Japan, North America, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Vietnam are strengthening their positions in global tourism through a combination of mega-events, cultural attractions, cruise tourism, infrastructure investment, and regional development strategies. From preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America to Japan’s Expo legacy, Saudi Arabia’s destination expansion, Morocco’s heritage restoration, and Vietnam’s growing international appeal, each destination is broadening its tourism offering while encouraging longer visitor stays and multi-destination travel.
North America Expands Tourism Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
The United States, Canada, and Mexico are preparing to jointly host the FIFA World Cup 2026, the largest edition of the tournament to date. Sixteen host cities across the three countries are upgrading transport infrastructure, expanding accommodation capacity, enhancing public spaces, and improving visitor services to accommodate millions of international football fans.
Tourism authorities are also promoting regional travel beyond match venues. Visitors are being encouraged to combine sporting events with cultural attractions, national parks, city experiences, coastal destinations, and local festivals across North America. Cross-border travel initiatives and improved transport connectivity are expected to support longer holidays that include multiple destinations throughout the continent.
Cruise operators are also introducing itineraries that complement pre- and post-tournament travel, connecting coastal cities with broader regional tourism experiences.
Japan Builds on Global Tourism Momentum
Japan continues to attract international visitors by combining cultural heritage with major international events. The country’s ongoing tourism strategy extends beyond its established destinations, encouraging travelers to explore regional cities, rural communities, and lesser-known cultural attractions.
Expo-related developments in Osaka have strengthened infrastructure while increasing international awareness of western Japan. At the same time, improved rail connectivity, expanded regional airports, and tourism campaigns continue directing visitors toward destinations including Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, and Kyushu.
Japan is also expanding cruise tourism by welcoming more international cruise ships at ports across the country, allowing travelers to combine maritime journeys with cultural, culinary, and heritage experiences.
Saudi Arabia Continues Diversifying Its Tourism Portfolio
Saudi Arabia is expanding its tourism sector through new destinations, cultural attractions, entertainment projects, and heritage experiences. Tourism development continues across Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea coast, and several emerging regions that are opening to international visitors.
Large-scale tourism investments are improving airports, transport networks, hospitality infrastructure, and visitor facilities. Cultural festivals, sporting events, and entertainment experiences are also becoming an increasingly important part of the country’s tourism calendar.
These initiatives support Saudi Arabia’s broader objective of attracting international leisure travelers while expanding tourism opportunities beyond business and religious travel.
Morocco Showcases Heritage and Cultural Tourism
Morocco continues investing in historic preservation and destination enhancement to strengthen its appeal among international travelers. Restoration projects across historic medinas, cultural districts, museums, and heritage landmarks are contributing to a broader tourism strategy focused on cultural discovery.
Cities including Marrakech, Rabat, Fez, Casablanca, and Tangier remain central to Morocco’s visitor economy, while coastal destinations, mountain regions, and desert experiences continue attracting travelers seeking diverse itineraries.
Improved tourism infrastructure and ongoing investment in visitor facilities are helping Morocco distribute tourism across multiple regions while supporting local communities connected to the visitor economy.
Vietnam Expands International Tourism Opportunities
Vietnam continues recording strong international tourism growth through expanded air connectivity, diversified tourism products, and investment in visitor infrastructure. Major destinations including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Phu Quoc continue attracting travelers from Asia, Europe, North America, and other international markets.
The country is also strengthening cruise tourism through upgraded port facilities and expanded cruise itineraries that connect Vietnam with wider Southeast Asian destinations.
Alongside coastal holidays, Vietnam continues promoting cultural tourism, culinary experiences, eco-tourism, and nature-based travel to encourage longer visitor stays throughout the country.
Cruise Tourism Supports Multi-Destination Travel
Cruise tourism is becoming an increasingly important component of international travel across several of these destinations. Ports in Japan, Vietnam, North America, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco are expanding their capacity to accommodate larger vessels and growing passenger numbers.
Cruise itineraries increasingly combine multiple countries within a single journey, allowing travelers to experience different cultures, attractions, and destinations during one holiday. This approach supports regional tourism growth while encouraging longer travel durations and increased visitor spending across participating destinations.
Practical Travel Information
Japan is served by Tokyo Haneda Airport, Narita International Airport, Kansai International Airport, and Chubu Centrair International Airport, with an extensive Shinkansen rail network connecting major cities. North America’s primary international gateways include airports in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City, Dallas, Atlanta, and Chicago, supported by extensive domestic air and rail services.
Saudi Arabia’s main international airports include King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh) and King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah). Morocco is accessible through Mohammed V International Airport (Casablanca), Marrakech Menara Airport, and Rabat–Salé Airport. Vietnam’s key gateways include Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang International Airport.
Nearby attractions across these destinations range from UNESCO World Heritage Sites and national parks to coastal resorts, museums, cultural districts, historic landmarks, and cruise ports. Local currencies include the Japanese Yen (JPY), US Dollar (USD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Mexican Peso (MXN), Saudi Riyal (SAR), Moroccan Dirham (MAD), and Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Key Stats
- FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Japan continues expanding tourism through regional destination development and international events.
- Saudi Arabia is investing in new tourism destinations and hospitality infrastructure.
- Morocco is enhancing heritage tourism through restoration and cultural preservation.
- Vietnam continues expanding international air connectivity and cruise tourism.
- Cruise tourism is supporting multi-country travel across Asia, North America, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Conclusion
Japan, North America, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Vietnam are advancing global tourism through infrastructure development, international events, cultural preservation, cruise tourism, and expanded regional experiences. By combining improved connectivity with diverse travel opportunities, these destinations are strengthening their positions in the international tourism market while encouraging visitors to explore beyond traditional gateways.
