A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand Friday afternoon (local time), likely resulting in several dozen deaths. The epicenter was in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city with a population over 1.22 million.
According to a report by Reuters, three people were killed in Thailand, along with at least 81 others who are being searched for after an under-construction skyscraper collapsed. Numbers coming out of Myanmar are more difficult to track as “the ruling military in Myanmar did not give any numbers for dead and wounded.” The exiled National Unity Government, however, says the earthquake has killed at least 12, with likely more unreported in the Mandalay area.
There have been six reported aftershocks of a magnitude of at least 4.5, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Americans Will Still Travel Despite Recession
Two separate surveys released this week showed proof that Americans will still travel in 2025 despite rising costs and concerns of a possible recession.
MMGY Travel Intelligence reported that not only will Americans continue to travel but they will actually travel more in 2025 than they did last year. Trip spend is up, too. To help their dollars go further, however, many are embracing off-season travel and alternative accommodations, such as short-term rentals. More than one-third of these travelers also report that they will visit an international destination this year, with Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and Asia as the top options.
Research by Beach.com also found that Americans will continue to travel despite concerns of a recession, but respondents were seemingly more willing to cut back in order to make their trips still happen. Of those surveyed, 47 percent said they would choose more affordable destinations, 67 percent are considering alternative vacation plans, such as road trips or staycations, 35 percent are planning to reduce the number of vacations planned, and 34 percent said they intend to travel off-peak to alleviate some of the financial burden.
Travel’s Ozempic Effect
Not only are GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic helping Americans with type 2 diabetes and obesity become healthier, but they are also having a major impact on how these folks travel.
The first major shift is how they eat. People on Ozempic are eating less, drink alcohol significantly less (and often stop drinking entirely), and are in search of protein-heavy, nutrient-dense foods. While trying local cuisines will still likely be on people’s to-do lists, there will be less emphasis on food overall as part of the itinerary.
As the GLP-1s will be taking care of the weight loss and calorie restriction for them, these travelers will also shift the types of wellness experiences they want when they travel. Now, they will be much more focused on strength training and muscle-building.
Ozempic is also having a big impact on how people shop, fly and much more.
Hotel Companies Detail Big Moves
Hilton is planning to have a big 2025, led by a trio of Waldorf Astoria openings. Atop that list is the reopening of the Waldorf Astoria New York, which had closed for seven years. The brand will also be opening its first properties in Japan and Costa Rica this spring. Other brands including the Curio Collection, Tapestry Collection and LXR Hotels & Resorts have several planned openings for this year.
Minor Hotels has announced a rebrand. The new strategy brings its eight hotel brands—Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli—and travel experience brands together under the Minor Hotels banner. With the realignment, the company has refreshed its B2B proposition, creating a new Minor PRO platform; simplified its loyalty program, combining each brand’s respective platform under one Minor Discovery umbrella; and debuted new imagery.
Lastly, several new openings in England have made the U.K. Hyatt’s third largest market in Europe. Recent debuts include Park Hyatt London River Thames, Hyatt Place Leeds and Hyatt House Leeds, while upcoming openings include Hyatt Place London Paddington and Hyatt Regency London Olympia.
Cruise News From Europe
A trio of European-based cruise lines have made updates to make their offerings more appealing to North American travelers.
First, Celestyal’s Celestyal Discovery has returned to service following a major refit in Athens over winter. The ship’s refurbishment added 47 cabins: 32 suites and 15 interior Cosmos Cabins. Other upgrades include the addition of the Smoked Olive restaurant, available as a complimentary dining space for all suite guests. There will also be a “pop up” evening Grill Seekers restaurant with a bookable private dining area later in the season, offering high-end, specialty regional cuisine inspired by the destinations on the ship’s itinerary.
Separately, Rubén Rodríguez has been appointed as CEO, MSC Group Cruise Division, North America, where he will oversee the growth of both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys. Under the guidance of Gianni Onorato, global CEO of MSC Cruises, and Anna Nash, global president of Explora Journeys, Rodríguez will enable both brands to continue their own expansion while generating "enhanced synergies and collaboration."
Lastly, Costa Cruises has introduced a simplified fare structure to improve the booking experience for North American travelers and travel partners. The cruise rates have been renamed to “Cruise Only” and “Cruise Plus Drinks.” (With the “Cruise Plus Drinks” cruise fares, guests receive all of the perks that come with the “Cruise Only” rates, plus a “My Drinks” package.)
“March Madness” Inspires Luxury Travel Advisor
Voting for the first round in Luxury Travel Advisor’s “March Madness”-inspired Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World bracket tournament is now open! You can vote for your favorites to help them move on from the Sweet 16 into the Elite Eight. Voting for the round ends Monday, March 31 at 10 a.m. E.T.
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