D/R DOWNLOAD 1.23
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Best Travel Credit Cards” trended +20% this week, showcasing how travelers are increasingly focused on maximizing rewards, earning travel perks, and saving money on flights and hotels.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in dry tourism, experiences that emphasize rest and a slow routine, glamping retreats, and the best cruises for solo travelers.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
A wave of 2016 internet nostalgia is sweeping social media, as influencers, celebrities and brands revive throwback photos, vintage filters, and early-era Instagram aesthetics. The trend reflects growing fatigue with hyper-curated online culture, with users romanticizing a time when social media felt more carefree, authentic, and less driven by algorithms.
Taylor Swift will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this year, becoming the youngest woman ever honored and one of the youngest members in the organization’s history.
The classic Shirley Temple is enjoying a major comeback in 2026 as nostalgia-driven mocktails surge in popularity amid Dry January and broader non-alcoholic drink trends.
Industry Insights
American Airlines will launch a new app later this year to give travelers real-time updates on travel disruptions, including automatic rebooking notifications. The app will also provide easy access to all flight information, rebooking options, and available meal or transportation vouchers.
A recent Global Rescue survey found that 38% of travelers think international travel will be unpredictable this year, stemming from tense political climates and personal security concerns.
BTS’s comeback world tour announcement is already driving travel demand around the world, with searches for stays in tour cities surging on Booking.com and other platforms.
Non-European visitors to the Louvre will now pay $37 to enter the museum, a 45% increase in admission price, as strikes, overcrowding, and a recent heist have prompted efforts to bolster the museum’s finances.
Delta will soon become the first U.S. airline to introduce “basic” fares for its premium cabins. The move gives travelers more flexibility and choice, offering some of the budget-friendly options found in economy without taking away the perks of premium seating.
Minisphere, a new immersive entertainment venue opening at National Harbor near Washington, D.C., aims to bring large-scale digital art and experiential exhibits to the region. The project is expected to boost tourism in the D.C.-Maryland area by attracting visitors seeking interactive cultural experiences.
The most affordable places to fly in 2026 include several mid-size U.S. cities and emerging international destinations, like Guatemala City and Lisbon. Airlines are offering lower airfare due to expanded routes and increased airline competition.
As Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games, travelers are already seeking guidance on how to secure event tickets amid anticipated high demand. Experts recommend early registration, monitoring official sales channels, and avoiding unauthorized resellers as planning ramps up.
London has been named one of the world’s top food destinations for 2026, according to Tripadvisor’s latest awards. The city’s recognition reflects its diverse culinary scene, from fine dining to global street food, reinforcing its appeal to travelers motivated by food tourism.
Afar’s annual ranking of the world’s most powerful passports shows continued shifts in global mobility, with several Asian and European countries leading the list. The rankings are based on visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, highlighting how geopolitics and diplomacy shape travel freedom.
Heritage tourism now generates an estimated $607 billion annually for the global travel industry, according to a new Forbes analysis. The segment continues to grow as travelers seek culturally meaningful experiences tied to history, tradition, and local identity.
Wellness in Travel & Tourism (WITT) has launched a new certification program aimed at identifying genuine wellness experiences in hospitality. The initiative seeks to bring clarity and credibility to a rapidly growing sector often criticized for vague or misleading wellness claims.
The Bad
Hawaiian Airlines faced sharp criticism after an internal memo appeared to suggest that Hawaiian language elements would be removed from company policy documents in the name of “inclusivity,” sparking concern among employees and community members who saw it as eroding the airline’s cultural roots.
