D/R DOWNLOAD 1.26

What’s Trending

01/ On Google

• “Marshall Island Tourism” recently trended +400% on Google, due to a viral video that shows powerful waves slamming into a U.S. Military base in the Marshall Islands.

02/ With Media

• A slew of layoffs continues to affect the journalism industry, with major cuts at Business Insider, Time Magazine, LA Times, Sports Illustrated and more, leaving many talented journalists without a job at the start of 2024.

• Over 400 members of the Condé Nast Union went on a 24-hour strike, protesting unfair bargaining practices regarding layoffs and severance offers.

• This week, journalists were interested in influential women in travel, Valentine’s Day offerings, 2024 trending travel predictions, and the best ski resorts for non-skiers.

03/ In the Zeitgeist

• In an SNL skit, Jacob Elordi and Kenan Thompson joked about the recent incident where a cabin door flew off an Alaskan Airlines aircraft during a flight. The skit highlighted the airline's commitment to safety while also finding amusement in the unfortunate event.

• The 2024 Oscar Nominations were released, with Oppenheimer receiving 13 nominations followed by Poor Things with 11 nominations, Killers of the Flower Moon with 10, and Barbie with 8. Fans of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie were outraged to discover that Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera were nominated as Best Actor and Actress in Supporting Roles, while Gerwig and Margot Robbie were overlooked.

Industry Insights

• "The State of Travel in 2024" reveals a continued surge in "revenge travel" as more people plan to take international trips despite higher costs. Remote work and affordable flight options play key roles in driving travel decisions.

• Due to global challenges like natural disasters, terrorism, and war, travelers are increasingly concerned for their safety, leading to a rise in travelers’ purchases of travel protection and security services. Apps and screening programs hope to enhance travelers' experiences at airports and help maintain security. 

• Alaska Airlines is still inspecting the door plugs on its Boeing 737-900ER planes, following an emergency landing due to a door plug flying off mid-flight. All 737 Max 9 jets in the country are grounded until the problem is resolved.

• France is predicted to become the most visited country in the world by 2025, based on an estimation of 93.7 million international travelers and a 12.1% annual growth in visitation between 2022 and 2025.

• Delta Air Lines plans to bring futuristic recliner seating, originally introduced on Airbus A321neo, to its Boeing 737-800 fleet. The new seats will provide more privacy, increased storage, and better in-flight entertainment.

• Japan has implemented a new tax and visitor limit for Mount Fuji of 4,000 hikers per day beginning from July 1. The measures aim to address issues of pollution, overcrowding, and safety concerns associated with the increasing number of tourists visiting the iconic mountain.

• Multigenerational trips continue to be a trend, and travel experts are discussing the benefits and challenges travelers may face when traveling with multiple generations during trips. 

• Cruise industry executives are expecting a record-breaking year ahead. Factors such as pent-up demand, the introduction of new ships, increased vaccination rates, and new itineraries are expected to contribute to the industry's success.

The Bad

• Storm Isha caused disruptions to flights in Europe, causing passengers to land in other countries and at the wrong destinations. Flight cancellations, go-arounds, and diversions are affecting airports, particularly in the UK and Ireland.