D/R DOWNLOAD 5.23
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Last-minute travel deals” trended +50% this week, suggesting that travelers are seeking spontaneous getaways at a great value.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in remote U.S. adventure lodges, the best luxury vacations for scotch lovers, hotels with swim-up rooms, the most walkable cities in the U.S., the best travel deals for June, and more.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
The U.S. Treasury is ending penny production. Pennies now cost 3.69 cents to make, and the move is expected to save taxpayers $56 million annually as the U.S. Mint uses up its remaining supply.
New York Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest is pushing to shake up the workweek with two pilot bills—one testing a four-day week for state employees, the other offering tax breaks to private companies that join in. The goal: prove a shorter week can work without cutting pay or hours.
Industry Insights
AI-driven search is transforming how people find information, making PR a core strategy for brand visibility and authority. In this new era, brand mentions and media coverage aren't just nice to have, they're key to dominating AI-generated results.
AAA expects over 45 million Americans to travel 50+ miles this Memorial Day weekend—the highest since 2005. Nearly 40 million will drive, facing the worst traffic on Friday afternoon and Monday evening, while 3.6 million will fly, heading to top spots like Orlando, NYC, Vegas, Miami, and abroad to Rome, Paris, London, and Vancouver.
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan “No Tax on Tips” bill to ease the tax burden on service workers, including hospitality workers. The law lets tipped employees earning under $160,000 deduct up to $25,000 in tips from taxable income and boosts tax credits for employers in beauty and spa services.
Airbnb launched Airbnb Services, adding hotel-style perks like private chefs, massages, personal training, and photography in 260 cities worldwide. It’s also upgrading Airbnb Experiences to focus on expert-led, local activities and new Airbnb Originals.
Royal Caribbean will open its largest land-based destination, Perfect Day Mexico, in Costa Maya in September 2027. The 200-acre resort will boast the tallest water slide tower in the Americas, the world’s longest lazy river, float-up bars, an adults-only infinity pool with an in-water DJ, private cabanas, and two miles of white-sand beach, welcoming up to 21,000 guests daily on select Western Caribbean cruises.
Delta will retire “Basic Economy” starting October 1 and launch five new seat categories: Delta Main, Delta Comfort, Delta First, Delta Premium Select, and Delta One. Delta Main includes three tiers—Basic, Classic, and Extra—each offering different perks, flexibility, and pricing.
Starting May 28, Southwest Airlines will require passengers to keep battery packs and portable chargers visible while in use during flights. This industry-first policy aims to reduce fire risks from overheating lithium-ion batteries.
The Good
This summer, families can explore over 500 U.S. destinations with Amtrak’s new partnership with DreamWorks Animation’s Gabby’s Dollhouse, offering kids ages 2-12 a 50% discount on train rides and free travel for tots under two. The collaboration also features a revamped Jr. Conductor Book that introduces children to the magic of train travel alongside Gabby’s Dollhouse characters, available for free download or at select stations.
