Listen to today’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silk-logic-travel-daily/id1842162269
Travel Daily Podcast 12/19/2025
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
Madrid acogerá la nueva sede del Consejo Mundial de Viajes y Turismo tras salir de Londres
The World Travel & Tourism Council will relocate its global headquarters from London to Madrid, bolstering Spain’s leadership in global tourism. The move aligns with Spain’s record 2024 visitor and revenue figures and deepens Madrid’s role alongside UN Tourism, paving the way for a coordinated “global tourism campus” focused on sustainability, data, and skills.
Goldman Sachs and Shark Anupam Mittal-backed Travelstack Tech files DRHP for IPO
Travelstack Tech filed its draft prospectus for an IPO featuring a Rs 250 crore fresh issue alongside an offer for sale, with proceeds earmarked for working capital, debt reduction, and growth. As India’s corporate travel market scales, the FabHotels parent highlights rapid revenue gains, a 25,000+ hotel network, and hundreds of enterprise clients using its TravelPlus platform.
South Africa reassures tourists of safety
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille outlined stepped-up measures to reassure visitors during the festive season, including safety information, partnerships with the Border Management Authority, and thousands of trained tourism monitors. The campaign aims to address crime concerns by boosting visible support from airports and borders to key attractions, while encouraging shared responsibility across industry and communities.
Travel Retail Norway starts accepting Bitcoin at Oslo Airport via Lightning Network
Travel Retail Norway now accepts Bitcoin for Click & Collect purchases at Oslo Airport via the Lightning Network. Payments settle instantly in Norwegian kroner with no extra retailer fees, a move aimed at convenience and positioning Norway as a forward‑thinking travel retail market.
Flu case numbers spike across US as the holidays approach
Nearly three million flu cases have already been confirmed this season, prompting hospitals to tighten visitor policies and some schools to adjust schedules. For holiday travelers, experts advise vaccination, masking in crowded indoor settings, and diligent hand hygiene to reduce risk.
Meet the Zenith, a $3.5 million luxury travel trailer commissioned by Michael Andretti
Michael Andretti commissioned “The Zenith,” a one‑of‑a‑kind, $3.5 million, two‑story travel trailer with 1,200 square feet of living space and a collapsible upper‑level primary suite. Designed with penthouse‑style interiors and award‑recognized craftsmanship, it shows how luxury mobility is reshaping life on the road for elite travelers.
OAG appoints ex‑Skyscanner executive Filip Filipov as new chief executive officer
OAG named Filip Filipov as CEO, succeeding Phil Callow after 13 years. Filipov, previously COO and a former Skyscanner executive, will lead a push into advanced data products and AI‑driven intelligence while ensuring continuity for customers.
Planning a holiday? 4 smart ways to plan your vacation using a credit card without financial stress
Used wisely, credit cards can meaningfully lower trip costs through rewards and air‑miles redemptions, travel perks, and targeted offers. Converting large expenses into manageable EMIs can smooth cash flow—but only if balances are paid on time to avoid interest and protect credit health.
LEGOLAND Deutschland will open the world’s first official Wizarding World hotel in 2026
LEGOLAND Deutschland will debut the world’s first official Wizarding World‑themed hotel alongside a LEGO Harry Potter land, targeted for 2026. The Bavaria‑based project expands Harry Potter stays to Europe with immersive, family‑friendly rooms inspired by Hogwarts and easy access via Munich or Stuttgart.
