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What’s Trending
01/ With Media
Hearst has slashed roles across its print portfolio, which includes publications such as Cosmopolitan and Seventeen, as it looks to implement strategic decisions to “pave the way forward as a digital-first media company."
Members of the Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) are continuing with their three month long strike against Hollywood studios in attempts for better pay and working conditions. Recently, an anonymous studio executive stated they are willing to allow the protesters to continue until they go homeless, causing even more outrage.
Paul Brady announced he has been promoted to News Director at Travel + Leisure; he will continue to edit cruise coverage and the ‘Intelligent Traveler’ section while also stewarding T+L’s Global Vision Award and the annual ‘Where to Go’ list.
This week, media were interested in stories about the rise of non-alcoholic bars, coral restoration programs, unusual travel experiences, and Labor Day Weekend getaways to name a few.
02/ In The Zeitgeist
Toshodaiji Kondo, a Historic Monument of Ancient Nara in Japan, was recently vandalized by a teenage Canadian tourist who carved the name ‘Julian’ into the wooden pillar. The teenager admitted to the act while being questioned by police and is now being referred to prosecutors.
Industry Insights
To commemorate Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, SeaWorld is throwing a week-long celebration by selling ‘Ultimate Shark Experience’ tickets, providing guests the opportunity to see, feed, touch, and learn about the ocean’s favorite predators. Guests will be able to buy exclusive shark-themed merchandise and ride a shark-inspired roller coaster.
Rail Europe and Trenitalia announced their latest high-speed Frecciarossa train service, which will save travelers up to 30 minutes when traveling between Rome and Pompeii, Italy.
In order to tighten border security, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will require a ‘visa’ to travel to countries within the European Union beginning in 2024. The application is online, will cost approximately $8, and will last up to three years.
A new 125-acre Americana-themed amusement park named American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will be making its way to Oklahoma between 2025 and 2026. The theme park will be comparable to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park with the Central United States’ largest campground adjacent to the park.
“American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest has partnered with Classic Vacations as a strategic advisor to support Classic’s expansion plans and assist the company with products, marketing, and customer services.
In honor of Hilton New York Times Square’s proximity to Disney’s Aladdin the Musical on Broadway, the Hilton has announced the new Aladdin’s Time Square Palace, which contains an Agrabah-inspired suite, “Genie-tinis,” a personal call from the Broadway musical’s Genie, four complimentary tickets to the show, and show merchandise.
Due to the surge in post-pandemic travel to the Acropolis of Athens, the Greek government has decided to limit the number of guests allowed at the historic site by using a time-slot system, fast-lane entry points for tourist groups, and electronic ticketing to alleviate tourist congestion.
Expedia Group’s new One Key is a travel rewards initiative that combines its three flagship brands, Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, to include hotels, rentals, and flights in one program. To celebrate One Key’s launch, the company launched an “Unlock a Year’s Worth of Travel with One Key” contest on July 18; the winner will win $60,000.
Skiplagging, when a passenger gets off a flight and remains in their layover city as opposed to continuing on to their final destination, is on the rise. Skiplagging is usually done to save money and is considered fraudulent behavior.
United Airlines and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) reached an agreement to increase United Pilots pay a cumulative of 35.5-40.2% in a four year contract in order to enhance their quality of life.
Royal Caribbean now offers a 48-hour window for passengers to book a cruise before making a payment, allowing travelers the opportunity to finalize details or address last-minute concerns.
While in Zeebrugge, Belgium this weekend, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima was unmoored by strong 20-30 mph winds near the port. The ship’s passengers and crew remained safe.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and Anthropologie have partnered to create a collection of stylish, seasonal accessories to help alleviate packing stress, which will be available for Kimpton guests to borrow on a complimentary basis at participating U.S. hotels.
The Good
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched a new tool kit for airports to measure carbon emissions coming from airport-related construction projects. The IATA believes that this will allow airports to better understand and reduce their carbon generation, making aviation more sustainable for years to come.
