Welcome to Smart Travel, our weekly column where we share our latest tips and tricks to stay up to date on the can’t-miss news in travel. Today, we have details on a new U.S. Travel initiative, data on global tourism, advice for solo female business travelers, Boeing’s latest hiccup and the most recent addition to Universal Orlando’s upcoming Epic Universe theme park.
Booking.com Spotlights Tips for Solo Female Business Travelers
With most professionals in the meetings industry being female, we want to make sure you stay savvy and safe during your next business trip. Research your destination’s travel restrictions, safest transportation means and emergency phone numbers, and check the local news before you leave so you are aware of any climate or political issues that could affect your trip. Avoid posting your tagged location, real-time movements and photos of your accommodation or ticket details on social media. And consider these other tips as well:
- Get travel insurance to avoid stressful situations when unexpected circumstances arise.
- Make sure you travel with a portable phone charger, so you are never left without a means of communication.
- Ask your hotel concierge about areas to avoid and other local safety knowledge.
- Carry only the cash you need and leave the surplus back in your room—or stick with secure digital payments you’ve researched prior to arrival.
- Give feedback to your company after your trip; did you feel your destination was a safe place to conduct business or would you recommend a different location instead?
Read More: Be Aware: Tips for Women Business Travelers On the Road
U.S. Announces New Task Force on Global Sporting Events
The United States has no shortage of upcoming international sporting events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 and 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2031 Rugby World Cup. In a move led by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), the Task Force on Global Sporting Events will implement new solutions for better travel experiences, stronger safety protocols and maximized economic benefits. Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S Travel Association, applauded the development, calling it an “unmatched opportunity to showcase U.S. destinations and cement our position as the top global travel destination.”
Read More: Sports Arenas and Stadiums: On Game for Meeting Planners This Year
2024 Expected to Set Records in Global Tourism
In a wild swing from the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, this year global travel is shaping up to be at a record peak. As a result of what many call “revenge travel,” alongside elements such as a surge in remote work and an upward trend in wanderlust social media content, 2024 has seen more packed planes, trains and automobiles than ever before. Also, finance isn’t the primary focus it once was for many travelers; a recent study released by AMEX showed 77% of respondents care more about the right travel experience than about the cost of the trip.
Read More: ARVO Conference in Seattle Opened Eyes to Lingering International Travel Challenges
This swell of international travel has major implications for popular destinations—many of which are far from positive. Don’t be surprised by an increase in strikes and protests as locals respond to issues such as displacement of the working class and strain on outdated infrastructure. In the U.S., workers in Boston, New Haven, Providence and Honolulu voted overwhelmingly to authorize strikes, with major hoteliers such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and Omni Hotels at risk.
Boeing’s Latest Setback: Grounding 777-9 Test Planes
In yet another engineering hurdle, Boeing has announced the grounding of its 777-9 test planes, a project designed for distance travel and whose release has already been delayed by years.
Routine maintenance uncovered an issue with a structural component within the engine housing of the planes, designed to carry 426 passengers over a distance of more than 7,200 nautical miles. Boeing has notified the Federal Aviation Administration that updates will be forthcoming.
Universal Unveils Plans for 500-Room Helios Grand Hotel as Part of Universal Epic Universe Theme Park
Epic Universe, the mega theme park set to open in 2025, will include a “majestic Mediterranean-inspired escape” in the form of Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room resort that will be located in Celestial Park, one of Epic Universe’s five “worlds” (the others being Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic).
The accommodations will include spacious suites, a rooftop lounge, a resort-style pool, a fitness center, a game room, plenty of dining options and a Universal Orlando Resort store and, most notably, a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe. With no shortage of competition between theme parks, attractions and adjacent accommodations, it will be interesting to see how Universal intends to elevate Helios Grand Hotel above the rest.
