D/R DOWNLOAD 2.27
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Spring break destinations” trended +50% this week, signaling that travelers are actively planning their upcoming getaways and searching for warm-weather escapes.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in luxury hotels with unique amenities, spring break destinations for both families and adults-only, the best places to learn a water sport, train travel, properties with food-waste initiatives, summer European travel, digital detox destinations, and beyond.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
The theme for the 2026 Met Gala has been announced, titled “Fashion Is Art,” tying into the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s upcoming spring exhibition “Costume Art,” which explores how fashion and the dressed body intersect with artistic expression across history. Taking place on May 4 in New York City, this year’s gala is set to be co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour.
Industry Insights
Due to the partial government shutdown, the US Government has suspended the Global Entry program but will continue TSA PreCheck on a case-by-case basis, impacting traveler access to expedited security screening options.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, tourism to the U.S. has seen a 6 percent decline in foreign arrivals, making it the only major destination to experience a drop, driven largely by decreased visitation from Europe and Canada. Factors such as rising travel costs, political uncertainty, and fluctuating exchange rates are contributing to the decrease in international arrivals.
Hotels and resorts across Las Vegas have announced exclusive deals for soccer fans visiting the U.S. this summer to attend the 2026 World Cup, offering discounted rates up to 40% off and special packages.
Violence in Mexico following the death of cartel leader “El Mencho” briefly disrupted flights and led to shelter-in-place advisories in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, raising concerns ahead of spring break travel. Other major tourist destinations, including Cancún and Los Cabos, remain largely unaffected, but travelers are advised to closely monitor State Department guidance.
Carnival Cruises has launched Carnival Millions, a daily lottery giving eligible guests the chance to win up to $1 million. Guests 18 and older on participating ships in North America and Europe can purchase tickets through onboard WiFi to enter the shared electronic draw.
The cottage featured in the hit series Heated Rivalry will be available for booking on Airbnb starting March 3, 2026, with rates beginning at $181. Located on Lake Muskoka in Ontario, this iconic property lets fans experience the setting where the hockey romance began.
Experience travel, including museums, cultural tours, and wellness activities, is booming and expected to outpace every other major travel segment through 2029, according to data from Arival and Phocuswright.
The Good
Dr. Seuss Enterprises launched the whimsical Dr. Seuss Travel Agency, a playful digital hub that turns classic stories into visitable “destinations.” The faux agency leans into travel-world nostalgia, with airport-style advertising, a downloadable passport, and Cat in the Hat as the resident travel advisor. Every “book”ing sends fans to the corresponding Dr. Seuss title, reframing reading as the ultimate journey.
