D/R DOWNLOAD 9.18
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Sleep Travel” rose +90% as travelers increasingly prioritize rest and recovery as part of their getaways.
02/ With Media
This week, the media were interested in wellness properties for moms, adventures in Norway, fall hotel openings, 2027 cruises, halloween themed hotel suites, upcycled hotels and more.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
Bob Mackie, legendary style icon, has passed away at 87. Mackie rose to the top as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated costume designers, pushing the boundaries of fashion with his bold designs and creation of iconic looks for stars like Cher, Diana Ross and Tina Turner.
Apple TV is emerging as a major player in television after its biggest Emmy night yet, winning 29 awards and beating longtime leaders Netflix and HBO for the most wins of the year.
Ben & Jerry’s cofounder Ben Cohen is asking the marketing community to help “Free Ben & Jerry’s” from parent company Magnum, citing restrictions on the brand’s ability to speak out on social and political issues. At Brandweek, he challenged attendees to create guerilla campaigns pressuring Magnum to sell the brand, with the winning idea earning its creator free Ben & Jerry’s for life if successful.
Industry Insights
Hotels are becoming destinations in their own right for food and drink, with Travel+Leisure’s inaugural list of the world’s best new hotel restaurants and bars selecting 25 winners across 75 countries, reflecting the growing role culinary experiences play in where travelers choose to stay.
“Fallcations” are reshaping the travel calendar as travelers move trips into September, October and November to avoid summer heat and crowds. Fall bookings are up 59% year over year, with September sales up 77% through Virtuoso, prompting hotels, cruise lines and airlines to extend their seasons.
“Brazilcore” is having a moment, with Brazilian culture spilling from fashion into music, film and social media, driving growing interest in the destination. More than 9 million tourists visited Brazil last year, up 39% from 2024, while viral content is fueling interest in experiences ranging from Rio’s beaches to Rocinha.
Luxury cruising is moving toward a yacht-like experience, with a wave of new high end ships launching from Four Seasons, Orient Express, Explora Journeys and Regent. The ships offer spacious suites, personalized service, wellness and access to smaller ports.
A life-sized Monopoly game is coming to Grand Central Terminal for three days, with Visit Atlantic City giving visitors the chance to play for free and win prizes including an Atlantic City getaway.
Pokémon is turning nostalgia into an immersive travel experience, with a giant Poké Ball-shaped hotel in Hokkaido created with Japanese hospitality brand NOT A HOTEL to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Just 10 pairs of fans will win an overnight stay through a social media lottery.
“Grab-and-go” airport lounges are growing as airlines and credit card companies look to serve travelers who don’t have time for a traditional lounge, offering quick access to food, drinks and other perks while helping ease overcrowding in full-service lounges.
TSA is reportedly considering allowing some TSA PreCheck travelers to bring full water bottles through security at airports with newer screening technology, potentially easing one of the most familiar airport restrictions.
The Good
Reformation is turning Olivia Jade’s controversial past into a clever PR moment, casting her in its “Good Sport” fall campaign and leaning directly into the college admissions scandal with tongue-in-cheek messaging around its “College” sweatshirt. The limited-edition sweatshirt donates 100% of net proceeds to YES Scholars, a nonprofit supporting college access for students from under-resourced communities
The Bad
Sydney Sweeney’s Novig campaign is sparking backlash, with the actress posing nude in sports equipment. Some female athletes and audiences have criticized the campaign as a “slap in the face for women in sports,” arguing that its messaging missed the mark.
