News

Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports delays tourist fee until 2026, citing external uncertainties and tourism demand assessment.

Global Hotel Alliance is betting that simplicity, not scale, will win the next phase of hotel loyalty. With a transparent rewards currency and a sharp focus on leisure travelers, it’s carving out a middle path for independents looking to compete without giving up control.

The 2025 Henley Passport Index makes one thing clear: travel freedom isn’t just a Western advantage anymore. And that shift isn’t just about where people go on a holiday, it matters for companies, governments, and industries that rely on people being able to move easily across borders.

AI is here to stay in the travel industry, but for now it’s as an assistant, not a replacement. Travel has too many moving parts, so when things go wrong, or a big trip is on the line, travelers still tend to trust a specialist.

For today’s pod we look at Southwest’s big break with the past, Barcelona’s attempts to control cruise passengers, and a business travel resurgence.

India’s decision to grant Kuwait a 50% increase in flying rights, the first such expansion in nearly two decades, seems to signal a softening stance on its traditionally cautious bilateral air agreements.

Scandic Hotels will manage Dalata's hotels in the UK and Ireland, expanding the group outside of Scandinavia. And more hotel deal and development news.

Zoom works fine. But it turns out there's something irreplaceable about looking someone in the eye while discussing revenue projections in a beige conference room in Dallas, Sao Paulo, or Mumbai.

Liz Lathan is reinventing business events with emotional clarity and bold ideas, reminding the industry that connection is the real return on investment. 

Startup BizTrip.AI is betting that agentic AI will do for corporate travel what search once did for the internet: turn complexity into simplicity. 

Barcelona's ongoing battle against mass tourism isn't slowing down. The city is emphasizing quality instead of quantity.

The moves come as Southwest has been making massive changes to its business model that include baggage fees and premium seats.