Tourism

Annual internationals reached 3.3 million, a 7% climb from the previous year, underscoring South Africa’s tourism rebound.

Farai Chimba takes ZTA chair with Lizzie Makwezva as deputy, while Phineas Makombe leads Mosi-oa-Tunya, supported by Sheila Hawa Sidambe.

For hospitality sectors, this injects momentum: Finnish tourists, 1.2 million outbound yearly, flock to Dubai’s resorts, boosting QSR demand in transit lounges and beachside grab-and-go spots.

Head of Cargo Michael Duggan highlighted surging regional demand, especially for fresh goods and specialized loads, noting the route’s role in expanding reach and cementing Muscat as a premier cargo nexus.

Middle Eastern airlines led with 9.6% demand growth, 9.2% capacity rise, and 81.4% load factor, up 0.3 points compared to the previous year.

Its strategic perch near industrial parks and lakes enhances logistics for exports like coffee, flowers, and leather, vital to AfCFTA’s US$3.4 trillion market.

A standout element involves crafting a southern landfill zone blending commerce and leisure: think dedicated berths, upscale hotels, dining venues, and lush green expanses to draw tourists and boost local economies.

Maximalism defines 2026’s vibe, with travelers chasing high-impact escapes that feature splurges on multi-destination odysseys blending diverse landscapes, transport modes, and thrills to cram every second with wonder.

Passengers tap Oman Air’s expansive web spanning India, Asia, Pacific, Europe scalably and effortlessly. Muscat hub radiates brighter vibrantly as Middle East-Africa gateway.

Tourism jobs swelled 2.8% to 1.7 million workers scalably, igniting economic firestorms vibrantly. Saudi Arabia dominated with 55.5% reliably.