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PEOPLE ARE SHOWING a desire to get back to travel, but within certain limits, according to a Reuters Events Travel webinar. The webinar featured information on the current state of the industry from IHG Hotels & Resorts, Visit California and digital consultancy Appnovation. Whether planning, booking or experiencing a vacation, today's travelers are more cautious than ever and are taking more time to research plans and are using digital tools for it, according to the webinar titled "Destination Experience: Driven by Data, Inspired by Travelers." As many as 41 percent of respondents to a survey from Appnovation cited a readiness to travel out of state or province, while only 19 percent were ready for international trips. Almost half of Americans, 49 percent, are likely to travel out of state and 24 percent are likely to travel internationally. "With data, brands are much better equipped to understand these shifts, and use their marketing tools more effectively. In short, you can't innovate properly until you innovate on your internal processes," said Anton Morrison, vice president of user experience and design, Appnovation.

U.S. TRAVELERS FACE ongoing frustrations despite strong 2024 travel volumes, including delays, planning, costs, and airport experiences, according to an Amadeus study. Each traveler encounters unique challenges, the survey found, and while technology can address many frustrations, it doesn't solve them all. "Technology is important, but so is the human touch," states the survey "Friction Removed." Technology vs. human touch Technology plays a role in improving the traveler experience, the survey says. Travelers find mobile planning apps the most helpful at 89 percent, followed by automatic rebooking, digital bag tracking, integrated airline and hotel booking, and fully digital IDs and travel documents, all at 86 percent.

More and more top luxury hotels now accept cryptos for rooms and hotel services. Other travel-related sites were already accepting cryptocurrencies before luxury hotels jumped on the bandwagon. The primary reason that travelers use cryptos is because of the favorable conversion rates that save hundreds of dollars over using credit cards. The cards are just as convenient to use because they're totally digital-based. FIVE OF THE TOP LUXURY HOTELS THAT ACCEPT CRYPTOS Among the benefits, using cryptos tends to be less expensive than other methods of payment. Five of the top luxury hotels that accept cryptos include the following properties. 1. CHEDI ANDERMATT, SWITZERLAND 2. SRI PANWA PHUKET 3. SANDMAN HOTELS OF CANADA AND THE U.K. 4. CASUAL HOTELES OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL 5. PAVILIONS HOTELS & RESORT GLOBAL TRAVEL WITH UTMOST CONVENIENCE Bitcoin ranks as the most popular digital currency. The innovative payment method uses decentralized currency for efficiency, transparency and security.

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL recently launched its 2025 global marketing campaign, "Check Into More," focused on maximizing stays by enhancing guest experiences and brand loyalty across its 22 brands. The campaign features actor and writer Keegan-Michael Key for the second consecutive year as the "Vacation Maximization-er," guiding travelers to make the most of their stays with Choice Hotels. The campaign, based on research showing 95 percent of U.S. travelers seek unique experiences, features six 30- or 15-second ad spots airing on TV and digital channels through 2025, Choice said in a statement. "Over the last few years, we've seen a significant cultural shift in people booking travel based on what they want to experience, not just where they want to go," said Noha Abdalla, Choice Hotels' chief marketing officer. "With over 7,500 properties at different price points ranging from full-service upscale hotels with on-site restaurants and bars, to ubiquitous select-service hotels, all connected through a benefit-rich rewards program, we're empowering our guests to unlock more opportunities for connection and exploration."