Best Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Books of 2026

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect is a national bestseller that offers essential lessons in hospitality for every business. Written by Will Guidara, former co-owner of legendary restaurant Eleven Madison Park, the book explores how to transform ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences through over-the-top, bespoke hospitality. Guidara’s insights on leadership and entrepreneurship are applicable to all industries, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking to improve their business. Overall, Unreasonable Hospitality is a refreshing and inspiring read that highlights the power of going above and beyond for your customers and team.

Smuggler's Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki by Martin and Rebecca Cate is an award-winning cocktail book that takes readers on a journey through the history and revival of tiki culture. The book features over 100 delicious original and historic recipes, as well as a groundbreaking new approach to understanding rum. The authors provide tips on how to create a home tiki grotto, stock a bar with great rums, and throw a tiki party. The book offers a unique perspective on the often misunderstood tiki movement in American cultural history. Overall, it is a must-have for cocktail enthusiasts and tiki lovers alike.

Setting the Table is a bestselling book by Danny Meyer, an award-winning restauranteur, that explores the philosophy of Enlightened Hospitality. Meyer shares the lessons he learned while developing his dynamic philosophy and how it emphasizes strong in-house relationships as well as customer satisfaction, which are applicable to anyone who works in any business. The book is a treasure trove of valuable, innovative insights that are applicable to any business or organization. Overall, Setting the Table is a motivational work from one of our era's most gifted and insightful business leaders.

Shoe Dog is a memoir by Phil Knight, the creator of Nike. The book tells the story of how Knight started his company in 1962 with a simple mission to import low-cost, high-quality athletic shoes from Japan. He began by selling the shoes from the trunk of his car and went on to create one of the world's most recognizable brands, with annual sales of over $30 billion. Knight's story is inspiring, and his determination and perseverance are evident throughout the book. Shoe Dog is a must-read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and the history of the sportswear industry.

Rick Steves Italy for Food Lovers is a practical guide that offers readers an opportunity to indulge in the best of Italy's cuisine. The book is co-authored by Rick Steves and Fred Plotkin, who have traveled through Italy for decades, and they share their lessons with readers. The book provides food and wine specialties from the country's 20 regions and lists Rick's favorite restaurants in every area. Additionally, readers can learn how to navigate menus and decipher checks, and there is a comprehensive Italian food glossary to help them overcome language barriers. The book is full of inspiring photos and includes a foldout souvenir poster map. Overall, it is an excellent guide for food lovers who want to experience Italian cuisine to the fullest.

The "Simple and Delicious Vegan" cookbook by Michaela Vais, aka ElaVegan, is a must-have for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet. With 100 vegan and gluten-free recipes, this cookbook offers innovative ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The recipes are easy to follow and use simple ingredients that are healthy, allergy-friendly, and good for the planet. The author's expertise in plant-based cooking shines through in this beautifully photographed cookbook. Overall, "Simple and Delicious Vegan" is a great addition to any cookbook collection and a perfect choice for those looking to embrace sustainable living while enjoying delicious food.

The Professional Chef by Wiley is a must-have reference for any aspiring chef or culinary student. This best-selling title has been completely reorganized to reflect the way people cook in the kitchen today, with a focus on global cuisines and topics such as sous vide cooking, seasonality, and sustainability. The book provides in-depth information on ingredients, equipment, and techniques for a wide range of food items, along with step-by-step photography. The all-new chapter on Plated Desserts is a welcome addition. The Professional Chef is an indispensable resource for both home cooks and professionals alike.

This book is a must-read for anyone looking to travel in style without breaking the bank. Author Zachary Burr Abel offers practical advice on how to navigate loyalty programs, credit card promotions, and hidden travel fees to book luxurious trips at a fraction of the cost. The book is filled with helpful insights and personal anecdotes that make it an enjoyable read. What sets this book apart is its ability to simplify a complicated process and make it accessible to anyone, regardless of income or skill level. Overall, First Class Travel on a Budget is a valuable resource for anyone looking to maximize their travel experience and savings.

The Be Our Guest-Revised and Updated Edition: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service is a Disney Institute Book that unveils the secrets behind the magic of quality service. The book highlights the successes of various companies that have adapted the Disney approach, and the key processes and best practices that have made Disney a trusted and revered brand worldwide. Written by Ted Kinni, the book is a must-read for anyone looking to exceed customer expectations and perfect their customer service skills. Overall, the book is a valuable resource for professionals in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry.