New government data show World Cup travel wasn't enough to offset inbound tourism declines in June. Global Tourism Reporter Bailey Schulz and Associate Editor Rashaad Jorden report that total overseas visitor arrivals fell 1.8% year-over-year in June, while arrivals by air barely moved — up just 0.2%.

There were winners: UK arrivals jumped nearly 17%, with both England and Scotland taking part in the tournament. But those from other markets took a hit, including South Korea (down 30.9%) and Germany (down roughly 20%).

Hotel occupancy rates in a number of host markets have been down, but hotels have reported gains in revenue per available room.

A World Cup summer that leaves inbound arrivals sliding is the clearest sign yet that reading demand now matters more than chasing it. The leaders recalibrating around exactly this volatility, the CEOs of Hilton, Booking Holdings, Expedia, and Accor, take the Skift Global Forum stage September 22–24 in New York City.

CURACITY + SKIFT

At Skift Data + AI Summit 2026, travel leaders shared how AI is moving from pilots to production, with data, ownership, and trust emerging as the biggest differentiators.

The "great wealth transfer" could reshape travel, but not evenly.

In this clip from Good Morning Hospitality, Brandreth Canaley and Michael Goldin discuss Visa's latest research on how inherited wealth could drive nearly $800 billion in new travel spending over the next decade, and why luxury brands stand to benefit far more than budget travel.

How are public travel companies performing around the world? The Skift Travel 200 pulls the data you need to understand global market movements. Paid subscribers get full access here.

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