The Travel Top 10

AIRLINE NEWS

Turkish Airlines Expands To Denver

Turkish Airlines has expanded its U.S. presence with a new flight route to Denver, marking its 14th destination in the United States. This addition to their extensive global network now connects passengers directly to Denver's vibrant culture and various sports events. Starting June 11, 2024, the airline will operate three weekly flights from Istanbul, increasing to four from July 9. "This new route enriches our network, offering passengers more opportunities to explore the historical and cultural richness of Istanbul and our country," said Prof. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee of Turkish Airlines. Special introductory fares start at $787, with flights operating between Istanbul Airport and Denver International Airport.

INDUSTRY NEWS

New Travel Trends For 2024

As summer travel is on the rise, consumers are finding a silver lining in the latest economic reports: a continued decrease in airfare costs. According to Katy Nastro of Going.com, average airfare has fallen by another 4% this month. "This decline is part of a three-month trend that has brought airfare down 6% from last year and 19% from its peak in June 2022," Nastro shared. These reductions place current prices even below those of February 2020, before global travel disruptions This summer, the cheaper fares extend to flights from the U.S. to popular European destinations, with some unexpected last-minute deals also surfacing. Examples include fares like $322 from New York City to London in August, $487 from Minneapolis to Iceland, and $481 from Los Angeles to Paris. Despite these deals, Nastro warns that such bargains are exceptions and advises travelers to book without delay to avoid higher costs as departure dates approach.

Tropic Ocean Airways, a leading commercial amphibious airline, has successfully completed 100 lifesaving seaplane missions in the Bahamas, providing on-demand medical evacuation services without the need for membership. The airline's fleet of Cessna Grand Caravan EX Amphibians, which can land on both runways and water, uniquely positions it to offer rapid medical response capabilities to remote locations and vessels in the Caribbean. This service, staffed by a team of medical professionals and supported by advanced medical technology, ensures patients receive critical care swiftly and are transported to South Florida for further treatment.

TREND NEWS

Amex Reveals New Travel Trends For Gen Z

The latest Amex Trendex Summer Spotlight Report reveals key spending trends among Millennials and Gen-Z in the U.S., particularly in how they approach summer travel and leisure activities. According to the report, 81% of Millennial and Gen-Z respondents have made travel plans for this summer, with 62% organizing their trips around specific activities such as wellness or entertainment. The report also highlights a significant trend in dining, with 41% of these younger generations securing hard-to-get reservations as a form of social currency, and two-thirds spending at least $40 per week on takeout.

STAYING IN STYLE

Hotels Debut New Offerings For Summer 2024, And Beyond

Abi d’Oru Beach Hotel & Spa in Sardinia has introduced a unique "Olfactory Dinner" experience at their Marinella Restaurant, blending the art of fragrance with fine dining. In collaboration with fragrance creator Luca Maffei and olfactory expert Mariangela Rossi, the hotel offers a sensory journey through Sardinia, featuring a signature scent, themed cocktails, and desserts that capture the essence of the island. These aromatic offerings, along with interactive botanical tours and cocktail masterclasses, enrich the guest experience at this luxury coastal retreat.

Generator and Freehand Hotels have expanded their portfolio with the opening of Generator Berlin Alexanderplatz, marking their first third-party management deal in Europe. This new property in Berlin offers a variety of accommodations and has been fully refurbished to reflect the local culture with an industrial aesthetic. The opening precedes a similar expansion in the U.S. with the Paramount Hotel in New York set to open this fall. Generator reports a robust start to 2024, following a record year in 2023, with significant gains in revenue, EBITDA, and occupancy, particularly driven by their Gen Z and Millennial clientele.

CitizenM, the 'affordable luxury' hotel brand, has launched its annual summer sale, offering up to 25% off stays through August 2024 at 34 of its properties, including soon-to-open locations in Boston and Miami. The sale, available to both mycitizenM members and non-members, is ideal for those planning summer vacations or holiday getaways. Additionally, new members can enjoy 25% off the annual mycitizenM+ membership until July 5, gaining further discounts and perks such as late check-out and community events.

Thompson Palm Springs is introducing "Upper Stories," a comprehensive buy-out package ideal for weddings and celebrations, available starting September. This exclusive package includes two top suites, a private pool, and a full tower of 42 guest rooms, starting at $550++ per night. Wedding packages begin at $158++ per guest, featuring customizable food and beverage options, and a variety of rental services. Special incentives for weddings booked by July 31, 2024, include complimentary suite stays, event space, late-night snacks, and up to 150,000 World of Hyatt points. For full details and booking, contact Thompson Palm Springs.

Virgin Hotels, a luxury lifestyle hospitality brand part of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group, is set to open its first London property in Shoreditch on August 1, 2024. The announcement marks a homecoming for the brand to the city where the Virgin story began. The new hotel at 45 Curtain Road, known for its vibrant culture and arts scene, will join the brand's global portfolio as the 17th property, following recent openings in Edinburgh and New York. Sir Richard Branson expressed his enthusiasm: "We're all absolutely delighted that Virgin Hotels Collection will be opening a Virgin hotel in London. Since the inception of Virgin Hotels, we’ve had our sights set on London; a place that so many of our customers either call home, or name as one of their favorite destinations – and of course where Virgin’s story started." The hotel will feature a Spanish restaurant, a rooftop bar, pool, and other luxury amenities, aiming to provide a seamless Virgin experience from sky to land.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa has launched its "Scottchella" poolside summer experience, transforming the Arizona desert resort into a festival-like atmosphere until September 2, 2024. According to Vincent de Croock, Director of Sales and Marketing, "Scottchella" features a vibrant lineup of activities, celebrity chef-curated poolside dining, and special promotions. Guests can enjoy Instagrammable backdrops, poolside activations by major beverage brands, and themed dining options at the resort's newly renovated pools. The resort also offers various stay packages designed to enhance the summer experience, including options for complimentary cabanas and dining credits,