D/R DOWNLOAD 6.17

What’s Trending

01/ On Google

• ‘US lifting covid travel restrictions’ trended up +600% this week, after the CDC lifted its testing requirements for travelers entering the U.S.

02/ With Media

• Journalists this week expressed story interest in 4th of July travel, spa openings, and underrated American suburbs.

03/ In The Zeitgeist

• Microsoft will no longer support Internet Explorer. The tech company’s primary browser is Microsoft Edge, a much faster and more secure browser than its predecessor. 

• Netflix is turning its hit show Squid Games into a reality competition series, Squid Game: The Challenge. In the 10-episode series, 456 players will compete for the largest prize in television history: $4.56 million. 

• Yellowstone National Park closed down this week due to record flooding from heavy rains and melting snowpacks. It will remain closed until the flooding is further assessed.

Industry Insights

• The Spanish Tourism Board launched the SlowTravelSpain campaign to promote sustainable forms of travel on the mainland and islands. The campaign will focus on low-impact, eco-friendly activities and journeys that connect travelers with locals and new cultures.

• Due to over-tourism, the Amalfi Coast placed a partial ban on cars in the region. The coast will implement an alternate number plate system until September to manage traffic flow and limit tourist access. 

• Travel insurance company Allianz Partners analyzed more than 40,000 trip itineraries planned for this summer and concluded that American travel to Europe will jump 600% from last year.

• The Vacationer reported that more than 143 million American adults plan on traveling on July 4th, with 42.6% traveling by car. 

• RVshare launched a gas giveaway campaign to combat the surge in fuel costs. The company is providing up to $500,000 in gas gift cards to RV renters. 

• Booking platform, Hopper launched a leave-for-any-reason hotel offering, giving users the option to leave after check-in for any reason and relocate to a similar hotel for a small fee.

• Luxury co-ownership real estate company Pacaso partnered with trusted child care app Urbansitter to create in-home entertainment, family essentials and childcare for families with second vacation homes. 

• The Walt Disney Company entered the private jet market, announcing plans to hold private tours for 75 passengers to acclaimed Disney attractions across six countries over 24 days, starting July 2023. 

• Marriott Vacations Worldwide announced a new vacation ownership program launching this summer, Abound by Marriott Vacations. The new program will provide guests access to vacation club resorts, hotels, and vacation homes as well as experiences, including tours and cruises. 

COVID-Related Updates

• Canada announced the suspension of vaccination mandates for domestic air and train travel, to go into effect on June 20. 

• The Bahamas will no longer require travelers to apply for a health travel visa before entering the country, but will still require proof of a negative test result for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. 

• With an increase in COVID-19 cases, Princess Cruises and Holland America reinstated an indoor mask mandate on Alaskan voyages.

• The CDC moved Mexico, New Caledonia, and the United Arab Emirates to the ‘high-risk’ Level 3 category. 

Best Practices

01/ The Good

• Copenhagen-based ad agency Robert/Boisen & Like-minded launched the Dogcation Campaign to ease any guilt that owners may have when leaving their pet to travel. Pet owners can enter their pets into the sweepstakes for a chance to win an all-encompassing  pamper package for their pet while they’re away. 

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