Planning to travel to D.C. for a June event? You’ll want to take a second look at your flight plans—an upcoming military parade is expected to upend air traffic at Ronald Reagan Airport. Still curating your travel inspo on Pinterest? According to a new report, you’re missing out on supercharging your searches. Hoping your next event leaves a lighter footprint? Hawai‘i just passed a game-changing climate measure that ties tourism to environmental impact.
As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest must-read travel and tourism news.
Royal Caribbean Announces Leadership Shift at the Helm
Big changes are on deck at Royal Caribbean Group. After nearly four decades as chair, Richard Fain will step down from his role in Q4 2025, though he’ll remain on the board. President and CEO Jason Liberty, who has led the company since 2022, has been elected to succeed him as chairman.
Read More: Royal Caribbean Launches “World’s Biggest Weekend” Cruise with New Mega-Ship Utopia of the Seas
Fain, credited with transforming the cruise industry, said, “It is time to hand the wheel to the next generation of exceptional talent…and I am very confident that under Jason’s strong leadership, the Royal Caribbean Group will accelerate to even greater heights.”
Liberty added, “I look forward to continuing to create and deliver the ultimate vacation experience for our guests.” With cruise-based gatherings gaining popularity, Royal Caribbean is signaling to planners a commitment to keep innovating.
AI Surpasses Social Media in Travel Discovery, Says Accenture
According to Accenture’s new report, “Me, My Brand and AI,” generative AI has officially overtaken social media and online travel agencies (OTAs) as a go-to source for travel inspiration and planning. Among active users, 37% now turn to AI first for travel ideas, compared to 29% who go to social platforms and 14% who use OTAs.
For meeting planners, this signals a major shift in how attendees may be discovering destinations, venues and experiences. As AI becomes more trusted (Accenture found that 36% of users see it as a “good friend”) it’s becoming a powerful influence in shaping decisions.
Read More: How Event Planners Are Using AI in 2025
“Brands that hesitate risk falling out of the consideration set altogether,” the report warns. “But those that act now…can shape the future of AI-driven marketing and commerce.”
Planners should consider how AI can support everything from personalized pre-event recommendations to on-site engagement tools. As the way people research and decide where to go evolves, so should the strategy behind how your event gets discovered.
Hawai‘i Enacts Nation’s First Green Fee to Fund Climate Resilience
Planning a meeting in paradise may soon come with deeper purpose. Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green just signed Senate Bill 1396 into law, creating the country’s first statewide “Green Fee” to support climate resilience, sustainable tourism and environmental restoration.
Starting in 2026, the transient accommodations tax (TAT) will increase by 0.75% and, for the first time, apply to cruise ships docking in Hawai‘i. The goal? To raise an estimated $100 million annually to protect the islands’ natural and cultural resources and make sure visitors share in the responsibility of preserving Hawai‘i for future generations.
Read More: Qurator: Hawaii’s New, All-encompassing Tourism Certification Program
“Today Hawaiʻi ushers in the first Green Fee in the nation,” said Governor Green. “As an island chain, Hawaiʻi cannot wait for the next disaster to hit before taking action.”
Future events in Hawai‘i will reflect a strengthened commitment to sustainability, and attendees can feel good knowing their stay helps fund real restoration.
ASTA Warns New U.S. Travel Ban Could Disrupt Global Meetings and Tourism
As President Trump prepares to enact a new travel ban affecting 19 countries, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is urging policymakers to consider the wider economic and diplomatic consequences.
The executive order, set to take effect June 9, bars citizens from 12 nations—including Iran, Somalia and Myanmar—from entering the U.S. and places additional restrictions on travelers from seven others. Though there are exceptions for dual citizens, legal residents and select visa holders, the directive echoes similar policies from Trump’s first term.
“Safe, secure and open travel are foundational to our world,” said ASTA CEO Zane Kerby. “When governments impose restrictions that limit access and movement…it sends a ripple effect through global commerce [and] opposes the very spirit of what travel represents.”
The new restrictions may complicate international attendee logistics and limit the global diversity of future events hosted in the U.S. As travel remains a key driver of cross-border collaboration, ASTA is calling for balanced solutions that maintain security without undermining connection and exchange.
FAA Warns of Flight Disruptions at DCA on June 14
A military parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary is expected to disrupt air travel through Washington, D.C., on June 14. The FAA has confirmed that airspace around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) will be temporarily closed to accommodate flyovers and fireworks tied to the event, likely impacting at least 116 flights.
“There could be some disruption to the airspace at times,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “We don’t know when that is, but that could affect, for short periods of time, air travel.”
While the main impact will be felt at DCA, travelers with connections or evening arrivals on the East Coast should double-check itineraries. Reagan Airport is urging passengers to contact their airlines for rebooking options and consider public transit due to local road closures.
For those planning events in the capital or routing speakers and attendees through DCA, it’s a good idea to flag this date and build in flexibility. Alternative airports like Dulles (IAD) may offer smoother travel that weekend.
