D/R DOWNLOAD 2.21
What’s Trending
01/ On Google
“Traveling to Mexico 2025” trended +200% this week, indicating Mexico as a top destination this year in light of emerging travel trends, new infrastructure developments, and recent advisories affecting the region.
02/ With Media
This week, media were interested in fun, inventive spins on margaritas ahead of National Margarita Day, smaller U.S. cities with LGBTQ+ pride celebrations, resorts with nightlife, and U.S.-based MICHELIN dining experiences.
03/ In the Zeitgeist
HBO is leveraging The White Lotus Season 3 with global brand partnerships, including travel accessories with Away and exclusive cocktail kits with Ketel One Vodka & Tanqueray Gin.
The “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversary celebration was NBC’s most-watched prime-time entertainment in five years, reaching nearly 15 million viewers.
A new app called Protector offers New Yorkers on-demand access to armed ex-military and law enforcement bodyguards, complete with private motorcades, for $200 an hour.
Industry Insights
Known as the "White Lotus Effect,” Thai hotels and resorts are experiencing a surge in demand as the tourism industry capitalizes on the show’s third season with themed itineraries and experiences.
Experts warn that the overuse of hyperboles is backfiring, as exaggerated buzzwords like “pioneering” and “groundbreaking” grow – advising brands should show, not just tell.
The Social Hub Glasgow reports a significant increase in demand for its co-working spaces and offices, indicating a shift in how businesses are reimagining workspaces.
Wellness, sustainability, and bespoke experiences are leading travel trends in Latin America as travelers are seeking unique ways to indulge their interests.
Australia was named the world’s most relaxing destination by Book Retreats, earning high marks for its serene landscapes, low crowd density, and top-tier wellness experiences.
Royal Caribbean announced Legend of the Seas will be the first Icon Class ship to sail the Mediterranean in 2026 before transitioning to Caribbean voyages from Fort Lauderdale that fall.
Southwest Airlines is laying off 15 percent of its corporate workforce as a part of a cost-saving restructuring effort.
Accor, Europe’s largest hotel group, reported a 5.7% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) for 2024 and plans to venture into high-potential markets, with 60% of new openings in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions.
The Good
Elmo and Swiss footwear brand On challenge the ‘push-harder’ mentality with a softer, more compassionate approach to running, aligning with the brand’s launch of Cloudsurfer 2.
The Bad
Meghan Markle’s rebranded lifestyle venture, As Ever, faces new controversy over logo plagiarism accusations from a mayor of a small Spanish town and a name clash with a New Jersey clothing company.
