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| Gloria Bohan |
Mindsets have changed over the last five years since the pandemic and its ongoing societal and economic effects. We see choices in travel have changed too, including how we want to travel, where we want to go, and what we want to achieve.
In 2025, businesses and member groups were talking about the importance of purpose in the workplace and community outreach.
We have been distracted by war, internal disputes and political strife. Yet, we have seen a public determined to travel with an emphasis on meaning and purpose including experiences which emphasize immersive education, authentic cultural exchanges, wellness, spiritual retreats, safety, camaraderie and adventure.
Pantone's selection of white as the 2026 color of the year seems to fit into this travel mindset as the color speaks to calm and peace, aligning with the traveler's need for purpose and reflection.
The name of this white, Cloud Dancer, is appropriate as we seek above and beyond for answers. This ethereal selection is particularly meaningful to me in light of the needs of my travel communities.
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What is Meaningful Travel? Cultural & Educational Travel: Travelers engage with local crafts, traditions, and histories rather than simply visiting landmarks. Spiritual & Wellness Journeys: Travel provides time for reflection, restoration, and transformation through wellness retreats, spiritual pilgrimages, and slower-paced experiences. Adventure with Purpose: Travelers choose remote eco-lodges and community-oriented expeditions that combine exploration with positive impact. Group Travel That Builds Community: Group experiences centered on shared passions—such as cultural immersion and wellness—foster genuine connections and lasting bonds. Responsible Travel: Conscious travel is mainstream. Travelers want their journeys to contribute positively to local economies, the environment, and global communities. |
Over two years ago, I was personally approached by my local cleric who said he had to get involved in the travel business because his followers wanted to travel, and only with him. They felt safe with him and his spiritual influence would help them unlock greater meaning in what they experienced.
Over the last year he has had two trips: one to Rome for the Jubilee and a cruise to New England to view the changing of the leaves. These journeys provided truly memorable, community-based, experiences. Three more trips are planned for 2026, very varied in scope, including a safari.
The Travel and Hospitality industry has been looking at this mindset trend for a while in the type of service they offer, what they build, and what they design.
Think about the throwback to small boutique hotels, including luxury brands and villas which are chosen over large brands because privacy and quiet need for ease and comfort. Look at how the chain hotels known for conventions and large groups have varied their inventory and are focused on smaller properties easy to check into, clean uncluttered rooms, and the ever-popular breakfasts.
The Cruise industry has seen the impact in the types of ships they are building. With the exception of large ships which attract families and groups, we have seen ships built for expeditions and research as a theme; we have seen the growth of river ships which take us deep within countries in a leisurely atmosphere.
Think back to the days of motorcoach sightseeing with the “If it’s Tuesday, it must be Belgium” rush of checking in and out of hotels and which produced weary, confused travelers.
Today, our travelers see as much; but, via the sea where they only unpack once, have fantastic dining and entertainment with great company and the chance to enjoy exhilarating sea air. Such small ships are also agile and able to find the small intimate ports for those seeking an immersive atmosphere and local foods.
Omega has been a pioneer in meaningful travel with global journeys at sea, in the skies, and beyond.
As a cofounder of Space Adventures, I am thrilled to see how space travel has become a reoccurring event over the last five years, thanks in large part to the supporters of space exploration. What could speak more to the dreams and imagination of all ages than to search into the unknown?
Perhaps Cloud Dancer will help us to aim even higher, inspiring further discovery and reflection. After all, we have so much to look forward to.
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Gloria Bohan is President & CEO of Omega World Travel. Omega, a certified woman-owned business, is one of America’s largest business travel management companies with over 50 years of award-winning industry experience. The agency supports travelers all over the world with meeting, conference, and event management services, group air arrangements, VIP services, strategic consulting, and 24/7 travel support from in-house travel service centers. Contact Omega via omegatravel.com or 800-756-6342.
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