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What’s Trending

01/ On Google

• “Luxury travel experiences” continues to trend this week at +250%, likely due to travelers researching plans ahead of summer travel.

02/ With Media

• This week, media were interested in responsible tourism, the best cruises to take with your girlfriends, ideas for summer travel guides, and more.

• A recent article explores how deep sleep has become a symbol of status, with individuals seeking optimal sleep conditions and tracking their sleep patterns with technology to enhance productivity and well-being - marking the societal shift towards valuing sleep as a marker of success.

• The Senate passed a long-awaited $95 billion foreign aid package that will send military assistance to Ukraine and other American allies. The bill also forces a sale of TikTok by its Chinese owner ByteDance or else the app will face a ban in the US within 270 days. TikTok promised to do all it can to fight the bill.

• Cannabis-based beauty and wellness products gained popularity after hemp was legalized in 2018. As the market became more saturated with various CBD products, the initial excitement has turned into confusion, a lack of clarity about the benefits, regulatory issues and competition.

03/ In the Zeitgeist

• A report by Vestiaire Collective explains how fast fashion might be worse for your wallet than purchasing pre-owned luxury items. The report highlights how consumers will benefit from quality and sustainable items, over pieces that need to be consistently replaced.

• The company formerly known as Twitter launched a video app that is compatible with most smart TVs, including a YouTube-esque trending algorithm and the ability for users to upload their own videos. The move is part of owner Elon Musk’s push to turn X into an “everything app” as advertisers flee the platform.

• Spotify Technology SA experienced a surge in its shares after reporting a profitable first quarter. Paid subscribers rose 14%, totaling 239 million. Additionally, the total number of active users, including those on free plans, grew to 615 million. 

Industry Insights

• The Biden Administration has ruled that airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and significantly delayed flights. Domestic flights delayed for over three hours and international flights delayed for over six will qualify for a cash refund. Airlines can suggest another flight or travel credit, but travelers may reject the offer. 

• Frontier is making it easier for passengers to travel around the Caribbean with the addition of several new flight routes from Puerto Rico starting with prices as low as $60, in hopes of making travel more affordable and accessible for a record-breaking summer of travel. 

• A new bill in California, SB-1372, seeks to ban Clear, a biometric security company, from operating in the state's airports due to increasing concerns about wealthier passengers’ ability to bypass TSA screening lines.

• Brightline West, a privately owned train company, is set to connect Las Vegas to Southern California with a high-speed rail system. The project will start in 2028 and will cost $12 billion, aiming to reduce traffic and provide convenient access for leisure and business travelers.

• Hotels are increasingly organizing game nights as a popular guest activity. The events provide guests a way to get off their phones and experience a sense of nostalgia with backgammon, scrabble, cards and more. Cultural exchange through learning and playing new games is also a big appeal to attending game nights.

• Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2024 winners have been announced, highlighting the top new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships. The list features a diverse range of exceptional establishments from around the world, including unique hotel suites, the largest cruise ship, and outstanding dining options. The winners were selected by Condé Nast Traveler's editors based on their independent evaluations.

• EF Go Ahead Tours has introduced new travel itineraries for India. The tour operator is offering a range of options for travelers to explore different regions of India, including visits to iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and opportunities to connect with local communities.

• The Uproxx Spring 2024 Travel Hot List is a curated collection of destinations, experiences, food and drink, and hotels for travel enthusiasts seeking new and exciting adventures, from “shroom sound baths” in Jamaica to hiking the wilds of Kyrgyzstan.

• This week, Carnival Cruises’ “Paradise” ship rescued 28 Cuban nationals who were stranded in the middle of the Caribbean.

The Good

• After an employee of Chick-fil-A was told she couldn't post food-review videos on TikTok, user @mirithesiren decided to collaborate with other brands. Within a week, she partnered with Shake Shack and has gained 50,000 followers since she began making review videos in January, when she joined Chick-fil-A.  

• A 100-year-old centenarian woman was mistakenly identified as an unaccompanied minor during a flight due to a glitch related to her birth year, 1923.  She has gone viral on social media for sharing advice on life and longevity, with her trademark humor.

• The Global Destination Sustainability Movement has named the top 20 most sustainable cities in the world. Destinations are evaluated in four key areas; environmental performance, social performance, destination management, and the sustainability of suppliers. Topping the list is Gothenburg, Sweden, Oslo, Norway and Copenhagen, Denmark.

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.