01/16/2026
Updates 01/16/2026: Ohio's Travel Industry and Current Travel Research
TRAVEL TO HELP RELIEVE STRESS IS ON THE RISE. GEN X AND YOUNG BOOMERS PREFER SMALL GROUP TOURS.
Key findings from MMGY, shared by TravelMarket report on Jan. 13:
- 50% of respondents said they plan to travel for stress relief in 2026.
- The stress relief travel trend is highest in Gen X (74%) and Young Boomers (71%).
- In regard to guided tours, river cruises, and group travel, 60% of travelers said they would opt for guided travel for its balance of free time and included activities.
- About 55% of respondents also stated that small group tours were most appealing.
DESPITE ECONOMIC AND GEOPOLITICAL PRESSURE, INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL IS EXPECTED TO RISE. USE OF AI TO PLAN EXPERIENCES CONTINUES TO INCREASE, ENTERING MAINSTREAM PLANNING
Key findings from PhocusWire, published Jan. 13:
- As international demand strengthens and travelers continue to prioritize experiences, gross bookings internationally are projected to reach $1.67 trillion in 2025, with the US specifically reaching $507 billion.
- Use of social media planning has increased year over year, but AI has entered the mainstream with 58% of US travelers reporting using AI for at least one purpose.
- 39% of travelers have used AI specifically for travel research or planning.
- As for corporate travel, 63% of respondents said they book within managed travel programs, whereas 20% of respondents said they book outside of their formal travel policy.