Morocco | Achieved a Record 19.8 Million Tourist Arrivals in 2025, Consolidating its position as Leader in the African Tourism Landscape

Morocco achieved a record 19.8 million tourist arrivals in 2025, significantly surpassing last year’s figures, up 14% on 2024 and above the government’ s 18 million target, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism in a statement on 5th January 2026.

This relevant performance  consolidating  Morocco as leader in the  African tourism landscape  was driven by strong European arrivals (French and Spanish tourists) and growing Asian markets, sustained by infrastructure, economic growth (5.5% GDP in Q2 2025) and efforts to reach 26 million visitors by 2030, despite ongoing global travel shifts. 

Tourism receipts reached MAD 124 billion (about $13.5 billion) in the first 11 months of 2025, a 19% year - on - year rise, supported by a broader product offering, improved service quality and stronger international air connectivity.  

Other key factors about this success include, strong performances in coastal resorts like Agadir, Taghazout and the artistic coastal town of Essaouira, diversification of its offerings highlighting destinations less known with strategic promotions like Mount Toubkal offering trekking in the High Atlas, cycling and remote walks in Jebel Sahro, and a continued focus on developing its tourism potential.   

Tourism accounted for 12.3% of GDP in 2024, underscoring the sector’s in foreign currency earnings and its strategic importance for operators across accommodation, aviation and distribution and after a more than successful 2025 the outlook for the year 2026 and beyond is extremely positive.

Key Features and Drivers about Morocco's Success: 

•    Record Numbers: 19.8 million arrivals marks a major milestone, exceeding 2024’s 17.4 million.
•    Market Strength: Sustained demand from traditional European markets (France, Spain) and growing interest from Asia. 
•    Economic Growth: A strong 5.5% growth in Q2 2025 supported tourism. 
•    Infrastructure and Ambitions: Ongoing development aligns with the goal to host 26 million by 2030.
•    Resilience: The tourism sector shows adaptability in a volatile environment, say industry leaders. 

Impact: 

•    Tourism Boom: A significant surge in visitors, indicating a strong rebound and growing appeal. 

Trends: 

•    Hospitality Focus: Key trends for 2026 include Artificial Intelligence (AI), wellness, and branded residences in hospitality. 

The Maghrebi Kingdom retained its position as Africa’s most visited destination in 2025 ahead Egypt’s 19 million arrivals. Looking ahead Morocco targets a further notable growth by 2030 as it prepares to co - host the FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, supported by its unique destination appeal and its robust economic environment. 

Link 

https://atta.travel/resource/morocco-posts-record-19-8m-tourist-arrivals-in-2025.html

Qatar | Visit Qatar and Wego Join Forces in a New Dynamic Travel Campaign to Showcase the Country’s Appeal

 Qatar through the marketing and promotional arm of Qatar Tourism, Visit Qatar, joins forces with Wego, the number 1 travel app and largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to inspire regional travellers by showcasing the country’s appeal highlighting its cultural richness, striking landscapes, and captivating contemporary experiences.                    

This collaboration presents a dynamic campaign that encourage travellers from across the region to discover the many facets of Qatar, beyond what is expected. 

Qatar’s attractions blend futuristic modernity with deep - rooted traditions, featuring ultra - modern cities like Doha, the changing skyline of Lusail, iconic skyscrapers, traditional architecture such as Katara Cultural Village and Al - Fanar, a rich Islamic heritage, world – class museums including Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar, historical forts like Al Zubara, vibrant markets like Souq Waqif,  offering opportunities to exploring the creative spaces of downtown Msheireb, and many other cultural experiences.  

The country also boasts stunning vast desert landscapes with dune bashing, and mangroves, unique natural wonders like the Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid), a UNESCO World Heritage site supporting unique wildlife, where sprawling dunes merge with crystal clear waters in one of the country’s most stunning natural settings, unique rock formations like those near Zekreet, man - made islands such as The Pearl - Qatar,  the tranquil coast of Corniche, Katara’s beaches, where visitors can relax, and opportunities to savour traditional dishes such as machboos and and fresh seafood.   With all that and more Qatar offers a journey full of discoveries.

From lively neighbourhoods and creative arts districts to picturesque coastal promenade, luxurious shopping malls,  Qatar offers diverse experiences from cultural immersion and adventure to relaxation and luxury, and the campaign highlights a captivating country where modernity meets traditions.

As travellers from the Middle East and North Africa increasingly seek meaningful, authentic, and comfortable experiences, Qatar is an ideal destination, emerging as a standout option, offering a unique fusion of culture, nature, and contemporary leisure. 

Commercial Director at Wego, Mamoun Hmidan said that this collaboration with Visit Qatar allows the company to highlight the country’s remarkable evolution as a tourist destination. Wego’ s campaign is designed to connect with travellers at every stage, from inspiration to planning and booking, through quality content and intuitive tools. 

Qatar offers something for everyone: thriving cultural districts, pristine beaches, exceptional gastronomy and a packed calendar of world - class events. and Wego is excited to connect to its users with the experiences that make Qatar a unique and unforgettable destination.

Senior Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Visit Qatar, Saleh Al - Nisf said that the collaboration with Wego is a key step in expanding Qatar’s presence in the regional tourism landscape. Through this joint campaign, Visit Qatar showcases the countrty’s unique offerings, from cultural sites and coastal retreats to desert experiences, in a way that connects with regional audiences, supported by intuitive travel planning tools. 

With growing demand in the GCC and MENA region for nearby destinations with a strong cultural identity and easy access, Qatar’s modern infrastructure, compact design and growing air connectivity further increase its appeal. The campaign builds on this momentum to present Qatar not just as a place to visit, but as a ready - to - live experience. 

With this partnership, Wego and Visit Qatar open a new chapter in destination exploration, combining their destination expertise with advanced travel technology to inspire, guide and support travellers in the Middle East and North Africa, making Qatar more accessible, engaging and memorable than ever before. 
    

About Wego: 

Wego Pts Ltd is a renowned company founded in 2005 and headquartered in both Singapore and Dubai, UAE boasting an innovative travel metasearch engine operating in several countries in over 22 languages and local currencies collaborating with tourism boards of countries such as Great Britain, Japan, Jordan, Macau, Morocco, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand aiming to increase travel demands and showcasing a large variety of tourist products and proposals. 

 Wego features, vary by product, but generally include travel booking (flight/hotels) with price comparison, smart deals, and booking management for flights and hotels; Navigation (HERE WeGo) with offline maps, real - time traffic, lane assist, speed camera alerts, and public transport options; Car sharing (WeGo Carsharing) offering fleet management and data security; and specialized Medical (WEGO – PGA, WEGO – PDO) sutures with specific absorbable properties.

About Visit Qatar: 

Visit Qatar, the marketing arm of Qatar Tourism, focuses on promoting Qatar as a diverse destination through global campaigns like “Amaze Yourself”, a rich events calendar including sports, culture, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition) tourism, digital platforms, and enhancing visitor experiences, aiming to boost visitor numbers and establishing Qatar as a leading global tourism hub by 2030. 

 Key features include targeting families, couples, and stopover visitors, leveraging digital experiences, developing new attractions, and partnering with stakeholders to offer unique cultural, business and adventure experiences in  Qatar. 

Link
https://company.wego.com/explore-the-spirit-of-qatar-wego-and-visit-qatar-join-forces-in-new-travel-campaign/

Ghana | Revoks the Law which Allowed Mining in Forest Reserves to Protect Biodiversity

The Ghanaian government has revoked Legislative Instrument (L.I.), 2462, a 2022 law that allowed the President to permit mining in the forest reserves, enacting a complete ban on mining in those protected areas as of December 2025, a significant victory for environmentalists against rampant deforestation from illegal mining (galamsey) and a policy reversal driven by public pressure and campaigns from civil society groups. 

The repeal, enacted through the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, nullifies permits and signals a renewed commitment to protecting biodiversity, water bodies, and agricultural lands from mining impacts, although concerns remain about enforcement and ongoing threats. 

Key Features of the Repeal: 

•    Repealed Law: Ghanaian Government revoked Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which had previously allowed mining in forest reserves deemed to be in the “national interests”. 
•    Effective Date: The repeal became law in December 2025, with the ban taking effect after a mandatory constitutional period. 
•    New Regulation: The change was formalized by the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, 2025. 

Reasons for the Change: 

•    Public and Civil Society Pressure: Years of sustained campaigns by environmental groups like A Rocha Ghana and public oputcry against deforestation led to be the reversal. 
•    Environmental Destruction: Mining under L.I. 2462 exacerbated illegal mining, leading to significant deforestation, water pollution, and threats to biodiversity, impacting cocoa farms and river systems. 
•    Policy Reversal: The ban reverses a 2022 policy shift that weakened protections for ecologically sensitive areas.
Implications and Next Steps: 
•    Total Ban: All mining in Ghana’s forest reserves is now prohibited, restoring full bans on extractive activities in these areas. 
•    Commitment to Enforcement: The Ghanaian government aims to tackle illegal mining (galamsey) and protect natural resources, with efforts to deploy security personnel and track mining equipment. 
•    Ongoing Concerns: While welcomed as a victory, environmental groups urge strong follow - through, concrete governance reforms, and robust enforcement to address existing threats and restore degraded areas. 

Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah - Kofi Buah said sustained public opposition prompted the change, aligning with President John Mahama’s campaign pledge and reinforcing protections for biodiversity areas that support nature - based tourism.

Environmental groups hailed the decision as a governance milestone, warning that illegal mining, encroachment and logging still threaten forests. They urged follow - through on reforms, including a national forest protection strategy, stronger enforcement and restoration efforts, to safeguard reserves and surrounding landscapes and uphold Ghana’s climate and biodiversity commitments.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/ghana-repeals-law-opening-forest-reserves-to-mining.html

Natural Selection | To Open Expeditions Camp in Northern Okavango, Botswana

Natural Selection, a group of owners and operators of safari camps and lodges in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, dedicated to nature conservation, community, upliftment, offering authentic and unique experiences in the African continent is set to open on April 1, 2026  Expeditions Camp in a 90.000 - hectare Northern Okavango Concession, adjacent to a seasonal floodplain in the northern part of Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

The area is a prime safari region known for its pristine wilderness, diverse wildlife (leopards, lions,, elephants, wild dogs, antelope like the sitatunga, plus excellent birdlife) , a mosaic of islands, lagoons, woodlands, and waterways, receiving the delta’s first waters, creating rich, wet environments, offering year - round activities like mokoro (canoe) trips, motorboat safaris, game drives, and walking safaris, especially spectacular during the flood season.

The semi - permanent camp will operate from 1 April to 9 January each year, adding capacity in a prime wildlife area and broadening high - end safari in the Okavango Delta.

The camp will feature eight Meru tents with fully plumbed en - suite bathrooms, four - poster beds, antique furnishing, Wi - Fi, charging points and private decks overlooking the floodplains.

Activities at the camp include mokoro excursions, game drives, boating, night drives and a scenic helicopter flight to the Tsodilo Hills UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the “Louvre of the Desert” for their vast collection of ancient San Busjmen rock art, with over 4.000 paintings in caves and shelters, depicting animals, humans, and geometric patterns, significant for their archaeological and spiritual value.

The access is via Xaraxai Airstrip, more commonly known as Xaxaba Airfield (FBXB), a small airstrip, serving as a vital gateway for light aircraft accessing safari camps and lodges in the remote wilderness, and a 30 minute - transfer.

Links

https://naturalselection.travel/camps/expeditions-camp/

https://atta.travel/resource/natural-selection-to-open-expeditions-camp-in-northern-okavango.html

AvantStay | Portfolio Expansion with the Future Opening of a New Property in Miami, Florida, U.S.

AvantStay, a short - term rental hospitality company and full - service rental management group founded in 2017 by entrepreneurs Reuben Doetsch and Sean Breuner, and headquartered in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California will expand its portfolio with the opening of a new property in Miami, Florida, US, a development which follows AvantStay’s previous expansion in Nashville, Tennessee with The Gilmore.

The property named Sense28, scheduled to open in March 2026 will open its doors in Miami’s Edgewater neighbourhood, a lively area located north of Downtown and the Arts & Entertainment District, and south of Midtown and the Upper Eastside, skirting the shore of Biscayne Bay.

Edgewater is an area known for its luxury apartment building and high rise condos lining the waterfront, numerous parks like Margaret Pace Park for recreation, a mix of trendy and high - end dining/shopping, cultural proximity to museums (PAMM, Frost Science) and Arsht Center, offering bay views and easy access to other Miami hotspots like Wynwood and the Design District.

The location at 329 NE 28th Street was chosen for its proximity to Miami’s cultural and creative hubs and the property is designed to accommodate group travel and extended stays, offering residential - style accommodations. 

The property will feature 52 units, including one - and two bedroom suites, each equipped with full kitchens, contactless check - in and check - out options, a pool deck, fitness centre, on - site garage parking, a staffed lobby, as well as concierge services.

With its upcoming opening part of AvantStay’s strategy to expand into urban markets, Sense28 aims to deliver a residential experience through spacious layouts and tech - enabled services in a leading destination like Miami.

Links

https://avantstay.com/829873/miami/sense28-full-buyout?adults=1

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139451.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Officially Opened its First Kimpton Hotel in Malaysia, Located in Kuala Lumpur

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK,  has officially opened its first Kimpton hotel in Malaysia, located in Kuala Lumpur, capital and largest city of the country, a sprawling metropolis known for its blend of modernity and culture, highlighted by impressive landmarks like the Petronas Towers, diverse religious sites, a vibrant centre with a relevant mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, all elements making it a very attractive destination for a unique and enjoyable travel experience.

Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur by IHG is located in the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), a major urban development centred around The Exchange TRX Mall, boasting over 400 retailers, a huge 10 - acre rooftop, TRX City Park with gardens, playground, and dining, close to the Bukit Bintang, a bustling shopping and entertainment district, famous for its upscale malls, and 2 kilometres from the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Owned by LQ Hotel Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Lendlease and TRX City Sdn Bhd, the hotel features 466 rooms and suites across 26 stories, offering stunning views of relevant city landmarks, including KL Tower and Merdeka 118. 

The interior design led by Hassell, a leading international design practice with studios in the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, and the United States, incorporates elements inspired by Malaysia’s natural landscapes, with a focus on earthy tones and organic textures.

The hotel includes four dining and social venues such as Tuai + Till, a dual dining space, Four Siblings, a spice - themed rooftop bar inspired by the historic spice trade, Rise & Grind, an espresso bar featuring locally sourced Liberica coffee beans, and Sabato’s, an Italian - American restaurant set to open in early 2026.

The property offers a range of guest amenities including a rooftop fitness centre with TRX suspension training and a variety of workout sessions, in - room yoga mats, complimentary bicycles, and a daily morning energizer session featuring local beverages.

The establishment joins the Kimpton brand characterized by hotels known for their boutique style, focusing on unique design, often incorporating local art and culture to create a distinctive environment, and highlighted by personalized service, and an immersive atmosphere.

Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ expanding portfolio of luxury lifestyle hotels, joining recent openings in Algarve, Portugal, Frankfurt, Germany, Hainan and Hong Kong, China, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Future openings are planned in locations such as Bali Ubud, Indonesia in 2026.

 Links

https://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/hotels/us/en/kuala-lumpur/kulte/hoteldetail

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139484.html

Michoacán, Mexico | Relevant Tourist Flows with Record Number in 2025

Michoacán, a state located in western Mexico, known for its beautiful colonial cities like UNESCO - listed Morelia, a breathtaking biodiversity including the Monarch Butterly Biosphere Reserve, a stunning Pacific coastline, all set within a rugged, mountainous landscape, a land highlighted by a rich cultural and historical heritage, a delicious cuisine, often referred as the “Soul of Mexico” for its deep cultural roots, historic towns and for boasting one of the most diverse indigenous populations in the country experienced relevant tourist flows with record number in 2025. 

The state welcomed a record - breaking over 10 million visitors last year, consolidating its position as a major cultural destination. The number of tourists arriving by air also hit a record high of over 1.5 million, the highest figure in three years as highlighted by Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla. 

The official stressed that the eight new routed operated by Volaris airline allowed an increase of 15.4% of passengers to the airport of the Michoacán capital compared to 2024, going from 1.304.000 to 1.5 million last year. 

The Governor said that with the increase in connectivity, the state received numerous U.S. tourists from important cities such as Dallas, Houston, Ontario, Sacramento, and San Antonio, in addition to strengthening national tourism by having direct flights to Ixtapa, Mexicali and Puerto Vallarta.

Michoacán’s Governor explained that the state has historical monuments, traditional gastronomy, natural beauties, crafts and customs, which are great attractions for tourists adding that visitors once reached their destinations in the state have good transportation services through which they got to know the Michoacán lands, such as private vehicles and commercial buses.   

Key Figures for Michoacán Tourism (2025):

•    Total Visitors: 10.635.487 
•    Growth: 5.6% increase compared to 2024. 

Key Features and Attractions Driving Growth: 

•    Cultural Heritage: Strong draw from traditions like the “Día de los Muertos” (the Day of the Dead) , historical cities like its UNESCO World Heritage capital, Morelia, the ancient Purépecha pyramids (Yacatas) at Tzintzuntzan, and cultural towns like Pátzcuaro. 
•    Natural Beauty: Ecotourism, rural tourism, and community – based initiatives. 
•    Pueblos Mágicos: Popularity of designated magical towns. 
•    Strategic Promotion: Active participation in tourism fairs (Tianguis Turístico) to form alliances and highlights operators. 
•    Business Growth: New partnerships and increased business meetings. 

In essence Michoacán capitalized on its unique offerings, achieving historic visitor numbers in 2025 through cultural events, nature tourism, improved air connectivity, and focused promotional efforts, with a positive outlook for 2026 and beyond. 

Link 

https://infoturlatam.com/michoacan-alcanza-cifra-record-en-2025/