Join us for New Destinations Summit 2026

The world’s leading travel decision-makers gather in New York to define the next generation of destinations.
72nd Floor, One World Trade Center, New York City on Tuesday, September 15, 2026

New Destinations Summit 2026

The global travel industry has entered a defining new phase. Following years of disruption and rapid recovery, travel is no longer simply rebounding — it is being fundamentally reshaped by shifting consumer expectations, technological transformation, sustainability imperatives, and evolving geopolitical realities.

As destinations compete for investment, talent, and visitors in an increasingly complex global landscape, industry leaders must rethink how travel grows responsibly, innovates at scale, and delivers long-term economic value.

Newsweek’s New Destinations New York 2026 Summit brings together senior decision-makers from across the global travel ecosystem for a one-day, invite-only gathering in New York City. The summit will convene CEOs, policymakers, destination leaders, investors, innovators, and academics to examine the forces redefining tourism and hospitality worldwide.

Through keynote conversations, executive panels, and curated networking, discussions will focus on:

  • The Future Traveler — evolving demand, emerging markets, and next-generation destination expectations
  • Competitive Destinations — investment, infrastructure, and growth strategies in a changing global economy
  • Technology & Transformation — AI, data, and digital innovation reshaping travel experiences
  • Sustainable Growth — balancing economic impact, climate responsibility, and regulatory change

Designed for leaders shaping strategy and investment decisions, New Destinations New York 2026 offers a unique forum to exchange insight, forge partnerships, and help define the next chapter of global travel.

Join Us!

Join Newsweek during New Destinations Summit 2026 for insightful discussions and innovative solutions.

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Agenda

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Registration and Networking Breakfast
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM
Opening Remarks from Newsweek
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM
Fireside Chat 1

The 2026 Outlook: Where Global Travel Growth Will Really Come From

10:30 AM – 11:05 AM
Panel Discussion 1

The New Travel Map: Routes, Runway Capacity and the Race for Demand
A global discussion on how destinations win growth in 2026 through access. How route decisions are made, how capacity is allocated, how airports and tourism boards partner with airlines, and how seasonality and yield determine which destinations win the next wave of demand.

11:05 AM – 11:50 AM
Tea and Coffee Networking Break
11:50 AM – 12:25 PM
Panel Discussion 2

The New Destination Playbook: How Places Become Brands People Choose
How destinations compete in 2026 when awareness is not enough. What makes a destination distinctive, how culture and major events drive demand, and how partnerships across airlines, hotels, and platforms convert interest into bookings.

12:25 PM – 1:45 PM
Networking Lunch
1:45 PM – 2:20 PM
Panel Discussion 3

Seamless Journeys: Identity, Biometrics and the Future of the Airport Experience
The future of frictionless travel. What will actually be deployed at scale by 2026 across identity, biometrics, interoperability, privacy, and the premium passenger experience. A practical discussion on what airports and airlines can implement now.

2:20 PM – 3:05 PM
Networking Break
3:05 PM – 3:40 PM
Panel Discussion 4

Tourism Under Pressure: Growth, Regulation and the New Rules of Welcome
Tourism growth is now tied to permission: resident sentiment, regulation, sustainability requirements, and infrastructure pressure. This panel focuses on the new destination leadership challenge: growing tourism without backlash, and proving measurable value.

3:40 PM – 3:55 PM
Audience Q and A
3:55 PM – 4:15 PM
Fireside Chat 2

The Next Chapter: The Decisions Travel Leaders Must Make Now for 2026

4:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Closing Note from Newsweek Editor
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Networking Reception
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Networking Dinner

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