Grappling with how to rectify sustainability goals with those long-distance flights to meetings? Delta is launching a new partnership that could majorly reduce your group’s carbon footprint. Comparing cruise lines for a potential meeting or incentive? Holland America Line has just debuted a new brand campaign to help secure your business. Wondering what the data shows about 2025 travel trends? A new report with key insights was just released.
As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest must-read travel and tourism news.
‘Tours for Women’ Launched by EF Go Ahead Tours on International Women’s Day
On Thursday, guided group travel company EF Go Ahead Tours announced the launch of “EF Go Ahead Tours for Women.” The collection of seven experiences is open to women only, and each trip celebrates women’s history and worldwide impact. The programs are the result of a growing demand for exclusively female group travel options, as documented by research conducted in partnership with Qualtrics.
Read More: A Network to Amplify Women’s Influence
“We have heard from women who love to travel but hesitate to go alone, and from others who have traveled solo but miss the magic of shared experiences,” said Heidi Durflinger, president of EF Go Ahead Tours. “These Tours for Women fill that gap. I know firsthand how transformative it can be to discover a new place surrounded by other women who lift each other up. There is something incredibly powerful about creating opportunities where women can be both courageous and authentically themselves while traveling together.”
The tours will launch on March 8, International Women’s Day, and options include:
Peru for Women: Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu. Travelers will connect with Andean women demonstrating ancient weaving techniques at Awamaki, a nonprofit offering educational and economic opportunities.
Italy for Women: Rome, Tuscany & the Italian Lakes. Travelers will learn to make authentic Bolognese ragu at Podere San Guiliano, an agriturismo founded by chef Frederica and her grandmother.
Egypt for Women: Cairo & Nile River Cruise. Egyptologists will share accounts of feminist activist Doria Shafik and other iconic female figures.
Ireland, England & Scotland for Women: Dublin to Edinburgh. A female storyteller at the Scottish Storytelling Centre will bring to life tales of remarkable women in Scottish history.
JetZero and Delta Partner on a Bold New Era of Sustainable Air Travel
JetZero and Delta Air Lines are looking to reshape the future of aviation with a game-changing aircraft design that looks and feels unlike anything flying today. At the heart of their collaboration is JetZero’s blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft, a revolutionary airframe that could redefine efficiency, sustainability and passenger comfort.
This partnership marks a significant step toward Delta’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The BWB design is expected to be up to 50% more fuel-efficient than traditional aircraft, reducing emissions while cutting costs. The uniquely shaped airframe also opens the door for an entirely new in-flight experience—spacious interiors, enhanced accessibility and innovative seating arrangements that could transform air travel.
Read More: Sustainability Tools for Easier Green Planning
JetZero’s progress has already caught the attention of major industry players. Backed by a U.S. Air Force grant, the company is working toward its first full-scale demonstrator flight in 2027. Delta will play a key role in shaping the aircraft’s commercial viability, lending its operational expertise to help optimize everything from maintenance to airport integration.
“Working with JetZero to realize an entirely new airframe and experience for customers and employees is bold and important work,” said Amelia DeLuca, Delta’s chief sustainability officer. “While Delta is focused on addressing our carbon footprint today, it’s critical that we also support revolutionary technologies that will drive the future of aviation.”
Holland America Line Invites Travelers to Slow Down and ‘Savour the Journey’
In a world where travel often feels rushed, Holland America Line is embracing something different—the joy of slowing down. The cruise line has introduced a new brand campaign, “Savour the Journey: Experiences with us are too good to hurry through,” highlighting exploration and the magic of truly taking it all in.
So what does Savour the Journey really mean for travelers?
- Longer stays, richer experiences. Unlike the typical “see it and go” approach, Holland America Line builds in extra time at port—including overnight stays in some destinations—so guests can linger, explore and soak up the local culture.
- Dining that tells a story. Through its Destination Dining program, the cruise line brings the flavors of each region onboard. With fresh seafood sourced directly from local ports and dishes inspired by the places visited, every meal feels like part of the adventure.
- A ship that feels like home. Mid-sized ships make it easier to reach off-the-beaten-path destinations, while the onboard experience is designed for comfort—cozy corners to relax, live music that sets the mood, and a staff that remembers your name and how you take your coffee.
- A different kind of luxury. Whether it’s a twice-daily turndown service, a perfectly crafted cocktail at sunset or simply the chance to watch the waves with no agenda, Holland America Line believes luxury is about the little moments.
“We’ve always believed that the journey is just as important as the destination,” says Kacy Cole, Holland America Line’s chief marketing officer. And with Savour the Journey, the cruise line is doubling down on that belief—reminding travelers that sometimes, the best experiences happen when we stop rushing and start truly taking it all in.
The campaign will roll out with a focus on Northern Europe and the Mediterranean before expanding to other iconic destinations like Alaska and the Caribbean.
Viator’s 2025 Travel Trends: A Year for Immersive, Hands-On and Nature-Driven Experiences
As travel continues to evolve, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where authenticity, connection and immersive experiences take center stage. According to Viator’s latest Travel Trends Report, travelers are prioritizing experiences that go beyond sightseeing—they want to feel, taste and fully engage with the world around them. So, what’s defining travel in the year ahead?
The Great Outdoors: Seeking Nature’s Wonders
With nearly a third of Viator’s top experiences rooted in nature and outdoor adventure, it’s clear that travelers are looking to reconnect with the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. Thermal spas and hot springs are experiencing a surge in popularity, growing by more than 40% year-over-year. Destinations like Rovaniemi, Finland; Banff, Canada; and Tromsø, Norway—famous for their natural beauty and mesmerizing night skies—are seeing some of the fastest-growing interest.
Hands-On, Immersive Experiences: Connecting Through Craft
Rather than simply observing a culture, today’s travelers want to experience it firsthand. Cooking classes remain among Viator’s top ten experiences, while photography tours have nearly doubled in popularity and craft classes have seen a 50% increase over the past year. These intimate, interactive activities are not only growing in demand, but they’re also among the highest-rated, with an average traveler rating above 4.8 out of 5 stars.
The Rise of Intimate Musical Encounters
While major concerts remain a draw, there’s a shift towards smaller, culturally rich musical experiences that bring travelers closer to the heart of a destination. Bookings for concerts and special events have surged by over 50%, with experiences like flamenco in Madrid, Vivaldi in Venice and live music in Austin drawing travelers who want to engage with a place through its sound and rhythm.
U.S. Travel Association Pushes for Urgent Upgrades to America’s Travel System
With travel demand surging and major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the U.S. Travel Association is calling for immediate action to modernize America’s outdated travel infrastructure. On the morning of President Trump’s address to the nation, the organization made its case with a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal, urging the administration to take bold steps before the system reaches a breaking point.
The ad applauds the administration’s commitment to modernizing air traffic control but warns that broader action is needed. Overwhelmed TSA checkpoints, strained airport customs and visa processing backlogs are already putting pressure on travelers—and without intervention, the entire system risks grinding to a halt.
This move is part of U.S. Travel’s larger campaign to push travel modernization to the top of the national agenda. In February, the organization and the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel unveiled a landmark report detailing critical steps to improve the travel experience. The report gained global media attention, emphasizing the urgent need for efficiency, security and innovation.
To further drive awareness, U.S. Travel has launched showcaseamericantravel.org, an online hub dedicated to the issue, along with a new video advocating for immediate reforms.
Representing a $1.3 trillion industry, the U.S. Travel Association is making a clear case: America’s travel infrastructure needs a serious upgrade—before the world arrives at its doorstep.
