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1. Trump expands list of countries with travel ban, restrictions
In a continued effort to tighten standards of entry into the United States, the Trump administration expanded travel bans and restrictions to 20 additional countries, bringing the list to 39 nations, the Associated Press reports. The changes go into effect on Jan. 1.
"The Trump administration included five more countries as well as people traveling on documents issued by the Palestinian Authority to the list of countries facing a full ban on travel to the U.S. and imposed new limits on 15 other countries," the AP reports.
2. Hyatt names new exec over Essentials brands
Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced Jason Ballard as the company's new global brand leader of its Essentials brand, which includes brands Caption by Hyatt, Hyatt House, Hyatt Place, Hyatt Select, Hyatt Studios, Unscripted by Hyatt and UrCove. The appointment comes as the portfolio continues to grow to new markets across the Americas, Hyatt announced in a news release Tuesday.
“Hyatt is hyper-focused on elevating the guest experience within the Essentials portfolio and deepening engagement with our 61 million World of Hyatt members to deliver a best-in-class experience each time they walk through our doors,” Ballard said in a statement. “In this next chapter, I’m proud to lead a talented team driving our select-service growth strategy — designed to deliver high-owner returns and trusted brand experiences — through more markets and more stay occasions to members.”
With over 20 years of experience, Ballard recently led the launch of Hyatt Studios, Hyatt’s newest extended-stay concept.
3. 2026 travelers expected to seek connection with destinations
What are the trendiest buzzwords in travel? Hertelier Founder and Editor-in-Chief Emily Goldfischer sat down with CoStar News' Stephanie Ricca for an episode of the CoStar News Hotels podcast to identify the travel trends set to make a lasting impact in 2026.
According to the experts, top trends for 2026 include skillcations, where travelers try their hand at cooking, farming or new sports such as padel or pickleball. It's all about finding connection to people and places, not electronic devices, Goldfischer said.
"I think people are tired of hearing about tech; they're tired of AI and they want to reset in nature," she said.
4. California resort secures $300 million loan
La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton in La Quinta, California, secured $300 million in commercial mortgage-backed securities, according to Asset Securitization Report. Per Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Henderson Park Capital Partners and Pyramid Global Hospitality are sponsoring the loan.
The 783-key upper-upscale hotel is owned by Henderson Park and operated by Pyramid Global Hospitality. The property was built in 1926 and renovated this year.
5. Top vacation destinations for 2026 named
U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 rankings of the Best Vacations, which identified 18 regional destination categories to help travelers find the best place for their vacation. The destinations were evaluated based on 10 categories, such as sights, culture and food to nightlife, adventure and romance.
Rome was named as the top spot on the list of World's Best Places to Visit, and the Grand Canyon National Park ranks No. 1 on the list of Best Places to Visit in the U.S.
"The 2026 Best Vacations rankings include familiar favorites but also capture the ongoing shift toward fresh, adventurous travel experiences," said Elizabeth Von Tersch, senior travel editor at U.S. News. "Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations with character, indicating a desire for cultural immersion and authentic charm, as seen by the Scottish Highlands, Quebec City and Bar Harbor all achieving top recognitions."