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Travel Daily Podcast — January 21, 2026
Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories: a mix of global tourism milestones, market forecasts, cant-miss travel deals, wellness trends, and mobility insights shaping how and where we travel next.
Global tourism hit new record level in 2025: UN
Source b7 By AFP | January 20, 2026
UN Tourism reports a record 1.52 billion international arrivals in 2025, up 4% from 2024, as demand stayed resilient despite inflation and geopolitical uncertainty. Africa (+8% to 81 million) and Asia-Pacific (+6% to 331 million) led the gains, while Europe reached 793 million arrivals, 6% above 2019. The agency expects momentum to continue into 2026 as lagging destinations recover.
Global tourism hit new record level in 2025 – UN
Source b7 By Not specified | January 20, 2026
Corroborating the UN Tourism update, global arrivals reached a post-pandemic high in 2025 driven by strong recoveries in Asia and Africa. Asia-Pacific climbed to 91% of pre-pandemic levels, and Europe surpassed its 2019 benchmark with 793 million visitors. The outlook remains positive for 2026 amid steady economic conditions.
Travel agency services business analysis report 2025: market to surpass $775 million by 2030 – growth in luxury, adventure, and experiential travel segments fuels premium agency use
Source b7 By Research and Markets | January 20, 2026
The travel agency services market could rise from $521.5 million in 2024 to $776.2 million by 2030 (6.9% CAGR), fueled by complex itineraries, luxury and cruise demand, and AI-enabled personalization. Full-service arrangements are projected to hit $494.2 million by 2030, while add-on services grow even faster at 9.3% CAGR. Agencies are evolving into experience curators with crisis support, visa help, and concierge-style memberships.
Online Travel Agencies IT Spending Market Global Strategic Market Report 2025-2030: Growth in Cross-Border and Bleisure Travel Segments Spurs Development of End-to-End Itinerary Management Tools
Source b7 By Research and Markets | January 20, 2026
Online travel agencies are set to boost IT investment from $2.5 billion in 2024 to $6.4 billion by 2030 (17.1% CAGR) as platforms adopt AI, cloud, APIs, and advanced security. Software outlays are expected to reach $4.2 billion, with growth driven by personalization, mobile-first design, and enterprise tools like expense tracking and carbon reporting. The push toward direct supplier connections and end-to-end itinerary management reflects rising cross-border and bleisure demand.
Thailand: 12-night Bangkok and Hua Hin getaway with flights, bags & transfers
Source b7 By Lola | January 20, 2026
This package bundles flights, baggage, transfers, hotels, breakfast, and guided experiences like a floating market visit and a tuk-tuk tour for a city-and-beach combo. Departures are available from multiple UK airports, with options to swap Hua Hin for Koh Chang or Khao Lak. Its a value-focused itinerary with built-in activities and room to customize.
5-night Vancouver trip for a great price
Source b7 By Unchartered_Waters_Danni | January 20, 2026
This DIY 5-night Vancouver escape pairs a central 3-star hotel with one-stop flights via Calgary for about a3503 per person when booked separately. Note that flights arrive at Abbotsford (YXX), roughly 65 minutes from downtown; a prebooked shuttle can keep transfers affordable. A smart pick for budget travelers willing to trade direct flights for significant savings.
Wellness retreats to reset your gut health
Source b7 By Irenie Forshaw | January 20, 2026
From West Sussex to Austria, Germany, and Gozo, wellness resorts are offering targeted programs to rebalance the gut with nutrition consults, diagnostic testing, and treatments. Properties like Goodwood Estate, Park Igls, Lanserhof Sylt, and Amchara pair tailored diets with therapies ranging from abdominal massage to interval oxygen training. The trend reflects travelers seeking evidence-informed ways to recover energy, improve sleep, and ease digestive issues.
Saudi Arabia Car Rental and Leasing Market 2026-2031 Featuring Profiles of Hertz Corp., Sixt SE, Avis Budget Group, Strong Rent A Car, Auto Rent and Other Key Competitors
Source b7 By Research and Markets | January 20, 2026
Saudi Arabias car rental and leasing market is projected to reach $3.07 billion in 2026 and $4.33 billion by 2031 (7.09% CAGR), supported by Vision 2030 tourism, corporate fleet outsourcing, and digital booking. Religious and leisure travel, plus giga-projects like NEOM and the Red Sea, are boosting demand across economy and premium segments. Operators face cost pressures and EV-charging gaps but are investing in telematics, maintenance, and fleet upgrades.
