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What’s Trending

01/ On Google

• Searches for ”Ecuador travel advisory” increased +1,550% this week following the country’s state of emergency after an infamous gang member escaped from prison.

02/ With Media

• Influencers are abstaining from affiliate programs and preferring flat fees for marketing work. A survey conducted by The Motherhood Agency reveals that nearly 94% of influencers prefer a flat-fee stipend over commission-based structures, and offering a combination of base pay and commission could increase influencers' enthusiasm for brand deals.

• Shondaland is downsizing and will no longer be publishing original editorial content in 2024.

• Though the trend was primarily started by influencers, publicists and journalists alike have started creating “In and Out” lists on social media that detail their personal goals and preferences, in addition to predicting popular trends for the new year. Some anticipated trends for 2024 seen in journalists’ lists include real storytelling, getting paid on time, and free time during press trips.

• This week, media were interested in Valentine’s Day stories, wellness-focused bachelorette parties, spring break hotel packages, and more.

03/ In the Zeitgeist

• The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and HBO announced season three of HBO’s TV series The White Lotus will begin filming in February. Filming locations include Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui.

• The Stanley Cup water bottle is a viral sensation. Wired published a piece detailing the pros and cons of the consumerization of an item designed for sustainability.

• Attacks in Ecuador continue to escalate, including an invasion of armed men during a public, live broadcast in Ecuador. The country's president has declared an "internal armed conflict" and authorized the military to neutralize designated drug trafficking gangs.

Industry Insights

• Greece has recently implemented a new tourism tax, mirroring a growing trend in several popular travel destinations. The tax is aimed at generating revenue to support local infrastructure and offset the impact of tourism.

• CNN introduces readers to the world of travel for 2024, discussing things like closures and reopenings of various attractions worldwide, Kenya’s plan to simplify Visa requirements, and the popularity of Turkey’s Dogu Express train.

• Japan Rail Passes have become more expensive, prompting the introduction of the Kyun Pass as an alternative option. The Kyun Pass is a one-day, all-you-can-ride pass offered by JR East, giving travelers access to various destinations beyond the popular tourist spots.

• Travel Weekly's 2024 travel industry predictions anticipate a rise in sustainable travel, increased use of virtual and augmented reality, and continued emphasis on personalized experiences.

• Turkiye has announced the removal of visa requirements for American travelers visiting the country for up to 90 days, in hopes of boosting tourism to Turkey. Previously, Americans had to apply for an E-Visa in advance, which cost $51.50. This change is expected to boost tourism to Turkey.

• The New York Times presents a diverse selection of travel options and events for the year of 2024, with events like the total solar eclipse across North America, the Gion Festival in Yamaguchi, Japan, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

• Bank of America in its Housing Morsel Report found that Las Vegas is the No. 1 retiring spot for baby boomers.

• Cheddar News published a story about which travel trends we’re leaving behind in 2023, such as overpacked airport lounges, overhyped Instatrips, and Late Check-In, Early Check-Out.

• Companies like Intrepid Travel, Hostelworld, and WeRoad are embracing solo-travelers by organizing trips and activities based on shared interests to facilitate connections.

The Good

• Candy company Sweethearts has launched "Situationship Boxes," featuring conversation heart candies with messages that reflect the complexities of modern relationships. These boxes aim to capture the ambiguous and mixed signals often experienced in romantic connections known as "situationships."

• Away, a luggage company, spoofed Jermey Allan White's Calvin Klein ad campaign by dressing an Away luggage in CK briefs.

• Bay Area hotels and airports are providing support to autistic children by offering practice stays, boarding “rehearsals,” and sunflower lanyards to signal hidden disabilities to staff.

• Travel company WanderRock is creating tours specifically for autistic and neurodiverse young adults, in destinations such as Morocco, Italy, and Japan.

The Bad

• After a door unexpectedly detached from the plane, passenger airlines Alaska Airlines and United Airlines were forced to cancel hundreds of flights following the incident involving Boeing aircraft.

• Skift explores the consequences of humanity's "Faustian climate bargain" as we face the realities of the year 2024. The piece highlights the intersection of several megatrends, including extreme weather events, technological advancements, and social unrest, all of which are shaping our planet's future.