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What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Sainsbury travel money” trended +4,500% this week, indicating heightened public interest following news that its currency exchange services will remain unaffected by the bank’s transition to NatWest.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in epic destinations for multigenerational travel, travel adventures in your 50s, newly opened lodges near U.S. National Parks, travel habits across different generations, the safest island vacations for solo travelers, and more.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
Following the passing of Pope Francis, Vatican visitors can anticipate increased security measures, extended wait times, and significantly larger crowds. While most Vatican sites remain open to the public, certain areas may be temporarily closed in preparation for services and related events.
Industry Insights
A growing number of travelers are embracing “quiet travel” as a result of digital fatigue and daily overstimulation. The trend prioritizes relaxation over tight schedules, with many opting for tech-free retreats and minimalist itineraries.
A new wave of travel designers are offering highly customized itineraries, focusing on personalized experiences, exclusive perks, and effortless travel planning. Many are leveraging social media and industry relations to craft unique experiences that go beyond traditional travel agency services.
In response to strained U.S.-Canada relations, California is launching a campaign to welcome back Canadian tourists, featuring a video from Governor Gavin Newsom and exclusive travel deals through Expedia.
Southwest Airlines announced it will begin retrofitting planes with select extra-legroom seats starting April 30, and travelers can expect to see changes throughout the summer on the airline’s fleet.
Delta Air Lines partnered with Uber to allow SkyMiles members to earn miles on both Uber rides and Uber Eats, earning up to 3 miles per dollar on qualifying purchases.
Airbnb updated its platform to display the total price of a stay, including cleaning fees, upfront during the search process, to help with cost transparency ahead of checkout.
Royal Caribbean temporarily canceled trips to its Labadee beach resort in Haiti due to escalating gang violence and political instability to prioritize passenger safety.
Billionaire investor Bill Ackman and his investment management company, Pershing Square, sent Hertz’s stock soaring this week after acquiring a nearly 20% stake in the company.
The Good
Royal Caribbean and Inter Miami CF partnered with Make-A-Wish to deliver a memorable experience for wish kids and their families. Guests spent the day aboard the Icon of the Seas before meeting the Inter Miami CF First Team and club captain Lionel Messi.
The Bad
Uber is facing a lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), accusing the company of enrolling consumers in its Uber One subscription without consent and making cancellation excessively difficult. The FTC claims users must navigate up to 23 screens and take as many as 32 steps to cancel, calling out “deceptive billing and cancellation practices.”
