Business of Travel.
News and analysis for the people who run travel, from hotel boardrooms to airline route desks.
Kazakhstan's Astana and Almaty Lead Central Asian Urban Growth
In the 2025 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, Almaty ranked 258th and Astana 276th, making them Central Asia's highest-placed cities amidst significant investment and rising international visitor numbers.
Canadian Travel to U.S. Jumps 8.8% for Fifth Month
Canadian resident return trips to the United States increased 8.8% in August 2026, marking a consistent five-month rise despite ongoing trade tensions between the two nations.
Amadeus Predicts Pet Travel Market to Hit US$3 Billion
A new Amadeus study projects the global pet travel market will reach US$3 billion by 2030, driven by changing lifestyles and new pet-friendly hospitality in Asia.
Vietnam Visitor Numbers Rise: Russia, Philippines Lead Growth
Vietnam recorded nearly 16 million international visitors in the first eight months of 2026, marking a significant year-on-year increase. Growth was notably driven by substantial surges in arrivals from Russia and the Philippines.
US Hotels: 19 Weeks of Occupancy, ADR Growth
The United States hotel sector recorded its nineteenth consecutive week of positive year-over-year comparisons. CoStar data for the period ending 22 August 2026 shows national occupancy, average daily rate, and revenue per available room all increased. Performance varied significantly across major markets, highlighting a segmented recovery.
KAYAK: Group Travel Cuts Vacation Rental Costs
New data from KAYAK reveals that group travel presents significant cost-saving opportunities for American travellers, with vacation rental prices for larger parties decreasing even as demand increases.
TAT Projects 5.1 Million Chinese Tourists to Thailand by 2026, Up 14%
Thailand projects 5.1 million Chinese tourist arrivals in 2026, a 14% increase, as TAT works to enhance its appeal and airline capacity. Regional Chinese travel trends differ.
Booking.com Study: US Travellers Prioritise Trips Over Daily Spending
A new study by Booking.com reveals American travellers consistently place leisure travel above many everyday expenses. They view trips as a vital investment in their quality of life, often making significant financial adjustments to fund them.
Google Fuels AI with Spirit Data; UK Cracks Down on Hidden Fees; Delta Hit by Pilot Delays
Google has acquired Spirit Airlines' booking data for $10 million, a move set to influence artificial intelligence in travel. Concurrently, the UK government is implementing strict measures against hidden travel fees, while Delta Air Lines faces ongoing pilot scheduling challenges ahead of the busy autumn travel period.
Maximise Travel Rewards: Online Shopping Portals Fuel Loyalty Balances
Online shopping portals offer a straightforward method for travellers to accumulate bonus points, airline miles, or cash back from routine retail purchases. This approach allows individuals to build loyalty programme balances through non-travel spending, complementing existing credit card rewards.
Google, Airbnb, Booking Drive Travel AI Evolution
The global travel sector is shifting its AI strategy, prioritising data and demonstrable returns on investment. Leading companies like Google, Airbnb, and Booking.com are illustrating this evolution.
Top Credit Card Providers Outline Authorised User Policies: What It Means for Travel Rewards & Credi
Leading credit card providers outline the conditions for adding authorised users, a mechanism that can aid in meeting spending requirements and establishing credit, though primary cardholders remain fully responsible for all account charges.
Flight Attendants Oppose Spirit Airlines Data Sale to Google
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) is challenging Spirit Airlines' proposed sale of employee data to Google, citing significant confidentiality concerns. The union argues that the planned 'deidentification' process will not adequately protect sensitive worker information, including disciplinary records and payroll history, and demands the exclusion of all flight attendant data from the transaction.
Viator Delegates Retail Pricing for Tours to Channel Partners
Viator has updated its global supplier agreement this month, granting channel partners the autonomy to establish retail prices for tours and activities. This change could lead to increased discounting across the online travel sector, reshaping the competitive landscape for activity providers.
Credit Card Presales Deliver Major Event Access, Hotel Savings
Credit card presale programmes and loyalty points provided significant financial advantages for one traveller securing tickets to high-demand events and reducing accommodation costs.
Lodging Econometrics: Global Hotel Pipeline Hits Record High
The global hotel construction pipeline reached a record 15,976 projects in Q2 2026, Lodging Econometrics reported. This expansion, representing 2.4 million rooms, saw a 0.7% annual increase, primarily driven by hotel conversions and luxury property developments worldwide.