D/R DOWNLOAD 5.15

What’s Trending

01/ On Google

• This week “unique travel destinations” jumped +70%, as travelers are looking for more off-the-beaten path travel destinations.

02/ With Media

• This week, media were interested in pet-friendly travel, shoulder season bargains, multigenerational travel, Father’s Day getaways, top U.S. events for June, train travel and summer travel trends 

• FamilyVacationist is launching a new luxury travel outlet, LuxuryVacationist in late spring/early summer expanding the brand’s editorial network with a dedicated focus on luxury travel content and syndicated storytelling acrosshigh-end destinations, hotels, and experiences.

Industry Insights

• American spending on travel is expected to hit a record $1.37 trillion in 2026 and continue climbing in 2027, showing Americans are still prioritizing travel despite economic uncertainty. International inbound travel is also expected to rebound in 2026, with visitor spending projected to rise 1.6% to $178 billion.

• A new report from the U.S. Travel Association found that the group travel industry remained resilient throughout 2025 despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty, with strong hotel demand.

• AirBnb released their summer travel trends, including short-haul “playcations” as travelers look for hands-on, activity-driven getaways closer to home. Rural destinations are seeing increased interest for their affordability and unique experiences, while destinations popular with Millennials a decade ago are now seeing a resurgence among Gen Z travelers.

• New data points to a continued slowdown in U.S. travel and tourism, with overseas visitor arrivals within the U.S. dropping more than 14% in April 2026.

• Amid soaring energy prices driven by the Iran war, the current administration has proposed a temporary federal gas tax pause to ease pressure on consumers, pending congressional approval. Oil prices have surged above $107 a barrel, pushing U.S. gas prices to around $4.50 a gallon.

• National park travel is showing a shift this season, while domestic demand has risen, overall demand has declined due to less international visitors.

• TikTok is expanding into travel bookings with a new feature called TikTok Go, allowing users to discover and book hotels, tours, and local experiences directly through the app. 

• Gen Z is both one of the biggest users of AI chatbots like ChatGPT and part of a growing backlash against the rapid push toward an AI-driven future. While adoption remains high among students and young workers, polling suggests many are increasingly skeptical or frustrated with how quickly AI is being integrated into school and work.

• A majority of Americans (60%) say stricter environmental laws are worth the cost, while 38% believe they hurt jobs and the economy. Views are sharply divided along party lines, with most Democrats in favor of stricter regulations and most Republicans opposed.

• Airfare continued to climb in April, rising 20.7% year over year as airlines passed along higher fuel costs. The increase marks the fourth straight monthly gain, with jet fuel prices surging alongside global energy disruptions tied to the Iran war.

• Intrepid Travel has expanded into accommodations with the launch of Stay Intrepid, its first collection of properties built around immersive, locally rooted experiences. The portfolio includes six acquired lodges across Australia and Morocco.

• Joby Aviation has completed a demonstration flight of its electric air taxi in New York City, marking a step toward launching urban air mobility services. The aircraft aims to significantly cut travel times across congested routes like Manhattan to JFK.

• The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is set to reopen on May 15, 2026, following closures caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire in 2025.

• The Transportation Security Administration is offering a limited-time “$20 Take Off” promotion that reduces TSA PreCheck enrollment costs for first-time applicants age 30 and under. The discount lowers the five-year membership fee to as little as $57 through May 31st.

• Allegiant Air completed its acquisition of Sun Country Airlines forming a combined carrier with 195 aircrafts and service to nearly 175 cities across more than 650 routes. The $1.5 billion deal positions the airline as the fifth-largest in the U.S. by passenger volume.

• The travel agent industry remains strong despite competition from online booking tools and AI. Advisors are increasingly valued for securing upgrades, arranging local access, and delivering tailored itineraries, particularly in the higher-end travel market.

The Good

• Air Transat’s  “Tickets-Tickets” campaign plays on rising frustration over expensive match tickets ahead of the 2026 World Cup by contrasting game-day prices with the cost of traveling abroad to experience football culture firsthand. The campaign highlights how, in many cases, it’s cheaper to make the trip than to attend the match itself.