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What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Summer solstice 2024 events” trended +100% this week, indicating travelers interested in celestial tourism.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in unique properties in Amsterdam, European hotels with investments in sustainability, new properties this year, the best places to go in 2025, and more.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
Meteorologists reported that the intense heat wave from Ohio to New England will continue through the weekend, potentially breaking records. Temperatures are expected to feel as high as 110 degrees in affected areas.
Trends show that the majority of Americans are spending less time with family and friends than ever before. To help solve this epidemic, people are searching for more friend-centric communities and investing in “community infrastructure.”
Industry Insights
Bloomberg states that over 75% of hotels have staffing shortages, with 13% being severe. Hotels have increased pay and work benefits, such as flexible schedules and bonuses, to combat this issue.
The World Economic Forum reported that the U.S. is the number one country for tourism in 2024. The country’s score stems from factors, such as various natural and cultural destinations, travel-friendly resources, infrastructure, and seamless travel between cities.
The unexpected travel trend, “grief-related wellness,” has become increasingly popular this year. These retreats allow travelers to feel supported and reflect, providing a cathartic experience for anyone dealing with a loss.
Thrillist reports that a week-long trip to Disney World for a family of four costs around $6,500, causing 24% of families who visit to go into debt. Rising ticket prices, food and drink prices within the park, and overall inflation are listed factors.
Condé Nast Traveler listed the most popular travel shows trending right now including, Thirst with Shay Mitchell, Gordon Ramsey: Uncharted, and Searching for Soul Food.
JetBlue will allow travelers to bring a full-size carry-on bag and a personal item on board for those who booked the Basic Blue fare. The company believes this change will keep JetBlue competitive and boost customer experience.
Thailand is experiencing the "White Lotus Effect," as the third series of the show premiers in 2025. Thailand bookings have increased by 38%, showing similarities to the previous locations where the show was filmed.
To protect residents and the environment, Iceland is changing its "tourism tax". Implementing accession fees for the most popular spots in the country, this new grants control over tourism while maintaining its economy.
With rising travel costs and heat waves, Europe is seeing a shift in popular destinations, with Brussels and Berlin being this summer’s “hot spots.” While cities like London and Paris are still some of the most-booked cities, travelers are starting to search for less crowded and cheaper alternatives.
After 6 years of renovation, the BVI's Peter Island Resort is reopening. The revamped resort includes a full-service yacht club, a luxurious 10,000-square-foot spa, pickleball courts, and more.
LVMH and Accor have partnered to enhance the Orient Express brand. Plans include introducing a new and luxurious train next year, opening hotels in 2025, and debuting the first Orient Express sailing ship in 2026.
Alongside the film’s release, Airbnb debuted an Inside Out 2-themed stay named “Team Riley’s Headquarters,” designed after the setting of the movie. The bedrooms are themed on emotion-based characters Joy and Sadness and include activities such as scavenger hunts, air hockey, and making a memory orb.
Starting in October, BARK Air, a luxury airline designed for dogs, will offer 5 new destinations, including Paris and Chicago. This expansion is due to the increasing demand for a “dog-centric travel experience.”
To enhance safety measures during a surge in summer travel, the FAA is working with airports to mitigate vehicle and pedestrian accidents. Implementations include new training materials, such as videos and advanced technology.
The Good
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream and Sabrina Carpenter are partnering to launch the limited-time ice cream flavor, “Espresso,” with 50% of its profits being donated to the Ali Forney Center, a youth-focused LBGTQ+ shelter and service center. The collaboration comes after the song reached a new peak of #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending 6 weeks total on the chart.
Starbucks and Marriott Bonvoyhave partnered to allow rewards members to link accounts and earn more points on both platforms. Members can earn double Stars and 100 Marriott Bonvoy points while staying at participating locations.
The Bad
Customers who bought a Disney Dream Key pass between August and October of 2021 will receive a $67 check due to a $9.5 million settlement. The lawsuit stemmed from misleading information about “no blackout dates” when pass holders struggled to reserve dates.
