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As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, the classic American road trip is making a comeback. More families are opting for drivable vacations this summer that combine value, flexibility and meaningful experiences—trading crowded itineraries for time together on the open road.

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail (USCRT) offers a powerful way to explore the nation during this milestone, connecting more than 130 historic sites across 14 states and Washington, D.C. From immersive museums to walkable historic districts, the trail provides dozens of multi-generational opportunities for families to experience American history firsthand.

Tennessee: Music and Movement
In Nashville and Memphis, families can explore the intersection of music and civil rights. The National Museum of African American Music offers interactive exhibits spanning 50+ genres, The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music explores how the music and its musicians served as a source of hope and unity, while the Jefferson Street Sound Museum highlights the legacy of legendary performers. In Memphis, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the National Civil Rights Museum—which debuts its new “Legacy Experience” May 16th —provide engaging ways for families to connect past and present.

Arkansas: A Defining Chapter
The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site brings one of the most pivotal moments in civil rights history to life. Nearby, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center explores African American culture and community in a setting that resonates with visitors of all ages.

Virginia: A Ready-Made Road Trip
Virginia offers a ready-made route along the trail, with stops including the Caroline County Historic Courthouse Campus—site of Loving v. Virginia—and the Robert Russa Moton Museum, tied to the student protests that lead to Brown v. Board of Education. The route blends history with charming towns and walkable downtowns.

Beyond the Major Cities
In Abilene, Kansas, the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home offer insight into the leadership of President Eisenhower. In Charleston, South Carolina, the International African American Museum on the historic site of Gadsden’s Wharf provides an immersive experience tracing African American history, with summer programming designed for families.

“The Trail transforms a traditional road trip into a journey with purpose,” said Mark Ezell, Chairman of the USCRT Marketing Alliance. “Families can learn and connect while exploring the stories that shaped America.”

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The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already leaving its mark on global travel, with international interest climbing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—but not at the same pace.

New analysis from Data Appeal and Mabrian (Almawave-Almaviva Group), in collaboration with PredictHQ— the leader in real-world context for AI and forecasting—shows that while demand is clearly building, converting that interest into arrivals will depend on air connectivity, domestic travel momentum, and how effectively destinations prepare for peak periods.

The analysis is based on the report “FIFA World Cup 2026: Mapping Demand, Spend and Experience,” which combines global flight search behaviour, air connectivity and capacity, OTA-based hotel pricing, and predicted event-related spending.  The analysis focuses on the three host countries and their 16 official host cities, with specific deep dives into selected matches and destinations for pricing dynamics.

#1 Demand is up—but the picture is mixed. International travel intent—an indicator of future demand—is rising across all three host countries, but patterns differ. Mexico is showing the most consistent growth, averaging approximately +0.11 percentage points year-on-year since January 2026, while the United States is experiencing a sharper late-stage acceleration by the end of 2026 first quarter, reaching +0.31 p.p. in March. Canada’s growth, meanwhile, has been steadier and more gradual. At the city level, demand is concentrated around key destinations. Boston, Mexico City, and Vancouver seeing some of the strongest gains, while New York continues to build on its role as a global anchor.

#2 Domestic travel and connectivity as key drivers. Domestic travel is emerging as a significant driver of overall demand for the FIFA World Cup, particularly in the United States, where travel intent to host cities increased by an average of +3.82 percentage points year-on-year during the tournament period. Connectivity will also play a decisive role. The United States maintains direct air links to 40 of the 48 competing nations, compared to 32 for Canada and 18 for Mexico, positioning it as the primary gateway for international visitors. European markets—particularly the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands—are among the main long-haul sources of demand, alongside growing interest from emerging markets.

“The 2026 FIFA World Cup format is expected to distribute both demand and event impact across multiple venues, cities, and countries, creating simultaneous peaks across different locations and generating opportunities for each host nation,” says Maria Pradissitto, North America Market Manager at Data Appeal. “Early signals from air capacity, search behaviour, and booking patterns suggest that demand will be highly fluid. In this context, success will not be defined by visibility alone, but by a destination’s ability to interpret and act on real-time demand signals, optimising connectivity, pricing strategies, and capacity management to capture value as it shifts.”

#3 Spending patterns and pricing. Overall, the tournament is expected to generate approximately $4.3 billion in tourist event-related spending, with more than 80% concentrated in hospitality, followed by food and beverage. Hotel pricing is already reflecting anticipated demand, with moderate increases in all host cities while the sharpest increases are tied to high-profile fixtures such as the opening match and the final, such as the final in New York/New Jersey: $414–$1,024 (+10.8% YoY), the third place match in Miami: $261–$744 (+25.5% YoY), and the opening match in Mexico City: $145–$742 (+48.9% YoY)

“Demand alone will not determine outcomes. What will ultimately differentiate destinations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup is their ability to deliver consistent, high-quality experiences under pressure,” explains Data Appeal spokesperson. “What we’re seeing in the data is that travellers already have very high expectations—particularly around attractions and food—but operational aspects like transport and service consistency will be under real pressure at peak moments. This is where reputation will be won or lost in real time. Destinations that succeed will be those that can maintain service quality at scale, using real-time feedback and sentiment signals to quickly identify friction points and adapt —ensuring that the visitor journey remains seamless, and that short-term demand translates into long-term perception and repeat visits.”

Download the full report: https://datappeal.io/full-report-fifa-world-cup-2026/

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Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) has announced that exhibit floor space for the 2026 Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC®) is officially sold out, with more than 360 companies exhibiting across 83,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space. With expanded exhibit floor space this year, attendees can explore a broad mix of companies and dive into dozens of technology categories and solution options.
The HITEC 2026 exhibit hall will be open June 16–18, 2026, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio with more than 5,800 attendees expected. The event remains the world’s largest and longest-running hospitality technology conference and exhibition.

“We’re proud to see HITEC 2026 sell out and are thankful for the enduring support of returning exhibiting companies; as well as the new companies who are coming on board,” said Debra Cukjati-Lineberry, HFTP Chief Sales Officer. “What makes the show valuable to every stakeholder is that it’s a concentrated showcase of technology from new and legacy companies who are challenged to address a forever changing landscape. This is where operators get to compare and contrast solutions critical to their operations.”

Innovation Across the Show Floor
The HITEC exhibit hall will spotlight cutting-edge hospitality solutions across a wide spectrum, including:
Artificial Intelligence and Chatbots
Property Management Systems
Cybersecurity and Data Protection
Cloud Infrastructure
Payment Processing
Robotics and In-room Technology
Guest Engagement Platforms
Energy and Sustainability Solutions
Mobile Apps and More

In light of the sold-out status of the exhibit hall, HFTP reminds the industry that HITEC has a policy against pirate exhibitors (often known as outboarders or suitcasers). It is common for unaffiliated or non-exhibiting vendors to take advantage of the show’s popularity by promoting their wares leading up to and near the show, on the exhibit hall floor, a nearby meeting or party in an unofficial capacity. For those who missed the chance to exhibit, HITEC has started a waiting list for opportunities in case of cancellations. To learn more, contact [email protected].
HITEC North America is the world’s largest and longest-running hospitality technology exposition and conference. It offers a unique combination of top-notch hospitality technology education, led by industry peers and experts, and an unparalleled trade show showcasing the latest hospitality technology products and services. Attendee registration is available, with the Early Registration rate running through May 4

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Along Egypt’s fabled Red Sea Riviera, where the desert exhales into sapphire water, Serry Beach Resort doesn’t shout for attention—it doesn’t need to. Instead, it lingers in the memory like sea air on sun-warmed skin: subtle, immersive, and unmistakably refined.

This is a place that understands the modern luxury traveller—one who seeks not just opulence, but meaning, atmosphere, and a sense of return.

Set along a tranquil stretch of shoreline in Hurghada, Serry Beach Resort occupies a rare position: central enough to feel connected, yet composed enough to feel worlds away. Its design leans into minimalist Arabesque aesthetics, where whitewashed arches, natural textures, and open spaces soften the boundary between indoors and out.
From the moment guests arrive, there’s a distinct shift in pace. The private beach—just steps from the suites—invites slow mornings and unhurried afternoons, where the rhythm of the Red Sea becomes the rhythm of the stay.

This is not a resort that overwhelms; it gently draws you in.

Design that shapes emotion

What truly sets Serry apart is its emotional intelligence. Every element—from architecture to lighting—feels curated to evoke calm. Rooms and suites are deliberately understated, with earthy tones, natural materials, and open-plan layouts that encourage both privacy and flow.

There’s a quiet confidence here: nothing is excessive, yet everything feels considered.

Guests often describe the atmosphere as “harmonious” and “cohesive”—a rare quality in large-scale resorts where design can feel fragmented. Even at full capacity, the property maintains an almost meditative balance between energy and stillness.

A resort that adapts to you

One of Serry’s most distinctive qualities is its flexibility of experience.

Unlike traditional all-inclusive resorts that prescribe a fixed rhythm, Serry offers a fluid approach. Days can unfold in countless ways:
– sunrise yoga overlooking the sea
– immersive culinary journeys rooted in local heritage
– guided meditation or creative workshops
– lively beach clubs and late-night cabaret

Guests are encouraged to shape their own narrative—whether that’s deep relaxation or vibrant exploration.

It’s this sense of personalisation that elevates the stay from holiday to experience.

A celebration of place

Serry doesn’t isolate you from Egypt—it connects you to it.

Dining concepts draw heavily on regional flavours and locally sourced ingredients, presenting dishes that are both authentic and contemporary. Meanwhile, design references the cultural crossroads of Arabia and North Africa, subtly embedding a sense of place into every corner.

Even the resort’s social spaces—from souk-inspired food halls to rooftop terraces—echo the textures and rhythms of local life, rather than imposing an international template.

Why guests return—again and again

Luxury can impress once. But loyalty is built differently.

Guests return to Serry Beach Resort not just for its facilities, but for its feeling—that elusive blend of familiarity and discovery. Several factors underpin this repeat appeal:

1. A sense of belonging
The resort cultivates a community atmosphere, where guests feel recognised rather than processed. Over time, it becomes less like a hotel and more like a personal retreat.

2. Consistency of service
Hospitality here is frequently noted as attentive and warm, with staff creating meaningful, human connections that outlast the stay.

3. Ever-evolving experiences
From curated itineraries to seasonal programming, no two visits feel identical—there’s always something new to explore.

4. Balance
Perhaps most importantly, Serry achieves what many luxury resorts struggle to master: it balances serenity with energy, privacy with sociability, and design with authenticity.

Recognition on a continental stage

It’s no surprise, then, that Serry Beach Resort has been nominated for both Africa’s Leading Luxury Resort 2026 and Egypt’s Leading Luxury Resort 2026 at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026, set to take place at Diamonds Bijoux on August 28th.
Such nominations place it among the continent’s most compelling luxury destinations—yet in many ways, Serry remains deliberately under the radar.

Serry Beach Resort doesn’t rely on spectacle. Its luxury is quieter, more introspective—rooted in design, atmosphere, and the art of making guests feel something lasting.

And perhaps that’s its greatest achievement: not just creating a beautiful place to visit, but crafting one that calls you back.

For more information visit. https://www.theserry.com/

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today revealed that the Middle East is experiencing strong Travel & Tourism growth, with the sector expanding by 5.3% in 2025, outpacing the global average of 4.1% and reinforcing the region’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic travel markets.

WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), a leading global study of Travel & Tourism performance, highlights the region’s strong performance across key indicators, including international visitor spending, domestic travel, and business travel.

Middle East shows strong growth momentum

Travel & Tourism in the Middle East continues to outperform, with growth exceeding the global average and also surpassing the wider regional economy. International visitor spending rose 5.2%, compared to 3.2% globally, reflecting strong demand and increasing global connectivity.

The region’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed $385.8 billion to GDP in 2025, supporting 7.1 million jobs, underlining its growing economic importance.

Saudi Arabia drives regional momentum

At the heart of this growth is Saudi Arabia, the largest Travel & Tourism economy in the region, accounting for $178 billion in GDP and 46% of the Middle East’s total Travel & Tourism economy.

The Kingdom continues to deliver standout performance, with Travel & Tourism GDP growing 7.4% in 2025, nearly double the global sector growth rate of 4.1%, and around 40% higher than the regional Middle East average of 5.3%.

International visitor spending also rose 8.2%, significantly outperforming the global average of 3.2%, further underlining Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as a leading global destination and its position as a leader in the region.

Business travel has been a particularly strong driver, with spending increasing by over 55%, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global hub for business, events, and investment.

Alongside Saudi Arabia, other markets across the region are also delivering strong performance. The UAE’s Travel & Tourism sector reached $68.5 billion in GDP in 2025, with international visitor spending of $56.9 billion, reflecting its position as a major global hub. Jordan recorded 5.5% growth in Travel & Tourism GDP, with international visitor spending reaching $8.5 billion, while Oman also saw strong growth of 5.5%, alongside international visitor spending of $4.0 billion, highlighting continued momentum in 2025 across key GCC and regional markets.

Business travel powers growth

Across the Middle East, business travel is accelerating rapidly, with spending rising 23% in 2025, making it one of the strongest-performing segments in the sector’s growth.

This growth reflects increased demand for in-person engagement, alongside the region’s expanding role in hosting major international events, conferences, and investment activity.

Against the backdrop of recent regional challenges, the Middle East’s Travel & Tourism sector continues to demonstrate exceptional resilience, with recovery expected to be swift once long term stability returns to the region. Supported by strong fundamentals, sustained investment, and its strategic role in global connectivity, the region remains well positioned to maintain its growth trajectory.

Unlocking continued long term growth

WTTC’s research highlights that sustained investment in infrastructure, connectivity, and destination development, alongside a focus on high-value travel and business tourism, will be critical to maintaining this momentum over time.

By continuing to strengthen public-private collaboration and enhance the overall travel ecosystem, countries across the region are well positioned to further increase visitor spending, create jobs, and drive long-term economic growth.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said: “The Middle East continued to deliver strong Travel & Tourism growth in 2025, with Saudi Arabia playing a central role in driving this success and emerging as a leader in the region, with growth nearly double the global average.

The Middle East’s performance in 2025 highlighted the strength and long-term potential of Travel & Tourism, with the sector continuing to act as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and international connectivity across the region.”