D/R DOWNLOAD 9.13

What’s Trending

01/ On Google

• “Gate 1 Travel” trended +120% this week, reflecting a growing enthusiasm among travelers to book their adventures with the company.

02/ With Media

• This week, the media were interested in family-friendly U.S. beaches for winter, the best rivers in the world to cruise on, and more.

03/ In the Zeitgeist

• The 40th annual MTV Awards were held this week in Long Island, New York. From Taylor Swift to Eminem, the star-studded show had celebrity performances, red-carpet moments, and more.

• For the first time in 20 years, the gender wage gap has broadened. The median earnings for men saw a 3% rise, whereas women experienced a 1.5% increase.

Industry Insights

• Greece is introducing a new visitor tax on the popular islands of Santorini and Mykonos to combat over-tourism and manage the impact of high tourist volume during the summer peak season.

• Bali is considering a ban on the construction of new hotels as part of efforts to manage over-tourism and preserve the island's cultural and environmental resources. The proposal, backed by Bali’s governor, aims to shift focus toward sustainable tourism by encouraging investment in existing accommodations.

• Rome may introduce an entrance fee for the Trevi Fountain, one of the city’s greatest attractions and most visited sites, to manage tourism. A 2-euro fee would be required to access the open-air site, but the City Council is still deliberating final details. 

• Category 2 hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday, canceling and delaying flights and cruises throughout the South and Gulf Coast. 

• The deadline for enforcing the REAL ID requirement for air travel in the U.S. is quickly approaching in May 2025. Travelers will need to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities.

• JetBlue passengers can now bring a free carry-on item with any ticket tier. This change means that even those with basic fares won't have to worry about additional fees for carrying a bag on board.

• United Airlines announced the addition of free in-flight Wi-Fi across its entire fleet. The airline is set to add Space X’s Starlink Wi-Fi to over 1,000 planes, with installations starting in 2025.

• In 2025, U.S. citizens must apply for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) to visit any Schengen Zone countries. This is not a visa but a travel authorization designed to enhance border security, and it will require a small fee and online application before traveling. 

• Royal Caribbean’s nine-month “Ultimate World Cruise” has come to an end. The cruise went viral after passengers started posting updates on TikTok, sparking comparisons to a real-life reality show. While many social media users followed the journey hoping for drama, the voyage ultimately offered a more peaceful glimpse into life at sea.

• The sober travel trend is gaining momentum as more travelers seek alcohol-free experiences and destinations that cater to sobriety. This movement reflects a growing interest in wellness and mindful travel, with options ranging from sober-friendly resorts to alcohol-free activities. 

• Expedia Group’s “Journey for All” study explores barriers faced by underserved travelers, including Black, Latino, LGBTQIA+, and travelers with disabilities. The study emphasizes the need for more inclusive practices in travel, highlighting that many people feel underrepresented and unsafe, and calls for improvement in accessibility and safety throughout the entire travel experience.

• Shift is hiring a Chief Nomad Officer (CNO), offering $10,000 to travel the world and document their experiences on Shift's social media, as well as create a digital nomad guide to assist others who want to travel and work remotely.

• Skift's The State of Travel 2024 report highlights three developments in travel this year: the rise of personalized travel experiences, social media as a trusted and viable option for booking trips, and a decline in airline loyalty programs, especially with young consumers. These three shifts allow companies all over the industry to innovate and appeal further to their consumers' wants.

• Intrepid Travel's "Not Hot List" 2025 promotes ten emerging destinations that their more popular neighbors often overlook as a solution for over-tourism. Along with the list, Intrepid has released four new itineraries to support travel in these regions.

• The U.S. has set a record as the world’s most powerful travel and tourism market, contributing $2.36 trillion to the nation's economy last year. This number surpasses all other countries and highlights the significant role the U.S. plays in global tourism and its robust travel industry performance. 

• The travel industry is thriving this year as more people prioritize experiences over material items and continue to be inspired by what’s shared via social media. Companies are supporting this surge by evolving loyalty programs to fit the shifting needs of travelers. 

• Luxury travel is undergoing a major shift as travelers begin to seek adventure and active travel experiences rather than traditional notions of luxury. By 2025, nature, adventure, and active travel experiences are projected to become a $1 to $1.3 trillion market.

• Communications teams are taking on expanded roles, including strategic planning and crisis management, and are integrating more with other departments while enhancing their data analytics and digital strategy skills.

The Good

• In response to Florida’s removal of LGBTQ+ travel information from its tourism website, Connecticut launched an inclusive tourism campaign, stressing its commitment to welcoming all visitors regardless of sexual orientation or identity. As a national leader in LGBTQ+ rights, Connecticut continues to promote a safe and inclusive environment. 

• Old Navy introduced a new 90s-inspired collection, mixing nostalgia with modern designs to attract a wide audience and refresh its market presence in honor of the brand’s 30th anniversary.