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What’s Trending

01/ On Google

• “Miami beach spring breakers” increased +250% as a viral ad was posted on the social accounts of the Official City of Miami Beach. The ad states Miami is “breaking up” with Miami spring breakers and implementing stricter rules to keep the city safe. 

02/ With Media

• This week, media were interested in stories about Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the best-smelling hotels, sleep-oriented programming, the top beaches on the east coast, and more.

• The House Energy and Commerce Committee has advanced a bill that could lead to a nationwide ban on TikTok in the United States. The bill proposes a ban on TikTok from U.S. app stores unless it is quickly separated from its China-linked parent company, ByteDance within the next 165 days.

• Facebook, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and Threads experienced outages due to a technical issue, causing difficulties accessing the services. The issue has been resolved, and all platforms are now fully functional.

• Netflix and International Delight held a matchmaking event hosted by Adjoa Andoh called “Coffee & Courting”. Potential romantic partners could meet and bond over their favorite Netflix shows and International Delight's coffee creamers inspired by Bridgerton.

03/ In the Zeitgeist

• France has become the first country in the world to include abortion rights in its constitution, following a vote by lawmakers in both houses of the French Parliament. The amendment guarantees the freedom to have an abortion and is a direct response to the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

• OLIPOP, a healthy soda brand, is offering a job to a pair of best friends. The winning duo will be paid $10,000 to travel on a road trip to explore four cities as "senior soda consultants,” while the duo creates content, spreads awareness about OLIPOP, and becomes the face of the brand's nationwide adventure.

Industry Insights

• Allianz Partners analyzed more than 3.4 million flight itineraries for upcoming spring break trips, and found that Americans are prioritizing beach vacations for spring break, with Florida dominating the domestic top 10 cities and Cancun being the most popular international destination.

• Silent travel is a popular trend in 2024, including activities such as silent retreats, quiet resorts, and nature walks. The intent of ‘silent travel’ is to provide travelers a more peaceful getaway from our noisy, digital world.

• The popularity of short-term rentals is on the rise again due to the increasing cost of hotels and their adoption of hotel-like amenities and convenient services, such as contactless check-in, toiletries, and high-speed internet.

• JetBlue and Spirit officially ended their $3.8 billion merger plan on Monday, after a federal judge blocked the effort because it violated antitrust laws. Both airlines will move forward independently. 

• MGM Resorts International and Marriott International have formed an alliance to provide enhanced benefits and exclusive experiences to their members. Through the partnership, members can enjoy access to iconic MGM properties, world-class acts, impeccable service, and endless opportunities to indulge. 

• Hotels are recognizing the value of quality sleep experiences and are introducing innovative services and amenities to cater to this demand. From A.I.-assisted beds and on-call hypnotherapists to unique sleep-focused retreats, they are providing guests with options to optimize their rest and rejuvenation. 

• The U.S. State Department has reissued travel advisories for Mexico, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, urging caution for spring break travelers due to recent violent events in tourist areas. The advisories recommend exercising extra caution, avoiding certain hotspots for crime, and staying aware of surroundings while visiting.

• Kayak has partnered with ChatGPT to introduce two AI-powered features, PriceCheck and Ask Kayak, to make travel planning easier. PriceCheck helps users compare airfare prices, while Ask Kayak utilizes a text-based chatbot to assist users in finding their ideal vacation destination.

• This week, Mattel announced they’re partnering with Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas to create a special Barbie experience. The experience will feature Barbie-themed accommodations and unique experiences, such as doll-box photo stations, a Barbie ball pit, Barbie movie nights, Barbie-themed cooking classes, and more.

The Good

• In honor of International Women’s Day 2024, Condé Nast Traveller spotlighted 15 women leaders who are making significant contributions to the travel industry. These women are shaping the industry through their work in design, activism, food, storytelling, and pop culture.

• Heinz announced the brand will boast the world’s first ‘Ketchup Insurance Policy,’ offering possible compensation for those affected by ketchup-related mishaps, such as stained clothes or splattered laptops. This ad was inspired by social media videos of ketchup disasters, as well as a Heinz survey that noted “48% of users have ketchup accidents all the time, but 91% swear their love for Heinz makes it totally worth it.”

The Bad

• Passengers are boycotting the Boeing 737 Max due to its involvement in fatal crashes and safety issues, raising concerns about Boeing's accountability and passenger confidence in the aircraft.