Smart Meetings | Page 22 of 603 | Corporate Event Planning: Business Events, Meetings, Conferences

Hawai‘i, tourism, sustainability, Miami, luxury, Niseko, skiing, Norway, Marriott, India

Thinking about hosting a meeting in Hawai‘i? The newly appointed advisory board at the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is charting a fresh path for tourism, rooted in local values, cultural stewardship and sustainable growth.

Dreaming of a Jet Age touchdown in Miami? A Pan Am-inspired private terminal is set to open at Miami International Airport (MIA) in 2026, complete with midcentury design, a reflecting pool courtyard, private TSA lanes and more.

Craving après-ski with a Japanese twist? Chedi Hospitality will bring its signature alpine luxury to Niseko in 2029, offering prime ski-in, ski-out real estate in one of the world’s top winter destinations.

As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest updates shaping the way we move, meet and plan.

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Appoints New Advisory Board to Align Tourism With Community Values

A fresh slate of 12 appointees has joined the newly reorganized Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) Advisory Board, following the mass resignation of the previous board earlier this summer. Gov. Josh Green called for new leadership to rebuild trust and better align the state’s tourism strategy with local values and sustainability goals.

The diverse advisory group includes leaders in hospitality, labor, media and community development, such as Kimberly Agas, general manager of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa; Danny Ojiri, vice president at Outrigger Hospitality Group; and Lisa Paulson, CEO of Maui Food Bank and former head of Maui Hotel & Lodging Association. Emmy-winning TV host and cultural advocate Lanai Tabura and SAG-AFTRA Hawai‘i Executive Director Mericia Elmore also joined the board.

“This is about more than just managing tourism—it’s about making sure our decisions support the people who live here,” said Gov. Green. “We’re starting fresh.”

For meeting and event planners, this shift may signal a new emphasis on cultural sensitivity, community engagement and sustainable practices in how Hawai‘i approaches group travel, incentives and destination marketing.

Former Pan Am Headquarters to Debut as 1960s-Era Private Terminal in Miami

A new private terminal is landing at Miami International Airport, promising a return to Jet Age glamour with 1960s architecture, a reflecting pool courtyard and all the perks of modern luxury air travel.

PS MIA, the latest outpost from premium terminal brand PS (formerly Private Suite), will open in spring 2026 inside the historic Pan Am building—nicknamed the “Taj Mahal of Miami”—which will be restored to preserve its midcentury modern elegance. Travelers can expect expedited TSA and customs screening, plus access to five private suites, a Palm Beach-inspired salon with a bar and gourmet dining, a day spa offering massages and manicures, and direct tarmac transfers.

With pay-per-use access and full suites, the terminal offers high-end convenience for luxury groups, VIP incentives and executives flying commercial but expecting the private jet experience. For meeting profs, it’s a premium perk that could elevate arrival and departure to an experience in itself.

Chedi Hospitality Announces First Japan Property in Niseko

Luxury brand Chedi Hospitality is heading to the slopes of Japan with the announcement of The Chedi Niseko, its first property in the country and a major milestone for the brand’s expansion in Asia.

Set to open in June 2029 in the heart of Hirafu, the boutique alpine hotel will blend Chedi’s signature design-forward luxury with seamless access to Niseko’s world-class ski terrain, nature experiences and culinary scene. As part of its lead-up, Chedi plans to launch seasonal pop-up culinary activations over the next three winters, offering a taste of its fusion of global flavors and Japanese hospitality.

The move further establishes Chedi’s alpine footprint, following properties in Switzerland and Saudi Arabia’s Trojena, and presents new potential for incentive groups and high-end corporate retreats in one of Japan’s most in-demand four-season destinations.

Havila Voyages and HAV Group Chart Course for Climate-Neutral Coastal Fleet

Havila Voyages and HAV Group have announced a new partnership aimed at delivering a climate-neutral and eventually zero-emissions fleet for Norway’s iconic Bergen–Kirkenes coastal route. The collaboration, revealed during Arendalsuka, the largest political gathering in Norway held annually, will ensure that both existing vessels and future newbuilds meet the stringent environmental standards expected in the next government contract period.

Havila CEO Bent Martini emphasized that achieving climate neutrality is possible with current technology and urged policymakers to uphold strict emissions criteria. “Our message to politicians and decision-makers is clear: Climate neutrality should be an absolute minimum in the next contract. And we will deliver on that from day one,” he said.

As part of its commitment, Havila is planning a fully climate-neutral roundtrip this fall using biogas and its ships’ existing battery packs—an industry-first if successful. For meeting profs and corporate groups prioritizing sustainability, the evolving fleet could soon offer a compelling new option for green travel and incentive experiences along Norway’s scenic coast.

Marriott to Open Six New Hotels Across India in Major Deal with Brigade Group

Marriott International has signed a multi-property deal with Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited to open six new-build hotels across four Indian cities, expanding the brand’s southern India footprint with nearly 1,000 rooms under five Marriott Bonvoy brands.

The portfolio includes high-profile projects such as The Ritz-Carlton Vaikom Island, Kerala, a 70-villa retreat with private pools and backwater access slated for 2029, and the 250-key JW Marriott Chennai OMR, opening in 2030 with spa, garden and 1,400 sq. m. of meeting space near the city’s IT corridor. Additional properties include new Marriott, Courtyard and Fairfield hotels in Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai and Bengaluru.

The expansion signals growing demand for luxury and business travel in India and brings new opportunities for planners seeking elevated event venues in emerging and established markets.

The Center for Association Leadership partnered with Discover Los Angeles to bring out the stars for 5,000 association executives at ASAE’s Annual Meeting & Exposition at Los Angeles Convention Center. ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason gave multiple shout-outs to her “bestie” Discover Los Angeles President and CEO Adam Burke.

With assists from NBA Hall of Fame player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, “Quiet” author Susan Cain and entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, Mason highlighted the wins from the year. The association lobbied for the expansion of 529 plans to cover lifelong learning and credentials and the preservation of the association’s nonprofit tax status. Mason cautioned that “the Community Impact Coalition will continue to be essential in educating members of Congress about the important role associations play in the economy.”

For his part, Burke put the spotlight on the high-profile global sports events coming to town in the next few years, including FIFA World Cup in 2026, Super Bowl LXI in 2027 and the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2028. To prepare, Los Angeles World Airports invested $30 billion in LAX to add a people mover, terminal renovation and a new concourse. The upgrades are part of 28 projects designed to make public transportation to the games easier. A planned Grand Concourse expansion at Los Angeles Convention Center will start in 2026 and is scheduled for completion in 2029 after the games.

Advance Planning

It was against this dynamic background that Mason and Burke started working together two years ago to push the boundaries of what was possible at a Southern California event. The goal was to use venues in new ways and align content with member needs.

“We actually bonded over pickles,” Burke said. Mason was looking for authentic L.A. experiences and the two hit The Original Farmers Market. They shared their love of authentic food over pickle-tasting flights.

“It’s about collaboration. You cannot pull off a meeting like this in isolation,” said Mason. “You have to communicate the good, the bad and the ugly and identify solutions based on an understanding of the audience and the outcomes you want to achieve.”

The collaboration was put to the test eight months before the doors opened at Annual when devastating fires broke out in Altadena and Pasadena in Los Angeles County. While the fires only impacted 2% of the county, photos on social media made it look like the entire city was in flames. “Michelle was the first one to pick up the phone and call to see what we needed,” Burke said. ASAE Research Foundation raised $42,520 for California Fire Foundation and American Red Cross relief efforts in Southern California and presented a check at Annual. In addition to the dollars, bringing meeting professionals to town to see for themselves that it was not in ashes or filled with National Guard members and protestors helped to tell the story of a city ready to host the world.

A safety and security task force developed in conjunction with city agencies planned for impacts before, during and after the citywide that included receptions at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with a performance by Adam Lambert, ASAE Research Foundation’s The Classic at The Novo & Grammy Museum showing of the city’s big-screen vibes and a rousing afternoon closing reception at L.A. Live. The conclusion brought the event full circle to where it started on Friday evening with the ASAE Board Meeting at Sendero restaurant on the 24^th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles.

The four days in Los Angeles were envisioned as a throughline of the conversations and events ASAE is hosting throughout the year. That includes The Exchange: A Women’s Leadership Experience and ASAE Academy content, including AI event technology, which was present at the Annual in the form of an expanded tech zone in the Expo Hall. Also new this year was a Small Business Marketplace of local vendors to support the local community.

Learn more: Mentorship, Modernization and member Value with Michelle Mason

A robust Expo Hall included destination activations from around the country and the world, including Rwanda, Dubai, Hong Kong and Canada. Virginie De Visscher, executive director of business events with Destination Canada, was clear in her presentation from stage that events from the U.S. are valued and cherished. She focused on what connects the two countries rather than what divides them. “We are a country of open minds, open hearts and open spaces. Mountain ranges span both countries and eagles flying in the sky don’t see borders,” she said. She also noted that Canada is seeing an uptick in international meetings looking for a North American rotation.

Stage Magic

Earvin "Magic" Johnson — Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Authentic Angeleno Magic Johnson focused on the power association leaders have to lift up those who need it most. “DEI may be dead, but you still have to find a way to have impact,” he said. Johnson’s post-sports career as president and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises has built resources in inner-city communities that need places to go. In the process, Johnson proved that serving a neglected population is actually a successful business model. Mason called that an example of the shared values she was intentional about including.

Johnson’s advice between stories about on-court rivals Michael Jordan and Larry Bird:

Your competitor can make you better. We are all better because somebody pushed us to do more.
Leave your ego at the door. Sometimes you have to step back, be willing to learn new ideas and strategies.
Understand who is working with you and how to motivate them to get the best out of them.
Leaders make adjustments. We find and make a way to do well. We don’t make excuses.
Change is hard, but you have to always evolve to do a better job for partners and the community so minorities aren’t left behind by AI.

Quiet Wisdom

Holly Ransom and Susan Cain — Holly Ransom (left) and Susan Cain (right)

Susan Cain, the author of “Quiet” and “Bittersweet” and unofficial Patron Saint of Introverts, dropped her own truth bombs in conversation with moderator Holly Ransom.

She explained that people are born with different types of nervous systems. “Stimulations can wear some people down and energize others. Conversely, if an extrovert is under stimulated, they can lose interest, while an introvert may be nourished by long stretches of focus. “The challenge for leaders is to find an optimal culture for everyone,” she said.

Creating productive workplaces that bring out the best in everyone starts by talking about it. She suggested taking personality tests that can help identify tendencies and be a grounding point. Then play “What I wish you knew about me” and structure work schedules that meet everyone’s needs.

“The noise of the world is just getting louder and we have a bias for extroverts, but just because they speak up more in meetings doesn’t mean they are more skilled,” Cain said. Creating a safe space for introverts to think and contribute alongside more outgoing colleagues is the path to the most productive team.

“Introverts comprise a third to half of the population. If we are not putting their nervous systems in optimal zones that is a waste of talent, creativity and energy.”

In a progressive move designed to reshape how men lead and connect in the predominantly female meetings space, Association Forum has announced a new leadership experience for men taking place in summer 2026—and it’s anything but business as usual.

Association Forum is extending its vision of inclusive leadership to men seeking purpose-driven, connective and authentic ways to grow as leaders.

Leadership with a Human Touch

“This is not about giving men more power,” said Artesha Moore, president and CEO of Association Forum. “It’s about giving men permission to lead with authenticity, vulnerability and a renewed sense of belonging.”

The organization drew inspiration from Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky, an expert on belonging in the workplace and the 2024 Holiday Showcase keynote speaker. This new initiative comes at a time when national conversations around men’s mental health, loneliness and social connection are gaining traction.

And the data backs it up:

1 in 4 American men aged 15–35 reports feeling lonely much of the previous day.
15% of men say they have no close friends—a fivefold increase since 1990.
Workplace loneliness costs U.S. companies $406 billion annually in lost productivity and engagement.

It’s a Connection Experience

Unlike traditional leadership conferences, this upcoming gathering will be designed by men for men, emphasizing comfort, openness and real conversations. Think mentorship, belonging and authentic dialogue over rigid agendas and staged panels.

“Creating a space where men can be real, be supported and build authentic relationships is a powerful step forward to improving mental wellness,” said Shawn Boynes, FASAE, CAE, a champion for inclusive leadership. “We need less exhaustion and more nourishment.”

Leadership That Reflects the Moment

This new initiative isn’t a departure—it’s a natural evolution of Association Forum’s commitment to redefining leadership for all.

Michelle Mills Clement, chair of Association Forum’s board of directors, sees it as a bold move. “We are intentionally creating room for all leaders to grow through connection, courage and authenticity,” she says.

Board Member Bruce Hammond, executive director of the Society for Pediatric Research and the American Pediatric Society, added, “This experience shows we’re ready to create new spaces for men to grow—and that growth benefits the entire association profession.”

As an attendee, events can sometimes feel hectic, with general sessions, one-on-ones, lunches and the closing reception. That’s the nature of events.

Yet, when more than 150 attendees gathered for ConferenceDirect’s (CD) CDX 2025 at Caesars Palace last week to network, explore Las Vegas and learn a thing or two about the industry, wellness was on full display to provide a sense of calm for attendees.

Wellness as a Standard

Sepi Eivazi leading somatic breathing — Somatic breathing with Sepidah Eivazi, photo: Caesars Entertainment

Starting with the opening reception, wellness was front stage at Pinky’s, one of the latest dining outlets at Flamingo Las Vegas, along with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and mocktails. There was an aromatherapy station with crystals and essential oils for attendees to experience.

“Wellness is one of the fastest growing trends,” says Patrick Espinoza, director of sales for Caesars Entertainment. “Engagement is higher when wellness is incorporated and net promoter scores increase. We believe strongly in wellness and hope wellness for conferences becomes the norm for meetings and events.”

The four-day conference included early morning yin yoga, aura readings throughout the day and a somatic breathing session led by Sepidah Eivazi, founder of wellness company Dawn of the Earth—and a 2025 Smart Speaker Award winner.

“Providing unique experiences and things maybe people don’t quite expect is something that we’re always looking to do,” says JJ Wills, senior vice president of marketing programs and business development for CD. “Having a wellness focus in Vegas was a nice balance to all the fun, nightlife and excess that Vegas has to offer. And [Caesars] introduced us to Dami Kim [executive director of Body & Brain Wellness] and brain tapping.”

Kim’s brain tapping is the practice of periodically tapping the front, sides and back of your head with your fingers and taking deep breaths. According to Kim, this practice is meant to relieve stress and help you focus.

People brain tapping — Brain tapping, photo: Caesars Entertainment

Wills says that many attendees participate in wellness activations, but there are some who just won’t choose that. “It was an opportunity for everyone to experience it as part of the main programming, versus an add-on at some other point during the day.”

Jerry Horan, president and CEO of CD, led the event’s general sessions that came right after Kim’s brain tapping activation, recalling how she used these practices backstage to calm herself as well. “She was backstage with me, and she was doing all these motions out of her normal practice to get her calm before going out on stage. It gets people centered. It’s a remarkable way to start off a program. It gets everybody in the moment.”

For meeting professionals who don’t know where to start with wellness, Espinoza recommends, “Work with convention services as they have seen what works and what does not. Start small and consider adding healthy options and one or two wellness activities. For example, five minutes of brain tapping or breathwork prior to an opening keynote is a great way to introduce this. The impact is big, and the cost is low. Add more breaks or lengthen them so that participants have time to absorb and connect. ”

Going Beyond Coffee Carafes

Coffee is a big deal around the world, let alone in the meetings industry, yet when attending most events, coffee is subject to containers of black coffee, packets of sugar and cream. ConferenceDirect did things a little differently by having a coffee bar in a space that served lattes and other specialty drinks. One drink was even named after the event, CDX Matcha Mix.

Listen to More: Coffee Chat—From Grounds to Greatness: How One Cup Can Transform Your Entire Event

“Coffee is an important part of our culture,” Wills says. “We all like our coffee a certain way, so having variety meant that people could have a taste of home. If they like to have a latte or like to have oat milk, we’re trying to give them a taste of that. For those who are used to black coffee, maybe they tried something new. The other thing that’s great about it is some people will find it no matter what, which means they’re going to wander around and find a gourmet coffee shop, and they might come to the program late. So, by having it there, we were meeting their need and making it convenient.”

“Many people, younger generations, find themselves looking for these specialty drinks. And for some people, black coffee with sugar isn’t as attractive as a latte or cappuccino. This goes back to [the idea that] the event will only be successful by giving the attendees what they want. They don’t want to go looking for a Starbucks at seven o’clock in the morning. I want them at our meeting. I want them to talk to other customers.”

Filling the Talent Gap

We may be beyond Covid-19, but its lasting effects in the hospitality world—like the lack of mentorship in the industry caused by that era’s mass exodus of leaders—remain.

The talent gap is still an issue in the industry. Organizations like ConferenceDirect have embraced this and are working to bridge that gap.

Wills says it’s a small part they can play to expose students to the careers available in the field and reinforce the value of the hospitality industry. “We’re hoping to inspire and help attract the next generation of leaders,” she says. “We host students five times a year in different cities, and we partner with locals to help connect us to a university and bring in students.”

Wills says CD welcomes both high school- and college-age students. This year welcomed college students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). “Las Vegas has a great hospitality school at UNLV, so we welcomed them in and exposed them to other career paths they hadn’t thought of and helped them make some connections.”

Horan says he hears from schools that there is a lack of interest in the hospitality industry, particularly hotels. Fifteen years ago, he says, everyone wanted to work for a major hotel brand, but these days, not so much. “They look at it like, ‘Well, that’s five days a week in an office.’ So it’s kind of about reinventing the industry. That’s why we feel it’s important to expose those considering the hospitality industry to what we do.”

He adds that it’s said that by the time students enter college, it’s already too late, as they’ve already decided about their chosen career field. “They’re going to go work at a tech company or travel agency, but not a hotel. We really help many of them find their way to the hotel business,” he says.

ConferenceDirect has 425 associates that work for the company. Horan says most of them came from the hospitality industry, including himself, having worked for Hilton Hotels for 14 years before transitioning to CD. “What we want to see is more young people get into our industry, particularly from the hotel side or the convention and visitors bureau side, he says. “That is where we really lost so many good people; we need to attract those people back into our industry and share with them that this is a viable industry and a great career move.”

The Sessions

The general sessions at CDX offered attendees insightful tips and tricks they could take home and use when planning their next event, from ensuring a better room block turnout to event cancellation advice.

Managing Room Blocks in Uncertain Times

The general sessions began with a talk about hotel room bookings with Adam Briggs, senior vice president of operations for ConferenceDirect, and Ron Falcone, chief source officer for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology [FIRST].

The discussion focused on how Falcone could take his previous room block compliance, which could never break over 50%, to more than 90% by implementing a mandatory stay policy. This would take him from 6,000 rooms at peak to 15,000 with 50,000 attendees.

“Half of our attendees were booking online no matter what we did. Whether through incentives or swag, we just couldn’t break the 50% ratio. We knew they were coming to our event, we knew they were staying in hotels, but it’s hard to leverage and negotiate with the city or with hotels when you don’t know where your attendees are staying.”

“We wanted control of our block. We wanted control of where attendees are staying. We wanted to instill the safety and security aspect of it. We also wanted to increase our revenue, which allowed us to negotiate with the city of Houston. We went from 50 hotels to 225 hotels. And that’s truly with the partnership with ConferenceDirect and the city of Houston working together.”

Falcone says there was a lot of pushback. The answer to this? “Thick skin,” he says. “We prepped our leadership and board to expect pushback and phone calls. We prepped our leadership team to hold the line to see why we’re doing it, so when a CEO called to complain, they knew what to say. We stopped reading social media because it was emotionally damaging for us at times, but we learned that we had to communicate in many different ways. We need to pull the curtain back to explain the value of the program. This isn’t just the money; this is to create equity for our team.”

Event Cancellation as Risk Mitigation

Ray Chiang, CEO of Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, and Gregorio Casalenuovo, partner and senior vice president of USI Insurance Services, talked about how getting event cancellation insurance against communicable diseases and viruses for his organization in 2016 protected him against what was to come later in 2020. Although it took them three years to settle the case, “not a lot of companies out there had [protection] . . . a lot of our peers suffered during those couple years.”

They discussed the difference between cancellation insurance and general liability insurance. “There’s insurance that you have to buy, and there’s insurance that you should highly consider buying, and that’s having that conversation with your risk control partner. With general liability, you won’t be able to get into this event area without checking off the box with the business you’re doing business with. It’s a standard.”

Casalenuovo said there are two ways to use event cancellation insurance, which he talked about. “If you’re working with a ticket agency, like Eventbrite, for example, they may not deliver funds to you until after the event happens, because if it gets canceled, then they’re stuck holding the bag, having to reimburse people with the credit cards. So, in that contract, if you secure event cancellation insurance, they could start to give you some of those funds before your event happens, It increases your cash flow throughout the year.”

The other part is about whether the event does or doesn’t happen. With this, you can secure total revenue or insure the expenses. As an example, Casalenuovo talked about boxers he has worked with. “If somebody gets injured, the revenue’s too expensive to cover, but the expenses are always covered, because we can move the fight to three months. Everything depends on what occurrence would trigger.”

Thinking of jetting to the U.S. on a short-term business visa? If you’re from a high-risk overstay country, you may need to majorly boost your budget to allot for a hefty entry fee.

Plotting an incentive trip that’s more glacier than golf course? Alaska Beyond, a new women-led DMC from Within the Wild, launches this fall with chef-led adventures and hyper-local luxury.

Dreaming of a full recline en route to paradise? Hawaiian Airlines is revamping its A330 premium cabins with leather lie-flat seats, oversized screens and island-inspired style, starting in 2026.

As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest updates shaping the way we move, meet and plan.

U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program to Affect Select Business Travelers

A new 12-month pilot program from the U.S. State Department will require certain short-term business and tourist visa applicants to post a refundable bond of $5,000 to $15,000 starting Aug. 20.

The program applies only to B-1/B-2 visa applicants from countries with high visa overstay rates, including Malawi and Zambia. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, such as the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany, are not affected and can continue using the streamlined Electronic System for Travel Authorization system for short-term business visits of up to 90 days.

According to the State Department, the bond will be refunded only if the traveler departs before their visa expires and uses a designated U.S. airport. The pilot is expected to impact roughly 2,000 travelers.

Business travelers from affected countries should factor in both the financial and logistical implications when planning trips. Those using VWP for meetings, conferences or negotiations remain exempt.

Within the Wild Launches Women-Led DMC, Alaska Beyond

Within the Wild Adventure Company, the family-owned hospitality group behind award-winning lodges in Southcentral Alaska, will debut a new destination management company this September. Alaska Beyond aims to craft luxury itineraries rooted in sustainability, local partnerships and authentic Alaskan experiences.

Helmed by Mandy Dixon, Lindsay Mondschein and Kirsten Dixon, the women-led DMC has already generated $128,000 in tourism revenue for local businesses through early partnerships. Guests can expect high-touch services like private wildlife excursions, glacier treks and chef-driven meals.

“Launching Alaska Beyond and creating meaningful career pathways for the next generation proves that mentorship and strategic growth can make a real difference,” said Kirsten Dixon.

Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Lie-Flat Seats in A330 Premium Cabin Redesign

Hawaiian Airlines has announced a redesign of its Airbus A330 premium cabins, introducing 180-degree lie-flat seats and a refreshed, island-inspired design aimed at elevating the long-haul travel experience to and from Hawai‘i.

Developed in partnership with Italian seat manufacturer Optimares and design firm PaulWylde, the new 76-inch lie-flat seats will be installed in a 2-2-2 configuration, ideal for couples and families. Features include large-format tablet entertainment systems with adjustable arms, premium materials like Poltrona Frau leather and cabin aesthetics inspired by Hawaii’s natural landscapes.

Read More: Hawaii: Events Meet Mahalo

“We’re creating an environment of tranquility and comfort in the air,” said Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Mark Dunkerley. “The new premium cabin evokes a bold, contemporary sense of Hawai‘i, complemented by the warm aloha spirit of our crew.”

The first updated aircraft will enter service in Q2 2026, with the remaining A330 fleet slated for upgrades through 2027. The airline will also expand its extra comfort section from 40 to 68 seats, responding to increased demand for its premium economy offering.

Beyond Green Adds 10 Properties, Expands Global Footprint

Beyond Green, the global collection of sustainable hotels under Preferred Travel Group, has added 10 new and returning member properties to its portfolio, marking continued growth and its first entries in Sweden and Mozambique.

Among the new additions are Villa Dahlia in Stockholm, Vermejo in New Mexico and several andBeyond safari lodges across Africa. Three founding members (Vermejo, Blancaneaux Lodge and Turtle Inn) have also rejoined the portfolio following Beyond Green’s inaugural Leadership Summit.

Each property meets more than 100 sustainability indicators aligned with global standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“Rejoining Beyond Green feels like coming home to a shared purpose,” said Jade McBride, president of Ted Turner Reserves.

The brand now includes nearly 60 eco-conscious properties across 24 countries, all focused on sustainability, community engagement and conservation.

Hurtigruten Debuts Community-Led ‘Open Village’ Experiences in Coastal Norway

Hurtigruten has introduced “Our Open Villages,” a new collection of community-led excursions exclusive to its Signature Voyages. These immersive experiences offer guests intimate access to three remote coastal villages—Træna, Bessaker and Sæbø—only reachable by smaller cruise ships.

The program emphasizes sustainable, slow travel by partnering directly with local communities. Guests can explore historical sites, enjoy traditional foods, meet artisans and attend concerts, all at no additional cost. A portion of each fare (250 NOK, approximately $24 USD) goes directly to support more than a dozen local businesses per village.

“These are not tourist attractions—they’re living communities sharing their stories and way of life,” said Odd Tore Skildheim, head of product development.

The Open Village experiences will debut on the North Cape Line in summer 2025 and expand to the Svalbard Line in 2026.

From Detroit’s historic-modern hub to tropical island resorts and coastal retreats, explore a collection of exciting new venues and refreshed spaces perfect for your next gathering

This season, meeting planners have a wealth of new venues and updated spaces to discover. Detroit’s The Department at Hudson’s Bedrock blends the city’s rich history with modern technology across 15+ versatile event spaces ideal for gatherings large and small. In the Caribbean, Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Turks and Caicos, offers serene oceanfront luxury with elegant suites and a world-class spa designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Down in Fort Lauderdale, Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street unveils a fresh look with redesigned suites, upgraded meeting rooms and a reimagined dining experience. Meanwhile, Muir Luxury Collection Hotel in Halifax combines authentic regional culture with coastal charm across thoughtfully appointed rooms and unique event spaces.

In Scottsdale, The REMI introduces boutique-style hospitality with bold culinary concepts and vibrant event venues, while Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa completes a major renovation, offering expansive indoor and outdoor spaces on a private beach.

Each destination brings its own flair and fresh possibilities, ready to inspire your next successful event or special celebration.

The Department at Hudson’s

Bedrock unveils The Department at Hudson’s, featuring more than 15 meeting and event spaces that seamlessly blend Detroit’s rich history with refined sophistication and leading technology. Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, the venue is part of the city’s largest and most impactful ground-up development in half a century.

Offering over 56,000 sq. ft. of fully customizable space with breathtaking views and state-of-the-art features, The Department is designed to elevate every experience. The venue accommodates up to 2,000 guests for special occasions and milestones, live performances, virtual engagements, fashion shows, corporate meetings, conferences, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, symposiums, film premieres and more.

Marriott International will handle sales and marketing, while Forte Belanger will manage operations and serve as the exclusive food and beverage provider. Alongside ROCK Events, these trusted partners bring deep expertise to deliver memorable, world-class events in one of Detroit’s most exciting and visionary new destinations.

Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos

The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 distinguished hotel brands, announces the grand opening of Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Turks & Caicos, the brand’s first property in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Nestled on South Caicos, the resort features 100 elegant guest rooms and suites crafted with native wood, coral stone and sisal to foster tranquility and a connection to the island’s natural beauty. Floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive balconies flood the interiors with light and frame sweeping seascape views, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

Salterra’s spa features eight treatment rooms, two couples’ suites and a curated menu of world-class therapies to restore body and mind. Sustainability is central to the resort’s philosophy, with solar power meeting over half its energy needs.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street

Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street interior

Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation, unveiling redesigned guestrooms, elevated public spaces, a reimagined signature dining experience and more. Ideally located in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, the 361 all-suite hotel is a prime choice for leisure travelers heading to Port Everglades or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and for business travelers near the Broward County Convention Center.

Each spacious two-room suite, featuring a private bedroom and separate living area, has been refreshed with dark wood furnishings, light accents and tropical touches of green, blue and orange for a vibrant, modern look.

Event guests will appreciate the hotel’s upgraded meeting and ballroom spaces, now featuring sophisticated new lighting, contemporary decor and fresh carpeting throughout. Digital reader boards in all function rooms further enhance the experience, bringing a modern touch to every meeting or celebration.

Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Halifax

Muir Luxury Collection exterior

The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, announces the debut of Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Halifax, marking the brand’s continued growth in Canada.

The hotel features 109 guest rooms and three event spaces, totaling 25,833 sq. ft. Muir offers more than just accommodations, with multiple dining venues, a full-service wellness center and curated cultural experiences that reflect the spirit of the region. Guests can also enjoy exclusive access to a private yacht and motorboat program for a truly immersive coastal escape.

To celebrate this new chapter, the hotel is unveiling a series of signature experiences inspired by Nova Scotia’s culture, history and natural beauty.

The Remi, Scottsdale

This June, The Remi Scottsdale, Autograph Collection opened its doors, introduced a new standard of luxury and experiential hospitality in the heart of the city’s iconic Entertainment District.

The boutique-style hotel features 161 guest rooms, including two Loft Suites with patios that open directly onto the pool deck. Each space offers a refined retreat, complemented by Côte Beauty amenities, plush robes and postcards for guests to remember their stay. Room keys also provide VIP access to Maya Day + Nightclub for a heightened experience.

The REMI’s bold culinary concepts include Kauboi, F/Sixteen and Allegra, where curated cocktails, fresh beats and Scottsdale’s golden sunsets create unforgettable moments.

In addition to its striking accommodations and dining offerings, The REMI presents flexible event spaces ideal for meetings and celebrations, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Camelback Mountain or the buzz of the Entertainment District.

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa meeting space

As corporate retreats, incentive trips and hybrid gatherings continue to evolve, the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is meeting the moment. Following a $32 million renovation, the resort now features revitalized meeting spaces, reimagined guest rooms and expanded group programming across more than 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor venues.

Located on Fort Lauderdale’s largest stretch of private beach, the 650-room resort is celebrating its 40th anniversary with design-forward enhancements that highlight coastal serenity and modern functionality. Five key venues received upgrades, including the 15,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom and the 8,000-square-foot Caribbean Ballroom. Group guests can also enjoy exclusive beachfront team-building experiences.

With prime access just minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the Port Everglades cruise terminal, the resort offers unmatched convenience for national meetings and international gatherings.

Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown

Drury Hotels, a leading service-oriented hospitality company with more than 150 properties across 27 states, announces its newest hotel is now under construction in Lincoln, Nebraska. Located at 920 Q Street in downtown Lincoln, the Drury Plaza Hotel is just steps from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and less than ten minutes from Lincoln Airport.

Set to open in February 2026, the Drury Plaza Hotel Lincoln Downtown is now accepting reservations and will offer 210 guest rooms along with over 2,400 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space. The hotel is designed for leisure and business travelers and promises the brand’s signature award-winning service and value-driven amenities.

With space to accommodate up to 288 attendees, the hotel’s versatile meeting rooms make it an ideal destination for corporate gatherings and group events.

Hotel Kinsley

Hotel Kinsley owners have partnered with Impact Concerts to launch Assembly, a dynamic 450-person venue that fuses culture, art and community in Kingston, New York. This Hudson Valley boutique hotel has also joined the Global Design Hotels Collection, gaining international recognition while expanding its creative presence with a vibrant space for concerts, exhibitions and community events.

Operated by Ironwave Hospitality Management, Hotel Kinsley offers 42 guest rooms featuring vintage furnishings, curated artwork and luxury amenities. Several rooms include fireplaces and soaking tubs, providing intimate retreats. The property also houses Restaurant Kinsley, a seasonal New American restaurant with a cozy cocktail bar beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Assembly’s large capacity makes it perfect for weddings, corporate gatherings, film screenings and art exhibitions. For smaller meetings and retreats, the Assembly Conference Room accommodates up to 40 guests and has full A/V capabilities, providing a versatile space for business and creative needs.

How are you navigating your groups through volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity—in other words, the VUCA state currently in place across the globe? For the annual Smart Meetings Incentive Experience in the Islands of the Bahamas this week, we welcomed the three top minds in researching trends in motivational program design.

Annette Gregg, CMM, MBA, CEO of Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE); Stephanie Harris, president of Incentive Research Foundation (IRF); and Greg Bogue, chief brand and experience officer at Maritz, graced the stage at Rosewood Baha Mar, first as a panel addressing top meeting professionals’ questions about budgets, security and generational preference shifts. We broke down the action items for you.

Stephanie Harris, Greg Bogue, Annette Greg and JT Long on stage — From left to right: Stephanie Harris, Greg Bogue, Annette Greg and JT Long

1. Source New Destinations

While top performers are generally saying they want to go new places, that isn’t necessarily a sign of “beach fatigue.” For example, the Caribbean is a top trending destination, but getting the group out to one of the other 700 islands if they have been to the resorts on Nassau, Paradise Island for multiple years is a way to mix it up and engage the transformative power of novelty.

2. Schedule Free Time

Another trend outlined in the Incentive Travel Index produced by SITE and IRF that could be a win-win is the desire on the part of earners to have more free time in agendas, something that is basically free to provide.

3. Budgets Must Outpace Inflation to Grow Cultures and Outcomes

While budgets have long been a concern for planners, the pressure of tariffs and disrupted supply chains impacting gifting and aluminum for trade show booths makes any cost savings a welcome opportunity.

While on average, incentive budgets are growing, programs can only expand to motivate goals beyond sales and build culture in a remote work environment if the bottom line is rising faster than inflation.

4. Personalize Programs for Maximum Impact

People clinking glasses

Despite global research indicators, the surest path to a program that truly inspires people to perform at the highest levels is to ask them what they value. This plays into the demand for hyper-personalization, something creative planners are using AI to research and deploy at scale.

5. Use AI Event Technology to Support Human Interactions

Harris cautioned that while event technology can help us be more efficient, only human touch allows people to feel seen. “Get a little retro, go ‘Little House on the Prairie’ on them and pick up a phone to put participants first,” she encouraged.

6. Communicate Early and Often About Safety

Gregg singled out communicating about the safety of a destination as an area where proactive touches can be effective. News headlines can group large geographic areas together when disruption hits and being the first to add context before attendees start Googling can result in greater participation and outcomes.

7. Align With Leadership to Measure the Right ROI/ROE

Understanding what matters to executives—sales, retention and aligning values—and using that outcome to prioritize spending decisions and measurements is the strategic way to manage scope creep and be seen as an essential investment rather than an expense.

“What you really are are transformative agents,” Bogue concluded. “Consider what residue you want to leave on the brains of participants.”

A Memorable Backdrop

Staging the Incentive Experience in the stunning Baha Mar Resort collection was an intentional decision to create an environment where everyone felt pampered. As Graeme Davis, president of the three resorts that make up the property—SLS, Grand Hyatt and Rosewood—explained, the destination is the luxury resort of choice.

While totaling 1,800 guest rooms and a 200,000-square-foot convention center that was home to a lively basketball tournament the week we were in-house. It is filled with intimate spaces and experiences with an assist from Island Destination Services, which also provided white-glove airport drop-offs and pick-ups. Memories of a “Flamingle,” time to mingle with a flock of friendly flamingos, packing school supplies for local children while sharing grade-school stories, and a private Junkanoo performance and demonstration will keep the adventure top of mind for years to come.

AI is everywhere—chatbots, smart room assistants and facial recognition check-ins. It promises speed, efficiency and data-driven personalization. But with great power comes great responsibility, especially in the hospitality world, where guest experience is everything. So how do we embrace AI while staying human, ethical and secure?

Here’s a practical guide for hoteliers and event professionals to navigate the growing influence of AI—with both eyes open.

1. AI Isn’t Always Fair or Friendly

AI systems can inherit human bias, sometimes with serious consequences. Studies show voice assistants misidentify 35% of words spoken by black users compared to just 19% for white users, hiring algorithms have mirrored gender biases found in human recruiters and self-driving cars struggled more to detect people with darker skin!

The point? If you’re using AI for guest recognition, customer feedback or hiring, know that it may unintentionally favor or exclude certain groups. Always ask: Who trained this AI? On what data?

2. Some Guests Love AI. Others Just Want a Person.

AI works well—until it doesn’t. For example, Starbucks uses an AI assistant to speed up service and reduce lines; Taco Bell is rolling out voice AI in hundreds of drive-throughs for faster orders.

On the other side of this, McDonald’s and Wendy’s both faced backlash for glitchy drive-through bots that got orders wrong or couldn’t handle simple customer requests. They had to pull the plug.

Takeaway? Match your technology to your audience. Some guests enjoy AI-powered efficiency. Others still want that personal touch, and perhaps they will pay extra for that.

3. Privacy and Data Risks Are Real

AI often requires huge amounts of personal data, from names and payment info to facial scans and travel history. Here’s what can go wrong:

Over-personalization can cross boundaries, like inferring religion or medical conditions without consent.
Smart devices in rooms can be hacked, exposing guests to data theft—or worse.
Unprotected APIs connecting AI tools to booking or loyalty systems can leak sensitive info.
Facial recognition and voice tracking raise concerns over surveillance and guest discomfort.

Follow CitizenM Hotels’ lead. They store facial data locally, auto-delete it after checkout and require clear opt-in from guests.

4. Fake Reviews and Data Poisoning Are a Growing Threat

AI tools often rely on customer feedback and online data. But fake reviews can manipulate reputation and mislead business decisions and poor-quality or “poisoned” training data can lead AI to make flawed or biased choices.

If you’re using AI to track guest satisfaction or analyze reviews, make sure the sources are credible and the systems are well audited.

5. Internal Risks Can Be Just as Dangerous

Don’t overlook your own team or vendors.

A few dangers can occur if proper security measures aren’t taken: Weak data governance can result in data being stored too long or accessed by the wrong staff; third-party AI vendors may not follow the same security standards, putting your enterprise at risk; and cloud-based AI systems used across multi-location enterprises can create cross-location vulnerabilities.

Make sure you have clear access controls, vendor vetting and data policies.

6. AI Can Hurt Morale and Hospitality Culture

Hospitality and events are people businesses. When AI replaces human roles, staff may feel devalued and guests may notice. Receptionists, housekeepers and kitchen staff could see automation as a threat, and guests may feel uncomfortable or dehumanized when greeted by a machine.

Use AI to augment, not replace, your team. Let it handle routine tasks, so staff can focus on what truly matters: hospitality.

7. What If It All Goes Down?

AI systems are only as strong as their power and internet connection.

A cyberattack, power outage or system bug could freeze operations.
Staff may lose critical decision-making skills if they lean too heavily on automation.

Plan for downtime. Train your staff. Have manual backups. Don’t let technology become a single point of failure.

8. It’s Not Just About Tech, It’s About Ethics

The AI ecosystem relies on behind-the-scenes labor—often low-paid workers tagging violent or explicit content to train models. AI also consumes massive amounts of energy, raising sustainability concerns.

Before adding AI features, ask: Is this good for people? For the planet? For our enterprise?

Balance, Not Blind Faith

AI is here to stay, but it’s not magic. It needs to be managed, not worshipped.

Use AI to enhance, not replace, the human touch.
Be transparent with your guests and other stakeholders about what data you collect and why.
Test technology before rolling it out.
Prioritize ethics, privacy and security as much as performance.

The future of hospitality depends not just on how smart your tools are, but on how wisely you use them.

—

Carl Winston is founding director of Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism at San Diego State University.

Lodging Economics (LE) recently unveiled its Q2 2025 U.S. Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report, which shows that 6,280 hotel projects (737,063 guest rooms) mark a 3% year-over-year (YOY) growth in projects and rooms compared to Q2 2024.

Projects and rooms in the early planning stage account for the greatest percentage of new hotels, having increased by 13% and 14%, respectively, at 2,897 projects and 338,208 guest rooms. At the end of Q2, there were 1,120 hotel projects (138,776 guest rooms) under construction; 2,263 projects are scheduled to start within the next 12 months, comprising 260,052 rooms. The last two categories—projects under construction and set to start—are down YOY.

Chain Scales

The upper midscale, upscale and midscale chain scales make up 4,658 projects (477,066 rooms), representing 74% of all projects and 65% of rooms in the hotel pipeline. Of the three, upper midscale has the highest number of projects, at 2,282 (219,875 rooms); upscale is second, at 1,427 projects (177,756 rooms); midscale, the third largest, has seen a 6% increase YOY, at 949 projects (79,435 rooms).

Extended-Stay Brands

Extended-stay hotels account for 39% of projects in the pipeline, reflecting a 3% increase in projects and 2% increase in rooms YOY. Of the 2,473 extended-stay projects (252,028 rooms) under development, middle-tier extended-stay hotel brands take the top spot, with 1,625 projects (152,557 rooms), a 6% increase in projects and 5% increase in rooms. In Q2 2025, 148 new extended-stay hotels opened in the United States; by the end of 2025, LE projects 293 total extended-stay hotels will open, an increase of 5%.

Extended stays are a big opportunity, according to Bruce Ford, senior vice president and director of global business development for LE. “The top franchise companies are seeing multiple price tier opportunities in extended-stay in greater numbers than before. The top six franchise companies all have at least three extended-stay brands in their portfolio.”

Hotel Renovations and Conversions

Renovations and conversions combined make up 1,956 projects, with conversions making up most of this, with 1,364 projects (129,164 rooms), an 11% increase in projects and rooms YOY; renovations account for 592 projects (130,331 rooms). The two represent 31% and 35% of projects and rooms, respectively.

Dallas Is on Top

At the end of Q2, Dallas led for the largest construction pipeline, with 199 projects (a record 24,497 rooms). Next are:

Atlanta, 165 projects (19,027 rooms)
Nashville, 128 projects (17,025 rooms)
Austin, 125 projects (14,598 rooms)
Phoenix, 123 projects (16,228 rooms)

While all these destinations show YOY growth, Austin’s 10% YOY project increase and 7% room increase are the greatest.

2025 and Beyond

The remainder of 2025 includes another 406 projects (45,160 rooms), ending the year with 735 new hotels, a growth of 1.5%. LE forecasts a 25% increase of total hotel openings as compared to 2024, which saw 590 openings. In 2026, 823 hotels are anticipated to open, a 1.6% increase; in 2027, 902 projects are expected to open, a growth of 1.7%.

Although total openings continue to increase, the size of these openings is decreasing. “The size of the projects that open continues to decline,” he says. “We are building more efficient, compact hotels than ever before. These efficient developments just operate better, especially in suburban locations.”

Thinking of planning an incentive cruise to Mexico? You won’t be alone. More than 5.6 million passengers docked in the first half of 2025, an 8.4% jump thanks to record ship arrivals and expanded port infrastructure.

Curious what Minecraft has to do with trip planning? Tourism New Zealand is using a fully playable Minecraft map and an AI trip planner to turn online inspiration into real-world bookings.

Looking for a Caribbean escape with five-star flair? The world’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian, sets sail in late 2026 with curated island itineraries, yacht suites and Michelin-starred dining under the stars.

As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the latest updates shaping the way we move, meet and plan.

Mexico’s Cruise Traffic Surpasses 5.6 Million in First Half of 2025

Cruise tourism in Mexico is full steam ahead. The country welcomed 5.6 million cruise passengers from January to June 2025, an 8.4% increase over the same period last year, according to Secretary of Tourism Josefina Rodríguez Zamora.

That surge was thanks to 1,639 cruise ship arrivals, up 7.8% from 2024, with the Mexican Navy providing official stats. Cozumel once again took the top spot, drawing 2.4 million passengers across 685 ship visits. Mahahual followed with 1.2 million passengers and 302 arrivals, while Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada rounded out the list of top-performing ports.

Rodríguez credited the continued growth to recent investments in Mexico’s National Port System and a coordinated push from all levels of government. “These figures confirm that Mexico continues to consolidate its position as one of the world’s most attractive cruise destinations,” she said.

Tourism New Zealand Launches AI Trip Planner and Playable Minecraft Experience

Planning a trip to Middle-earth just got an upgrade. Tourism New Zealand has teamed up with Matador Network’s GuideGeek to launch an interactive AI trip planner powered by real-time, personalized responses, plus a first-of-its-kind twist: a fully playable version of New Zealand in Minecraft.

Now live on newzealand.com, the AI helps travel planners overcome common hurdles (“How long is the flight?”, “What’s the best time to visit?”) and offers inspiration drawn from actual Kiwi destinations. And if those dream spots are also featured in Minecraft (such as the glowing Waitomo Caves), users can see in-game visuals right in their chat.

The campaign ties into the release of A Minecraft Movie and features collaborations with 11 Māori iwi, Warner Bros. and Mojang Studios. Since its late 2024 debut, the AI has seen more than 200,000 unique users, and engagement is six times higher than the site average. Post-Minecraft launch, active users surged past 50,000 across key international markets.

“This tool helps travelers move from dreaming to booking,” said Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager of Marketing Brodie McLeish. “And our playable Minecraft destination is a world-first.”

Orient Express Unveils 2026 Caribbean Season for Corinthian, the World’s Largest Sailing Yacht

Starting October 2026, Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest sailing yacht, will debut its inaugural Caribbean season, with reservations now open for itineraries ranging from two to nine nights.

Following a 14-night transatlantic wellness voyage from Lisbon to Barbados, the opulent yacht will offer immersive journeys through tropical icons like Saint-Barth, the Exumas, Tobago Cays and Moskito Island. Itineraries combine hidden coves, coral reefs and curated onshore excursions celebrating local culture, cuisine and nature.

Aboard, guests will find 54 suites, five restaurants led by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, a 115-seat cabaret and a state-of-the-art recording studio, with all interiors inspired by the grandeur of vintage rail and ocean travel, reimagined by architect Maxime d’Angeac.

Built-in collaboration with Accor and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Corinthian is also a feat of sustainable innovation, featuring three SolidSail masts that enable near-total wind-powered propulsion. This is the first of two planned Orient Express Sailing Yachts, with Olympian set to follow in 2027.

Italy Breaks Records as WTTC Global Summit Comes to Rome

Italy’s tourism industry is setting new records in 2025, with international visitor spending projected to reach nearly $70 billion—the highest in history—according to new research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The country’s tourism sector is expected to contribute over $69 billion to the national economy (nearly 11% of GDP) and support 3.2 million jobs.

Italy’s appeal continues to grow thanks to a government prioritizing tourism through its ministry, strategic investments in sustainability and innovation and efforts to highlight lesser-known regions beyond Rome, Florence and Venice.

WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson praised Italy’s resurgence, saying, “This record-breaking growth is a tribute to the strength of Italy’s travel and tourism sector and the passion of the people behind it.”

To celebrate this momentum, the WTTC’s 25th Global Summit will return to Europe for the first time in six years, hosted in Rome Sept. 28–30, 2025. Government leaders, travel CEOs and innovators from around the world will gather to explore the future of sustainable and inclusive tourism.

Looking further ahead, WTTC forecasts the Italian travel sector will reach nearly $326 billion by 2035, supporting 3.7 million jobs.

SWISS Debuts Sleek New A350 Cabins and First Long-Haul Route

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) just gave travelers a sneak peek at its new ‘SWISS Senses’ first- and business-class seats, part of the airline’s largest product investment ever. The next-generation cabins will debut on SWISS’ brand-new Airbus A350-900s, with Boston announced as the first long-haul destination starting January 2026.

The A350-900 will be the first aircraft in SWISS’ long-haul fleet to feature the SWISS Senses experience, which reimagines the onboard environment with warm tones, high-end materials and thoughtful details. Think sliding doors, wireless charging, lighting designed to reduce jet lag and a new signature scent.

First-class travelers will enjoy private suites with wardrobes, lie-flat beds and oversized screens. Business-class passengers get aisle access from every seat, customizable privacy and various layout options. SWISS premium economy remains unchanged, retaining its nearly 40-inch seat pitch, while Economy upgrades include more legroom, Bluetooth connectivity and 13-inch screens.

Following European testing routes, the A350 will begin flying to Boston this winter, with flights bookable now. More routes featuring the new cabins are expected to roll out in 2026 and beyond.