UN Tourism has successfully concluded the biggest General Assembly in its 50-year history, confirming new leadership, and announcing a shared vision for innovation and Artificial Intelligence.
Nearly seven in ten South African travellers (69%) plan to take the same or more holidays in 2026 compared to 2025, including 49% who intend to travel more frequently, according to Marriott Bonvoy’s Ticket to Travel research. Younger generations are leading demand, with 66% of Gen Z planning on taking more holidays next year and embracing AI planning tools, luxury add-ons, and passion-driven trips.
The Affiliate Members Plenary Session, the most important statutory meeting of the Affiliate Members, convened for its 45th session in the framework of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is proud to announce that three of its senior executives have been recognised at the prestigious IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2025, organised by the Investment Analysts Association (IAA). The honours reflect Centara’s strong leadership, sound financial management, and commitment to transparency and good governance.The awards presented to Centara executives are as follows:
The Washington, D.C., chapter of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International today invited hospitality professionals from throughout the DMV to attend its annual Directors Roundtable on Nov. 20 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.
For generations, Goodnight Moon has been the story that signaled comfort - a final goodnight before tomorrow’s adventures begin. Today, Marriott Bonvoy’s Sheraton Hotels & Resorts reimagines that familiar ritual through the lens of travel in “Goodnight Room,” a new campaign that celebrates the small, human moments that make the world feel like home, even when we’re far away. Launched as Sheraton reaches a pivotal milestone in its global transformation, “Goodnight Room” marks the brand’s most significant storytelling moment yet, inviting travelers across the globe to rediscover one of hospitality’s most familiar names through a fresh and modern lens.
As World Travel Market (WTM) 2025 draws to a close at Excel London, Trip.com Group showcased its global leadership by sharing insights and innovations shaping the future of travel. Across key sessions, the company led conversations from global and European perspectives, focusing on the strategic evolution of travel, from digital transformation and personalisation to sustainability.
Europeans continue to prioritise travel, showing steady enthusiasm for exploring the continent even as the seasons turn cooler. According to the latest “Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel” report (Wave 23) by the European Travel Commission (ETC), 73% of Europeans intend to travel between October 2025 and March 2026, a figure that remains unchanged from last year.
The 17th UTM-UN Tourism Training Programme organized by Macao University of Tourism (UTM) in collaboration with UN Tourism, focused on "Leveraging Meetings and Events for Local Development." The four-day training programme (21-24 October), sponsored by MGM, brought together renowned industry leaders, academics, and practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific region.
American travelers aren’t cutting back – they’re getting selective. According to new data from MMGY, U.S. travelers are maintaining steady travel plans despite rising costs and are gravitating toward hands-on culinary experiences and choosing intimate family vacations over traditional holiday gatherings. The message is clear: Travelers want experiences that feel authentic, interactive and deeply personal.
Register your team and participate live, or view the recording of Doug Kennedy’s next 40-minute training webcast scheduled for Friday, November 21, at Noon EST. REGISTER HERE
Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), producer of HITEC, is pleased to announce the 2026 HITEC North America Advisory Council. This esteemed group of hospitality technology leaders will guide the educational planning and program development for the 2026 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) in San Antonio, Texas, taking place June 15–18 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
FHS World 2025 honoured leading luminaries shaping the future of the Middle East’s hospitality and tourism sector with four FHS Awards to celebrate the best of the best in the industry.
Expedia Group Advertising today released comprehensive findings from The Science of Wanderlust research, uncovering what makes the perfect travel content to drive bookings in today’s world of AI. The study showcases how travelers feel, react and engage with travel-related content, finding six ingredients that spark the feeling of wanderlust - the emotional spark that drives travel decisions – to help brands inspire, connect and convert travelers.
Last week, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) hosted its signature education and membership event, the HFTP Annual Convention. The convention was held at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. from October 22–24, 2025 with 465 professionals in attendance. It offered an energizing and informative experience presenting education, industry insights, networking and celebration.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) announced its 2025 General Managers of the Year Awards during The Hospitality Show in Denver, Colorado. The awards recognized general managers going above and beyond for their guests and employees.
The GBTA Foundation, the cause-led arm of the Global Business Travel Association, hosted its 2025 WINiT Summit, Awards & Gala yesterday at Civic Hall in New York City. Now in its 11th year, GBTA WINiT (“Women in Travel”), a program dedicated to helping women thrive in their travel industry careers, continues to evolve as a catalyst for change — offering mentorship, training, research and awareness to dismantle advancement barriers.
UN Tourism has joined together public and private sector actors to commit to take concrete steps to advance women’s empowerment in tourism.
Four in five (79%) travellers in EMEA intend to go on more or the same amount of holidays in 2026 compared to 2025, including 39% who plan to go on an increased number, according to new industry research conducted by Mortar, of more than 22,000 adults across 11 key travel markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Green Valley Ranch, Henderson’s beloved local’s destination, has unveiled its new logo, marking the next chapter in the resort’s story as it continues its $200 million property-wide renovation and approaches its 25th anniversary in December 2026. The refreshed identity also introduces a new monogram—a modern shorthand that subtly blends the G-V-R into an elegant shorthand—reflecting the property’s evolution while honoring its legacy.