The lasting effects of the United States federal government shutdown are being acutely felt in the travel sector, with disruptions impacting meeting professionals, business travelers, and event attendees across the country. At the same time, major industry players like Hilton and American Express are reporting evolving traveler preferences and robust expectations for the coming years, while international destinations like Victoria, Australia are staking their futures on sustainability and innovation. Here, we unpack the latest developments and trends shaping the world of business travel and events.

FAA Staffing Shortages Trigger Nationwide Delays Amid Shutdown

As the government shutdown extends into a second week, air travelers—including IMEX America attendees and Smart Meetings staff—have experienced first-hand the toll of reduced staffing at key Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) control centers. Airports from Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International (LAS) to major hubs in Atlanta, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Nashville, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia have reported flight delays increasingly attributed not only to weather, but to ongoing staffing shortages caused by the shutdown.

Though FAA data shows that roughly 92% of flights are still departing on time, industry analysts warn this number could deteriorate if the shutdown persists. Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst, noted, “If this continues, it could utterly disrupt, and possibly ruin, millions of Americans’ Thanksgiving holidays.” Airlines have begun to brace for cascading effects on both domestic and international schedules, as critical air traffic controllers and TSA staff continue to work without pay, testing workforce morale and operational safety.

The impact on the meetings industry is direct and immediate. As witnessed by IMEX attendees and event professionals, delays lead to missed connections, late arrivals, and logistical headaches that ripple across already intricate event schedules. With the holiday travel season looming, planners are advised to build extra flexibility and contingency into their arrangements, and to stay closely attuned to FAA advisories and airline communication.

Hilton’s 2026 Trends: Purpose, Solitude, and Family Take Center Stage

Looking beyond immediate disruptions, the newly released Hilton 2026 Trends Report, prepared in partnership with Ipsos, reveals a profound shift in the motivations guiding global travelers. Surveying more than 14,000 respondents across 13 countries, Hilton found that 56% of travelers will prioritize trips focused on “rest and recharge” in 2026.

Other key findings include:

• Purposeful Travel: Travelers are increasingly crafting itineraries around personal passions, wellness, and growth, with 72% seeking to learn a new skill or develop a hobby while away.
• Solo & Multigenerational Journeys: Half of parents report traveling with one child at a time, and “skip-gen” travel (children with grandparents) is on the rise. There’s also been a significant increase in travelers booking solo days around family trips.
• Comfort & Familiarity: 66% say their hotel group loyalties mirror their parents’, while 58% stick to the same loyalty programs they grew up with—highlighting the intergenerational thread running through travel preferences.
• “Hushpitality”: Quiet, privacy-driven escapes are expected to rise, as travelers seek respite from the fast pace of daily life.

Road trips are resurging, especially in the U.S., where 71% plan to drive to their destination in the coming year, favoring comfort and convenience—such as hotels within five hours and free breakfast amenities.

Hilton’s report underscores a shift toward “purpose-driven” journeys and restorative experiences over “bucket list” or status-driven adventures—a trend likely to shape the strategies of hospitality providers and meeting destinations worldwide.

American Express Expects Strong Growth for Global Meetings in 2026

The 2026 Meetings & Events Forecast from American Express Global Business Travel projects an optimistic future for the in-person events sector. According to the 13th annual report, which surveyed hundreds of event professionals globally, 73% expect meeting budgets to increase or remain stable—with 82% predicting more in-person meetings.

Key global insights include:

• Internal Meetings Lead: Internal company gatherings are the fastest-growing meeting type, while incentive trips and customer-facing events are also gaining ground.
• Regional Shifts: North America is experiencing more regional events in secondary destinations as hotel demand compresses prime markets. In Europe, planners are emphasizing ROI and sustainability amid budget challenges. Latin America and Asia Pacific both report steady growth in face-to-face events and incentive travel, even as cost controls remain paramount.
• AI & Tech Integration: Adoption of AI-powered planning tools continues to grow, improving logistics, attendee experience, and administrative efficiency, particularly in North America and Europe.
• Sustainability: Six out of ten planners now factor in environmental sustainability when sourcing events, although budget and resources often limit progress, especially outside of Europe and Asia-Pacific.

The report further notes a shortening of planning cycles, with events increasingly booked less than three months out. This demands greater flexibility, faster sourcing solutions, and dynamic contract negotiation from both planners and venues. As attendee expectations for technology and health/wellness options grow, meetings industry professionals are advised to invest in tech, promote well-being, and consider secondary destinations to maximize value.

Victoria (Australia) Unveils Ambitious 2030 Tourism Growth & Sustainability Strategy

Rounding out the latest headlines, Visit Victoria, the state’s official tourism bureau, has announced its Strategy 2030 to expand the visitor economy from $26.5 billion in 2022 to $41.8 billion by 2030. With a sharpened focus on high-yield, sustainable travel, the roadmap sets out to:

• Raise regional visitor spend to $16 billion annually
• Drive greater dispersal and off-peak visitation, especially to less-traveled regions and during shoulder seasons
• Expand the calendar of events—including major international conferences and business meetings—to reinforce Victoria’s position as a global events leader
• Promote luxury, culturally-motivated, and business event travel
• Enhance Aboriginal and local-led tourism experiences for authentic engagement

Destination marketing is leveraging Victoria’s creative reputation, world-class food and wine, walkable cities, and inclusive culture. Increased international airlift—especially from North America, India, China, and Southeast Asia—will help realize these ambitions, alongside a commitment to new infrastructure and tourism product innovation.

Planners considering Australia for future incentive programs or meetings will find Victoria’s strategy prioritizes meaningful engagement, sustainability, and resilience—factors increasingly important for global organizations.

Looking Ahead: Resiliency and Innovation Drive Travel Recovery

The travel and meetings landscape is clearly being tested by macroeconomic and political disruptions. Yet, as business travel bounces back with rising demand, new technologies, and a pronounced focus on experience and sustainability, the sector is increasingly future-ready. For planners and suppliers alike, agility, innovation, and responsiveness remain paramount in navigating both short-term challenges and long-term opportunities for growth.