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What’s Trending
01/ On Google
Searches for “Maui travel update” increased +120% this past week, as travelers continue to seek updates following the fires on the island.
02/ With Media
Sebastian Modak is now the Travel Editor for the Wall Street Journal’s "Off Duty."
Bloomberg Pursuits has launched a new monthly newsletter called “Top Shelf Society,” which will feature beverage news, from wine and beer to cocktails and champagne.
This week, media were interested in stories about the best places to view autumn foliage, unusual hotel jobs, guided National Park tours, scenic train rides, and Europe's Most Underrated Destinations.
03/ In The Zeitgeist
According to recent surveys, members of Gen Z are struggling to pay rent and feel home ownership is entirely unattainable. As a result, Gen Z-ers are choosing to live with their parents, sleep in living rooms, or migrate to more cost-effective areas.
In order to protect “cognitive liberty,” TikTok recently announced that users in the European Union will be able to turn off the app’s highly tailored and engaging content-selection algorithm. This change was encouraged by the EU’s Digital Services Act, which strives to regulate AI and digital services to protect human rights.
In the state of Illinois, child influencers can now sue their parents, entitling child influencers to a percentage of earnings based on how often they appear in online content that generates profit.
Industry Insights
VIVA Cruises has joined the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) during its fifth anniversary in hopes of gaining more exposure in the industry.
Following a recent transformation, New York Times subscription products are now represented via the S shuttle train that runs between Times Square and Grand Central station, with each car representing an individual product.
After being closed for more than a decade, Cinque Terre’s coastal footpath Via dell’Amore in Italy has reopened for a three-month trial period. If the reopening is deemed successful and sustainable for tourism after the trial period, the trail may reopen permanently.
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, known for their roles on That 70’s Show, have partnered with Airbnb, granting guests the opportunity to stay in their Santa Barbara guesthouse. To commemorate the collaboration, Airbnb will make a one-time donation to Thorn, the non-profit organization dedicated to fighting child sexual abuse, which Kutcher founded with his ex Demi Moore.
A major Italian airport in Catania was forced to close due to a volcanic eruption.
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) claims that American Airlines has caused significant harm to both consumers and travel management companies, by removing 40% of its fare inventory from traditional or non-NDC booking channels.
All nonessential travel to West Maui is “strongly discouraged” through the end of August, and hotels in the area have temporarily suspended bookings.
Two American male tourists were caught sleeping in the Eiffel Tower overnight, causing an hour delay in the opening of the Eiffel Tower to ticket holders.
Throughout the first half of 2023, global air travel and traffic have increased, and correspondingly, misbehaved passenger incidents have risen as well.
The Bad
Following the fires in Maui, some Airbnb guests feel the company has responded in an insensitive manner, choosing profit over people amidst the devastating situation. While locals are asking tourists to refrain from travel, Airbnb refuses to refund certain bookings and claims the island is returning to normal.
