In this special News Flash episode of Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences, host Mario Bauduin breaks down the biggest travel, ticketing, and live event stories making waves in May 2025.

From the explosive growth of music tourism — projected to hit $268 billion by 2030 according to IQ Magazine — to Airbnb’s new partnership with Live Nation, this episode explores how fandom, festivals, and unforgettable experiences are redefining global travel habits. We also examine Booking.com's new NBA deal and how it could change the game for sports-focused travel.

You'll hear:

• Why 60% of travelers (AMEX Global Travel Trends Report) are booking trips specifically for live experiences

• How Airbnb’s “Experiences” finally found a festival-friendly formula

• What A-Rod’s $1B Dominican Republic development means for Caribbean luxury tourism

• Why the Knicks' playoff run is pumping nearly $1B into NYC’s economy

• What the "Trump Slump" means for inbound U.S. tourism from Canada and China — and how premium travelers are keeping Vegas afloat

• Skift’s take on “Live Tourism” and how destinations are leaning into sports and culture to drive repeat visitation

This is the episode for ticketing pros, travel marketers, event producers, and anyone shaping the future of experiential tourism.

Listen and follow for more insights on the business of travel experiences. Subscribe and stream anywhere you get your podcasts. Visit: https://www.tttpod.com 

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