New Destinations World Summit 2026 – Las Vegas by Newsweek convenes global leaders in travel, tourism, aviation, hospitality, technology, and entertainment to examine the forces shaping the future of international destinations.

Held as the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the forum reflects on the nation’s enduring role in advancing global mobility, innovation, and tourism economies. For more than two and a half centuries, the United States has helped redefine transportation networks, aviation systems, hospitality standards, and destination development, fundamentally transforming how people travel and connect across the world.

Las Vegas offers a compelling case study in destination evolution. In just a few decades, the city has transformed from a regional leisure destination into a global hub for entertainment, major sporting events, conventions, and hospitality innovation. Through high-level dialogues, strategic conversations, and curated networking, participants will explore how cities, countries, and industry leaders can design the next generation of tourism destinations—balancing economic growth, infrastructure, technology, and visitor experience.

Presented in partnership with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the forum provides a platform for public and private sector leaders to exchange ideas and shape the future of global travel at a pivotal moment for the United States and the international tourism industry.

New Destinations World Summit 2026 – Las Vegas convenes senior leaders from across the global travel and tourism ecosystem, including:

Topic 1:

The Next 250 Years of Global Travel
What the Future of Mobility Means for the World

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, this opening panel explores how global mobility has evolved over the past two centuries and what will define the next era of international travel.

The discussion examines the shifting geography of global aviation, the rise of new international hubs and the policies shaping cross border connectivity in the decades ahead.

Topic 2:

America’s Tourism Story
From Frontier Travel to Global Destination Economy

Over the past 250 years the United States has built one of the world’s most powerful tourism economies.

This panel explores how American cities and destinations have evolved into global tourism hubs and how experiences, entertainment and infrastructure have transformed the way people travel.

Las Vegas provides a powerful case study of this transformation.

Topic 3:

The Global Destination Arms Race
How Cities Compete for the World’s Travelers

Destinations are competing more aggressively than ever to attract international visitors, investment and major global events.

This discussion examines how cities build global tourism brands, develop integrated resort ecosystems and leverage sport, culture and entertainment to drive tourism growth.

Topic 4:

The Aviation Supercycle
Airports, Airlines and the Race for Global Access

Air travel demand continues to grow rapidly, placing new pressure on infrastructure and reshaping airline business models.

This panel explores the next phase of aviation growth, including fleet transformation, airport expansion and the role of connectivity in economic development. As global attention turns to Turkey this year with the country hosting COP31, the discussion will also consider how major international moments elevate the role of global hub airports that connect regions, facilitate diplomacy, and support the movement of business and travellers across continents.

Topic 5:

The Experience Economy
Why Entertainment Is Becoming the World’s Most Powerful Tourism Driver

Tourism is increasingly driven by experiences rather than traditional attractions.

This session explores how entertainment, sport and immersive attractions are reshaping global tourism demand and redefining destination development.

Las Vegas stands at the centre of this transformation.

Topic 6:

The Frictionless Journey
AI, Biometrics and the Future of Travel

Technology is transforming every stage of the travel experience.

This panel explores how artificial intelligence, digital identity and biometric technologies are enabling seamless travel experiences across airports, borders and travel platforms.

Topic 7:

The Luxury Travel Boom
Why High End Tourism Is Transforming the Global Market

Luxury travel is one of the fastest growing segments in tourism.

This discussion explores the rise of ultra luxury hotels, private aviation and bespoke travel experiences and how destinations are using luxury tourism to drive high value growth.

Topic 8:

The Future Destination
What Will Define the Next Generation of Global Tourism

The closing discussion looks ahead to the next generation of tourism destinations.

From large scale infrastructure investment and new tourism developments to sustainability and digital innovation, this panel explores what the destinations of the future will look like.

Day 1: September 15, 2026

Day 2: September 16, 2026