This week’s industry news roundup looks at how destinations are investing in future meeting infrastructure, where tourism revenue is gaining momentum, why international visitor spending is raising concerns in the U.S. and who’s taking on new leadership roles across the industry.
Two new Cvent reports explore how AI is reshaping the meetings industry, finding that roughly 40 percent of event work can be supported or handled by AI while highlighting opportunities and limitations in improving event performance and outcomes. READ MORE
Kansas City, Austin and New Orleans are advancing major convention infrastructure projects, bringing new event space, hotel accommodations and facility upgrades to the forefront for future meetings and events. READ MORE
Tampa Bay kicked off Fiscal Year 2027 with record-breaking September hotel revenue, fueled by increased occupancy, higher room rates and strong meetings and convention business generating nearly $14 million in economic impact. READ MORE
Despite record domestic travel, the U.S. is facing a decline in international tourism, with overseas visitor spending projected to drop 6.3 percent in 2026, representing an estimated $11 billion loss compared with 2025. READ MORE
Hospitality and tourism organizations are announcing new leadership appointments across the industry, with key moves at Glasshouses, South Seas and MOON World Resorts, plus a lifetime achievement honor for a longtime Texas tourism leader. READ MORE
