D/R DOWNLOAD 1.17
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
The term “Wave” trended +60% this week as travelers search for cruise savings this Wave season.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in Valentine’s Day offerings, staycations, new five-star hotels in wine regions, the best destinations for solo female travel, and more.
Dotdash Meredith, a digital media company with brands like People, Southern Living, and Food & Wine, laid off 143 employees Thursday morning.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
Advertising creativity content platform Muse by Clios shared five trend predictions that will shape Super Bowl LIX advertising, including brands that prioritize bold, culturally relevant strategies over traditional campaigns.
In anticipation of the TikTok ban, language learning app Duolingo saw a 216% spike in US users learning Chinese as more users have moved to the Chinese social media app RedNote.
Industry Insights
Forbes Travel Guide released its annual list of top-performing travel and hotel Instagram posts of 2024, showcasing which properties and destinations resonated most with its audience.
Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group and entrepreneur, launched the "Elevator of Dreams" at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas via a video doorbell to a global audience of potential investors, aiming to spotlight innovation and support budding founders.
The global cruise tourism industry is projected to reach $10.85 billion by 2029, driven by rising demand for luxury travel, sustainable tourism, and the preferences of Millennials and Gen Z for unique experiences.
U.S. travel agencies saw a record $99.2 billion in air ticket sales, a four percent increase from 2023, according to Airlines Reporting Corp.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that starting May 7, 2025, travelers must present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or an approved alternative, to pass through airport security within the U.S.
Ian Schrager, who brought “boutique hotels” and Studio 54 to life, is now set on redefining hospitality with his Public hotel brand, focusing on making luxury more inclusive and accessible.
The Good
Hilton and American Express are providing 20,000 free hotel rooms for people displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires in partnership with 211 LA, a local nonprofit coordinating accommodations.
The Bad
Southwest Airlines is being sued by the federal government for $2.1 million over two consistently delayed flight routes in 2022.
