D/R DOWNLOAD 3.22

What’s Trending

01/ On Google

• “Dave and Busters spring break pass cost” trended +1,950% this week as Dave & Busters offered a pass for spring break, starting at just $8 a day for unlimited games.

02/ With Media

• This week, media were interested in stories about luxury travel with a purpose, places to travel with your pets this summer, hotels with sensational art collections, lesser-known wine regions, and more.

• The Department of Justice and several state attorneys have sued Apple, accusing the company of having a monopoly in the smartphone market and using anti-competitive practices. They claim that Apple has restricted competition, imposed higher fees, and degraded user experience to maintain its dominance.

03/ In the Zeitgeist

• The Department of Justice and several state attorneys have sued Apple, accusing the company of having a monopoly in the smartphone market and using anti-competitive practices. They claim that Apple has restricted competition, imposed higher fees, and degraded user experience to maintain its dominance.

• Authentic Brands Group, the owner of Sports Illustrated, has struck a long-term deal with Minute Media, a digital-media company focused on sports, to continue publishing the print edition of Sports Illustrated. Minute Media plans to expand the magazine’s publishing operations globally and hire back some of the employees previously laid off by Arena Group.

• The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill with broad bipartisan support that could result in the ban of the popular app TikTok or force its owner to sell it. The bill's passage intensifies the ongoing conflict between Beijing and Washington over control of various technologies and raises concerns about national security and free speech.

Industry Insights

• Starting on April 30th, Airbnb will prohibit hosts from having indoor security cameras in their rental properties for guest safety purposes. The new policy requires the removal of all indoor cameras and to inform guests of any outdoor monitoring technology before booking.

• Hotels are continuing to capitalize on the trend of sleep tourism by offering unique services and amenities to enhance guests' sleep experiences. These include A.I.-assisted beds, on-call hypnotherapists, and sequestered guest rooms. The shift shows there is greater recognition of the importance of sleep for health and wellness.

• Alaska Airlines has introduced a WiFi subscription service, allowing passengers to access inflight internet at a fixed monthly cost.

• Frontier Airlines has introduced a new seating upgrade called "UpFront Plus" that guarantees passengers an empty middle seat. In addition to extra legroom, UpFront Plus fliers will also enjoy perks such as priority boarding and being the first to receive in-flight service.

• Mattel has announced the development of a new theme park in Kansas City that will showcase beloved brands like Hot Wheels and Barbie. The park aims to provide an immersive experience for visitors, bringing the iconic toys to life through various attractions and activities.

• Virgin Atlantic has made history by completing the world's first flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from London Heathrow to New York JFK. This achievement shows that SAF, made from waste products, is a viable and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional jet fuel.

• Disney Cruise Line reveals they will introduce a new ship called Disney Destiny in 2025. The ship will have a "Heroes and Villains" theme, showcasing iconic Disney stories and characters.

• According to Skyscanner’s research, Tokyo is the most searched-for destination for summer 2024 flights among travelers from the Americas, while Palma and Greek destinations are popular among travelers from the EMEA region. European cities, including London, Zurich, Athens, Milan, Rome, and Paris, are highly sought after by travelers from the Asia-Pacific region.

• A program called United MileagePlus will let you combine your miles with family and friends. You can now create a joint account where everyone can contribute and use their miles together for United flights.

• JetBlue announced the discontinuation of several routes and adjustments to its service in Los Angeles. The airline will withdraw from markets such as Kansas City, Bogota, Quito, and Lima, while also reducing its short-haul flights from Los Angeles International Airport. The changes are part of JetBlue's efforts to improve profitability and refocus its operations following the termination of its proposed acquisition of Spirit Airlines.

• Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the seventh consecutive year according to the United Nations’ World Happiness Report.

The Good

•  Hurtigruten has extended its Northern Lights guarantee, assuring passengers a free voyage if they don't see the Northern Lights during their cruise along the Norwegian coast between October and February.

• Expedia has launched the Made to Travel Fund, which grants over $1.5 million to nonprofits focused on eliminating travel barriers. The program supports organizations working with underserved and underrepresented travelers, aiming to create greater access to transformative travel experiences.

The Bad

• In the past two weeks, United Airlines has experienced eight incidents involving their planes, including engine fires, lost tires, and planes veering off runways, raising concerns about aviation safety. United's CEO, Scott Kirby, stated that the incidents were unrelated but emphasized the importance of safety and reassured the public that the airline is enhancing safety training and procedures.