Düsseldorf
English
Stephen is Global Insight Manager: Travel and leads a team of commercially-focused research analysts to engage clients across the DACH region. Stephen also regularly contributes thought leadership pieces to Euromonitor's Passport and e.com platforms. He specialises in global trends and regional trends across Western Europe.
Stephen is an expert in global foodservice, travel and the post-pandemic hospitality rebound. He also advises clients on B2B developments, supply chain disruption, and the European Green Deal. He explores key trends through reports and multimedia content. He also specialises in client engagements and speaks regularly at conferences across Europe. Stephen has a research background in services and payments, where he was involved in both direct research and commissioning for the US, Germany, Austrian and Swiss markets. As an experienced presenter, he engages clients regularly, at high-level conferences in the US and Europe, and has sat on and moderated many panels.
The World Cup is expected to bring a huge boost in tourism spending to host countries across North America. This will represent a significant rebound after political uncertainty drove tourism declines, especially in the US, in 2025. Sports tourism is a significant value driver, and there are critical opportunities around the World Cup.
The US/Israel-Iran war has delivered the steepest shock to global travel since the pandemic. Over half of scheduled flights in the region were cancelled in the first two weeks, oil surged 30% to USD92.3 per barrel in March with projections reaching USD115 by July, and major hubs from Dubai to Doha saw capacity plunge by 55-85%. Yet every crisis reshapes the industry. The question is not whether travel will recover, but what strategic lessons will separate those that return stronger and gain a competitive edge in resilience.
Geopolitical challenges are becoming ever more disruptive to travel operations. Rather than isolated incidents, they now serve as a stress test for a new operational baseline in which macro shocks – geopolitical, socioeconomic, and climate-related – are increasingly frequent and prone to cascading through global systems. In this era of polycrisis, resilience, corridor diversification, and digital seamlessness must become central to travel and tourism businesses’ growth strategies. The US/Israel-Iran war and its spillover effects on GCC countries is illustration of this disruptive risk.
United Arab Emirates – Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed, Dubai
As the leading event for the travel and tourism industry, Arabian Travel Market brings together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to explore the trends shaping the future of travel.
Germany – Messe Berlin, Messedamm, 22 D-14055, Berlin
ITB Berlin is the leading platform for the global travel and tourism industry.
UK - ExCeL, London
WTM London 2025, the leading global event for travel professionals, held 4–6 November at ExCeL London. This year’s programme explores six key tracks: Sustainability, Technology, DEAI, Marketing, Geo-Economics, and Travel Trends—all designed to reimagine travel in a changing world. Expect expert-led sessions, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge insights.