Illustration by Tanya Manthey

In this issue, we turn to both our reporters' knowledge and industry experts to show us the way. We hear from some of the top executives in the industry, who talk with editor in chief Arnie Weissmann about their expectations.

And our reporting team, which is on the front lines of newsgathering every day, look to top sources and the trends they've gleaned over the past 12 months to give a robust picture of what we may soon see.

Travel Weekly's Preview 2026

Welcome to Preview 2026: We're 'cautiously bullish'
Welcome to Preview 2026: We're 'cautiously bullish'
Research, reporting and careful analysis by our team of editors, plus one-on-one interviews from leaders across the travel industry, form the backbone of our annual Preview issue.
Introduction to Executive View
One-on-one interviews were conducted by editor in chief Arnie Weissmann with six leaders in the travel industry.
Executive view: Catherine Powell, AmaWaterways
Executive view: Catherine Powell, AmaWaterways
Building a brand presence in Asia and South America will be a focus next year.
Stephen Scott, Travel Hub 365
Executive view: Stephen Scott, Travel Hub 365
"When someone gets laid off, you don't  get notified; you just don't hear from them. It's affecting business."
Jeff Wright, Allianz Global Assistance
Executive view: Jeff Wright, Allianz Global Assistance
Allianz is not using AI for customer interactions. "We're not there yet, and I don't think the consumer's there yet, either."
Shannon Knapp, Leading Hotels of the World
Executive view: Shannon Knapp, Leading Hotels of the World
"We're feeling optimistic about the desire of the luxury traveler to keep going, making travel a part of who they are."
Valeriano Antonioli and Salvatore Ferragamo
Executive view: Valeriano Antonioli and Salvatore Ferragamo, Ferragamo Family Properties
"Luxury fashion and luxury travel are two different things."
Preview 2026: The year ahead for travel advisors
Preview 2026: The year ahead for travel advisors
Economic uncertainty remains but travel advisors are reporting that forward sales are solid, and there is a general sense of optimism about the year ahead.
Preview 2026: The year ahead for U.S. travel policy
Preview 2026: The year ahead for U.S. travel policy
"Self-inflicted wounds" contributed to a slump in U.S.-bound travel in 2025, said U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman. He's rooting for a reversal in 2026.
Southwest Airlines' new cabin features power at every seat and seatback holders for personal electronic devices.
Preview 2026: The year ahead for aviation
Southwest, JetBlue and Frontier will introduce premium cabin products as they continue chasing the successes of Delta and United.
The revamped lobby of the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Miami. RevPAR growth at the high end of the hotel market is far outpacing other segments  heading into 2026.
Preview 2026: The year ahead for hotels and hospitality
The hotel industry is heading into 2026 with a widening gap between luxury and the rest of the market, a trend that shows no signs of changing course.
The Seabourn Venture in Antarctica. Luxury lines are expected to continue to fare well in 2026.
Preview 2026: The year ahead for cruising
Cruise lines will continue reeling in guests with short sailings and promotional deals, all while planning for the next generation of private destinations and ships.
A scenic spot in Rome features St. Peter's Basilica in the background. Italy topped the USTOA's list of top destinations for tour operators in 2026.
Preview 2026: The year ahead for tours
Tour operators are optimistic about 2026 following a year of growth, even amid economic and political uncertainty.
Trafalgar will enter the river cruising business in 2026, offering cruises on the Rhine and the Danube.
Preview 2026: The year ahead for river cruising
In 2026, a booming industry will welcome 20 new ships and new brands, too, including tour powerhouse Trafalgar.
Richard Turen
Reality Check: Here comes 2026. Fasten your seat belts
Columnist Richard Turen provides a look at some of the changes advisors might see in aviation, cruise, tours and more.
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