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] If Tesla can successfully launch the Cybercab at scale in 2026, it could fundamentally alter the cost structure of global logistics and personal travel, effectively solving the problem of urban congestion and high-cost car ownership. Valley City Times-Record
• [New] Safety is a Top Consideration Travel risk is top of mind in 2026, as 75% of travelers are making travel decisions with safety, health, or insurance considerations in mind. Yahoo Finance
• [New] The global space tourism industry will reach approximately $1.6 billion, driven by intense competition and renewed government focus. Chris Cruises
• [New] Alternative Tourism: Stratospheric balloon flights aim for a 2026 debut, though some European operators and space hotels face delays until 2027. Chris Cruises
• [New] Wellness tourism is expected to hit $1.1 trillion by 2026, with 48% driven by mental health. PrometAI
• [New] We tend to imagine satellites moving in neat, parallel lanes around Earth, but orbital paths often intersect, and objects travel at about 29,000 kilometers per hour in low Earth orbit. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
• [New] Luxury in 2026 could be a private getaway, a trip to immerse in culture, or a retreat to nature. The Travel Magazine
• [New] The international tourism segment is likely to grow with an expected CAGR of 13.8% during the forecast period, with the lifting of global travel bans and the restoration of air connectivity. Market Data Forecast
• [New] By the mid-2030s, autonomous vehicles are expected to account for a significant share of urban travel, particularly for ride-hailing, airport trips and daily commuting. Times of San Diego
• [New] In 2026, business travel is rising again as companies reconnect globally and expand trade opportunities. insuremeright
• [New] By 2026, biometric technology will streamline airport experiences to the point where traditional boarding passes and passport checks feel archaic. Athleisure Mag | Athleisure Culture
• [New] Beyond mobility, the UAE passenger rail network is expected to stimulate domestic tourism, reduce emissions, strengthen social and economic ties between the Emirates, and improve accessibility and quality of life - an outlook also noted in earlier coverage by Railway Supply. Railway Supply
• [New] In 2026, passengers will rely more on apps that streamline decision-making, reduce uncertainty, and simplify the overall trip. Morning Honey
• [New] Which travel trends will dominate tourism in 2026 AI travel planning, sustainable travel, wellness tourism and digital nomad travel will dominate tourism in 2026. analysisindia.com
• [New] Global travel demand is expected to reach record levels by 2026 as more destinations open fully after the pandemic period and traveler confidence rebounds strongly. analysisindia.com
• [New] Despite rising costs, 27% of travelers say they expect to travel more in 2026, while just 6% expect to travel less, underscoring the continued priority consumers place on travel even amid economic uncertainty. Rome CEO
• [New] After years of infrastructure build-out and testing, the first integrated passenger rail network will link cities from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, offering a safe, efficient alternative to road travel and boosting connectivity across all seven emirates. / UAE The Times Of India
• [New] In 2026, astronauts will travel around the Moon for the first time since the Apollo era, powerful new space telescopes will prepare to survey billions of galaxies, and multiple nations will launch missions aimed at finding habitable worlds, water on the Moon and clues to how our solar system formed. The Conversation
• [New] Outbound tourism from China is expected to drive demand for international travel to Asia, Europe, and the Americas, as well as regional markets like Southeast Asia and Africa. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Travel and Tour World predicts 2026 travel will be more data-driven, a claim Business Research Insights substantiates, pointing to increased demand for analytics in the tourism space. Islands
• [New] Phocuswright analysts predict significant advancements in travel technology by 2026, emphasizing the integration of agentic AI, biometrics, and personalized experiences that enhance human connections and streamline travel processes. Hotel News Resource
• [New] In 2026, AI travel planning solutions will be available to help travelers personalize their itineraries and optimize their travel experiences. / Canada Travel And Tour World

Last updated: 24 January 2026