The Travel Top 10

INDUSTRY NEWS

New Loyalty Programs For Hard Rock

Hard Rock International announces the global launch of its new loyalty program, Unity by Hard Rock, offering benefits across its hotels, cafes, and casinos. Members can earn Unity Points redeemable for free nights, dining, and exclusive merch. The launch is celebrated with a campaign featuring stars like John Legend and Shakira, and includes a sweepstakes with prizes like a trip to New York for a Noah Kahan concert and a vacation to Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. For more details, visit unity.hardrock.com/come-together.

AIRLINE NEWS

Qatar Airways Soars To New Heights With Credit Card Partnership, and Other Airline News

Qatar Airways Privilege Club has partnered with Cardless, Inc. to launch its first credit cards in the U.S., bringing a novel way for travelers to earn travel rewards. The collaboration introduces two Visa credit cards that offer exclusive benefits, including sign-up bonuses of up to 50,000 Avios, fast tracks to higher membership tiers, and opportunities to earn Avios on everyday spending. With these offerings, Qatar Airways marks the first international airline loyalty program to provide a Visa Infinite credit card in the U.S., aiming to enhance the travel experience of its members.

In other credit card news, Citi launched the new Strata Premier Card on May 12th, refreshing its decade-old Premier Card with a sleek new design and enhanced travel perks while maintaining a $95 annual fee. Targeting travelers who value robust protections, the card offers new benefits like 10X ThankYou Points on travel bookings through Citi and increased points at EV Charging Stations. Additionally, cardholders can secure 75,000 bonus points by spending $4,000 within three months of opening, alongside upgraded travel insurance benefits including trip cancellation and luggage coverage.

In April, Avelo Airlines set the standard for operational reliability among U.S. carriers, boasting the highest on-time performance and the lowest flight cancellation rate. According to Anuvu, used by The Wall Street Journal for airline rankings, Avelo achieved an 88.6% on-time rate, surpassing the industry average of 80.1%. Remarkably, Avelo reported no flight cancellations during the busy spring travel period, maintaining all 1,371 scheduled flights. CEO Andrew Levy attributes this success to the airline's rigorous operational discipline and customer-focused approach, marking a continuation of Avelo's strong performance since its launch three years ago.

Turkish Airlines has launched a new advertisement featuring esteemed football manager José Mourinho, emphasizing their status as Europe's Best Airline and the official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League. In the ad, Mourinho enjoys the airline's top-tier in-flight services, including live sports, gourmet dining, and luxury amenities during a symbolic chess match. Highlighting their commitment to excellence, both Turkish Airlines and Mourinho celebrate their collaboration as a blend of top sports and service standards, projecting Türkiye's cultural and sporting values on the global stage.

PACK YOUR BAGS

New Stats On Memorial Day Travel

Over 43.8 million people will travel this upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, the highest in over 20 years, according to the AAA.

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” AAA Travel’s SVP Paula Twidale shared in a statement with Travel Today. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

The most popular domestic destinations include Orlando, Seattle, and New York, while the most popular international destinations are Rome, Vancouver, and London.

STAYING IN STYLE

Hotels Debut New Offers For Summer 2024

SkyRun Vacation Rentals marks its 20th anniversary by offering a 20% discount on select properties throughout May. Celebrating two decades of growth, including a recent nod as one of North America's Fastest-Growing Franchises by Entrepreneur magazine, SkyRun continues to expand and innovate, evidenced by its refreshed website and new partnerships. CEO Lukas Krause emphasizes the commitment to delivering resort-quality hospitality in unique, private settings, aiming to enhance both guest and homeowner experiences. Over 1,300 homeowners now trust SkyRun with their properties, reflecting the brand's dedication to quality and continuous improvement.

The historic Cuthbert House in Beaufort, South Carolina, has reopened after a detailed renovation, blending modern luxury with its 18th-century roots. Now offering ten unique guest quarters, the inn provides a serene waterfront setting ideal for experiencing Lowcountry charm. With updated amenities, including a daily bayside breakfast and bespoke concierge service, Cuthbert House invites guests to celebrate its renewal with special packages through June 15. For more details, visit www.cuthberthouse.com.

The Davenport Hotel Collection in Spokane is hosting its largest summer sale, offering up to 40% off stays across all five properties when booked by May 31, 2024. This deal applies to vacations through the end of the year, perfect for both summer activities and winter sports. Each unique hotel, from the historic Davenport Hotel to the contemporary Davenport Grand, caters to a variety of traveler preferences, ensuring a memorable visit regardless of the season.

For those seeking an immersive Pride experience beyond major cities, Mint House St. Pete offers a prime spot in Florida's largest Pride festival as a proud sponsor. Located in St. Pete's EDGE District, guests can enjoy apartment-style living with full amenities, including kitchens and washers/dryers, along with Pride-themed perks like a welcome amenity and exclusive poolside events. With participation in key festival activities like Parade Day and the Street Fair, Mint House provides both comfort and convenience at the heart of the celebration.