cruises Archives - The Travel Vertical

Labor Day Weekend Forecast, American Traveler Sentiment, and a Destination News Roundup

August 23, 2021 by Laurie Jo Miller Farr Leave a Comment

LABOR DAY

Arrivalist CEO Cree Lawson writes, “US road trip activity continues to rise relative to 2019 and 2020 despite drops in other sectors and the spread of the delta variant. Arrivalist’s Daily Travel Index shows that weekend by weekend, road trip volume continues to catch up with 2019 levels during the period before Labor Day when road trips typically dip. While other leading indicators such as airline performance and consumer sentiment point to an impending drop in travel intent, there’s no sign (at least not yet!) that road trips are slowing down due to the delta variant.”

Select a state! Arrivalist’s Daily Travel Index measures consumer road trips of 50 miles or more in all 50 U.S. states. The data is drawn from a panel of GPS signals representing road trips taken by car. The insights have been prepared to help travel marketers and other industry professionals gauge fluctuations in drive market trips in any of the 50 U.S. states.

AMERICAN TRAVELER SENTIMENT

The latest survey findings from Destination Analysts and Longwoods International provide some sobering—and some mixed—insights. Highlights include:

Even with high vaccination rates among travelers, the Delta variant situation is casting a heavy shadow. An increasing number of travelers are saying they have postponed an upcoming trip specifically due to the Delta variant (32.7% up from 27.0% two weeks ago); those who say they have cancelled a trip due to Delta variant concerns remains at 27.5%.

2. The majority of American travelers support both indoor masking requirements right now, as well as vaccine mandates for certain indoor activities. This week, 73.6% of American travelers support the reinstatement of indoor masking policies, growing nearly 9 percentage points since August 9.

3. A small gain in optimism about where the pandemic is headed in the next months hints at slight rebounds in travel sentiment in regard to leisure travel. Sentiment regarding convention-related and international travel did not make similar rebounds.

4. Perceptions of high travel prices are butting up against growing financial anxiety. American travelers with concerns about their personal finances continued to rise, hitting 55.0% from 47.7% two weeks ago, and nearly 45% report they are feeling a lot of financial stress lately.

5. Eighty percent of American travelers still have trip plans. In fact, 24.4% report having travel planned in September, and 23.4% report having travel planned in October. Both November and December are currently above 20% as well.

6. When asked in an open-ended question which domestic destinations come to mind as possibly being unwelcoming, New York, California, Texas and Florida topped the list. Nevertheless, these same four destinations, plus Las Vegas, remain dominant as places Americans name as where they most want to visit in the next year.

American travelers indicate they are changing travel plans now, up 16 points in just two months and back to levels not seen since the beginning of March.
While delta variant has directly caused just over one-third of American travelers to postpone travel (35%), it has not deterred Americans from planning, as 88% still report having travel plans in the next six months.
As kids return to school and the prevalence of delta rises, we see a small decline in short window travel planning (3%), countered by a similar increase in longer term travel planning over the next 3-6 months.
There’s a small increase in travelers that indicate concerns about either financial security (+3%) and transportation costs (+5%). At 26% and 23% respectively, these are still relatively low numbers, but represent the highest levels of concern we have seen this year on these two factors.
Overall, visitors are less inclined to take guidance from their state government that it is safe to travel than they are from federal leadership and agency sources.
Destinations should adjust marketing strategies to the fluctuations in traveler sentiment to support a safe and profitable fall travel season.

NEWSY NEWS

See below for more updated news about:

Florida
Hawaii
Cruises
Canada & Mexico
TSA Mask Mandate
U.S National Parks
Times Square Ferris Wheel
Chicago
Apple

*photo: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau*

Florida: Preliminary estimates show that 31.7 million travelers visited the state in the second quarter 2021, up a hefty 220% over last year and a 6% increase over the 2019 numbers.

In conjunction with AAA Northeast, Visit Florida created a co-branded, multi-channel campaign targeted to key Northeast markets. “Visit Florida’s $150,000 co-investment in the campaign resulted in over $24.5 million in total bookings to Florida, which included $16 million in bookings to Orlando.” Visit Florida also joined forces with Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines/American Airline Vacations and United Airlines on three Midwest and Northeast campaigns.

Its $550,000 investment, “which was matched at least 1:1, helped deliver nearly $1.2 million in media value and over 156.5 million impressions, exceeding estimates by 47.3 percent recovery and positioned Florida as a leading destination for travelers across the U.S.,” Visit Florida said.

Meantime in Hawaii, Gov. David Ige is urging tourists not to visit due to a surge in Covid cases that has put the state’s hospitals at capacity. Hawaiian Airlines’ statement, “We continue to believe that the single most valuable measure to address this crisis is increasing the vaccination rate in our community, which is why we have announced our intent to require our employees to be vaccinated.”

Cruises: The CDC has updated its recommendations, issuing a warning that high-risk Covid travelers at increased risk should avoid cruises altogether, even if they’re fully vaxxed.

Following lengthy talks with the CDC, several cruise operators began sailing from U.S. ports in recent weeks, with mostly vaccinated guests and crews.

Canada & Mexico: The U.S. has once again extended the no-go on inbound border crossings from Canada and Mexico through at least Sept. 21, 2021. The policy is reviewed every 30 days. Reaction from U.S. Travel Association:

“Travel restrictions are no longer protecting us from the virus – vaccines are. Every day that our land borders remain closed delays America’s economic and jobs recovery, causing greater damage to the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on travel and tourism.

For each month the status quo continues at the Canadian border, America’s No. 1 source market of inbound arrivals, the United States loses $1.5 billion in potential travel exports, leaving countless American businesses vulnerable.

Entry restrictions were urgently needed before effective COVID-19 vaccines were widely available, but these shutdowns carried a steep price – the loss of more than 1 million American jobs and $150 billion in export income last year alone.”

TSA: The Transportation Security Administration has extended the mask mandate through at least January 2022. U.S. Travel Association issued the following statement in support:

“Extending the federal mask mandate for travel makes sense for the current health environment and has the travel industry’s full support.

The universal wearing of masks in airports and on airplanes, trains and other forms of public transportation is both an effective safeguard against spreading the virus and boosts public confidence in traveling—both of which are paramount for a sustained economic recovery.”

Meantime, TSA throughput numbers have slowed somewhat of late, staying below the 2 million threshold since Aug. 15, 2021., after having hit that benchmark on nine days in August and more than half the days in July.

www.flickr.com/photos/50693818@N08/48547795377

National Park Service: August 25 is the 105th birthday of the NPS; all 423 sites are free. Upcoming free days in 2021 are September 25 (National Public Lands Day) and November 11 (Veterans Day).

Policy matters: Regardless of vaccination status, all visitors to U.S. national parks are now required to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces. The policy applies to all park buildings and public transportation systems as well as any crowded outdoor spaces such as narrow trails or busy overlooks.

Times Square is getting a giant pop-up Ferris Wheel…but only for 22 days? The massive amusement ride will be 110 feet high, the equivalent of 11 stories, and start getting assembled Thursday to be ready to in a matter of four days. “

The wheel has a permit to be in Times Square for a total of 29 days, which includes the six days it requires to be assembled and taken down. Tickets — which will cost between $15 and $20 each — will be sold online and at an on-site ticket booth. Visitors will be assigned a specific time for a 12-minute ride,” reports the New York Post.

Chicago: America’ third largest city is the latest to reinstate a mask mandate. Chicago and Cook County indoor mask mandate took effect on Monday, Aug. 23, with face masks required in bars, restaurants, theaters, health clubs and other indoor spaces, vaccinated or not.

Apple has postponed workers’ return to the office until January 2022 at the earliest, delayed from an earlier plan for October 2021. Apple isn’t the only big tech company pushing back its office return plans.

Last week, Facebook said it will delay its plan to return U.S. employees to the office until January and Amazon announced a similar plan for corporate employees, according to CNBC.

No Reciprocity. Key Events and the Latest Traveler Survey Findings on Recovery.

July 27, 2021 by Laurie Jo Miller Farr Leave a Comment

USA Travel News

Notes from the in-person Brand USA Board Meeting last week in Denver

Traveler Sentiment Surveys

The fear of delta variant is impacting some travel plans, indicates findings in the most recent traveler surveys. Destination Analysts reports, “Optimism about the coronavirus situation in the U.S. has plummeted and regression in safety perceptions has caused Americans to feel we’ve lost ground on the progress made towards a return to normalcy.”

Negative associations with travel are on the rise again. When asked to give ONE WORD that best describes how they feel about travel right now, Americans’ top response was “exciting” the week of July 12th. Now, they mostly feel “good” about travel; however, the number of people citing “unsafe,” “nervous,” “worried,” or “anxious” is growing. Read Destination Analysts’ findings from the survey week of July 26, 2021 here.

According to the latest Longwoods International tracking study of American travelers, a quarter are postponing travel because of the recent increased spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19. With coronavirus case numbers, hospitalizations, and deaths on the rise again, support among travelers for opening their communities to visitors also has dropped from a peak of 67% in early June to 57% today. And confidence in the safety of eating in local restaurants and shopping in local retail locations has suffered a similar decline, from three-fourths to only two-thirds of travelers.

“We may be approaching a new pandemic tipping point, in the battle between the more transmissible Delta variant and the power of vaccinations to prevent or at least lessen the impact of infections,” said Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International. “Hopefully awareness of the potentially severe impact of this new variant will motivate unvaccinated Americans to protect themselves, their families and their communities by taking the shot.” Read more from Longwoods International’s latest survey here.

Watch for an upcoming episode of The Travel Vertical Podcast with Amir Eylon.

International Travel News

Canada Opening Inbound Travel — The Government of Canada has announced the next phase in easing border measures for fully vaccinated individuals. If they meet the entry criteria, fully vaccinated travelers will not have to quarantine upon arrival.

Canada will allow fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents from August 9, with plans to allow entry to fully vaccinated travelers from any country on September 7.

Note: All travelers, regardless of vaccination status, will still require a pre-entry Covid-19 molecular test result. Read the full announcement here. There is also a requirements checklist that involves providing proof of vaccination in ArriveCan — the government portal to submit vaccine information.

Five additional Canadian airports will re-open to receive international passengers from Aug. 9, 2021.

Halifax Stanfield International Airport
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport
Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport
Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
Edmonton International Airport

U.S. Extends Canadian and Mexican Border Closings Through August 21 — The Department of Homeland Security posted the 30-day extension prohibiting non-essential travel from our North American neighbors.

The U.S. State Department has Raised the U.K. to Level 4 — “Do Not Travel” status, the highest warning. This comes after President Joe Biden last week suggested that travel between the U.S. and the U.K. was close to reopening and promised an update on talks “within the next several days,” which has not happened.

BBC.com screenshot

Half of Australians Are In Lockdown Again — The stay-at-home order are in effect at least through July 30.

Fast Breaking Cruise News

Canada will lift its cruise ship ban as of Nov. 1, 2021, basically meaning there will be a full 2022 cruise season for Alaska, New England, and other North American coastal departure cities and ports of call.

In home port Seattle, Holland America Line kicked off its Alaska season with Nieuw Amsterdam and Princess Cruises with Majestic Princess, both of which set sail this past week. Each of the Carnival Cruise lines will operate 10 cruises from Seattle through September. A company press release indicates that each ship visit directly contributes more than $364,000 to the local economy in provisioning (fuel, food, flowers, piano tuning, supplies), port taxes, and spending during a full season, according to a press release.

Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas shifted its departure port from Vancouver to Seattle to circumvent the cruise ban, setting sail for a seven-night voyage to Alaska on July 19.

In Florida, the ongoing dispute against the CDC’s Conditional Sailing Order hit a major new development. After the state appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, the 11th Circuit Court reversed its decision against Florida. Therefore, sailings get a green light.

Disney Cruise Line will resume sailing from Florida on the Disney Dream beginning Aug. 9, 2021. While Disney will not be requiring proof of vaccination for its sailings out of Florida, non-vaccinated passengers will take a pre-embarkation PCR test and a $65 antigen test at the port, at their personal expense, reports Cruise Industry News.

this is cool —>>> www.cruisehive.com/cruise-ship-tracker

Meantime, Disney is seeking to base a cruise ship year-round in Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, according to documentation from a June 15 meeting of the Broward County Commission, reports Travel Weekly.

Did we mention? In Venice, Italy, the fragile environment wins in a long-time debate: Cruise ships are banned from the Grand Canal starting Aug. 1, 2021.

October 2019: Dwarfing the Piazza San Marco, Venice

Roundup: Louisville Gets the Coolest Airport Name & Québec City Has the Strangest Ad

June 1, 2021 by Laurie Jo Miller Farr Leave a Comment

“Fly like a butterfly…” Starting this June, you can fly into the newly named Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport that honors its native son. Even the airport logo, unveiled two years ago, is cool. It features a silhouette of Ali, arms held aloft in victory against the backdrop of a butterfly’s wings.

“It’s ironic that a man who left this city to embark on his first international trip with a fear of flying now has the airport, the place where he was welcomed back from that trip from the Rome Olympics as an Olympic gold medalist, now will bear his name,” Lonnie Ali said at the 2019 announcement. She said airport visitors “will feel that same welcoming embrace from the city and its citizens that everyone felt who met Muhammad.”

Québec City, closed to visitors, has produced a 3-minute YouTube video titled, “Let’s Enjoy Québec City While They Can’t.” It features people (actors) with cancelled plans chiming in (with English or French subtitles) from South Korea, France, and Mexico to look at the upside of not going there, saying things like, “Québec City isn’t really the place to lose weight.” The closing chorus of voices lament, “I’m super jealous. I wish I could be there. You’re so close, so get going. Go, go, go for all of us who can’t…” And finally, “What, you’re still here? It’s go time,” laughs a Frenchman (who cannot find history in France?)

https://youtu.be/UlGEa9f4B_Q

Created and produced by LG2 and NOVA Films, the campaign from Québec City Tourism (described as “disappointed travellers speak up on behalf of would-be visitors”) is aimed at residents in the province. With a budget of $3 million, it will appear on a variety of platforms, including TV, through media content partnerships, and on social media through September 26, 2021.

Meeting News

Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board has formed a partnership with CLEAR to use the Health Pass for secure screening at conferences. Meeting and event planners can take advantage of priority access to Health Pass, available free within the CLEAR app, to ensure expedited entry to events.

Las Vegas Monorail has started operating again and the convention center is preparing for the first large-scale convention in the USA since pre-pandemic times. The 2021 World of Concrete event will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center June 8-10. While expectations don’t run to the 50,000 – 60,000 attendees as in past years, “Las Vegas is seeing a surge of visitors again: ‘It’s like somebody turned on a light switch,’” reports The Washington Post.

On May 21, Washington, D.C. fully reopened for in-person meetings, conventions, trade shows and special events.

In San Francisco, the city’s largest convention, Dreamforce, re-booked for September 21-23 with a maximum of 5,000 attendees (per current guidelines) and mandatory vaccination. In previous years, there were 171,000 in-person attendees. Last year, streaming captured 140 million views, so that aspect of the Salesforce event is now baked in. “Salesforce worked with epidemiologist Larry Brilliant to develop safety standards and is also partnering with Marriott, the biggest hotel operator in San Francisco, on cleaning plans,” reports the San Francisco Chronicle.

In May 2020, VisitDallas became “the first destination to receive Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation designating Dallas hotels, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas and selected city-owned arts and cultural institutions as sanitary and safe.” Hyatt is the clear leader in accommodation. A list of about 50 accredited convention centers in the U.S. is found here and more about GBAC is found here.

Cruise News & Flight News

Cruises:
The CDC has relaxed requirements and protocols, dropped mask and distancing rules on cruises where passengers and crew are vaccinated to 95% or better and at least two weeks past their final dose of an approved coronavirus vaccine. Parts of the ship, such as casinos, spas and restaurants, can be designated for vaccinated individuals.

Crew vaccinations must be in accordance with CDC guidelines, at a minimum of 98%. Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Carnival Cruise Line have all announced plans to resume cruising this summer. — Source: Travel Weekly

Alaska Tourism Restoration Act has been signed into law, allowing large cruise ships to enter the state, relieving restrictions requiring a stop in Canada. In 2019, Alaska got about 60 percent of its summer tourists from cruise ships. — Source: Anchorage Daily News

Airlines:
TSA throughput shows over 1.95 million travelers on the Friday ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the highest figure reported since March 2020. Monday’s numbers also topped 1.9 million. In 2019, daily numbers were routinely more than 2 million daily. — Source: TSA

IATA projects air traffic during 2021 will be 52% of 2019, up slightly from the 50% that was forecast six months ago. Looking further ahead, IATA projects global passenger numbers will hit 88% of 2019 levels next year and exceed 2019 levels in 2023. — Source: IATA

American Airlines is working with mobile health partner Daon and its app VeriFLY to help customers verify they are vaccinated and ready to fly before they even set foot in an airport. Customers can download the app for free from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. The VeriFLY mobile health passport is also available for American’s partners: Aer Lingus, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Japan Air Lines, and Qantas. — Source Insider Travel Report

Breeze Airways, headquartered in Salt Lake City and founded by JetBlue founder David Neeleman, commences operations to nonstop city pairs in underserved domestic air corridors such as: Norfolk to Charleston, Tampa, New Orleans, Columbus, Hartford, Pittsburgh, and Providence. From now through July 22, 39 routes are starting up priced from $39 one-way including one personal item and one carry on bag of <35 lbs. that fits into the overhead bin.

Black to the Future

National Blacks in Travel & Tourism Collaborative is partnering with the Cultural Heritage Alliance for Tourism, Inc., a Black-owned receptive tour operator based in Miami to launch the Black Cultural Heritage Road Trip. The Black Cultural Heritage Tours team is traveling throughout the U.S., curating local, immersive Black cultural heritage tour itineraries and experiences. “As the only Black-owned receptive tour operator in the U.S., our mission is to create inclusion and engagement of local Black cultural heritage community assets in the multibillion-dollar tourism industry, spurring economic growth and sustainability for small businesses and cultural institutions in underserved Black communities,” said founder Stephanie Jones.

Charlottesville and Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau has created Discover Black Cville following a series of meetings with about 50 stakeholders. The initiative aims to elevate local Black community storytelling while promoting local Black-owned businesses and attractions. Discover Black Cville is launching on Facebook and Instagram, as well as a landing page on the DMO’s website that highlights Black-owned businesses and Black historic sites. It also links to the Charlottesville Black Business Directory. The Daily Progress reports, “Courtney Cacatian said that when she started as executive director of the CACVB in August 2019, she began to meet with as many people as possible to find out how the tourism bureau could better serve the community.”

*African Meeting House,*
*National Park Service*

In Boston, a self-guided walking path, the Freedom Trail, has been drawing millions since 1951. Similarly, The Black Heritage Trail® covers 15 pre-Civil War sites around Beacon Hill, including the 1806 African Meeting House, the nation’s oldest surviving Black church and The Hayden House, a stop on the Underground Railroad. The walk includes a recently restored 19th century bronze relief facing the state house at the Boston Common, a tribute to the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 54th Regiment, one of the first African American regiments of the Civil War.

On its website, “Experience Bourbon City’s Black Heritage,” Louisville Tourism highlights 1-, 2-, and 3-day itineraries. Newest is the Roots 101 African American Museum opening on June 12, 2021 “…dedicated to telling the story of the African American Journey from Africa and all ports between.”

“Marriages“

Tech and Hollywood are committing to a landmark union; the Twitterverse is wondering if they did it for the future rights to Bond movies. Amazon is buying MGM Holdings for $8.45 billion. Keeping track of Amazon acquisitions?

Simpleview has invested in Stroll, a location-based marketing platform, aimed at helping destinations engage with visitors in real time based on interests and location.Stroll, founded in 2019, is developing Vibe Guide, a television show hosted by “Strollers,” or influencers who provide travel inspiration on destinations. Butch Spyridon, CEO of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation, a Stroll and Vibe Guide customer, adds: “Having the ability to deliver information based on a visitor’s location and interests will not only enhance the visitor experience, but it will also allow our member businesses to target their offer.” — Source: Phocuswire

*Photo: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:WikiPedant*

City Experiences [by Hornblower] continues its expansion of water- and land-based experiences with the acquisition of Niagara Falls’ leading whitewater jet boat tour experiences provider, Niagara Jet Adventures. The newly rebranded company operates dining, sightseeing and private events across 22 destinations in the U.S., Canada and the UK plus cruises on behalf of the National Park Service and the Niagara Parks Commission to provide ferry service to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Alcatraz Island, and Niagara Falls.

Trendspotter News

Last week, Google Travel announced an update that brings vacation rental properties into hotel search results for accommodations. While there is a vacation rentals filter, the default now combines both types of accommodation. Phocuswire reports, “Google says results are ranked organically based on relevance to the user’s query. The company would not provide a list of current supply partners, but searches on the site show listings from Tripadvisor, Vacasa, Red Awning, Sonder, Rentals United and others.” Expedia had pulled Vrbo listings in February; it’s “unclear,” says Phocuswire, whether Bookings.com or Airbnb are participating and that publication had no reply to a request for comment.

The Out-of-Doors Is In: According to Travel Weekly, tour operators specializing in outdoor adventures are saying: “We are literally filled up and can’t get any more space.” At Pleasant Holidays where 180 additional properties were added to tour package offerings, CEO Jack Richards said, “Our bookings for the USA are very close to 2019 levels, which was a record year for the company.” Also, “At the adventure company Backroads, founder and president Tom Hale said summer trips are mostly sold out,” reports TW. “‘We are overwhelmed,’ said Hale, who noted bookings are at ‘an absolute all-time high—by a long shot. We’re up over 40% than in 2019, which was our previous high watermark.'”

Never Mind College Costs, We Gotta Save Up for Disney Tickets, Plus Fast Facts

May 11, 2021 by Laurie Jo Miller Farr Leave a Comment

(Photo: www.flickr.com/photos/oceanmind/9480646744 – by CetusCetus)

Brooklyn-based KOALA, a time share vacation rental marketplace, has projected the future cost of Disney park admissions in 10 years’ time based on price increases since Disneyland in California opened in 1955.

(Image: www.flickr.com/photos/randar/11738226376)

Back then, $2.50 would get an adult through the gates. Adjusted for inflation, that ticket would be worth about $24 in today’s money. Mike Kennedy, Koala co-founder and CEO said Disney has staying power. “Despite the steep increase in price, millions of families continue to travel to the parks each year and pay a premium to experience that Disney magic. At KOALA, we’ve seen a steady rise in bookings to the Orlando area in particular — evidence that Disney’s trademark fun and R&R continues to be a lure, especially for families planning their post-pandemic ‘comeback’ vacations.”

Good News:

Las Vegas scored big in March Madness, posting their biggest month in eight years, with casinos on the Strip accounting for half the state’s house winnings at $501.45 million. Casinos across Nevada raked in more than $1 billion for the first time since the pandemic began, a 73% increase over March 2020, according to a report from the State Gaming Control Board.

In April, Wynn Las Vegas reported its most lucrative slot revenue month ever, collecting $25 million in slot revenue. Wynn will move to 100% capacity at its Strip resorts after nearly 90% of its workforce have been vaccinated.

(*commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vegas_slots.JPG*)

Statewide slot winnings totaled $772 million – the second-highest total in history – and slot machine volume was the highest since July 2008. Nevada sports books handled almost $641 million in March and won $39.3 million, second in the nation to New Jersey where sports pools handled $859 million and won $60.7 million.

“I’m extremely hopeful and I am extremely confident that Las Vegas is going to not only recover but is eventually going to see even greater high marks, just as it has after every single downturn in the last 40 years,” Alan Feldman, a distinguished fellow at UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, told the Las Vegas Review Journal.

(*Photo credit:* *https://bit.ly/33ruMsH*)

NYC: In 2019, 14.6 million theatergoers spent $1.8 billion on tickets with visitors making up nearly two-thirds of audience numbers. That’s almost 250,000 people seeing a Broadway show every week prior to the pandemic.

Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin said, “On behalf of the nearly 100,000 people who make their living on Broadway – on stage, backstage, and throughout the city and state – we are immensely gratified by the support of Governor Cuomo today. Restarting Broadway is a complex endeavor, requiring long lead times for productions the need to reconnect with a sustaining audience from across the country and around the world. Today’s green light by the Governor to put our shows on sale now for the fall is vital to our success. Broadway is the beating heart of NYC tourism and we can’t wait for the day soon when our hearts will beat before a live joyful audience.”

State-by-state, as hospitalizations fall and vaccination rates mount, re-openings are being announced — some conditional — through July. A list and a map are regularly updated at The New York Times.
- DC reopens at full capacity for most activities on May 21.
- Illinois is set to re-open on June 11.
- Virginia is planning on June 15.
- Pennsylvania opens on May 31.
- North Carolina planning to open on June 1.
- California is fully re-opening on June 15.

Destination Analysts‘ weekly survey for the week of May 10, 2021 indicates that, “Over 90% of American travelers have trip plans right now, and 75% will take at least one leisure trip within the next 3 months alone. Over 70% are highly open to travel inspiration, with 35% reporting they researched travel ideas online in the last week, a pandemic-record.”

This is the TSA report on passenger throughput at U.S. airports so far in May. It’s easy to see where this story is headed.

Interesting News

In North Carolina, Buncombe County collects an occupancy tax on short-term vacation rentals, and from July 2020 to date, $25 million was collected, already surpassing 2019 revenues. Short-term rental property owners reported a 42% increase in tax revenues while hotel takings were down 27% and B&Bs fell 9%.

Celebrity Cruises has revealed the new Celebrity Beyond, their third Edge-class ship for 2,900 guests. Disney Cruise Line reveals Disney Wish, the brand’s first new build ship since spring 2012.

Airline Weekly reports that “airfares jumped a dramatic 63.5%” over dates in May through Memorial Day, which “demonstrates what airlines repeatedly emphasized in their first quarter earnings calls: both leisure demand and fares will be at or near pre-crisis levels in the U.S. this summer.”

Rob Torres, Managing Director-Travel at Google, recently shared this comment at WTTC in Cancun: “In our last survey, 1 in 3 U.S consumers said that they plan to take a leisure trip in July, and I think that bodes well for all of us.”

Not So Good News:

Twelve countries are placed on the recovery green-is-for-go traffic light system introduced in the United Kingdom last week…and the USA isn’t on the list. We are stuck on amber (yellow) light. “The U.S. economy will lose $262 billion and 1.1 million jobs if its borders remain shut…to quickly create a US-UK travel corridor would be low-risk for both countries and high-reward economically,” said Roger Dow, president & CEO, U.S. Travel Association.

Funding of the Hawaii Tourism Authority is at risk. House Bill 862, which would eliminate dedicated funds was passed last week. CEO John De Fries says the rebound of Hawaii’s economy is dependent on tourism. Gov. David Ige has until June 21 to veto.

There’s a battle brewing around tourism marketing in Sedona. One group, Save Our Sedona Coalition, says all the tourists are hurting the environment, but merchants say they need the business. A spokesperson with the chamber of commerce said the city council will vote on the proposal to halt marketing early next month.

(Cover photo: Mickey Mouse Toy (www.flickr.com/photos/jeffchristiansen/2233930674)

Hot Stuff, Cool Stuff, and Good-to-Know Stuff

February 9, 2021 by Laurie Jo Miller Farr Leave a Comment

Get your #TravelConfidently Valentine’s Day toolkit with a set of free graphics from the U.S. Travel Association and share it with your own community.

Two top Seattle attractions — Space Needle and Chihuly Gardens and Glass museum — teamed up with Alaska Airlines, the Sheraton Grand hotel, Ethan Stowell Restaurants group and a local Cadillac dealership to bundle a Valentine’s Day wedding contest for eight lucky couples.

Local actor Joel McHale (Card Sharks, Community, The Soup) will officiate the “I do’s” for the winning Valentines.

Travel Paso in California’s Central Coast, is going all retro with a cool collection of four limited edition vintage postcards. Postcards from Paso campaign invites Californians to request a free set — while supplies last — sent to their home to keep as a memento or to mail out to friends and family. Paso Robles has 250 wineries, just re-opened for outdoor wine tasting.

What a weird campaign from Hotels.com for Valentine’s Day. For those seeking sweet revenge on a former flame, a dumpster fire is suggested. Visit hotels.com/vdaydumpsterstay through Feb. 12 to say why the ex deserves V-Day Dumpster Stay — and also where a dream hotel stay would be (without the ex, of course.)

All entries will receive a fictional booking confirmation email for the ex’s imaginary V-Day Dumpster Stay and are entered to for a $300 Hotels.com gift card with no expiration. There will be 15 randomly selected winners.

MMGY Global has been named marketing and advertising agency for Destination Greater Victoria in British Columbia to plan, develop, execute and track results for the DMO’s marketing initiatives and brand advertising program.

MMGY will also work to create a cohesive brand platform for Destination Greater Victoria, previously known as Tourism Victoria.

“Somehow,” says Jim Benning, Editor-in-Chief, “in the midst of the pandemic and other crises, we launched a new quarterly magazine. AAA Explorer goes out to several million AAA members across the U.S., from Hawaii and Texas to Louisiana and New England.”

Lawmakers have introduced legislation that would move New Mexico State Parks from the Environment and Natural Resources Department to the New Mexico Tourism Department. House Bill 258, would align New Mexico State Parks with the state’s tourism efforts in marketing New Mexico on a larger scale. In mid-January, The Travel Vertical reported on a FY22 executive budget recommendation for $25 million in special appropriation for the New Mexico Tourism Department. [Related: JOBS for a current RFP.]

Destinations, how good looking are you? MovieMaker Magazine gives a shoutout to “Best Places to Live and Work as a MovieMaker” in 2021. The Kansas City Film Office, a division of Visit KC, was quick to share the endorsement via a press release in advance of the Feb. 2 magazine’s distribution online and on newsstands.

Mind you, with lessons learned during Covid-19, in 2021 it takes more than a pretty face and reasonable prices to get it right. Did your city make the Hall of Fame or the Small Cities list?

Covid-19 News Snippets

“Curiouser and curiouser,” cried Alice. The UK government is reportedly contemplating a ban on alcohol when pubs reopen after lockdown in April, provoking disbelief from Brits. The idea is part of an effort to stop Covid spread due to drunk people being less likely to follow social distancing rules.

The mayor of New Orleans has, in fact, temporarily closed all bars during Mardi Gras, Feb. 12 – 16, and restricted access to the French Quarter.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will impose a penalty on those who violate the new federal mask mandate, facing a $250 penalty that increases with each repeat infraction. Recurrent violations could raise the fine amount as high as $1,500, according to CNN.

Meantime, in Iowa: Gov. Kim Reynolds is provoking mayors in cities including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, to override her public health proclamation that lifts mask mandates, gatherings, sporting events, restaurants, bars, and business-related Covid restrictions.

That’s Too Much PPP: Some folks are getting kicked off flights for wearing too much hazmat-like gear. United Airlines removed a New Jersey man and his brother for wearing a Narwall Mask, a full face shield that filters air in and out using a design inspired by scuba diving gear.

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a Vaccine Drone: Medical drone delivery service by Zipline, based in San Francisco, will start in April to bring the vaccine to remote and rural global locations. Zipline will be partnering with a Covid-19 vaccine manufacturer to get the job done ASAP.

Event Organizers Lend a Hand: Event organizers understand logistics, delivery, and they know how to stage things. Many are stepping in and coming to the rescue to manage vaccination distribution, reports Meetings & Conventions.

“It’s amazing how our event management skill set can be applied to running a massive vaccination site,” — Dave McGillivray, who has been directing the Boston Marathon for more than three decades.

Canada Says No: Alaska tourism faces a second consecutive no-cruise summer season as cruises of 100 people or more are taboo in Canadian water. That government extended the ban, which had been due to expire at the end of this month, until February 2022. The ruling will negatively impact tourism in the Pacific Northwest as well as in New England during late summer and fall foliage season.

Nous Sommes Fermés: St. Barts, St. Martin, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea have all closed their borders per the French government.

Covid-fighting Robot: At the Key West International Airport, “Name the Robot” contest staged online Jan. 14, attracted the maximum 1,000 entries in just six hours. It highlighted Florida Keys tourism council’s initiative to promote safety protocols, including mandatory masking requirements. R2Key2 is the winning name for the coronavirus-fighting robot, scoring a free trip for a lucky resident of Bat Cave (seriously???) in North Carolina.

Chicago Restaurant Week (*photo: Neil Burger*)

U.S. Cities Are Trying to Figure Out Restaurant Week: The annual event first introduced by Zagat in 1992, was designed to attract customers during slow / cold winter months. In some places, the promotion is back with a few changes; some are based on takeout and delivery.

Choose Chicago says the event will run from March 19 through April 4, featuring special prix-fixe menus for $25 brunches and lunches, as well as $39 or $55 dinners. Despite the pandemic, a record-breaking 430-plus restaurants are participating. New York City extended the dates through February 28, offered meal costs at $20.21, and brought MasterCard in to offer further discounts. Santa Monica opted out this year. Las Vegas is optimistically planning for June.

#TakeoutTuesday has been introduced as a new weekly promotion by American Express and partners like Delta Air Lines, Marriott, and Hilton. Aimed at becoming a tradition, “Order In, Help Out” supports restaurants via Resy.