I’m back on the ground and catching my breath after a whirlwind rush of travel, and I’m extra excited to bring you this week’s top business travel stories. From a hybrid-powered ship’s splashy Seattle debut to fresh updates from the Florida Keys and a new dining tool that might just rescue your inbox from reservation chaos, there’s plenty to dive into.
As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest updates shaping the way we move, meet and plan.
HX Hosts First-Ever Advisor Ship Visit in Seattle
HX Expeditions welcomed more than 200 travel advisors and partners aboard its hybrid-powered flagship, the MS Fridtjof Nansen, for the company’s first-ever ship visit in Seattle, home to its Americas headquarters since 2014.
Held on September 26, the immersive, full-day event marked the ship’s first official embarkation from Seattle and gave attendees a firsthand look at HX’s signature blend of sustainability, comfort and exploration. Advisors participated in hands-on experiences with HX’s expedition team and onboard scientists, learning how guests contribute to global Citizen Science efforts through activities like kayaking, hiking and wildlife observation.
“We’re proud to remain pioneers of expedition cruising as we look ahead to HX’s 130th anniversary in 2026,” said Steve Smotrys, managing director and senior vice president of commercial, Americas. “Revenue is already up over 50% year-over-year in the U.S., and that’s a direct reflection of the power of our advisor network.”
The visit coincided with HX’s largest-ever Americas Roadshow, which has made stops in seven cities across the U.S. and Canada, with the final event scheduled for Orlando on October 22.
For meeting and incentive planners, HX’s growing presence in North America and commitment to education and trade engagement signal a strong opportunity to deliver expedition-style travel with purpose.
Florida Keys & Key West: What’s New for Fall 2025
The Florida Keys remain a warm-weather escape this fall, with new air routes, resort openings and expanded cultural attractions ideal for planners seeking fresh group experiences.
Read More: South Florida and the Florida Keys: Business Meets Paradise
New Airlift to Key West
Four airlines are expanding service into Key West International Airport (EYW) this season, with routes launching from Knoxville, New Haven, Raleigh-Durham and Akron, plus enhanced daily service from Fort Lauderdale via Spirit. The newly opened Concourse A offers upgraded amenities, glass jet bridges and the return of Conch Flyer restaurant.
Accommodations
Several major properties have announced enhancements:
Baker’s Cay Resort (Key Largo): 12 new luxury suites debuting November 2025
Hawks Cay (Duck Key): Marina renovation and Salt + Ash restaurant from Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford
Isla Bella (Marathon): New all-inclusive dining packages
DoubleTree Grand Key (Key West): Full renovation including 8,750 sq. ft. of meeting space
Historic Key West Vacation Rentals: Fall promotion for month-long stays, ideal for remote work or extended incentive trips
Attractions & Cultural Experiences
Elizabeth Bishop House & Garden (Key West) opens Nov. 1 for literary events and small garden gatherings
Dolphin Life Hospital (Islamorada): New saltwater ICU for marine mammals and event-capable classroom space
Turtle Hospital (Marathon): Expanding research center plus new gift shop
MarineLab Undersea Park (Key Largo): Rebrand of Jules’ Undersea Lodge with educational programs
Mote Marine (Multiple Locations): Hands-on coral restoration dives for certified participants
Dining & Local Flavor
New openings include Vicky Bakery (Key Largo) with Cuban pastries and cocktails, and Flagler Station (Islamorada) for wood-fired steaks and wines inspired by Keys railroad history.
With improved access, resort updates and meaningful group-friendly experiences, the Florida Keys continue to evolve as a top-tier destination for meetings and incentive escapes.
Latin American Travelers Are Embracing AI, All-Inclusives and Nostalgia, Marriott Finds
Marriott International’s fifth annual Caribbean and Latin America travel survey reveals Latin Americans see vacations as essential; 98% consider them at least a moderate life priority, and 63% rate them “high.” Most trips are shared: 72% travel with a spouse or partner, and four in 10 include children.
The region is seeing strong early adoption of AI planning tools, with 43% already using them and 73% open to trying them. Marriott is tapping into this with AI-powered trip planning for Bonvoy Ambassador members and natural-language search tools for Homes & Villas bookings.
Read More: All-in on All-Inclusives
All-inclusive resorts remain a favorite: 89% have stayed at one and 87% would again, with high satisfaction around value and multigenerational appeal. Since entering the segment in 2019, Marriott has grown its regional all-inclusive footprint to 36 resorts, with 17 more in the pipeline.
Shoulder season travel is gaining ground, with 99% of past travelers saying they’d do it again. Planners can also take note of rising interest in “once-in-a-lifetime” adventures and nostalgia-fueled trips.
More than half (57%) say their next trip will be domestic. Among those planning international travel, top destinations include Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.
Younger generations are heavily influenced by social media when choosing destinations, while most travelers still book direct through hotel websites or apps (75%).
This year’s findings paint a clear picture of a region of travelers who are not only eager to explore but are also reshaping how, when and why they travel.
OpenTable Launches Global Marketplace for Group Dining Reservations
OpenTable has debuted a new all-in-one marketplace for private and group dining, aimed at simplifying the once-cumbersome booking process for both planners and restaurants.
Users can now browse semi-private rooms, large-group tables and full buyouts with real-time pricing, capacity, menus, ambiance details and (on select listings) instant booking capabilities. For restaurants, the platform provides a low-lift way to monetize underused spaces and capture more high-value events like corporate dinners and milestone celebrations.
A recent OpenTable survey found it takes an average of 17 hours to book group dining. Two-thirds of respondents said they’d host more events if it were easier, and 42% admitted to abandoning the effort altogether.
“Private dining is one of the most frustrating parts of planning a group meal,” said Amy Wei, OpenTable’s chief operating officer. “This marketplace addresses that friction head-on, making it easier for diners and more profitable for restaurants.”
Aer Lingus Adds Raleigh-Durham to Record-Breaking 2026 Transatlantic Schedule
Aer Lingus has announced its largest-ever summer transatlantic schedule for 2026, with 26 routes planned across North America, including a new nonstop between Dublin and Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina.
Launching in April 2026, the Raleigh-Durham route will operate up to five times weekly on the Airbus A321XLR. It marks the airline’s first direct service to the state, connecting the Research Triangle to Ireland’s capital just in time for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between UNC and TCU in Dublin next August.
Increased frequencies were also announced on popular U.S. routes:
New York (JFK) and Boston: Third daily flights added
Orlando: Daily service during peak summer
Nashville and Indianapolis: Expanded to five weekly flights
Shannon–Boston: 10 weekly flights in peak summer
“This year’s expansion reflects strong demand and a growing preference for Dublin as a transatlantic hub,” said Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton.
For incentive and meeting planners, the added lift provides new group travel opportunities into Ireland and enhanced air access to emerging U.S. markets.
