All published updates

UK warns against travel to parts of Congo, adds Ebola screening info

The UK FCDO updated travel advice for Congo, advising against all travel to within 50km of the Republic of Congo-Central African Republic border in Likouala Region. It also added new information about Ebola screening when arriving in the country. Updated June 2, 2026, still current.

Impact and considerations

Parts of Congo carry security risks, and new Ebola screening may affect entry procedures; business travelers should assess risks and allow extra time.

Japan's inbound tourism boom becomes policy priority

According to Phocuswright research, Japan's total travel gross bookings rose 8% to $94.2 billion in 2025. Inbound arrivals reached a record 42.7 million, while outbound travelers totaled 14.7 million. The government now treats tourism as a pillar, targeting 60 million inbound visitors and ¥15 trillion spending by 2030, but shifting focus to higher-value travel, regional dispersion, and overtourism management.

Are hotel CEOs overestimating their AI edge?

Major hotel group CEOs described AI as a 'competitive advantage' in Q1 earnings calls, but experts argue this may be 'commoditization of intent.' Most hotels use AI similarly, and not investing puts them at a disadvantage. Real advantage may come from proprietary data, deployment speed, and operational efficiency, not AI itself. For example, Wyndham's Connect platform is cited as having a head start.

Expedia research: travelers prefer full-trip planning on one platform

Expedia Group released global research showing travelers increasingly prefer to book and manage full trips on one platform, including car rentals, flights, activities, and trip protection. The survey of 2,500 travelers across 10 markets found 77% are likely to book multiple trip elements on the same platform, rising to 83% for Gen Z. Expedia is expanding its Rapid API ecosystem to support car, flight, activity, and protection bookings.

UK updates Zambia travel advice: new entry requirements for Ebola-affected regions

The UK FCDO updated its travel advice for Zambia, adding information about entry requirements for those entering from Ebola-affected regions. The advice continues to note that no travel can be guaranteed safe and recommends appropriate travel insurance. Updated June 1, 2026, still current.

UK updates Botswana travel advice: new entry requirements for Ebola-affected regions

The UK FCDO updated its travel advice for Botswana, adding information about entry requirements for those entering from Ebola-affected regions. The advice continues to note that no travel can be guaranteed safe and recommends appropriate travel insurance. Updated June 1, 2026, still current.

Guinea travel advice updated

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated its travel advice for Guinea, reminding travelers of safety risks and recommending appropriate travel insurance. The advice emphasizes that no travel can be guaranteed safe and advises travelers to read all guidance and consider their personal circumstances.

Impact and considerations

Guinea poses safety risks; business travelers should monitor the latest advice, assess trip risks, and ensure insurance coverage.

SITA acquires Big Blue Analytics to enhance airline disruption recovery

Air transport technology company SITA has acquired Big Blue Analytics, which offers an AI-enabled disruption management platform called OCCam that helps airlines assess disruption impact and create recovery plans. SITA plans to integrate it into existing operations tools to predict disruptions earlier.

Startup Opally launches AI receptionist platform to tackle hotel communication overload

Danish startup Opally offers an AI receptionist platform that handles guest communication across email, chat, voice, WhatsApp, and social media. Integrated with hotel management systems like Mews and Apaleo, it has grown to over 50 hotels in five European countries in less than a year.

Expedia Group appoints Bill Watkins to lead global advertising

Expedia Group announced the appointment of former Pinterest executive Bill Watkins as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Advertising, overseeing the growth of its travel media network and deepening global partnerships. Watkins will report to Chief Marketing Officer Jochen Koedijk.

Côte d'Ivoire travel advice updated: avoid all travel to parts

The UK FCDO updated travel advice for Côte d'Ivoire, warning against all travel to areas within 40km of the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali, northern Zanzan and Savanes provinces, and Comoé National Park due to risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings. Essential travel only within 20km of the Liberia border.

Impact and considerations

Parts of Côte d'Ivoire have high security risks; business travelers should avoid high-risk areas and monitor the latest security updates.

Ethiopia travel advice updated: avoid all travel to many regions

The UK FCDO updated travel advice for Ethiopia, warning against all travel to Tigray, Amhara, Gambela regions and various border areas. It also notes heightened security during nationwide elections on June 1, with potential vehicle and ID checks.

Impact and considerations

Many regions in Ethiopia have high security risks; business travelers should avoid high-risk areas, and during elections allow extra time and carry ID.

Hotels should think beyond their walls for a greater share of guest wallet

At Mews Unfold, Airbnb executives and Mews founder discussed how hotels can increase their share of guest spending by engaging with local communities and partnerships. They believe AI can help hotels connect with local businesses, creating new revenue opportunities.

Travel tech news briefs: TUI, Mews, CarTrawler, Sabre and more

This week's travel tech news includes: HTS launches Cancel For Any Reason on WestJet; TUI partners with Omio for ground transportation; Expedia Group launches product management API; Fareportal expands Sabre partnership; Southwest selects CarTrawler; Mews launches new products and partners with SiteMinder.

2026 Global Startup Pitch announces 17 finalists

The Global Startup Pitch, jointly produced by WiT, Phocuswright, and PhocusWire, announced 17 finalists from North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Emerging Markets. The finals will take place at Phocuswright Europe in Barcelona on June 16.

Bahamas travel advice updated: new Ebola screening information

The UK FCDO updated travel advice for the Bahamas, adding information about Ebola screening upon arrival. Travelers are advised to obtain appropriate travel insurance and read all guidance.

Impact and considerations

New Ebola screening measures in the Bahamas may affect entry procedures; business travelers should be aware of the requirements.

Central African Republic travel advisory: FCDO advises against all travel

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to the Central African Republic, except for essential travel to the capital Bangui and its international airport. Consular support is severely limited, and travel insurance may be invalidated if traveling against advice.

Impact and considerations

For business travelers, travel to the Central African Republic poses severe security risks and limited consular support, potentially impacting itineraries and personnel safety.

Angola travel advice: FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts

The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Cabinda Province (except Cabinda city) and within 1km of the DRC border in Lunda Norte Province due to separatist attacks, kidnap risk, and insecurity.

Impact and considerations

Business travelers should note security risks in parts of Angola, especially Cabinda Province and border areas, which may affect personnel safety and business continuity.

Travel marketers prepare for the rise of AI agents

As AI reshapes travel discovery and booking, the industry is learning to market to AI agents (B2A). Phocuswright research shows travelers are increasingly willing to book with AI, and marketers must adapt. Expedia Group is building parallel agent marketing capabilities, emphasizing unique data.

Liberia travel advice: heightened health screening for arrivals

The UK FCDO updated travel advice for Liberia, mentioning heightened health screening measures for arriving travelers. Travelers are advised to check entry requirements and ensure insurance coverage.

Impact and considerations

Business travelers should note that health screening in Liberia may affect itineraries; check latest requirements in advance.

Travel operators ramp up AI spending as search and discovery behaviors shift

TravelTech Show research shows travel operators are increasing AI investment, with 64% planning to increase spending in the next 12 months and 21% expecting to double. AI's main impact is on data analysis, reporting, and online visibility. Instagram is now the most effective marketing platform.

Airbnb recruits VP of hotels amid category expansion

Airbnb has announced the recruitment of Andrea D'Amico as VP of hotels, starting in early June. This move is part of Airbnb's expansion into hotels, focusing on independent and boutique properties. Hotel inventory is now expanding to 30 cities.

Sri Lanka ETA free, Middle East escalation impacts travel

The UK FCDO updated travel advice for Sri Lanka: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is now free as of 25 May 2026. Middle East escalation causes flight disruptions; flights from Colombo via Middle Eastern hubs may be delayed or rerouted. Government imposes weekly fuel quotas, with special arrangements for tourism.

South Sudan travel advisory: FCDO advises against all travel

The UK FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan due to armed violence and criminality. The political and security situation is unpredictable; Juba airport may close or be inaccessible, and flights may be cancelled at short notice. Consular assistance is severely limited.

Impact and considerations

For business travelers, South Sudan poses severe security risks and limited consular support, potentially affecting personnel safety and evacuation capabilities.

Solomon Islands travel advice: Middle East escalation impacts global travel

The UK FCDO updated travel advice for Solomon Islands, removing information about Tropical Cyclone Maila, but highlighting that Middle East escalation causes global travel disruption, including airspace closures and flight delays. Travelers should check transit country advice and airline updates.

Impact and considerations

Business travelers should note the potential impact of Middle East escalation on global flights, even if the destination is not in the Middle East.