Global Scans · Travel · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: How we travel, where we travel and whether we travel at all will mean tremendous change in the decades ahead.

• [New] China's Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to grow 7% annually over the next decade, reaching a GDP contribution of $3.8 TN by 2035; equivalent to almost 14% of the Chinese economy. Hospitality Net
• [New] With the growing need for luxury adventure cruises, polar expeditions are expected to become increasingly crucial for determining the future of global cruise tourism, making the World Voyager one of the important factors that would influence the way the globe is explored for its remotest locations. Travel And Tour World
• [New] As polar expeditions grow in popularity, the global cruise tourism industry will experience greater investment in sustainable infrastructure and tourism services to meet the demands of high-end travelers seeking unique and immersive experiences. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Asia's influence on global travel is set to surge in 2026, driven by shifting traveler behaviour, rapid digital transformation, and expanding regional connectivity. Trawick International
• [New] Hydrogen-powered aviation could significantly reduce emissions while allowing global air travel to grow responsibly. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Adventure travel is now one of the fastest-growing segments in tourism, with global adventure travel projected to surpass $2 trillion by 2032. Breaking Travel News
• [New] Industry leaders broadly agree that AI will redefine travel planning, booking, and the overall customer experience by 2026. eplaneai
• [New] By 2026, several key Indonesian destinations are expected to become fully AI-integrated tourist zones, where every aspect of the travel journey from arrival to departure is enhanced through technology. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Once fully operational, air taxis in Saudi Arabia will drastically reduce the time it takes to travel between key urban areas. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Cities with heavy traffic and long travel times, such as Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco, will soon see air taxis provide an efficient and time-saving alternative to ground transportation. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Winter 2026 travel demand will be strong, but more cost-conscious. When In Your State
• [New] Travel Advisor Potential: While only 19% of parents have used a travel advisor recently, a significant 61% said they would consider using one within the next two years, primarily seeking exclusive benefits and peace of mind / security. SYTA
• [New] Travelers across the United States have faced a perfect storm of disruptions in recent months, as a prolonged federal government shutdown collided with severe winter weather and technical issues to create one of the most challenging periods for air travel in recent memory. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• [New] Looking ahead, the travel industry will likely see deeper integration of autonomous AI agents capable of managing bookings and itineraries end-to-end, creating seamless travel experiences worldwide. Harmelin Media
• [New] The Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador projects that by the end of 2025, foreign exchange generated by international visitors will exceed $3.5 billion, boosting up to 10% of the national GDP. BLP Legal
• [New] With the Christmas and New Year travel period rapidly approaching, UK travelers are facing a host of potential disruptions to their journeys. Travel And Tour World
• In 2026 and beyond, luxury travel is no longer simply defined by indulgence, although five-star amenities remain a foundation. Jetset Select
• The US plans to expand the number of countries covered by its travel ban to more than 30. The Business Standard
• With the right investments in clean energy, better transportation technologies, and higher-wage job opportunities, the U.S. travel sector could become a global leader in sustainable tourism. Travel And Tour World
• Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn plan direct London-Germany high-speed rail by early 2030s, making travel greener and easier. GOV.UK
• Millions of passengers could benefit from quicker and more convenient travel across Europe as Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn have confirmed joint plans for a direct high-speed rail connection between Germany and London. GOV.UK

Last updated: 20 December 2025