D/R DOWNLOAD 9.27

What’s Trending

01/ On Google

• “EF Tours” trended +60% this week, indicating travelers' interest in the new tour brand EF Adventures.

02/ With Media

• This week, media were interested in the best U.S. destinations for "quiet travel," bucket list destinations you can only get to on a cruise, and more.

• Vice has introduced a subscription service and is relaunching its print magazine, focusing on exclusive content and long-form journalism to deepen audience engagement and adapt to evolving media consumption trends.

03/ In the Zeitgeist

• Hoda Kotb is leaving the “Today” show, ending her long tenure. Hoda has been with the show for over 15 years and has become a prominent figure in the industry.

• The bells of Notre Dame Cathedral have returned to Paris, marking a significant milestone in the rebuilding process following the devastating 2019 fire. The eight restored bells will ring for the first time at the grand public reopening this December.

• Hurricane Helene has been upgraded to a Category 4 storm as of Thursday morning and is expected to cause significant damage across much of the southeastern U.S., leaving millions without power.

Industry Insights

• A recent study by Travelport titled “Difficult to Compare” revealed that 58 percent of travelers find the number of choices when booking travel to be completely overwhelming. American travelers are visiting up to 277 web pages before they book.

• ​​Travelers are becoming increasingly frustrated by hidden fees, complex booking options, and uncertainty when arranging flights, seat selections, and luggage allowances. Recent surveys show that over 70% of travelers feel unsure about their choices despite extensive research, with 66% citing hidden fees as their biggest challenge.

• Travel is experiencing record demand, but this surge is leading to poor customer service. Heightened emotions often accompany delays, lost luggage, and other issues. However, employees report they will likely assist those who treat them kindly. While it seems straightforward, research shows that "incivility on the front lines of business is on the rise."

• With major global events like the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics approaching, concerns about visa processing are rising, as some countries are experiencing wait times of nearly 700 days. Industry leaders urge the U.S. government to address these delays and improve the visa process. 

• Expedia has launched digital storefronts for influencers, media publications, destination management companies, and tourism boards. Now, travelers can seamlessly transition from seeking trip inspiration from their favorite influencers to booking directly on those platforms.

• United Airlines thanked Taylor Swif for boosting flight demand after treporting a 25% increase in demand during weekends when she held concerts abroad. Her fans’ enthusiasm for traveling to see her performances continues to benefit airlines and drive demand.

• JetBlue is set to launch its first-ever airport lounges at JFK and Boston Logan, with openings planned for late 2025. As part of JetBlue’s “JetForward” strategy, these lounges will offer exclusive amenities, enhancing the overall experience for loyal members.

• Southwest Airlines is reducing flights and jobs as part of a turnaround effort. The airline may soon cut over 300 positions for flight attendants and pilots.

• “Gatexiety” is a new phenomenon affecting anxious travelers who constantly check their flight gates out of fear of last-minute changes. While it’s normal to verify flight details, excessive worry can detract from the travel experience. Arriving early at the airport and familiarizing oneself with the layout can help alleviate this anxiety.

• The Travalyst Climate Coalition initially focused on sustainable aviation, is now expanding to tackle environmental issues within the hospitality industry. Their goal is to establish industry-wide benchmarks for water management, energy efficiency, and waste reduction while promoting eco-friendly practices in hotels and resorts worldwide.

• The J.D. Power 2024 North American Airport Satisfaction Study ranked Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport as the top "mega" airport for customer satisfaction, followed by Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County and Phoenix Sky Harbor. These rankings were based on ease of travel, airport staff, amenities, and overall experience.

• The U.S. hotel industry is facing escalating labor strikes as nearly 40,000 workers nationwide contend with expiring contracts. Workers demand better wages and improved working conditions, while major hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt struggle to negotiate new agreements amid widespread labor actions.

• Due to climate change, outdated infrastructure, and inefficient management, Greece is facing severe water shortages, particularly in popular tourist destinations. This situation underscores the need for the government to address the growing crisis of over-tourism.

• Royal Caribbean has canceled the sailing of its highly anticipated "Icon of the Seas" cruise due to unplanned maintenance. The company is providing guests with a full 100% refund.

• EF Adventures is a new tour brand by EF World Journeys, offering 23 itineraries that combine physical activity with cultural immersion. These tours are set to begin in October 2024, offering activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and yoga that cater to various age levels and skill sets.

• José Andrés’ group is opening Bazaar House, a new hotel in Washington D.C., featuring dining options inspired by his culinary style to reflect the city’s vibrant culture and create a welcoming atmosphere for locals and tourists alike.

The Good

• Hey Jane, a sexual health telehealth company, puts abortion rights at the front of their initiative to get people out to vote. Their campaign name is Roevember, highlighting abortion rights and the voting month of November in the U.S. The campaign launched on September 17 and is set to run through November 5th.