D/R DOWNLOAD 4.19

What’s Trending

01/ On Google

• “Luxury Travel Experiences” trended +500% this week, indicating that travelers are looking for elevated experiences for their next trip.

02/ With Media

• This week, media were interested in the best world cruise itineraries for 2025-2027, tips on how to travel on a budget, the best food & drink trails in the US, the best destinations for oysters, and more.

03/ In the Zeitgeist

• The NCAA women’s basketball championship drew in nearly 18.9 million viewers, more viewers than the men’s championship game at 14.1 million, signaling a shift in audience attitude toward women’s basketball. 

• TIME announced the "TIME100: The Most Influential People of 2024". It includes notable figures from different fields like politics, entertainment, business, and science, showcasing their significant impact on a global level. Figures include Dua Lipa, Elliot Page, and Patrick Mahomes.

Industry Insights

• In a new study by GetYourGuide, travelers are seeking more adventure-based experiences. The report states that 90% of travelers plan to spend the same or more on activities in 2024, with experiences as the leading factor when planning where to go. 

• Google Maps will be rolling out features that offer more sustainable travel options for guests. This includes transport alternatives, electric vehicle information, and more.

• Amsterdam’s local government has announced a ban on the construction of new hotels to fight overtourism. The city aims to keep the city liveable for residents and visitors by limiting hotel expansion and setting a cap of 20 million hotel overnight stays per year. 

• Psychedelic travel experiences with trained experts are increasing in popularity, with resorts and retreats offering the substance for a myriad of purposes including mental health and self-reflection.

• Barcelona has implemented an increase in its city-wide tourist tax as a response to overtourism. The new tax rate is €3.25 (about $3.45) per night, an increase of €0.50 (about $0.53) compared to the previous rate. The tax is added to generate income for the city's infrastructure development.

• Türkiye is the latest country to add a digital nomad visa. Employees age 21 and 55 from most EU countries, the UK, USA, or Canada who make $3,000 a month can apply. 

• The Haiku Stairs, also known as the Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii, will be demolished due to ongoing issues with trespassing and irresponsible behavior by tourists. The stairs, consisting of 3,922 steps, have been closed to the public since 1987 but have continued to attract thrill-seekers and social media users. 

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport was named the busiest airport in the world, with 104.6 million travelers in 2023. There was a 36.5% increase in international passengers compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. 

• American Airlines straps its first class for a new “business class plus” experience. Features include additional storage and personal space in the bulkhead, a Nest Bedding-branded mattress pad, a memory foam lumbar pillow, and more.

• The U.S. Senate held hearings to review Boeing’s safety culture. Whistleblower and Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour testified about manufacturing shortcuts that could compromise airplane safety and raised concerns about poor assembly.

The Good

• Hilton Honors members can use their points to bid for tickets and a meet and greet at Travis Kelce’s Kelce Jam music festival in Kansas City. Bidding will start at 200,000 points and end on April 25.

The Bad

• After severe heavy rainfall, the Dubai International Airport airport had difficulties resuming flights due to underwater runways and dangerous conditions. Travelers were limited to Terminal 3 where they had minimal food sources; many complained to social media.