Skift has looked into the hurdles that several major U.S. cities face in trying to boost tourism — San Francisco and Portland are just two examples.
25.08.2023 - 13:23 / skift.com / Rashaad Jorden / Sean Oneill / Lynn Osmond
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Chicago’s tourism industry has recently gotten a big boost from events like three sold out Taylor Swift concerts at Soldier Field. Local authorities hope the success of her shows can be the antidote to the city’s negative reputation, writes Global Tourism Reporter Dawit Habtemariam.
Habtemariam reports 45,000 people came to Chicago over a June weekend when it hosted a large oncology conference in addition to the Swift concerts. One local hotel industry official said it was the best weekend for hotels in Chicago’s history. In addition, Chicago tourism chief Lynn Osmond said there were no major incidents downtown despite the huge crowds, a sign she believes the Windy City is well prepared to host major events.
However, Habtemariam writes the city — and its tourism industry — has had to confront public crimes that have made nationwide news. In response to concerns about crime, Osmond wrote a letter to industry partners informing them the city was taking steps to address public safety.
Next, luxury travel lodging company Habitas is planning to create a so-called hotel circuit in Saudi Arabia through a $400 million fund, reports Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill.
O’Neill writes Habitas aims to transfer guests around locations in Saudi Arabia, where the company is looking to add six properties to its portfolio. Habitas already operates two properties in the kingdom. A Habitas representative said the fund would be anchored by the Saudi Tourism Development Fund. Saudi officials have expressed a desire to attract 100 million tourists annually by 2030.
Finally, Australia’s flag carrier Qantas recently unveiled the cabin design of its Airbus A350 jets, which will feature a wellness zone, reports Contributor Jessica Wade.
Wade writes the cabin design represents a significant milestone in Qantas
Project Sunrise, the title for its new nonstop routes from Sydney to London and New York. Qantas said it’s the first airline worldwide to develop a unique Wellbeing Zone on its aircraft. The zone includes a guided on-screen exercise and a hydration station.
The nonstop flights from Sydney to London and New York are scheduled to take off in late 2025. Qantas also recently resumed service to New York for the first time in more than three years, with flights from Australia to New York via New Zealand.
Australia’s flag carrier Qantas has resumed flights to New York City for the first time in more than years.
Skift has looked into the hurdles that several major U.S. cities face in trying to boost tourism — San Francisco and Portland are just two examples.
New York City’s short-term rental regulations could slash up to 70% of Airbnb’s 23,000 active listings in the city after September 5. Experts are divided on how the move might affect hotels, and their forecasts are foggy. Yet the analyses reveal interesting details about this critical lodging market regardless.
I've never left the US but I've wanted to go to Europe for a while — I've just been waiting for the right time.
Choose Chicago today announced the launch of the Chicago Brew Pass, a new initiative to promote exploration of Chicago’s award-winning craft brewery scene. Through the Brew Pass, the first-ever digital pass of its kind in Chicago, locals and visitors can check in at breweries across the city and earn points that can be redeemed for fun, limited-edition prizes. Participants can use the Brew Pass to explore over 20 participating craft breweries at their own pace and start earning rewards one pint at a time!
United Airlines is taking a subtle dig at rival Southwest Airlines’ massive number of holiday season cancellations in an ad it’s airing during the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Although travel is poised to continue making progress in its ongoing recovery in 2023, the industry still faces challenges in its quest to surpass pre-pandemic tourism levels.
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Chicago tourism officials plan to drive visitation into and expand its marketing coverage for South Side and West Side neighborhoods after receiving a $5.5 million grant from the city government.
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