Tourism News

The incoming U.S. President creates a classic 'crisis' and 'opportunity' situation for U.S.-China travel. Despite concern over tension between the two countries, Chinese business travelers see more potential investment opportunities under the new administration, while a strong dollar and continuing interest in China should continue the flow of Americans heading east.

Skift is getting even more local and global in our reporting with our new Gateway series, which includes news stories, insights, and analysis from our correspondents embedded around the world.

With more airlift from the U.S. to Mexico, and the country's increased focus on luxury travel, combined with a stronger U.S. economy, it makes sense that U.S. travel growth to Mexico became robust in 2016.

In 2017, Americans' travel aspirations may reflect the country's political divide. We're still waiting to see how Trump's promises to tighten national borders will affect the trips people book this year.

The $1.4 billion expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center is significant because it cements the city as the meetings and events capital of the western U.S. for the foreseeable future.

Luxury travelers are looking for more than just posh accommodations and generic pampering. Savvy suppliers and tourism organizations are capitalizing on the desire for authentic experiences, as the sharing economy continues to present new ways to connect travelers with local culture.

For 2017, it is advisable to vote with your wallet, and support the airlines, hotels, and brands that are elevating experiences and not resting on their laurels or forgetting the vital human element of service.

We hope you enjoy reading these as much as we liked writing them.

Here's what the industry's top leaders told us in 2016.

Smart destination marketing organizations will recognize that civil rights isn't just a hot-button political issue — it's a crucial part of a destination's identity, and with the right tech, it can draw visitors accordingly.