Unmarked survey forms have been sent to madrasas in Bengal, requesting detailed information on their religious affiliation, land ownership, funding sources including foreign funds, and data on foreign visitors or students.
The Lenin Museum in Tampere, Finland, has changed its name to the Museum of East-West Relations Noot, resulting in a noticeable decrease in foreign visitors.
Portuguese museums recorded nearly 1.7 million free entries, including 306,000 from foreign visitors. The 'Acesso 52' measure, exclusive to residents, accounted for 849,000 entries, representing 50% of all free admissions, contributing to a total of approximately four million visits (paid and free).
Data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) for June shows a double-digit increase in Bulgarians traveling abroad, while the number of foreign visitors to Bulgaria has decreased. This trend raises questions about the strength of the current summer tourist season.
South Korea welcomed over 10 million foreign visitors in the first half of this year, marking a 21.3 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Bulgaria's tourism sector reported a 9% decline in foreign visitors during the summer 2026 season, with a change in the nationalities comprising the largest tourist groups.
Despite Japan's overall tourism boom, the scenic Tohoku region in northern Honshu is struggling to draw foreign visitors, remaining an outlier compared to popular destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto.
Mexico is experiencing an increase in tourist arrivals, but visitors are spending less, primarily due to a growing percentage of foreign visitors crossing the northern border by land.
Poland's Central Statistical Office (GUS) announced that 17.99 million people stayed in tourist accommodations in Poland from June to September last year, with nearly a quarter of them being foreign visitors.
Joseon era palaces and Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul recorded 7.41 million visitors in the first half of the year, with 30.6 percent being foreign nationals, marking a 6.6 percent increase.
In the first five months of the year, North Macedonia saw 404,599 tourists, a 2.6% increase from last year, with Turkish visitors continuing to be the most numerous among foreign arrivals.
According to data from the BiH Agency for Statistics, Croatian tourists constitute the largest group of foreign visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina, accounting for one in five international arrivals.
The Brčko District in Bosnia and Herzegovina is experiencing continuous growth in tourism, with official data showing an increase in tourist arrivals, particularly from Austria, Germany, and Serbia.
MAGA influencer Sean Davis made controversial suggestions, including banning pregnant women from traveling to the US and sterilizing all foreign visitors, following a Supreme Court defeat for Trump on birthright citizenship.
Egypt, heavily reliant on tourism, is investing massively in new hotels near the Pyramids and renovating airports to attract more foreign visitors, having seen a 4% growth in visitor numbers by the end of May.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 progresses, teams like South Africa and Egypt celebrate their achievements while others like Saudi Arabia face scrutiny after their exit. Fans anticipate the knockout stages, with discussions around potential matchups and how to watch upcoming games.
Greek tourism is experiencing strong momentum in the first four months of 2026, with a remarkable 36.9% increase in travel receipts from foreign visitors, according to official data from the Bank of Greece.
Democrats are being criticized for painting a bleak picture of America, contrasting sharply with the enthusiasm expressed by foreign visitors for the US during the World Cup. Commentators highlight the difference between political rhetoric and public sentiment.
Kazakhstan has simplified entry and stay procedures for foreign visitors from 105 countries by introducing electronic visas to support tourism development.
Foreign visitors paying by card in Costa Rica face a 6% fee from a major bank if they choose to be billed in their home currency, a charge that can be avoided by declining the option.
While the number of foreign visitors to Ukraine is a fraction of pre-war levels, disaster tourism is helping to sustain the country's tourism industry. The Ukrainian state has also begun to recognize the tourism value of war-affected sites.
The Korea National Park Service is expanding its free safety gear rental service to all 20 mountainous national parks, making it accessible to foreign visitors with new guidelines.
Spain is solidifying its position as a top global tourist destination, with foreign visitors projected to spend over $130 billion in 2025, a result of its well-thought-out tourism policies.
Japan experienced a decline in foreign visitors and a drop in auto exports during April, with both trends attributed to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. These economic sectors show a noticeable impact from the geopolitical situation.
An opinion piece suggests that Japan's ambitious target of attracting 60 million foreign visitors by 2030 is heavily dependent on the successful development and promotion of regional tourism.
North Macedonia has seen a 6.9% increase in the total number of foreign tourists by March of this year compared to the same period last year, with foreign visitors accounting for 80.3% of all tourists.
South Korea recorded its first monthly travel account surplus in over 11 years in March, largely attributed to the K-pop superband BTS's return, which attracted a significant influx of foreign visitors.
Foreign visitors have returned to participate in the annual Jewish pilgrimage in Tunisia, which is being held under tight security measures. This event is seen as part of broader signals of new openings for Jewish communities in North Africa.
South Korea has introduced a new promotion offering foreign visitors discounts on train bookings, free transit cards, or eSIMs. The campaign, a joint effort with the Korea Tourism Organization, runs through early June.
Bulgaria has experienced significant tourism growth in recent years, attracting over 13.6 million foreign visitors in 2025 due to its Mediterranean landscape and more affordable prices compared to destinations like the Amalfi Coast.
Secretary Doug Burgum's national park pricing plan for foreign visitors has raised over $2 million in new revenue, which he states is a conservation win, despite initial criticism from Democrats.
South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare reported that 2.01 million foreign visitors came to the country for medical treatment in 2025, spending over 12 trillion won on tourism.
Despite book-centric tours, foreign visitors often leave Japanese bookstores empty-handed, raising questions about their appeal beyond just atmosphere for multilingual audiences.
South Korea experienced an unprecedented number of foreign visitors during the first quarter of the year, indicating a strong recovery in its tourism sector.
Tokyo DisneySea is marking its 25th anniversary, with a significant portion of its recent growth attributed to an increasing number of international tourists visiting the theme park.
Thailand's government is re-evaluating its visa-free entry policy for foreign visitors, aiming to revise the scheme to better target and attract higher-spending tourists, according to the Tourism and Sports Minister.
Foreign visitors are increasingly flocking to spa centers in China to experience unique cultural baths at affordable prices, contributing to a rise in wellness tourism. Many are impressed by the 24-hour operation of these bathhouses.
Japan's Environment Ministry is implementing measures to improve accessibility and multilingual support in its national parks, aiming to increase the number of foreign tourists.
Airports in the Schengen area are expecting queues of over two hours for foreign visitors during Easter, as a new digital registration system for non-EU nationals remains in testing until April 9.
Singapore is set to introduce facial recognition technology for motorcyclists at land checkpoints, following successful trials, allowing residents, long-term pass holders, and returning foreign visitors to use the feature.
Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports warns that the number of foreign visitors could fall by 10% to a three-year low, as the Middle East war threatens global travel.
Strikes against Iran are altering global tourism trends for the year, prompting Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism to reassure foreign visitors that flights, hotels, and attractions are operating normally for Easter.
Ticket sales for foreign visitors to the 2026 Spring Royal Culture Festival, which will run from April 24 to May 3, are set to open at 2 p.m. on March 16. Hosted by the Korea Heritage Service and organized by the Korea Heritage Agency, reservations will be available through Creatrip, a travel platform widely used by international tourists visiting Korea. The Royal Culture Festival, held each spring and fall, is the country’s largest heritage festival, unfolding across the five palaces of Seoul —
South Korean travel platform Nol Universe has partnered with Woori Bank and Kona I to launch a prepaid card service specifically designed for foreign visitors to Korea.
Nearly 1.1 million guests spent over 66 billion forints in tourist accommodations in Hungary this January. While domestic tourists avoided Tokaj, foreign visitors notably stayed away from Gyula.
The Karlovy Vary region in the Czech Republic experienced the highest year-on-year decrease in tourist numbers among all Czech regions in the second quarter, with both domestic and foreign visitors declining.
Vietnam's Soviet-style criminal justice system is being tested by a surge in foreign visitors, as the country aims to boost its economy through tourism.
President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the upcoming period is crucial for resuming negotiations on the Cyprus issue, following a meeting with Famagusta municipality officials and foreign visitors.
According to an executive, Portuguese airline TAP and hotel group Vila Galé have been crucial in attracting foreign visitors to Brazil. TAP operates around 100 weekly flights to Brazil, while Vila Galé is investing 166.6 million euros in the country, prompting a call for the creation of a tourist police force.
This article explores the differing views of Nigeria held by its citizens and foreign visitors. It examines why Nigerians often issue warnings to outsiders while simultaneously celebrating positive experiences reported by foreigners.
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and Eastar Jet have signed an agreement to expand Greater China routes at regional airports, aiming to attract more foreign visitors to South Korea.
South Korea welcomed 10.7 million international visitors from January to June, a 21.3 percent increase from the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic tourism levels.
Antalya, Türkiye's Mediterranean tourism hub, has welcomed over 6.5 million foreign visitors since the beginning of the year, with hotels nearing full occupancy during the peak summer season.
Japan experienced a 2% decrease in foreign visitors during the first half of 2026, marking the second consecutive year with over 20 million visitors but a notable 56.4% drop in tourists from China.
Japan is banking on tourism for its economic future, aiming for 60 million foreign visitors annually. However, China, a major source of tourists, is not sending as many visitors as anticipated.
Brazilian favelas in Rio de Janeiro, once considered no-go zones due to high crime rates, are now attracting more foreign visitors than some of the city's most famous landmarks, raising questions about safety amidst their growing popularity.
A 21-year-old unlicensed taxi driver in Athens was apprehended after charging foreign visitors four times the standard fare, amounting to €175 for a trip from the airport to the city center.
Japan is making travel more expensive for foreign visitors by quintupling visa prices and increasing tourist taxes, while simultaneously reducing passport costs for its own citizens.
Lithuania's tourism balance is deteriorating as its citizens increasingly travel to Mediterranean resorts, while foreign visitors to the country are demonstrating a saving mode.
Shinsegae Duty Free has introduced a new payment service allowing foreign visitors to pay in installments using overseas-issued Visa cards, developed in partnership with Korean fintech company DealMe.
At Seoul's Gwangjang Market, traditionally known for textiles, Korean bedding has become an unexpected and popular souvenir among a growing number of foreign visitors.
Cuban officials report a 58% drop in foreign visitors compared to last year, attributing the collapse of the tourism sector to US sanctions and an effective oil blockade.
Károly Gerendai, organizer of the Sziget Festival, stated that the appreciation of the Hungarian Forint has made the festival more expensive for foreigners, leading to lower-than-expected ticket sales and a projected 1.5 billion Forint loss for the current year.
Americans constituted nearly 10% of overnight visitors to Valencia in May, making them the top foreign tourist group, even without direct flight connections.
Thailand plans to reduce the duration of visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for tourists, citing an increase in problematic behavior and criminal activity by foreign visitors.
Germany's Baltic and North Sea coasts, rich in cool waters, are noted for their lack of foreign visitors, prompting questions about the reasons behind this trend.
The ongoing war in the Middle East is expected to lead to a decrease in foreign visitors to Switzerland this summer, preventing the country from breaking previous tourism records. Meanwhile, Cyprus anticipates a full rebound in tourism by June.
Lithuania has experienced a third drone incident in recent days, prompting questions about how these repeated occurrences might affect inbound tourism and deter foreign visitors.
The Thai cabinet has decided to terminate the 60-day visa-free program for foreign visitors, though the exact timeline for its enforcement has not yet been disclosed.
Icelandic restaurants are grappling with rising costs across nearly all expenditure categories, compounded by a decrease in foreign visitors, leading to a significantly worse situation than in previous years.
Bed bugs have been discovered in all regions of Iceland, with their numbers steadily increasing over recent decades due to both increased travel by Icelanders abroad and a rise in foreign visitors.
Woori Bank has launched 'Nol World Cards,' prepaid cards designed for foreign visitors to Korea, at Incheon International Airport, allowing immediate currency exchange and domestic payments.
Over 390,000 foreigners visited Northern Cyprus in January and February 2026, with most arrivals from Turkey and a notable increase from Germany, according to local reports.
Bulgaria has experienced significant tourism growth in recent years, attracting over 13.6 million foreign visitors in 2025 due to its Mediterranean landscape and sea, offered at a lower price point compared to popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast.
Gyeonggi Province has introduced a new day tour program designed for foreign visitors, aiming to provide easier access to its attractions from Seoul without the need for public transportation.
South Korea welcomed a record 2.06 million foreign visitors in March, primarily driven by Chinese arrivals and increased tourism spending attributed to the comeback tour of K-pop supergroup BTS after a long hiatus.
Thailand is exploring the implementation of mandatory health insurance for all foreign visitors, a measure prompted by a significant increase in unpaid medical bills from tourists. The proposed requirement could come into effect as early as this year.
Japan's Ministry of Environment plans to improve the landscape and brand power of its national parks over the next five years. The goal is to increase the number of foreign visitors by approximately 1.4 times by 2031, marking the 100th anniversary of the national park system.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to expand high-speed public Wi-Fi in key tourist hotspots, creating 'data-free zones' to enhance convenience for foreign visitors and boost the city's global tourism appeal.
Despite global crises, Spain is projected to welcome 100 million foreign visitors this year, indicating its continued popularity as a tourist destination, though some uncertainties remain.
In the first two months of the year, Slovenia's tourist accommodations saw an increase in guests and overnight stays, with Croatians forming the largest group of foreign visitors, much to the satisfaction of ski lift operators.
China's luxury hotel sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increase in inbound tourism and a rising number of foreign business and leisure travelers utilizing high-end accommodation and new visa-free policies.
The seven-member group is back with their first album in nearly four years, ‘Arirang,’ a hip-hop heavy, Korean folk-infused experimental exploration of how the biggest group in the world can move…
A European country is considering implementing higher diesel prices for foreign visitors to combat 'fuel tourism' that has left local stations dry, a problem exacerbated by global fuel price surges linked to the ongoing Iran war.
Seoul's subway system will begin accepting overseas-issued payment cards for transportation card purchases and recharging, aiming to improve convenience for foreign visitors.
Starbucks Korea said Thursday it will introduce Seoul-themed beverages — Seoul Makgeolli Cold Brew and Seoul Sunset Omija Fizzio — at 100 stores across Seoul starting Monday. The drinks reinterpret traditional Korean elements, including the aroma of makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine, and the sunset over palace ponds. The rollout will begin at stores in major tourist districts such as Myeong-dong, Gwanghwamun and Gangnam, as the number of foreign visitors to Korea reached a record 18.7 mi
Tourism in Mexico is at an all-time high, with foreign visitors lured by the country’s rich culture and low costs. The Guardian visits Oaxaca, a state synonymous with indigenous culture, where tourism has grown 77% since the pandemic and once private family rituals such as the Day of the Dead are now big international parties. But with this opportunity comes a growing backlash across the country, as local people struggle with a cost of living crisis that is exacerbated by the tourism industry...
Thousands of foreign visitors are stranded in Dubai after airspace closures and flight cancellations, with British tourists describing nights spent sleeping in hotel parking lots amidst panic.
The Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic is experiencing a slowdown in its tourism growth, despite being the second-largest destination in the region. The country aims to attract more foreign visitors, particularly from France.
Five minutes from the tourist alley in Taipei, there's an alley for locals to relax. The atmosphere here is a little different from the streets adapted for foreign visitors.
Starting February 25, 2026, all European citizens, including Romanians, traveling to the UK for tourism or short stays will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Tampere, Finland, already boasts 31 hotels and 3,700 rooms, with more under development. The hotel industry relies heavily on events, but seeks more consistent demand throughout the year, as foreign visitors make up only 10-15% of guests.
The Cofek consumer organization is seeking the suspension of a new policy that requires all foreign visitors entering Kenya to have insurance, causing concern in the tourism sector.
South Korea recorded an all-time high of over 10.71 million tourist arrivals in the first half of this year, with Seoul alone accounting for 8.32 million, or about 78% of the national total. This underscores the capital city's dominant role in the country's tourism boom.
A large group of volunteers, including locals and foreign visitors, are actively working to repair infrastructure and homes damaged by the war in Ukraine.
Andrew and Tristan Tate will remain in a US jail for at least two more weeks as they continue to fight extradition to the UK on sex offense charges. Their lawyer claims they face threats to their lives in the Miami jail and are being subjected to harsh conditions.
South Korea's travel account reported a surplus of $220.5 million in May, marking the third consecutive month of surplus, driven by an increase in foreign visitors.
Ethiopia has experienced a 15% increase in foreign visitors over nine months, the fastest growth rate on the African continent, as the government promotes tourism despite ongoing security issues in some regions.
A proposal to eliminate Nepal's 'dollar fare' policy, intended to reduce domestic flight prices for foreign visitors, is warned by airline operators to potentially make flights more expensive for local citizens.
Despite the introduction of surcharges at certain French museums and sites like the Louvre and Versailles, differentiated ticket pricing has not significantly deterred foreign visitors, though overall tourism numbers remain a concern for cultural institutions.
Japan plans to increase prices for foreign visitors to manage overtourism and generate funds for new infrastructure, aiming for 60 million international travelers by the end of the decade.
Icelandic police have increased patrols at popular tourist attractions, deploying plain-clothes officers to address a recent rise in organized pickpocketing targeting foreign visitors.
Japan's average land prices, used for inheritance tax, have risen for the fifth consecutive year, marking the largest increase since 2010, with significant surges observed in tourist areas due to a boom in foreign visitors.
Japan experienced a 3.6% decrease in foreign visitors last month compared to the same period last year, marking the second consecutive month of decline, primarily influenced by a significant reduction in tourists from China.
An increasing number of US cities are adding fixed service charges to customer bills, a trend driven by foreign visitors' confusion over the American tipping system.
Spain is preparing for an exceptionally successful tourist season, with expectations to surpass 100 million foreign visitors for the first time after a record 97 million last year.
European Council President Antonio Costa visited Skopje, stating that constitutional amendments are the only way for North Macedonia to formally begin EU accession negotiations. This sentiment was echoed by other EU officials, highlighting the importance of these reforms for the country's future in the bloc.
Spain is seeing an increase in tourist popularity for the summer season, with a 7.1 percent rise in foreign visitors expected in June compared to last year, driven largely by growth from Poland, Turkey, and Italy.
Some US restaurants are adding mandatory tips, often at a minimum of 18%, to bills for foreign visitors ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This practice aims to ensure gratuity for service.
Sofia is anticipating between 5,000 and 10,000 foreign visitors for the upcoming European Volleyball Championship. The event, alongside the country's Eurovision hosting, has sparked discussions on the economic impact of cultural and sports mega-events.
Foreign visitors booking Korean rail tickets are increasingly traveling to cities like Gyeongju, Daegu, and Busan, indicating a growing interest in exploring regions beyond the capital.
Toyama Prefecture in Japan is leveraging its unique kombu (kelp) culture as a draw to attract more foreign visitors, aiming to boost tourism in the region.
A specific crossing in Yoyogi, Tokyo, has become a popular spot for foreign visitors seeking a unique view of multiple trains passing simultaneously, dubbed a 'trainscape'.
Restaurants in Kansas City are contemplating implementing automatic gratuity to accommodate a projected surge of foreign visitors during the World Cup, addressing potential unfamiliarity with American tipping customs.
Trainline, a ticketing retailer, announced a jump in profits to £122 million but anticipates flat or declining revenues in the coming year, attributing the impact to US-Iran tensions affecting rail ticket sales to foreign visitors.
North Korea showcased its latest own-brand Jindallae smartphone model at a trade fair, welcoming foreign visitors and firms despite international sanctions.
The Montenegrin town of Tivat is currently hosting 2,770 tourists, an 8% decrease compared to the same period last year, with foreign visitors making up the majority.
The Asia Culture Center (ACC) in Gwangju is recruiting a new cohort of multilingual interpreters to guide foreign visitors through its facilities and programs, aiming to expand its outreach to international audiences.
Amid funding shortages, a debate has emerged in the UK regarding the possibility of charging foreign visitors for entry to museums, which are currently free for all, though implementation faces several challenges.
China's Foreign Ministry announced that the country welcomes more foreign visitors to take advantage of its visa-free policy and experience its blend of ancient and modern culture.
China is set to become the world's top tourism economy, while the U.S. experiences a sharp drop in foreign visitors due to stricter immigration policies and rising geopolitical tensions.
Japan recorded over 3.61 million foreign visitors in March, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year and the highest number for the month of March, driven by increases from South Korea and Taiwan.
South Korea ranks high in public transportation usage among advanced economies but faces challenges in accessibility and convenience for foreign visitors, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Gwanghwamun is introducing a new program that offers foreign visitors a rare opportunity to take backstage tours.
The United Kingdom is exploring a controversial proposal to impose entry fees on foreign visitors at national museums, such as the British Museum, following a government review.
Jamaica is preparing for Carnival with a significant influx of foreign visitors, and event organizer Xodus is highlighting its focus on delivering a memorable experience.
American sailors from the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier were reportedly charged 17 euros for a single souvlaki (pitogyro) while visiting Chania, Greece, sparking local discussion about pricing for foreign visitors.
In the first two months of the year, Slovenia experienced an increase in tourist visits and overnight stays, with Croatian guests being the most numerous among foreign visitors, and ski resort operators particularly satisfied.
Four people, including two Japanese nationals, were injured in a drunk driving accident near Hongik University Station in western Seoul when an SUV driven by an intoxicated driver ran over pedestrians.
K-pop sensation BTS held a comeback concert in Seoul after a four-year hiatus, leading police to boost security at Gwanghwamun Square amid the festive mood.
Portuguese tourism saw significant growth in 2025, approaching 20 million foreign visitors, with American tourists now surpassing Spaniards to become the second-largest group.
Seoul's subway system has begun accepting overseas-issued payment cards at ticket kiosks, aiming to improve convenience for foreign visitors using public transport.
Okinawa is implementing a new initiative offering a combined rental car and medical insurance package to make the region more appealing and secure for foreign visitors.
Passenger departures by foreign visitors through Keflavík International Airport totalled about 147,000 in February, according to figures published by the Icelandic Tourist Board. The number represents a 0.9% decrease compared with February 2025. What’s the Story? Around 147,000 foreign passenger departures through Keflavík International Airport in February, according to the Icelandic Tourist Board 0.9% decrease…
The post UK and US Visitors Still Lead Iceland Tourism appeared first on Iceland ...
Hana Financial Group is advancing its stablecoin payment initiatives in South Korea by launching a promotional campaign for foreign visitors using USDC, through partnerships with Circle and Crypto.com.
As the number of foreign visitors to Japan increases, the Agency for Cultural Affairs has decided on a policy to introduce "dual pricing" for admission fees at national art museums and museums by 2031, five years from now, which will make prices higher for foreigners.
Ireland experienced a 27% increase in foreign visitors in January, with 429,800 people making trips to the country compared to January 2025, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office.
President Lee Jae Myung has called for a comprehensive overhaul of South Korea's tourism industry, setting an ambitious goal of attracting 30 million inbound visitors by promoting travel beyond Seoul.
Japan experienced a 4.9% decrease in foreign visitors in January compared to the previous year, marking the first monthly decline since January 2022, primarily due to a reduction in tourists from China amid deteriorating Japan-China relations.