D/R DOWNLOAD 8.9

What’s Trending

01/ On Google

• “Does travel insurance cover hurricanes?” trended +80% this week amid Tropical Storm Debby’s landfall in Florida. Nearly two thousand flights were cancelled while cruises shifted departure times to avoid the storm.

02/ With Media

• This week media were interested in the best experiences to see polar bears, the best hotels in Moab, Utah, where to go in January 2025, Canada travel ideas, and more. 

• United Airlines will phase out its print inflight magazine, Hemispheres, by the end of 2024 and transition to a digital-only format, available through the airline's app and website. The decision is part of a broader trend toward digital content and sustainability and the desire to reach a wider audience. 

• Bloomberg dismissed senior White House reporter, Jennifer Jacobs, after the journalist prematurely broke news about the release of multiple American prisoners held in Russia.

• On Tuesday, media company The Tampa Bay Times announced that it is reducing payroll by 20% and offering buyouts to full time employees. These cuts are a reflection of the cost-cutting measures many media companies have dealt with as a result of a slow ad market.

03/ In the Zeitgeist

• A federal judge ruled that Google has violated US antitrust law with its search business, spending billions of dollars to illegally maintain its monopoly on the search industry. Penalties on Google are still being determined.

• According to a survey from Great Place to Work, US workers that work from home are 27% more likely to look forward to doing their job. The report also claims that employees who have the option to choose their work environment are three times more likely to stay with that company. 

• During the summer season, 'wardrobing,' in which shoppers buy an expensive item, wear it with tags, and then return the product for a full refund, increased by three times more than any other season. Retail companies trying to mitigate fraudulent returns are implementing strategies such as reducing the time to return an item, in-store examinations of items, and AI software. 

Industry Insights

• With the unemployment rate rising to 4.3% and fears of an economic recession, the travel industry is seeing some pull back. While sectors such as airlines and hotels are seeing signs of a slowdown, the cruise industry remains strong, with more bookings and price increases.

• Virtuoso highlighted this year’s hotel trends, including multigenerational families searching for villas, on-site speakeasies, and innovative design. Additional trends contributors have noticed are spa-retreats, complimentary in-room minibars, and post-sundown activities. 

• 'Hachelorette' parties, which are weekend getaways tailored to expectant mothers and close family and friends, is on the rise. Hotels have leaned into this trend, offering curated packages for moms-to-be, including mocktails, prenatal massages, and pregnancy-safe belly masks.

• Airbnb is partnering with the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators (IAFCI) to help consumers book safely and avoid travel scams as new data shows almost half of Americans have fallen for a scam, with victims on average losing almost $2,700.

• Due to a low number of bookings in thes second quarter, Airbnb shares have fallen 14%. To combat these losses, Airbnb is working on improving their service and launching new offerings. 

• Hilton has acquired and partnered with luxury hotel brands, increasing its portfolio by 500%. This strategy will provide more for its customers and elevate the loyalty program. 

• Intrepid, a leading company in responsible travel, recruited Payton Iheme to be the company’s first Chief Impact Officer. This role will focus on global sustainability, impact initiatives, and leading Intrepid’s not-for-profit Intrepid Foundation. 

• U.S. budget airlines like Southwest and Spirit Airlines are getting rid of the ultra-low but high fee service business model. These new implementations might present problems for budget-concious fliers as airlines limit the amount of low-fare tickets avaiable. 

• Microsoft claims that Delta Air Lines rejected its offer for assistance during a recent IT meltdown that led to the cancellation of over 6,000 flights. Microsoft attributes the prolonged disruptions at Delta to outdated IT infrastructure, a claim that Delta disputes, noting significant investments in its IT systems since 2016. 

• The Biden Harris Administration has proposed a new rule aimed at banning airlines from charging families additional fees to sit together. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure fair treatment for travelers. 

• A year after the devastating wildfire in Maui, the island has made significant progress in recovery efforts. However, the tourism industry has not bounced back, with visitor numbers and spending still significantly lower compared to pre-fire levels. 

• Global Travel Collection (GTC) is focusing on revitalizing Maui’s tourism following last year’s severe wildfires through new installments of the reality show “1st Look Presents: Extra Mile Club,” showcasing elite travel advisors designing iconic travel experiences for celebrity guests.

• With Santorini hitting new tourism records in 2024, overwhelmed residents are pushing for visitor caps. The growing number of tourists is putting pressure on the island’s infrastructure and the resident housing market. 

• Several countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Malaysia, have issued travel advisories for the UK following a series of violent protests and riots sparked by recent incidents in Southport. The advisories urge travelers from these countries to be extra vigilant.

The Good

• In conjunction with Make-A-Wish, Railbookers Group (RBG) gives teens and families a chance to experience once-in-a-lifetime trips aboard their trains. Through the partnership, travelers may contribute $5 after booking a rail trip with Railbookers or Amtrak Vacations, which RBG matches.

The Bad

• Apple pulled an advertisement titled “The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office),” set in Thailand after immense backlash, with the internet stating it grossly misrepresented the country as underdeveloped and outdated. Now citizens are calling for a boycott of Apple use in Thailand.