For more than two decades, Italy has dominated Virtuoso's annual Luxe Report. But the 2027 rankings have a new leader. Japan has overtaken the perennial favorite for the first time in the report's history, ending Italy's reign at the top of one of the travel industry's most closely watched rankings.
The Michelin Guide announced 470 new Key hotels across 79 destinations on September 18, 2026. More significantly, hotels in 10 countries received Michelin Keys for the first time. But can Michelin's influence help put lesser-known alternatives on travelers' radar?
Only 45% of Americans will plan vacations with paid lodging, the lowest amount in six years. For many households, the question is no longer where to go, but whether they can afford to travel at all.
Hotels have long used words such as "eco," "green" and "sustainable" to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. However, European regulators are now scrutinizing these words more closely.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants recorded the largest year-over-year gain among the 25 leading brands in YouGov's 2026 U.S. hotel satisfaction rankings. Could Kimpton's rise in customer satisfaction suggest that its ethos is resonating with travelers?
In 2026, many industry experts say luxury travel is less about doing or spending more, and more focused on quality of the experience and how the vacationers feel after the trip. While some travel predictions just point to places that look good on a map, a new hotel opening, a rare solar eclipse, or a growing culinary scene could be enough to move a destination onto travelers' short lists.
