Discover trending topics in travel – from emerging destinations and cultural experiences to transport tips, policy changes, and travel tech innovations. This section brings together timely stories and insights to keep curious travelers informed and inspired.
Navan, the travel and expense management unicorn formerly known as TripActions, has filed for an IPO, revealing rapid growth, heavy investment in AI, and the challenges of turning profitability in a competitive market.
Oravel Stays, the parent of OYO, has rebranded to Prism to reflect its evolution into a diversified global hospitality and tech group ahead of its planned IPO.
OYO is making a third attempt to go public, planning to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) in November 2025 with a valuation goal of $7–8 billion – approximately 25-30 times its EBITDA – as investment banks and SoftBank weigh in.
Cordelia Cruises’ parent company, Waterways Leisure Tourism, has filed for an $84.5 million IPO to fund fleet expansion and debt repayment—marking a bold new chapter for India’s only ocean cruise operator.
Vilnius tops Europe’s list of best cities for sleep tourism, leading destinations like Dresden, Poznan, and Riga as travelers seek rest-focused, wellness-driven escapes.
Japan is set to raise visa charges, departure levies and tax-free shopping rules in 2026 as travel demand surges and authorities shift toward sustainable tourism.
Travellers worldwide are opting for meaningful, place-rooted journeys with growing interest in rural stays, heritage hotels, multi-stop trips and emerging destinations for 2026.
Starting March 2026, Kyoto will implement Japan’s highest-ever hotel tax to combat overtourism and protect the city’s cultural heritage.
One&Only will open its first South Pacific resort on Fiji’s Nacula Island in 2029, including a luxury boutique hotel and private homes – anchoring exclusivity, wellness, and cultural immersion in the Yasawas.
Following a thoughtful renovation, Barbados’ iconic Colony Club has reopened under Marriott’s Luxury Collection, blending colonial heritage with elevated wellness, dining, and an immersive Rum Vault experience.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has unveiled its Winter 2026–2027 Caribbean itineraries aboard its superyacht Ilma – now open for booking, offering immersive, luxury voyages departing from Miami and San Juan.
TCS World Travel unveils its most ambitious itinerary yet: a 29-day private jet journey spanning all seven continents from late December 2026, visiting 12 iconic destinations including Antarctica, Machu Picchu, Angkor Wat, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Ground-handling staff strikes are set to disrupt flights across Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores from September 2025 through January 2026, affecting millions of travelers.
Ground handling strikes by Azul Handling and Menzies staff will hit 12 Spanish airports from mid-August through December, causing delays, baggage disruptions, and flight uncertainties at peak travel weekends affecting dozens of international and budget airlines.
Costa Rica’s newly introduced Digital Nomad Visa, available for roughly $100, is already reshaping tourism by attracting remote workers to stay longer, spend more on local services, and experience the country beyond traditional vacation cycles.
Croatia has expanded its digital nomad visa program, allowing non-EU remote workers to live and work in the country for up to three years – boosting long-term tourism, local economies, and lifestyle travel.
Dubai welcomed nearly 10 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, driven by strategic initiatives like the One Freezone Passport and rising global interest in the city as a premier destination.
Hyatt has officially opened Hyatt Place Tallinn, marking its debut in Estonia with a modern, convenient hotel catering to business and leisure travelers alike.
Japan is set to raise visa charges, departure levies and tax-free shopping rules in 2026 as travel demand surges and authorities shift toward sustainable tourism.
Starting March 2026, Kyoto will implement Japan’s highest-ever hotel tax to combat overtourism and protect the city’s cultural heritage.
Tenerife has introduced a new eco-tax as record-breaking tourism numbers put growing pressure on the Canary Islands’ environment and local communities.
Venice will reimpose its daytripper fee in 2026 on selected Fridays to Sundays during April through July, extending the number of fee-days and reinforcing measures to manage overtourism.
OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Atlas browser introduces live internet access and seamless AI integration, changing how travelers plan, research, and book their trips.
Revolut’s acquisition of Swifty, an AI travel agent incubated at Lufthansa Innovation Hub, marks a strategic step toward integrating smart travel automation into its expanding lifestyle and loyalty offerings.
American Airlines introduces a new generative AI tool that redefines how travelers plan their journeys, offering personalized itineraries and real-time assistance through natural conversations.
Expedia Group has unveiled ‘Comet,’ a new AI-powered travel assistant developed in partnership with Perplexity, designed to help travelers plan trips faster and more intuitively.