D/R DOWNLOAD 6.5
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Travel to epic adventures beyond the ordinary” trended +400% this week, showing that travelers are seeking out-of-the-box destinations and experiences.
02/ With Media
This week, media interest centered on affordable travel destinations across Central America, sustainable and wellness travel, road trip itineraries from FIFA World Cup host cities, and noteworthy recent hotel openings.
Glamour magazine’s era of award-winning fashion, beauty, and relationship journalism appears to be over as the publication will now focus on shopping and commerce content, according to Condé Nast ownership. The change reflects a shift in content priorities across the industry, and a decline of women’s magazines size and relevance in the digital era.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
“Whimsy” is having a moment among Gen Z and millennials, who are turning to playful habits and nostalgic rituals to bring more joy into their daily lives. The trend, which has gained traction on social media, encourages everything from handwritten notes to creative hobbies as a way to combat stress and embrace a more lighthearted outlook.
The New York Knicks are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, capping off a dominant postseason run that included a perfect May and consecutive series sweeps. The Knicks took the first game over the San Antonio Spurs, and the playoff berth has united sports fans across New York.
Industry Insights
People Inc. submitted an $18 billion proposal to secure a majority share in MGM Resorts, which owns several Las Vegas hotels and casinos and additional resorts around the world. If accepted, MGM Resorts will become a private company controlled by People Inc.
Adventure knitting is emerging as a niche travel trend as more travelers – especially older women – seek experiences that combine adventurous travel with slower pastimes.
Airfare from the U.S. to international destinations hit a seven-week low at the end of May, signaling the fare surge due to the Iran war appears to be easing. Domestic airfare continued to climb last month, although at a slower rate than the previous two months.
Adult summer camps are rising in popularity, especially among Gen Z and millennial women, as people seek opportunities to disconnect, combat burnout, and reconnect with childhood hobbies.
Southwest Airlines announced plans to launch long-haul international flights within the next five years to give their loyal customers an option for transatlantic travel.
Decision fatigue is driving travelers to all-inclusive experiences that include everything from cultural activities and entertainment to five-star dining and spa services, allowing them to easily plan vacations without making tons of decisions.
Building on the success of Dollywood, Dolly Parton is expanding her tourism empire with a new attraction at her East Tennessee theme park, Dolly-themed highway gas stations across Tennessee, and a new hotel and museum in downtown Nashville.
American Airlines is cutting six domestic routes later this year – including four nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport – as rising costs continue to affect the industry.
The Good
Chex Mix and the New Mexico Tourism Department have teamed up to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial with a limited-edition Chex Mix bag, while a sweepstakes through New Mexico Magazine will give one lucky winner the ultimate road trip through New Mexico, including five hotel nights, museum passes, an airline gift card, and a rental car to explore Route 66.
The Bad
The popular, affordable skincare brand The Ordinary launched a free, branded bus to shuttle people between Williamsburg and Prospect Park as part of a two-week marketing stunt, but just three days in, it abruptly stopped running, leaving people stranded amid permitting issues.
