News

Europe’s leisure travel spending reached $2 trillion in 2025, capturing one-third of the global market. Italy, Spain, France, and Türkiye are forecasted to lead growth in 2026 despite capacity and climate challenges.

Cambodia's international tourist arrivals fell 16.9% to 5.57 million in 2025 due to the Thai border closure. Domestic tourism rose 11.7%, partially offsetting the decline.

Disney Cruise Line will launch the new 'Disney Believe' ship class in late 2027, featuring entertainment inspired by Disney Animation films. The ship’s Moana-themed Grand Hall and exterior artworks of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Tinker Bell were unveiled at the D23 Horizons Showcase.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed the world’s first Hotel Indigo branded residences agreement at Mountain View Ras El Hekma, Egypt, announced on August 18, 2026. Developed with Mountain View for Development, the residences adjoin a 100-key Hotel Indigo hotel, introducing Hotel Indigo’s first residential offering worldwide.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts opened its first hotel in Thailand, Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, on August 18, 2026, with 416 rooms in Sukhumvit. The property includes extensive dining, entertainment, and event spaces, aligning with LEED Gold sustainability standards.

The Australian Federal Government has paused Working Holiday Maker visa processing from 24 countries starting August 2026, threatening seasonal labor for agriculture and regional industries. Industry groups warn this pause risks harvest and tourism workforce shortages.

Event Experience Expo (E3) 2026 was held on October 28–29 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, focusing on innovation and trusted partnerships in the events industry. Featuring over 100 exhibitors and leveraging a global network of nearly 300 World Trade Centers, E3 2026 enhances the Philippines’ role as a rising MICE destination.

ITE HCMC 2026, Vietnam’s largest international travel expo, will be held from 27 to 29 August 2026 at SECC in Ho Chi Minh City with over 520 exhibitors and 260 buyers. The event includes 21,000 B2B appointments, thematic forums, and concurrent regional Tourism Ministers’ Meetings.

The World Travel Expo marked its 10th anniversary with a three-day event in Cebu, showcasing global travel opportunities at Ayala Center Cebu. The Expo connected travelers with top industry players while emphasizing tourism’s vital economic role in the region.

On August 14, 2026, Amtrak secured nearly $3 billion from the FRA to purchase 43 new trainsets for 21 state-supported routes. Delivery is not expected before 2031 amid ongoing locomotive reliability problems.