US Travel Sector Achieves Historic Growth Amid Environmental Gains, Europe Implements Stricter Border Checks, and Accor’s Record-Setting Hotel in Manila

Published on December 6, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In a historic moment for the U.S. travel sector, the industry has achieved significant growth while simultaneously making remarkable environmental gains. The U.S. travel sector’s GDP has risen, marking an unprecedented achievement, as emissions have been reduced—a major breakthrough in sustainable tourism. Meanwhile, Europe has introduced stricter border checks, requiring non-EU travelers to undergo biometric scans, including fingerprints and facial recognition, at Schengen borders. This is an effort to improve security and efficiency, but travelers should expect longer wait times at major airports. At the same time, Accor has announced the launch of the world’s largest Mövenpick Hotel in Manila, setting new standards in the hospitality industry. With over 1,500 rooms, this record-breaking property in the Philippines will cater to both business and leisure travelers, further boosting the region’s appeal. These developments demonstrate a shifting landscape in travel and tourism, with advancements in sustainability, security, and hospitality.

Historic Milestone: U.S. Travel GDP Grows as Emissions Drop

The travel and tourism industry in the U.S. is breaking long-held assumptions and entering a new era of sustainability. Historically, it was believed that increased travel and tourism inevitably led to higher pollution levels. However, a new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals a groundbreaking achievement in the sector: the U.S. travel sector not only grew its GDP contribution by 1.8% in 2025 but simultaneously managed to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 1.7%. This achievement signals a significant step toward decoupling economic growth from environmental harm.

This decoupling is attributed to the rapid adoption of sustainable aviation fuels and the extensive retrofitting of outdated hotel infrastructures. These efforts have collectively helped reduce the carbon footprint of travel, which has historically been a heavy contributor to global emissions. Analysts consider this a pivotal moment in the industry’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact while continuing to contribute to the economy. As more sustainable practices are embraced, this shift is expected to set a new standard for the global tourism and hospitality sectors.

Europe Tightens Border Control: Mandatory Biometric Checks for Non-EU Travelers

Travelers heading to Europe for the holidays will face a major shift in their arrival experience. Starting this week, all non-EU travelers must submit biometric data, including facial scans and fingerprints, at Schengen Area borders. This change, which is now fully operational, is part of Europe’s ongoing efforts to bolster security and streamline border checks across the continent.

While officials assert that the new biometric measures will eventually speed up the process, early reports from major airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt show longer-than-usual queues. For travelers, this means added waiting times at immigration controls. Authorities are advising visitors to build an extra hour into their arrival schedules to avoid delays.

The biometric system is part of a broader move toward more secure and efficient border management within the Schengen Zone, aimed at enhancing safety while reducing bottlenecks at major entry points. Although this shift promises long-term benefits, travelers can expect some initial hiccups as the new systems are fully integrated.

Accor to Open World’s Largest Mövenpick Hotel in Manila

In major hospitality news, Accor, a global leader in the hotel industry, has announced the signing of the largest Mövenpick Hotel in the world. Located in the vibrant city of Manila, Philippines, the new Mövenpick Hotel Manila Bay will feature more than 1,500 rooms, setting a new benchmark for luxury accommodation in Southeast Asia.

This monumental project highlights the Philippines’ growing appeal as a global travel destination. The hotel is part of a larger development initiative aimed at boosting the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Manila, already known for its vibrant cultural scene, will now have a massive, world-class hotel to cater to both international tourists and business travelers.

The Mövenpick Hotel Manila Bay will not only provide unparalleled luxury and service but also contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and attracting international visitors. With the rise of mega-hotel properties across Asia, this new addition is set to make a significant impact on the region’s hospitality landscape.