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Maine tourism partners with Mindtrip for AI trip planning
Mindtrip, an AI-powered travel platform, has announced a partnership with the Maine Office of Tourism to transform the state's destination content into personalised travel itineraries. This collaboration aims to provide travellers with seamless, end-to-end trip planning through the VisitMaine.com website, offering experiences from coastal escapes to cultural and historical sites. The partnership leverages Mindtrip's conversational AI to bring Maine's diverse attractions to life, offering tailored recommendations that highlight local businesses, must-see attractions, and hidden gems. Travellers can explore various regions, including The Kennebec Valley, Maine's MidCoast, and DownEast Acadia, known for its rugged beaches and granite peaks. Andy Moss, co-founder and CEO of Mindtrip, stated, "By supercharging VisitMaine's content with our AI, we're removing friction between dreaming and doing, helping travellers instantly turn curiosity into complete personalised itineraries." The integration allows users to engage with Mindtrip's AI to plan trips based on specific interests, such as the best time for kayaking or ideal coastal towns for arts and dining. The platform generates custom itineraries with curated imagery, interactive maps, and intelligently sequenced stops, enhancing the visitor experience. Carolann Ouellette, director at the Maine Office of Tourism, commented, "Partnering with Mindtrip allows us to showcase the diversity of our state in a way that feels personal, intuitive, and inspiring." Mindtrip also collaborates with other tourism organisations, including Brand USA and Visit Costa Rica, to enhance travel experiences globally. This partnership with Maine is expected to boost tourism by offering a more personalised and engaging way to explore the state's unique offerings This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
AIC Airports partners to boost Bohol tourism
Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) Airports has teamed up with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the Department of Tourism Central Visayas Office, and the Provincial Government of Bohol to support a Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Immersive Tour in Bohol from 21 to 24 April. This initiative aimed to highlight Bohol's cultural and culinary heritage by engaging key tourism stakeholders, including chefs, key opinion leaders, and travel trade representatives. The tour provided participants with hands-on experiences, such as harvesting ingredients at Bellevue Farm, learning asin tibuok production in Alburquerque, and crafting traditional tablea chocolate in Lasang Farm. These activities are designed to strengthen tourism pathways that benefit local communities by connecting travellers to the people and traditions that define Bohol. Ten Destination Management Companies participated in the tour, experiencing the activities firsthand. They are expected to develop curated tourism packages that integrate these community-based experiences. Michelin-recognised chefs and lifestyle influencers also documented the tour, bringing wider attention to Bohol as a culinary and cultural destination. Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, TPB Chief Operating Officer, emphasised the importance of understanding destinations beyond surface-level experiences. "Tourism is not only about destinations, but about relationships—between people and place, between culture and environment," she said. Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado highlighted the significance of initiatives that empower communities and showcase Bohol's uniqueness. The tour included visits to heritage sites like the Tarsier Sanctuary and the Chocolate Hills, reinforcing sustainability's importance. This collaboration demonstrates how coordinated efforts can unlock new opportunities for destinations, supporting job creation and encouraging inclusive growth. With the Bohol-Panglao International Airport facilitating access, such initiatives ensure tourism growth is shared, empowering communities to shape their offerings to the world This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
Tourisme Montréal anticipates strong summer growth
Tourisme Montréal has announced a promising outlook for the summer season, with expectations of growth across all markets. The city is set to experience its strongest summer in three years, driven by a diverse mix of leisure, business, and sports tourism. According to Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal, this variety will attract different types of travellers and maintain high visitor numbers throughout the season. Montréal's position as an international hub is bolstered by 165 direct destinations, with new air links to cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Berlin, and Agadir. Tourisme Montréal forecasts a 5% growth in Canadian, US, and international markets, with hotel occupancy rates expected to average 80% from June to September, peaking at 85%. The summer season, extending from May to October, kicks off with the Canadian Grand Prix and includes significant events like the 150th anniversary of Mount Royal and the UCI Road World Championships. The city will also host major conferences, generating substantial economic benefits. Tourisme Montréal's international campaign, "Prochaine saison à Montréal" (Next Season in Montréal), invites visitors to create their own stories in the city. The campaign, inspired by reality television, is being promoted in key markets, including France and the Northeastern US, with a notable presence at New York's Penn Station. Tourisme Montréal, a private non-profit organisation, has been promoting the city as an international destination for over a century, focusing on delivering high-quality visitor experiences and maximising tourism's economic benefits This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
Ko Samet’s Rainbow Weekend Offers a Smart Model for LGBTQ+ Tourism in Thailand
Ko Samet’s Rainbow Weekend, held from May 1 to 4, 2026, offered more than a lively long-weekend escape. It showed how a community-led LGBTQ+ event can support local businesses, manage visitor flow, and create a positive destination experience without heavy institutional backing. The timing helped: with National Labor Day on Friday, May 1, and Coronation Day on Monday, May 4, travelers from Bangkok and beyond had a rare four-day break. The island was full, accommodation was in high demand, and transport services were busy. Yet the weekend ran with surprising ease. That is worth noting for Thailand’s tourism industry. A biannual celebration For more than a decade, Ko Samet has hosted this semi-annual LGBTQ+ weekend in May and October, and it has grown organically through repeat visitors, local relationships, social media, and word of mouth. Rather than relying on a large formal organizing structure, the event has been guided by local knowledge and a strong online community. A key role was played by Khun Samart Henthanont, known as “Bird,” admin of the Beach Party Facebook group, which has more than 25,000 followers. The group served as a practical information hub for visitors, sharing updates on transport, accommodation, event schedules, beach activities, and logistics. Bird’s quick replies and positive attitude helped set a welcoming tone before many visitors had even reached the pier. According to local organizers, the weekend attracted more than 6,000 visitors; despite the volume, no major problems were reported. Traffic congestion was kept manageable through group travel, ride-sharing, privately organized transport, and coordination among local operators. One of the most effective measures was the temporary return of direct-to-beach speedboat arrivals. Boat operators coordinated with park officials to deliver visitors directly to selected beaches, easing pressure at the island’s main pier while still ensuring national park fees were collected. For visitors, it improved the arrival experience. For the destination, it reduced bottlenecks. For the industry, it offered a practical reminder that visitor flow matters as much as visitor volume. “From my door in Bangkok to my feet on the beach, the journey took just three and a half hours,” said one visitor. “Coming home took five and a half hours because of holiday traffic and a downpour, but the arrival experience was excellent. The direct-to-beach speedboat service made a real difference and reminded many of us why Ko Samet became so loved in the first place.” The event also showed the commercial value of well-managed LGBTQ+ travel. Resorts, restaurants, bars, boat operators, transport providers, and local vendors benefited from strong demand across the long weekend. Many visitors booked directly with hotels to avoid dynamic pricing on online travel platforms, where some rates reportedly more than doubled. Several local resorts did not dramatically raise their prices, a decision noticed and appreciated by repeat guests. This matters. LGBTQ+ travelers are not only seeking parties or nightlife. They are looking for destinations where they feel welcome, informed, safe, and respected. Ko Samet delivered that through community trust, local responsiveness, and a relaxed but organized visitor experience. Sponsors including Hornet, Jack’d, Wacoal Freedom, and Dr. Gift Clinic added visibility and brand support without overwhelming the local character of the event. The Hornet models certainly turned heads, bringing strong brand presence and a highly photogenic energy to the weekend. But the event’s real strength remained its community feel. There was also a responsible tourism element that deserves attention. Teams were organized to clean the island daily, helping ensure the weekend left behind good memories rather than a clean-up burden. For destinations hoping to grow event-based tourism, this is an important signal: celebration and stewardship need to happen together. The weekend’s structure also helped maintain balance. Activities traditionally began with a pool party at Samed Pavillion Resort, followed by music and dancing at Silver Sand Resort until midnight. Ending at a reasonable hour helped keep the event festive without overwhelming the island’s broader visitor mix, which included families, couples, domestic travelers, and international tourists. A learning experience For tourism planners, Ko Samet’s Rainbow Weekend offers several useful lessons. First, community-led events can work when there is trust, repeat visitation, and reliable communication. Second, transport coordination can greatly improve destination experience during peak periods. Third, LGBTQ+ tourism does not need to be overproduced to be effective. And fourth, smaller destinations can host inclusive events successfully when local stakeholders understand both the visitors and the place. As Thailand continues to build its profile as an LGBTQ+ travel destination, especially with wider discussions around Pride tourism and future global events, Ko Samet provides a grounded example of what is already working. It is not a mega-event. It is not a government-led campaign. It is a long-running, locally managed island weekend that fills rooms, supports local businesses, strengthens community networks, and gives visitors a reason to return. For the travel industry, that may be the real takeaway. Ko Samet’s Rainbow Weekend showed that LGBTQ+ tourism in Thailand is not only about visibility. It is about welcome, logistics, trust, and the ability to create experiences that feel joyful, safe, and well managed. That is not just good community building. It is good destination strategy.
2026 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference highlights importance of destination stewardship
Staged from 21st to 24th April, the GSTC 2026 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference highlighted the importance of sustainable travel and destination stewardship. Held simultaneously at the Royal Phuket City Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, the event brought together tourism professionals, destination representatives, academics, and sustainability experts from around the world to discuss key challenges and practical solutions for advancing sustainable tourism. This year’s conference programme centered on three core themes: Sustainable Hospitality, Resilient Cities & Communities, and Carrying Capacity & Visitor Distribution Management. These thematic tracks provided a clear framework for the sessions, enabling participants to engage with relevant content provided by renowned speakers. Before the conference, there were a range of GSTC on-site trainings hosted on the 19th and 20th April, offering participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge through the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course in English and Thai, the Sustainable MICE Course, the GSTC Sustainable Attraction Course, and two auditor trainings focused on the GSTC Hotel Standard and the GSTC Destination Standard. This pre-conference programme was followed by the 4th GSTC Academic Symposium on the 21st of April, which brought together researchers, academics, and practitioners for a full day of exchange, collaboration, and discussion on key issues shaping sustainable tourism. Cabrini: tourism returns as an essential economic activity The first day of the conference began with welcoming speeches by Luigi Cabrini, GSTC Chair; Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand; and the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Thapanee Kiatphaibool. As Cabrini put it: “Tourism is back as an essential activity, a creator of jobs and a tool for development, providing social, economic, and environmental benefits. Sadly, the conflicts that ravage various regions of the world, and in particular the Middle East war, provoke human losses and destruction, and are also impacting tourism flows. Tourism promotes peace, but also needs peace to thrive.” He outlined GSTC’s strategic goals for the next decade, and envisioned the GSTC acting as a global leader and convening authority for sustainable tourism, driving measurable improvement and accelerating the transition from extractive to sustainable tourism. Cabrini concluded by saying: “It is an ambitious task, but we believe it can be achieved, thanks to the recognition, support, and encouragement received by the tourism community, represented by you here with us today.” (Full speech can be found here). A detailed overview A plenary session on GSTC’s global mission and current activities, presented by GSTC CEO Randy Durband and Dr. Mihee Kang, GSTC’s Chief Assurance Officer, provided attendees with an overview of GSTC’s ongoing work and strategic priorities, highlighting the organization’s role in advancing sustainable tourism globally. The event featured a wide range of sessions exploring pressing issues in tourism today, including panel discussions on Climate Resilience, Disasters, and Sustainable Recovery, Navigating the Balance of Growth and Livability, Education of Sustainability, Hotel Waste Management and Sustainable Procurement, How Platforms Drive Sustainable Choice at Scale, Accessibility and Slow Travel, among others. As well as several workshops that complemented the main sessions, and an on-site consultation on the GSTC Destination Standard, which is currently under review. TAT’s Kiatphaibool was moved to remark: “Hosting the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 in Phuket marks a significant milestone for Thailand as we continue our journey toward becoming a leading sustainable tourism destination on the global stage. This conference reflects our strong commitment to driving tourism development based on the principle of ‘value over volume,’ while ensuring a balanced approach to visitor management and resource preservation.” Sustainability in action As with previous GSTC Conferences, the carbon footprint of the event and the travel of all attendees have been calculated and offset by BIC Event Thailand and TCEB. Building on the experience of GSTC2025 Fiji, GSTC continued its collaboration with Reforest for GSTC2026 Phuket. Reforest is an Australian social enterprise dedicated to helping travel and events leave destinations better for the climate, nature, and local communities. They will plant one tree on behalf of every attendee of the GSTC2026 Global Conference. During the event, sustainability was integrated into the conference through a range of environmental and operational measures. The event avoided polystyrene and foam and sought to minimize single-use plastics across all touchpoints. A digital-first approach was adopted through digital signage, programs, and communications to help reduce paper and plastic waste. Reusable lanyards with a minimal, non-event-specific design were used to encourage future reuse, while paper-based name badges replaced plastic holders. Sustainability was also reflected in transportation, food and beverage, and community-related aspects of the conference, including post-conference tours and the representation of local service providers and communities. Electric shuttle buses were used for airport and event transportation, shared transport was encouraged, and venues were selected within walking distance to reduce transportation needs. In the food and beverage offering, locally sourced ingredients were emphasized, vegetarian options were made available alongside responsibly sourced seafood, and water refill stations and reusable water bottles were provided. The conference also supported local suppliers and communities, and showcased local arts and performances to promote cultural heritage.
Goa Tourism launches curated Hampi tour
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has teamed up with Nature Trails by Thomas Cook to launch a specially curated tour to Hampi, starting from 1 May 2026. This initiative aims to provide travellers from Goa and beyond with an immersive journey into Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient temples and the history of the Vijayanagara Empire. The tour offers a cultural and experiential itinerary, featuring guided visits to iconic monuments, immersive storytelling, and expert insights into Hampi's history and architecture. Travellers can enjoy comfortable travel and accommodation, making it an ideal opportunity for those staying in Goa to extend their visit and explore this heritage site. Kedar J Naik, Chairman of GTDC, stated, “This collaboration with Nature Trails by Thomas Cook reflects our commitment to offering diverse and high-quality travel experiences. The Hampi tour is designed for discerning travellers who seek more than just a holiday—it is for those who want to explore India’s cultural richness in a meaningful way.” Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC, added, “Goa Tourism is committed to continuously innovating and expanding the scope of travel experiences available to our audiences. This collaboration allows us to offer a unique cultural journey that complements Goa’s own rich heritage.” Abraham Alapatt, President at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, expressed honour in partnering with GTDC, highlighting the focus on creating immersive hospitality experiences that reflect Hampi’s rich heritage and local culture. Bookings for the Hampi tour can be made through GTDC’s official channels, with further details on itineraries and pricing available via GTDC offices and digital platforms This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
Indonesia expands tourism footprint beyond Bali as government targets ‘under-visited’ provinces
Back in November of last year, on the occasion of expanding the flight network in and out of Indonesia, AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes remarked that the country had so much more to offer the world than just the frantic bustle of Jakarta or the tropical idyll of Bali. Fernandes said: “Indonesia is like a diamond in the making. People know Indonesia as Bali…but there’s so much more to it. We’re opening flight routes to a fantastic place called Labuan Bajo, to Bandung, and Indonesia has unlimited potential.” Indeed, given how the Indonesian archipelago is made up of over 17,000 islands, many of which have their own unique cultures, traditions, and points of attraction, it is a pity that much of the world has only seen Bali and Jakarta, with a slight detour towards Surabaya. Indonesia goes far beyond those three aforementioned destinations, and its tourism sector is keen on promoting a slew of new areas, specifically those slanting towards immersive cultural tourism, adventure tourism, and ecotourism. Learning from the Ten New Balis issue In mid-2024, Indonesia welcomed 6.4 million foreign tourists into its borders, its highest since it closed itself against COVID-19 in 2020 and reflecting a 21 percent increase from June 2023. However, it was also noted that the country’s tourism sector was struggling to keep up with the growth of its regional neighbours, particularly Vietnam whose tourism industry has grown significantly over the past couple of years. Indeed, Indonesia has struggled to boost arrival numbers as key initiatives like the 2015 10 New Balis programme of the Widodo administration failed to gain critical traction. Under the aforementioned programme, the Indonesian government hoped to replicate the level of success it saw in Bali in other places throughout the nation. Among those that were to be promoted as the ten new Balis were Borobudur in Central Java, Mandalika in West Nusa, the mostly Catholic town of Labuan Bajo in East Nusa, as well as Northern Sumatra’s Lake Toba. Unfortunately, despite a large volume of searches related to these destinations and others, online appeal failed to translate into actual arrival numbers, leading to a need for programme recalibration on the part of Indonesian tourism authorities. Other points of interest Despite the setbacks for the Ten New Balis initiative, Indonesia has still earmarked several destinations for the consideration of global travellers. To date, these include: Bandung Best known among locals for its refreshingly cool climate, ecological diversity, and the majesty of its active volcano Tangkuban Perahu, the northern mountain province of Bandung is also emerging as one of the country’s potential MICE capitals, especially as it has hosted a number of major business events over the past several years; Raja Ampat This West Papuan destination is renowned for some of the best underwater biodiversity in the world, including corals and manta rays; Labuan Bajo & Komodo The two stalwarts of Flores Island offer numerous attractions for those interested in a different side of Indonesian culture. Labuan Bajo, as mentioned earlier, is a hub for the Christian faith in the country and has skillfully woven together Western Catholicism with local custom and tradition. Komodo, on the other hand, is a biodiverse paradise and home to the famed Komodo dragons; Lombok Along with the nearby Gili Islands, the beaches of Lombok offer a more serene alternative to the now overcrowded ones in Bali whilst offering more in terms of adventure and ecotourism; and Yogyakarta The cultural heartland of Indonesia has already made its mark thanks to the temples in Borobudur and Prambanan. But this hidden gem of a city offers some exceptional creative experiences thanks to its artistic community, as well as great dining options that deliver the diverse flavours of the archipelago.
Tourism firms retool value propositions as safety outpaces price for solo female travelers
In its 2025 State of Solo Travel report, Hostelworld revealed that women are more likely than men to travel on their own without either family or friends. Indeed, 60 percent of travellers who go on trips alone are biologically female or identify as female. Travelling solo is something of a declaration of independence for women, especially those between the ages of 18 and 35, as it gives them the opportunity to see the world, step out of their comfort zones, and make new and life-changing discoveries. However, the same report notes that up to 55 percent of women travelling alone expressed concerns as to their safety, especially in South Asia, Africa, West Asia, and Eastern Europe. In which case, we have to ask: what are tourism boards, travel companies, and accommodation providers doing to help women travelling alone feel safer? What the industry stands to lose if it doesn’t care for women Before we get into how travel and hospitality can make travelling alone safer for women, we need to take a closer look at what they stand to lose if they don’t. A recent Hotelagio report revealed that the global women’s travel market is now worth US$125 billion per annum and the sector’s growth is on an upward trajectory. Solo female travel, in particular, is a booming sector as it stands to make up to 71 percent of the total number of those travelling alone globally. At the same time, whether for themselves or for family, friends, and corporate groups, women now make up to 82 percent of decisions related to travel, especially when it comes to budgets, destinations, accommodation, and even transportation. So just imagine how things would end up if travel, tourism, and hospitality firms didn’t put measures into place to keep these intrepid female travellers safe; the losses would be tremendous. Relevant measures A report published in Q1-2026 by the Tourism and Society Think Tank showed that women’s safety is a cornerstone for building the future of global tourism. The report clearly states: “A significant majority of survey respondents admit that safety is the primary filter before confirming any reservation, even surpassing traditionally dominant factors such as price or a central location. This finding compels companies within the sector to rethink their value proposition, understanding that the concept of luxury or quality is no longer measured solely by the aesthetics of facilities or the exclusivity of services, but by an establishment's ability to generate an environment of absolute trust and proactive protection.” Global hospitality providers have been working on improving safety features specifically for women travellers and these have ranged from training staff on gender sensitivity to putting a greater emphasis on individual privacy and security. Mitigating the risk of attack on female guests has led to the following changes for many hotels: A more secure check-in procedure and proper access limitation through written room numbers rather than saying them aloud within earshot of anyone nearby. This is further bolstered by the use of smartkeys or keyless entry systems; Floors dedicated to female guests only have become a major trend in recent years, and some properties which have yet to implement such measures opt to position women near elevators and fire escapes to give them an emergency exit when necessary; Visible security positioned around a property 24/7 is also a good deterrent against troublemakers, as is the installation of more advanced and highly secure systems. Offering emergency contact services at the disposal of female guests is also appreciated; and Amenities specific to women in the form of better-quality hair-dryers, the availability of period products, and dedicated women’s only desks also go a long way in making women travelling alone feel safer and cared for, enabling them to enjoy their trip without so much stress.
Philippines broadens tourism source markets to offset sluggish arrival growth
The Philippine tourism sector is currently in a deeply challenging period in its history. In recent weeks, we have witnessed a change of hands at the wheel of the country’s Department of Tourism (DOT) as Dita Angara-Mathay took over from Christina Frasco in mid-April. At the same time, despite present upheavals in terms of geopolitics and global economics, Philippine tourism remains resilient, what with visitor arrivals at 2.24 million as of 27th April. The new tourism secretary also announced that her agency’s strategic direction will focus on connectivity, domestic tourism, destination readiness, investment, as well as ease of entry through relaxed visa regulations. But Angara-Mathay soberly pointed out that the problem with Philippine tourism is primarily a structural issue. As she told attendees of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines’ conference on tourism resilience last 29th April: “Some of the challenges we face-particularly in infrastructure, connectivity, and investment-will take time. These are structural issues; they require sustained effort and long-term commitment. So I ask for patience; but patience does not mean a delay. We begin now.” Shifting priority markets We have pointed out in previous features how the Philippines tended to focus on a single source market, specifically China, and how this has not worked to its advantage, especially when geopolitical issues involving the West Philippine Sea came into play. Under Angara-Mathay’s leadership, China will still be a key source market, but the Philippine tourism sector will also increase visibility in other markets to boost its arrival numbers. Among the markets being considered for further development and promotion are the country’s Southeast Asian neighbours, Japan and South Korea, Australia, much of Western Europe, Taiwan, as well as North America, though not necessarily the United States. As the new tourism secretary’s professional background has been in trade, investment, and industrial development, she sees the field as a dynamic ecosystem that depends on properly vetted and consistent investment flows, corporate and industrial development, well-built and maintained infrastructure, as well as consistent supply chains. Of this, Angara-Mathay has said: “[The tourism industry] requires input, coordination, and investment; and it requires discipline in execution. This lens will guide our work.” Could focusing on secondary destinations help? For the most part, Philippine tourism has focused on urban centres like Manila and Cebu, resort towns like Siargao and Boracay, or academic destinations like Baguio and Dumaguete. But perhaps it is time to cast the spotlight towards lesser-known but equally interesting destinations throughout the country: the Spanish colonial hub that is Vigan in the north; the wind-swept creative enclave of Batanes in the northernmost tip of the country; even the richness of the Muslim culture of Southern Mindanao which calls to mind that of pan-Malayan neighbours Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. For this to work, however, strong and viable infrastructure and an equally stable and sustainable maintenance programme for such facilities matter, along with a better-trained workforce that is able to compete with its peers throughout the world. We have begun to see the beginnings of such improvements in areas like Clark in Central Luzon and Bohol in the centre of the country, both of which have seen extensive airport redevelopment, the arrival of new hospitality players within their respective vicinities, as well as more creative promotional campaigns for their attractions. There has also been a shift from beach culture and island tourism to one which centres on highlighting the diverse cultures that make up the country’s heritage, running the gamut from historical districts and museums, to Michelin-starred dining establishments and entertainment venues. However, even with the implementation of programmes like the DOT’s Philippine Experience Programme (PEP) and the development of rest areas in major destinations to improve the overall visitor experience, all the effort will be for naught if the new administration at the department does not become consistent, even persistent, with implementation. Indeed, a consistent programme would work best for Philippine tourism rather than another flash in the pan initiative that would be highly visible but flounder over time. For now, we will keep our eyes on the sector and see which direction it takes under new management.
Hack, Build, Travel: TDF launches challenge to shape Saudi Tourism
Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has launched a new edition of its Tourism Hackathons Programme, opening registrations as the Kingdom accelerates efforts to build a homegrown innovation ecosystem around one of its fastest-growing sectors. Organised by TDF Grow, the Fund’s non-financial enablement arm, the nationwide programme aims to transform entrepreneurial ideas into scalable tourism solutions — from smarter accommodation concepts and digital booking platforms to rural tourism experiences and next-generation visitor services. The initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to position tourism not just as an economic driver, but as a platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-led growth under Vision 2030. Eight cities, one tourism innovation mission This year’s hackathons will travel across eight Saudi cities — Riyadh, Makkah, Taif, Qassim, Hail, AlUla, Jeddah, and Khobar — significantly expanding the programme’s reach and opening access to talent across the Kingdom. Participants will be challenged to develop solutions across key tourism growth areas including alternative accommodation, digital travel services, transport and booking solutions, tourism guiding, and experience design. The programme will also spotlight niche segments such as rural, cultural, religious, and medical tourism, all sectors expected to play a growing role in Saudi Arabia’s visitor economy. Building on momentum The latest launch builds on strong momentum from earlier editions held in 2024 and 2025, which covered six regions including Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Al Ahsa, Aseer, and Madinah. Across those editions, the programme attracted more than 802 registrants and over 533 active participants, supporting the development of more than 128 startups. It also led to the creation of 50-plus commercial registrations, while connecting high-potential ventures with funding opportunities and strategic partners through the Kingdom’s Tourism Empowerment Programmes. A startup play for Saudi tourism Commenting on the launch, Qusai Al-Fakhri, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Development Fund, said the initiative reinforces TDF’s role as a catalyst for tourism innovation. Talking about the programme, Al-Fakhri said: “At TDF, we are committed to strengthening the tourism innovation ecosystem by introducing initiatives that empower entrepreneurs to deliver solutions that improve experiences and increase service efficiency across destinations. The Tourism Hackathons serve as a platform to accelerate promising ideas and connect them to a broader support ecosystem, contributing to a more competitive and sustainable tourism sector.” As Saudi Arabia targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030 and continues investing heavily in giga-projects, heritage destinations, and digital infrastructure, programmes such as the TDF hackathons are increasingly seen as vital to building local intellectual capital around tourism. By connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and industry stakeholders, the programme signals that the future of Saudi tourism may be shaped as much in startup labs and coding sessions as in hotels and heritage sites.
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PATA Travel Mart (PTM) is one of Asia Pacific’s longest-standing international travel trade exhibitions featuring unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities
PATA Annual Summit 2026
PATA Annual Summit 2026 Monday, May 11, 2026 9:00 AM Wednesday, May 13, 2026 6:00 PM Gyeongju City & Pohang CityGyeongsangbuk-doKorea (ROK)
9th Hospitality Philippines Conference #HPC2026
9th Hospitality Philippines Conference #HPC2026 Philippines’s Leading Event for Hospitality and Tourism September 9-10, 2026 | Marriott Manila What Comes
5th Hospitality Thailand Conference #HTC2026
5th Hospitality Thailand Conference #HTC2026 Thailand’s most influential event for hospitality and tourism leaders May 13–14, 2026 | Eastin Grand Hotel
9th Hospitality Vietnam Conference #HVC2026
9th Hospitality Vietnam Conference #HVC2026 Vietnam’s premier platform spotlighting hotel growth and development trends. March 10-11, 2026 • Holiday Inn &
9th Hospitality Indonesia Conference #HIC2026
9th Hospitality Indonesia Conference #HIC2026 Indonesia’s Leading Event for Hospitality and Tourism February 10-11, 2026 | Le Meridien Jakarta From Vision
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Malaysia 2026
Showcase your excellence at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Malaysia 2026. Recognizing the top achievers in tourism, hospitality, and aviation. Submit your entry by 10Oct to be part of Malaysia’s most prestigious travel awards ceremony this December!