Planning your next top-tier incentive? You’re in luck—three exciting new options just hit the market this week. Considering Singapore for your next event? You’re not alone. The destination’s record-breaking tourism numbers prove it’s hotter than ever. Worried about the turbulence in air travel? The U.S. Travel Association has a new plan to smooth things out.
As always, Smart Travel is here to bring you the must-know headlines in this week’s travel and tourism news.
New Report from U.S. Travel Association Urges Aviation Upgrades
The U.S. Travel Association has released its Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel Report, which includes warnings that the country’s aviation sector urgently needs widespread upgrades.w Upcoming events with international draw, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the 2025 Ryder Cup and America’s 250th anniversary, will attract an estimated 40 million visitors to America and a $95 billion impact on the economy.
The report’s recommendations include:
- Fully staffing airport customs agents
- Investing in airport screening technology
- Expediting visa processing
- Combating lengthy wait times for Americans returning from international travel with new programs
- Establishing a White House task force to thoroughly review additional travel sector needs
Geoff Freeman, U.S. Travel CEO, spoke at a meeting at the Capitol, saying “The commission’s recommendations are necessary transformations….This is a once-in-a-generation chance for President Trump and Congress to modernize travel, enhance security and unlock what we estimate to be a $100 billion opportunity in just the next four years. Success will not come from small fixes or slow-moving reforms. It’s going to take bold action, and that bold action has to start now.”
Jet2CityBreaks Unveils New Fly-Drive Packages to Iceland
Meeting profs looking for adventurous destinations for incentive trips or retreats have a new option with Jet2CityBreaks’ latest offering: fly-drive packages to southern and western Iceland. These new packages, available for Winter 2025/26, provide all the convenience of a traditional package holiday with the added flexibility of included car rentals, allowing travelers to explore Iceland’s landscapes at their own pace.
With flights departing from 12 U.K. airports—including London Stansted, Manchester and Glasgow—these packages include return Jet2.com flights, baggage allowances, accommodations and car rentals. The fly-drive model is perfect for planners seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Attendees can explore national parks, waterfalls and Iceland’s iconic hot springs, such as Hvammsvik and Deildartunguhver. The concept also provides opportunities for tailored team-building activities amid Iceland’s captivating natural settings. Planning is simplified by this one-stop-shop approach—which makes satisfying attendees’ bucket-list dreams that much easier.
2025 International Arrivals to Singapore Set to Break Records
The World Travel & Tourism Council has released new research that points to record-breaking gains in international arrivals to Singapore—projected to reach nearly 16 million visitors, up 9.6% from pre-pandemic levels and outpacing regional competitors like Thailand and the Philippines.
Read More: Luxury, Culture and White Lotus in Thailand
Singapore’s tourism engine is roaring, and the surge is driven by booming interest from India, with arrivals set to hit a record 1.25 million, alongside a strong recovery in Chinese tourism that will contribute nearly 2.8 million visitors this year.
For meeting profs, this growth signals increased connectivity, more robust hospitality options and fresh experiences to offer attendees. As Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC, highlights, “This is not just a comeback—it is a transformation. Singapore is leading in innovation and sustainability.”
Notably, Singapore’s commitment to sustainability—evidenced by a 4.1% annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from its travel and tourism sector—is a strong selling point for events prioritizing eco-conscious practices, such as the upcoming Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate, which will require 1% SAF in all departing flights by 2026.
Wellness Hotel Brand Launches Ski Safaris
Luxury wellness hotel The Capra has revealed its Valais Ski Safari in Saas-Fee, Switzerland. This guided alpine adventure, led by Swiss-certified guides, combines skiing on iconic slopes with discovering tucked-away gems, and the fully customizable itinerary ensures an unforgettable experience tailored to each group’s interests and skill levels.
The Capra provides a cozy basecamp and was recently awarded two Michelin Guide Keys thanks to its warm and authentic Swiss Alpine experience. Meeting profs can expect seamless logistics, including equipment rentals, ski passes and transfers. Off the slopes, the hotel provides an inviting ambiance, delicious local cuisine and access to year-round activities that highlight the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Valais region.
Saas-Fee, known as The Pearl of the Alps, is a car-free, eco-conscious resort powered by renewable energy, surrounded by 18 peaks over 13,000 feet and blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine. Its dedication to sustainability aligns with growing trends toward responsible tourism—an ideal setting for groups seeking both adventure and a lighter environmental footprint.
Oceania Cruises Launches 12 New Culinary Discovery Tours
Oceania Cruises has announced 12 new chef-led tours for 2025, adding destinations in Europe, Asia and North America, including Amsterdam, Kobe, Quebec City and Busan. The cruise line now offers 46 Culinary Discovery Tours across its fleet, including on the soon-to-debut Allura. These group experiences provide access to local markets, acclaimed restaurants and hands-on cooking classes both on board and ashore.
Read More: Royal Caribbean Launches “World’s Biggest Weekend” Cruise with New Mega-Ship Utopia of the Seas
For meeting profs, these tours offer a fresh take on incentive travel and executive retreats. From foraging wild sea herbs on the rugged coast of Belfast to exploring bustling seafood markets in Busan, each tour connects travelers with local cultures through food.
In Halifax, guests can learn about Nova Scotia’s “chowder trail” while sampling artisanal ciders, or in Valletta, experience traditional Maltese flavors in a historic grotto-turned-restaurant.
Jason Montague, chief luxury officer of Oceania Cruises, said, “Our guests seek more than just incredible cuisine—they crave authentic connections with food, culture and people. The Culinary Discovery Tours are true behind-the-scenes experiences, guided by top chefs who bring each destination to life and are eager to share epicurean secrets, one bite at a time. These unique excursions allow travelers to savor the essence of destinations in a way that only Oceania Cruises can deliver.”
