As the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released new research highlighting how the tournament is redefining international travel through advanced border management and digital travel solutions.

Titled "FIFA World Cup Border Management & Visa Facilitation: 20 Years of Evolution (2006–2026)", the report explores how the world's biggest football tournament has driven major changes in how countries manage cross-border travel. The 2026 edition marks a historic milestone as the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three countries simultaneously and the largest in the tournament's history, featuring 48 teams.

According to WTTC, the scale of the event has encouraged the adoption of innovative digital systems that make travel both secure and efficient. A key feature of the 2026 tournament is the use of a trusted traveller model, allowing pre-approved, low-risk travellers to move through border controls more quickly while maintaining strong security standards.

In the lead-up to the tournament, the United States received more than 5.9 million Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) applications, with over 5 million approvals granted for visa-free travel. Additionally, more than 1.6 million travellers enrolled in Trusted Traveller Programmes such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI, helping speed up border clearance across the three host nations.

Technology has also played an important role in improving the traveller experience. FIFA PASS has helped ticket holders secure priority visa appointments, while COMPASS, an AI-powered digital assistant, has provided guidance on travel and entry requirements, helping visitors navigate the process more easily.

Mexico has supported smoother travel by allowing citizens from over 65 countries to enter visa-free for stays of up to 180 days. Travellers holding valid visas or residency permits from the United States, Canada, Japan, the UK, or the Schengen Area have also been exempt from Mexican tourism visa requirements. The country's Viajero Confiable programme further streamlines arrivals through automated kiosks and dedicated immigration lanes.

Canada has introduced similar measures through its NEXUS trusted traveller programme, enabling faster border clearance through e-gates and kiosks. Visitors have also been able to use the ArriveCAN app to complete customs and immigration declarations up to 72 hours before arrival, giving access to express lanes at major airports, including those in Toronto and Vancouver.

The WTTC report notes that these developments are the result of two decades of progress in border management. Germany 2006 focused on expanding traditional visa processing within the Schengen framework, while South Africa 2010 introduced the first Event Visa and advance passenger screening. Brazil 2014 followed with dedicated visa categories and a specialised legal framework. Russia 2018 introduced the FAN ID system, combining entry, transportation, and stadium access, while Qatar 2022 expanded the concept through its Hayya digital platform, which later evolved into a permanent e-visa system.

WTTC believes these tournaments have demonstrated how major global events can drive long-term improvements in travel systems, creating more connected and efficient experiences for visitors.

Commenting on the findings, Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC, said:

"The FIFA World Cup has consistently demonstrated that border management can evolve from a barrier into an enabler of global connectivity. From Germany's early focus on visa facilitation to the trusted traveller solutions seen in 2026, we are witnessing the emergence of a new model for travel. One that is digital, secure, and seamless at scale.

The lessons from these tournaments show that digital identity and strong pre-travel screening can enhance both entry processes and the overall traveller experience. Developing interoperable, multi-jurisdictional systems will be the next frontier. Not only for mega-events, but for global travel, helping deliver safer, faster and more seamless journeys for everyone."

Looking ahead, WTTC noted that the need for coordinated travel systems will become even more important as future mega-events grow in scale. With the FIFA World Cup 2030 expected to span six nations across three continents, interoperable border solutions will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and secure international travel.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Mac View Infrabiz Private Limited for the development of Holiday Inn Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. The signing marks another step in the company's growth strategy in India, further strengthening its presence in emerging commercial and transit destinations across North India.

The upcoming hotel will feature 100 rooms and suites and will be strategically located in Mandi along the Chandigarh–Manali corridor. With strong connectivity between the National Capital Region and popular leisure destinations in Himachal Pradesh, the hotel is expected to serve a mix of business, leisure and transit travellers.

Holiday Inn remains one of IHG's most recognised brands globally, known for delivering comfortable and welcoming stays for travellers. In India, the brand continues to witness strong growth, with 17 operational hotels and 34 additional properties currently in the pipeline, highlighting its appeal across business, leisure and emerging destination markets.

The hotel's location in Mandi positions it close to a key administrative and commercial hub in the state. Supported by improving regional infrastructure and connectivity, the property is expected to benefit from growing travel demand in the region.

In addition to its guest rooms, Holiday Inn Mandi will feature three food and beverage outlets along with flexible event facilities, including a ballroom designed to cater to meetings, social gatherings and celebrations.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We continue to see strong opportunities to expand our presence across emerging destinations in India, supported by improving infrastructure and growing travel demand. The signing of Holiday Inn Mandi marks an important step in strengthening our footprint in Himachal Pradesh, as we bring globally recognised brands to high-potential commercial and transit markets.”

Sharing his views on the partnership, Amit Bajaj, Director, Mac View Infrabiz Private Limited, said: “We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce the globally recognised Holiday Inn brand to Mandi. The city’s growing importance as a commercial, administrative, and transit hub presents a strong opportunity for quality branded hospitality. With IHG’s global expertise and trusted brands, we are confident that Holiday Inn Mandi will deliver consistent, high-quality experiences and emerge as a preferred choice for travellers visiting the region.”

IHG currently operates 52 hotels across seven brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express. The company also has a robust pipeline of 98 hotels expected to open across the country over the next three to five years.

India is set to host the Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the country's luxury wedding and events industry. Organised by QnA International, the 17th edition of the globally recognised B2B platform for destination weddings will take place from 6–8 October 2026 at Fairmont Udaipur Palace in Rajasthan.

The announcement comes after the successful conclusion of DWP Congress Macao in April 2026 and further strengthens India's position as a leading destination for luxury weddings and celebrations. More than 350 destination wedding planners, creative partners, hoteliers, tourism boards and industry leaders from over 75 countries are expected to participate in the three-day event.

According to industry estimates, the global destination wedding market is projected to exceed USD 400 billion by 2030. India continues to emerge as one of the fastest-growing luxury wedding destinations, attracting both large-scale domestic celebrations and international weddings seeking cultural experiences, heritage venues and world-class hospitality.

Commenting on the announcement, Sidh N.C., Director, QnA International, said: "Bringing DWP Congress to India for the first time is a defining milestone, not just for the Congress, but for the global destination wedding industry. India has long been the world's most celebrated canvas for luxury weddings, and Udaipur, with its timeless romance and regal grandeur, is the perfect stage for this chapter. Partnering with Fairmont Udaipur Palace was an inspired choice: a property that embodies modern Indian luxury at its finest, offering the scale, warmth, and experiential depth our global delegates deserve. We look forward to showcasing India's extraordinary wedding ecosystem to the world's most influential names in destination celebrations."

Over the years, DWP Congress has established itself as one of the most influential gatherings in the destination wedding industry. Previous editions have been hosted in destinations including Athens, Mauritius, Florence, Phuket, Los Cabos, Dubai, Lake Como, Bali, Doha, Victoria Falls, Colombo, Aqaba and Macao.

Serving as the Host Palace Partner, Fairmont Udaipur Palace will play a central role in the event. Nestled amid the Aravalli Hills, the luxury property spans 18 acres and features over 1,40,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event spaces. Key venues include Jewel, one of India's largest ballrooms, Jashn Bagh and Chand Baori. The palace has been designed to blend Rajputana grandeur with contemporary luxury, making it an ideal venue for global celebrations.

Speaking about the partnership, Vishrut Gupta, General Manager, Fairmont Udaipur Palace, said: "At Fairmont Udaipur Palace, we believe in the art of celebration, creating moments that bring people together through culture, emotion, hospitality, and meaningful experiences. Partnering with DWP Congress 2026 as the Host Palace Partner was a natural extension of our vision to position Udaipur among the world's most inspiring luxury celebration destinations. As the Congress comes to India for the very first time, we are truly excited to welcome the global wedding fraternity and bring this prestigious platform to the country in a setting that reflects the grandeur, culture, and modern luxury of India."

Delegates attending the congress will experience curated culinary journeys, wellness activities, cultural performances and immersive destination showcases that highlight Rajasthan's hospitality and heritage. The programme will also include pre-scheduled business meetings, educational sessions, masterclasses, networking opportunities and destination presentations aimed at creating long-term business partnerships.

Highlighting changing trends in the luxury wedding segment, Vishrut Gupta added: "We are seeing luxury destination weddings evolve into highly immersive, experience-led celebrations where guests seek far more than a traditional wedding format. International clientele today are prioritising authenticity, cultural connection, and personalised storytelling and there is a growing preference for multi-day itineraries that combine celebrations with curated wellness activities, local cultural immersion, and bespoke entertainment. As India hosts DWP Congress 2026 for the first time, the story of Fairmont Udaipur Palace is really the story of a new era of Indian luxury hospitality, one that blends global sophistication with Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage, while staying true to our philosophy of Make Special Happen."

As demand for experience-led luxury travel and destination celebrations continues to grow, DWP Congress 2026 is expected to serve as a major platform for showcasing India's wedding ecosystem to the world while strengthening Udaipur's reputation as one of the most sought-after wedding destinations globally.