D/R DOWNLOAD 10.13
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Travel restrictions to Israel from the US” trended +500% this week, as travelers sought guidance for travel to the region amid the ongoing conflict.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in the best girls weekend getaways, upcycled hotels, affordable vacations to destinations and beaches, as well as standout hotel and museum openings for 2024.
Emma Tucker, the new Editor in Chief of The Wall Street Journal, has begun to implement large changes to better serve a digital audience. Ms. Tucker hopes to make journalism more accessible without “diluting standards.”
03/ In the Zeitgeist
On Saturday, the Israeli Prime Minister declared the country “at war” following severe deadly clashes in Israel and Gaza between Israeli forces and Hamas. The U.S. has raised the travel advisory to Israel to a level 3, “reconsider travel.”
Industry Insights
WalletHub conducted a study that revealed the happiest states in the US, with Utah, Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, and New Jersey earning spots as the top five.
United Airlines is introducing a first-of-its kind online filter that will show wheelchair users which aircrafts can accommodate their size of wheelchair. This innovation comes as a result of more than 10,000 wheelchairs getting damaged during flights.
Alaska Airlines has announced they’ve partnered with Stumptown Coffee to create a signature blend that is immune to the negative effects of altitude, which can make coffee more bitter and weak.
A new train service called Evolyn plans to launch high-speed service from London to Paris beginning in 2025, the first competitor to enter the market in 30 years.
Disney World announced that beginning January 9, 2024, guests with park hopper tickets will be able to hop from park to park at any time, no longer having to wait until after 2:00pm.
The first for the company, Marriott International is currently transforming the Marriott Cancun Resort into an all-inclusive property, set to debut in 2024.
Barcelona has banned cruise ships from docking near its city center in an effort to reduce overtourism and pollution. The amount of ships able to dock will also be reduced from 10 to 7 a day.
Hawaii Governor, Josh Green, announced it is now okay for tourists to come back to West Maui following the devastating forest fires, and expressed hope that tourists will help the beautiful location recover.
The Good
United Airlines will begin airing a 30-second marketing video designed for Taylor Swift fans, estimating that more than 100,000 fans flew United Airlines to see the Eras Tour across the United States.
In response to passport delays, Puerto Rico has launched “No Passport, No Problem,” a new travel campaign to remind Americans that Puerto Rico is an American territory, meaning a passport isn’t needed for travel to the territory.
Tripadvisor's new series on Amazon Prime video, The Wanderer, has created a new type of travel advertisement for destinations by creating experience driven, branded content from real travelers.
The Bad
The National Hockey League is being criticized for their recent decision to ban the use of rainbow tape during Pride Night celebrations. Players have been putting rainbow tape on their hockey sticks for several years as a show of the sport's pledge to be welcoming and inclusive.
