Travel

China’s worsening property crisis weighs on economic recovery: Consumption figures for the country’s Golden Week holiday were lower than expected as consumers remain cautious in the face of slowing growth.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what Amazon's next big hit is, whether X (formerly Twitter) might become a subscription-only platform, whether SEO is already dead, if most retailers will stop offering free shipping, the shortest commercial flight you can take today, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our director of reports editing Rahul Chadha and analysts Ross Benes and Blake Droesch.

Delta walks back its frequent flyer program changes: The airline endured swift backlash after it made it harder for customers to earn elite status and access airport lounges.

Installing 20,000 EV chargers across 2,000 North American hotels can capitalize on soaring demand for EV charging in the post-pandemic travel boom.

Digital ad spending benefits from post-pandemic travel interest: Despite a rosy outlook, risk remains.

Travel industry's digital ad spending doubles from 2020: Despite a broader slowdown, the sector is set to spend $6.79 billion in 2023, driven by pent-up demand and new advertising strategies.

The electric air taxi market—forecast to be worth $57B by 2035—sees startups like Joby Aviation advancing despite regulatory hurdles and safety concerns for the new mode of travel.

Google and American Airlines collaborate using AI to cut contrail production. Positive results and wider adoption could diminish the environmental effects of flying.

High prices aren’t deterring US consumers’ international travel plans: Domestic demand is softening as travelers prioritize overseas destinations.

On today's special episode, we continue our monthly show where we discuss the biggest trends of the moment and the newest research, sprinkle in some analysis, and bundle it up into a quiz. Every month, three of our analysts representing their respective coverage area teams compete against each other. (We also encourage you to play along at home.) We keep a running score and will crown a winning team at the end of the year. Today, we cover how much the world is traveling again, how Amazon Prime Day did, the staying power of Threads, and more. Tune in to the discussion with this month's contestants: our analysts Carina Perkins, Max Willens, and Yory Wurmser.

US shoppers prefer to make their luxury purchases abroad: Spending from American tourists in Europe helped offset sales declines in the Americas for LVMH, Kering, Prada, and more.

US consumers pull back on discretionary purchases: Despite real wage and consumer sentiment gains, a wide array of retail companies have reported a shift in spending patterns.

On today's episode, we discuss whether the summer travel boom will last, how the economic climate is influencing how people think about vacations, and the changes in how people choose where they go on vacation. "In Other News," we discuss whether folks want gamified shopping experiences and how brands should—and shouldn't—text you. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Zach Goldner and director of forecasting Oscar Orozco.

Airlines can’t keep up with booming travel demand: With more travelers heading overseas and paying for premium seats, United, Delta, and American Airlines are reaping the rewards.

Airbnb wants to become the ‘ultimate AI concierge’: The technology could help increase platform engagement and bookings while also introducing privacy, security, ethical, and regulatory headaches.

New vehicle sales grew between 12% and 14% in the first half of 2023: By exceeding analysts’ expectations, the auto sector is providing more evidence that the US economy remains fairly strong.

Some 29% of US adults are taking less expensive trips this summer due to inflation, according to Bankrate. Slightly fewer (28%) are engaging in cheaper activities as inflation, which has cooled slightly, wears on.

Despite inflation, US consumers are traveling this summer: While cutting back on goods such as luxury purchases, American are willing to shell out on European vacations.

It partnered with FreedomPay and Marriott as part of a wider shift to grow volume by focusing on payments for bigger restaurant and hospitality brands.

GetYourGuide and Hostaway score massive funding rounds as leisure travel demand holds up: But industry profit margins are under pressure as business travel remains below prepandemic levels.