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WHAT’S TRENDING
On Google:
‘Memorial day weekend’ trended +190% in Google search trends this week as Americans plan getaways for the long weekend.
‘Deep south USA road trip’ surged at +350% in search trends this week, as domestic road trips continue to reign supreme for grounded travelers.
Google has implemented a new feature in response to rising travel interest. Users who search for travel information can now opt to receive destination-specific email updates on travel advisories.
On Social:
A flight attendant recently went viral on TIkTok for revealing cabin crew secrets.
On April 21, the day before Earth Day, President Biden celebrated National Park Week by asking followers on Twitter to describe some of their best memories of the parks. Over 1,000 people replied to the tweet with heartfelt memories and photos.
With Media:
The New York Times announced they would retire the term “op-ed” and replace it with “guest essay.” The term originally derived from classic newspapers that would place guest essays opposite of the editorials, now referred to as a “relic of an older age” that doesn’t fit in the digital world.
This week, USA Today launched a paywall and digital-only subscription plan, joining the likes of The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and other major publishers with millions of paid-only subscribers.
Consumer + Industry Insights:
The State Department on Monday said it was raising the alert level for a significant number of countries this week as it factors the CDC's COVID-19 data more heavily into its rating system. The agency said about 80% of countries will now carry the "Do not travel'' label, a Level 4.
The CDC penned a letter to the cruise industry this week stating that cruise lines will be allowed to sail from U.S. ports as long as 95% of the passengers are fully vaccinated.
Skift recently predicted luxury travel to lead industry recovery, citing an American Express Trendex poll showing “Sixty-one percent of travelers plan to spend more than they normally would on a trip in 2021 since they could not travel in 2020.”
The Department of Homeland Security has postponed the Real ID deadline, required to fly domestically in the U.S. without a passport, from October 1st, 2021 to May 3, 2023.
The Europe Commission has announced that American tourists who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to visit the European Union this summer.
Spain’s tourism industry is hopeful that it will be open to international travelers starting in June.
New York City announced it would fully reopen on July 1st. This news came shortly after lifting the curfews and food requirements placed on bars and restaurants. Locals were left to jokingly say goodbye to “Cuomo chips.”
France’s President Emmanuel Macron announced a plan by the French government permitting foreign tourists back into the country on June 9th as long as they hold a “sanitary pass” with proof of a COVID-19 vaccine or negative test result.
A growing list of nations are blocking travel from India as the country continues to struggle with devastating COVID-19 surge.
The Malta Tourism Authority wants to bring 35,000 visitors to the island with the new “Incentives for Free Independent Travellers” program which will give visitors to the country up to $120 per person if they stay a minimum of 3 nights starting in June.
Hotel and resort rates remain lower than a year ago, on average, but are rising in sync with increased interest in travel among Americans.
Gwyneth Paltrow and her iconic Goop brand have partnered with Celebrity Cruises to host a wellness program onboard their new luxury ship, Celebrity Beyond.
NYC’s Walker Hotel will host an acclaimed Miami tattoo artist through Mother’s Day weekend to offer tattoos to those looking to “make their mark for mom.”
Carolina’s Montage Palmetto Bluff will host a ‘Barbecue University,’ offering guests firsthand experience barbecuing alongside the masters over Father’s Day weekend.
The Londoner in the UK, which opens in September 2021, will be the world’s first “super boutique hotel”.
Uber has expanded the services on its app to allow travelers to book rental cars and schedule vaccine appointments and transportation to the vaccine site. The app also expanded its reservation features including options for scheduled pick ups from the airport.
Best Practices:
The Good:
Bud Light announced its own “stimulus package” in which they will give away 100,000 sports tickets, concert seats, and first rounds at the bar as Americans celebrate the return of live events. The $10 million “Summer Stimmy Proposal” will take place in June and July.
Taco Bell launched its first global campaign, in which fans can score a free taco during a certain phase of the lunar cycle. Using “the world’s biggest billboard, the moon, as a storyteller,” Taco Bell will give away free crunchy tacos during half moon periods, which look similar to a taco’s signature shape. “Taco Moon” celebrates the company’s growth into 32 international markets.
The Bad:
Popular podcaster Joe Rogan received backlash this week for advising his 200 million listeners not to get the vaccine if they are young and healthy. Dr. Fauci spoke out against the comments, reiterating to Americans that his sentiments are incorrect and harmful.
The 2021 Oscars broadcasted live on ABC Sunday night to a record low viewership, just over 10 million, down 58% compared to last year’s ceremony. The ceremony received backlash for its sped-up “In Memoriam” segment and lack of tribute to late nominee, Chadwick Boseman.