D/R DOWNLOAD 12.20
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
The term “busiest travel day of the year” trended at +350% as travelers gear up to go home or away for the holidays.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in romantic getaways in the U.S., travel trends that will define 2025, cruise news, overtourism, the rise of unplugged travel and more.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
The New York Times released its Year in Pictures to commemorate the big news events from January to December as 2024 ends.
Industry Insights
The Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village in California announced a wellness retreat inspired by HBO's The White Lotus Season 3, which was partially filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. From February 5-7, 2025, guests can experience luxury dining, spa treatments, themed giveaways, a Thailand-inspired party with a celebrity DJ, and an exclusive preview of the new season.
Travelers are discussing the trend of "flying naked," which involves taking only essentials like a wallet, keys, and sometimes headphones. Supporters appreciate the convenience of zero bag trips, avoiding baggage hassles and enabling shopping at their destination. Critics, however, see it as a recipe for being unprepared.
On Tuesday, the Federal Trade Commission passed a rule that requires hotels, vacation rental websites, and ticket sellers to eliminate the use of hidden fees, requiring them to disclose total prices, including fees upfront. The rule is expected to go into effect within the next 120 days.
According to findings from Skift Research, adventure travelers are increasingly seeking premium experiences, guided tours, and enhanced amenities, with 66% planning to raise their budgets in the next 12 months.
Japan has welcomed a record-breaking 33 million tourists this year. In November alone, three million travelers visited Japan, including 247,500 Americans.
National Geographic Traveler published its trend predictions for 2025, focusing on destinations, accommodations, transportation, and technology. The insights are based on current events, including the rise of "season-stretching" or shoulder-season travel, influenced by increasing occurrences of wildfires, heatwaves, and protests in popular tourist hotspots.
By 2032, the global MICE industry is expected to be valued at over $2.3 trillion, driven by technological advancements and the rising popularity of hybrid events.
The Santa Claus Village theme park in Rovaniemi, Finland, draws ten times the local population during the holiday season, leading residents to protest. Residents have started to organize because they are concerned about over-tourism affecting historic sites and other surrounding areas.
The Good
The United States Department of Transportation has introduced new protections for travelers with disabilities, enhancing their rights through a rule effective January 16, 2025. This regulation, part of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), sets standards for assistance, requires hands-on training for airline staff, and outlines procedures for handling delayed or damaged wheelchairs to ensure safe and dignified travel.
