Stay Safe This Summer: Avoid Fake Travel Websites When Planning Your Trip

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Planning a trip? Fake travel sites are multiplying this summer

Cyberattack Trends in the Travel Sector

Cyberattacks targeting the hospitality, travel, and recreation sectors increased by 24% compared to the previous year, with an average of 2,291 incidents per organization weekly in May 2026, according to Check Point research. The report highlights a cumulative 122% rise in attack volume since May 2023.

Rise in Attack Volume

Over 47,318 travel-related domains were identified as part of malicious campaigns, with many remaining inactive until summer demand escalates. Check Point detected three large-scale domain registration operations between April and May 2026.

Malicious Domain Campaigns

One involved over 210 sequentially numbered hotel-themed domains using patterns like hotel-stay[N].com and stay-hotel[N].com. A second campaign incorporated terms linked to American Express and Lloyds Travel Choice, such as “happytrip” and “travelchoice,” registered under .ink domains. A third targeted the Fora Travel brand through 108 top-level domains, including .cruises, .miami, and .international.

Phishing Sites and Fraudulent Platforms

Phishing sites impersonating Booking.com, Airbnb, and Skyscanner were also uncovered. A Booking.com-themed operation deployed fake login pages to harvest credentials and payment information. An Airbnb-related site focused on Canadian travel destinations, offering listings for Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Banff alongside images of the Canadian Rockies.

Seasonal Alignment of Attacks

Researchers noted that malicious actors align their activities with seasonal travel patterns, preparing well in advance of peak search periods. “The operators of fraudulent booking platforms strategize for the summer peak with the same precision as legitimate entities,” the analysis stated.

The findings underscore the growing sophistication of cybercriminals in exploiting seasonal demand, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance among travelers and industry stakeholders.

Conclusion

The report highlights the urgent need for travelers and industry stakeholders to remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats during peak travel seasons.