the source for hotel and hospitality trends
IATA has published its 2025 World Air Transport Statistics, offering hospitality stakeholders updated insights into passenger volumes, route trends, and international travel flows essential for strategic planning and market analysis.
International air passenger travel to and from the United States declined by 1.6% in June 2026 compared to the previous year, with a slight increase in foreign arrivals offset by a larger decrease in U.S. citizen departures, according to data from the National Travel and Tourism Office.
In May 2026, international visitors spent over $20.9 billion on travel and tourism in the United States, resulting in a $1.7 billion trade surplus, while total spending for the year to date slightly decreased compared to the previous year, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office.
In July 2026, American travelers’ financial confidence, travel spending, and enthusiasm for trips have rebounded sharply after a significant decline in the previous month, with major events like the FIFA World Cup and Route 66 centennial fueling renewed interest despite persistent concerns about travel costs.
MMGY Global’s 2026 Portrait of American Travelers report finds that while travel demand among Americans remains strong, travelers are increasingly selective about destinations, relying more on AI tools and seeking value through unique experiences and events.
New research shows UK travellers are increasingly booking short-haul European holidays, relying on travel professionals, and making last-minute plans due to the ongoing Middle East conflict and its impact on travel routes.
In April 2026, international arrivals to the United States decreased by 5.5% compared to the previous year, while outbound travel by U.S. citizens increased by 2%, with Mexico and Canada remaining the top destinations and sources for travelers.
New booking data for 2026 from Global Travel Collection shows that luxury travelers are favoring cooler destinations, off-peak seasons, and greater privacy, with notable growth in fall travel, Arctic and Nordic destinations, and alternative Mediterranean spots, while domestic U.S. luxury travel also rises.
Global air passenger demand fell by 2.2% in May 2026 compared to the previous year, with the steepest declines in the Middle East due to ongoing conflict, while other regions experienced mixed results in both international and domestic markets.
The average airfare in the U.S. saw a significant rise of 4.7% in the first quarter of 2026, compared to the last quarter of the previous year, indicating a trend of escalating travel costs.