D/R DOWNLOAD 8.4
What’s Trending
01/ With Media
This week, media were interested in stories about solo travel increasing as a trend among 30-40 women, the best all-inclusives in Jamaica, and things to do in New Orleans.
Former Brides journalist, Ellie Nan Storck is now at The Points Guy.
02/ In The Zeitgeist
Former President Donald J. Trump was indicted for his attempts to alter the 2020 election results, and pled guilty as of Thursday.
Industry Insights
Following the pandemic, “Wellness Travel” is on the rise. With an increase in travelers looking for health related experiences, brands are looking to offer bespoke wellness experiences in spa, nutrition, fitness and sleep spaces.
American Cruise Lines has passed the sea trial for its new 100-passenger ship named American Eagle, which is the first of the cruise line’s plans for 12 new “Coastal Cats.”
Using AI, Norwegian Cruise Line has developed a new straightforward booking process to have more satisfied guests. The company has found to have improved results.
For the first time in over 100 years, the Seine River in Paris will be a swimming destination and will open three official bathing sites for residents and visitors to swim in 2025. The first to swim in the Seine will be the athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics, and the river will be open to the public in 2025.
Air Canada announced a new partnership with Apple TV+, providing customers an exclusive in-flight entertainment experience. Air Canada has plans to introduce even more in-flight entertainment by the end of 2023 and has already increased their onboard entertainment content by 95% since last year.
Due to lower demand and a shift in the types of travelers who are flying post-pandemic, Southwest Airlines is significantly reducing midweek flying capacity and the reductions will be in full force by January 2024.
United Airlines will become the first U.S. airline to include braille throughout planes’ interiors, to better support customers who have visual disabilities and create a more accessible passenger experience.
In an effort to minimize waste, the Los Angeles International Airport has banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles and is encouraging the use of sustainable, reusable containers instead.
Effective August 16, Frontier Airlines will close its in-person check-in, bag drop, and ticket counters 60 minutes before flight departure, a change from the 45 minutes prior. This will ensure that travelers arrive at the airport earlier, providing enough time for them to get through security and make it to their gate, while also allowing time for bags to be loaded into the aircraft.
Chris Thompson, CEO and President of Brand USA, will retire on May 31, 2024 after a successful career of increasing international visitation in the United States, enhancing global awareness, and promoting the U.S. as a desirable travel destination. Brand USA has begun to look for a new President and CEO to replace Thompson.
Using ChatGPT plugins, Tripadvisor’s new AI-driven tool can generate customized itineraries in minutes after travelers enter key details of their trip.
Gwyneth Paltrow announced she will be listing her guesthouse located in Montecito on Airbnb. Paltrow will host a one-night stay at her guesthouse (neighboring her inhabited, larger house), including a meditation session, spa day, and even a chef’s dinner with potential appearances by Gwyneth and her husband.
According to the Wall Street Journal, vacationing American workers are on the rise, taking 5% more time off from work this summer than they have in pre-pandemic years. The number of workers who took off work in June climbed 11% since last year, and even 53% of executives admitted to taking a longer vacation this year than in years past.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has not reported a travel advisory for Florida due to leprosy, in contrast to stories posted by multiple news outlets.
Europecore is an influential fashion trend combining European aesthetics with a modern style, often criticized for being modeled after the wealthy as opposed to the average European.
The Good
Mattel is exploring a unique way to advertise their new card game UNO Quatro through TikTok, by hiring a professional UNO player. Anyone can submit for the job, by posting a video on TikTok explaining why they’re best fit to be ‘Chief Uno Player.’
Trading the Pepsi for a margarita, Cindy Crawford recreated her 1992 Super Bowl Pepsi advertisement.
