Chicago Joins New York City, Seattle, Phoenix, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and More as Americans Embrace Top Domestic and International Thanksgiving Destinations

Chicago joins New York City, Seattle, Phoenix, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and other leading cities as Americans reshape their Thanksgiving travel plans, favoring dynamic urban centers, tropical retreats, and world-famous international hotspots. The growing appeal of vibrant city life, picturesque beaches, and culturally rich destinations is encouraging travelers to move beyond traditional countryside holidays. Key factors influencing these choices include closeness to family, favorable weather, and the pursuit of unforgettable holiday experiences.

This year, New York City continues to dominate as the most popular Thanksgiving destination in the United States. Famous for its legendary Thanksgiving Day Parade, the city has held the top spot for the fifth straight year, according to a detailed study analyzing both domestic and international travel trends.

The research, conducted by Allianz Partners, examined more than 700,000 round-trip flight itineraries departing November 22–27 and returning November 28–December 2, 2025. The findings highlight a clear shift in American holiday preferences, with travelers increasingly drawn to metropolitan skylines, warm-weather escapes, and experiences that go beyond the traditional turkey-and-trimmings holiday in the countryside.

Seattle claims the second spot on the domestic list, offering a blend of scenic waterfronts and urban culture, while Phoenix ranks third, appealing to visitors with its dramatic desert scenery and vibrant city environment. Atlanta and Dallas round out the top five, reflecting a growing interest in Southern cities for Thanksgiving travel. The remainder of the domestic top 10 includes Los Angeles, Orlando, Boston, Miami, and Chicago, showcasing a mix of coastal attractions, cultural landmarks, and family-friendly hubs.

Internationally, Mexico continues to dominate the Thanksgiving travel landscape. Cancun leads the pack, luring travelers with its high-end resorts and pristine beaches, followed closely by San Jose del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. European and Caribbean destinations also remain popular, with London, Paris, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Montego Bay in Jamaica, Mexico City, Oranjestad in Aruba, and Providenciales Island in Turks and Caicos rounding out the global top 10. These locations reflect a strong appetite for both cultural exploration and tropical leisure among holidaymakers.

A separate survey of 1,200 travelers provided additional insight into current travel habits. Domestic trips account for 82 percent of planned itineraries, while 18 percent of Americans are heading abroad for the holiday. Flying remains the preferred mode of transport, with 74 percent of respondents taking to the skies. Smaller numbers will rent cars (8 percent), drive their own vehicles (2 percent), travel by train (6 percent), or use other means (10 percent).

Destination choices are shaped by a combination of personal and practical factors. Proximity to family and friends is the top consideration for 59 percent of travelers, followed by cost at 17 percent and favorable weather at 10 percent. These priorities underscore how Americans are balancing tradition with convenience and comfort when planning their Thanksgiving trips.

Thanksgiving travel has grown markedly over recent years. In 2019, roughly 55 million Americans traveled for the holiday, a figure that surged to 80 million in 2024. This year, however, travel volumes may be slightly tempered by flight reductions related to the government shutdown, which is expected to impact major airports in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and 37 other key travel hubs nationwide.

Chicago joins New York City, Seattle, Phoenix, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and more as Americans embrace top domestic and international Thanksgiving destinations, flocking to vibrant cities, sunny beaches, and iconic global hotspots for memorable holiday experiences.

Despite these potential disruptions, Americans remain eager to explore a wide range of destinations. Urban skylines, cultural cities, and tropical resorts are drawing travelers away from conventional turkey-day traditions, signaling a broader shift toward experiences that combine relaxation, adventure, and discovery. The trend reflects an evolving holiday mindset, one where memorable journeys and unique experiences increasingly define how Americans spend Thanksgiving.

The post Chicago Joins New York City, Seattle, Phoenix, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and More as Americans Embrace Top Domestic and International Thanksgiving Destinations appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Las Vegas Tourism Struggles with Nine-Month Decline as Rising Costs, Political Tensions, and Fewer Canadian Visitors Slow Recovery in 2025

Las Vegas’ tourism industry has been facing significant challenges throughout 2025, with a nine-month decline in visitor numbers marking a sharp contrast to the city’s previous growth. Several factors are driving this downturn, with rising travel costs at the forefront. Higher room rates and resort fees have made a visit to Las Vegas more expensive, prompting many potential visitors to reconsider their plans. As the cost of a stay increases, many tourists are opting for more affordable destinations, dampening the city’s once-thriving tourism market.

Alongside financial pressures, political tensions between the United States and Canada have led to a sharp drop in Canadian visitors, who traditionally account for a significant portion of Las Vegas’ tourist traffic. The impact of these geopolitical tensions has been compounded by broader concerns about economic instability and political uncertainty, which have made many international travelers hesitant to return to the U.S. This combination of factors has slowed Las Vegas’ recovery and raised questions about how the city will regain its tourism momentum and recover in the second half of 2025.

Nine Straight Months of Decline

Recent data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) shows total visitation to the city has dropped 8.8% compared to the same period last year. Convention attendance, a vital segment of Las Vegas’ business travel market, has decreased nearly 19%, largely due to event rescheduling and shifting corporate priorities.

Between January and September 2025, monthly visitor numbers reflected a steady contraction:

• January: 3,344,600
• February: 2,973,300
• March: 3,386,800
• April: 3,335,900
• May: 3,418,700
• June: 3,094,800
• July: 3,089,300
• August: 3,171,500
• September: 3,091,400

While these fluctuations are typical during shoulder seasons, the overall downward trajectory remains clear. Hotel occupancy has fallen by more than five percentage points to 78.7%, while the average daily room rate has slipped to $191. Revenue per available room—a key industry metric—has declined to $150, marking a 9% drop from 2024.

Air arrivals have also fallen 6.4%, a decline attributed in part to reduced airline capacity and route cuts from budget carriers. Meanwhile, casino revenues, long the lifeblood of Las Vegas’ economy, have dipped as operators report fewer guests, weaker gaming activity, and slower spending across entertainment venues and dining outlets.

Canadian Visitors Stay Away as Political Friction Grows

One of the sharpest declines has come from Canada, traditionally one of the United States’ strongest inbound travel markets. Since early 2025, the number of Canadians visiting the U.S. by car has plummeted, falling more than 38% in May compared to the previous year. Even by August, the trend persisted, with a 33.9% year-over-year drop in vehicle return trips.

Air travel from Canada tells a similar story. Overnight leisure trips to U.S. destinations, especially to cities such as Las Vegas and Orlando, have seen double-digit decreases. Many Canadians cite political tensions, rising tariffs, and economic instability as reasons for avoiding U.S. vacations this year.

Travel sentiment studies reinforce these patterns, showing that a large portion of Canadian tourists are reconsidering travel plans due to shifting political dynamics. Analysts note that this cooling relationship could have lasting effects, as Canadian travelers traditionally contribute significantly to spending in U.S. leisure markets.

The issue extends beyond Canada. International arrivals from Europe and Asia have also softened, reflecting a broader slowdown in global tourism to the United States. Reports indicate that overseas visits remain well below 2024 levels despite modest increases from Western European countries during spring and early summer.

Efforts to Revive Tourism Face Uphill Battle

In response to declining numbers, Las Vegas tourism authorities and resort operators have intensified marketing efforts aimed at revitalizing demand. The LVCVA recently launched new promotional campaigns encouraging both domestic and international travelers to rediscover the city’s attractions. The initiative focuses on repositioning Las Vegas as an accessible, value-driven destination despite global economic challenges.

Casinos and resorts have joined in with aggressive promotions, including discounted stays, waived resort fees, free parking, loyalty incentives, and bundled packages designed to attract long-weekend visitors. Entertainment companies are also investing in headline events and major concerts to reignite excitement along the Strip.

However, analysts caution that these efforts may offer only temporary relief. Inflation, higher airfare, and political unease continue to deter international visitors. Meanwhile, U.S. travelers are tightening budgets, prioritizing shorter trips and lower-cost destinations.

Industry observers suggest that a meaningful rebound may depend less on promotions and more on restoring international confidence in the U.S. as a welcoming travel destination. Improving relations with Canada, stabilizing air connectivity, and keeping travel costs under control will be crucial factors in 2026.

Looking Ahead

Las Vegas tourism has faced a nine-month decline in 2025 due to rising costs, including higher room rates and resort fees, political tensions with Canada leading to fewer Canadian visitors, and a broader slowdown in international travel driven by economic uncertainty.

Las Vegas remains one of America’s most iconic and adaptive tourism hubs, but its path to recovery will likely be gradual. The combination of economic strain, cross-border tensions, and shifting traveler sentiment has exposed vulnerabilities in a city that depends heavily on discretionary spending.

A sustained recovery may require collaboration between federal policymakers, travel industry stakeholders, and local businesses to rebuild momentum. Until then, Las Vegas continues to balance its reputation for excitement and luxury against a new era of travel caution—one where global politics and consumer economics are increasingly defining where and how people choose to spend their holidays.

The post Las Vegas Tourism Struggles with Nine-Month Decline as Rising Costs, Political Tensions, and Fewer Canadian Visitors Slow Recovery in 2025 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Hyatt Strengthens Collaboration With Chase to Offer Unmatched Loyalty Rewards and Premium Travel Experiences for Cardmembers Across Its Luxury Hotel Portfolio

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced an expanded partnership with Chase, building on their successful collaboration that rewards World of Hyatt cardmembers for stays across Hyatt’s extensive global portfolio. The expansion aims to deepen engagement with loyal travelers while offering enhanced benefits and recognition for cardmembers.

World of Hyatt continues to be one of the fastest-growing loyalty programs in the hospitality industry, now boasting over 60 million members and maintaining an annual growth rate of nearly 30% since 2017. The program’s focus on member choice and recognition has positioned it as a leading hospitality loyalty program, offering more members per hotel than any other competitor. This high level of member engagement translates into increased bookings, longer stays, and frequent use of direct booking channels.

The expanded collaboration with Chase is expected to bring meaningful benefits for Hyatt and its guests. Cardmembers will gain additional opportunities to engage with Hyatt’s global hotels, while the loyalty program will offer broader recognition beyond hotel stays. This initiative is anticipated to strengthen brand loyalty and drive higher value for both guests and Hyatt’s portfolio of premium hotels in sought-after destinations.

As part of the expansion, top-spending Chase Sapphire Reserve and Sapphire Reserve for Business cardmembers will receive World of Hyatt Explorist status starting mid-2026. Additionally, luxury and premium Hyatt brands, including Park Hyatt and Alila, will participate in The Edit by Chase Travel, offering an enhanced travel experience to cardmembers. This effort is expected to increase stays at Hyatt properties through Chase Travel and Chase Ultimate Rewards channels.

The financial implications of this partnership are significant. Hyatt anticipates that adjusted EBITDA from the credit card programs and similar third-party partnerships will reach approximately $50 million in 2025 and grow to around $105 million by 2027, with continued growth projected beyond that period. As part of the agreement, Hyatt will receive upfront pre-tax cash totaling $47 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, to be recognized within franchise and other fees over the life of the agreement.

The World of Hyatt credit cards provide members with a range of opportunities to earn and redeem points at nearly 1,500 Hyatt hotels and all-inclusive resorts worldwide, as well as over 1,200 Mr & Mrs Smith properties. The program differentiates itself with a transparent and reliable value structure, including a fixed award chart and flexible milestone rewards, giving members exceptional redemption options.

Hyatt plans to further expand its credit card portfolio as the partnership with Chase grows. The co-branded World of Hyatt Credit Card and World of Hyatt Business Credit Card have seen strong growth, with card spend increasing by over 30% and total cardmembers rising by more than 25% over the past two years.

Cardmember benefits for both the World of Hyatt Credit Card and Business Card include up to nine points per $1 spent at Hyatt properties, with additional points earned for qualifying purchases, gym memberships, and other eligible expenses. Complimentary Discoverist status is also included, providing members with enhanced recognition and rewards.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card further offers two points per $1 spent on local transit, commuting, dining, and airline tickets purchased directly from airlines. Cardmembers receive an annual free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel and an additional free night after spending $15,000 within a calendar year.

For business cardholders, the World of Hyatt Business Card offers two points per $1 spent in the top three selected categories each quarter, including dining, shipping, airline tickets, local transit, car rental, gas, and advertising expenses. The card also provides up to $100 in Hyatt credits per anniversary year, allowing cardholders to earn statement credits for spending at Hyatt properties.

Through this expanded partnership, Hyatt and Chase aim to create more meaningful ways for members to experience Hyatt’s global portfolio while delivering enhanced value, rewards, and recognition. With a combination of premium hotel offerings, growing loyalty benefits, and expanded credit card perks, this collaboration is poised to strengthen both companies’ presence in the global hospitality and travel markets.

The post Hyatt Strengthens Collaboration With Chase to Offer Unmatched Loyalty Rewards and Premium Travel Experiences for Cardmembers Across Its Luxury Hotel Portfolio appeared first on Travel And Tour World.