Business of Travel.

Business Travellers Prioritise Hotel Function Over Bleisure, French Survey Shows

A Coach Omnium study in France during early 2026 found most business guests favour practical hotel amenities and personal service, with bleisure travel a low priority for domestic visitors.

Global Hotel Groups Appoint New Leadership Across Key Properties

New managing directors and general managers will oversee operations from Washington D.C. to Rome, with some leaders bringing extensive experience from Asia's luxury hospitality sector.

AI Assistants Set to Disrupt Travel Re-Shopping

Jakarta Promotes Tourism and MICE Sector at ITB Asia 2026

The Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Agency led a 17-member delegation to Singapore, seeking to expand international networks and partnerships for its travel and events sectors.

JetBlue Reaffirms 2027 Profitability Goal Amidst Q3 Loss

The US airline's shares rose over 10% on Monday, 26 October 2026, after it maintained its long-term financial targets despite reporting a wider third-quarter loss and cutting its 2026 forecast.

Booking.com Report: India's Alternative Stays Market Nears ₹415 Billion

A new study from Booking.com and VIDEC Consultants projects India's alternative accommodation sector to reach ₹415 billion in gross booking value by fiscal year 2029, driven by evolving traveller preferences and corporate demand.

Hertz Customer Faces Three-Month Refund Delay for Erroneous Charge

A Hertz customer has spent three months attempting to resolve an unauthorised $1,367.38 charge for a rental car they never collected, despite the company confirming a refund.

Shree Naman Group Acquires JW Marriott Bengaluru, Crowne Plaza Pune

The Indian hospitality firm completed an Rs18bn transaction, expanding its operational footprint to approximately 1,000 rooms across five properties in three cities.

Walk Japan Expands Tokyo Operations, Adds New 2027 Tours

Tour operator Walk Japan, established in 1992, opened its inaugural Tokyo office on 2 October 2026, enhancing its presence in Japan's capital.

Hongkong Land Launches Central Revitalisation Campaign

Hongkong Land initiated its 'Destination CENTRAL' campaign on 23 October 2026, bringing together key financial and tourism leaders to bolster the long-term renewal of Hong Kong's Central district.

Xiamen–Los Angeles Leads China-US Route Load Factors

In July 2026, the Xiamen to Los Angeles air corridor achieved the highest passenger load factor, though Taipei to San Francisco recorded the largest passenger volume across 40 China-US services.

Spain Draws Visitors Off-Peak, Outperforms Mediterranean Rivals

Spain recorded 47% of its tourism activity outside the traditional high season, a figure significantly higher than Italy and Greece, according to a new study presented on 20 October.

Thailand's TAT Targets Vietnam, ASEAN for Tourism Growth

The Tourism Authority of Thailand aims for 6.2% revenue growth from ASEAN visitors in fiscal 2027, with specific campaigns for Vietnam and Malaysia.

TravClan Secures $5M for AI Travel Tech Expansion in Asia, ME

The Indian travel technology platform will enhance its AI-driven booking systems and expand destination operations across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

IHG Q3: US Occupancy Highest Since 2017, RevPAR Up 6.8%

The hotel group saw Americas RevPAR increase by 6.8% year-on-year, with United States occupancy reaching its highest point since 2017 during the quarter.

Conrad Singapore Orchard Names Min Seojoo Lee Hotel Manager

Min Seojoo Lee assumes the Hotel Manager position, leading a team that includes new directors for marketing communications and food and beverage.

Korea's Short-Haul Squeeze: Japan and China Tighten Their Grip on Outbound Travel

A four-day Chuseok was supposed to give Korea's outbound market a lift. Instead the holiday confirmed a structural shift: Koreans are flying more often, but to fewer, closer places. Japan and China are absorbing almost all of the growth, and Southeast Asia is paying for it.

Pan Pacific Targets Southeast Asia with Ten New Projects by 2027

The Singapore-based hotel group anticipates strong regional tourism demand, driven by affluent short-haul travellers seeking premium experiences across the region.

Major Credit Cards Expand Global Travel Loyalty Point Transfers

New analysis reveals how American Express, Chase, and other issuers enable rewards conversion to over 20 airline and hotel programmes, including Asian carriers like Singapore KrisFlyer and Cathay Pacific.

Holafly Index Reveals Key Obstacles for Digital Nomads Globally

International eSIM provider Holafly's 2026 Digital Nomad Friction Index assessed 17 destinations, identifying administrative hurdles and internet reliability as primary challenges for remote workers.

Accor Forecasts Flat Fourth Quarter Amid European Unrest, Middle East Conflicts

The Paris-based hotel group has incorporated prudence into its full-year outlook, citing recent civil disturbances in France and ongoing geopolitical tensions across the Middle East.

Hong Kong Tourism Board Unveils Film Location Guide for Visitors

The new 'Hong Kong Good Take' series, launched 21 October 2026, features over 100 sites from 50 movies, aiming to attract travellers to the city's cinematic heritage.

Indonesia Shifts Tourism Focus to Cultural, Nature Experiences

Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism launched its 'Go Beyond Ordinary' campaign on 20 October 2026, aiming to broaden visitor engagement through local culture, nature, and heritage beyond traditional sites.

Mainland Chinese Outbound Travel Rises 7.5 Percent in Q3 2026

China's National Immigration Administration reported 48.5 million outbound trips by mainland residents in the third quarter, with Hong Kong and Macau leading as primary destinations.

China Border Crossings Surge on Visa-Free Policies in Q3

China recorded 192 million border crossings in the July–September period of 2026, marking a 7.9 per cent year-on-year increase, driven by expanded visa-free access.

Viet Nam Tourism, Market Depts Partner to Boost Shopping Tourism

The Department of Domestic Market Management and Development and the Viet Nam National Tourism Administration formalised a cooperation memorandum on 15 October 2026, valid until 2030, to enhance visitor experiences and promote domestic goods.

India's Hotel Revenue Growth Expected to Ease in Current Quarter

Despite robust performance in September 2026, brokerage Jefferies anticipates India's hotel revenue per available room (RevPAR) growth to moderate in the current quarter, with the 2027 wedding calendar poised to support future demand.

Greek Islands Face Water Crisis: Hospitality Sector Adapts

Seven Greek islands in the Aegean Sea declared a drought emergency this year, prompting hotels to reconsider water management as extreme heat strains local resources and creates tension with communities.

Hotel Asset Managers Forecast RevPAR Growth Through 2027

A survey by the Hospitality Asset Managers Association reveals nearly half of asset managers anticipate 4% to 6% year-over-year revenue per available room increases in 2026.

Indonesia Tourism Ministry Launches 'Go Beyond Ordinary'

Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism has launched its "Go Beyond Ordinary" campaign, developing new products around gastronomy, wellness, and heritage to broaden visitor offerings beyond traditional attractions.

Major US Airline Credit Cards Now Offer Free Checked Bags

Over two dozen co-branded credit cards from major US airlines like Alaska Airlines and American Airlines now include free checked luggage, mitigating costs for frequent flyers and groups.

Lodging Conference: ADR up 3.7%, AI reshapes bookings

Executives at the 2026 Lodging Conference noted year-to-date average daily rate growth of 3.7% year-over-year, while also highlighting artificial intelligence's impact on booking channels.

Shanghai Luxury Hotel Rates Climb Amid Inbound Tourism Surge

A two-night stay at premium properties on Shanghai's Bund now costs RMB 7,000–8,000, driven by a significant increase in international visitors.

IATA, Airbus, Accenture: SAF Demand to Hit 1.9M Tonnes by 2030

A new study by IATA, Airbus, and Accenture forecasts a significant rise in corporate sustainable aviation fuel purchases, up from 323,000 tonnes in 2024.

Independent Hotels Must Redefine Competitors Beyond Traditional Sets

A recent PriceLabs survey, current as of October 2026, reveals 82 percent of guests booking small hotels would consider short-term rentals, challenging conventional revenue strategies.

Qatar Airways Seals First Japanese JOLCO Deal for Boeing 787-9s

The agreement, involving HSBC and JP Lease Products & Services, covers three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and marks the initial step in a programme to finance seven aircraft through Japanese capital markets.

NZ$221M: SkyCity Sells Auckland Grand Hotel to Eden Global, ACCL

The New Zealand leisure giant will continue managing the property until mid-2027, as the consortium of buyers, with interests across Southeast Asia, expands its Australasian portfolio.

Chinese Outbound Trips Rise 9.3% During Golden Week Holiday

The extended 13-day break saw 4.4 million mainland Chinese travellers head overseas, boosting tourism in Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe.

Airbus A350F Flies, Rolls-Royce Engines Boast 4.5M Hours

The new Airbus A350F freighter recently undertook its first test flight, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines with 4.5 million flight hours, offering a certified advantage over rival powerplants.

PM Hotel Group Expands Portland: Hotel Equities, Indigo Road Appoint

PM Hotel Group has grown its footprint in the Portland, Oregon metro area to seven properties, while Hotel Equities and The Indigo Road Hospitality Group recently announced key leadership appointments.

Chase Revives 100,000-Point Ink Business Card Bonus

JPMorgan Chase has reinstated a 100,000-point bonus for its Ink Business Preferred card, requiring an $8,000 spend in three months for transfers to partners like Singapore Airlines.

Switzerland Tourism Names Jemimah Rodrigues India Ambassador

The Indian cricketer will promote year-round travel and lesser-explored regions of Switzerland to Indian audiences, a key top-10 market for the destination.

US Inbound Travel Falls 4.3% in September, NTTO Reports

Preliminary data from the National Travel and Tourism Office shows 2.7 million overseas arrivals in September, continuing a trend of declines this year for the United States.

oneworld Alliance Members Pledge to Combat Wildlife Trafficking

The alliance announced its unanimous commitment to the Buckingham Palace Declaration on 16 October 2026, with Royal Jordanian completing the signatures across 15 member airlines.

GetYourGuide, Singapore Tourism Board Sign Two-Year Marketing Pact

The partnership, formalised in Berlin, marks GetYourGuide's first international destination marketing collaboration outside its home market, focusing on attracting global visitors to Singapore's diverse attractions.

Foodservice LGBTQIA+ & Allies Forum Launches for Industry Inclusivity

The new independent body, backed by industry associations, aims to create a welcoming environment for professionals across the global hospitality sector.

Booking.com Reveals 2027 Travel Driven by Mood and Surprise

The travel platform's 11th annual report, based on research from over 28,000 global travellers, forecasts a significant shift towards unconventional trips and companion choices.

Booking.com Research: Unexpected Destinations Lead 2027 Travel Trends

The platform's 11th annual report, published on 14 October 2026, shows a shift towards emotionally-driven and out-of-character trips, with Japan's Sendai among those highlighted.

Malaysia Airlines Reports 10% India Passenger Growth in H1 2026

The carrier moved nearly one million travellers between India and Malaysia during the period, supported by 80 weekly flights across ten Indian cities.

Seychelles Mourns Mickey Mason, Tourism Pioneer and Conservationist

Mason co-founded Mason's Travel and developed Denis Island with a focus on sustainable practices and conservation, shaping the nation's industry.

China Hotel REITs: Major Groups Secure New Approvals

Several major hospitality groups have secured regulatory approval for new trusts, building on reforms introduced at the end of 2025 to attract international investment.

Anuradha Venkatachalam Named General Manager at Pullman Chennai

Anuradha Venkatachalam takes charge at the Pullman Chennai Anna Salai, bringing over 16 years of international hospitality experience, including launching South Asia's first Moxy hotel.

Amex GBT Forecasts 2027 Meeting Optimism Amid Cost Control Shifts

A new Amex GBT report reveals 93% of global meeting professionals are optimistic for 2027, despite geopolitical and economic pressures driving strategic shifts towards cost management and alternative venues.

Lufthansa Group to Acquire Stake in TAP Air Portugal from Portugal

The German airline conglomerate offered €1.025 billion for a 44.9% share in the Lisbon-based carrier, outbidding Air France-KLM for the state-owned enterprise.

Langkawi Courts China with Roadshow, Xiaohongshu Push

Malaysia's Langkawi Development Authority is undertaking a four-city roadshow across China until October 19, coupled with the launch of its "Naturally Langkawi" account on Xiaohongshu to broaden the island's appeal.

Boeing 757 Fuel Efficiency Remains Key Metric for Airlines

The Boeing 757-200 achieves approximately 80.7 passenger miles per gallon, a critical factor for airline fleet decisions amidst rising jet fuel prices.

European Tourism Boards Rethink North American Marketing as Visitor Trends Diverge

Skift Advisory reports American visits to Europe cooled after a record 2025, while Canadian travel surged, prompting a shift in promotional strategies for the continent.

Hilton names new Asia-Pacific brand leaders for focused service and lifestyle

Andrew Ling will head focused service and all-suites brands, while Alex Shockley takes charge of lifestyle and collection brands across Hilton’s Asia-Pacific portfolio.

Braemar Divests Scottsdale Resort, Nears Self-Management Goal

Braemar Hotels & Resorts is selling the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale for $372 million, aiming to finalise its separation from Ashford Inc. and become self-managed by mid-November.

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival Extends with Month-Long Gourmet Offers

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has expanded its annual Wine & Dine Festival, adding a city-wide gourmet programme throughout November 2026, following the main event from 29 October to 1 November.

KAYAK Data Reveals One-Way Tickets Can Cut Holiday Airfares

Travel search engine KAYAK's 2026 Holiday Travel Check-In report indicates that booking two separate one-way tickets could reduce international airfares by up to 30% for year-end travel.

Sansiri Capital Purchases Lake Como Edition Hotel in Italy

The acquisition by the Thai developer marks its strategic expansion into Europe's luxury hospitality sector, just months after the hotel's March 2026 debut.

Sansiri Leads Thai Developers' Shift to European Hotel Assets

Thai real estate firms are increasingly acquiring properties in developed European markets, exemplified by Sansiri's recent purchase of a five-star hotel in Italy.

Dreamscape Hospitality Appoints Adam Patenaude as President and CEO

Dallas-based Dreamscape Hospitality has confirmed Adam Patenaude as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, following his leadership that saw the company's hotel portfolio expand to over 40 properties.

Chinese Golden Week sees domestic spending drop, overseas trips surge

Average domestic trip spending during the recent seven-day holiday fell 1.9 per cent to 893.92 yuan (US$133.51), the lowest since 2022, as many opted for longer international holidays.

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Divests Portland's Hotel Zags for $10m

The 174-room property in Portland, Oregon, was sold to an undisclosed buyer, following a period of net operating losses for the asset.

Southwest Premier Business Card Boosts US Traveller Loyalty Benefits

Southwest Airlines' new Premier Business Credit Card, featuring a US$149 annual fee, now provides small business owners with complimentary checked luggage, priority boarding, and yearly bonus points.

Philippine Hotels See US$6.2 Billion Investment Amid Flat Arrivals

Philippine hotel developers have committed 387 billion pesos (US$6.2 billion) to new properties through 2032, while foreign tourist arrivals reached 4.4 million from January to August 2026, largely flat year-on-year.

India Leads Skyscanner Growth as International Searches Surge

India now represents Skyscanner's largest user base, with searches increasing by 22% over the last year and nearly half now targeting overseas destinations.

Malta PM Challenges WTTC to Redefine Tourism Success

Prime Minister Robert Abela urged global travel leaders to measure growth by resident quality of life and heritage protection, not just visitor numbers, citing over 4 million arrivals in 2025.

Chinese Tourists Eye South Korea for 2026 National Day

Polled Chinese travellers showed a significant increase in overseas holiday intent compared to the previous year, with South Korea emerging as a top choice for the 2026 National Day period.

Algarve Hosts Iberian Wine Tourism Forum to Boost Off-Season Travel

The two-day event in Lagoa, organised by the Algarve Tourism Board, aims to diversify the region's appeal and attract visitors year-round with new wine and gastronomy experiences.

American Airlines Removes First Class from Boeing 777-300ER Fleet

The carrier has reconfigured its flagship widebodies with 70 business class suites and 44 premium economy seats, ceasing sales of its legacy Flagship First product from November 19.

Simpson Travel acquires South France Villas, expands luxury portfolio

The luxury tour operator completed the acquisition on 4 August 2026, adding properties in Languedoc and French Riviera, following its 2025 expansion into Portugal.

Uzbek, Kazakh Air Cargo Boom Reshapes Aviation Insurance

Rapid expansion in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan has increased exposure for airlines, with Uzbekistan Airports reporting 98,137 tonnes of cargo and mail in 2025.

Advito: Australia to Asia Fares See Steepest Q4 Rise

Advito forecasts business fares from Asia to the Southwest Pacific up 11 per cent for Q4 2026, more than on any transatlantic or transpacific route in the same report. Australian travel data shows the demand behind it is real, which makes the corridor a test of how long tight capacity can keep fares high.

Hyatt Refines Hotel Prototypes, Cuts Owner Costs

Hyatt has updated its Hyatt Place and Hyatt Studios designs, reducing key counts and building footprints to improve development economics for hotel owners globally.

Dubai Luxury Hotels Add Perks to Maintain Room Rates

Facing weak international demand, properties like Atlantis Dubai are offering resort credits and complimentary upgrades to residents instead of price reductions.

Caroline Beteta Returns to Brand USA as Interim President and CEO

Brand USA has named Caroline Beteta as interim chief, effective November 9, 2026, following her recent retirement from Visit California.

Amadeus: October Hotel Pace Reflects Group Softness, Not Demand

Amadeus has worldwide hotel occupancy for October pacing behind last year, but the softness sits in group business that has always filled last. Unsold group block rose from 15 to 19 per cent of the mix, so the September snapshot may be missing business that is still coming.

Shanghai Sees 5.3 Million Overseas Visitors in H1 2026

Shanghai's cultural and tourism market recorded a 27.82% year-on-year increase in arrivals, with overnight stays reaching 5.02 million from January to June.

United Airlines Launches Wi-Fi Status Match for Rival Elites

United Airlines has launched a new 'Switch To Better Wi-Fi' status match promotion, waiving its usual three-year waiting period for elite members of Delta Air Lines and American Airlines to gain 90 days of Premier status, extendable until January 2028.

Ex-Delta Flight Attendant Sues Airline and Marriott Over Savannah Incident

Candace Carter, a former Delta Air Lines flight attendant, has filed a lawsuit in Georgia alleging discriminatory termination by the airline and a hostile environment at a Courtyard by Marriott in Savannah following a March 2025 layover incident.

Travel + Leisure, Wyndham Partner on Sports Illustrated Hotels

The collaboration, announced on Monday, 5 October 2026, aims to expand the sports-themed brand beyond its initial timeshare model into standalone hotel properties.

Pili Pili Wins Luxembourg's 2026 Bistrospill Board Game Award

The Bistrospill award, backed by Horesca and Spillfabrik, seeks to reintroduce tabletop gaming to cafes and bars, aiming to enhance social interaction for patrons.

Southeast Asia Cruise Market Expands, Singapore Leads Regional Growth

Southeast Asia registered 3.9 million cruise passenger visits and US$10 billion in economic output in 2024, with Singapore alone handling over 2 million passengers in 2025.

New York, Paris Lead Global Shift in Short-Term Rental Regulation

New York's 2023 enforcement of short-term rental rules boosted hotel revenues by up to $2.9bn, while Barcelona plans to not renew over 10,000 tourist flat licences by 2028.

Choice Hotels CHRO Patrick Cimerola to Depart After 25 Years

Patrick Cimerola, Choice Hotels International's Chief Human Resources Officer, will transition to a special advisor role on 1 January 2027, after a 25-year tenure with the global hospitality group.

Muslim Travel Market Forecasts US$310 Billion with AI Reshaping Planning

The Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2026 projects 262 million international arrivals by 2030, with artificial intelligence increasingly curating halal-friendly travel.

THAI Board Dismisses CEO Chai Eamsiri Amid Operational Issues

The airline's board appointed Samrit Samniang as acting CEO on 2 October, tasking him with stabilising operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport following severe flight delays and baggage backlogs.

Robinsons Land Expands Fili Luxury Hotel Brand to Metro Manila

The new Fili property is scheduled to open in Bridgetowne in 2027, marking the second location for the Philippines' homegrown five-star hotel brand.

CPP Investments Fuels India Hospitality Sector with US$441 Million Stake

The Canadian pension fund has acquired a 27 per cent interest in Prestige Hospitality Ventures Ltd., an Asia-Pacific platform, to back its expansion plans.

The Guest You Don't Recognise: What La Siesta Premium Saigon's MICHELIN Guide Selection Says About Vietnamese Hospitality

La Siesta Premium Saigon has entered the MICHELIN Guide 2026 hotel selection. Its chairman's explanation fits in one line: work as if no one is watching.

Choice Hotels Adds Six Upscale Properties Across United States

Choice Hotels International announced the opening of two Cambria Hotels and four Ascend Collection properties on 1 October 2026, expanding its premium offerings in Florida, Colorado, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

A Quiet Milestone in Hue: What aNhill Boutique's MICHELIN Guide Selection Says About Vietnam's Old Capital

A small, independently run retreat on Thien An Hill has entered the MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection 2026. The recognition belongs to the hotel. The consequences may belong to Hue.

Choice Hotels acquires RV travel firm Harvest Hosts

The US$130 million all-cash transaction expands Choice Hotels' presence in the growing outdoor hospitality sector.

Minor Hotels Names Patrick Manthe General Manager in Laos

Manthe will lead the 53-room Avani+ Luang Prabang, bringing over 25 years of hospitality experience from across Asia, Europe, and Australia.

Skift: Live Events Drive Early Travel Bookings

The 2026 Skift Live Tourism Summit explored how concerts, sports, and festivals drive travel bookings well ahead of traditional periods, prompting industry players to adjust strategies.

Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines Drive Japan Market Engagement

The Nepalese delegation, including nine private firms, showcased fully operational tourist hubs and launched new campaigns at Tourism Expo Japan 2026, held in Tokyo from September 24 to 27.