Global Scans · Leisure · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Online retailing will be one of the fastest growing channels between 2015 and 2019 as individuals do not have much time for leisure and seek convenience. Entertainment will continue to shift away from traditional broadcast media and print to reality augmented and deeply personalised content. The occupations with the largest new employment growth will be managers, professional and technical jobs, and caring and leisure occupations. Many middle-class professionals will be outsourced to machines within the next few decades leaving workers with more leisure time than they have ever experienced.

• [New] With direct daily flights, travelers can now enjoy enhanced access to both business and leisure opportunities in the UK, all while experiencing the convenience of a growing aviation network. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Sports tourism is gaining traction globally as it merges the excitement of sports with the experience of travel, creating unique opportunities for cultural exchange, economic development, and community engagement. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Generative Video Goes Mainstream Generative AI is revolutionizing film and TV production by drastically reducing time and cost, with 2026 expected to see widespread adoption in mainstream entertainment, including big-budget Hollywood productions. Mimir's Well
• [New] Starting in 2026, Netflix will stream podcasts from Spotify, covering sports, culture, entertainment, and true crime - a sign of how audio storytelling continues to grow and evolve. ONEST Network
• [New] Malaysia's focus on sports technology will support its efforts to become a leading destination for sports tourism in Southeast Asia. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Retailers like Target and Dollar General, restaurant chains like Darden Restaurants Inc, and leisure companies such as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and Walt Disney Company could see increased demand. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Starlink Wi-Fi is free for United MileagePlus members, and customers will receive a notification before their flight if it's equipped with Starlink, allowing them to live stream sports events, watch films or TV shows, and access their own personal streaming services. Travel Tomorrow
• [New] By the end of 2025, Toys R Us plans to open 10 new permanent flagship stores in the U.S. as well as 20 seasonal holiday pop-ups, all in partnership with Go! Retail Touchpoints
• [New] US online sales during the 2025 holiday season are expected to rise 5.3% year on year to USD 253.4 billion. Retail Slop
• [New] Gen Z shoppers plan to cut holiday spending by nearly 25% in 2025, with 33% reducing apparel purchases. Retail Slop
• [New] Netflix is pushing into live and event-based content (such as sports and special events) as a way to heighten appointment viewing and ad monetization potential. IG
• [New] The Gulf Cooperation Council is gearing up to become a major player in the booming global sports tourism industry, which is projected to surpass $2 trillion by 2030. Khaleej Times
• [New] The game-changing deal marks the tech giant's biggest move into live sport yet and will see Apple become the one-stop shop for American F1 fans, with select races even streamed for free on the Apple TV app. The US Sun
• [New] The partnership between Apple TV and Formula 1 could set a precedent for future negotiations between streaming platforms and sports organizations. MARCA
• [New] Some note that Apple's entry into F1 broadcasting could further intensify competition among tech companies for live sports rights, as traditional broadcasters face growing challenges from digital platforms with deeper pockets and more advanced user engagement tools. Tekedia
• [New] On a global scale, the development of large-scale gaming resorts like Metropolitan Park could set a precedent for other cities and regions looking to capitalize on the booming demand for entertainment-based tourism. Travel And Tour World
• [New] As demand for sports experiences globally keeps on rising, Malaysia's strategic efforts will make it a prominent force in Southeast Asia's sporting tourism industry. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Looking ahead, the future of sports tourism in Malaysia will be shaped by innovation, technology, and sustainability. Travel And Tour World
• [New] The construction of new sports complexes and training facilities will enhance the appeal of Malaysia for sports teams, athletes, and sports tourists seeking top-tier destinations for training, competitions, and recreational sports. Travel And Tour World
• Bain & Company forecasts a 4% rise in US holiday retail sales for 2025, below the 10-year average, signalling cautious consumer sentiment. Fibre2Fashion
• Respondents' number one motivation to travel for leisure in 2026 is to rest and recharge. Meetings Today
• Business travel growth is not expected to exceed leisure travel until after 2026. Newsweek
• As 2026 approaches, 92.4% of Americans plan to take at least one leisure trip in 2026, with an average of 3.8 trips projected. Hotel News Resource

Last updated: 29 October 2025