Top 3 headlines
Red Sea Global doubles down on “regenerative tourism” with new conservation milestones
Red Sea Global (RSG) has moved its sustainability story from “project ambition” to measurable delivery this week, announcing both the completion of Saudi Arabia’s largest red mangrove restoration programme, successfully propagating and transplanting more than 5,000 seedlings in the Al Wajh Lagoon.
As well as the publication of a science-based model for achieving “net conservation gains”. For operators and trade partners, the takeaway is clear: RSG is sharpening its ESG credentials as a commercial differentiator, useful for tour packaging, premium positioning, and corporate travel procurement conversations.
New “Ramadan in Egypt is a Story” campaign launches
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has launched a new promotional campaign, “Ramadan in Egypt is a Story”, to drive demand in the Arab market around Ramadan and Eid, with visibility across major booking and search platforms. In parallel, Egypt’s travel industry body has communicated an increase to the visa-on-arrival fee (from USD 25 to USD 30), effective 1 March 2026, a small change, but one that can affect conversion and messaging in price-sensitive segments.
Turkey offers $100,000 per episode to boost tourism and appeal
Turkey will introduce a new incentive scheme offering up to $100,000 per episode for television series broadcast abroad that promote the country, its language and tourism appeal. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said funding will be channelled through the General Directorate of Cinema and the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency.
Turkish series are currently aired in around 170 countries, with global demand rising 184% between 2020 and 2023. Export revenues surpassed $1 billion last year, placing Turkey among the world’s top three TV exporters.
To qualify, productions must meet benchmarks including international sales reach and audience performance, with priority given to shows sold in at least 10 countries across three continents. The government will also ease filming permits and offer access to historical sites to support “screen tourism” and cultural branding.
Noteworthy
- Sharjah is positioning itself strongly for European trade demand ahead of ITB Berlin, with SCTDA leading a pavilion featuring 20 public/private entities and pushing development projects plus multi-region itineraries.
- Dubai World Cup has confirmed pop star Jason Derulo as the headline act for its after-race show.
- Qatar Tourism has introduced an “Alumni Awards” extension to the Qatar Tourism Awards ecosystem keeping suppliers engaged beyond the annual cycle and reinforcing quality benchmarking across hospitality and experiences.
- Bahrain has launched a Heritage Village Ramadan Nights programme around Ramadan, another push to convert cultural heritage into bookable, calendar-led demand drivers for the Manama market. From children’s entertainment and heritage activities to traditional rituals, it’s a way to engage and share Bahraini heritage during the holy month.
- Online travel platform Wego reported a 4.8% YoY increase in total Kuwait travel bookings for February 2026. Inbound bookings during the Hala February festival period rose 9% compared to last year, with demand largely from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Syria and Bahrain.
- Travel agents should be aware that the U.S. has ordered the departure of non-essential personnel and family members from its embassy in Beirut and reiterated “Do Not Travel” guidance for US travellers.
