Wednesday, May 28, 2025 — In just over a year, cities across the United States will welcome millions of fans, athletes, and tourists for one of the world’s largest sporting events—the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the excitement builds, travel technology is set to play a critical role in shaping how visitors experience this global celebration—from booking flights and finding places to stay, to navigating cities and discovering local attractions.
At Travel Tech’s second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase, CEO Laura Chadwick hosted a timely conversation on this very topic. The panel, titled “From Stadium to Stay: Building a Better Travel Experience to Support Mega Sports Events,” brought together industry leaders to explore how travel technology is helping cities prepare for the World Cup and enhance the overall travel experience.
Panelists included:
- Meg Kane, CEO, Philadelphia World Cup Host Committee
- Becky Foley, Vice President and Head of Trust & Safety, Tripadvisor
- Nathan Rotman, Director of Policy Strategy, Airbnb
The discussion highlighted how platforms like Airbnb and Tripadvisor will assist fans and consumers, host cities, and local communities in supporting the massive influx of travelers expected in 2026. From providing a wide array of lodging options to protecting consumers and promoting local experiences, panelists emphasized the vital role of travel tech in managing large-scale tourism.
Meg Kane discussed how Philadelphia is preparing to welcome global visitors, with a focus on safety, transportation, and accessibility. She described the event as “the ultimate American road trip,” noting that fans will want to travel between host cities—and travel tech will be key to making that seamless.
Nathan Rotman shared that “host cities are planning ahead to ensure there’s enough accommodation supply — that means working with short-term rental platforms, hoteliers, and other travel providers to create a great experience for guests.”
Becky Foley added that platforms like Tripadvisor don’t just connect travelers to experiences—they also play a critical role in consumer protection. She explained how Tripadvisor ensures the accuracy of listings and reviews, helping to combat fraud and build trust between travelers and businesses.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the travel tech industry will continue to be a powerful partner in delivering a safe, seamless, and unforgettable experience for visitors—and a lasting economic impact for host cities.
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The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
