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] For aviation, 2026 may mark the year when supersonic flight shifts from the fringes of experimentation toward tangible progress in everyday air travel. Electronic Specifier
• [New] Looking ahead to 2026, supersonic travel appears poised to move from concept to reality once more. Electronic Specifier
• [New] A non-core story that was in the top five for the month was Russia unveiling a laboratory prototype of a plasma electric rocket engine based on a magnetic plasma accelerator which it said could cut travel time to Mars to little more than a month. World Nuclear News
• [New] Cruise tourism will remain one of the fastest-growing segments of global travel, supported by fleet expansion and strong consumer interest well into the next decade. Caribbean News Digital
• [New] 2025's Christmas getaway is set to be the most congested on record for UK motorists and, although the weather is improving, hazards including spray and fog could affect your travel plans. BBC Weather
• [New] The space tourism future is transforming civilian access to space, with over 1,000 tourists expected to reach orbit annually by 2030. Science Times
• [New] Commercial space travel extends to Mars flybys by 2033, carrying 50 passengers at 0.5 g cruise acceleration. Science Times
• [New] Lunar tourism is expected to debut in 2030 with Starship HLS transporting four tourists near the Moon's south pole water ice deposits. Science Times
• [New] By 2030, the scope of commercial space travel is expected to extend beyond Earth's orbit, offering lunar tourism for adventurous civilians. Science Times
• [New] The future of space tourism includes Axiom Station by 2028, orbiting 400 km above Earth as the first private destination post-ISS. Science Times
• [New] By the end of 2026, China expects to welcome 15 million visitors from newly visa-free countries, a shift that is set to increase inbound tourism and drive significant economic benefits. Travel And Tour World
• [New] The EES, set to officially launch in 2026, is intended to replace the manual passport stamp system and create a massive digital record of visa-free travelers. JD Supra
• [New] Electric vehicles (EVs) will significantly influence the Top Travel & Transportation Trends in 2025: From Sustainable Flights to Smart Mobility by accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels. HotBot
• [New] Autonomous shuttles and hyperloop technology prototypes will connect cities faster, while augmented reality apps guide seamless airport navigation, making travel more intuitive, efficient, and inclusive for diverse users worldwide. HotBot
• [New] Tourism experts highlight that the peak Christmas travel period will provide a substantial economic boost for cities across the UK. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Night train travel in Europe is getting yet another boost, with a new route linking Amsterdam and Brussels with Milan slated for summer 2026. Positive News
• [New] China's Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to grow 7% annually over the next decade, reaching a GDP contribution of $3.8 TN by 2035; equivalent to almost 14% of the Chinese economy. Hospitality Net
• [New] With the growing need for luxury adventure cruises, polar expeditions are expected to become increasingly crucial for determining the future of global cruise tourism, making the World Voyager one of the important factors that would influence the way the globe is explored for its remotest locations. Travel And Tour World
• [New] As polar expeditions grow in popularity, the global cruise tourism industry will experience greater investment in sustainable infrastructure and tourism services to meet the demands of high-end travelers seeking unique and immersive experiences. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Asia's influence on global travel is set to surge in 2026, driven by shifting traveler behaviour, rapid digital transformation, and expanding regional connectivity. Trawick International
• [New] Hydrogen-powered aviation could significantly reduce emissions while allowing global air travel to grow responsibly. Travel And Tour World

Last updated: 27 December 2025