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What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Visa to travel to Europe 2024” trended +1,200% this week amid a new regulation established by the EU in which U.S. passport holders will be required to apply for entry through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Though not an official visa, the law goes into effect starting January 2024 and is meant to increase security amid rising terrorist threats to the country.
02/ With Media
Barbie remains a major trend among media, with hotels and resorts debuting Barbie-themed fun with parties, rooms, takeovers, suites, etc. to celebrate the release and share in the film’s cross-marketing partnerships.
This week, journalists were hungry for information about hotel chefs, National Oyster Day, engagement-moon trips, 2024 solar eclipse travel itineraries, and work-from-home hotel packages.
03/ In The Zeitgeist
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie has made history by having the biggest opening weekend for a film directed by a woman. This is thanks in part to its $150 million marketing campaign, which was more than the movie’s production budget of $145 million.
Elon Musk, year-long owner of Twitter, has rebranded the social media platform’s iconic bird logo to “X.” This follows the shift from Twitter Inc. to X Corp. in April as Musk intends to revamp the company into an “everything app.”
Industry Insights
The Transportation Department has established a new rule that every commercial plane should have at least one lavatory onboard that is accessible and big enough for wheelchair users to move around freely within the next decade.
A new DreamWorks Land will be coming to Universal Orlando, Florida in 2024. DreamWorks Land will replace previous children attractions with interactive attractions themed after fan-favorite Shrek, Trolls, and Kung Fu Panda franchises.
Opening in 2024, Glendale, Arizona will be the new home of 9-acre Mattel Adventure Park, which will feature unique indoor and outdoor spaces inspired by Barbie, Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends, and Master of the Universe’s Castle Grayskull.
Due to high heat from summer wildfires across Greece, the Acropolis has been closed and islands Corfu and Evia have issued evacuation orders. Travel advisors are keeping tabs on the conditions and will adjust trips as heat and concern grows
AARP members, aged 50 and older, will now receive an onboard credit from Holland America Line, AARP’s exclusive cruise benefit provider. The onboard credit will vary, ranging from $50 to $200, and can be used for shore excursions, spa services, beverages, specialty dining, and gift shop purchases.
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was convicted by the Swedish Court for blocking the road for oil trucks in Malmö Harbor and refusing to leave when ordered by police, resulting in her being fined. Thunberg participated in this climate protest with other members of the Reclaim the Future movement.
After a passenger jumped from a Carnival Cruise Line ship on Sunday afternoon, the United States Coast Guard scanned over 1,347 miles of the ocean trying to rescue them. The Coast Guard has now suspended the search.
Already taking reservations and expecting to open this November, the former Royal Uno All-Inclusive Resort & Spa has been renovated and rebranded to Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort.
Walmart and Expedia Group have partnered to benefit Walmart+ members who can now book vacations on WalmartPlusTravel.com and receive Walmart Cash on rentals, vacation packages, flights, and more.
The Bad
A Florida woman has filed a lawsuit for $100 million against Frontier over the airline's bag policy. The woman claims the airline has been deceptive about their personal item and checked-bag policies and limitations.
