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WHAT’S TRENDING
On Google:
Searches for ‘US restrictions on travel from India’ are trending +1,350% this week, following President Biden's ban of most travel from the country in the wake of the devastating Covid-19 outbreak that they’re currently experiencing.
‘Space tourism’ is trending +180% after Jeff Bezos announced his company Blue Origin will launch its first astronaut flight in July, with one seat open to the public through an auction.
‘Last minute memorial day getaways’ is trending +150% as the long weekend quickly approaches.
On Social:
Instagram has launched an auto-caption option on stories, making videos more accessible to those that are hard of hearing as well as users that want a synopsis without turning on volume.
Twitter has announced multiple new features this week:
The app now allows users with 600+ followers to host Spaces, its version of the audio room network Clubhouse.
In an effort to reduce anger and harassment on social media, "mean" replies will be automatically detected, prompting users to review their reply before sending.
Larger image previews on the app will now give users a better idea of the images they’re looking at. The heavily cropped images of the past were the subject of many “open for a surprise” memes and embarrassing situations for companies.
With Media:
Journalists are beginning to broaden their horizons from strictly domestic travel as international borders begin to reopen.
Outlets are looking for affordable travel options and family travel itineraries as the school year comes to an end.
Consumer + Industry Insights:
The CDC announced Monday that the United States has fully vaccinated over 100 million citizens against Covid-19.
The TSA extended mask requirements for planes, buses, and trains through mid-September.
Ahead of the predicted summer travel surge, the TSA is seeking to streamline security wait times by offering digital reservations through its new program SEA Spot Saver.
Italy’s Prime Minister said the country will welcome tourists from other EU countries beginning in mid-May.
Rome’s Colosseum has announced a $22 million project, a retractable floor that will allow travelers to stand where gladiators used to battle, due to be completed in 2023.
Germany’s Oktoberfest has been cancelled for a second year due to Covid-19 concerns.
Amazon Explore is giving Prime members free virtual trips that will allow them to experience travel without leaving their living rooms and shop in local stores to support small businesses worldwide.
Trivago launched two new features to help guide travelers, including an ‘Activities’ section connecting users to 55k+ excursions across the globe as well as a ‘Weekend’ feature with activities and accommodations within a short radius for a weekend getaway.
Broadway shows will be open in NYC at 100% capacity starting on September 14.
One of the world’s most celebrated fine dining experiences, NYC’s Eleven Madison Park is going vegan.
Swiss tennis pro Roger Federer and legendary actor Rober De Niro team up in an ad for Switzerland tourism, capturing the “too perfect” aspects of the country.
The scripted show, ‘Life’s Rewards,' from Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Visit Florida is the first TV show entirely produced by and filmed in the destination where the story takes place. It will be premiering on May 10th on Amazon Prime.
Best Practices:
Hotels.com has launched a clever 90s-inspired video series on ‘Safe Booking,’ starring its spokesman, Captain Obvious. Captain travels back in time taking cues from cringey classroom instructional videos, with one dubbed “Sleep Around” where he says it’s ok to bed hop.
Extra Gum is celebrating the return to normal with their new ad, showcasing people emerging from their homes in disbelief with Extra on-hand as they begin to interact with others, set to Celine Dion’s iconic song “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.”
For Mental Health Awareness Month, Pinterest has partnered with #HalfTheStory, a non-profit that positively empowers the next generation’s relationship with technology. During the month of May, Pinterest will donate all ad credits and drive Pinners to useful resources, including how to manage screen time and encourage safe advocacy online.
Barbie’s new campaign ‘A Doll Can Help Change the World’ aims to help kids emerge from lockdown with social skills and empathy, after missing out on social development in a school environment due to the pandemic.