Skift Daily Travel Briefing Skift Travel News

Episode Notes
Destinations across Europe are grappling with extreme heat, with soaring temperatures contributing to the deaths of five tourists in Greece. Authorities on the continent are struggling to develop strategies to combat the heat, writes Travel Experiences Reporter Jesse Chase-Lubitz. 
Chase-Lubitz notes policy experts in the European Union believe governments are unprepared for the heat despite having access to information about possible heatwaves. European Climate Pact Ambassador Cinzia de Marzo said countries are responding to emergencies instead of putting plans in place to deal with extreme heat. 
The World Meteorological Organization released data recently showing that five of the most severe heat waves since 1950 took place in just the past three years.
Next, a large number of Asian sports fans have traveled to Europe for the Euro 2024, the continent’s soccer championships, reports Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia.
Online travel company Trip.com Group reported a 125% increase in bookings to Germany from Asian tourists. Bookings from Chinese tourists have registered the largest jump — 132%. A Trip.com executive cited a growing Asian middle class with disposable income as one reason Asian fans are interested in traveling to Germany for the tournament. 
In addition, flying to Germany has gotten easier for Chinese travelers, in particular. The number of direct flights from China to Germany has increased by 70% compared to last year. 
Finally, JetBlue is making a big change to its baggage policy. From September, the airline will allow all passengers — even those on its most restrictive ‘Blue Basic’ fare — to bring a carry-on bag for no extra charge. Airlines editor Gordon Smith gets into the impact. 
The policy change brings JetBlue in line with most of its peers. American, Delta, Southwest, and Alaska all allow ‘free’ carry-on bags, plus a smaller underseat personal item, across all fare categories. 
The move leaves United Airlines as the only major U.S. network carrier to charge its Basic Economy passengers for a carry-on.
Come September, United will find itself squeezed on two fronts. Along with all of its more upscale counterparts offering complimentary carry-ons as standard, even ‘ultra-low-cost airlines’ are making big customer service improvements. 
Get more travel news at https://skift.com.

Presented by Brand USA
Episode Notes
New York City has cracked down on short-term rentals by requiring hosts to register since last September. Since then, the city has only approved a little less than 2,300 applications, reports Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.
Schaal writes the figure is a sign of the lack of short-term rentals in New York City. Christian Klossner, the Office of Special Enforcement’s executive director, said Local 18, which also requires hosts to be present during the stay, has helped reduce illegal short-term rental listings in the city. The office has only approved roughly 36% of applications submitted since September. 
Next, the Federal Aviation Administration is looking to tighten safety requirements on public charter airlines such as JSX. That could be a blow for companies like JSX, writes Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi. 
Maharishi notes that if the changes are approved, public charter airlines would fly under the same rules as commercial airlines. The FAA has said some public charter flights operate like commercial airlines. Major carriers such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines have lobbied the U.S. government to consider more stringent rules on JSX, arguing that JSX was benefitting from a regulatory loophole. 
Maharishi writes that tougher safety rules would be a problem for carriers like JSX since part of their appeal is a private jet-like experience. JSX, for example, operates out of small private terminals, and passengers don’t go through a typical TSA security screening. . 
Finally, China is continuing to expand its visa waiver program, adding Australia and New Zealand to the list recently, reports Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia. 
Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced on Monday that China would include Australia in its visa waiver program. While Beijing hasn’t revealed the details of the new visa arrangement, Bhutia notes Chinese officials announced a similar decision concerning New Zealand passport holders last week. 
China’s moves to provide travelers from more countries visa-free access are part of its strategy to rejuvenate its tourism industry. The country only welcomed about 36% of its 2019 foreign visitor total last year. 
Get more travel news at https://skift.com
Producer/Presenter: Jose Marmolejos

Presented by Brand USA
Episode Notes
The use of artificial intelligence in the travel industry has grown significantly in recent years. However, the industry still has a lot of work to do to get the most out of AI. Vivek Bhogaraju, advisory partner of data and AI at Skift, provides travel companies with ideas on how to develop AI strategies.
Bhogaraju writes that this is just the beginning of the AI era. He urges companies to be flexible when using the technology, noting that new regulations will eventually be introduced. Bhogaraju also emphasized the importance of hiring the right chief data officers, who he said need extensive technical knowledge and a background in the travel industry. 
Although Bhogaraju writes that successful data and AI execution requires urgency and efficiency, he notes that projects that succeed take time and persistence. 
Next, LVMH said on Thursday it reached a deal with Accor to speed up the revival of the hotel company’s Orient Express brand, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill.  
LVMH said it would make an unspecified strategic investment in the Orient Express brand. O’Neill notes the joint venture will include ships in addition to trains and hotels. Meanwhile, LVMH downplayed rumors it would open a Louis Vuitton-branded hotel in Paris.
Finally, Thailand has decided to scrap a proposed $8 fee on international tourists arriving by plane, writes Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently said his administration would abandon the previous government’s plan, which was approved in February 2023. Thai officials intended to use the revenue from the tourism fee to fund the management of insurance for international visitors. 
However, Bhutia notes the tourism fee faced significant opposition from private stakeholders. Plus, Thavisin said eliminating the tourist fee could produce greater economic benefits. 
Get more travel news at https://skift.com
Producer/Presenter: Jane Alexander

Presented by Brand USA
Episode Notes
Activist fund Elliott Investment Management has called for a major shakeup at the top of Southwest Airlines after recently taking a $2 billion stake in the carrier. However, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan has no plans to resign, writes Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi.  
Jordan said at a Politico event on Wednesday that he would consider Elliott’s feedback, adding that Southwest is ready to adapt its business model. Maharishi reports Elliott has been calling for Jordan and Chairman Gary Kelly to step down due to Southwest’s recent struggles. The carrier has yet to turn a profit this year. 
Next, hotel companies’ investments in wellness have grown enormously in recent years. Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill takes a look at emerging trends in hotel wellness.
A report from consulting firm RLA Global revealed hotels with wellness offerings saw healthy growth in 2023. So-called upper upscale hotels performed best in wellness last year compared to luxury and upscale segments. In addition, a report from investment bank Truist found that spa treatment revenue per occupied room was up at least 30% relative to 2019 levels. 
Finally, cruise lines are expected to disclose all mandatory fees and taxes to U.S. consumers starting July 1 to comply with California’s junk fee law, writes Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill last October banning junk fees. The law applies to all businesses with offices or customers in the Golden State. Consumers can sue companies allegedly breaking the law for at least $1,000 in damages. 
Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line all plan to meet the requirements of the new law. Habtemariam reports total prices won’t change — only the advertised prices shown upfront on cruise company channels will. 
Get more travel news at https://skift.com
Producer/Presenter: Jane Alexander

Presented by Brand USA
Episode Notes
IAG Loyalty has big plans to expand its frequent flyer currency Avios. IAG Loyalty CEO Adam Daniels discussed those ambitions and more in an interview with Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi. 
Daniels said one of IAG Loyalty’s goals is to make Avios a global currency. Avios has already entered into partnerships with Qatar Airways and Finnair, carriers outside of the IAG family. IAG’s airline brands include British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus. Daniels added Avios is in discussions with other airlines as well as hotel groups.
Daniels also addressed the trend of devaluing frequent flyer miles. He acknowledged one criticism of loyalty programs is that collecting miles has been easier than using them. Daniels said IAG Loyalty is looking to change that.   
Next, Marriott recently reached a deal with the U.S. Justice Department to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill. 
Marriott will make improvements to its reservation processes to make it easier for guests to reserve and stay in rooms they need to accommodate their disabilities. O’Neill notes that Marriott aims to list all accessible rooms through its booking system. The Justice Department had investigated Marriott’s reservation practices after complaints from individuals with disabilities. 
Although Marriott contended it has complied with all ADA requirements, the company will pay a $50,000 civil penalty under the deal. 
Finally, Southwest Airlines is vehemently defending its strategy after activist fund Elliott Investment Management took a $2 billion stake in the company, writes Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi. 
Maharishi reports Elliott — now one of the airline’s largest investors — is pushing for major leadership changes at Southwest, including a shakeup at the top. Southwest said its board of directors and executive team are reviewing Elliott’s proposal. In addition, Southwest said it was taking steps to return to profitability, such as making new technology investments and cutting underperforming routes. 
Get more travel news at https://skift.com
Producer/Presenter: Jose Marmolejos

Presented by Brand USA
Episode Notes
Apple unveiled new travel-related features for several of its products on Monday at the 2024 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. Travel Technology Reporter Justin Dawes provides details about Apple’s updates. 
Dawes notes the Apple Watch will have a new translation app, live update features for flights and Uber, and a setting to alert users before it rains. In addition, Siri is getting a connection to OpenAI, which will enable users to ask Siri anything they can ask ChatGPT, including trip planning info for free. And travelers will be able to use Apple Vision Pro virtual reality headsets on not just planes — but trains as well. 
Next, InterContinental Hotels Group would like its property mix to include more premium, lifestyle and luxury brands. However, IHG is downplaying its plans due to its investors’ preference for mid-market and extended-stay brands, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill. 
Although O’Neill notes moving upmarket is tantalizing for several reasons, IHG is responding to the demand it sees from hotel owners and investors. In addition, IHG’s Americas CEO Jolyon Bulley said that some owners who want to do deals are concerned about the state of the lending environment. O’Neill adds that conversions are more appealing to some investors because of obstacles in the market. 
Finally, Mallorca has seen massive protests over mass tourism that many residents believe has helped make housing unaffordable, among other problems. Travel Experiences Reporter Jesse Chase-Lubitz delves into the widespread anger on the island.
Protests have erupted even in towns far from Mallorca’s most popular beaches, with Chase-Lubitz citing one small town without tourist attractions that’s been swarmed by tourists seeking lodging. One university professor and Mallorca native said the tourism boom has made it hard for residents to find affordable housing. The island’s capital city Palma de Mallorca and four other cities have seen residential property prices jump more than 10% this year. 
Chase-Lubitz adds several other incidents have fueled widespread Mallorcan anger about tourism, including a fight involving a group of young British men earlier this month. 
Get more travel news at https://skift.com
Producer/Presenter: Jose Marmolejos