The Trump Effect on Travel

As U.S. President Donald Trump continues to shape the political and economic landscape, the impact of his choices on the travel industry remains significant. Read how his actions and policies are shaping the future of travel, and get insights into the industry’s evolving response.

Skift Meetings launch

Iran War is Reshuffling Incentive Destinations Around the Globe

Certain counties and regions are attracting interest as incentive destinations because they’re geographically distant and perceived as safe — but not the U.S.

Barbara Scofidio | 2 months ago

Airlines

Fuel Surcharges, Bag Fees: How Airlines Are Passing on Costs to Travelers

The rise in fuel prices gives every airline on this list a good excuse to raise fees. Less clear is when they'll come back down.

Rashaad Jorden | 2 months ago

Tourism

Skift Travel Health Index Flatlines

Global travel paused in February 2026, revealing how quickly momentum can unravel. As demand shifts to safer, closer destinations, the focus moves from growth to restoring trust.

Athira Thoppil | 2 months ago

Hotels

UAE Hotels Watch and Wait as Ceasefire Promises — But Doesn’t Yet Deliver

After the U.S. and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire, UAE hoteliers and holiday home operators are cautiously optimistic about the region's recovery.

Deepthi Nair | 2 months ago

Skift Newsletters

What Other Nations Say About U.S. Travel Now ⚠️

More countries are warning their citizens about visiting the U.S.— and the language is getting specific.

Jason Clampet | 2 months ago

A sign welcomes visitors to the United States.

Tourism

What Countries Are Telling Travelers About Visiting the U.S. Right Now

Other countries aren't raising their U.S. travel risk ratings, but they are adding footnotes.

Bailey Schulz | 2 months ago

Hotels

Kempinski Bets on Middle East Rebound as Occupancy Dips Below 20%

While most hospitality executives have been in damage-control mode, Kempinski’s CEO envisions an opportunity. With rates held, staff retained, and a development pipeline intact, the company is placing a long-term bet on the Middle East.

Deepthi Nair | 2 months ago

A SkyWest Delta Connection plane at West Yellowstone

Airlines

Delta to Raise Bag Fees as Airlines Pass Cost of Surging Fuel Prices Onto Passengers

Delta is joining United and JetBlue in increasing baggage fees as high fuel costs are starting to eat into airlines’ profits.

Meghna Maharishi | 2 months ago

A man in a suit with a blue tie seated and holding his hands out in front of him, gesturing.

Airlines

Jamie Dimon’s Shareholder Letter Has 8 Warnings Travel Execs Can’t Afford to Miss

Jamie Dimon didn't write a travel memo per se, but he might as well have. Softening consumer demand, oil shocks, AI disruption, and an immigration crisis — the threats are real, and they're arriving all at once.

Sarah Kopit | 2 months ago

Airlines

Air India Follows IndiGo With Fuel Surcharge Revision

As India’s peak travel season approaches, the increase in fuel surcharge by both IndiGo and Air India now casts doubt on whether outbound travel will continue its upward trajectory.

Bulbul Dhawan | 2 months ago