U.S. Travel Leaders Demand Action as Shutdown Threatens Economic Stability, Calls for Measures to Prevent Future Disruptions- Know More

As the U.S. House of Representatives prepares to return to Washington, D.C. for an essential vote on a government funding package, prominent organizations from the travel and aviation sectors have come together to issue a joint statement emphasizing the critical need for swift action. U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association have voiced their concerns over the potential impact of a government shutdown on the travel industry, urging lawmakers to prioritize the passage of funding measures to prevent another disruption.

In their statement, the travel industry organizations reflected on the severe consequences of the 2025 government shutdown, which caused a staggering economic loss of $6 billion—an average of nearly $140 million per day. The ripple effects of the shutdown were far-reaching, particularly affecting the air travel sector. Over 6 million passengers were directly impacted, experiencing widespread delays, cancellations, and a general loss of confidence in the U.S. air travel system. These disruptions, coupled with the uncertainty faced by travelers, led to significant strain on the economy and the livelihoods of millions.

The statement highlights the critical role that federal workers play in maintaining the integrity of the U.S. air travel system. Air traffic controllers and TSA officers are among the frontline workers whose essential duties ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of the nation’s transportation network. However, during a government shutdown, these workers are often forced to work without pay, compounding the challenges of an already under-resourced aviation system. The resulting strain on federal employees and the aviation infrastructure leads to delays, inefficiencies, and sometimes dangerous conditions, all of which have a direct negative impact on the travel experience and the broader economy.

The joint statement issued by U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association underscores the urgency of passing the funding package that the Senate passed earlier in the week. This package is seen as crucial for ensuring the reopening of vital government agencies and for guaranteeing that frontline federal workers—including air traffic controllers and TSA officers—are paid for the essential work they do. The organizations call on the House to act swiftly and decisively, warning that failure to pass the package could result in significant disruptions to the travel industry, further erode public confidence in the U.S. air travel system, and ultimately harm the nation’s economy.

While the immediate focus is on securing government funding to avoid another shutdown, the organizations are also calling for long-term legislative solutions to address the recurring problem of unpaid federal workers during shutdowns. They are pushing for the passage of two key bills: the Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R. 6086) and the Aviation Funding Stability Act (S. 1045). These bills would ensure that air traffic controllers and other critical Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees continue to receive their paychecks during shutdowns, using funds that have already been allocated to the aviation system.

The two proposed acts have garnered bipartisan support and are seen as common-sense solutions that would help stabilize the aviation sector during future government shutdowns. By guaranteeing the pay of essential workers, the bills would reduce the strain on the system and help prevent disruptions to air travel, which is vital to the U.S. economy. In their statement, the organizations argue that these legislative measures are necessary to provide long-term stability and predictability in the aviation sector, which is essential not only for the millions of travelers who rely on it but also for the broader economy, which depends heavily on a functioning air travel system.

In addition to the specific concerns about air travel, the organizations also pointed to the broader implications of a government shutdown on the entire travel ecosystem. The tourism, hospitality, and airline industries are deeply interconnected, with each sector relying on the smooth operation of the others. The impact of a government shutdown extends far beyond just air travel, affecting hotels, resorts, car rental companies, and other travel-related services that depend on federal agencies for permits, visas, and other essential functions. When these agencies are unable to operate, the entire travel and tourism sector suffers, leading to job losses, reduced consumer spending, and a significant decline in tourism revenues.

The joint statement concludes with a call for Congress to prioritize the long-term health and stability of the U.S. air travel system by passing the necessary funding measures and pursuing legislation to protect workers in the future. By ensuring that air traffic controllers and TSA officers are paid during future funding lapses, the industry believes that the U.S. can safeguard the integrity of its air travel system, prevent disruptions, and continue to maintain its position as a global leader in travel and tourism.

In sum, the organizations are calling for swift action on two fronts: securing immediate government funding to prevent a shutdown and passing long-term legislative solutions to protect the workers who are essential to maintaining the U.S. air travel system. As the House prepares to vote on the funding package, the travel industry remains hopeful that lawmakers will take the necessary steps to prevent future disruptions, protect travelers, and ensure the continued success of the U.S. travel and tourism sector.

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Visit Denver Signals Continuity and Innovation with Tiffany Eck’s Promotion to Director of Destination Services and Events

Visit Denver has entered a new chapter in its meetings and events leadership with the promotion of Tiffany Eck, CMP, as director of destination services and events, marking a key transition for the city’s tourism and convention strategy.

“We are in excellent hands with Tiffany Eck’s leadership,” said Richard W. Scharf, President and CEO of Visit Denver. “Her extensive years creating magical events and delivery exceptional service side by side with Vikki have been instrumental in growing Denver’s national reputation as a top-tier meeting destination. We are confident she will continue to elevate the services and events department to execute exceptional meetings that benefit our city, community and partners.” 

Eck steps into the role following the retirement of Vikki Kelly, CMP, whose influence shaped Denver’s destination services and events operations for more than forty years. Kelly’s long tenure helped establish Denver as a trusted and well-organized host city for large-scale meetings, conventions, and headline events, and Eck now takes on the responsibility of building on that legacy while steering the team into its next phase.

“I am thrilled to lead the incredible Destinations Services and Events team at Visit Denver,” said Eck. “Vikki Kelly created and grew the best team in the business, and I look forward to continuing to serve and grow our relationships with meeting planners across the country, proving Denver is the best place meet.” 

In her new position, Eck will lead Visit Denver’s Destination Services and Events team, the group responsible for guiding meeting planners through every stage of bringing an event to the city. The team serves as the main link between planners and Denver’s venues, suppliers, and local partners, coordinating logistics, offering local expertise, and ensuring events run smoothly from early planning through final wrap-up. Their work plays a critical role in shaping how organizers and attendees experience Denver as a destination.

Eck brings deep institutional knowledge to the role, having spent more than two decades with Visit Denver. During that time, she worked closely under Kelly’s leadership and became a central figure in delivering some of the city’s most visible and complex events. Her experience includes major national and international gatherings that placed Denver firmly in the global spotlight, such as the Democratic National Convention, the NCAA Women’s Final Four, and the MLB All-Star Game. Each of these events required extensive coordination across public agencies, private partners, and community stakeholders, offering Eck firsthand experience in managing high-pressure, high-profile operations.

Beyond marquee events, Eck also played a key role in shaping long-term infrastructure improvements that support Denver’s meetings industry. She collaborated with Visit Denver’s sales and destination services teams during the expansion of the Colorado Convention Center, helping ensure that upgrades aligned with the practical needs of planners and the expectations of attendees. This involvement gave her a strong understanding of how physical spaces, services, and visitor experience must work together to keep Denver competitive in a crowded meetings market.

Sustainability has been another defining focus of Eck’s career. She has been a driving force behind Visit Denver’s efforts to embed responsible practices into the meetings and events ecosystem. By founding the organization’s internal Green Team, she helped create a structure for sustainability initiatives that extended beyond individual events. Her work with the convention center and industry partners led to the development of a Green Meetings Directory, making it easier for planners to connect with vendors that meet recognized sustainability standards.

These efforts contributed to a major milestone for Visit Denver, which became the first destination marketing organization to earn Platinum Level certification under the Events Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Standards. The achievement positioned Denver as a leader in environmentally responsible event hosting at a time when sustainability is increasingly influencing planner decisions and corporate policies.

Eck’s professional involvement extends beyond her role at Visit Denver. She has remained active within the event services community through long-standing membership and leadership involvement in professional associations. Her commitment to mentorship is equally notable. For fifteen years, she has served as a mentor in the University of Denver’s L.E.A.D program, supporting the development of future industry professionals. In 2025, her dedication to mentoring was recognized when she received the L.E.A.D Mentor of the Year award.

Academically, Eck holds a degree from Marquette University, and her career path reflects a blend of formal education, hands-on operational experience, and long-term engagement with the meetings industry. This combination positions her well to navigate the evolving expectations of planners, from seamless logistics and personalized service to sustainability, community impact, and legacy planning.

As she assumes leadership of destination services and events, Eck inherits a team with a strong foundation while facing a changing landscape shaped by shifting travel patterns, new technologies, and rising expectations around environmental and social responsibility. Her appointment signals continuity for Visit Denver, while also reflecting an emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and long-term value for the city.

Based in Denver, Eck balances her professional responsibilities with family life and a strong connection to Colorado’s outdoor culture. That local perspective, combined with decades of industry experience, places her at the center of Denver’s ongoing efforts to attract meetings and events that drive economic impact while showcasing the city at its best.

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Antigua and Barbuda Reclaims the Spotlight as Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 Returns With the Region’s Most Powerful Tourism Deal-Making Event

The Caribbean’s most influential tourism trade event is set for a high-profile return to Antigua and Barbuda next year, as Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 officially opens registration ahead of its May twelve to May fifteen schedule. The announcement signals the start of another pivotal business cycle for the region’s tourism industry, at a time when destinations are competing aggressively for market share, airlift, and long-term travel partnerships.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace stands as the largest and longest-running tourism trade conference in the region. For more than four decades, it has functioned as the central meeting ground where Caribbean tourism suppliers connect directly with international buyers from key source markets, including North America, Europe, and Latin America. The event is not simply a conference, but a structured commercial platform designed to drive real business outcomes for hotels, resorts, destinations, airlines, tour companies, and tourism service providers.

At its core, the Marketplace is built around a highly organised system of pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments. This format allows sellers to engage directly with tour operators, wholesalers, and travel advisors who control significant distribution channels and booking flows. For many Caribbean businesses, this concentrated access replaces months of overseas sales travel, delivering efficiency, cost savings, and faster deal-making within a single location.

The 2026 edition marks the forty-fourth year of the Marketplace, highlighting its enduring relevance in a rapidly changing travel landscape. While digital platforms and virtual meetings have reshaped parts of the industry, Caribbean Travel Marketplace continues to prove the value of face-to-face engagement, particularly for complex tourism products that rely on trust, long-term relationships, and destination knowledge.

Beyond the appointment halls, the event serves as a broader industry exchange. The programme typically includes destination showcases where countries and territories present new hotel openings, infrastructure upgrades, tourism experiences, and investment opportunities. Media engagement sessions help amplify these announcements to global audiences, extending the reach of the event far beyond those attending in person.

Industry programming is another core pillar of the Marketplace. Discussions and briefings focus on current market conditions, traveller behaviour trends, airlift challenges, sustainability commitments, workforce development, and the evolving expectations of post-pandemic travellers. These sessions provide context and insight that help businesses refine strategies, adjust pricing, and identify emerging opportunities across different source markets.

The selection of Antigua and Barbuda as host once again reflects the destination’s growing prominence within regional tourism. The country has positioned itself as a reliable and well-connected host for large-scale international events, supported by expanding airlift, a strong accommodation base, and a clear focus on tourism development. Hosting Caribbean Travel Marketplace places the destination at the centre of regional decision-making and global travel trade attention for an entire week.

For Antigua and Barbuda, the benefits are both immediate and long-term. In the short term, the event generates significant economic activity through hotel occupancy, conference services, ground transportation, dining, and local suppliers. In the longer term, it delivers sustained visibility among influential travel buyers and media, strengthening the destination’s positioning in future brochures, tour packages, and sales campaigns.

From a regional perspective, Caribbean Travel Marketplace plays a crucial role in maintaining cohesion across a diverse tourism landscape. It brings together large and small destinations, independent hotels and global brands, mature markets and emerging players. This inclusivity allows smaller operators to compete on equal footing, while larger stakeholders use the platform to reinforce partnerships and launch new initiatives.

The Marketplace also functions as a barometer for the health of Caribbean tourism. Booking sentiment, buyer demand, and contracting activity during the event often provide early signals of upcoming travel seasons. As the region adapts to inflation pressures, shifting travel budgets, and changing booking windows, these insights are increasingly valuable for planning and forecasting.

Sustainability and resilience have become more prominent themes within the Marketplace in recent years. Destinations are using the platform to highlight responsible tourism initiatives, environmental protection measures, and community-based experiences that align with evolving traveller values. Discussions around climate adaptation, energy costs, and long-term competitiveness are now firmly embedded within the event’s agenda.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 is expected to follow its established multi-day structure, combining intensive business appointments with networking events, destination presentations, and strategic discussions. The format allows participants to balance deal-making with relationship building, ensuring that commercial conversations are supported by deeper understanding and collaboration.

With registration now open, tourism businesses across the Caribbean and beyond are beginning to secure their place in what is widely regarded as the region’s most important annual tourism gathering. For many, participation in Caribbean Travel Marketplace is not optional but essential, forming a cornerstone of annual sales strategies and market engagement plans.

As the Caribbean tourism sector looks ahead to another competitive travel year, Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda is set to once again serve as the engine room of regional tourism commerce, collaboration, and long-term growth.

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Etihad Airways Elevates Abu Dhabi Gold Cup as Elite Racing Event Draws Global Spotlight in 2026

Etihad Airways has stepped into the spotlight of international horse racing with a new partnership that further cements Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a destination for elite global sporting events. The UAE’s national airline has been confirmed as the Official Partner of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup, while also serving as the Presenting Partner of Race One, marking a significant alignment between aviation excellence and world-class sport.

Set to take place on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Abu Dhabi Turf Club, the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup is one of the most anticipated fixtures in the region’s racing calendar. The one-mile contest carries a total prize fund of one million US dollars, a figure that continues to attract elite thoroughbred horses, accomplished jockeys, and respected trainers from major racing nations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. With its competitive purse and international field, the race has steadily earned recognition on the global thoroughbred circuit.

The partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader ambition to position itself as a hub for premium sporting experiences that combine competition, culture, and hospitality. By joining forces with Abu Dhabi Turf Club, Etihad Airways strengthens a shared vision rooted in excellence, innovation, and global reach. Both organisations are deeply connected to the capital and play a central role in presenting Abu Dhabi to international audiences, whether through air travel or high-profile sporting events.

For Abu Dhabi Turf Club, the Gold Cup represents more than a single race. It is a flagship event within a long-term strategy to elevate the city’s profile in international horse racing while honouring the UAE’s deep equestrian heritage. Horse racing has long been woven into the cultural fabric of the region, and the modern staging of the Gold Cup reflects a balance between tradition and contemporary sporting standards.

Etihad’s involvement brings an added dimension to the event, particularly in welcoming international visitors travelling to Abu Dhabi for race week. With racing fans arriving from across continents, the airline’s global network plays a key role in connecting the capital to major source markets, supporting not only the event itself but also wider tourism, hospitality, and business activity linked to major sporting occasions.

Race day at the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup has evolved into a full championship experience. Alongside top-level racing action, guests are offered refined hospitality, premium dining concepts, and carefully curated entertainment that transforms the Turf Club into a lifestyle destination. This approach reflects a shift in how elite sporting events are delivered, where spectators expect immersive experiences that extend well beyond the competition on the track.

His Excellency Ali Al Shaiba, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Abu Dhabi Turf Club and President of the Organising Committee, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome Etihad as an Official Sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup and Presenting Partner of Race 1. As the UAE’s national airline, Etihad plays a vital role in connecting Abu Dhabi to the world, and this partnership strengthens the Emirate’s presence on the international racing stage. Together, we are showcasing Abu Dhabi as a global meeting point and destination hub for elite sport, world-class competition and international audiences.”

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said:

“Etihad is proud to partner with The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup, an event that reflects the same standards of excellence and ambition that define our airline. Just as we connect Abu Dhabi to the world through extraordinary travel experiences, this partnership allows us to welcome the global racing community to our home. The Abu Dhabi Gold Cup represents the Emirate’s vision for world-class sporting events, and as the national airline, it is our privilege to play a role in bringing this prestigious occasion to international audiences and showcasing the very best of what Abu Dhabi has to offer.”

The 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup is expected to further strengthen the event’s international standing. With a high-value prize fund, a prestigious venue, and the backing of a globally recognised airline, the race continues to attract attention from owners, trainers, and racing enthusiasts worldwide. It also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy of hosting events that appeal to high-value travellers and global audiences.

Through this collaboration, Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Turf Club are positioning the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup as a symbol of ambition and progress. The partnership highlights how sport, heritage, and modern hospitality can come together to create experiences that resonate on the world stage. As Abu Dhabi continues to invest in elite international events, the Gold Cup stands as a clear example of how the capital is shaping its identity as a leading destination for premium sport and culture.

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Everhome Suites Accelerates Its US Expansion With New Openings in Texas, Kentucky and New Jersey as Extended Stay Travel Redefines

Everhome Suites, the midscale extended-stay brand under Choice Hotels International, is quietly but confidently scaling up its presence across the United States, tapping into one of the fastest-growing segments of the lodging industry. With new openings in Texas, Kentucky, and New Jersey, the brand has reached a meaningful milestone, now operating twenty-seven properties nationwide and cementing its position as an early mover among recently launched midscale extended-stay concepts.

This latest phase of expansion reflects a clear shift in how Americans travel and work. Longer stays driven by project-based work, relocations, medical travel, education, and blended business-leisure trips have reshaped guest expectations. Travelers are no longer satisfied with standard hotel rooms for weeks at a time. They want space, functionality, and a sense of normal life. Everhome Suites is built precisely around that need.

Each Everhome Suites property is designed as an apartment-style environment rather than a traditional hotel. Spacious suites come with fully equipped kitchens, generous storage, modern bathrooms, and flexible living areas that allow guests to work, relax, and settle into a routine. The design leans contemporary but practical, aiming to remove the friction that often comes with extended hotel stays.

The newest openings were developed in partnership with Highside Companies, a longtime collaborator of Choice Hotels, highlighting the confidence developers have in the brand’s long-term potential.

In Texas, Everhome Suites San Antonio opened its doors in October 2025, placing the brand in one of the state’s most dynamic and fast-growing cities. Positioned near Lackland Air Force Base and the South Texas Medical Center, the property serves a steady flow of military personnel, healthcare professionals, and corporate travelers tied to major employers such as USAA and Wells Fargo. Its location also appeals to leisure guests, offering easy access to SeaWorld San Antonio and the city’s lively downtown, where culture, dining, and events continue to draw visitors year-round.

A month later, Everhome Suites expanded into Bowling Green, Kentucky, opening a property that caters to a diverse mix of academic, industrial, and medical travel. The hotel sits close to Western Kentucky University, the GM Corvette Assembly Plant, and The Medical Center at Bowling Green, making it particularly attractive for long-term corporate assignments, visiting faculty, students’ families, and healthcare-related stays. The nearby National Corvette Museum adds a leisure draw, reinforcing the city’s unique blend of industry and tourism.

The most recent opening came in late December 2025 in Somerset, New Jersey, a strategic addition that places Everhome Suites in the heart of a high-demand business corridor. Located along Easton Avenue, the property offers convenient access to Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and Johnson & Johnson’s corporate headquarters. With major highways nearby, the hotel also serves travelers moving between New Jersey and the greater New York metropolitan area, a region where extended-stay demand remains consistently strong.

Beyond individual locations, the broader appeal of Everhome Suites lies in its consistency and guest-centric design philosophy. The brand emphasizes independence and routine, allowing guests to live on their own terms even while away from home. Suites feature movable workstations, full-size closets, and customizable personal spaces that adapt to both work-heavy and lifestyle-focused stays.

Public areas are equally intentional. Properties include modern communal spaces, round-the-clock fitness centers equipped with Peloton bikes, guest laundry facilities, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and self-service marketplaces stocked with fresh and frozen meals as well as grocery essentials. These features reduce the need for guests to constantly leave the property, a key advantage for longer stays.

As extended-stay travel continues to grow nationwide, fueled by changing work patterns and evolving travel behavior, Choice Hotels’ investment in Everhome Suites reflects a broader industry recalibration. The brand’s growing pipeline signals sustained developer interest and confidence that demand for flexible, midscale, long-term accommodations will only strengthen in the coming years.

With twenty-seven properties already open and more on the way, Everhome Suites is steadily transforming from a new entrant into a recognizable national player—one that sits comfortably between affordability and comfort, and one that understands that for today’s travelers, feeling at home matters just as much as where the road takes them.

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