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Travelers Are Open to Booking With AI -- but Only With Clear Guardrails
As generative AI becomes a bigger part of how people search for and plan trips, new research from travel marketing agency Dune7 and boutique market research firm Flesh & Bone suggests the next frontier is already emerging: letting AI actually book travel on a consumer's behalf. In an online study of 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18+ who traveled by plane in the past 12 months, 71% said they are interested in using an AI travel assistant that can search, compare, select, and book travel based on their preferences.
Illinois Inspires Travelers to "Meet in the Middle" This Spring and Summer Travel Season
This spring and summer, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism (IOT) will highlight some of the best of the state's warm-weather adventures in an updated advertising campaign inspiring people to "Meet in the Middle." Giving the existing "Middle of Everything" platform a fresh twist, the new creative showcases Illinois as a place where experiences, cultures, and people truly come together because of its variety, whether it's a big city or an area of natural beauty.
Catalonia Launches the Grand Tour Catalunya Gravel
Catalonia strengthens its position as a global cycling destination with the launch of the Grand Tour Catalunya Gravel, a comprehensive 2,500 km journey across 42 stages, designed to showcase the region's natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary heritage through five sections:
How Korea is Boosting Domestic Spending Through a Nationwide Shopping Event
Amid evolving global economic conditions, South Korea is exploring a distinctive approach to economic stimulus – one that goes beyond traditional fiscal or monetary measures, and instead focuses on mobilizing consumption. At the center of this approach is the Donghaeng Festival (K-Shopping Festa or 동행축제 in Korean), a nationwide initiative led by Korea's Ministry of SMEs and Startups, literally meaning a "shared journey" or collective participation.
European Commission announces European Capitals of Tourism competition 2027
Today, the European Commission launches the 2027 edition of the European Capitals of Tourism competition1. Tourism destinations across Europe are invited to submit their innovative practices in smart and sustainable tourism and position themselves as leading examples in European tourism. As one of the EU's largest economic sectors, tourism plays a key role in economic growth and job creation. The initiative recognises cities implementing innovative solutions, including digitalisation, accessibility, sustainability and support to cultural heritage, creativity and local talent.
Sandbox Festival 2026 Brings Dixon, Bedouin & Floorplan to Egypt's Red Sea
Sandbox Festival returns to Egypt's Red Sea coast this May 7-9, delivering three days of world-class electronic music against one of the Mediterranean's most stunning backdrops. The festival's 12th edition brings together Dixon, Bedouin, Floorplan, DJ Tennis, and Craig Richards alongside 50+ international artists across five meticulously designed stages in the luxury coastal town of El Gouna.
Universal Studios Japan Hotel "Oriental Hotel Universal City"
Osaka is one of Japan's most popular destinations for international travelers. Historically a thriving merchant city, Osaka is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, the warmth of its people, and a rich, diverse culinary scene. From local favorites like "takoyaki" and "okonomiyaki" to world-class shopping and entertainment, the city offers an accessible and exciting experience that draws visitors from across the globe. Of course, being home to the world-renowned theme park, Universal Studios Japan, is another major reason travelers flock to this city.
SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Announces the Return of SeaBloom
SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the World’s Largest Indoor Marine Life Theme Park, welcomes this year’s blossoming spring season with SeaBloom Celebration in its second edition, running until April 26. Guests can enjoy a new live show, marine life-themed sand art sculptures, stimulating educational challenges and exclusive meet and greets with SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s characters, making for a memorable experience.
The release of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) 2025 Annual Report
The release of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) 2025 Annual Report marks a defining moment in the emirate’s strategic evolution as a global destination. The figures tell a compelling story—not just of growth, but of maturation across both tourism and cultural sectors, reflecting a deliberate shift toward sustainable, high-value development.
Diriyah rises, Saudi Arabia’s birthplace becomes its boldest tourism story
From the UNESCO-listed majesty of At-Turaif to the ultra-luxury promise of Wadi Safar, Diriyah is fast becoming one of the defining destination stories in global travel, where heritage, hospitality, culture and ambition come together at remarkable scale. By Justin Cooke
EDGE AT HUDSON YARDS UNVEILS PLAN TO TRANSFORM NYC'S HIGHEST OUTDOOR SKY DECK
Edge at Hudson Yards, the highest indoor/outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, announces a complete reimagining of its defining New York City experience, set to debut in Summer 2026. The sweeping, multi-million dollar transformation will immerse guests in a kaleidoscopic world of light, color and motion as they ascend 1,100 feet from street level into the Manhattan skyline. Spanning across the entirety of Edge's indoor footprint, from the 4th floor entry to 100th floor sky deck, these new permanent installations invite guests on a multi-sensory journey that uniquely evolves from dawn to dusk, shifting across seasons, ensuring every visit reveals something new.
The Epicenter of Global Tourism Trade: Istanbul Tourism Fair (ITF 2026)
The global tourism industry has evolved far beyond the search for holiday destinations; it is now a massive economy shaped by technology, sustainability, and strategic partnerships. At the heart of this economic momentum, Istanbul is preparing to host one of the sector's most prestigious gatherings: the Istanbul Tourism Fair (ITF). Scheduled for September 24-25, 2026, this major organization brings tourism professionals together under a single strategic roof at the crossroads of continents.