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] Given Tokyo's status as a significant global business hub, Japan considers supersonic air travel a transformative opportunity for premium business routes. Precedence Research
• [New] Major North American airlines, including United Airlines and American Airlines, have made considerable pre-orders for cutting-edge supersonic airliners, confirming the commercial potential of high-speed transcontinental travel. Precedence Research
• [New] Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest travel hub, is projected to handle 99.5 million passengers in 2026. TrustFinance
• [New] The international transport segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR of 9.4% over the forecast period, owing to the resurgence of global tourism and the reestablishment of long-haul connectivity after pandemic-related disruptions. Market Data Forecast
• [New] In India, the middle-class segment is projected to surge notably by 2030, fueling a surge in domestic and international air travel. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Global business travel spending will reach $1.62 trillion in 2026. Kavout
• [New] Stronger tourist arrivals under the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign are anticipated to provide a significant uplift to the services sector. The Sun Malaysia
• [New] In a game-changing development for UAE travel, Etihad Rail is set to launch its highly anticipated high-speed passenger trains in 2026, connecting major cities including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Travel And Tour World
• [New] 2027 will be the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism. Polis Network
• [New] Travel-risk advisers are reminding expatriate staff newly arrived in Canada to register with company alert systems and to familiarise themselves with provincial winter-driving regulations before undertaking road journeys. VisaHQ
• [New] Global tourism is recovering, reaching $11.7 trillion in 2025 and projected to climb 3.55% to $16.5 trillion by 2035. Cascade Strategies, Inc.
• [New] Travel eSIM users are forecasted to grow 440% globally over the next 5 years. GOV.UK
• [New] Passenger demand for air travel is expected to continue rising into 2026, with younger travelers and improved satisfaction levels contributing to the projected growth. Airport Industry-News
• [New] Sports hospitality is a booming business, as is sports tourism, which is expected to reach more than $1.7 trillion by 2032. Yahoo sport uk
• The hospitality and tourism sector, a major part of Scotland's economy which is characterised by high volumes of young workers, seasonal staff and variable hours roles, will feel several changes acutely. Law Society of Scotland
• 88% of global travelers plan to increase or maintain their travel budgets in 2026. Yahoo Finance
• Employment in the hotel sector is expected to expand further in 2026, with workforce numbers projected to exceed 2.2 million in the United States. Hotel Management Network
• The global hotel industry is expected to record higher guest spending in 2026, even as operators continue to face pressure from rising costs. Hotel Management Network

Last updated: 21 February 2026