The Folo by Travel Weekly

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100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Travel Weekly's team of reporters, editors and contributors explore ideas, share experiences and provide insight into what they’ve uncovered while reporting on some of the biggest trends in travel.

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60 recent

June 15, 202636 min

Why U.S. hotels are performing so well right now

You might be surprised to hear it given some of the economic and geopolitical news this year, but the big news from the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Forum was a presentation from Jan Freitag, the national director of hospitality analytics at CoStar Group, and Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, that significantly revised upward their 2026 U.S. hotel forecasts from earlier this year. For this conversation we’re turning to Freitag and Travel Weekly hospitality editor Christina Jelski to review the new forecast and what’s driving the rosy outlook. We talk about the current shape of the economy, interest in domestic travel, the enduring stability of the upper-end and luxury segment. And as the FIFA World Cup kicks off, we take yet another look at demand around the match cities and how some industry watchers may have been missing the story. This episode was recorded June 12 and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by Brendan Vacations https://www.brendanvacations/com/traveladvisors Related links Early numbers brighten the 2026 forecast for U.S. hotels https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Early-numbers-brighten-2026-forecast-US-hotels  Hotel data firms deliver good news at NYU event https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Industry-groups-unveil-revised-2026-US-hotel-forecast Hotel group says World Cup demand is below expectations https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/World-Cup-demand-is-below-expectations Folo episode on the World Cup with U.S. Travel's Erik Hanson https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Folo/US-travel-and-FIFA-World-Cup The USA is on full display https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/USA-on-full-display-250th-anniversary CoStar Group https://www.costargroup.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 8, 202635 min

Theme park updates: Disney's cool kids, new rides, cruising and more

Our theme parks reporter Jamie Biesiada was at Walt Disney World twice last month, and host Rebecca Tobin cruised on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wish -- making it the perfect time to dig in on theme park changes, additions, Cool Kid Summer and our own personal recent experiences, from rides to resort restaurants, plus an update on Universal’s updates.  This podcast was recorded June 4 and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Brendan Vacations https://www.brendanvacations.com/traveladvisors Related reports: Disney aims to simplify trip planning with tech updates https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Disney-simplifying-the-guest-experience-for-planning-trips Dispatch, Disney World: Park offerings for preschoolers https://www.travelweekly.com/Blogs/Dispatch/Disney-World-park-offerings-for-preschoolers Behind the magic: Maintaining Disney World's iconic landscapes https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/The-team-behind-Disney-World-maintenance-and-makeovers Something for all ages on the Disney Wish (September 2022) https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Something-for-kids-of-all-ages-on-the-Disney-Wish  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 1, 202633 min

How the Bahamas has upped the cruise itinerary game

Travel Weekly cruise editor Teri West has been reporting on various developments in the industry, and many of them seem to have one thing in common: They’re taking place in the Bahamas. The country has invested in cruise port development and is courting ultra-luxury lines; meanwhile, the private island experience continues to expand and lines like Royal Caribbean International are putting its biggest cruise ships on short-cruise itineraries to the Bahamas from South Florida.  This week West talks with Robert Sands, the director of cruise and maritime facilitation at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, about creative growth, priorities and some pretty big increases in visitor numbers. If you’re selling Caribbean cruises or are a fan of cruising, you'll want to listen in. This episode recorded May 29, 2026, and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by Brandan Vacations https://www.brendanvacations.com/traveladvisors Related links In the Bahamas, some big cruise projects are in the works https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Bahamas-cruise-projects-in-the-works  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 25, 202639 min

Mexico travel: How demand is faring after February's cartel upheaval

We’ve been keeping a close eye on travel demand to Mexico. Tourism was rocked earlier this year after cartel-related upheaval in the state of Jalisco, particularly in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalejara. The U.S. embassy in Mexico issued shelter-in-place alerts, which were briefly expanded across Mexico to places like Cancun, Tulum, Baja California and Oaxaca. Disturbances were soon quieted, but not before some travelers were spooked. Three months later, host Rebecca Tobin talks with Jacki Marks, the global head of trade brands for Mexico powerhouse ALG Vacations, and Travel Weekly hotels editor Christina Jelski about tourism sentiment today. Is travel on the rebound, and where did travelers go instead of Mexico? Is economic uncertainty and fuel costs having an impact on destination decisions? And, if you want a unique or special Mexico resort, where might you consider going?  This episode was recorded Wednesday, May 20, and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by Tourism Cares. Stay on at the end of the Mexico discussion for a sponsored interview with Tourism Cares’ CEO Greg Takehara and Mary Pat Sullivan, the executive vice president of marketing partnerships for Northstar Travel Group. Related links Sellers and hoteliers say that Mexico travel is on the rebound https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Mexico-travel-demand-on-the-mend?ct=mexico ALG Vacations expects a short-term decline in Mexico (March 8) https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/ALG-Vacations-expects-short-term-tourism-decline-Mexico?ct=mexico Newsletter sign-up page for our Mexico eNewsletter https://www.travelweekly.com/Newsletters ALG Vacations https://alg.www.vaxvacationaccess.com/ (Part of Hyatt Hotels Corp https://www.hyatt.com/loyalty/en-US) Christina Jelski's The Last Resort podcast: Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets https://www.travelweekly.com/Podcasts/Last-Resort/season-2-episode-1-Impression-Isla-Mujeres-by-Secrets  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 18, 202635 min

Why the stakes are high for U.S. travel during the World Cup

One big question for North America travel is: how strong travel demand will be for the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in just a few weeks. This year the matches are being played in cities throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and at the beginning of the year expectations among destination marketing organizations and hotels was very high -- and then it seemed to taper off a bit.  In this episode we’re talking with editor in chief Johanna Jainchill and Erik Hanson, the senior vice president and head of government relations at U.S.’ prime travel advocacy organization, the U.S. Travel Association, about some of the issues facing inbound U.S. travel. Among our subjects: The unique attributes of World Cup travel, the calls for travel boycotts, perception versus reality when it comes to U.S. travel and the importance of getting Brand USA back on its funding feet. This episode was recorded May 11and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Tourism Cares https://www.tourismcares.org. Related reports: Cover story: The U.S. is playing on a global stage https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Playing-on-a-global-stage-World-Cup Hotel trade group says World Cup demand is below expectations https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/World-Cup-demand-is-below-expectations U.S. Travel Association condemns travel advisory issued for World Cup https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Government/US-Travel-condemns-travel-advisory-issued-for-World-Cup U.S. Travel Association: https://www.ustravel.org Correction: An earlier version of these show notes misspelled the name of Erik Hanson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 11, 202633 min

America turns 250: How to celebrate the U.S. via travel

The 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is being celebrated this year -- and many Americans are celebrating by traveling. There are lots of places and ways to mark the great American birthday, from guided tours to road trips, from amazing fireworks displays to stays in big cities and small towns. In this episode, Darley Newman, the creator and host of the PBS series "Travels with Darley" and author of "Revolutionary Road Trip: Hidden Stories from America's Founding Journey," and Travel Weekly features editor Emma Weissmann talk with host Rebecca Tobin about ways to get into the stories of Revolutionary history. The conversation includes the ways people can tap the 250 spirit: Revolutionary War towns, Americana, Route 66, whether travel advisors are getting involved with domestic travel planning and how they can harness interest in America’s history for future business.  This episode was recorded April 29 and has been edited for length and clarity. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Tourism Cares https://www.tourismcares.org Related reports: Special tours tap into Route 66 nostalgia: https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Special-tours-Route-66-centennial Tour operators and destinations begin preparations now for America's 250th birthday https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Tour-operators-DMOs-highlight-America-250th-birthday Americans favor domestic travel amid global uncertainty https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Experts-say-more-Americans-plan-to-travel-closer-to-home Travels with Darley: https://www.darley-newman.com/ Travels with Darley: U.S. travel by state https://www.darley-newman.com/united-states  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 27, 202633 min

AI is changing how people research travel online

This week we’re looking at how online travel search is evolving and how AI is changing the game. For a long time travel sites have been interested in mimicking how travel advisors qualify clients: How to present travel options and ideas to people who are at the very top of the booking funnel and don’t know when or where they want to go. But some sites are now able to facilitate a conversation about travel inspo -- thanks to generative AI.  In this episode, Saad Saeed, the CEO of Layla, a generative AI travel search interface, talks with editor at large Robert Silk and host Rebecca Tobin about how Layla works and what Saeed's team has uncovered about consumer habits and how people really research travel. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com Related links AI tools are changing how travelers research vacation options https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Travel-Technology/AI-tools-changing-how-travelers-research-vacation-optionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 20, 202636 min

How the Iran war dealt Egypt tourism a setback

Egypt’s travel industry is no stranger to ups and downs, but the country, which was expecting a banner year for tourism in 2026, was thrown a curveball during the start of the Iran war, when a social media post by an assistant secretary in the Department of State directed Americans in 14 countries – including Egypt – to depart immediately.  Visitors left, several tour and river cruise companies canceled departures. And then, there was no follow up, no change to the State Department consular sheet, no clear sign of danger – in fact, life in Cairo and other tourism hot spots in the country were decidedly normal. So where does that leave tourism today? On this episode, host Rebecca Tobin speaks with tours editor Brinley Hineman and Malaka Hilton, an Egypt specialist and CEO of Admiral Travel International, on the fallout from the Iran war, today’s booking patterns, the psychology of travel to the Middle East and why now might be a great time to visit. Episode sponsor: This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com Related reports:  State Department's mixed signals on Egypt prompt cancellations, client concern https://www.travelweekly.com/Middle-East-Africa-Travel/State-Department-mixed-signals-on-Egypt-prompt-cancellations Viking reinstates Egypt river cruising after reassessment https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/Viking-reinstates-Nile-cruises-after-reassessment War in the Middle East affects some tour operations https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/War-in-the-Middle-East-affects-tour-operations Q&A with Egypt tourism minister Sharif Fathy (January 2026) https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Sherif-Fathy-Egypt-minister-tourism-antiquities   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 13, 202639 min

Catching up on travel: Hotels, cruise and tour updates

We’re continuing with our catch up on major news events of the past two months, and in this episode host Rebecca Tobin talks with our editors: Christina Jelski, who covers hotels; Teri West, who covers ocean cruising; and Brinley Hineman, who covers tours and river cruises. What is on the radars of our editors as we move into the spring season? Some of the themes you’ll hear: What’s the latest on domestic tourism this summer, and will the FIFA World Cup bring a hospitality boom? Is cruising still strong? Why is tourism to Egypt down, and are travelers returning to Mexico? These interviews were recorded at the end of March and have been edited for length and clarity. Since news travels quickly, some of these conversations are in need of a brief update: in the cruise section, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has come to an agreement with activist investor Elliott Investment Management to update its board of directors. In Mexico, we’re seeing signs of a booking comeback.  And we’ll be talking more on the tourism situation in Egypt – join us next week for a full-scale discussion. Episode sponsor This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways https://www.amawaterways.com Related reports Hospitality links World Cup room-block cancellations dim some hopes for an outsize tourism boost https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/World-Cup-room-cancellations-dim-hopes-for-outsize-boost Americans favor domestic travel amid global uncertainty https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Experts-say-more-Americans-plan-to-travel-closer-to-home Resilient Las Vegas is showing a full house https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Las-Vegas-full-house Cruise links Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings overhauls board of directors https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/NCLH-overhauls-board-of-directors Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' new CEO touts his 'turnaround experience' https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/NCLH-new-CEO-touts-turnaround-experience Norwegian Cruise Line president Marc Kazlauskas shares his vision https://www.travelweekly.com/On-The-Record/Marc-Kazlauskas-Norwegian-Cruise-Line Cruising's March Wave: Iran shakes some Med demand https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/wave-update-effect-of-iran-war-on-cruise-bookings MSC's luxury private island will be called Sandy Cay https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/MSC-luxury-private-island-Sandy-Cay Tour links State Department's mixed signals on Egypt prompt cancellations, client concern State Department's mixed signals on Egypt prompt cancellations, client concern Mexico tourism, six weeks after the crisis https://www.travelweekly.com/Mexico-Travel/Insights/How-safe-is-Mexico-travel-now River cruise links At the ASTA River Cruise Expo, some river cruise lines promote slow growth https://www.travelweekly.com/River-Cruising/In-Europe-some-river-cruise-lines-promote-slow-growthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.