FIFA's outrageous ticket prices, combined with geopolitical turmoil, have contributed to soft bookings. Yet hotels that jacked their rates share some of the blame, too.
China has long been a powerhouse in outbound tourism. Now it’s trying to flip the script and do the same on the inbound side. But can it turn event-driven travel into something bigger than marquee sporting weekends?
After years of rapid expansion, the travel industry is beginning to stabilize. While the world faces a period of uncertainty, the global appetite for meaningful experiences and the drive to explore ensures that travel remains a priority heading into 2026.
Saudi has been running the mass events experiment for centuries with pilgrimage and is now building on it with sports, music, and entertainment. It’s time to scale those lessons….and build a tourism strategy that actually works.
Marriott isn't treating the Olympics and World Cup as one-off windfalls. It says experiences-driven travel remains strong and that 'live tourism' has become a steady growth lever.