make Mozambique more attractive to international investors. He also suggested the possibility of introducing golden visa schemes for major investors.

Security and regional cooperation

Asked about investor concerns linked to insecurity in Cabo Delgado province, Chapo acknowledged the challenges but stressed they are confined to specific districts in the north of the country.

He noted that Maputo is around 3,000 kilometres away and that tourism continues to operate normally in many other regions of Mozambique. The government, he said, remains committed to improving security while ensuring localised issues do not undermine confidence in the country as a whole.

Peace and stability, he added, remain fundamental to attracting sustainable investment and developing a strong tourism economy.

The dialogue also focused on regional integration. Chapo argued that African countries should cooperate more closely rather than compete in isolation, calling for stronger implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and easier movement of people across the continent.

Looking further ahead, he suggested Africa could one day move towards a system similar to Europe’s Schengen Area, making travel easier for both African citizens and international visitors.

Strengthening ties with Angola

Chapo described Angola and Mozambique as “brothers”, united by a shared language, history and independence.

He said both governments are discussing expanding the Luanda-Maputo air route from five to seven weekly flights, while also exploring new cooperation between development banks, sovereign wealth funds and public institutions.

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Beyond tourism, he identified opportunities for closer collaboration in agriculture, infrastructure, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, transport corridors and energy.

Concluding the dialogue, Chapo said the objective is not simply economic growth but improving living standards for African citizens through stronger investment, regional cooperation and sustainable development.

His remarks reinforced one of the summit’s central themes: that Africa’s tourism future will depend on leadership, connectivity, investment and collaboration, with tourism serving not as a secondary industry but as a strategic driver of economic diversification.

L’article President Daniel Chapo champions tourism as Mozambique looks beyond LNG est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Addressing heads of state, ministers, diplomats, international organisations, investors and tourism leaders, he said the summit had brought together the partnerships, resources and determination needed to transform Angolan and African tourism into “a truly global force”.

Describing tourism as one of the world’s most dynamic economic sectors, the President said it has the capacity to create jobs, attract investment, stimulate entrepreneurship and support local development. For countries seeking diversified and inclusive growth, he argued, tourism is no longer an optional industry but a strategic priority.

Diversifying beyond oil

According to Lourenço, Angola’s focus on tourism reflects years of structural reforms aimed at reducing dependence on the petroleum sector.

He said the government has worked to create a more competitive business environment while encouraging investment in industries capable of generating long-term economic growth and employment.

Highlighting the country’s tourism assets, he pointed to Angola’s more than 1,600 kilometres of Atlantic coastline, national parks, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, rich biodiversity and historical and cultural heritage. Destinations such as Luengue-Luiana National Park, the Okavango-Zambezi region, Cameia National Park, Kalandula Falls and Mbanza Kongo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were presented as examples of the country’s untapped tourism potential.

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He argued that Angola’s unique combination of nature, culture, adventure, heritage and business tourism gives it a competitive advantage among African destinations.

Infrastructure to support tourism growth

Infrastructure development featured prominently in the President’s address.

He highlighted projects including the Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport, the Lobito Corridor and the planned Luanda Convention Palace, alongside continued investment in roads, ports, railways, airports, energy, telecommunications and healthcare infrastructure.

These projects, he said, are laying the foundations needed to support tourism development across the country while improving connectivity and creating new opportunities for investment.

He also stressed that ongoing reforms to increase transparency and strengthen the competitiveness of the national economy are essential to creating a favourable business environment and unlocking Angola’s tourism potential.

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Opportunities for international investors

Addressing investors directly, Lourenço reaffirmed that Angola is open to foreign investment, innovation, knowledge transfer and partnerships that create mutual benefits.

He identified opportunities throughout the tourism value chain, including hotels and resorts, ecotourism, business tourism, leisure infrastructure, transport services, digital tourism and professional training.

“Angola will continue to be a committed and reliable partner for long-term investment,” he said, adding that private investors should be viewed as strategic partners in the country’s economic transformation rather than simply financiers.

The President also noted that Angola’s recognition as the Global Tourism Forum’s Best Tourism Investment Destination in 2025 has reinforced the country’s commitment to developing the sector with ambition and discipline.

A broader vision for African tourism

Looking beyond Angola, Lourenço said Africa has all the ingredients needed to become one of the world’s leading tourism regions, thanks to its natural landscapes, cultural diversity, hospitality and increasingly dynamic economies.

He noted that the continent recorded tourism growth in 2025 above the global average, while acknowledging that challenges remain, particularly in air connectivity, regional mobility and the harmonisation of migration policies.

He also emphasised the importance of investing in skills and professional training, arguing that combining technical expertise with Africa’s renowned hospitality could become a significant competitive advantage.

Regional cooperation, he added, will also be essential, saying that no country can fully realise its tourism potential in isolation. Greater collaboration and cross-border tourism circuits, he argued, will help make Africa more attractive and competitive on the global stage.

Tourism as a force for peace

The address concluded with a broader message on the role of tourism in promoting peace and international cooperation.

Referring to current geopolitical tensions and global conflicts, the President said stability remains the essential foundation for investment and sustainable development. Without peace, he argued, there can be no lasting economic growth.

He described tourism as more than an economic activity, calling it a force capable of bringing people and cultures together, strengthening mutual understanding and fostering cooperation between nations.

Expressing confidence that the Global Tourism Forum Angola Investment Summit would generate new partnerships, mobilise investment and help position both Angola and Africa among the world’s leading tourism destinations, Lourenço officially declared the 2026 summit open.

L’article President João Lourenço says tourism can power Angola’s economic diversification est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.