Global Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, December 20, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Blue Elephant Restaurants in Thailand, led by Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe (centre), were recently honoured with the prestigious Thai SELECT 2025 certifications, presented by Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.  Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant in Bangkok and Phuket, along with Blue Elephant Sukhumvit, proudly received the highest distinction in the programme – the Thai SELECT 3-Star certification.

Pictured from left are:  Blue Elephant Group’s Kim Steppe, Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, and Kris Steppe.

This year’s Thai SELECT Award 2025 honours 202 restaurants, categorized as follows:

Thai SELECT 3 Stars: 12 restaurants

Thai SELECT 2 Stars: 30 restaurants

Thai SELECT 1 Star: 160 restaurants

The complete list of all 202 certified restaurants will be published in the Thai SELECT Guide 2025 and promoted internationally through collaborations with foreign influencers producing restaurant review content across Thailand. To date, a total of 460 restaurants nationwide have been awarded the Thai SELECT seal.

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Phuket, Thailand, December 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Renowned Master Chef Nooror Somany Steppe, founder of the internationally acclaimed Blue Elephant Group, has been featured as the master chef in “Silvia entdeckt – Thailand” (Silvia Discovers – Thailand), a high-profile travel documentary by Austrian television star Silvia Schneider, filmed on location in Phuket.

Produced by Silvia Schneider GmbH for ORF, Austria’s national broadcaster, the programme presents Phuket through its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and culinary excellence. A key highlight is the culinary journey shared by Silvia Schneider with Master Chef Nooror, alongside Chef Kris Steppe, showcasing not only the depth, authenticity, and refined techniques of Thai cuisine rooted in tradition and sustainability but also the cultural and human diversity of Phuket.

The documentary forms part of a strategic collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thailand’s Public Relations Department, and is expected to reach more than 4 million viewers across ORF’s broadcast and digital platforms, significantly amplifying Thailand’s visibility in Central Europe.

Filmed across Phuket Old Town and surrounding locations, the programme captures the island’s human and cultural diversity while positioning Thai gastronomy as a powerful expression of Thailand’s soft power. Master Chef Nooror’s participation reinforces Blue Elephant’s role as a global ambassador of Thai culinary heritage.  The Blue Elephant curries and Thai Grocery Line, which are currently exported to more than 48 countries, are reckoned in Austria as the most highly rated and well-known reference for Thai Culinary Excellence.

“Silvia entdeckt – Thailand” is scheduled to air on Sunday, 28 December 2025 at 5.30 pm on ORF.

Photo Credit:  Juraj Melicher/ORF (IG:  toldstory.studio//FB: Toldstory Studio

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Multan, Pakistan, December 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, continues to elevate the hotel sector in Pakistan with the opening of the country’s inaugural Best Western Plus hotel, and the group’s first property in the vibrant Punjabi city of Multan.

Best Western Plus Grand Hotel Multan is conveniently situated on Azmat Wasti Road, a major thoroughfare between the historic city center and the Multan Cantt commercial district. From the hotel, guests can easily access key business and leisure attractions, such as Fort Kohna Qasim Garden, Hussain Agahi Market and the United Mall. The City Railway Station is just 2km away and Multan International Airport can be reached in less than 15 minutes.

With this prime location, domestic and international visitors can stay in comfort and style, with 50 rooms and suites all equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. Guests can begin their day with breakfast in the bright and inviting restaurant, which serves both local and Western cuisine throughout the day, while the café provides a welcoming space to unwind, meet with colleagues and enjoy freshly brewed coffee or tea. Additional facilities include a fully equipped fitness center, a rooftop pool and flexible event spaces, including two executive meeting rooms and a ballroom that accommodates up to 180 guests for a wide range of gatherings.

Every aspect of the hotel experience is underpinned by the enhanced brand standards of Best Western Plus, which deliver unmatched value and upgraded services. Members of Best Western Rewards®, the award-winning loyalty program that’s free to join, can enjoy exclusive benefits and points that never expire. These points can be redeemed for exciting rewards like free room nights, airline miles and gift cards.

“Following the successful debut of our first property in the scenic Hunza Valley, we are proud to continue expanding our footprint across Pakistan, where we now operate in key cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Gujranwala, with more in the pipeline. Building on this momentum, we are delighted to introduce Multan to our industry‑leading brand Best Western Plus. As a major business, cultural and commercial hub attracting a growing number of travelers seeking international‑standard hospitality, Multan is a strategic step in our growth journey,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.

This marks the seventh BWH Hotels property in the country and the fifth this year alone.

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Cebu, Philippines, December 18, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / The Philippines is preparing to host the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026, with Cebu confirmed as the host destination for Southeast Asia’s most influential annual tourism and travel-trade event. As ASEAN’s flagship tourism platform, ATF convenes tourism ministers, national tourism organisations, international buyers, destination marketers, hospitality groups, and global media to strengthen ASEAN’s position as a unified and competitive tourism region.

The 2026 edition carries added strategic importance as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship, reinforcing its leadership role in regional tourism cooperation and policy direction.

A Strategic Platform for ASEAN Tourism Trade
Since its launch in Malaysia in 1981, the ASEAN Tourism Forum has evolved into one of the region’s most effective platforms for tourism policy dialogue and commercial exchange. Over more than four decades, ATF has facilitated market access, product development, and cross-border collaboration among ASEAN member states.

Returning to the Philippines ten years after it last hosted the forum, ATF 2026 underscores the country’s renewed focus on trade-driven growth, sustainability, and long-term regional partnerships.

Why Cebu and Mactan Matter to the Industry
Cebu’s selection reflects its growing stature as a meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination, supported by strong air connectivity, established hotel inventory, and professional event infrastructure. Known as the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu combines heritage appeal with the scale and reliability required for major international trade events.

Mactan Island, where core ATF and TRAVEX activities will be held, adds a resort-driven dimension. With its concentration of internationally branded hotels, marine attractions, and proximity to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the area offers operational efficiency alongside leisure appeal—key considerations for trade buyers and sellers alike.

TRAVEX 2026: The Commercial Engine of ATF
At the centre of ATF 2026 is the ASEAN Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), the region’s largest B2B tourism marketplace. Taking place from 28–30 January 2026 in Mactan, Cebu, TRAVEX connects ASEAN tourism suppliers with international buyers through a structured, appointment-based system.

The marketplace enables participants to pre-schedule up to 100% of one-on-one meetings, maximising ROI and time efficiency. Exhibitors will represent all ASEAN member states, showcasing destination updates, new travel products, hotel developments, and tour innovations aimed at international markets.

Beyond the exhibition floor, TRAVEX features curated networking opportunities, including hosted luncheons, evening functions, and cultural events—designed to facilitate relationship building and longer-term commercial partnerships.

Conferences, Policy Dialogue, and Market Intelligence
ATF 2026 will run alongside a robust program of tourism conferences, ministerial meetings, and national tourism organization briefings. These sessions provide buyers, sellers, and media with first-hand insights into regional visitor trends, policy priorities, and future market strategies.

Key discussion areas include sustainability, digital transformation, connectivity, and collaborative destination development, topics central to ASEAN’s medium- and long-term tourism growth.

Pre- and Post-Event Touring for Buyers and Media
A defining feature of ATF is its curated pre- and post-event tours, offering buyers and media direct exposure to the host country’s tourism products. In Cebu, itineraries will highlight heritage districts, cultural landmarks, and local community experiences, complemented by island-hopping and marine-based activities around Mactan.

Extended programmes to Boracay and Manila will provide additional product insights, allowing participants to experience a broader cross-section of Philippine tourism offerings suitable for different market segments.

Sustainability and Responsible Growth
Sustainability will remain central to ATF 2026’s agenda, with a focus on responsible destination management, environmental protection, and inclusive tourism development. These priorities align with ASEAN’s broader objectives of driving higher-value travel while safeguarding cultural and natural assets.

Media, Visibility, and Global Trade Reach
International media coverage will play a key role in amplifying ATF 2026 outcomes. Trade-focused reporting, destination features, and executive interviews will extend the forum’s commercial impact beyond the event itself. Travelindex Media Group will provide editorial coverage, supporting global visibility for participating destinations and brands.

Tourism organisations, hotels, and destinations wishing to meet with Travelindex Media Group during ATF 2026 may contact: partners@travelindex.org

Outlook for ATF 2026
For the travel trade, ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026** represents a critical marketplace and knowledge exchange at a time of renewed regional growth. Hosted in Cebu under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship, the event is positioned to deliver measurable business outcomes, deeper regional alignment, and a stronger collective ASEAN tourism proposition.

Further information and registration details are available at atfphilippines.com

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Bangkok, Thailand, December 19, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Tower Club at lebua is proud to announce that it has been honored as World’s Leading Luxury Suites Hotel 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards, a global benchmark that celebrates excellence across the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.

This distinguished recognition reflects Tower Club at lebua’s commitment to redefining luxury through intuitive service and an elevated sense of calm above the city. More than an award, it is a testament to the meaningful experiences shared with guests from around the world.

Perched high above Bangkok’s vibrant skyline, Tower Club at lebua offers an all-suite sanctuary where privacy, space, and serenity are paramount. Each suite is designed to feel like a personal retreat in the sky, complete with expansive layouts, private balconies, and uninterrupted panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River and the city beyond. Here, mornings arrive gently with natural light and sweeping vistas, while evenings unfold at an unhurried pace, framed by golden sunsets and the city’s glow.

Renowned for its discreet yet deeply personalized service, Tower Club at lebua creates an atmosphere where guests feel instantly at ease. Exclusive privileges, refined dining experiences, and seamless access to lebua’s iconic collection of MICHELIN-starred restaurants and world-famous rooftop bars further elevate each stay into something truly memorable.

The World Travel Awards honor destinations and hospitality leaders that consistently deliver outstanding experiences on a global scale. Being named World’s Leading Luxury Suites Hotel underscores Tower Club at lebua’s position as a benchmark for suite-led luxury hospitality, where thoughtful details and emotional resonance define the guest journey.

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Meditate with Lady Buddha in Da Nang
At the towering Lady Buddha statue that presides over Da Nang’s Son Tra Peninsula, TIA Wellness Resort offers guests a little slice of peace, stillness, and presence. On one of the resort’s signature wellness tours, Breathe, guests leave early for a relaxing exploration of Linh Ung Pagoda, an active place of worship –the largest in Da Nang! – before a guided meditation session on the grounds with a focus on the breath. After the mindful practice the excursion takes in the main Lady Buddha statue, the tallest in the country and a symbol of peace and prosperity, the experience begins at 6:00am and wraps up at 8:30am.

Salute the Sunset at Krabi
With an on-site Wellbeing Sanctuary program available for guests, Banyan Tree Krabi is simply stretching its growth and mindfulness activities on December 21 to provide a Wellbeing Day, starting with beach yoga at 8am, led by Wellbeing Practitioner and Ayurvedic specialist Dr. Subhash Shanbhag. The day’s itinerary continues with Mandala Painting at 10am, followed by a Workshop for the Senses that focuses on the scents and aromas of nature. Banyan Tree Krabi is surrounded by a lush tropical landscape and visitors can enjoy a first-hand introduction to local flora. The day is rounded off at 6pm with a Better Sleep workshop including breathwork and Tibetan sound meditation on the resort’s beachfront lawn, boasting a spectacular backdrop of the Andaman Sea and its majestic limestone cliffs.

Sound healing on Cam Ranh peninsula
The expansive Alma Resort on Vietnam’s scenic Cam Ranh peninsula overlooking Long Beach will host a 1.5-hour meditation session led by Indian wellness expert Umesh Kumar Sharma. The program, to be held on Dec. 21 to mark World Meditation Day from 4.30-6pm at the resort’s Yoga Room, will begin with an introduction to the benefits of sound healing meditation. After gentle stretching, participants will engage in the sound healing session. The program will finish with a herbal tea ritual. The program will be open to 10-12 guests and is priced at 350,000 VND per person. Umesh is equipped with 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, with expertise in yoga and meditation from India’s “city of yoga” Rishikesh.

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Palma, Spain, December 17, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / It has now been confirmed that Alain St. Ange of the mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles and the globally respected tourism leader who was the former Seychelles minister, will be recognised at the Clevenard Global Authors’ Recognition Ceremony & Leaders’ Business Networking Forum from 27–30 August 2026. During the event, he will receive two prestigious awards: the Global Author Award for Transformational Leadership Storytelling for his inspiring autobiography Alain St. Ange, My Journey – An Autobiography, and the Global Tourism Leadership Award for Strategic Impact & Cultural Diplomacy in recognition of his exceptional contributions to international tourism and cultural diplomacy.

His autobiography offers a unique insight into leadership, governance, resilience, and global engagement, making it an essential read for policymakers, investors, and emerging leaders worldwide. Alain St. Ange’s recognition at Clevenard 2026 celebrates both literary excellence and transformative impact in global tourism.

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Phnom Penh, Cambodia, December 17, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic luxury hotel in Cambodia’s capital, has appointed David Eldridge as its new Executive Chef, as the historic property continues to elevate its fine-dining programme.

Chef David brings more than two decades of international luxury experience across eight countries, including the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, Tanzania, the UAE, Qatar, Seychelles and his native South Africa. He joins Raffles Hotel Le Royal from Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, where he served as Director of Food, Beverage & Culinary. His career also included senior roles with Four Seasons, Kempinski Hotels, and The Luxury Collection (Marriott).

Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s celebrated restaurants include Restaurant Le Royal, an acclaimed Khmer fine-dining venue, and Le Phnom 1929, a French-style brasserie.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chef David and his wealth of culinary expertise to Raffles Hotel Le Royal. His vision and talents will help us continue to deliver the finest dining experiences in Cambodia and the region to both hotel guests and the local community,” Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons said.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, which originally opened in 1929, now features 175 rooms and suites revitalized through a comprehensive restoration completed in 2019. The transformation blends modern comfort with timeless elegance, reflecting the hotel’s French colonial heritage enriched by Khmer artistry and Art Deco design.

For more information on Raffles Hotel Le Royal or to make a booking, please contact +855 23 981 888

ABOUT RAFFLES

Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

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Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, December 15, 2025/ TRAVELINDEX / The Hari Hong Kong has achieved ‘EarthCheck Silver status’ in recognition of its broad spectrum of sustainability initiatives, placing the Wan Chai hotel among the globe’s most eco-friendly travel and tourism operators.

To achieve and maintain Silver Certified accreditation with EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group, the hotel must be independently audited annually and meet stringent requirements across key performance areas.

The hotel’s potable water consumption for the audited year of 2024 was 204.2L per guest night. That figure is just over half of the regional average of 361L per guest night, and below what EarthCheck deems the “regional leader” level – meaning exemplary standard of performance for the type and location of an operation – at 253L per guest night.

The Hari Hong Kong’s energy consumption per guest night was 101.15 MJ for 2024, almost half the regional average of 180.3 MJ per guest night and also below the regional leader level of 126MJ per guest night. During the same timeframe, the hotel sent 3.37L of waste to landfill per guest night, just over a third of the regional average of 9.01L per guest night and almost half of the regional leader level of 6.31L per guest night.

The hotel’s greenhouse gas emissions for the audited year of 2024 were 18.33kg CO2-e per guest night, sitting right at the regional leader level and under the regional average of 25kg CO2-e per guest night.

Other performance highlights during the audited year include, due to the hotel’s ban on single use plastics, the avoidance of an estimated 109,878 500ml plastic bottles and 47,767 30ml bathroom amenities bottles.

The Hari Hong Kong, which opened in December 2020 in the heart of Wan Chai, was established through sustainable design and construction which sought to reduce negative impacts on the environment. The hotel is also a LEED (Silver), BEAM Plus (Silver) and BEEO certified hotel in recognition for its sustainable design, construction and energy efficiency performance.

“We are continually striving to improve our performance in environmental and social sustainability across everything we do, ranging from our energy and water conservation efforts to responsible purchasing, local employment and community support,” said the hotel’s General Manager Edward E. Snoeks.

The hotel works with Green Island Cement on its ShellCem Project to collect and upcycle oyster shells and other seashells such as mussel and scallop shells into cement.

A green wall on the facade of the hotel’s second floor terrace, that stretches three stories high, contributes positively to the environment by helping to reduce the temperature of surrounding areas.

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Albuquerque, United States, December 15, 2025 / TRAVELINDEX / As the U.S. tourism industry seeks new growth drivers, Indigenous tourism is entering a new and more confident chapter, gaining international attention. The 27th American Indigenous Tourism Association (“the Association” hereafter) annual conference, a flagship event for Native nations, gathered over 300 attendees.

What emerged was clear: Indigenous tourism is no longer positioned at the periphery of U.S. tourism development. It is advancing toward the center—through national leadership, structured product development, next-generation talent preparation, and, importantly, through international collaboration with Canada, New Zealand, and beyond.

The Association: A National Leader on the Global Stage

The Association is a founding partner of Destination Original Indigenous Tourism (DO-IT), a pioneering alliance between the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Together, these three countries represent 43% of global Indigenous tourism revenue, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) report Supporting Global Indigenous Tourism. Officially launched a year ago, DO-IT shares a common goal of visibility, authenticity, and data-driven strategy.

Leaders of DO-IT and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) traveled from Canada to join the event. “International partnerships are essential to advancing Indigenous tourism worldwide, because alone, we cannot grow what we cannot see,” said DO-IT’s CEO, Sébastien Desnoyers-Picard (Mi’kmaq). DO-IT advocates for Indigenous experiences to be counted, reframing how Indigenous tourism is recognized on the world stage.

Among DO-IT’s many priorities is the expansion of “The Original Original” certification—initially developed by ITAC to set standards for authenticity and quality in Indigenous tourism in Canada. While the Association is introducing it to the United States, ITAC is discussing adaptations with New Zealand, Chile, Colombia, and others. ITAC’s President & CEO Keith Henry noted, “Together we are unifying the brand The Original Original to more strategically promote authentic Indigenous destinations worldwide.”

On the home front, the past year saw the Association’s membership grow by 27%; destination and product listings increase by 39%; international engagement reach 200 travel-trade and media partners from 24 countries; and media reach exceed 8.1 billion impressions. All of this has been supported by an expanding staff team.

Using U.S. Census ABS and NES-D data (2017–2020), the Association reports that Indigenous-owned tourism firms generated $11.6 billion in 2020, with one in four Indigenous businesses linked to tourism. More than 133,000 firms now employ 210,000 workers, and from 2017 to 2020, Indigenous tourism jobs and firm counts rose 78.2% and 228%, respectively—figures supported by the Association’s analysis and its economic impact study with SMS Research.

Association CEO Sherry Rupert (Paiute/Washoe) emphasized, “We are not just participants in the industry. We are redefining it. We are creating new global standards rooted in respect, reciprocity, and relationships.” Her dual roles on the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel & Tourism Advisory Board and the National Park Service tourism advisory committee underscore Indigenous influence at the federal table.

From Resource Advantage to Product Development

For decades, Indigenous tourism was defined largely by its resource advantage: landscapes, traditions, stories, arts, and community knowledge. The sector faced a common challenge worldwide: abundant cultural and land assets but uneven product development.
This is changing.

Across Indian Country, tribes are shifting to active creation—developing products, itineraries, guidebooks, and visitor-ready experiences. For example, the Association collaborated with the National Park Service and the states of Arizona and California to produce the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail Tribal Guidebook, inspired by the 1,200-mile route once walked by the Mexican explorer to reach the destination we now know as San Francisco.

The guidebook links more than 80 tribes and serves as an excellent tool for both the travel trade and travelers. Similar cross-tribal itineraries, language-centered experiences, traditional food routes, and eco-cultural journeys are emerging as market-ready products.

This shift—from resource to product, from cultural presence to economic opportunity—is making Indigenous tourism more competitive globally. It aligns with what today’s international travelers seek: meaningful, place-based, community-led authenticity.

A Conversation That Signaled a Turning Point

A moment crystallized the new era. On the conference stage, in a session titled “Driving Inbound Travel,” Sherry Rupert held a fireside conversation with Fred Dixon, President & CEO of Brand USA—the United States’ national destination marketing organization. His presence alone signaled national recognition. His words carried it further.

“What’s happening in Indigenous tourism right now is powerful,” Dixon said. “It is cultural preservation, it is economic development, and it is storytelling at its very best. From Alaska to Arizona, from small tour operators to large destination partners, the leadership and innovation in this room are shaping how the world experiences America.”

He noted that 70% of international visitors want to experience authentic cultural tourism products in the United States. He further remarked that Native destinations are one of America’s “secret weapons.”

Sherry Rupert responded without missing a beat: “How about calling it ‘Native America, the Beautiful!’?” A slogan she instantly crystallized—of the Indigenous, by the Indigenous, for the Indigenous.

This was a notable moment: Dixon was embracing Indigenous tourism as essential to the country’s identity and inbound strategy. Indigenous stories are national stories, presented to the world not as footnotes but as central chapters.

The New Generation on the Horizon

The Association’s vision extends beyond tourism products and the present moment. Nearly 100 high school seniors from Choctaw Central High School and from Jackson, Mississippi, were invited to the conference for a dedicated youth track. Students learned about careers, identity, representation, and the meaning of cultural tourism; interacted with tourism professionals; and experienced warm hospitality.

This initiative addressed a key issue. WTTC projects that by 2035 the sector will face a labor shortfall of 43.1 million people—a 16% gap—with the United States alone accounting for a deficit of 1.04 million workers (see the study The Future of Work in Travel & Tourism: The Key Trends Shaping Workforce Strategies). The Association positioned its annual conference as a workforce and leadership pipeline—possibly the first of its kind among national tourism conferences in the United States.

Furthermore, the Association staged 26-year-old Choctaw youth leader Tyler Bell to deliver the closing keynote—a deliberate choice to spotlight youth leadership rather than a traditional authoritative figure. Bell’s message rang clear and bold: stay rooted in identity, lead with heart, and work together to create a tribal tourism future that honors yesterday and inspires tomorrow.

Youth participation underscores the sector’s recognition that tourism is not only an economic engine but also a cultural and leadership pipeline.

2026: A Landmark Year of Opportunity

The year 2026 will be a once-in-a-century convergence of events: the FIFA World Cup (its largest ever, with 48 teams playing 104 matches across 16 North American cities); the United States’ 250th anniversary; the centennials of American Airlines, United Airlines, and three NHL clubs; the 100th anniversaries of multiple luxury hotels in New York, California, Florida, and beyond; and the 100th anniversary of Route 66—the “Mother Road,” which crosses more than 30 tribal communities in eight states.

For Indigenous tourism, these milestones offer a rare opportunity for visibility, storytelling, and global engagement. The Association has launched its America 250 initiative, gathering Indigenous experiences connected to the Revolutionary and early U.S. eras to build a national itinerary of Indigenous narratives. “This anniversary is an invitation to acknowledge the totality of the American experience,” the Association states. “We are still here, and our history is American history.” In 2026, that history will be seen, shared, and celebrated on the global stage.

Haybina Hao reporting for Travelindex on travel, agritourism, adventure travel, destinations.
Haybina is an international travel industry journalist and reports in both Chinese and English.

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