tourism news
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
by Liz Terry | 04 Jun 2026
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has unveiled its design for Eve Music Hall in Čepin, eastern Croatia, as construction progresses towards completion ahead of the opening, which is scheduled for March 2027. The 10,000sq m venue is being developed as a new cultural, entertainment and events destination for the Slavonia region and is BIG's first completed project in Croatia, as well as its first completed music performance venue. Designed to accommodate
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
by Liz Terry | 27 May 2026
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
by Liz Terry | 13 May 2026
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
BuroHappold to transform New York State's Erie Canal for leisure and tourism
by Stu Robarts | 15 Jan 2020
BuroHappold will transform New York State's Erie Canal as part of a $300m (€269m, £231m) initiative to grow regional tourism, support outdoor recreation, reduce flooding, restore wetlands and improve irrigation. The project has come out of the Reimagine the Canals Task Force, which is aimed at developing a canal system fit for the 21st century. Work on the 350mi (560km)-long canal, which passes through 225 communities along its course, is
China's government plans US$19.5bn investment into Beihai tourism
by Tom Anstey | 18 Sep 2018
In a bid to boost tourism in the region, China's government has announced plans to invest CN¥134bn (US$19.5bn, €16.7bn, £14.8bn) across 17 major entertainment and culture projects on the South China coast. Based around the southern Chinese coastal city of Beihai, three of the projects are worth more than CN¥10bn (US$1.5bn, €1.3bn, £1.15bn), with a further seven costing between CN¥2bn (US$300m, €256.5m, £228.4m) and CN¥10bn. The final seven will be
Tourism zone expansion gives hope for Memphis aquarium and culture centre proposal
by Tom Anstey | 24 May 2018
A US$125m (€107m, £93.3m) proposals to create a leisure development – featuring a world class aquarium and cultural centre in Memphis – have moved a step closer, after the Tennessee city won state approval to expand its downtown tourism zone. In October last year, Jim Strickland, mayor of Memphis, revealed plans for the Mud Island area, focused around the aquarium on Mud Island itself and the cultural centre across the
Heritage masterplan for Edinburgh sets out sustainable tourism model for World Heritage Site
by Tom Anstey | 06 Apr 2018
A blueprint designed to create a sustainable tourism model for, and to protect, the world heritage of Edinburgh has been revealed, with the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh World Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland uniting to develop the five-year masterplan. Edinburgh is made up of two distinct areas – the Old Town and the New Town. The former is dominated by a medieval fortress, while the latter has been developed
Worlds of leisure and commerce collide at Snøhetta's sculptural Oman fish market
by Kim Megson | 03 Jan 2018
A sinuous waterfront landmark has opened along the lively corniche in Muttrah on the coast of Oman, bringing together commerce and leisure at the nation’s largest harbour. Designed by architects Snøhetta, the Muttrah Fish Market is a hub for the local fishing industry but is also a focal point and destination for both the community and international tourists. Located close to the city’s original fish market, built in 1960, the
Major beach developments planned for Sharjah as emirate's leaders prioritise leisure tourism
by Kim Megson | 30 Nov 2017
The ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has greenlit plans for a 3.3km (2.1 miles) beachfront development incorporating new sports facilities, pedestrian areas, public services and landscaping. The Sharjah Urban Planning Council’s (SUPC) has proposed the project – which will include dedicated cycling paths, exercise areas and places for family activities – as part of its wider strategic plan to use leisure and regeneration to attract more
Waterpark and hotel planned as part of Deira Islands beach resort in Dubai
by Tom Anstey | 03 Oct 2017
Developer Nakheel and Thai hotel group Centara Hotels and Resorts have unveiled plans to open a hotel, beach resort and waterpark on Dubai’s Deira Islands. The two companies have formed a joint venture agreement for the “family-centric lifestyle destination,” which will be part of the newly-formed Deira Islands – a 15sq km (5.8sq mi) group of four reclaimed artificial islands currently under development. Set to open in 2020, the 600-bedroom
Developer Evergrande announces plans to build Chinese theme park empire
by Tom Anstey | 30 Aug 2017
Billionaire Hui Ka Yan – majority owner of property developer China Evergrande Group – has announced plans to build 15 theme parks across China as the market continues to boom in the region. Branded Children's World, the Evergrande theme parks will be built across second-tier cities in China and focus on Chinese and Western mythology. Each park will target 15 million annual visitors and generate revenues of US$3bn (€2.5m, £2.3bn)
Arctic Bath hotel and spa will float on a river in Swedish Lapland
by Ben Coxon | 21 Aug 2017
The Arctic Bath, a unique luxury hotel and spa floating on the Lule river in Swedish Lapland is scheduled to open in 2018. Reminiscent of a bird’s nest or natural dam, the exteriors of the circular spa buildings will be covered with piled logs, providing added insulation to guests during the winter months. The spa buildings, with saunas, treatment and relaxation rooms, a restaurant and lounge bar, will encircle an
September opening date finally set for Cairns Aquarium
by Ben Coxon | 21 Aug 2017
After suffering a number of delays, work on the AU$50m (US$39.6m, €33.7m, £30.7m) Cairns Aquarium is in the final stages, with 12 September being touted as the visitor attraction's official opening date. The three-storey, 10,000sq m (107,600sq ft) development will be home to more than 5,000 animals endemic to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Queensland's far north. This will be Australia's first new public aquarium to be built in 17
'Mega leisure': Zanzibar investment boom continues with US$1bn tropical community
by Kim Megson | 08 Aug 2017
Zanzibar’s accelerating development boom has taken yet another step forward, with the announcement of a new resort billed by its backers as “the largest premium hospitality investment and resort in East Africa” and featuring its own dedicated private airport. The Zanzibar Amber Resort has been conceived by real estate firm Pennyroyal Gibraltar Ltd. Development and South Africa’s Pam Golding Property group as a “luxury tropical community”, traversing 411 hectares developed
Dublin's Guinness Storehouse announces €16m expansion
by Ben Coxon | 19 Jul 2017
Ireland’s most popular visitor attraction is seeking to draw even more visitors after the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin announced €16m (US$18.5m, £14.2m) expansion plans centred around doubling the size of its Gravity Bar. The culmination of the Guinness visitor experience, the plans will see the creation of a new 360 degree space, which will directly link to the original Gravity Bar – Dublin's highest – forming an expansive area for
Giant wind turbine artwork installed in Hull for UK City of Culture 2017
by Tom Anstey | 09 Jan 2017
Artist Nayan Kulkarni has installed a 75m-long (250ft) rotor blade in the centre of Hull – the first in a series of temporary installations marking its year as UK City of Culture. Commissioned in partnership with Siemens and with the support of Green Port Hull, “Blade” is part of Look Up – a year-long programme for Hull 2017 that will feature a number of artists creating works designed to look
Omani tourism investments continue with giant waterfront leisure development
by Tom Anstey | 09 Jan 2017
The Muscat National Development Company (ASAAS) is planning to develop a mixed-use waterfront project in Oman with multiple attractions as the country’s government continues on its plans to invest in its tourism sector. Situated in Barka, the cluster of attractions will include the theme park, in addition to a waterpark, wildlife park, equestrian centre and an Interactive science and technology edutainment centre. In addition to new attractions, the 1.5 million
Wanda expanding tourism empire with US$30bn investment
by Tom Anstey | 25 Nov 2016
Wanda has announced two US$15bn (€14.2bn, £12bn) development projects in China, signalling chair Wang Jianlin’s continued efforts to make Wanda the world’s largest tourism entity by 2020. The two major projects were both announced in the space of a week, with agreements signed between both China’s Shaanxi provincial government and Changsha municipal government to build theme parks, commercial centres and sports developments in Xi’an and Hunan Province. In Hunan, a
FC Barcelona claims €600m Barca campus will invigorate city's tourism
by Kim Megson | 07 Sep 2016
The director in charge of overseeing FC Barcelona’s ambitious expansion plans has said that the €600m leisure campus planned by the club will reinvigorate the city and boost tourism. The Espai Barça project – described by club president Josep Maria Bartomeu as “the most important sports project in Europe and the world” – will create a pedestrianised, landscaped boulevard surrounding the club’s famous Camp Nou stadium. The district will integrate
Wanda inks deal for US$9bn 'super sport-themed tourism complex' as Disney rivalry heats up
by Kim Megson | 30 Aug 2016
China’s Wanda Group has taken the next step on its mission to become an unrivalled tourism entity; signing an agreement to build “the world's first culture, tourism, sports and commerce super complex.” The group has pledged to invest CN¥63bn (US$9.4bn, €8.4bn, £7.2bn) to construct Jinan Wanda Culture, Sports and Tourism City – it’s 13th mega-development in the country. Unlike its previous Wanda Cities, the new project in Jinan, Shandong province
EPIC art installation promotes Welsh tourism in 14ft letters
by Tom Anstey | 22 Jul 2016
Tourism officials have launched an art installation on the hills of Snowdonia, with giant mirrored letters spelling out the word ‘EPIC’ as part of a campaign to promote Wales as the home of great adventures. Designed by Cardiff-based design firm Wild Creations, the four-metre-tall (13.1 foot) lettering has appeared in Pen y Gwryd in North West Wales and was commissioned by VisitWales as part of its Year of Adventure Campaign.
Six star hotel, waterpark and mountain suspension bridge to be added at Whistler Blackcomb ski resort
by Tom Anstey | 09 May 2016
The world-famous Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is expanding its offering beyond the slopes, announcing a US$345m (€300m, £238m) plan to revitalise and invest in its mountain facilities. To be rolled out in three stages, the ‘Renaissance’ expansion plan will focus first on a US$100m (€87m, £69m) plan to create weather independent, year-round attractions. Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners – who also prepared the first masterplan for Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain
Film City Tower: Architecture competition launched for Bollywood landmark building as Mumbai takes on LA
by Kim Megson | 15 Feb 2016
Designs are being sought for a large-scale cultural landmark celebrating the Indian film industry in Mumbai. Competition organiser Archasm is embarking on a mission to “put Bollywood on the global map” by organising a design contest for a “vertical Film City tower” which will emulate Los Angeles’ film industry neighbourhood and the iconic Hollywood sign. “The film industry in Mumbai is scattered and too low profile to match the cult
Hyatt, Hilton and Mandarin Oriental in the frame for openings in billion-dollar Oman waterfront project
by Kim Megson | 20 Jan 2016
Some of the world’s best-known hospitality operators are vying to open hotels in a new multi-million mixed-use waterfront destination in Oman, which will regenerate one of the oldest ports and market districts in the Arab world. Brands including Hyatt, Hilton, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Banyan Tree and Viceroy have declared their interest in opening hotels in the Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront Project, which will enter the first phase of construction
Culture at the heart of Rio's Olympic revitalisation plan, Brazil's tourism minister tells CLAD
by Tom Anstey | 04 Nov 2015
Brazil’s minister for tourism has said that the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro will act as a springboard for the country’s cultural attractions, cementing the Games’ legacy through improved infrastructure and tourist links in the years to come. Following its selection as Games host in 2009, Brazil has come under scrutiny in its preparations for the games, amid slashed budgets cleanliness issues and slow development. Despite
Ennead-designed subantarctic research centre will promote sustainable tourism
by Jason Holland | 16 Jul 2015
Located at the southernmost tip of South America, a new research centre promoting sustainable tourism will be designed by Ennead Architects. The New York-based studio will work with Chilean architects Cristian Sanhueza and Cristian Ostertag to create the Cape Horn Sub-Antarctic Center, having won the commission from the Chilean Regional Government following a public competition. It will be located within the UNESCO Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve in Puerto Williams, a
Abu Dhabi approves 76 tourism-boosting developments, including a desert-based theme park
by Tom Anstey | 19 Mar 2015
Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council (UPC) has approved plans for several new major developments in Abu Dhabi as part of a strategy to make the area more tourist friendly. They include a new African safari experience, waterfront developments and a shopping mall. World Desert Oasis in Al Ain is one of 76 new projects, recently approved by the UPC aiming to enhance Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a tourist destination. Designed
Mumbai's Film City expansion targets Bollywood tourism
by Tom Anstey | 16 Feb 2015
The Indian government is planning on expanding its world-famous Film City in Mumbai, with future additions for the home of Bollywood to include a theme park to lure in more tourists. Primarily being built to meet demand for India’s ever-growing entertainment industry, the new Film City will be built on 438 acres (1.7sq km) of land at nearby Kalyan, with the entertainment hub aimed at capitalising on “Bollywood tourism.” In
Hitler's seaside resort to be converted into tourism hub
by Helen Andrews | 18 Dec 2014
Developers are cashing in on the redevelopment of a resort originally built by the Third Reich in the run-up to World War II – part of a Nazi vision for the future of tourism. The project saw blocks of six-storey buildings, stretching 2.8 miles (4.5km), erected on the Baltic Sea and nicknamed the ‘Colossus of Prora’. Construction of the 10,000-key complex slowed during WWII and it was briefly claimed by
Chinese government's tourism plans means futuristic 'floating city' could well become a reality
by Katie Buckley | 09 Jul 2014
London’s AT Design Office has released designs for a floating city in the China Sea, and the plans look set to become reality as China's government looks to maximise its tourist footprint. Space is a premium on any continent, especially so in China and the proposed floating city would be built to appeal to tourists and residents alike, offering an array of attractions and plenty of green space. Commissioned by
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
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