D/R DOWNLOAD 6.14
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Bora Bora travel” trended +70% this week, showcasing that travelers are searching for information on the destination of Bora Bora.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in stories about state parks, warm-weather destinations, Fourth of July sales, the cheapest locations of luxury/major hotel brands, and more.
POPSUGAR announced they have rebranded as PS, debuting with a new look, feel, and focus. PS will primarily cover health, fitness, beauty, and balance.
Based on social media posts from journalists, editors are intentionally prioritizing stories based on first-hand experiences, as the use of AI and algorithms continues to increase.
Apple has decided to partner with OpenAI in order to help improve Siri’s capabilities. This could help change the game when it comes to Siri’s responses and its effectiveness.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
Taylor Swift fans are calling COVID-19 infections from concerts ‘souvenirs.’ A viral poll asked if people left her shows with a cold/COVID-19, and 35.1% said yes. Beyond just optics, this creates a concern for a “summer wave” of infections.
Industry Insights
American Airlines now offers commissions for bookings made through its New Distribution Capability (NDC) channels, compelling travel agencies to adapt to the new system.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants has named “The World’s Best Restaurant,” with this year's winner being Disfrutar located in Barcelona, Spain. The restaurant was chosen by a panel of experts, after placing second in 2023.
Thailand has launched a five-year digital nomad visa for remote workers and entrepreneurs to work in Thailand, while enjoying the benefits of the culture and lifestyle. This was created to attract creative professionals but also help the country’s economy.
A recent story on TIME discusses how people are “vacationing wrong,” often arriving home more tired than when they left. The piece suggests actions that can help, such as muting work apps, having a loose plan, incorporating a rest day before coming back to work, and more.
Capital One plans to unveil a new 13,000-square-foot airport lounge at New York’s JFK Airport Terminal 4. The lounge features tarmac views and amenities including shower suites, multiple power outlets, a tapas-style menu, a coffee bar, and other luxe amenities.
After a year-long analysis, Delta Airlines has been announced as the best airline by The Points Guy, followed by Alaskan and United.
JetBlue and British Airways’ Codeshare partnership has been approved, allowing these airlines to place their designator code on codeshared services. There will be 75 domestic flights to New York and Boston operated by JetBlue and 17 intra-European flights from London operated by British Airways.
This week, the State Department announced that certain travelers can renew their passports online instead of via snail mail. Travelers must be at least 25 years old, have already had a passport, and not travel internationally within eight weeks.
Delta is now introducing premium select seats on cross-country flights for the first time, with bookings starting September 10th. The elevated cabin will be available on flights between New York and Los Angeles.
Disney World will soon open a new ride called “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure”, based on the motion picture The Princess and the Frog. This ride reflects Disney’s efforts to promote diversity, while creating something the whole family can enjoy.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport recently added a plane-spotting overlook, that doesn’t require a plane ticket to access. Travelers can now watch planes take off and land, as well as enjoy dining, activities, and a playground.
Four Seasons plans to introduce new private jet itineraries in 2026, including luxe accommodations and fine dining on every trip. These experiences will allow travelers to visit unique destinations while also encountering different cultures.
Apple Maps has implemented an update that will allow users to access national park maps offline. Users can also create custom walking and hiking routes, making exploring National Parks safer and more user-friendly.
The Good
Several companies are creating fashion collections to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in honor of Pride Month. These brands include household names such as Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Hollister, Reebok, and more.
US hotels have added 700 jobs in May, which is an extremely positive growth for the industry post-pandemic. Hotels have also been adding more benefits, flexibility, and other perks to attract employees.
The Bad
Liquid Death, a canned water company, received backlash for its second unsuccessful attempt at a promotional campaign. The company’s CEO apologized after the failed campaign and committed to learning from the experience.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants is currently negotiating salaries with American Airlines, whose flight attendants only make $27,000 per year while forced to live in major metro areas.
