Global Scans · Travel · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: How we travel, where we travel and whether we travel at all will mean tremendous change in the decades ahead.

• [New] Major strides in telehealth evolution are projected to be another growth driver for medical tourism globally in 2026, with telemedicine fast evolving into virtual hospitals, connecting patients with global specialists and providing comprehensive remote care. Destination Wellness Magazine
• [New] India will remain one of the fastest-growing hotel markets in the Asia-Pacific region over the next few years. Hospitality Career Profile
• [New] By 2050, international travel will double to roughly 3.5 billion trips annually, generating $6 trillion in spending. Forbes
• [New] Once live, UK passport holders visiting 30 European countries for up to 90 days will need approval before travelling. Rhyl Journal
• [New] The fact that a CJNG retaliation wave could shut down a World Cup host city for days-stranding thousands, halting flights, forcing hotel lockdowns-will concentrate minds at FIFA, in the Sheinbaum government, and among international investors evaluating Mexican risk. The Rio Times
• [New] Despite the early signs of growth, several factors are still putting a damper on Thailand's hopes for a full-fledged Chinese tourism recovery. Travel And Tour World
• [New] For mountain destinations, the balance between corporate strategy, weather variability and tourism demand will likely remain one of the defining challenges of the ski industry in the coming decade. The-Ski-Guru
• [New] Not only are we seeing a big surge in European natural gas prices, but if the Strait of Hormuz is shut down, China's passport to get more oil will be affected. Market Insights
• [New] Attacks against ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz have driven major ocean carriers to immediately reroute vessels around the southern tip of Africa, extending travel time and creating cascading supply chain disruptions. GlobeNewswire
• [New] Edinburgh will launch a tourist tax, Tenerife will charge an eco-tax for some hiking areas, Greece will tax cruise ship passengers who disembark, and Brussels will increase its hotel tourist tax to 5 euros per night, among others. Be a Better Traveler
• [New] Balancing national security with tourism appeal will be essential to ensure the United States continues to welcome millions of travelers without undermining the economic benefits they bring. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Greenland tourism is growing, and Visit Greenland's next CEO will need to manage rising global interest while protecting one of the world's most fragile Arctic destinations. Skift
• [New] One of the most significant drivers of business travel in the year ahead will be the continued evolution and integration of AI across the travel ecosystem. blueprint-acf.instawp.xyz
• [New] As Goldman says, it would need an extended oil price rise to weigh down the global economy, and it is likely that initial effects will be localized around energy, defence, travel, and transport sectors. AOL
• [New] Airlines and hotel groups led the fall this morning, reflecting investor concerns that conflict across the Middle East will halt travel plans - for both business and pleasure - and lead to extended closures of airspace across one of the world's most important travel hubs. AOL
• [New] Multiple incidents on Saturday, including one outside the Fairmont Dubai in the UAE and an apparent drone attack on Kuwait Airport, could amplify uncertainty, leading to a temporary reduction in inbound international travel to countries near Iran. Skift
• [New] Major hotel groups faced a risk of temporarily reduced occupancies across the Middle East, after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran that might have a protracted impact on regional travel. Skift
• [New] Singaporean travelers may wish to consider alternative travel arrangements that do not involve transits through the region due to potential disruptions arising from airspace closures or flight cancellations. ST
• [New] Mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are being anticipated as catalysts that can generate spikes in travel and boost global visibility for host nations and neighbouring destinations. Travel And Tour World
• [New] The continued normalization of travel in Asia and the Pacific, especially in North-East Asia, is expected to play a pivotal role in sustaining global expansion. Travel And Tour World
• [New] The projected 3 to 4% growth in international tourist arrivals for 2026 is being underpinned by a set of fundamental drivers that have already been partially realized in 2024 and 2025. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Projections point towards robust expansion that is expected to be driven both by India's very large domestic tourism base and by increasing inbound travel. Travel And Tour World
• [New] If implemented without careful consideration, the US social media travel policy could unintentionally reduce tourism and economic activity while discouraging international visitors. Travel And Tour World

Last updated: 14 March 2026