World’s Coolest Winter: UAE’s Unique Winter Tourism Experiences You Can’t Miss In 2026!

The Emirates Tourism Council held its initial meeting in Al Ain to assess the successful outcome of the sixth edition of the World’s Coolest Winter campaign which boosted winter tourism throughout the UAE. The meeting which H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri Minister of Economy and Tourism chaired included participants from local tourism authorities throughout the Emirates. The main goal of the event required presenters to demonstrate the campaign results while they established upcoming plans which would develop the country into an international tourist destination.

A Winter Wonderland for Tourists

The World’s Coolest Winter campaign, which has become one of the UAE’s signature tourism initiatives, was launched with the aim of attracting international visitors during the winter months, particularly from countries seeking an escape from colder climates. The UAE’s unique positioning as a winter destination was solidified, offering tourists an escape to sunshine, breathtaking landscapes, and a variety of winter-themed activities that cater to all types of travellers.

The initiative strategically focused on several top winter hotspots across the Emirates, including Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah, where visitors were treated to a mix of outdoor winter activities and cultural experiences. As part of the campaign, prominent activities included scenic mountain hikes, desert safaris, beachside relaxation, and luxury spa treatments.

Boosting Winter Tourism in 2026

H.E. Bin Touq emphasized the UAE’s strong commitment to leveraging the World’s Coolest Winter campaign to drive tourism revenue and to reinforce the nation’s appeal as a winter getaway. He noted that the UAE’s integrated tourism infrastructure, which is world-class, has played a significant role in boosting winter tourism. Visitors can indulge in exclusive experiences, ranging from camel rides in the desert to skiing and snowboarding in indoor ski resorts. These activities continue to draw tourists year after year, strengthening the UAE’s presence on the global tourism map.

The Role of Local Tourism Entities in Driving Growth

One of the key discussions during the meeting focused on increasing cooperation among the seven Emirates in enhancing the UAE’s tourism offerings. H.E. Bin Touq stated that regional collaboration, particularly between Emirates such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, is crucial for creating a unified national tourism identity. He also remarked on how this integration helps in promoting destinations with distinctive winter experiences like Ras Al Khaimah’s mountain resorts or Fujairah’s stunning beaches, which are becoming increasingly popular for those seeking an alternative to traditional winter holidays.

As part of the collaborative approach, each Emirate will be implementing strategic promotional activities, including joint participation in international tourism fairs and exhibitions. This strategy aims to ensure that the UAE’s winter tourism offerings are showcased to a global audience, while also capitalizing on domestic synergies to enhance the attractiveness of the country as a whole.

Enhancing Winter Activities Across the Emirates

The World’s Coolest Winter campaign doesn’t just focus on the weather; it’s also about providing diverse experiences. Visitors to Al Ain and the Al Hajar Mountains enjoyed snow-capped peaks, trekking opportunities, and peaceful mountain retreats. Those visiting Fujairah were invited to explore pristine beaches, indulge in watersports, and relax at world-class resorts. For the culturally inclined, Abu Dhabi hosted exclusive events like traditional Emirati music performances and art exhibitions.

Data-Driven Marketing and Targeting High-Value Markets

To further ensure the success of the winter tourism initiative, the Emirates Tourism Council is focusing on targeted marketing strategies. Through the analysis of travel trends and demand indicators, the council has been able to identify priority markets with the highest potential in terms of growth and spending. This includes the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Europe, and key Asian markets. The campaign’s success is evident as more tourists are flocking to UAE winter destinations, with growth seen in high-value markets such as Germany, Russia, and the United Kingdom.

The Council has also placed emphasis on using digital marketing campaigns, leveraging social media, and collaborating with influential travel bloggers and global booking platforms. This data-centric approach ensures that promotional efforts are effectively directed toward high-potential regions, further increasing visitor arrivals.

Strengthening UAE’s Winter Tourism Infrastructure

Another crucial area discussed during the meeting was strengthening the UAE’s tourism infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for winter tourism. The UAE is constantly investing in state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that visitors experience world-class services that cater to both luxury and budget-conscious travellers. Hotels, resorts, and shopping destinations have been equipped with the latest amenities, including wellness centres, gourmet dining, and exclusive winter-themed events, ensuring visitors have a memorable stay.

UAE’s Vision for Winter Tourism in 2026 and Beyond

Looking ahead, the Emirates Tourism Council laid out an ambitious vision for the continued growth of winter tourism in 2026. Through collaborations with national airlines, increased participation in global tourism fairs, and stronger partnerships with the private sector, the UAE aims to position itself as the top winter destination in the region. The continuation of the World’s Coolest Winter campaign and the implementation of tailored promotional initiatives will play an instrumental role in attracting tourists, enhancing the quality of experiences, and contributing significantly to the UAE’s economic growth.

H.E. Bin Touq concluded that the UAE’s ability to provide a seamless and integrated tourism experience, combining luxury, culture, nature, and adventure, is essential to maintaining the country’s position as a top-tier global tourist destination.

A Winter Destination Like No Other

The UAE uses the World’s Coolest Winter campaign as its main strategy to attract tourists who want to experience its status as a top winter destination. The UAE will remain a leading winter destination until 2026 because it provides outstanding winter activities and showcases the various natural attractions of the Emirates and uses data-based marketing techniques.

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Italy’s Winter Escape Turns Into A High-Pressure Test Case As Roccaraso Struggles With Surging Visitors, Shrinking Snow Windows, And Mounting Local Backlash

Italy’s winter tourism is entering a decisive phase as Roccaraso reveals how mass day-trip travel, rising costs, and unreliable snowfall are reshaping mountain destinations. The small Apennine resort has become a magnet for budget-friendly visitors seeking a quick escape from city life, but the surge in numbers is straining local infrastructure, fueling tensions with residents, and exposing the limits of low-altitude ski tourism at a time when climate change is shortening snow seasons and forcing resorts to rethink how winter travel can remain both accessible and sustainable.

Italy sees a familiar winter ritual unfold every weekend as buses arrive from Naples in a steady stream, unloading crowds in bright ski jackets into Roccaraso, a small mountain town in the heart of the Apennines. By mid-morning, the streets buzz with conversation, cafés overflow, and the gentle slopes fill with families, friends, and first-time snow seekers looking for a quick escape from city life.

For many visitors, Roccaraso offers an affordable and easy escape. A return bus ticket from Naples costs little more than a casual dinner, making the trip accessible to people who simply want fresh air, snow under their boots, and a change of scenery. Few arrive with serious skiing ambitions. Many come to walk, take photos, ride sleds, or sit in the winter sun with music playing nearby.

This kind of winter tourism is far removed from Italy’s glamorous alpine destinations or the polished resorts linked to international sporting events. Here, winter leisure is modest, spontaneous, and rooted in day trips rather than week-long stays. But that accessibility has also become the source of growing friction.

Roccaraso sits at around twelve hundred metres above sea level. The only slope reachable on foot from the town has long been closed to adult skiers and is now mainly used by children. Visitors can still take a chair lift up the mountain, enjoy panoramic views, then walk or sled back down. For more serious skiing, people travel a short distance to the larger Alto Sangro ski area, which stretches across more than one hundred kilometres of runs and attracts around half a million visitors each year.

It is there that tensions are most visible. Regular skiers complain that day-trippers crowd the slopes without skiing, turning pistes into picnic spots filled with loud music and deck chairs. Locals worry about congestion, litter, and pressure on fragile mountain environments already under strain.

The issue burst into national and international headlines last winter when hundreds of buses arrived in a single day, bringing more than ten thousand people into the area. The sudden influx overwhelmed roads, services, and public spaces. Since then, local authorities have stepped in, limiting the number of buses allowed to enter on peak days and deploying wardens to manage crowds and parking.

For residents, the contrast between rising visitor numbers and declining snowfall is hard to ignore. Winters are becoming less predictable, with shorter seasons and warmer temperatures. Snowfall that once arrived reliably now comes late or melts quickly, forcing resorts to adapt on the fly.

At the same time, costs are climbing. Many visitors admit they cannot afford to ski at all. A single day on the slopes can easily approach two hundred euros per person once transport, equipment rental, and lift passes are added up. While skiing in Italy has long been cheaper than in neighbouring alpine countries, prices are rising. Consumer groups have warned that lift passes in some resorts have increased by up to ten percent, pushing the sport further out of reach for average families.

Despite these challenges, the ski industry has shown surprising strength. Recent winter seasons have ranked among the best on record in terms of overall visits, even as natural snow cover declines across Europe. This resilience is largely driven by artificial snowmaking. More than ninety percent of Italy’s ski runs now rely on man-made snow, and Roccaraso operates the largest artificial snow system in the country.

Yet this solution comes with limits. Artificial snow requires vast amounts of water and energy, and it only works within a narrow temperature range. As winters grow warmer, producing and maintaining snow becomes more difficult and more expensive. Environmental groups warn that snowmaking is a temporary fix rather than a long-term answer.

This reality is pushing mountain resorts to rethink their future. Diversification is becoming essential. Lower-altitude destinations like Roccaraso may be better placed than high alpine resorts to adapt, thanks to their potential for year-round tourism. Hiking, cycling, nature walks, and family-friendly outdoor activities offer alternatives that do not depend entirely on snow.

Across Italy, some regions are already experimenting with new models. Wellness tourism, food and wine trails, cultural festivals, and soft adventure experiences are being promoted to spread visitor numbers beyond winter weekends. The goal is to attract smaller, steadier flows of tourists rather than sudden surges that strain infrastructure and local patience.

For visitors from Naples and other nearby cities, the appeal remains simple. Roccaraso offers a quick escape, a touch of winter magic, and a chance to experience the mountains without long travel or heavy spending. For locals and planners, the challenge lies in balancing this demand with sustainability, safety, and quality of life.

Italy’s relationship with winter tourism is clearly changing. Snow is no longer guaranteed, costs are rising, and expectations are shifting. From crowded day-trip resorts in the Apennines to experimental slopes on active volcanoes in the south, the country is being forced to rethink what winter in the mountains really means.

Whether Roccaraso becomes a model for inclusive, low-impact mountain tourism or a warning about unchecked crowds will depend on how carefully it manages the fine line between welcoming visitors and protecting the place they come to enjoy.

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Hyderabad Winter Tourism Surge Transforms the City as Historic Landmarks and Bustling Markets Become Key Drivers of Local Economic Growth

Hyderabad, a city that effortlessly blends its rich history with modern-day vibrancy, experiences a remarkable tourism boom every winter, from November to mid-February. During this time, the city’s mild and pleasant weather becomes the perfect backdrop for both domestic and international visitors, creating a bustling atmosphere that benefits the local tourism economy. From its historic landmarks to its cultural heritage, Hyderabad’s winter season attracts travellers seeking to explore its multifaceted charm.

Hyderabad’s Historic Landmarks Draw Record Visitors

During Hyderabad’s winter season, the city’s most iconic landmarks experience a surge in footfall. Historical treasures like Charminar, Golconda Fort, Birla Mandir, and the Nehru Zoological Park are among the top attractions that see an increase in visitors. These attractions not only showcase the city’s deep historical roots but also contribute significantly to its tourism economy.

The Nehru Zoological Park, known for its impressive collection of wildlife and interactive exhibits, set a new record on January 1, 2026, by attracting a staggering 25,900 visitors in a single day. The increase in visitors to the zoo reflects the broader trend of tourists flocking to Hyderabad during the winter months to experience its diverse wildlife and natural beauty.

Golconda Fort and Charminar remain two of the city’s most popular destinations. Golconda Fort recorded over 1,57,000 visitors between April 2024 and March 2025, while Charminar welcomed around 11.5 lakh visitors in the previous financial year. These numbers are a testament to Hyderabad’s rich heritage and its continued appeal as a major tourist destination in India.

Boost to Local Businesses: A Winter Windfall

The influx of tourists during the winter months has a direct positive impact on businesses dependent on tourism. In areas like Lad Bazaar, famous for its pearl and jewellery trade, shopkeepers report a substantial increase in sales during this time. Local businesses catering to tourists, such as those selling traditional pearls, see a sharp rise in demand. While white pearls are the most popular choice, foreign visitors are increasingly opting for more distinctive varieties like pink, black, and baroque pearls.

Along with the pearl trade, transportation services also see a marked uptick in demand. Tourist buses, SUVs, tempo travellers, and Innovas are in constant use, shuttling visitors to the city’s historic sites. This constant flow of tourists helps drive business in the transportation sector, as it ensures a steady stream of customers for vehicle rental services and tour operators.

Educational Tourism Grows in Popularity

Hyderabad has also carved a niche for itself as a prominent destination for educational tourism. The city’s blend of history, culture, and heritage makes it a perfect location for students to deepen their understanding of mass communication, visual studies, and history. The winter months are particularly popular for educational tours, as the pleasant weather offers a comfortable environment for learning.

Several educational institutions across India regularly include Hyderabad in their study tour itineraries, as the city offers valuable insights into India’s heritage and its diverse cultural fabric. With its historic monuments, museums, and educational resources, Hyderabad provides a well-rounded experience for students interested in exploring India’s past and present.

Cultural Appeal Fuels Tourist Arrivals

The cultural and artistic richness of Hyderabad plays a significant role in its growing tourism numbers. The Salar Jung Museum, known for its vast collection of antiques and art, continues to be a major draw for international visitors. Typically, the museum attracts around 3,000 to 4,000 visitors daily, but during the winter season, this number rises to over 7,000. The museum’s impressive collection, which spans multiple centuries and cultures, offers tourists a chance to explore India’s artistic and cultural heritage in depth.

In addition to the museum, the city’s culinary scene, especially its famous biryani, draws tourists from all corners of the world. Hyderabad’s vibrant street markets, including the bustling lanes around Charminar, also add to the city’s allure, with visitors eager to explore local handicrafts, traditional textiles, and unique street food.

Economic Impact: Tourism Powers Local Growth

The winter tourism season provides a much-needed economic boost to Hyderabad. Hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality services experience a significant rise in demand, with many establishments offering discounts and packages to attract more visitors. The city’s tourism-dependent sectors benefit greatly, from local guides and hospitality staff to vendors and small businesses that cater to tourists.

The rise in tourism also creates additional job opportunities in sectors like transportation, retail, and event management. The growth in demand for local services helps foster a thriving economy, providing income to numerous small and medium-sized enterprises in the region. As more tourists arrive, local artisans, food vendors, and souvenir shops see an uptick in sales, further contributing to the overall growth of Hyderabad’s economy.

Conclusion: Hyderabad’s Winter Tourism as a Driving Force for Growth

As Hyderabad continues to experience a surge in tourism during the winter months, the city’s heritage sites and local businesses thrive, creating a ripple effect that benefits various sectors of the economy. The city’s blend of historical landmarks, cultural appeal, and educational offerings makes it a prime destination for tourists seeking to experience India’s rich heritage. As more visitors flock to the city, it’s clear that Hyderabad’s winter tourism season will remain a vital force for local economic growth, cultural preservation, and tourism development in the years to come.

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