The travel industry is a dynamic and expansive sector, demanding professionals stay ahead of the curve. For those in the business, access to timely and insightful news is paramount. Identifying the Top Travel Trade News Outlets is crucial for anyone looking to understand industry trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging opportunities.
The digital age has profoundly impacted how we consume news, and the travel trade media is no exception. Historically rooted in print, many of these publications have faced challenges adapting to the speed and scale of the online world. While some traditional giants have struggled to transition, the digital space has also opened doors for new, agile players to emerge. This shift reflects a broader trend seen across media, technology, and finance, where digital disruption has reshaped established norms. The travel industry, while initially slower to adapt, is now experiencing its own wave of digital transformation in media consumption.
In 2013, an analysis was conducted to identify leading websites in the travel trade news sector based on web traffic. This ranking, while reflecting the digital landscape of that time, provides valuable insights into the key players and the evolving media consumption habits within the industry. Using data from SimilarWeb, a platform known for its robust web traffic statistics, the analysis offered a proportional comparison of website activity. Alongside SimilarWeb data, verified visit numbers from official media kits were also considered where available, adding another layer of validation to the rankings.
Below is a table originally compiled in November 2013, ranking top travel trade news websites based on traffic and engagement metrics. While the traffic numbers are from that period, the list itself provides a historical snapshot of the prominent publications in the field and serves as a foundation for understanding the media landscape of the travel industry.
| Rank | Site | Visits | P/Vs per Visit | Social % | Verified | Launch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FlightGlobal.com | 1M | 3.3 | 6.68 | N/A | 2006 |
| 2 | Skift.com | 780K | 3.71 | 29.33 | 970K (Google Analytics) | Aug-12 |
| 3 | AviationWeek.com | 970K | 2.28 | 21.95 | 800K (Mediakit 2014) | 1998 |
| 4 | Tnooz.com | 350K | 2.13 | 15.94 | 245K (Media Kit, Sept 2013) | 2009 |
| 5 | TravelWeekly.com | 230K | 2.71 | 3.5 | 330K UVs (2013 Media kit) | 1999 |
| 6 | ETurboNews.com | 160K | 1.53 | 4.07 | N/A | 2001 |
| 7 | Hospitalitynet.org | 150K | 2.11 | 2.02 | N/A | 1998 |
| 8 | AINOnline.com | 150K | 2.12 | 5.57 | N/A | 1998 |
| 9 | Centreforaviation.com | 140K | 2.19 | 1.5 | N/A | 2000 |
| 10 | HotelNewsNow.com | 140K | 1.78 | 2.71 | N/A | 2008 |
| 11 | BigHospitality.co.uk | 110K | 2.4 | 3.18 | N/A | 2007 |
| 12 | NYCAviation.com | 90K | 2.03 | 21.81 | 110K UVs (Site Media Kit) | 2004 |
| 13 | ATWOnline.com | 80K | 2.38 | 3.3 | N/A | 1998 |
| 14 | TravelAgentCentral.com | 70K | 2.29 | 8.05 | 126K (Media Kit, Oct 2013) | 2001 |
| 15 | TravelWeekly.co.uk | 65K | 2.64 | 5.19 | N/A | 2000 |
| 16 | TravelMole.com | 65K | 2.17 | 2.53 | N/A | 1999 |
| 17 | HotelierMiddleEast.com | 65K | 3.29 | 4.13 | 90K UVs (Media Kit 2013) | 2008 |
| 18 | 4Hoteliers.com | 60K | 1.71 | 0.94 | N/A | 2002 |
| 19 | HotelManagement.net | 60K | 2.15 | 0.89 | N/A | 2010 |
| 20 | MoodieReport.com | 60K | 1.72 | 7.35 | N/A | 2003 |
| 21 | HotelMarketing.com | 55K | 1.93 | 1.87 | N/A | 1998 |
| 22 | TravelPulse.com | 50K | 2.45 | 7.26 | 110K UVs (2014 Media Kit) | 2002 |
| 23 | BreakingTravelNews.com | 50K | 2.28 | 2.89 | 233K (Media Kit Oct 2013) | 2003 |
| 24 | Hotelsmag.com | 50K | 3.2 | 2.1 | N/A | 1999 |
| 25 | Meetings-Conventions.com | 40K | 2.15 | 2.36 | N/A | 1998 |
| 26 | Eyefortravel.com | 35K | 2.6 | 5.18 | N/A | 2000 |
| 27 | SuccessfulMeetings.com | 30K | 2.94 | 3.56 | N/A | 2010 |
| 28 | TravelDailyMedia.com | 30K | 1.57 | 8.32 | 34K (Media Kit 2013) | 2010 |
| 29 | TTGdigital.com | 25K | 2.51 | 5.23 | 36K UVs (Media Kit) | 2003 |
| 30 | BusinessTravelNews.com | 20K | 1.94 | 1.56 | N/A | 2010 |
Source: Similarweb
Analyzing the 2013 Landscape of Travel Trade News
Examining the list, several key observations emerge. Firstly, the top positions were held by a mix of established players and emerging digital-first publications. FlightGlobal and AviationWeek, owned by larger media conglomerates, demonstrated strong traffic, reflecting their legacy and specialized focus within aviation. Skift, a relative newcomer at the time, ranked high, indicating the growing influence of digitally native news platforms in the travel sector.
Traditional brands like TravelWeekly also featured prominently, showcasing their continued relevance despite the digital shift. However, the list also includes a significant number of independent and smaller companies, highlighting the diverse ecosystem of travel trade media. The “Social %” column provides a glimpse into the varying social media strategies of these outlets, with Skift notably leading in social traffic, underscoring their early adoption of social media for content distribution and audience engagement.
The analysis period of 2013 was a pivotal time for the travel industry as it navigated the ongoing digital revolution. The commentary accompanying the original list suggested that many traditional players were struggling with their digital transition. The prediction that some of these brands might “wither over a period of time” reflects the intense competition and rapid evolution of the media landscape.
The Evolving Digital Presence of Travel Trade Media
Looking beyond 2013, the travel trade news landscape has continued to evolve. The trends identified in the original article have largely played out, with digital-first platforms gaining further prominence and traditional media outlets undergoing significant transformations to strengthen their online presence. The need for travel professionals to stay informed remains as critical as ever, and these top travel trade news outlets, whether legacy brands or digital natives, continue to play a vital role in shaping industry understanding and driving informed decision-making.
For professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of the travel industry, keeping abreast of the news and insights provided by these leading publications is essential. The list, while a snapshot from 2013, provides a valuable starting point for exploring the key information sources in the travel trade and understanding the historical context of the industry’s media evolution.
