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Google Reveals Traveler Keywords and Other Trends

July 19, 2021

While it has been clear for months that there has been pent-up demand for travel in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, new data from Google reveals the extent of travelers’ desire to get back out there. Pent-up demand for travel is greatest among younger generations, representing more than half of all Americans and a…

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Lego Unveils New ‘Retailtainment’ Concept

July 19, 2021

The Lego Group recently shared a look at its future of experiential retail, as it opened the doors of a brand-new store in New York City late June. This two-story location on Fifth Avenue features a new retail format, one that will be introduced in part to more than 100 stores worldwide over the next…

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Average U.S. Disposable Income Decreases, Spending Increases

July 15, 2021

According to estimates recently released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, disposable personal income (DPI) decreased $436.3 billion (nearly -$1,300 per person or -2.3%) in May, while personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $2.9 billion (nearly $9 per person or +0.1%). The decrease in DPI primarily reflected a decrease in government social benefits and unemployment insurance,…

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Vacasa Releases 2021 Vacation Rental Insights

July 14, 2021

Vacasa recently released its 2021 Vacation Rental Search Report, highlighting 15 findings about travelers’ browsing and purchase behavior these past 12 months. Here are 5 of those findings: Planning ahead. The median booking window has increased from 20-30 days to 35-40 days, a signal that travelers are becoming more comfortable with making long-term plans. Twice…

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How Gas Shortages & Prices Are Impacting Summer Travel

July 13, 2021

Prior to Memorial Day, gas shortages and 7-year high prices were thought to be a reaction to travel surges, not a trend that would consume the summer. However, we are post-Independence Day, and this trend appears to be sticking. According to GasBuddy’s annual summer travel survey, 46% of summer travelers indicated that high gas prices…

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Consumer Shopping Habits Have Changed For Good

July 9, 2021

The pandemic itself, along with how we are emerging from it, is reshaping the economy, government and business in lasting ways. A lot of this reshaping is fueled by changing consumer shopping habits. The pandemic pushed nearly all consumers to utilize, if not rely on, ecommerce—and it pushed retailers to adapt according. And while ecommerce…

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Staffing Shortages Result in Numerous Flight Cancellations

July 6, 2021

American Airlines revealed that it has had to cancel hundreds of flights due to staffing shortages, maintenance and weather-related issues as travel demand begins to ramp back up towards pre-pandemic levels. Airlines are scrambling to keep up with the spike in air travel demand as governments lift pandemic-related restrictions and allow more attractions from concerts…

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U.S. Department of Commerce Invests Millions in Tourism

July 6, 2021

The U.S. Department of Commerce will soon announce a $750 million investment in travel and tourism, according to Gina Raimondo, the department secretary, speaking on a virtual forum conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Raimondo said she is hopeful for a reasonably robust summer for leisure travel but added, “there’s a long way to go.”…

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Resorts World Announces Grubhub Partnership

June 30, 2021

Resorts World Las Vegas, which opened late June, will be the first hotel-casino to partner with mobile food-ordering app Grubhub as its de facto in-room dining platform. Through On the Fly at Resorts World, guests at the property can order from its 40 food and beverage spots and certain retail shops for pickup, room delivery…

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Independence Day Travel Expected to Near Pre-Pandemic Levels

June 30, 2021

According to AAA, more than 47.7 million Americans plan to travel over the Independence Day holiday this year (July 1-5). This will be the second-highest Independence Day travel volume on record, trailing only 2019, and by just 2.5%. Despite the highest gas prices in seven years, more than 91% of this holiday travel will be…

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