Global tourism is experiencing a powerful resurgence in 2026, with several countries and regions gaining momentum thanks to transformative development projects led by influential hospitality and construction companies.
These companies are not only shaping visitor experiences but also redefining the global tourism map through strategic planning, expansion, and large-scale initiatives.
From cultural capitals to revitalised coastal resorts, new spots are increasingly becoming attractive to travellers seeking better value and diverse attractions. Below are five standout destinations gaining momentum in 2026, due to their unique projects, outstanding hospitality value and cultural impact.
Red Sea Global: transforming Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s rise as a global tourism contender is being actively driven by Red Sea Global, the developer behind the flagship Red Sea Destination project. This large-scale coastal tourism development is converting previously untouched island and shoreline areas into eco-luxury resort destinations.
Operating within the broader Vision 2030 planning framework, the company is leading expansion efforts that integrate sustainability, cultural preservation, and high-end hospitality. Alongside futuristic urban developments led by entities such as the NEOM Company, these projects are reshaping the Kingdom’s tourism infrastructure.
The scale of development positions Saudi Arabia as one of the most ambitious new spots in the global tourism market. As new resorts, airports, and entertainment districts open in phases, the country is expected to see sustained growth in international arrivals over the coming decade.
db Group: the hospitality group driving Malta’s impressive momentum
Malta is firmly positioned among the fastest-growing tourism destinations in Europe, with record visitor arrivals in 2025 and growth expected to continue into 2026. This momentum is closely tied to the strategic role played by db Group, a leading hospitality developer behind transformative mixed-use tourism projects. Central to this boom is the regeneration and expansion project at St George’s Bay in Pembroke, which aims to elevate the area and attract more tourists.
The development is envisioned as a flagship seaside destination integrating hotels, leisure spaces, and premium tourism infrastructure, thus further elevating the bay’s appeal as one of Malta’s premier resort zones. Beachfront amenities, luxury accommodation components, and improved public access to the bay are all designed to enhance visitor experience while supporting sustainable development goals.
By investing in St George’s Bay and Pembroke, db Group is helping Malta in strengthening its position as a year-round tourism destination rather than a seasonal hotspot. The development is expected to attract higher-spending tourists, conferences, and leisure travellers seeking a premium coastal experience in a culturally rich setting.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings: driving Belize’s cruise and coastal tourism development
Belize is leveraging eco-conscious development to increase tourism while preserving natural assets. The country is investing in projects that balance development with environmental conservation, particularly around its reef systems and island tourism zones.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is the company behind the development and expansion of Harvest Caye, a purpose-built island destination designed to enhance cruise tourism while supporting local economic growth. The project forms part of wider coastal planning and sustainable development initiatives aimed at balancing infrastructure expansion with environmental conservation.
By focusing on eco-resorts, marine conservation tourism, and boutique island experiences, Belize is positioning itself as a niche but rapidly growing destination for sustainable luxury travel.
Adjara Group: fuelling Georgia’s urban regeneration and hospitality expansion
Georgia is quickly gaining popularity among international travellers due to its affordability, cultural richness, and aggressive tourism development strategy. However, none of these factors would suffice if it were not for the work of Adjara Group, a hospitality and real estate developer behind several projects in key urban destinations. The company has played a pivotal role in transforming districts in Tbilisi and the Black Sea resort city of Batumi through boutique hotels, mixed-use developments, and revitalised public spaces.
Batumi has seen rapid coastal development with new resorts, casinos, and beachfront promenades aimed at transforming it into a year-round leisure destination. Meanwhile, Tbilisi’s historic district restoration projects and boutique hotel expansion are attracting cultural and experiential travellers seeking alternative European city breaks.
These developments are elevating Georgia’s profile as an emerging Eurasian tourism hub that blends heritage, nightlife, gastronomy, and mountain tourism within a compact and accessible destination framework.
The global tourism surge in 2026 is not happening by chance; it is being actively driven by companies and organisations executing ambitious planning, expansion and development strategies across diverse regions.
Together, these initiatives are reshaping the tourism map, extending visitor interest far beyond traditional hotspots and toward newly developed coastal resorts, cultural districts, and regenerative urban centres designed to deliver distinctive, high-quality travel experiences.
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Towering over the competition: which companies are driving 2026’s tourism hotspots?
