MAY 2024 - TOURISM NEWS & NOTES | |
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A record 4.7 billion people are expected to travel by air this summer and several factors may converge to create chaos at the country’s airports. A recent report from global travel technology company Amadeus found that “flight disruption remains above historical norms,” and the situation isn’t going to get better any time soon. According to the report, the global airline industry is still struggling with the rapid increase in demand for air travel.
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Having come of age during the pandemic, and fueled by the allure of far-off destinations showcased on social media, members of Gen Z are spending far more on travel than any previous generation. This generation, born between 1997 and 2012, currently makes up 21% of the U.S. population. As they continue to come of age, their spending power is predicted to increase by 48% by the end of this decade, according to Afterpay research cited in a new report from the travel app Hopper.
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Technology and sustainability intersect with almost every aspect of our lives—especially when it comes to travel. A new generation stands at the forefront of a monumental shift in the travel sector: Generation Alpha. Often dubbed “mini millennials,” they are poised to redefine the essence of travel, because they have such a strong commitment to our planet while also reinventing how we use technology.
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Despite the current downward blip in the U.S. electric vehicle market, airports, assisted by the federal government, are laying the groundwork to be able to accommodate large EV rental fleets. "We're not trying to predict when the EV transition will happen or what percentage of cars will be EVs by the end of the decade," said Dallas-Fort Worth Airport CEO Sean Donohue. "But even if the EV transition turns down, it's our view it is still going to happen, and now is the time for us to be prepared for it."
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Over a dozen lawmakers have vocalized opposition to the adoption of facial recognition technology at U.S. airports.A group of U.S. Senators on Thursday pushed to restrict the use of facial recognition at airports – an effort that comes as more than 80 U.S. airports use the biometric technology with plans for expansion to more than 400.
“This technology poses significant threats to our privacy and civil liberties, and Congress should prohibit TSA’s development and deployment of facial recognition tools until rigorous congressional oversight occurs,” said the letter to Senate leadership.
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HOSPITALITY & ACCOMMODATIONS | |
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Sensory branding is a powerful marketing strategy that engages guests’ senses to create a memorable and immersive experience. This valuable tool enhances guest satisfaction and builds brand loyalty. Here’s how.
1) Infuse the hotel’s signature scent in common areas, spa, and guestrooms. For example, a beachfront hotel might use a subtle coconut or ocean breeze fragrance to evoke a seaside atmosphere. Offer guests scented amenities like soaps, shampoos, and candles. Use aromatherapy in your spa or fitness center.
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Reliable information regarding hotel accessibility can be murky at best, and the broader hotel industry often comes up short in making this travel experience as easy as possible. Hyatt leaders are showing the company is taking this seriously in a new initiative highlighting the needs of neurodivergent travelers and what needs to be done to improve the travel experience from booking to checking out.
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Come and celebrate with us! Join us for an afternoon dedicated to honoring the rich contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders to America’s history and their pivotal role in shaping its future success. Delight in captivating performances, insightful workshops, delectable culinary delights, and explore unique finds at our artisan shop.
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An exhibit on the restoration of the 18th Underground Brick Burial Vault. Drop-in for FREE to see the exhibit. Pay admission to take a museum tour.
Fridays & Sundays in May (May 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26)
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This evening is certainly going to get your toes tapping, showcasing the world-renowned tap dancer Baakari Wilder performing with some of the finest musicians in the DMV area. Wilder has made guest appearances at the Kennedy Center since the age of 12. He starred in the Broadway musical Bring in Da Noise Bring In Da Funk, where he received a Bessie Award for originating the role of “Uncle Huck-a-Buck.” He has performed all over the world in places such as Japan, Africa, Germany, France, and Russia.
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Step back in time with ‘The Poppaw Queen,’ a gripping historical documentary by director and Queen descendant, Malachi E. Robinson. Immerse yourself in the story of Mary Queen and her fearless descendants who battled for liberty. From an illegal indentured servant to courtroom struggles, it’s a story of resilience and injustice. Through compelling interviews and thought-provoking performances, witness Mary Queen’s extraordinary saga — from her South American roots to the historic fight for freedom by her descendants.
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National Harbor is bringing back its popular free Movies on the Potomac series from May 2 through September 29! Date night movies are shown every Thursday at 7 p.m. and family night movies will be shown every Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Plaza Screen on the waterfront. Dine in one of 30+ restaurants before the movie or order take-out from one of the many restaurants at the Harbor for a fun outdoor experience that all ages can enjoy!
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Our highly anticipated summer R&B festival is making a grand return! We cordially invite you to join us for Wine & Slow Jams, where the soulful melodies of R&B music will create an enchanting atmosphere for an evening you won't soon forget. Make your way to Prince George's Stadium in Bowie, Maryland, as we curate the perfect fusion of soulful tunes, delectable food, exciting games, refreshing spirits, local artists, talented DJs, and surprise celebrity performances! Prepare yourself for a day and night filled with relaxation, connection, and cherished memories that will keep you grooving.
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Come out to your favorite authentic Mexican Taco joint, La Michoacana, this Saturday for a celebration pregame of Cinco De Mayo. Tacos, tequila, margaritas, and a Latin DJ dance party, make this the perfect way to spend your night in Brentwood, Mount Rainier, or Hyattsville. Spend $15 at La Michoacana and spin our bar prize wheel for a bonus drink or shot. Gather your friends and get ready for a bumping, boozy, and delicious evening.
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We’re Back! Please join us for the 14th Edition of The Beltway BBQ Showdown! The contest highlights the art of barbequing in Prince George’s County and the Mid-Atlantic region. The Showdown is nationally sanctioned, as a Master’s Series Level Event, by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS).
Every year, thousands of people celebrate and enjoy the art, music, and history of BBQ in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The Beltway BBQ Showdown offers a number of fun activities for the entire family. The competition has returned to Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
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Netflix’s latest season of its addictive sculpted replica cake competition show Is It Cake? dropped in late March, and one of its contestants calls the D.C. area home. Hosted by SNL cast member Mikey Day, each episode features three celebrity judges who have a limited amount of time to guess which “cake” is actually cake (versus a decoy to trick them).
For Caitlin Taylor, the owner and resident cake artist at the Sculpted Slice in Bowie, Maryland, her Season 3 appearance brings her baking journey full circle. She first got into the business after watching TV shows like Food Network Challenge and Ace of Cakes as an early teen.
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DC Boats Shows are excited to welcome boating enthusiasts to the 2nd Annual DC Boat Show at National Harbor, May 2024. Join us for a weekend getaway on the Potomac River and kick off the boating season! There will be a wide variety of vessels from Sail to Power, and New to Quality Pre-Owned for immediate sale and to order. Tour the boats, grab food and drinks, listen to live music throughout the show, peruse the vendor tents for the latest in boating gear, meet the experts, and commune with boaters from local and far away harbors!
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Guided Archaeology Paddle. Archaeologists will lead a small group of kayakers on a tour through 13,000 years of history! We will launch from Jackson’s Landing at Patuxent River Park and paddle by ancient Indigenous campsites, Colonial towns, and War of 1812 shipwrecks to learn about the countless people who once lived on the shores of the Patuxent River. A single kayak will be provided and prior experience is helpful but not necessary.
Meeting spot is the Mount Calvert Soft Launch (16801 Mt Calvert Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772)
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It's time for the best of baseball! Come to Prince George's County Stadium and have a ball watching the Bowie Baysox!
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Co-located near South Lake, a planned mixed-use community will be just footsteps away and will feature dining, hotel and entertainment options. The complex and its neighboring amenities offer a convenient way for visitors to eat, play, and stay in one place.
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Dinosaur Park hosts free open house days every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month! Explore the grounds where dinosaur bones have been discovered! Learn about fossils and recent dinosaur bone findings.
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