Tourism Development

Bratislava – September 21, 2026 -- EXPO 2027 Belgrade brought its "Visit Serbia" roadshow to Bratislava, convening Serbian and Slovak travel and business representatives to forge partnerships ahead of the Western Balkans' first Specialised Expo, scheduled for 15 May to 15 August 2027 under the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All."

More than 135 countries confirm participation in Belgrade Expo

Organizers expect several million visits over the 93-day event, with over 135 countries having already confirmed participation.

Slovakia becomes first country to sign Expo participation contract

"Slovakia was the first country to sign the Participation Contract for EXPO 2027 Belgrade, reflecting the strong ties between our business communities," said Igor Kovačević, Executive Director of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, who invited Slovak travel professionals to develop itineraries and visit Serbia directly.

Shenyang – September 19, 2026 -- Xinhua Indices Institute has launched two new benchmark reports tracking rowing sport development and hutong revitalization in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, establishing an annual metric for the city's culture, tourism, sports and commerce integration strategy.

Two indices set annual benchmark for culture-sports integration

The China (Shenyang) Rowing Development Index Report and the China (Shenyang) Hutong Revitalization Index Report were unveiled on September 10 at the 2026 China (Shenyang) Exchange on Integrated Development of Culture, Tourism, Sports and Commerce. The event was co-hosted by the Shenyang Municipal People's Government and the Brand Work Office of Xinhua News Agency, drawing officials, industry executives and academics.

Abu Dhabi – September 17, 2026 -- Miral will invest more than AED 12 billion in Yas Island over the next five years, funding new attractions, expanded theme parks and additional hotel capacity across the Abu Dhabi destination.

Investment targets attraction expansion and hospitality growth

The capital will support new immersive rides and experiences at existing theme parks, alongside enhancements designed to meet shifting visitor expectations. Miral also plans to grow Yas Island's hotel room inventory and upgrade its accommodation portfolio as part of the five-year pipeline.

Spending sits outside the previously announced Disney project

The AED 12 billion commitment is separate from Miral's earlier announced Disney development on Yas Island, representing an additional layer of investment rather than a consolidation of existing plans.