Back to All Blogs

4 of the Most Inspiring TV Travel Ad Campaigns

Jump to a section…

Get inspired to elevate your destination marketing efforts by revisiting some of our favorite TV travel ad campaigns.

Capture attention with beautiful TV ads

Imagine this: You’re watching your favorite show, a commercial break hits, and the screen opens to a panorama of azure waters brushing up against powdery, white-sand beaches.

Palm trees sway in the breeze, offering their shade to families building sandcastles and playing beach volleyball. Laughter fills the air as children chase technicolor fish in crystal-clear lagoons, while parents relax under colorful umbrellas, sipping from coconuts. A magical sunset paints the sky in shades of pink and gold as families gather around bonfires, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows. 

The soundtrack of a steel drum band sets the rhythm for this tropical paradise adventure, where every moment is a cherished memory in the making. Now that’s what we call travel advertising .

The Importance of Compelling TV Travel Ads

For many years, the interactive and engaging format of television advertising has served as a bridge between the couches of target audiences and the experiences and products that beckon. For the travel industry, it remains a vital channel for marketing campaigns that transport us beyond the mundane and spark the flame of wanderlust. This rings especially true as hotel advertisers, travel agencies, and tourist destinations like Greece and Iceland attempt to inspire people to take more journeys in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let’s explore some of the best TV campaigns for travel brands that captured our imaginations and inspired us to explore the globe. These ads went beyond raising brand awareness by getting potential customers to follow brands on social media or check out a travel website’s landing page. These are the campaigns and adverts that went beyond selling destinations by painting vivid portraits of adventures waiting to be lived, cultures yearning to be explored, and experiences that felt like destiny.

Expedia: "Travel Yourself Interesting"

Expedia , one of the world's leading online travel businesses, went beyond merely showcasing picturesque destinations in its “Travel Yourself Interesting” tourism ad campaign. These travel ads told stories of travelers discovering their most interesting selves while exploring the world. With a touch of humor and a lot of heart, the campaign encouraged viewers — including magicians — to break free from the ordinary and embark on their own adventures.

Why the campaign was great:

Emotion and Relatability: Expedia tapped into the universal desire to become more interesting through travel. Effective travel marketing campaigns often rely on human emotion for this purpose.

Memorable Characters: The campaign’s video ads featured quirky and endearing characters that resonated with viewers and quickly created a rapport.

Inspiring Storytelling: Each ad tells a unique, relatable, and entertaining story, igniting wanderlust and inspiring travel.

New call-to-action

Airbnb: "Live There"

Airbnb , the platform for homestays and experiences, sought to redefine travel with its "Live There" travel ad campaign. This groundbreaking series of TV ads showcased the idea of living like a local, promoting unique accommodations and one-of-a-kind experiences.

  • Authenticity: Airbnb's spoken ad copy and visuals resonated with travelers seeking authentic and unique experiences.
  • Diverse Destinations: The campaign displayed a wide range of destinations and experiences, catering to various travel interests and target audiences.
  • Emotional Connection: By highlighting the connections travelers could forge with local people, Airbnb tapped into the desire for meaningful travel experiences.

Tourism Australia: "Dundee: The Son of a Legend Returns Home"

Talk about a clever travel ad format. Tourism Australia launched the "Dundee: The Son of a Legend Returns Home" campaign during the 2018 Super Bowl. Starring Chris Hemsworth and Danny McBride, the campaign humorously played with Australian stereotypes and the idea of a "Dundee" movie sequel. We’ll be honest, we thought it really might be a movie for a second.

The ad was part of a cheeky travel marketing campaign for Australia, and it effectively showcased the country's stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and laid-back charm. It sparked widespread interest and discussion, turning into a memorable moment that kept playing out across digital marketing channels post-Super Bowl. It’s a testament to trying new and creative tactics while breaking away from tired templates.

  • Creativity and Humor: This is a perfect ad example for showing how a campaign's comedic approach can make it stand out and go viral.
  • Iconic Stars: Chris Hemsworth's involvement added star power and appeal, and Danny McBride’s turn as Dundee was as hilarious as you might expect. But a cameo from the original Dundee, Paul Hogan? Fantastic.
  • Showcasing Australia's Beauty: The stunning Australian landscapes took center stage, enticing viewers to explore Down Under.

Emirates: "Fly Better"

Emirates Airlines took a different approach with its "Fly Better" ad campaign, focusing on luxury, comfort, and world-class service. The campaign emphasized the airline's commitment to providing a superior travel experience.

Emirates used TV advertising to position itself as a leader in the premium travel segment while still appealing to different types of travelers interested in various experiences, from those with leisurely dreams of Europe to aspiring cliff-diving adventurers. The ads showcased the airline's opulent cabins, gourmet dining, and exceptional in-flight service, inviting travelers to indulge in luxury.

  • Aspirational Messaging: Emirates tapped into their target audience’s desire for luxury and comfort during travel.
  • High Production Value: The campaign's visuals and cinematography reflected the airline's commitment to quality, and clever, photoshop-style editing created immersive but surprising scenes — the whole ocean held in a glass of seltzer, for example.
  • Building Brand Loyalty: By emphasizing superior service, Emirates aimed to create lasting brand loyalty among travelers.

Inspire Your Next Travel Ad Campaign

These TV advertising campaigns from the travel industry entertained us while providing inspiration to explore the world. They demonstrate the power of storytelling, authenticity, humor, and emotional connection in capturing the hearts and minds of travelers.

As the travel industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences, these campaigns serve as timeless examples of how effective TV advertising can showcase destinations, create brand loyalty, and encourage travelers to embark on unforgettable journeys. Whether through humor, inspiration, or aspiration, these travel ads left an indelible mark on our memories and remind us of the magic of travel.

Texture Dots right

Get Started Today

See how you can boost lift and ROAS with CTV

Similar posts

View all BLOGS

tvs travel industry

Jan 26, 2024

What Is a Brand Awareness Funnel?

tvs travel industry

Dec 20, 2023

Building Trust in B2B Partnerships: Strategies for Success

tvs travel industry

Dec 13, 2023

B2B Content Marketing Strategies, Tips, and Best Practices

tvs travel industry

Jun 1, 2023

TV Measurement: Past, Present, and Future

Tourism Advertising Finds New Value With Streaming TV

Dawit Habtemariam

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

February 6th, 2023 at 2:30 AM EST

As TV becomes even more digital and people cut the cable cord further, expect it to compete directly for destination marketing social media advertising dollars.

Dawit Habtemariam

Tourism agencies are investing more of their advertising dollars in streaming because of its targeting precision, measurement and flexibility.

Some agencies have expanded their advertising on streaming services. Take Travel South Dakota , which plans to commit nearly 33 percent of its paid media spend to so-called connected TV, which is streaming on TV devices like Roku, according to spokeswoman Katlyn Svendsen. For the last five years, the commitment was under 10 percent for the state tourism agency. 

Discover Puerto Rico and Explore St.Louis have been growing their investments over the last three years. Discover Puerto increased its investment in TV streaming from $1.6 million to $8 million between 2020 and 2022, according to chief marketing officer Leah Chandler.

Explore St.Louis plans to devote a greater share of its broadcasting budget to it. “As a percentage of our total broadcast investment, over the top [streaming] accounts for approximately 25 percent and we anticipate this ratio growing as many cable viewers cut the cord in favor of streaming,” said Explore St. Louis Chief Marketing Officer Brian Hall. 

Millions of people stream video on their phones, TVs, laptops and game consoles. Hulu, for example, had 47.2 million subscribers at the end of 2022, according to Statista. Over 80 percent of U.S. households have at least one video streaming subscription, according to Cloudwards .

The ability to target a massive audience at the perfect moment makes the medium very attractive.  “The targeting you can do in some of those opportunities is insane,” Svendsen said. “One of our biggest things is reaching the right exact person at the right time.”

Viewers can be hit with ads like banners, images or short-form videos during their streaming experience. Short-form videos can be effective at helping marketers get their message across to customers when they are their most receptive, said Amir Eylon, CEO of research firm Longwoods International.

What has made streaming TV advertising increasingly alluring to agencies are the measurement capabilities. Streaming networks can provide insight into impression delivery, video complete rates, target reach and frequency, according to Explore St.Louis’ Hall. Streaming’s measurements are becoming so similar to the ones on ad campaigns on Meta, Google and other platforms that Explore St. Louis will soon make the medium an extension of its digital media advertising group rather than traditional TV.

Unlike broadcast TV, streaming gives agencies an opportunity to cherry pick their viewers. “Truth is, if there are 100 zip codes in a metro area we’re targeting, there are likely fewer than 20 that are productive for our destination,” said Hall. “Broadcast TV makes us buy all of them.”

Discover Puerto Rico experimented with it during the pandemic and found it effective for reaching a segment of responsible travelers, according to Chandler. In order to protect the safety and well-being of the island, the agency linked its advertising in markets based on the increases in Covid cases and vaccination rates.

“We wanted to reach the markets where they were prioritizing vaccination, where we saw declining Covid cases. If a market was having a huge flare-up of Covid cases, we pulled back our marketing,” Chandler said. Discover Puerto Rico now uses streaming advertising to target the conscientious traveler, the evolution of the responsible traveler it focused on a few years ago.

The Daily Newsletter

Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: advertising , destination marketing , Digital Marketing , marketing strategy , streaming

Photo credit: Streaming TV continues to attract tourism agency dollars. Nicolas J Leclercq / Unsplash

  • For Finance
  • For Travel Managers
  • For Human Resources
  • For Travellers
  • For Manufacturing
  • For Sustainable Business Travel
  • Online Booking Tool
  • Traveller Tracking
  • Smart Data & Reporting

travel management

Tv, film and production travel management.

tvs travel industry

At Beyond Business Travel, we understand that organising travel for any film or TV production crew can be a challenge. That’s why we have a dedicated team who are experienced in providing top-class travel services to the production industry.

For over 20 years, we have worked with a range of clients in the film and TV industry – from renowned production companies to independent video teams. Our past clients include the makers behind critically acclaimed shows Line of Duty, Bloodlands, Game of Thrones, Derry Girls, Marcella and Mastermind to name a few.

Our aim is to make travel for your film crew hassle-free, that’s why we consider and cover all aspects on your behalf. We provide a tailored service that is unique to you, which we know is of the highest importance for production managers. We deliver a high-touch travel and logistics service, which includes organising flexible entertainment airline fares, special baggage requirements, VIP meet and greets as well as private car transfers.

travel expertise

What our clients say

We've been working with the team at Beyond Business Travel for over 7 years and they continually amaze us with their ability to handle our large volume of travel and last-minute changes. We are constantly impressed by their professionalism, expertise & ability to think outside the travel box to get the best deals and fares, which is extremely valuable in our business.

Beyond have recently assisted with contender and production travel on Mastermind. We have found them to be efficient and very professional. They carefully monitored airline schedules throughout the Covid lockdowns and kept us well informed of any potential issues to our travel. They reacted well to the challenges of reduced flights and multiple changes and provided an excellent after service in following up on flight refunds due for which we were very grateful. I look forward to working with the team at Beyond Business Travel on future productions.

Get in touch with Beyond

Talk with one of our expert travel consultants and find out how we can transform the way your business travels

tvs travel industry

Useful Links

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Belfast: +44 (0)28 9085 0615
  • Dublin: +353 (0)1 5255739
  • [email protected]

To be kept up to date with all things Beyond, enter your email address to subscribe to our mailing list.

  • ©2024 Beyond Business Travel. All Rights Reserved
  • Created by ProfileTree

tvs travel industry

  • Excellent TV Shows About Travel
  • The Worst People to Travel With
  • The Best Travel Shows on Netflix
  • The Most Beautiful Countries on Earth
  • Why Cruises Are Surprisingly Expensive
  • Social Networks for Travelers
  • Travel Hacks and Tips to Try
  • Popular Spots That Kinda Suck
  • Meanwhile, on TripAdvisor...
  • Mythological Places to Visit
  • Great Tour Groups for Solo Travel
  • The Best Travel YouTubers
  • Crazy Drunk Snacks Around the World
  • Ranking the Best Luggage Brands
  • Top Travel Sites for Saving Money
  • Hotel Hacks to Save You Money
  • Maps of Public Transportation
  • Insane Resorts Around the World
  • Ranking the Top Hotel Chains
  • How to Avoid Getting Scammed on Vacation
  • Budget-Friendly Hotel Chains
  • Great Countries to Travel Alone
  • Travel Accounts to Follow on Instagram
  • The Top Luxury Hotel Chains
  • Best Cruise Ships for Families
  • Luxury Hotel Perks We All Love
  • The Most Essential Hotel Amenities
  • Amazing Cheaper Travel Destinations
  • The Best Countries to Go Hiking
  • Where to Plan a Girls' Trip
  • Great Photos of Dads on Vacation
  • Destinations for Group Vacations
  • The Best Luxury Cruise Lines
  • Awesome Places to Take a Cruise
  • Important Things in a Vacay Spot
  • Words to Learn Before You Go
  • Where to Go Hang Gliding

The 75+ Best Travel TV Shows Sure To Give You The Travel Bug

TVs Frank

Travel shows, a captivating genre on television, have been inspiring wanderlust for decades. These programs, from educational documentaries to entertaining reality series, transport audiences to various parts of the world right from their living rooms. Through vibrant imagery, engaging storytelling, and charismatic hosts, viewers get to experience the thrill of exploration and discovery without leaving their couch.

More than mere escapism, travel shows celebrate our planet's diverse cultures and stunning landscapes. They offer a plethora of unique experiences, such as savoring the spice-infused dishes of Southeast Asia or exploring ancient civilizations in Europe. Notable shows like " Parts Unknown " and " Departures " epitomize the genre, blending travelogue and documentary elements to captivate audiences with rich narratives and visual allure . Other popular shows, including " An Idiot Abroad ," " Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations ," and " Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern ," offer diverse perspectives and are available on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime​​​​​.

The best travel TV shows provide a passport to the world, highlighting its diversity and encouraging viewers to explore beyond their immediate surroundings. These programs, available on streaming platforms such as Disney+, Paramount+, and Max, offer unique postcards from the farthest reaches of the globe, showcasing both renowned and obscure destinations. Embrace the thrill of discovery and let these travelogues fuel your curiosity​​​​.

Departures

Departures is a masterpiece of travel television, immersing viewers in an authentic and raw exploration of various cultures, landscapes, and human connections. The show's hosts, Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach, offer a genuine and relatable portrayal of two friends embarking on a journey around the globe, making viewers feel like they are right there with them. With its brilliant cinematography and engrossing storytelling, Departures  showcases the transformative power of travel, creating an undeniable sense of wanderlust in all who watch. More than just a typical travelogue, this series delves into the heart of cultural experiences, leaving viewers inspired to take their own adventures.

Is Departures Worth Your Time?

Parts Unknown

Parts Unknown

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown remains a trailblazer among travel shows, thanks to its unapologetic and thought-provoking examination of often-overlooked destinations. Bourdain's passion for exploring the world, combined with his innate curiosity and respect for other cultures, truly sets this show apart from its contemporaries. Through intimate conversations with locals and immersive culinary experiences, Parts Unknown  expertly intertwines the themes of food, culture, and travel, revealing the interconnected nature of humanity. With its mesmerizing storytelling and rich cultural insights, this groundbreaking series leaves viewers yearning for a deeper understanding of the world.

Is Anthony Bourdain: Part... Worth Your Time?

  • # 51 of 750 on The 600+ Best Reality TV Shows Of All Time
  • # 176 of 298 on 285+ Smart TV Shows That Only Intellectuals Appreciate
  • # 45 of 258 on The Best TV Shows You Can Watch On HBO Max

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

With Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations , viewers are treated to a unique blend of culinary curiosity, cultural immersion, and a healthy dose of humor. Bourdain's willingness to jump headfirst into any experience, from sharing a meal with a tribal community to facing his fears in a haunted Romanian forest, highlights the transformative nature of travel. No Reservations  artfully showcases how culture and cuisine inform one another, as Bourdain uncovers the hidden stories and flavors of each destination. The show's marriage of culinary delights and globe-trotting adventure will leave viewers hungry for their own epicurean escapades.

Is Anthony Bourdain: No R... Worth Your Time?

  • # 571 of 750 on The 600+ Best Reality TV Shows Of All Time
  • # 14 of 21 on 21 Wholesome Reality Shows That Feel Like A Warm Hug
  • # 7 of 112 on The 100+ Best Cooking Shows Of All Time

The Layover

The Layover

In The Layover , Anthony Bourdain takes viewers on a whirlwind tour of cities around the world, making the most of the limited timeframe a layover provides. By showcasing the best each destination has to offer in just 24 to 48 hours, the show highlights the importance of embracing spontaneity and flexibility in travel. Bourdain's charismatic personality and insider tips make him the ultimate travel companion, proving that meaningful experiences can be had even in the briefest of moments. With its fast-paced adventures and hidden gems, The Layover  inspires viewers to seize every opportunity for exploration, no matter how fleeting.

Is The Layover Worth Your Time?

Travels in Europe with Rick Steves

Travels in Europe with Rick Steves

Travels in Europe with Rick Steves stands out as a quintessential travel show that effortlessly transports viewers to the continent's most iconic destinations. Steves' genuine enthusiasm for European history and culture, paired with his expert guidance, helps demystify foreign travel for beginners while also captivating experienced globetrotters. Through engaging storytelling and valuable travel tips, the show encourages viewers to connect with locals and immerse themselves in authentic experiences. Travels in Europe with Rick Steves  is a must-watch for those looking to explore Europe with both reverence and curiosity.

Is Travels in Europe with... Worth Your Time?

An Idiot Abroad

An Idiot Abroad

An Idiot Abroad offers a refreshingly irreverent take on travel, delivering equal parts humor and cultural insight. Following Karl Pilkington, a reluctant traveler with a penchant for comedic grumbling, the series documents his experiences exploring the world at the insistence of his friends, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The show cleverly juxtaposes Pilkington's unconventional perspective with the rich tapestry of global cultures, resulting in a truly unique and entertaining travelogue. With its offbeat humor and endearing protagonist, An Idiot Abroad  showcases the transformative potential of travel, even for the most skeptical of sojourners.

Is An Idiot Abroad Worth Your Time?

  • # 383 of 447 on The 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time
  • # 62 of 110 on The Best British Sitcoms of All Time, Ranked
  • # 67 of 204 on The 190 Best British Comedy TV Shows, Ranked

Globe Trekker

Globe Trekker

Globe Trekker has earned its place among the best travel shows, thanks to its engaging hosts, stunning cinematography, and unrivaled cultural insights. Venturing off the beaten path, the series exposes viewers to lesser-known destinations and traditions, fostering a deeper understanding of the world's diverse cultures. With its rotating cast of enthusiastic hosts, Globe Trekker  highlights the importance of embracing new experiences and remaining open to learning from others. Packed with adventure, heart, and valuable knowledge, this iconic series leaves viewers eager to embark on their own globe-trotting expeditions.

Is Globe Trekker Worth Your Time?

Insomniac with Dave Attell

Insomniac with Dave Attell

Insomniac with Dave Attell dives headfirst into the captivating world of nocturnal exploration, shedding light on the unique experiences and characters that come to life after dark. Hosted by comedian Dave Attell, the show unearths the hidden gems of nightlife around the globe, from bustling city centers to remote rural haunts. In each destination, Attell engages with locals and seeks out the bizarre, the unexpected, and the downright hilarious, highlighting the importance of embracing spontaneity in travel. Insomniac with Dave Attell  reveals a world typically hidden from tourists' eyes, inspiring viewers to embrace the unexpected during their own night-time adventures.

Is Insomniac with Dave At... Worth Your Time?

Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern

Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern

Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern is a tantalizing feast for the senses that takes viewers on a culinary journey unlike any other. Host Andrew Zimmern expertly weaves together the worlds of food and travel, exploring fascinating cultures through their most unusual dishes. Encouraging open-mindedness and curiosity, Zimmern demonstrates that seemingly bizarre foods are often integral to a culture's identity and history. With its mouth-watering cuisine and captivating storytelling, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern  reveals the delicious potential for discovery when travelers venture beyond their comfort zones.

Is Bizarre Foods with And... Worth Your Time?

Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days

Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days

Taking inspiration from Jules Verne's classic novel, Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days  chronicles the host's exhilarating attempt to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days – without air travel. Palin's charming wit, affable nature, and determination make him an ideal travel companion, as he explores diverse cultures and overcomes numerous challenges. The series ingeniously marries the thrilling adventure of global exploration with the timeless appeal of a literary classic, encapsulating the true spirit of wanderlust. Around the World in 80 Days  captivates viewers with its unforgettable journey, proving that the spirit of adventure is alive and well.

Is Michael Palin: Around ... Worth Your Time?

Full Circle with Michael Palin

Full Circle with Michael Palin

In Full Circle with Michael Palin , viewers are treated to a breathtaking journey around the Pacific Rim, guided by the inimitable charm and wit of the beloved host. Palin immerses himself in the diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories of the region, highlighting the interconnectedness of humanity along the way. The show excels in showcasing the beauty and wonder of travel, inspiring viewers to look beyond their own borders and embrace the spirit of global exploration. With its captivating storytelling and stunning visuals, Full Circle with Michael Palin  provides an unforgettable voyage for all who join the adventure.

Is Full Circle with Micha... Worth Your Time?

Passport to Europe

Passport to Europe

Passport to Europe whisks viewers away on an enchanting tour of the continent's most captivating cities and landscapes, guided by the delightful Samantha Brown. With her infectious enthusiasm, Brown expertly navigates each destination's cultural nuances, blending sightseeing highlights with hidden gems and local experiences. The show strikes a perfect balance between practical travel advice and immersive storytelling, inspiring viewers to embark on their own European adventures. Passport to Europe  is a must-watch for those looking to discover the charm and allure of this storied continent with an engaging and knowledgeable host.

Is Passport to Europe Worth Your Time?

Raw Travel

As the name suggests, Raw Travel  delivers an unfiltered and authentic look at the world, delving deeper into local cultures and their unique stories. With its focus on sustainable tourism and human connections, the show offers a refreshing departure from the typical travelogue, encouraging viewers to travel with a purpose. By showcasing off-the-beaten-path destinations and experiences, Raw Travel  fosters a newfound appreciation for the rich tapestry of human cultures and traditions. This thought-provoking series is sure to ignite the wanderlust in even the most seasoned travelers, inspiring them to seek out more meaningful and transformative journeys.

Is Raw Travel Worth Your Time?

Samantha Brown's Great Weekends

Samantha Brown's Great Weekends

Samantha Brown's Great Weekends offers viewers an engaging and attainable approach to travel, with host Samantha Brown curating the ultimate weekend getaways across North America. Brown's warm personality and keen eye for unique experiences make her the perfect guide, ensuring that each adventure feels both exciting and accessible. The show's focus on shorter trips highlights the importance of seizing opportunities for exploration, no matter how limited one's time may be. With its invigorating mix of exhilarating activities, stunning locales, and valuable travel tips, Samantha Brown's Great Weekends  proves that unforgettable adventures are closer than you think.

Is Samantha Brown's Great... Worth Your Time?

Pole to Pole

Pole to Pole

In Pole to Pole , Michael Palin embarks on yet another extraordinary journey, traveling from the North Pole to the South Pole along the 30-degree East line of longitude. As he traverses an array of countries, cultures, and landscapes, Palin's characteristic wit and warmth shine through, making him an ideal travel companion. The show skillfully demonstrates the diversity and beauty of our planet while highlighting the shared human experiences that bridge geographical divides. With its stirring storytelling and awe-inspiring visuals, Pole to Pole  is a testament to the transformative power and endless wonder of travel.

Is Pole to Pole Worth Your Time?

The Thirsty Traveler

The Thirsty Traveler

The Thirsty Traveler takes viewers on a spirited tour of the world, delving into the history, culture, and production behind various alcoholic beverages. Host Kevin Brauch's engaging personality and passion for libations make for a captivating and informative journey, as he explores the local customs and flavors associated with each drink. Through lively interactions with local experts and immersive experiences, the show highlights the central role beverages play in bringing people together across cultures. The Thirsty Traveler  is a unique and intoxicating blend of travel, history, and culinary exploration, sure to leave viewers thirsting for more.

Is The Thirsty Traveler Worth Your Time?

Rick Steves' Europe

Rick Steves' Europe

Is Rick Steves' Europe Worth Your Time?

The Amazing Race

The Amazing Race

As one of the quintessential travel shows, The Amazing Race  delivers an adrenaline-pumping blend of competition, adventure, and global exploration. The Emmy Award-winning series pits teams against each other in a race around the world, challenging them with physical, mental, and cultural obstacles. The show's breakneck pace and high-stakes challenges offer an exciting, albeit unconventional, look at the dizzying array of cultures, languages, and landscapes the world has to offer. The Amazing Race  ultimately celebrates the spirit of adventure and perseverance, inspiring viewers to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the thrill of the unknown.

Is The Amazing Race Worth Your Time?

  • Dig Deeper... The Most Hateful Amazing Race Teams of All Time
  • And Deeper... The Best Amazing Race Winners, Ranked
  • # 272 of 302 on The Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years

Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe

Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe

Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe transports viewers to some of the most remote and breathtaking locations on Earth, offering a rare glimpse into the stunning beauty and fragile ecosystems of our planet. Acclaimed photographer Art Wolfe's keen eye and passion for conservation make him an exceptional guide, as he captures the essence of each destination through his lens. The show masterfully intertwines adventure, exploration, and environmental awareness, encouraging viewers to appreciate the natural wonders that lie just beyond the beaten path. With its awe-inspiring images and thought-provoking messages, Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe  is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of protecting it.

Is Travels to the Edge wi... Worth Your Time?

Lonely Planet Six Degrees

Lonely Planet Six Degrees

Lonely Planet Six Degrees offers a fresh and engaging approach to travel, as hosts Asha Gill and Toby Amies immerse themselves in the local culture and connect with fascinating individuals at each destination. The show's underlying theme - that we are all connected through a mere six degrees of separation - highlights the shared human experiences that transcend geographical boundaries. Through captivating storytelling and insightful interactions, Lonely Planet Six Degrees  encourages viewers to approach travel with an open mind and a desire to forge meaningful connections. With its unique format and thought-provoking premise, this groundbreaking series is a must-watch for those looking to experience the world in a more personal and profound way.

Is Lonely Planet Six Degr... Worth Your Time?

Long Way Round

Long Way Round

In Long Way Round , viewers are taken on an exhilarating and challenging motorcycle journey across continents, as actor Ewan McGregor and his best friend Charley Boorman embark on the adventure of a lifetime. The series intimately documents their trials and triumphs, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of friendship, determination, and the transformative power of travel. As the duo navigates diverse terrains and cultural encounters, the breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences serve as reminders of the boundless possibilities for exploration and personal growth. Long Way Round  is essential viewing for those seeking a compelling narrative of adventure, camaraderie, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Is Long Way Round Worth Your Time?

Dhani Tackles the Globe

Dhani Tackles the Globe

Dhani Tackles the Globe combines the worlds of sports, travel, and adventure, as former NFL linebacker Dhani Jones sets out to master various traditional sports around the world. The show offers a fresh and energetic take on global exploration, with Jones' athletic prowess and enthusiasm for new experiences making him an engaging host. Through his immersion in each region's unique sports culture, Jones fosters meaningful connections with local communities and explores the values, traditions, and history that shape these time-honored activities. Dhani Tackles the Globe  is an inspiring celebration of the universal language of sports and the untold stories that unite us all.

Is Dhani Tackles the Glob... Worth Your Time?

Booze Traveler

Booze Traveler

Booze Traveler offers viewers an intoxicating blend of travel, history, and culture as host Jack Maxwell embarks on a global quest to uncover the stories behind the world's most iconic drinks. With his affable demeanor and insatiable curiosity, Maxwell expertly showcases the inextricable link between alcoholic beverages and the cultures that produce them. The show skillfully balances immersive experiences, engaging storytelling, and fascinating historical insights, revealing the myriad ways in which alcohol has shaped human civilization throughout history. Booze Traveler  is a spirited journey, sure to delight viewers with its unique perspective on global libations and their storied pasts.

Is Booze Traveler Worth Your Time?

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

In Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted , the world-renowned chef embarks on an exhilarating journey to uncover the globe's most exotic and undiscovered flavors. Ramsay's unparalleled passion for food and bold sense of adventure make him the perfect guide, as he braves remote locations, diverse cultures, and extreme conditions in pursuit of culinary excellence. The show masterfully combines exhilarating adventures, immersive storytelling, and captivating cultural insights, showcasing the transformative power of food as a bridge between people and cultures. With its thrilling escapades and tantalizing tastes, Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted  inspires viewers to broaden their culinary horizons and embrace the vast tapestry of global flavors that await them.

Is Gordon Ramsay: Unchart... Worth Your Time?

  • # 27 of 710 on The Best New Reality TV Shows of the Last Few Years
  • # 17 of 91 on The 85+ Best Food & Travel Shows, Ranked
  • # 35 of 298 on The Best Reality Shows Of 2024, Ranked

Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure

Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure

Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure follows the beloved British adventurer as he retraces the footsteps of iconic author Ernest Hemingway, exploring the places and experiences that shaped his life and work. Palin's wit, charm, and genuine interest in Hemingway's story make for a fascinating and enjoyable journey, as he delves into the writer's complex psyche and uncovers the locations that inspired some of his most famous literary works. The show elegantly combines travel, literature, and biography, offering viewers a unique look at the world through Hemingway's eyes. With its captivating storytelling and insightful discoveries, Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure  is a literary pilgrimage that will inspire and enchant viewers in equal measure.

Is Michael Palin's Heming... Worth Your Time?

Expedition Unknown

Expedition Unknown

Expedition Unknown takes audiences on a thrilling and informative journey through history, mystery, and adventure, with host Josh Gates uncovering the world's greatest legends and forgotten stories. Gates' charisma, humor, and expertise make him an ideal companion on this quest for knowledge, as he ventures off the beaten path to unearth fascinating tales and enduring mysteries. The show brilliantly merges history, archaeology, and travel, providing viewers with a unique and engrossing peek into the past while sparking an insatiable curiosity to learn more. Expedition Unknown  is a compelling, thought-provoking, and entertaining exploration of the unknown, proving that the world is still full of untold stories waiting to be discovered.

Is Expedition Unknown Worth Your Time?

  • # 156 of 758 on The 600+ Best Reality TV Shows Of All Time
  • # 20 of 81 on The Best Shows On Wednesday Night In 2024
  • # 7 of 101 on The 95 Best New & Current Discovery Channel Shows, Ranked

Travel Man: 48 Hours in...

Travel Man: 48 Hours in...

Travel Man: 48 Hours in... offers a unique and entertaining approach to city breaks, as host Richard Ayoade is joined by a celebrity guest to explore exciting destinations around the world. The show's fast-paced format, dry humor, and quirky insights provide a fresh take on traditional travelogues, proving that meaningful experiences can be had in just 48 hours. Ayoade's keen eye for hidden gems and offbeat experiences encourages viewers to step outside the well-trodden tourist path and embrace the unexpected delights that each city has to offer. With its engaging blend of humor, adventure, and unconventional wisdom, Travel Man: 48 Hours in...  is essential viewing for those with limited time and boundless curiosity.

Is Travel Man: 48 Hours i... Worth Your Time?

The Getaway

The Getaway

The Getaway combines the thrill of travel with the allure of celebrity, as famous faces guide viewers on a tour of their favorite global destinations. Each episode features a different celebrity host, offering unique perspectives and experiences tailored to their personal tastes and interests. The show expertly balances cultural insights, local tips, and luxurious recommendations, providing viewers with a distinctive and aspirational look at the world's most desirable locales. With its glamorous spin on travel and insider access to the lives of the rich and famous, The Getaway  is a captivating journey that will leave viewers longing for their next escape.

Is The Getaway Worth Your Time?

Better Late Than Never

Better Late Than Never

In Better Late Than Never , viewers join four iconic personalities - William Shatner, Henry Winkler, Terry Bradshaw, and George Foreman - as they embark on a whirlwind adventure across Asia. The show's unique blend of unscripted humor, genuine camaraderie, and cultural exploration offers a fresh and entertaining twist on the traditional travelogue. As the seasoned celebrities navigate their way through unfamiliar customs, languages, and experiences, they demonstrate that it's never too late to embrace the unknown and embark on new adventures. With its heartwarming friendships, comedic mishaps, and inspiring ethos, Better Late Than Never  proves that the spirit of discovery knows no age limit.

Is Better Late Than Never... Worth Your Time?

Around The World In 80 Ways

Around The World In 80 Ways

Around the World in 80 Ways follows hosts Robert "Boston Rob" Mariano and Dennis Anderson as they circumnavigate the globe using 80 different modes of transportation. This unique and ambitious journey showcases the incredible diversity of travel methods available, as the duo navigates everything from camelback to hot air balloons. With its thrilling pace, exhilarating challenges, and stunning locales, the show provides a captivating look at the wide world of travel possibilities. Around the World in 80 Ways  invites viewers to open their minds to the myriad ways in which people traverse our planet, inspiring them to seek out their own unforgettable adventures.

Is Around The World In 80... Worth Your Time?

Around the World in 80 Treasures

Around the World in 80 Treasures

In Around the World in 80 Treasures , host Dan Cruickshank embarks on a fascinating journey to uncover the stories behind 80 of the world's most enigmatic and beautiful artifacts. The show masterfully combines history, art, and culture, offering viewers a captivating and educational look at the objects that have shaped human civilization. Cruickshank's enthusiasm and expertise are infectious, guiding audiences through the complexities of each treasure with clarity and warmth. With its stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and powerful insights, Around the World in 80 Treasures  is an awe-inspiring journey through the rich tapestry of human history and artistic achievement.

Is Around the World in 80... Worth Your Time?

Journeys In India

Journeys In India

Journeys in Africa transports viewers to the heart of this vast and diverse continent, showcasing its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Host Bill Ball explores Africa's most remote and fascinating places, sharing his deep knowledge and passion for the region with audiences. The show's captivating visuals, engaging storytelling, and immersive experiences offer an unparalleled glimpse into the beauty, complexity, and resilience of Africa's ecosystems and communities. Journeys in Africa  is a must-watch for nature enthusiasts, adventure-seekers, and anyone yearning to explore the breathtaking wonders of this extraordinary continent.

Is Journeys in Africa Worth Your Time?

Dark Tourist

Dark Tourist

Dark Tourist delves into the intriguing and often macabre world of dark tourism, as host David Farrier explores destinations with morbid, tragic, or controversial histories. The show offers an unflinching look at the darker side of travel, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and question their own fascination with the grotesque and macabre. Through immersive storytelling and candid conversations with locals and fellow tourists, Dark Tourist  examines the ethical implications of dark tourism and the complex emotions such experiences evoke. This thought-provoking series will leave viewers contemplating the limits of their curiosity and the true nature of the human experience.

Is Dark Tourist Worth Your Time?

Travels & Traditions

Travels & Traditions

Is Travels & Traditions Worth Your Time?

The Reluctant Traveler

The Reluctant Traveler

Is The Reluctant Traveler... Worth Your Time?

  • # 55 of 113 on The 100+ Best Feel-Good TV Shows, Ranked
  • # 83 of 114 on The 90 Best Apple TV Plus Shows, Ranked
  • # 198 of 205 on The Best Television Documentaries Of 2023

Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham

Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham

Is Men in Kilts: A Roadtr... Worth Your Time?

  • # 40 of 86 on The 80+ Best British Reality Shows
  • # 51 of 63 on The Best Shows On Friday Night In 2024
  • # 208 of 748 on The 120 Best Reality Shows On Now

Geographically Speaking

Geographically Speaking

Is Geographically Speakin... Worth Your Time?

Down to Earth With Zac Efron: Down Under

Down to Earth With Zac Efron: Down Under

Down to Earth With Zac Efron: Down Under takes viewers on a breathtaking adventure across Australia, as the charismatic host explores the country's stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and eco-friendly initiatives. Efron's passion for environmental sustainability and love of adventure make him an engaging and relatable guide, drawing audiences into the natural beauty and resilient spirit of Australia. The show excels in showcasing the importance of conservation and the power of individual action, while also providing plenty of heart-stopping adventures and awe-inspiring sights. With its inspiring message and jaw-dropping visuals, Down to Earth With Zac Efron: Down Under  is an exhilarating and educational exploration of one of the world's most diverse and captivating destinations.

Is Down to Earth With Zac... Worth Your Time?

Never Say Never With Jeff Jenkins

Never Say Never With Jeff Jenkins

Is Never Say Never With J... Worth Your Time?

  • # 397 of 758 on The 600+ Best Reality TV Shows Of All Time
  • # 676 of 748 on The 120 Best Reality Shows On Now
  • # 400 of 710 on The Best New Reality TV Shows of the Last Few Years

Billy Connolly: Journey To The Edge Of The World

Billy Connolly: Journey To The Edge Of The World

Is Billy Connolly: Journe... Worth Your Time?

Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi

Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi

Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi is a captivating exploration of American food culture, as the renowned host travels across the country to uncover the diverse culinary traditions that define the nation. Through heartfelt conversations with immigrants, farmers, and chefs, Lakshmi delves into the rich history, stories, and flavors that make up the melting pot of American cuisine. The show expertly weaves together the diverse threads of culture, history, and personal narratives, showcasing the transformative power of food to unite and nourish. With its mouth-watering dishes, enchanting storytelling, and powerful message of inclusivity, Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi  is a feast for the senses, sure to satisfy your wanderlust and your taste buds.

Is Taste the Nation With ... Worth Your Time?

  • # 633 of 1,053 on The 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
  • # 25 of 25 on The Best Hulu Documentaries Of 2023
  • # 77 of 586 on The Best New TV Shows Of 2020

Off Limits

In Off Limits , host Don Wildman ventures into the hidden and restricted corners of America, unearthing the fascinating stories and secrets that lie beneath the surface. Wildman's intrepid spirit and insatiable curiosity make him the perfect guide for this journey into the unknown, as he explores everything from top-secret military installations to underground cities. The show challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of familiar locations and uncover the rich, complex history lurking just below the surface. With its compelling storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and intriguing revelations, Off Limits  showcases the boundless potential for discovery in even the most seemingly ordinary places.

Is Off Limits Worth Your Time?

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy takes viewers on a tantalizing journey through the rich culinary landscape of Italy, as the acclaimed actor and passionate food lover explores the country's diverse regions, flavors, and traditions. Tucci's warm personality, genuine curiosity, and love for Italian cuisine make him an ideal host, guiding audiences through the labyrinth of regional specialties and culinary delights. The show masterfully blends travel, culture, and food, offering a sumptuous tribute to the enduring appeal and timeless appeal of Italian gastronomy. With its stunning locations, engaging storytelling, and irresistible aromas, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy  is a must-watch for food lovers and Italophiles alike.

Is Stanley Tucci: Searchi... Worth Your Time?

  • # 114 of 409 on The Best TV Shows Returning In 2022
  • # 51 of 136 on All The TV Shows That Ended in 2022, Ranked
  • # 204 of 693 on The Best New Reality TV Shows of the Last Few Years

You Are Here

You Are Here

Is You Are Here Worth Your Time?

Passport to Latin America

Passport to Latin America

Is Passport to Latin Amer... Worth Your Time?

Madventures

Madventures

Madventures offers a raw and unfiltered look at the world, as Finnish duo Riku Rantala and Tunna Milonoff embark on adrenaline-pumping escapades around the globe. The show's fearless approach to travel showcases the daring and often unconventional experiences that await those willing to venture off the beaten path. With its gritty visuals, engaging storytelling, and genuine camaraderie between the hosts, Madventures  transports viewers into the heart of the action, inspiring them to embrace the thrill of the unknown. This high-octane series is a must-watch for thrill-seekers, globetrotters, and anyone yearning for an authentic and exhilarating adventure.

Is Madventures Worth Your Time?

Huang's World

Huang's World

Huang's World is a captivating exploration of global cultures through the lens of food, as host Eddie Huang immerses himself in diverse cuisines and communities around the world. Huang's infectious enthusiasm, humor, and genuine curiosity make every episode an entertaining and enlightening journey, as he unearths the stories, histories, and flavors of each destination. By showcasing the power of food to unite, inspire, and inform, Huang's World  highlights the importance of breaking bread and sharing experiences with others. This mouth-watering and thought-provoking series invites viewers to expand their culinary horizons and embark on their own epicurean adventures.

Is Huang's World Worth Your Time?

The Express Way With Dulé Hill

The Express Way With Dulé Hill

Is The Express Way With D... Worth Your Time?

  • # 54 of 55 on The 45+ Best PBS Shows Of All Time, Ranked
  • # 36 of 59 on The 50+ Best PBS Documentaries, Ranked
  • # 70 of 78 on The Best PBS Shows Of 2024, Ranked

Trippin' with Anthony Anderson and Mama Doris

Trippin' with Anthony Anderson and Mama Doris

Is Trippin' with Anthony ... Worth Your Time?

Around the World in 80 Days

Around the World in 80 Days

Crossing South

Crossing South

Crossing South takes viewers on a captivating journey through the cultural and culinary riches of Baja California, as host Jorge Meraz explores the region's hidden gems and local stories. With his warm personality, genuine curiosity, and expert palate, Meraz makes each episode a delightful and enlightening experience, showcasing the beauty, history, and flavors of the region. The show's focus on Mexico's lesser-known treasures encourages viewers to venture beyond the familiar tourist destinations and discover the rich tapestry of experiences awaiting just south of the border. With its breathtaking visuals, engaging storytelling, and irresistible flavors, Crossing South  is a love letter to all that Baja California has to offer.

Bert the Conqueror

Bert the Conqueror

Bert the Conqueror combines the thrill of adventure with the hilarity of comedian Bert Kreischer, as he conquers America's wildest and wackiest attractions. From roller coasters to outrageous contests, Bert tackles each challenge with gusto, laughter, and his signature self-deprecating humor. The show encapsulates the spirit of Americana, showcasing the weird, wonderful, and extreme experiences waiting just around the corner. With its contagious enthusiasm and heart-pounding adventures, Bert the Conqueror  inspires viewers to revel in the excitement and eccentricities of their own backyards.

Is Bert the Conqueror Worth Your Time?

Talking Sabor

Talking Sabor

Is Talking Sabor Worth Your Time?

  • # 244 of 1,063 on The 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
  • # 62 of 113 on The 100+ Best Feel-Good TV Shows, Ranked
  • # 91 of 120 on The 80+ Best Originals On Hulu, Ranked By Fans

Orlando Bloom: To the Edge

Orlando Bloom: To the Edge

Is Orlando Bloom: To the ... Worth Your Time?

Photographer

Photographer

Is Photographer Worth Your Time?

Drive With Swizz Beatz

Drive With Swizz Beatz

Is Drive With Swizz Beatz... Worth Your Time?

Fantastic Friends

Fantastic Friends

Is Fantastic Friends Worth Your Time?

  • # 60 of 74 on The Best Shows On Tuesday Night In 2024
  • # 182 of 205 on The Best Television Documentaries Of 2023
  • # 22 of 47 on The 25+ Best Current CW Shows, Ranked

Only in America

Only in America

Is Only in America Worth Your Time?

Life on the Water

Life on the Water

Is Life on the Water Worth Your Time?

  • # 58 of 83 on The 70+ Best Discovery Channel Shows, Ranked
  • # 17 of 70 on The Best Shows On Sunday Night In 2024
  • # 55 of 101 on The 95 Best New & Current Discovery Channel Shows, Ranked

The Kindness Diaries

The Kindness Diaries

Is The Kindness Diaries Worth Your Time?

  • Entertainment
  • Watchworthy
  • Places/Travel

Lists for those with wanderlust.

The Worst People to Travel With

  • Advertising & Marketing ›

Advertising

Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships). A paid subscription is required for full access.

  • Leading TV travel advertisers in the U.S. 2022, by ad spend

Leading TV advertisers in the travel and tourism industry in the United States in 2022, by ad spend (in million U.S. dollars)

To access all Premium Statistics, you need a paid Statista Account

  • Immediate access to all statistics
  • Incl. source references
  • Download as PDF, XLS, PNG and PPT

Additional Information

Show sources information Show publisher information Use Ask Statista Research Service

December 2022

United States

January 1 to November 30 2022

Other statistics on the topic Travel and tourism industry advertising in the U.S.

  • Digital ad spend in the U.S. 2022, by industry

Leisure Travel

  • Number of inbound international visitors to the U.S. in 2022, by origin
  • Travel industry digital ad spend in the U.S. 2019-2024
  • Selling and marketing expenses of Expedia Group, Inc. worldwide 2009-2023

To download this statistic in XLS format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PNG format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PDF format you need a Statista Account

To download this statistic in PPT format you need a Statista Account

As a Premium user you get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic.

As a Premium user you get access to background information and details about the release of this statistic.

As soon as this statistic is updated, you will immediately be notified via e-mail.

… to incorporate the statistic into your presentation at any time.

You need at least a Starter Account to use this feature.

  • Immediate access to statistics, forecasts & reports
  • Usage and publication rights
  • Download in various formats

* For commercial use only

Basic Account

  • Free Statistics

Starter Account

  • Premium Statistics

The statistic on this page is a Premium Statistic and is included in this account.

Professional Account

  • Free + Premium Statistics
  • Market Insights

1 All prices do not include sales tax. The account requires an annual contract and will renew after one year to the regular list price.

Statistics on " Travel and tourism industry advertising in the U.S. "

  • Annual change in number of U.S. residents traveling overseas 2002-2023
  • Travel product bookings in the U.S. 2024
  • Travel product online bookings in the U.S. 2024
  • Flight bookings by airline brand in the U.S. 2024
  • Travel sector ad spend growth worldwide 2021-2023
  • Travel industry ad spend in the U.S. 2020-2022
  • Travel sector ad spend in the U.S. 2022, by segment
  • Travel marketers budget allocation in the U.S. 2019-2021, by type
  • Marketing expenses of leading OTAs worldwide 2019-2023
  • Airline and cruise line advertising spending U.S. 2019-2021
  • Lodging industry advertising spending share U.S. 2022, by channel
  • Digital Market Outlook: digital ad spending share in the U.S. 2022, by industry
  • Digital ad spend growth in the U.S. 2023, by industry
  • Mobile ad spend in the U.S. 2021, by industry
  • Leading TV travel advertisers in the U.S. 2022, by ad impressions
  • Sales and marketing expenses of Booking Holdings worldwide 2015-2023
  • Selling and marketing expenses of Tripadvisor worldwide 2009-2023
  • Advertising expense of Caesars Entertainment worldwide 2018-2023
  • Advertising costs of Wynn Resorts Limited worldwide 2014-2023
  • U.S. adults planning travel via selected information sources 2021, by generation
  • Leading types of ads considered as engaging among U.S. travelers 2022
  • Advertising effectiveness among U.S. travelers 2022
  • Personalized advertising attitudes among U.S. travelers 2022
  • Favorite apps and websites for travel in the U.S. Q1 2021
  • U.S. adults using travel influencers for recommendations 2021
  • Average memberships in loyalty programs in the U.S. 2022, by sector

Other statistics that may interest you Travel and tourism industry advertising in the U.S.

Overview - travel industry

  • Basic Statistic Annual change in number of U.S. residents traveling overseas 2002-2023
  • Premium Statistic Number of inbound international visitors to the U.S. in 2022, by origin
  • Premium Statistic Travel product bookings in the U.S. 2024
  • Premium Statistic Travel product online bookings in the U.S. 2024
  • Premium Statistic Flight bookings by airline brand in the U.S. 2024

Overview - advertising and marketing

  • Premium Statistic Travel sector ad spend growth worldwide 2021-2023
  • Premium Statistic Travel industry ad spend in the U.S. 2020-2022
  • Premium Statistic Travel sector ad spend in the U.S. 2022, by segment
  • Premium Statistic Travel marketers budget allocation in the U.S. 2019-2021, by type
  • Premium Statistic Marketing expenses of leading OTAs worldwide 2019-2023
  • Premium Statistic Airline and cruise line advertising spending U.S. 2019-2021
  • Premium Statistic Lodging industry advertising spending share U.S. 2022, by channel

Digital advertising

  • Premium Statistic Digital ad spend in the U.S. 2022, by industry
  • Premium Statistic Digital Market Outlook: digital ad spending share in the U.S. 2022, by industry
  • Premium Statistic Digital ad spend growth in the U.S. 2023, by industry
  • Premium Statistic Travel industry digital ad spend in the U.S. 2019-2024
  • Premium Statistic Mobile ad spend in the U.S. 2021, by industry

Market leaders

  • Premium Statistic Leading TV travel advertisers in the U.S. 2022, by ad spend
  • Premium Statistic Leading TV travel advertisers in the U.S. 2022, by ad impressions
  • Premium Statistic Sales and marketing expenses of Booking Holdings worldwide 2015-2023
  • Premium Statistic Selling and marketing expenses of Tripadvisor worldwide 2009-2023
  • Premium Statistic Selling and marketing expenses of Expedia Group, Inc. worldwide 2009-2023
  • Premium Statistic Advertising expense of Caesars Entertainment worldwide 2018-2023
  • Premium Statistic Advertising costs of Wynn Resorts Limited worldwide 2014-2023

Consumer insights

  • Premium Statistic U.S. adults planning travel via selected information sources 2021, by generation
  • Premium Statistic Leading types of ads considered as engaging among U.S. travelers 2022
  • Premium Statistic Advertising effectiveness among U.S. travelers 2022
  • Premium Statistic Personalized advertising attitudes among U.S. travelers 2022
  • Premium Statistic Favorite apps and websites for travel in the U.S. Q1 2021
  • Premium Statistic U.S. adults using travel influencers for recommendations 2021
  • Premium Statistic Average memberships in loyalty programs in the U.S. 2022, by sector

Further related statistics

  • Premium Statistic Mexico: largest travel digital advertisers 2019
  • Basic Statistic Tourism spending in Europe 2017, by travel purpose
  • Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's direct contribution to GDP in Europe 2012-2028
  • Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's direct contribution to GDP in Germany 2012-2028
  • Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's direct contribution to GDP in Russia 2012-2019
  • Premium Statistic Revenue of tourism businesses Thailand 2017-2018
  • Basic Statistic Travel and tourism contribution to employment in Greece 2017, by type
  • Premium Statistic Share of tourism employees in Portugal 2022, by industry
  • Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's direct contribution to GDP in Turkey 2012-2028
  • Basic Statistic Travel & tourism direct economic impact in South Korea 2012-2028
  • Premium Statistic Number of new tourism businesses Thailand 2018-2019
  • Premium Statistic Tourism GDP in the Canary Islands 2015-2021
  • Basic Statistic Oregon per capita personal consumption expenditures 2000-2020
  • Premium Statistic Mexico: average Instagram daily usage time 2019
  • Premium Statistic Net sales of United Natural Foods 2019-2020, by customer channel
  • Premium Statistic Brands of complete packaged dinner mixes consumed in the U.S. 2020
  • Basic Statistic Services very likely to be used at libraries in the U.S. 2012

Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

  • Mexico: largest travel digital advertisers 2019
  • Tourism spending in Europe 2017, by travel purpose
  • Travel and tourism's direct contribution to GDP in Europe 2012-2028
  • Travel and tourism's direct contribution to GDP in Germany 2012-2028
  • Travel and tourism's direct contribution to GDP in Russia 2012-2019
  • Revenue of tourism businesses Thailand 2017-2018
  • Travel and tourism contribution to employment in Greece 2017, by type
  • Share of tourism employees in Portugal 2022, by industry
  • Travel and tourism's direct contribution to GDP in Turkey 2012-2028
  • Travel & tourism direct economic impact in South Korea 2012-2028
  • Number of new tourism businesses Thailand 2018-2019
  • Tourism GDP in the Canary Islands 2015-2021
  • Oregon per capita personal consumption expenditures 2000-2020
  • Mexico: average Instagram daily usage time 2019
  • Net sales of United Natural Foods 2019-2020, by customer channel
  • Brands of complete packaged dinner mixes consumed in the U.S. 2020
  • Services very likely to be used at libraries in the U.S. 2012

Airplane in the air at Flughafen Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria - Photo by Deniz Altindas on Unsplash

Global Airline Profitability Outlook Improves for 2024

Pilot in a cockpit - Unsplash+

U.S. Travel Agencies Air Ticket Sales Reach $9 Billion in May 2024

Leading Industry Players Join Forces to Establish an Alliance to Accelerate AI Adoption in Aviation

Leading Industry Players Join Forces to Establish an Alliance to Accelerate AI Adoption in Aviation

Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Overture Superfactory is the first supersonic airliner factory to be built in the United States.

Boom Supersonic Completes Construction of Overture Superfactory

Sushi at Terrace Café - Image Credit Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises Unveils the Next Chapter in Its Culinary Story: Relaxed Yet Refined, The Finest Cuisine at Sea Redefined

Image Credit WestJet

WestJet Directly Connects Five Canadian Cities to Frankfurt Through Condor Airlines Codeshare Agreement

WestJet to provide domestic and transborder connectivity to Condor Airlines guests destined for Canada

Image Credit AAA

Travel Industry Trailblazer Paula Twidale Announces Retirement from AAA at the End of 2024

Pilot in a cockpit - Unsplash+

Ambassadors Join UN Tourism to Look Ahead to 2027 Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism

EOS-X SPACE to Begin Operating Its Space Flights in Spain and Abu Dhabi In 2025

EOS-X SPACE to Begin Operating Its Space Flights in Spain and Abu Dhabi In 2025

Industry experts.

Infographic - Audio Attention

The Experiential Travel Boom: The Big Summer Travel Trends for 2024 - By Ivana Johnston

Even with the economy's ups and downs, travelers are spending more on experiences. They're going for bucket-list adventures that showcase their unique passions. This booming industry is expected to reach $1.6 trillion by the end of 2024! Airbnb is also stepping up its experience game with the announcement of its Summer 2024 Icons Program. This new initiative promises a collection of extraordinary experiences hosted by the biggest names in music, film, TV, art, sports, and much more. What's fueling this surge?

Courtyard Boston Copley Square - Exterior

From the NBA to Destination Marketing: Leveraging Data, Innovation, and Technology

Various screens with financial data - Source CWT

Lean, Green, Money Saving Machine: How to Integrate Travel and Meetings - By Heidi Daniels

An airplane wing - Unsplash

The Promise of Travel in the Age of AI

Infographic - Audio Attention

The Attention Economy: Breakthrough Study Reveals a Game-Changer for Travel Industry Marketing - By Ivana Johnston

Leading Industry Players Join Forces to Establish an Alliance to Accelerate AI Adoption in Aviation

The Cities Today Institute announced the formation of an AI Adoption Alliance dedicated to advancing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies within the aviation industry alongside founder members Zensors AI, NVIDIA and AWS.

Map with markers - Unsplash+

Preparing Travel for the Future of AI Search

Gemini logo - Source Google

Gemini, Google Travel and the Threat to OTAs - PhocusWire

A hotel reception - Source HOTREC

HOTREC: Booking.com Soon to Be Designated As Gatekeeper

Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO, IBM and Tony Douglas, CEO, Riyadh Air at LEAP 2024

Riyadh Air and IBM Take Further Steps Forward in Their Collaboration to Redefine Travel Experiences

Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Overture Superfactory is the first supersonic airliner factory to be built in the United States.

First supersonic airliner factory in the U.S. strengthens next-generation American leadership in aerospace manufacturing

tvs travel industry

The WestJet Group Adds Two Additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 Aircraft to Fleet

Image Credit Boeing

Arajet Takes Delivery of Its 10th Boeing 737 MAX As Carrier Expands International Routes

tvs travel industry

Aeromexico May 2024 Traffic Results

tvs travel industry

ASUR Announces Total Passenger Traffic for May 2024

  • Today's news
  • Reviews and deals
  • Climate change
  • 2024 election
  • Fall allergies
  • Health news
  • Mental health
  • Sexual health
  • Family health
  • So mini ways
  • Unapologetically
  • Buying guides

Entertainment

  • How to Watch
  • My Portfolio
  • Latest News
  • Stock Market
  • Biden Economy
  • Stocks: Most Actives
  • Stocks: Gainers
  • Stocks: Losers
  • Trending Tickers
  • World Indices
  • US Treasury Bonds
  • Top Mutual Funds
  • Highest Open Interest
  • Highest Implied Volatility
  • Stock Comparison
  • Advanced Charts
  • Currency Converter
  • Basic Materials
  • Communication Services
  • Consumer Cyclical
  • Consumer Defensive
  • Financial Services
  • Industrials
  • Real Estate
  • Mutual Funds
  • Credit Cards
  • Balance Transfer Cards
  • Cash-back Cards
  • Rewards Cards
  • Travel Cards
  • Credit Card Offers
  • Best Free Checking
  • Student Loans
  • Personal Loans
  • Car Insurance
  • Mortgage Refinancing
  • Mortgage Calculator
  • Morning Brief
  • Market Domination
  • Market Domination Overtime
  • Asking for a Trend
  • Opening Bid
  • Stocks in Translation
  • Lead This Way
  • Good Buy or Goodbye?
  • Fantasy football
  • Pro Pick 'Em
  • College Pick 'Em
  • Fantasy baseball
  • Fantasy hockey
  • Fantasy basketball
  • Download the app
  • Daily fantasy
  • Scores and schedules
  • GameChannel
  • World Baseball Classic
  • Premier League
  • CONCACAF League
  • Champions League
  • Motorsports
  • Horse racing
  • Newsletters

New on Yahoo

  • Privacy Dashboard

Yahoo Finance

20 largest travel companies in the world.

In this article, we will be covering the 20 largest travel companies in the world. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the travel and tourism industry, you can go directly to 5 Largest Travel Companies In The World .

The travel and tourism sector plays a vital role in global economies. It creates jobs, fosters cultural exchange, and supports local businesses. It promotes understanding between nations while also contributing significantly to GDP growth. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism accounted for 7.6% of global GDP in 2022 while also creating 22 million new jobs around the world.

An Analysis of the Global Travel and Tourism Industry

The travel and tourism sector plays a crucial role in addressing societal and economic challenges. The industry is now thriving after being severely impacted during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, which led to travel restrictions, cancellations, and a sharp decline in tourism activities. According to a report by Market Research Future, the global travel and tourism market reached a value of $648.03 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2023 to 2032 and reach a value of more than $1.01 trillion by the end of the forecasted period. The North American region leads the global travel and tourism market, while Europe follows as the second-largest market. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the fastest growth in the industry during the forecasted period.

The travel and tourism market is undergoing a digital transformation with online booking platforms, travel agencies, mobile apps, and online travel-related services driving growth by enhancing connectivity and providing convenient and personalized traveler experiences. The trend of cultural and experiential tourism, with travelers seeking authentic, immersive experiences, unique destinations, and local experiences, is also a key factor driving market growth. Moreover, the rise in disposable incomes, especially in emerging markets, is leading to increased tourism. More people have the means to explore domestic and international destinations. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), domestic visitor spending saw an increase of 20.4% in 2022. On the other hand, international visitor spending went up by 81.9% in 2022.

What are Some of the Biggest Companies in the Travel and Tourism Industry Up To?

Prominent companies in the travel and tourism industry are actively pursuing various strategies to expand their global presence and increase their profitability. Some of the most notable names are Marriott International Inc. (NYSE: MAR ), Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT ), and Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG ).

Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is one of the world’s largest providers of online travel and related services. It provides online travel services in more than 220 countries through its brands which include Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is also one of the best travel stocks to buy . On February 22, Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) reported strong earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $32, surpassing EPS estimates by $1.95. The company’s revenue for the quarter grew by 18.15% year-over-year and amounted to $4.78 billion, ahead of market consensus by $73.37 million. Here are some comments from Booking Holdings Inc.’s (NASDAQ:BKNG) Q4 2023 earnings call:

“As we look to the year ahead, we see strong growth on the books for travel that’s scheduled to take place in 2024, which gives early indications of potentially another record summer travel season. As we’ve noted previously, a high percentage of these bookings are capable and what is on the books today for the summer period represents a small percentage of the total bookings that we expect to ultimately receive. David will provide further details on fourth quarter results and on our thoughts about the first quarter and full year 2024. Looking back at the full year of 2023, I am proud of our efforts to drive more benefits to our travelers and supply partners while also delivering record-setting industry-leading financial results. We reached a significant milestone last year with our customers’ booking an all-time high of over 1 billion room nights on our platform, which was an increase of 17% versus 2022.”

As the demand for travel and tourism continues to grow, companies operating in this space are launching new products, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, increasing investments, and forming contracts and collaborations. Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is an American multinational hospitality company. It operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts in more than 130 countries around the world. On March 7, Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Victoria Park Hotels Ltd. to launch The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection. This new addition is set to become part of Autograph Collection Hotels by early 2025. Autograph Collection Hotels’ portfolio includes more than 300 independent properties in some of the most desirable locations around the world. Situated within a 28-story mixed-use complex featuring retail spaces on the lower floors, the new hotel is projected to have 820 guest rooms, an executive lounge, 3 unique dining venues, extensive event spaces spanning over 1,700 square meters, and various recreational facilities. Some of the guest rooms will boast stunning views of Victoria Harbour, while others will overlook the city or Victoria Park in Hong Kong.

On February 7, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) announced an exclusive strategic partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) that will introduce guests of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) to a wide range of hotels in some of the most popular destinations around the world. This collaboration will significantly enhance Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.’s (NYSE:HLT) luxury offerings as unique SLH properties become part of the esteemed Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, and LXR Hotels & Resorts brands.

Now that we have discussed what’s going on in the global travel and tourism industry, let’s take a look at the 20 largest travel companies in the world.

A line of travellers queuing for a commercial flight, emphasizing the airport management operations.

Methodology

In this article, we have listed the 20 largest travel companies in the world. To find the top travel companies in the world, we sifted through various sources including industry reports, our own rankings in addition to rankings available on various websites, and consulted stock screeners from Yahoo Finance and Finviz. For companies that are publicly traded, we decided to rank them according to their market capitalization as of March 9. We used fiscal year revenues to rank the companies that are not publicly traded. For foreign companies, we converted the market caps and revenues to US dollars according to their respective exchange rates, as of March 9. Finally, we narrowed down our selection to rank the 20 largest travel companies in the world based on their market capitalization and revenues, which are listed below in ascending order.

20. Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. ( NYSE: HST )

Market Capitalization: $14.9 Billion

Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:HST) is a major American lodging real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in hotels. It owns a diverse portfolio of luxury and upper-upscale hotels. Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:HST) has a market capitalization of $14.9 billion as of March 9, 2024.

19. Hyatt Hotels Corporation ( NYSE: H )

Market Capitalization: $16.12 Billion

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) is an American multinational hospitality company. As one of the world’s top hospitality companies, it manages and franchises luxury and business hotels, resorts, and vacation properties in more than 70 countries across 6 continents. As of March 9, 2024, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) has a market capitalization of $16.12 billion.

18. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC ( NYSE: IHG )

Market Capitalization: $17.4 Billion

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG) is a British multinational hospitality company. With more than 6,000 hotels in over 100 countries, it is one of the world’s leading hotel companies. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG) has a market capitalization of $17.4 billion as of March 9, 2024. It ranks 18th on our list of the 20 biggest travel companies in the world.

17. Expedia Group Inc. ( NASDAQ: EXPE )

Market Capitalization: $18.5 Billion

Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) is an American travel technology company. As one of the top travel agencies in the world, it owns and operates various brands including Expedia, Hotels.com, CarRentals.com, Vrbo, Travelocity, Trivago, Orbitz, Ebookers, CheapTickets, and Expedia Cruises. As of March 9, 2024, Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) has a market capitalization of $18.5 billion.

16. Southwest Airlines Co. ( NYSE: LUV )

Market Capitalization: $20.44 Billion

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) is an American airline company. It offers low-cost air travel service with frequent flights of mostly short routes. As one of the biggest travel companies in the world, Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) has a market capitalization of $20.44 billion as of March 9, 2024.

15. Qatar Airways Group

Revenue: $21 Billion

Qatar Airways Group is the flag carrier of Qatar. Owned by the Government of Qatar, it is one of the world’s top airlines and it currently flies to over 170 international destinations. Qatar Airways Group generated an annual revenue of $21 billion in the year 2022-2023. It ranks among the top 15 on our list of the 20 largest travel companies in the world.

14. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE: CCL )

Market Capitalization: $21.38 Billion

Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) is a British-American cruise operator. As one of the world's largest leisure travel companies, it owns some of the most well-known cruise line brands in North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Australia. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) has a market capitalization of $21.38 billion as of March 9, 2024.

13. Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited (SEHK:0027)

Market Capitalization: $21.83 Billion

Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited (SEHK:0027) is one of Asia’s top developers and operators of integrated entertainment and resort facilities. It owns and operates a broad portfolio of integrated resort, retail, dining, hotel, and gaming facilities in Macau. As one of the top travel companies in the world, Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited (SEHK:0027) has a market capitalization of $21.83 billion as of March 9, 2024.

12. Delta Air Lines Inc. ( NYSE: DAL )

Market Capitalization: $27.17 Billion

Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) is one of America’s major airlines. It is also one of the world’s largest airlines by number of passengers carried. As one of the top travel companies in the world, Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) has a market capitalization of $27.17 billion as of March 9, 2024.

11. Amadeus IT Group S.A. (BME:AMS)

Market Capitalization: $27.31 Billion

Amadeus IT Group S.A. (BME:AMS) is a Spanish multinational technology company that develops technology and software for airlines, travel agencies, hotels, payment providers, and other travel-related businesses to enhance their operations and customer experiences. With a presence in more than 190 countries, the company provides software solutions for the global travel and tourism industry. As of March 9, 2024, Amadeus IT Group S.A. (BME:AMS) has a market capitalization of $27.31 billion.

10. Trip.com Group Limited ( NASDAQ: TCOM )

Market Capitalization: $28.27 Billion

Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) is a multinational travel service company that ranks among the top 10 on our list of the largest travel companies in the world. It owns and operates several travel agencies and travel fare aggregators including Ctrip, Qunar, Trip.com and Skyscanner. As of March 9, 2024, Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) has a market capitalization of $28.27 billion.

9. Ryanair Holdings plc ( NASDAQ: RYAAY )

Market Capitalization: $32.3 Billion

Ryanair Holdings plc (NASDAQ:RYAAY) is an Irish airline company. As one of Europe's largest airline groups, it is the parent company of Ryanair, Ryanair UK, Buzz, Lauda, and Malta Air. With a market capitalization of $32.3 billion as of March 9, 2024, Ryanair Holdings plc (NASDAQ:RYAAY) ranks 9th on our list of the 20 largest travel companies in the world.

8. Emirates Group

Revenue: $32.6 Billion

Emirates Group is Dubai’s state-owned international aviation holding company. It owns Dubai National Air Travel Agency (dnata), an airport and ground services company, and Emirates Airline, one of the largest airlines in the Middle East. Emirates Group generated an annual revenue of $32.6 billion in the year 2022-2023.

7. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. ( NYSE: RCL )

Market Capitalization: $32.71 Billion

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) is a global cruise holding company that owns and operates cruise brands including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. As one of the world’s largest cruise line operators, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) has a global fleet of 65 ships traveling to around 1,000 destinations around the world. The company has a market capitalization of $32.71 billion as of March 9, 2024.

6. Las Vegas Sands Corp. ( NYSE: LVS )

Market Capitalization: $38.81 Billion

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) is an American casino and resort company that owns and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. As a driver of valuable leisure and business tourism, it is one of the world’s largest hotel and casino companies. With a market capitalization of $38.81 billion as of March 9, 2024, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) ranks 6th on our list of the 20 largest travel companies in the world.

Click to continue reading and see 5 Largest Travel Companies In The World .

Suggested Articles:

40 Most Polluted Cities in the World in 2024

20 Countries with the Strongest Paramilitary Forces in the World

15 Sunniest Cities in Europe

Disclosure: None. 20 Largest Travel Companies In The World is published on Insider Monkey.

  • Skip to main content
  • Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

The novel coronavirus, first detected at the end of 2019, has caused a global pandemic.

The Coronavirus Crisis

U.s. travelers are back in the saddle again. but they've adapted to a new reality.

Photo of Jaclyn Diaz

Jaclyn Diaz

tvs travel industry

Horseback riders head down a trail near June Lake, Calif. As post-pandemic travel increases, people are flocking to outdoor activities and rural areas. George Rose/Getty Images hide caption

Horseback riders head down a trail near June Lake, Calif. As post-pandemic travel increases, people are flocking to outdoor activities and rural areas.

After surging coronavirus cases during the spring scuttled a much-anticipated cruise trip to Montreal, Nate Burglewski and his extended family really wanted to gather this summer — while also staying safe.

The trip had to meet a few requirements: a destination that wasn't too far for elderly relatives in the Midwest, had strict local coronavirus safety measures and offered lots of outdoor activities. Burglewski and his wife live in upstate New York, while other relatives are scattered across the country.

"Everyone is vaccinated and got them as early as we could. With the delta variant, we still decided to be very cautious. We did self-quarantines and all got tested the week before," he says.

With Vaccines Now Mandated For Workplaces, Will A Travel Mandate Be Next?

With Vaccines Now Mandated For Workplaces, Will A Travel Mandate Be Next?

They ended up meeting in Indiana, renting a vacation home and spending a lot of time outside.

"It all worked out," he says.

After losing out on big trips in 2020 because of the pandemic, lots of Americans are making similar decisions — and making up for lost time.

"After more than a year of isolation or being limited to local activities, people showed this pent-up demand for travel," says Larry Yu, a professor of hospitality management at George Washington University.

tvs travel industry

After more than a year of being cooped up, people are traveling again but are forsaking hotels and international and urban destinations for the great outdoors, perhaps like Silver Lake near the Sierra Nevada mountains in California. George Rose/Getty Images hide caption

After more than a year of being cooped up, people are traveling again but are forsaking hotels and international and urban destinations for the great outdoors, perhaps like Silver Lake near the Sierra Nevada mountains in California.

This strong desire to travel has driven new trends in the industry — some of which may be here to stay. Like Burglewski's family, people are flocking to outdoor activities, rural areas and private vacation rentals and are showing less interest in hotels and international and urban destinations.

And early evidence shows that despite the delta variant and still-high cases of infection in the U.S., Americans are planning to continue to travel from now to the end of the year.

"We fully expect that leisure demand, especially on the weekends, continues to be strong in the fall and winter," says Jan Freitag, director of hospitality analytics in the U.S. for CoStar Group.

After a big drop, the industry shows signs of recovery

It's a big change from the earlier months of the pandemic, when the industry took a massive hit.

In the U.S., travel spending plummeted by nearly $500 billion, according to the U.S. Travel Association . Thousands of jobs were lost as well: 65% of all U.S. jobs lost in 2020 were supported by travel.

2020 Was The Worst Year Ever For U.S. Hotels. Here's What's Next

2020 Was The Worst Year Ever For U.S. Hotels. Here's What's Next

To be sure, pandemic uncertainty is still causing some whiplash for businesses. Just last month, Southwest Airlines and other businesses reported they would pull back this fall.

Still, the U.S. travel sector is bouncing back from its pandemic lows, businesses and experts say. The travel association reports that travel spending is inching back up to 2019 levels. Hotel occupancy this summer recovered to just shy of pre-pandemic numbers: nearly 70% in July this year, compared with 73% during July 2019, according to STR, which provides data and research on the global hospitality industry.

Airline bookings — at least domestically — are also approaching pre-pandemic levels.

The rollout of vaccinations has made a big difference, says Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel.

The travel agency has "been experiencing a travel boom all year," she says. "The domestic travel increase has been phenomenal."

Americans are traveling in ways shaped by the pandemic

The Burglewski's family vacation in Nashville, Ind., reflects many of the new realities. Most family members wore masks indoors and stayed outside as much as possible. They hiked and played four square at a nearby playground.

They chose a rental home — with a porch to gather on — over a big hotel.

"We feel like we can control the environment more," Burglewski says.

"Some people in the family still really want to do a cruise," he says, "but others said they don't think they would ever be comfortable doing something like that again."

tvs travel industry

Nathan Burglewski and members of his extended family made use of a playground near their rental home during a family vacation to Indiana this summer. Nate Burglewski hide caption

Nathan Burglewski and members of his extended family made use of a playground near their rental home during a family vacation to Indiana this summer.

Other Americans were making similar choices over the summer — and in record numbers.

"Vrbo has experienced its best year ever," says Melanie Fish, a company spokeswoman. That makes a lot of sense, she says, because private vacation homes in the U.S. were in high demand during the pandemic.

Families also stayed longer. For instance, Airbnb has seen a rise in families renting properties for three- and four-day weekends. That has been easier because so many companies have delayed returning to the office or have announced flexible workweeks .

tvs travel industry

Nathan Burglewski and his extended family had some requirements for their rescheduled vacation: a destination that wasn't too far for elderly relatives in the Midwest and offered lots of outdoor activities. They ended up in a rental in Indiana. Nathan Burglewski hide caption

Travelers chose mountains over skyscrapers

Where travelers are going is also changing. Coastal areas have been popular, says Yu, the George Washington professor, with more people taking advantage of kayaking, boating or canoeing activities. And small towns, too. For instance, 42% of the nights booked by families on Airbnb this summer were in rural destinations, up from 32% two years ago.

"There's been big growth in those areas," says Christopher Nulty, Airbnb's public affairs director. Early in the pandemic, he notes, "people were forced to travel to destinations a car ride away and they were able to find that great places exist just a tank of gas away."

Vrbo experienced similar demand for more local travel. Trips of 250 miles or less in July and August increased by over 20% compared with the same time in 2019, according to the company's latest data .

The greater emphasis on nature and outdoor activities is reflected in the popularity of U.S. national parks. Since seeing a major drop-off in visitors in the early months of the pandemic, the National Park Service has experienced a healthy systemwide rebound in 2021.

Yellowstone National Park, for instance, had 921,844 visitors in August 2021, making it the most-visited August on record and outpacing the pre-pandemic total for the same month by 12%, according to the NPS .

Experts predict a busy fall and winter

Though coronavirus cases have been declining and some foreign countries have reopened, U.S. travelers are staying cautious and, for now, close to home.

"The delta variant will continue to put a small damper on corporate demand, but the American consumers are seemingly undeterred," Freitag with CoStar Group says. "And as delta cases decline, we expect that leisure demand will hold."

More than 50% of American adults plan to take a domestic vacation before the end of 2022, according to AAA.

Vrbo's outlook for this fall and winter is also looking good, with "heightened demand" for homes in December compared with in previous years, says Nancy Lien, a company spokeswoman.

"Demand for holiday bookings started picking up as early as July ," she says. "Warmer destinations like the Florida Keys and Naples, Fla., have fewer than 30% of Vrbo homes remaining during Christmas week."

Coronavirus FAQ: What's The Advice About Traveling In The Delta Variant Era?

Goats and Soda

Coronavirus faq: what's the advice about traveling in the delta variant era.

Ski destinations in the U.S. are a top choice as well. Vrbo reports that demand for popular ski spots in Breckenridge, Colo., and surrounding areas are up.

Among those who will contribute to the continuing travel surge will be Burglewski and his wife.

"We are making up for lost time and taking those trips we've put off," he says.

For Christmas, they'll fly to Florida for a 10-day stay. In the new year, the couple plans to visit Yellowstone for a delayed anniversary trip.

Tour Operator Software

How does the travel industry actually work?

A traveller exploring an alleyway with pink buildings, and the words Understanding the travel industry.

You may be new to the travel industry, investigating a career in travel or just trying to research a bit about the industry ahead of your next adventure. There’s a mass of information out there and it can be overwhelming to wrap your head around. Lucky for you, our team of travel experts have been hard at work to give you a bird’s eye view of the travel industry as a whole .

The travel industry has gone through many evolutions with a variety of external factors contributing to who has access to travel, where they are travelling to and what the travel industry looks like overall.

A few important travel industry statistics

Let’s start by setting the scene…the travel industry is HUGE and the numbers certainly prove it .

In 2022, the travel industry contributed 9.5% GDP with a traveller purchasing a ticket; employed 320 million people globally with a tour guide telling a story; and 969.4 million international tourist arrivals with a traveller excited to explore the city they are in.

Source: Statista

A brief history of the travel industry

We are fortunate to live in a globalised world meaning that travel is reasonably accessible. At the press of a button, most people are able to book a flight and jet off to wherever our wallets will take us. 

But, it hasn’t always been so easy. To help you understand how the industry has developed to the point it has today and where it might head in the future, here is a travel industry timeline.

Before the mid 20th century, travel was reserved for the extremely wealthy. It was expensive and it was time-consuming (can you imagine having to travel on a boat for 3 weeks…. or 3 months!). The concept of a ‘travel industry’ had not yet formed; it was more a collection of hotels, restaurants and coachlines who all operated independently from one another.

1950 – 2000

After the Second World War, travel suddenly started to become accessible for many more people due to the development of commercial airlines. Although they were originally still very expensive,  costs started to reduce over the years and more people were able to invest in seeing the world.

The industry grew and grew, and many saw a gap in the market for people wanting to travel but not having the knowledge, or time to organise it themselves – travel agents and tour operators started to establish themselves!

2000 – 2019

The travel industry has undoubtedly boomed, and the way that people travel is almost unrecognisable from the early 20th century. With smartphones, we now have unlimited apps at our fingertips, specifically designed to make every aspect of travel easier. 

For travellers, there are websites and apps to help them plan their travel, help them while travelling and to give them inspiration for their next trip! For travel agents and tour operators, itinerary software has streamlined much of their processes, from itinerary planning to customer relationship management. Now all this technology is amazing, and helps our lives in many ways, but has also resulted in fragmentation of the travel industry with travellers choosing to plan and manage their trips themselves or online increasingly.

 2020 and the future of travel

Due to the pandemic and the pause in travel, both countries and travellers worldwide re-evaluated travel and how it should be conducted. Countries who experienced over-tourism considered ways to encourage more sustainable travel in their destinations . For travellers, Covid triggered them to start thinking about their bucket list destinations and working with travel designers to plan and book them. This resulted in tourism returning with a significant rise in 2022, although the industry is indicating it might be plateauing in 2023/2024 .

How does the industry actually work?

You may be thinking to yourselves, how does travel actually function as an industry . How does it all fit together? You are not alone, it’s a complex industry notorious for its jargon, terminology and abundance of acronyms!

A diagram explaining the travellers journey from inspiration to destination, which involves intermediaries like tour operators, travel agents, DMC's and Suppliers.

As you can see there are a few key players to remember:

Tourism Boards and Government organisations: Usually run or overseen by local or national governments. These boards set in place regulations for the other players in the industry. They also market countries or cities as tourist destinations for potential travellers

Suppliers/Vendors: Suppliers (or Vendors) are the hotels, the restaurants and the activity providers that travellers eat, stay and partake in on their travels. Travellers may liaise with and purchase from suppliers directly if they are organising their own travels, or communications with suppliers may be managed entirely by a middle-man (AKA, the tour operator, travel agent, travel wholesaler or DMC).

Tour Operators: Tour Operators design itineraries, often tailor made, for their customers, liaising with suppliers to organise and book the travel itinerary (partially or start to finish)

Travel Agents: Travel agents liaise with tour operators to book packages and tours for their clients. As such, tour operators will often focus on a certain destination or market area, whereas travel agents can focus on selling the whole world – with a comprehensive list of suppliers in their books

Destination Management Companies (DMC’s) : Organisations that specialise in offering tours, logistics, and planning services for a particular destination. They often re-sell their services to tour operators

Ground Handlers : A ground handler takes care of some day to day operations and tour management such as picking customers up from the airport and arranging sightseeing tours

Associations and Memberships: These organisations exist to provide support, promotion, and opportunity to other players in the travel industry. All of them operate with a slightly different mission, whether it’s to promote sustainable business practices, celebrate the luxury travel market or to connect travellers with LGBTQ friendly travel businesses

Travellers: Arguably the most important cog in the wheel. Everyone in the tourism industry sets out to meet travellers’ needs – to ensure they keep coming back for more!

The beauty of the travel industry supply chain is how all of these key players work together creating one of the worlds biggest industries.   

A diagram explaining how all the key players in the travel industry interact with each other and work together to market to the traveller.

 Interested to learn more?

The ultimate A-Z glossary for the Travel industry. Understand the different terms, jargon and acronyms.

For a taste of the luxury end of travel, explore our list of Exclusive luxury travel communities

To discover more about sustainable tourism, download our ebook focusing on how to elevate travel design with sustainability.

Travel designers- meet the influencers you should work with.

Travel designers- meet the influencers you should work with.

Understand the role travel influencers play in the industry and why tour operators should be following, interacting and collaborating with them. Explore eight global travel influencers who are inspiring travellers daily.

Tourism news websites you can trust

Tourism news websites you can trust

In the tourism industry it can be hard to differentiate the reliable travel news sources from the not-so-trustworthy ones. In this blog we summarise the top travel news websites that tour operators, travel agencies and DMC’s should pay attention to.

How to set your team up for success when introducing new software

How to set your team up for success when introducing new software

Making changes happen is hard. Especially when it is something that will create a significant impact on the way you work, like new software. We discover what change management is and how it can assist you, your leaders and your team in creating new processes that will make you more successful in the long run. Is it time for a change?

How can tour operators contribute to sustainable tourism?

How can tour operators contribute to sustainable tourism?

Sustainability is a key pillar of tourism, with a growing number of people interested in travelling responsibly and sustainably. We explore the easy ways in which your tour operator business can make a positive change. You can help to encourage economic growth and protect our environment whilst also watching your business flourish… could it get better?

tvs travel industry

  • Homes To Love
  • Home Beautiful
  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • Hard to Find
  • Your Home and Garden
  • Shop Your Home & Garden
  • Now to Love
  • Now to Love NZ
  • That's Life
  • Women's Weekly
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • NZ Woman's Weekly Food
  • Gourmet Traveller
  • Bounty Parents
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Heaven
  • Beauty Crew
  • ENTERTAINMENT

Meet the cast of Travel Guides 2024

Profile picture of Erin Christie

Travel Guides is back for a new season – and so are your favourite cast members!

From the picturesque mountains of Nepal to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, the seventh season of the beloved travel show has already delivered its fair share of enviable experiences and hilarious moments.

Alongside Travel Guides’ once-in-a-lifetime itineraries, our favourite friendly faces will also be returning to our screens alongside a few new globe-trotting friends.

As they prepare for their next adventure, scroll down to meet the cast of Travel Guides for 2024.

twins-stack-and-mel-either-side-of-brother-josh-wearing-cowgirl-hats-and-akubra

Karli and Bri

Joining Travel Guides on the road for the first time are Karly and Bri, two besties who met while filming  Beauty and the Geek  for Nine a couple of years ago and have been inseparable ever since.

“We were roommates on the show, so we had no choice but to be friends,” Bri told our sister site TV WEEK. “We were like the love story from  Beauty And The Geek … we walked out best of friends.”

“We bring a different dynamic to the show, and I think people will be pleasantly surprised by us. We might look a certain way on the outside – we like to dress up and look nice – but we also give everything a crack. We are tomboys at heart.”

matt-brett-travel-guides

Matt and Brett

Bona fide travel addicts Matt and Brett joined the show in season four, hailing from Newcastle in New South Wales.

The married couple, who have been together for 20 years now, describe themselves as ‘high-end travellers’ who also love a bargain.

While Matt is organised, and packs his outfits into plastic bags via the suitcase, Brett is much happier going along for the ride, leading to a delightful Bert-and-Ernie energy that makes for great TV.

They’re also hilarious, giving biting commentary, and always making the audience laugh.

the-fren-family-travel-guides

The Fren Family

The delightful Fren family have been regulars since season one, bringing immediate joy to the show with their upbeat nature.

Dad Mark is upbeat and forthright, with a knack for negotiating room upgrades. He’s been married to his wife Cathy for over 30 years, and their two kids, Victoria and Jonathan, are always along for the journey.

Their family grew in 2023, with Jonathan marrying his long-term partner, Danielle Clarke.

Other members of the Travel Guides cast Matt, Brett, Kevin, Janetta, Mel, and Stack were all in attendance – too cute!

kevin-janetta-travel-guides

Kevin and Janetta

‘Holiday snobs’ Kevin and Janetta always bring the laughs.

The pair, who are in their 60s, are passionate wine enthusiasts and seasoned travellers. They’re also avid researchers when it comes to their holidays, making sure they have the best possible experience, so being thrown into strange situations on the show always makes for a good laugh.

They also won’t hesitate to ask for the manager, which has earned them the catchphrase, “We don’t suffer in silence”.

kev-dorian-teng-travel-guides

Kev, Dorian, and Teng

Besties Kev, Dorian, and Teng love food, computer games, movies, and music.

Kev is a pop-culture expert, Dorian studies teaching, and Teng is the risk-taker, who keeps deferring university in the hopes of finding a good time.

Their combined heritage spans China, Greece and Vietnam, giving them a unique take on the world when it comes to the show.

Travel Guides Season 7 airs Sundays at 7:00 pm on Nine and 9Now.

Erin Christie is a writer at WHO (digital), keeping across pop culture, reality TV (especially Survivor), and the occasional fashion trend.

Related stories

The Travel Accessories You Need to Be the It Girl of the Airport on Your Next Trip

The Travel Accessories You Need to Be the It Girl of the Airport on Your Next Trip

tvs travel industry

Native ad body.

CLIFTON CABIN WITH POCKET IN WOODLAND GREEN

Why Switching from a Duffel Bag to a Carry-On Suitcase Was the Best Travel Decision I Ever Made

Jet-Set in Style with The 5 Best Handbags for Travel

Jet-Set in Style with The 5 Best Handbags for Travel

» Smart TV » Smart TVs and Travel: Accessing Streaming Services While Abroad

Smart TVs and Travel: Accessing Streaming Services While Abroad

Planning a trip abroad but worried about missing your favorite shows? Fear not! This article dives deep into the world of Smart TVs and Travel: Accessing Streaming Services While Abroad . We’ll explore clever solutions to bypass geo-restrictions, clever hacks for downloading content for offline viewing, and alternative methods to stream on the go. Get ready to transform any hotel room into your personal entertainment hub, no matter where your travels take you!

Table of Contents

  • 1.1 1. The Perfect Travel Companions
  • 1.2 2. Your Entertainment on the Go
  • 2.1.1 A. Internet Connection
  • 2.1.2 B. App Capabilities
  • 2.1.3 C. Smart Interface
  • 2.2.1 A. App Stores
  • 2.2.2 B. Pre-installed Apps
  • 2.2.3 C. Seamless Integration
  • 2.2.4 D. Internet Connectivity
  • 3.1.1 A. Netflix
  • 3.1.2 B. Hulu
  • 3.1.3 C. Disney+
  • 3.2 2. Content Around the Globe
  • 4.1.1 A. IP Address
  • 4.1.2 B. Content Licensing
  • 4.1.3 C. Location Check
  • 5.1 1. Downloadable Content (if available)
  • 5.2 2. Traveling with a Portable Streaming Device
  • 5.3.1 A. Tunneling Through Borders: A Simple Explanation
  • 5.3.2 B. Unblock the World: Bypassing Geo-Restrictions
  • 5.3.3 C. Weighing the Options: Risks and Considerations
  • 6.1.1 A. Slow Speeds (less than 5 Mbps)
  • 6.1.2 B. Standard Definition (SD) Streaming (around 5 Mbps)
  • 6.1.3 C. High Definition (HD) Streaming (around 10 Mbps)
  • 6.1.4 D. Ultra High Definition (UHD) Streaming (around 25 Mbps and above)
  • 6.2.1 A. Research App Availability
  • 6.2.2 B. Alternative Options
  • 7.1.1 A. Content Curation
  • 7.1.2 B. Download Power
  • 7.1.3 C. Offline Entertainment
  • 7.2.1 A. Check Compatibility
  • 7.2.2 B. Alternative Solutions
  • 7.3.1 A. HDMI Cable
  • 7.3.2 B. Power Adapters
  • 7.4.1 A. Internet Speeds
  • 7.4.2 B. Data Usage Costs
  • 8.1.1 A. Laws Vary
  • 8.1.2 B. Respect Copyright
  • 8.1.3 C. Seek Expert Advice
  • 8.2.1 A. Support Official Channels
  • 8.2.2 B. Respect Copyright Laws
  • 8.2.3 C. Enjoy Responsibly
  • 9 IX. Key Takeaways for: Smart TVs and Travel
  • 10 X. Conclusion
  • 11 XI. Additional References

I. Introduction

Person relaxing on a beach chair using a laptop to stream content.

Enjoying your favorite shows on the beach with a laptop.

Gone are the days of bulky travel TVs and limited entertainment options. Today’s globetrotters have a secret weapon in their arsenal: Smart TVs . These internet-connected marvels have revolutionized how we travel, transforming hotel rooms into personalized entertainment hubs.

1. The Perfect Travel Companions

Remember the days of lugging around clunky portable TVs or being restricted to whatever limited channels a hotel offered? Smart TVs have banished those woes! These sleek devices seamlessly integrate with your existing travel routine. Gone are the frustrating searches for the right cable input or fiddling with outdated remotes. Smart TVs boast intuitive interfaces, often mirroring the layout of your smartphone or home entertainment system, making them a breeze to navigate.

But the true magic lies in their ability to connect to the internet. This opens the door to a world of entertainment possibilities, making Smart TVs the perfect travel companions.

2. Your Entertainment on the Go

Imagine this: you’ve explored the bustling streets of Rome all day, and now you’re back in your hotel room, craving a dose of your favorite show to unwind. With Smart TVs, this scenario becomes a reality. These devices act as gateways to the vast world of streaming services , allowing you to access your favorite shows, movies , and documentaries – all at your fingertips, regardless of location.

Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max offer massive content libraries, catering to diverse tastes and interests. Whether you’re a die-hard sitcom fan, a documentary buff, or crave the latest blockbuster releases, there’s something for everyone on these platforms.

The beauty of streaming services for travelers lies in their on-demand nature. You’re no longer confined to rigid cable TV schedules. You can binge-watch your favorite shows at your own pace, catch up on the latest season of that captivating drama, or discover hidden gems you wouldn’t find on traditional TV.

In the next section, we’ll delve deeper into the world of Smart TVs, exploring their functionalities and how they seamlessly integrate with streaming services to transform your travel experience.

II. Understanding Smart TVs

Close-up photo of a Smart TV remote control with streaming service buttons highlighted.

Using a Smart TV remote to access streaming services.

So, you’re intrigued by the idea of Smart TVs and their potential to unlock a world of entertainment while you travel. But before we dive into the exciting world of streaming services, let’s take a moment to understand what exactly makes a Smart TV “smart.”

1. What are Smart TVs?

Unlike their traditional counterparts, Smart TVs are more than just displays. They’re essentially mini-computers equipped with an operating system and internet connectivity. This opens doors to a whole new level of functionality compared to regular TVs.

Here’s what sets Smart TVs apart:

A. Internet Connection

The defining feature of a Smart TV is its ability to connect to the internet, either via Wi-Fi or ethernet cable. This opens the gateway to a vast library of content and applications.

B. App Capabilities

Think of your smartphone – Smart TVs operate similarly, with app stores offering a diverse range of downloadable applications. These can include streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, social media apps like YouTube, and even games!

C. Smart Interface

Gone are the days of clunky, button-heavy remotes. Smart TVs boast user-friendly interfaces, often mirroring the layout of your smartphone or tablet. This makes navigating apps, searching for content, and controlling playback a breeze.

While regular TVs excel at displaying broadcast channels and external media sources, Smart TVs offer a whole new level of interactivity and access to a vast universe of entertainment options, making them ideal companions for travelers seeking their entertainment fix on the go.

2. Streaming Powerhouses

Now that we understand the core functionalities of Smart TVs, let’s explore the features that make them perfect companions for streaming services:

A. App Stores

As mentioned earlier, Smart TVs come equipped with app stores, similar to your smartphone. These stores offer a plethora of downloadable applications, and streaming services take center stage. Popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max are readily available for download, putting your favorite shows and movies at your fingertips.

B. Pre-installed Apps

Many Smart TVs come pre-installed with popular streaming apps, saving you the hassle of downloading them upon arrival. This allows you to jump right into your favorite content as soon as you connect to the internet.

C. Seamless Integration

Smart TVs are designed to work seamlessly with streaming services. The user interface is optimized for navigating apps, browsing content libraries, and controlling playback with ease. You won’t need any additional devices or complicated setups – just connect, launch the app, and get ready to stream!

D. Internet Connectivity

The cornerstone of the streaming experience is, of course, internet connectivity. Most Smart TVs offer built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect wirelessly to your hotel’s network. Some models also have ethernet ports for a wired connection, ensuring a stable and reliable streaming experience.

In the next section, we’ll delve into the world of popular streaming services, exploring the vast content libraries and features they offer to globetrotters seeking entertainment on the go.

III. Popular Streaming Services

Collage of logos from popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.

Explore a variety of entertainment options with popular streaming services.

Now that you understand the magic of Smart TVs and their seamless integration with streaming services, it’s time to explore the treasure trove of entertainment options available at your fingertips. Let’s delve into some of the most popular streaming platforms that cater to a wide range of interests:

1. Unveiling Popular Streaming Services

A titan in the streaming industry, Netflix boasts a vast library of original content, critically acclaimed shows, and classic movies. From award-winning dramas like “The Crown” to heart-stopping thrillers like “Stranger Things,” Netflix offers something for everyone.

Combining a library of on-demand content with access to live TV from major networks, Hulu provides a versatile entertainment package. Catch up on the latest episodes of your favorite shows, discover hidden gems, or tune into live sporting events – all within the Hulu app.

Dive headfirst into the magical world of Disney with Disney+. This platform offers a treasure trove of Disney classics, Pixar favorites, Marvel blockbusters, and Star Wars adventures. It’s a perfect choice for families or anyone who wants to relive their childhood or discover timeless stories.

These are just a few of the many popular streaming services available. Others, like HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+, offer diverse content libraries catering to specific genres and interests.

But there’s a crucial point to consider before you pack your virtual bags and embark on your streaming adventure:

2. Content Around the Globe

While streaming services boast massive content libraries, it’s important to understand the concept of content libraries and how they can vary depending on your location. This variation stems from licensing agreements between streaming services and content creators. These agreements dictate which shows and movies are available in specific regions.

For instance, a show you love at home might not be available on the same streaming service in the country you’re visiting due to licensing restrictions. This is where the concept of geo-restrictions comes in. Geo-restrictions prevent users from accessing content that is not licensed for their region.

While geo-restrictions can be a hurdle, there are solutions we’ll explore in a later section. For now, it’s important to be aware that the content library you see advertised might not be the exact library available to you while traveling.

IV. Accessing Streaming Services While Abroad

World map with restricted zones highlighted, symbolizing geo-restrictions on streaming services.

Limited access to streaming services while traveling abroad.

We’ve explored the wonders of Smart TVs and the vast entertainment universe offered by streaming services. However, as every traveler knows, the road is rarely without its bumps. In the world of streaming, the obstacle you might encounter is called geo-restrictions .

The Challenge of Geo-Restrictions

Geo-restrictions are essentially digital fences put in place by streaming services. These restrictions prevent users from accessing content that is not licensed for their current location. Here’s how it works:

A. IP Address

When you connect to the internet, your device is assigned a unique identifier called an IP address. This address also reveals your approximate location.

B. Content Licensing

Streaming services acquire licensing rights to show specific in certain territories. These rights can vary by region.

C. Location Check

When you try to access a streaming service, it checks your IP address to determine your location. If the content you’re trying to access isn’t licensed for your current region, you’ll be greeted with an error message or a limited library of shows.

Imagine this scenario: You’re halfway through a gripping season of your favorite show on Netflix at home. But upon arriving at your hotel in Paris, you discover the show is no longer available in your Netflix library. Geo-restrictions have locked you out!

While geo-restrictions can be frustrating for travelers, there are solutions we’ll explore in the next section. So, don’t despair! With a little planning and the right tools, you can still access your favorite shows and movies while exploring the world.

V. Solutions for Streaming on Smart TVs While Traveling

Split image showing a Smart TV with a VPN app open on one side and a mobile device with a streaming service app on the other side.

Stream content on your Smart TV with alternative solutions.

Geo-restrictions might throw a wrench into your travel plans, but fear not, globetrotting streamer! Here are some solutions to keep you entertained on your Smart TV while venturing across the globe:

1. Downloadable Content (if available)

Some streaming services, like Netflix, offer the option to download specific shows and movies for offline viewing. This is a fantastic option for travelers! Before you embark on your journey, browse your favorite streaming service’s library and download content you know you’ll want to watch while abroad. This way, you won’t be reliant on an internet connection and can enjoy your chosen shows and movies on your hotel room’s Smart TV even without a stable Wi-Fi signal.

Keep in mind: Not all streaming services offer downloadable content, and the selection might be limited. Always check your streaming service’s specific policies before your trip.

2. Traveling with a Portable Streaming Device

While Smart TVs are ideal, they’re not always available in every accommodation. Here’s where your trusty travel companions – laptops, tablets, or smartphones – come to the rescue! Most streaming services offer mobile apps, allowing you to access your favorite content on the go. Simply download the apps on your device, log in to your accounts, and you’re ready to stream. This solution offers more flexibility, as you can enjoy your shows and movies on your device while relaxing by the pool or exploring your destination.

Pros: Familiar device, potentially larger screen than a phone

Cons: Requires you to bring and manage another device

3. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for Smart TVs (Use with Caution)

A. tunneling through borders: a simple explanation.

Imagine a secure tunnel that transports you from your current location to a different country. That’s essentially what a Virtual Private Network (VPN) does in the digital world. When you connect to a VPN , your internet traffic is routed through a remote server in another location. This masks your actual IP address and makes it appear as if you’re connecting from the chosen server’s location.

B. Unblock the World: Bypassing Geo-Restrictions

By using a VPN connected to a server in your home country, you can trick streaming services into thinking you’re still there. This bypasses geo-restrictions and allows you to access your usual streaming library, even while abroad. It’s like having a virtual passport for the world of streaming content!

C. Weighing the Options: Risks and Considerations

While VPNs offer a tempting solution, there are a few things to consider:

  • Slower Speeds: Connecting through a remote server can sometimes slow down your internet connection speed, impacting your streaming experience.
  • Security Concerns: Not all VPNs are created equal. Choose a reputable VPN service with a strong security track record to ensure your data is protected.
  • Legality: While generally not illegal for personal use, VPN regulations can vary by country. It’s always a good idea to research the local laws of your travel destination before using a VPN.

Overall: Downloading content for offline viewing and using a portable device are more straightforward solutions. VPNs require some research and come with potential drawbacks. If you choose to use a VPN, prioritize reputable services and be aware of local regulations.

In the next section, we’ll explore some additional considerations and tips for a smooth streaming experience abroad.

VI. Additional Considerations for Travelers

Open suitcase with a laptop, cables, and a portable adapter inside.

Pack these essentials for a smooth streaming experience while traveling.

While we’ve explored the exciting world of Smart TVs, streaming services, and solutions for navigating geo-restrictions, a smooth travel streaming experience requires some additional planning. Here are a few crucial factors to consider:

1. Speed Matters

Remember, streaming relies on a steady internet connection. The speed of your internet connection directly impacts the quality of your streaming experience. Here’s the breakdown:

A. Slow Speeds (less than 5 Mbps)

Prepare for buffering, pixelation, and a frustrating viewing experience.

B. Standard Definition (SD) Streaming (around 5 Mbps)

This offers basic video quality, suitable for catching up on shows that don’t rely heavily on visuals.

C. High Definition (HD) Streaming (around 10 Mbps)

This is the sweet spot for most viewers, offering clear and crisp visuals.

D. Ultra High Definition (UHD) Streaming (around 25 Mbps and above)

This provides the best possible streaming quality, but requires a very fast and stable internet connection.

Data Usage Charges: Another crucial factor to consider, especially when traveling abroad, is data usage. Streaming can consume a significant amount of data, and some hotels or mobile plans might charge extra for exceeding data limits.

Here are some tips:

  • Check internet speeds: Before booking your accommodation, inquire about the average internet speed.
  • Download content beforehand (if available): This eliminates reliance on hotel Wi-Fi and avoids potential data usage charges.
  • Monitor data usage: Be mindful of your data usage, especially if you’re on a limited mobile plan. Many streaming services offer options to adjust video quality, which can help reduce data consumption.

2. App Availability

The world of streaming apps can be vast, but their availability can vary depending on your location. Just because your favorite streaming service is available at home doesn’t guarantee it will be accessible in every region you visit. Here’s how to avoid disappointment:

A. Research App Availability

Before your trip, take a moment to visit the websites or app stores of your preferred streaming services. Check if the apps are available in the countries you’ll be visiting.

B. Alternative Options

Have a backup plan! Research alternative streaming services that might be more prevalent in your travel destinations.

By considering these additional factors and planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable streaming experience on your Smart TV adventures abroad. In the next section, we’ll offer some final tips to optimize your travel streaming experience.

VII. Tips for a Smooth Streaming Experience Abroad

Person on vacation using a smartphone to download content on a streaming service app.

Download content for offline viewing to avoid internet limitations.

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to navigate the world of Smart TVs, streaming services, and geo-restrictions, let’s explore some final tips to guarantee a seamless streaming experience on your travels:

1. Planning is Key: Be Prepared, Stream Uninterrupted

A little pre-trip planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth streaming experience. Here’s how to get ahead of the game:

A. Content Curation

Before your trip, browse your favorite streaming service libraries and identify shows or movies you might want to watch while abroad.

B. Download Power

If your chosen streaming service offers downloadable content, take advantage of it! Downloading shows and movies beforehand eliminates reliance on potentially unreliable hotel Wi-Fi and avoids unexpected data usage charges.

C. Offline Entertainment

Consider packing some downloaded content on your laptop or tablet to have a backup entertainment option, especially for situations where a stable internet connection might be unavailable.

By planning your content and downloading what you can, you’ll be prepared for any internet hiccups you might encounter while traveling.

2. VPN Compatibility Check: Ensuring Your VPN Travels Too

If you decide to use a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions, ensure compatibility with your Smart TV. Not all VPN services offer dedicated apps for Smart TVs. Here’s how to avoid a connectivity snafu:

A. Check Compatibility

Before your trip, research if your chosen VPN service offers a compatible app for your specific Smart TV model. Some VPNs might require setting up a connection on a separate device like a laptop or phone and then casting the content to your Smart TV.

B. Alternative Solutions

If your Smart TV isn’t VPN-friendly, consider using your laptop or mobile device with the VPN app and connecting it to the TV via an HDMI cable for a larger viewing experience.

By checking compatibility beforehand, you’ll avoid any frustration upon arrival at your destination.

3. Pack the Essentials: Your Tech Travel Kit

Just like you wouldn’t forget your swimsuit for a beach vacation, don’t overlook the essentials for a smooth streaming experience:

A. HDMI Cable

This allows you to connect your laptop or mobile device to your hotel room’s TV, offering a larger viewing screen for your downloaded content or casting from a VPN-enabled device.

B. Power Adapters

Ensure you have the right adapters to connect your devices to the local power outlets. A dead battery is the enemy of a good streaming session!

By packing these essentials, you’ll be prepared to connect and stream with ease, no matter where your travels take you.

4. Understanding Local Limitations: Be a Savvy Streamer

Researching your travel destination’s internet infrastructure is crucial. Here’s what to consider:

A. Internet Speeds

Investigate average internet speeds in the regions you’ll be visiting. This will help you manage your expectations and choose the appropriate streaming quality (SD, HD, UHD) to avoid buffering and frustration.

B. Data Usage Costs

Data usage charges can vary significantly by country. If you plan on relying on mobile data for streaming, research data plans and potential roaming charges to avoid any surprises on your bill.

By understanding local limitations, you can adjust your streaming habits accordingly and avoid any unexpected costs.

With these handy tips and the knowledge you’ve gained throughout this guide, you’re well on your way to conquering the world of Smart TV streaming while traveling. So, pack your bags, download your favorite shows, and get ready to enjoy seamless entertainment on your next adventure!

VIII. Legal and Ethical Considerations

Split image showing a copyright symbol on one side and a person using a VPN on the other side.

Stream responsibly and be aware of copyright laws.

The world of streaming services opens a treasure trove of entertainment options for travelers. However, venturing into the exciting realm of geo-restrictions and bypassing limitations comes with a responsibility to navigate legal and ethical considerations.

1. Navigating Legalities: A Complex Landscape

The legalities surrounding geo-restrictions can be complex. Streaming services acquire licensing rights to broadcast content in specific regions. Bypassing these restrictions through methods like VPNs might exist in a legal gray area, depending on your location.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

A. Laws Vary

Regulations regarding geo-restrictions and VPN usage can differ from country to country. What might be considered acceptable in one place could be restricted in another.

B. Respect Copyright

Ultimately, the content you stream belongs to copyright holders. While bypassing restrictions might seem like a harmless act, it’s important to respect copyright laws.

C. Seek Expert Advice

For specific legal advice regarding streaming practices in your travel destinations, consulting a legal expert is always recommended.

Remember: When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

2. Streaming Responsibly: Respecting Content and Creators

As responsible streamers, we have an ethical obligation to respect the content we access and the creators who produce it. Here’s how to stream responsibly:

A. Support Official Channels

Whenever possible, prioritize streaming content through official channels and platforms that have acquired the necessary licenses. This ensures proper compensation for creators and helps sustain the entertainment industry.

B. Respect Copyright Laws

Copyright laws exist to protect the intellectual property of creators. Avoid accessing content through unauthorized means or illegal streaming services.

C. Enjoy Responsibly

Streaming is a fantastic way to unwind and enjoy entertainment while traveling. However, be mindful of your data usage and internet limitations, especially when on limited plans.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your streaming adventures are not only enjoyable but also ethical and respectful of copyright laws and the creative community.

IX. Key Takeaways for: Smart TVs and Travel

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

1. Smart TVs: Your Travel Entertainment Hub: Ditch bulky TVs and limited channels. Smart TVs connect to the internet, offering a gateway to streaming services and on-demand entertainment.

2. Streaming Services: Your Passport to Global Content: Explore vast libraries of shows, movies, and documentaries from popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

3. Content Around the Globe: Understanding Content Libraries: Streaming services offer a diverse range of content, but availability can vary by region due to licensing agreements.

4. The Challenge of Geo-Restrictions: Don’t be surprised if your favorite shows aren’t available abroad! Geo-restrictions prevent access to content not licensed for your current location.

5. Downloadable Content: Stream Offline (if available): Some streaming services allow downloading shows and movies for offline viewing – perfect for conquering travel downtime without an internet connection.

6. Traveling with a Portable Streaming Device: Laptops, tablets, and phones with streaming apps are your backup! Access your favorite content on the go, offering more flexibility than relying solely on a Smart TV.

7. VPNs: A Virtual Ticket to Global Streaming (Use with Caution): VPNs can bypass geo-restrictions, but choose reputable services and be aware of potential drawbacks like slower speeds and legal complexities.

8. Internet Speed and Data Usage: Stream Smart, Stream Smoothly: Streaming relies on a good internet connection. Slow speeds can lead to buffering and frustration. Monitor data usage, especially on limited plans, to avoid extra charges.

9. App Availability: Not All Apps Travel the Globe: Research if your preferred streaming services are available in your travel destinations to avoid disappointment. Consider alternatives that might be more prevalent where you’re going.

10. Planning is Key: Stream Like a Pro: Download content beforehand, check VPN compatibility, pack necessary cables, and research local internet limitations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable streaming experience.

X. Conclusion

Conclusion

Smart TVs and streaming services can be your travel companions for entertainment needs. With a little planning, understanding of geo-restrictions, and responsible streaming practices, you can unlock a world of content, transforming any hotel room into your personal entertainment hub. So, pack your bags, choose your shows, and get ready to stream your way through your next adventure!

XI. Additional References

  • Netflix Help Center: Using Netflix Outside of Your Home Country – Official Netflix Help Center page that explains how to use Netflix while traveling abroad. It details content availability changes, troubleshooting tips, and regional limitations.
  • Can You Use A VPN With A Smart TV? 55 Benefits & 10 Considerations – Offers the advantages of using a VPN with a Smart TV

Recommended Posts for You

An image showing content on a Smart TV when using a Streaming Stick.

Share your thoughts, comment below now! Cancel reply

The future of tourism: Bridging the labor gap, enhancing customer experience

As travel resumes and builds momentum, it’s becoming clear that tourism is resilient—there is an enduring desire to travel. Against all odds, international tourism rebounded in 2022: visitor numbers to Europe and the Middle East climbed to around 80 percent of 2019 levels, and the Americas recovered about 65 percent of prepandemic visitors 1 “Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023,” United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), January 17, 2023. —a number made more significant because it was reached without travelers from China, which had the world’s largest outbound travel market before the pandemic. 2 “ Outlook for China tourism 2023: Light at the end of the tunnel ,” McKinsey, May 9, 2023.

Recovery and growth are likely to continue. According to estimates from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for 2023, international tourist arrivals could reach 80 to 95 percent of prepandemic levels depending on the extent of the economic slowdown, travel recovery in Asia–Pacific, and geopolitical tensions, among other factors. 3 “Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023,” United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), January 17, 2023. Similarly, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that by the end of 2023, nearly half of the 185 countries in which the organization conducts research will have either recovered to prepandemic levels or be within 95 percent of full recovery. 4 “Global travel and tourism catapults into 2023 says WTTC,” World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), April 26, 2023.

Longer-term forecasts also point to optimism for the decade ahead. Travel and tourism GDP is predicted to grow, on average, at 5.8 percent a year between 2022 and 2032, outpacing the growth of the overall economy at an expected 2.7 percent a year. 5 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 , WTTC, August 2022.

So, is it all systems go for travel and tourism? Not really. The industry continues to face a prolonged and widespread labor shortage. After losing 62 million travel and tourism jobs in 2020, labor supply and demand remain out of balance. 6 “WTTC research reveals Travel & Tourism’s slow recovery is hitting jobs and growth worldwide,” World Travel & Tourism Council, October 6, 2021. Today, in the European Union, 11 percent of tourism jobs are likely to go unfilled; in the United States, that figure is 7 percent. 7 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 : Staff shortages, WTTC, August 2022.

There has been an exodus of tourism staff, particularly from customer-facing roles, to other sectors, and there is no sign that the industry will be able to bring all these people back. 8 Travel & Tourism economic impact 2022 : Staff shortages, WTTC, August 2022. Hotels, restaurants, cruises, airports, and airlines face staff shortages that can translate into operational, reputational, and financial difficulties. If unaddressed, these shortages may constrain the industry’s growth trajectory.

The current labor shortage may have its roots in factors related to the nature of work in the industry. Chronic workplace challenges, coupled with the effects of COVID-19, have culminated in an industry struggling to rebuild its workforce. Generally, tourism-related jobs are largely informal, partly due to high seasonality and weak regulation. And conditions such as excessively long working hours, low wages, a high turnover rate, and a lack of social protection tend to be most pronounced in an informal economy. Additionally, shift work, night work, and temporary or part-time employment are common in tourism.

The industry may need to revisit some fundamentals to build a far more sustainable future: either make the industry more attractive to talent (and put conditions in place to retain staff for longer periods) or improve products, services, and processes so that they complement existing staffing needs or solve existing pain points.

One solution could be to build a workforce with the mix of digital and interpersonal skills needed to keep up with travelers’ fast-changing requirements. The industry could make the most of available technology to provide customers with a digitally enhanced experience, resolve staff shortages, and improve working conditions.

Would you like to learn more about our Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure Practice ?

Complementing concierges with chatbots.

The pace of technological change has redefined customer expectations. Technology-driven services are often at customers’ fingertips, with no queues or waiting times. By contrast, the airport and airline disruption widely reported in the press over the summer of 2022 points to customers not receiving this same level of digital innovation when traveling.

Imagine the following travel experience: it’s 2035 and you start your long-awaited honeymoon to a tropical island. A virtual tour operator and a destination travel specialist booked your trip for you; you connected via videoconference to make your plans. Your itinerary was chosen with the support of generative AI , which analyzed your preferences, recommended personalized travel packages, and made real-time adjustments based on your feedback.

Before leaving home, you check in online and QR code your luggage. You travel to the airport by self-driving cab. After dropping off your luggage at the self-service counter, you pass through security and the biometric check. You access the premier lounge with the QR code on the airline’s loyalty card and help yourself to a glass of wine and a sandwich. After your flight, a prebooked, self-driving cab takes you to the resort. No need to check in—that was completed online ahead of time (including picking your room and making sure that the hotel’s virtual concierge arranged for red roses and a bottle of champagne to be delivered).

While your luggage is brought to the room by a baggage robot, your personal digital concierge presents the honeymoon itinerary with all the requested bookings. For the romantic dinner on the first night, you order your food via the restaurant app on the table and settle the bill likewise. So far, you’ve had very little human interaction. But at dinner, the sommelier chats with you in person about the wine. The next day, your sightseeing is made easier by the hotel app and digital guide—and you don’t get lost! With the aid of holographic technology, the virtual tour guide brings historical figures to life and takes your sightseeing experience to a whole new level. Then, as arranged, a local citizen meets you and takes you to their home to enjoy a local family dinner. The trip is seamless, there are no holdups or snags.

This scenario features less human interaction than a traditional trip—but it flows smoothly due to the underlying technology. The human interactions that do take place are authentic, meaningful, and add a special touch to the experience. This may be a far-fetched example, but the essence of the scenario is clear: use technology to ease typical travel pain points such as queues, misunderstandings, or misinformation, and elevate the quality of human interaction.

Travel with less human interaction may be considered a disruptive idea, as many travelers rely on and enjoy the human connection, the “service with a smile.” This will always be the case, but perhaps the time is right to think about bringing a digital experience into the mix. The industry may not need to depend exclusively on human beings to serve its customers. Perhaps the future of travel is physical, but digitally enhanced (and with a smile!).

Digital solutions are on the rise and can help bridge the labor gap

Digital innovation is improving customer experience across multiple industries. Car-sharing apps have overcome service-counter waiting times and endless paperwork that travelers traditionally had to cope with when renting a car. The same applies to time-consuming hotel check-in, check-out, and payment processes that can annoy weary customers. These pain points can be removed. For instance, in China, the Huazhu Hotels Group installed self-check-in kiosks that enable guests to check in or out in under 30 seconds. 9 “Huazhu Group targets lifestyle market opportunities,” ChinaTravelNews, May 27, 2021.

Technology meets hospitality

In 2019, Alibaba opened its FlyZoo Hotel in Huangzhou, described as a “290-room ultra-modern boutique, where technology meets hospitality.” 1 “Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has a hotel run almost entirely by robots that can serve food and fetch toiletries—take a look inside,” Business Insider, October 21, 2019; “FlyZoo Hotel: The hotel of the future or just more technology hype?,” Hotel Technology News, March 2019. The hotel was the first of its kind that instead of relying on traditional check-in and key card processes, allowed guests to manage reservations and make payments entirely from a mobile app, to check-in using self-service kiosks, and enter their rooms using facial-recognition technology.

The hotel is run almost entirely by robots that serve food and fetch toiletries and other sundries as needed. Each guest room has a voice-activated smart assistant to help guests with a variety of tasks, from adjusting the temperature, lights, curtains, and the TV to playing music and answering simple questions about the hotel and surroundings.

The hotel was developed by the company’s online travel platform, Fliggy, in tandem with Alibaba’s AI Labs and Alibaba Cloud technology with the goal of “leveraging cutting-edge tech to help transform the hospitality industry, one that keeps the sector current with the digital era we’re living in,” according to the company.

Adoption of some digitally enhanced services was accelerated during the pandemic in the quest for safer, contactless solutions. During the Winter Olympics in Beijing, a restaurant designed to keep physical contact to a minimum used a track system on the ceiling to deliver meals directly from the kitchen to the table. 10 “This Beijing Winter Games restaurant uses ceiling-based tracks,” Trendhunter, January 26, 2022. Customers around the world have become familiar with restaurants using apps to display menus, take orders, and accept payment, as well as hotels using robots to deliver luggage and room service (see sidebar “Technology meets hospitality”). Similarly, theme parks, cinemas, stadiums, and concert halls are deploying digital solutions such as facial recognition to optimize entrance control. Shanghai Disneyland, for example, offers annual pass holders the option to choose facial recognition to facilitate park entry. 11 “Facial recognition park entry,” Shanghai Disney Resort website.

Automation and digitization can also free up staff from attending to repetitive functions that could be handled more efficiently via an app and instead reserve the human touch for roles where staff can add the most value. For instance, technology can help customer-facing staff to provide a more personalized service. By accessing data analytics, frontline staff can have guests’ details and preferences at their fingertips. A trainee can become an experienced concierge in a short time, with the help of technology.

Apps and in-room tech: Unused market potential

According to Skift Research calculations, total revenue generated by guest apps and in-room technology in 2019 was approximately $293 million, including proprietary apps by hotel brands as well as third-party vendors. 1 “Hotel tech benchmark: Guest-facing technology 2022,” Skift Research, November 2022. The relatively low market penetration rate of this kind of tech points to around $2.4 billion in untapped revenue potential (exhibit).

Even though guest-facing technology is available—the kind that can facilitate contactless interactions and offer travelers convenience and personalized service—the industry is only beginning to explore its potential. A report by Skift Research shows that the hotel industry, in particular, has not tapped into tech’s potential. Only 11 percent of hotels and 25 percent of hotel rooms worldwide are supported by a hotel app or use in-room technology, and only 3 percent of hotels offer keyless entry. 12 “Hotel tech benchmark: Guest-facing technology 2022,” Skift Research, November 2022. Of the five types of technology examined (guest apps and in-room tech; virtual concierge; guest messaging and chatbots; digital check-in and kiosks; and keyless entry), all have relatively low market-penetration rates (see sidebar “Apps and in-room tech: Unused market potential”).

While apps, digitization, and new technology may be the answer to offering better customer experience, there is also the possibility that tourism may face competition from technological advances, particularly virtual experiences. Museums, attractions, and historical sites can be made interactive and, in some cases, more lifelike, through AR/VR technology that can enhance the physical travel experience by reconstructing historical places or events.

Up until now, tourism, arguably, was one of a few sectors that could not easily be replaced by tech. It was not possible to replicate the physical experience of traveling to another place. With the emerging metaverse , this might change. Travelers could potentially enjoy an event or experience from their sofa without any logistical snags, and without the commitment to traveling to another country for any length of time. For example, Google offers virtual tours of the Pyramids of Meroë in Sudan via an immersive online experience available in a range of languages. 13 Mariam Khaled Dabboussi, “Step into the Meroë pyramids with Google,” Google, May 17, 2022. And a crypto banking group, The BCB Group, has created a metaverse city that includes representations of some of the most visited destinations in the world, such as the Great Wall of China and the Statue of Liberty. According to BCB, the total cost of flights, transfers, and entry for all these landmarks would come to $7,600—while a virtual trip would cost just over $2. 14 “What impact can the Metaverse have on the travel industry?,” Middle East Economy, July 29, 2022.

The metaverse holds potential for business travel, too—the meeting, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) sector in particular. Participants could take part in activities in the same immersive space while connecting from anywhere, dramatically reducing travel, venue, catering, and other costs. 15 “ Tourism in the metaverse: Can travel go virtual? ,” McKinsey, May 4, 2023.

The allure and convenience of such digital experiences make offering seamless, customer-centric travel and tourism in the real world all the more pressing.

Hotel service bell on a table white glass and simulation hotel background. Concept hotel, travel, room - stock photo

Three innovations to solve hotel staffing shortages

Is the future contactless.

Given the advances in technology, and the many digital innovations and applications that already exist, there is potential for businesses across the travel and tourism spectrum to cope with labor shortages while improving customer experience. Process automation and digitization can also add to process efficiency. Taken together, a combination of outsourcing, remote work, and digital solutions can help to retain existing staff and reduce dependency on roles that employers are struggling to fill (exhibit).

Depending on the customer service approach and direct contact need, we estimate that the travel and tourism industry would be able to cope with a structural labor shortage of around 10 to 15 percent in the long run by operating more flexibly and increasing digital and automated efficiency—while offering the remaining staff an improved total work package.

Outsourcing and remote work could also help resolve the labor shortage

While COVID-19 pushed organizations in a wide variety of sectors to embrace remote work, there are many hospitality roles that rely on direct physical services that cannot be performed remotely, such as laundry, cleaning, maintenance, and facility management. If faced with staff shortages, these roles could be outsourced to third-party professional service providers, and existing staff could be reskilled to take up new positions.

In McKinsey’s experience, the total service cost of this type of work in a typical hotel can make up 10 percent of total operating costs. Most often, these roles are not guest facing. A professional and digital-based solution might become an integrated part of a third-party service for hotels looking to outsource this type of work.

One of the lessons learned in the aftermath of COVID-19 is that many tourism employees moved to similar positions in other sectors because they were disillusioned by working conditions in the industry . Specialist multisector companies have been able to shuffle their staff away from tourism to other sectors that offer steady employment or more regular working hours compared with the long hours and seasonal nature of work in tourism.

The remaining travel and tourism staff may be looking for more flexibility or the option to work from home. This can be an effective solution for retaining employees. For example, a travel agent with specific destination expertise could work from home or be consulted on an needs basis.

In instances where remote work or outsourcing is not viable, there are other solutions that the hospitality industry can explore to improve operational effectiveness as well as employee satisfaction. A more agile staffing model  can better match available labor with peaks and troughs in daily, or even hourly, demand. This could involve combining similar roles or cross-training staff so that they can switch roles. Redesigned roles could potentially improve employee satisfaction by empowering staff to explore new career paths within the hotel’s operations. Combined roles build skills across disciplines—for example, supporting a housekeeper to train and become proficient in other maintenance areas, or a front-desk associate to build managerial skills.

Where management or ownership is shared across properties, roles could be staffed to cover a network of sites, rather than individual hotels. By applying a combination of these approaches, hotels could reduce the number of staff hours needed to keep operations running at the same standard. 16 “ Three innovations to solve hotel staffing shortages ,” McKinsey, April 3, 2023.

Taken together, operational adjustments combined with greater use of technology could provide the tourism industry with a way of overcoming staffing challenges and giving customers the seamless digitally enhanced experiences they expect in other aspects of daily life.

In an industry facing a labor shortage, there are opportunities for tech innovations that can help travel and tourism businesses do more with less, while ensuring that remaining staff are engaged and motivated to stay in the industry. For travelers, this could mean fewer friendly faces, but more meaningful experiences and interactions.

Urs Binggeli is a senior expert in McKinsey’s Zurich office, Zi Chen is a capabilities and insights specialist in the Shanghai office, Steffen Köpke is a capabilities and insights expert in the Düsseldorf office, and Jackey Yu is a partner in the Hong Kong office.

Explore a career with us

Navigating Global Immigration Documentation for the International Business Traveler.

We are a leading Passport & Visa Consulting Company headquartered in Houston, TX with a global network of partners. Now Offering Expedited Passport Services within 3 – 5 business days!

Global Partners

Nationalities

Total Visa Solutions (TVS) is a leading Passport & Visa Consulting Company headquartered in Houston, TX with a global network of partners . TVS can elevate your travel program by partnering with Travel Arrangers or employees to identify the Visa category that accurately aligns with your business needs. The TVS service platform extends support to individuals of ALL nationalities across the globe. Our combined program contains over 129 intermediaries worldwide, in over 66 countries. TVS global footprint enables us to offer Consular Services on the ground in remote locations for your employees. This comprehensive program reduces the expenses associated with global personnel mobilization for Visa stamping, upholds FCPA and UK Anti-Bribery policies, and expedites Visa issuance to fulfill your business requirements. TVS is TRACE certified, GDPR, FCPA and UK Anti-Bribery Act compliant . TVS commitment to compliance and ethics will assist in safeguarding your company's fundamental business framework. Our expertise ensures the application for the appropriate Visa category, adherence to published Embassy and Consulate fees, and upholding the utmost level of professionalism to meet your Travelers' requirements.

Managing your Business

We offer customized business tools unique to your needs: ‍ 1) Work Order Forms ‍ 2) Client Portal ‍ 3) Reporting

Dedicated 24/7 Global Support

We are here for you: Whether on-site or remote, our 24/7 support ensures that customers can receive assistance and find real-time answers to their questions from a live person, no matter where they are located in the world.

Governance & Compliance

We are accountable: TVS has strategically organized a global network of partners to support our clients' passport and visa services. TVS consultants are highly experienced and are committed to applying for the proper visa category while maintaining our core ethical values when working with government officials.

More Information

TVS expedites passport processing times, achieving results in as little as 3 to 5 business days . We also extend our support to non-US passports. We welcome you to reach out to us for further information, and allow us to assist you with your specific needs. Our passport services encompass:

• Passport Renewals

• Second Passports

• Minor Passports

• Name Change

• Lost or Stolen Passports

Our services go beyond those of a traditional visa service company . We provide all services traditionally associated with a Visa and Immigration provider. We also specialize in the Energy and Maritime sectors, dealing with complex categories for individuals of all nationalities worldwide. Let us help you determine the proper category that you need for your visa to ensure uninterrupted travel.

• Tourist Visa

• Business Visa

• Work Visa (Contact us)

• ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Document Services

TVS can assist with document services for all countries. We will determine the appropriate process to ensure that the documents can be utilized upon travelers' arrival at their destination.

• Translation

• Apostille

• Attestation

• Legalization Document

• Birth Certificate

• Resident Permits

Consulting & Additional Services

Navigating Beyond Expectations: Your Partner in Consulting & Additional Services. TVS offers an extensive array of services tailored to our clients' needs.

• Seaman Books

• Rig Move Consultation

• FBI - Background Check

• Project  / Group Consultation

Trace compliance logo. We are Trace compliant

Hands On. Global Expertise.

The world of international documentation is a complex web of rules, regulations and requirements that vary widely from country to country. Without substantial expertise, the process can become costly, frustrating and time-consuming. TVS Consultants are highly experienced and knowledgeable in the Passport & Visa Industry. Rely on TVS to deliver expedited and expert services for all your travel requirements.

Offshore Client Generic example

Flexible & Transparent.

We welcome the chance to showcase our company's many services and offer you a professional and positive working experience tailored to your corporation's needs.

Client Testimonials

Total Visa Solutions is a key partner to our immigration program. Their dedicated team is instrumental in helping us navigate the complexities of the immigration process. Their team’s expertise and commitment ensure that every step is executed with precision and efficiency.

Frank Gordon

Transocean Offshore

tvs travel industry

TVS has always gone above and beyond to make my job easier and to mitigate the frustrations and demands of time for our expats.

Cindy Lynch

TVS are true Guardian Angels, because of their swift action obtaining the USA Visa for my daughter-in-law, her mother will make it in time to see our Grandson being born. This family would like to Thank you for making this happen!!

Aundie Abercrombie

CHC Travel Department

Immigration is complex. Let us make it easy for you.

Official Website of the International Trade Administration

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Website

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  • Search ITA Search

""

Travel and Tourism Industry News

""

Stay Connected with TI News and Updates

TI News is the National Travel and Tourism Office’s (NTTO) information service available to all interested stakeholders. Receive E-mail updates from NTTO full of practical information and the latest data and research releases, as well as other valuable information related to international travel to and from the United States.

Recent Travel and Tourism Industry News

March 27, 2024: January 2024 International Inbound Visitor Spending

February 28, 2024: December 2023 International Inbound Visitor Spending

February 28, 2024: November 2023 Total International Travel Volume

February 5, 2024: ITA Forecasts More than 15% Increase of International Visitors to the United States in 2024

January 18, 2024: December 2023 Air Passenger Travel

January 17, 2024: October 2023 Total International Travel Volume

January 12, 2024: November 2023 International Inbound Visitor Spending

January 8, 2024: NTTO Publishes Third Quarter 2023 Survey of International Air Travelers (SIAT) Inbound Results

December 20, 2023:Alex Lasry Joins ITA as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel & Tourism

December 15, 2023: November 2023 Air Passenger Travel

December 13, 2023: September 2023 Total International Travel Volume

December 12, 2023: America’s Travel Comeback: Five Ways We’re Supporting Our Travel & Tourism Industry

December 7, 2023: October 2023 International Inbound Visitor Spending

November 20, 2023: October 2023 Air Passenger Travel

November 15, 2023: August 2023 Total International Travel Volume

November 11, 2023: NTTO Publishes 2022 Annual (and 2023 YTD) Survey of International Air Travelers (SIAT) Outbound Results

November 9, 2023: September 2023 International Inbound Visitor Spending

October 23, 2023:  NTTO Publishes Q2 2023 Survey of International Air Travelers Inbound Results  

October 19, 2023: September Air Passenger Travel

October 18, 2023: NTTO Updates on Economic Impact of Travel

October 16, 2023: July 2023 Total International Travel Volume

October 10, 2023: August 2023 International Inbound Visitor Spending

September 26, 2023: NTTO Updates U.S. States and Cities Visited Monitor to Calendar Year 2022

September 19, 2023: August 2023 International Air Passenger Travel

September 12, 2023: June 2023 Total International Travel Volume

September 7, 2023: July 2023 International Inbound Visitor Spending

August 21, 2023: July 2023 International Air Passenger Travel

August 17, 2023: NTTO Releases Report on Characteristics of Canadians who Visited by Land in 2022

August 3, 2023: May 2023 Total International Travel Volume

August 1, 2023: April 2023 Total International Travel Volume

July 25, 2023: NTTO Reports Quarterly SIAT Results (Q1 2023) for the First Time

July 18, 2023: June 2023 International Air Passenger Travel

July 17, 2023: May 2023 International Inbound Visitor Spending

July 6, 2023: March 2023 Total International Travel Volume

June 12, 2023: May 2023 International Air Passenger Travel

June 8, 2023: April 2023 International Inbound Visitor Spending

June 5, 2023: February 2023 Total International Travel Volume

May 12, 2023: April 2023 International Air Passenger Travel (Coming Soon)

May 9, 2023: March 2023 International Air Passenger Travel

May 5, 2023: March 2023 International Inbound Visitor Spending

May 4, 2023: New National Travel and Tourism Office Director Named

April 26, 2023: January 2023 Total International Travel Volume

April 11, 2023: February 2023 International Inbound Visitor Spending

March 16, 2023: February 2023 International Air Passenger Travel

March 15, 2023: January 2023 International Inbound Visitor Spending

March 14, 2023: December and Calendar Year 2022 Total International Travel Volume

February 23, 2023: January 2023 International Air Passenger Travel

February 21, 2023: NTTO Forecasts Over 20% Increase of International Visitors in 2023

February 13, 2023: December 2022 International Inbound Visitor Spending

February 1, 2023: November 2022 Total International Travel Volume

January 17, 2023: December 2022 International Air Passenger Travel

January 12, 2023: November 2022 International Inbound Visitor Spending

January 5, 2023: October 2022 Total International Travel Volume

December 15, 2022: November 2022 International Air Passenger Travel

December 13, 2022: October 2022 International Inbound Visitor Spending

December 8, 2022: September 2022 Total International Travel Volume

November 15, 2022: October 2022 International Air Passenger Travel

November 7, 2022: September 2022 International Inbound Visitor Spending

November 3, 2022: August 2022 Total International Travel Volume

October 17, 2022: September 2022 International Air Passenger Travel

October 6, 2022: August 2022 International Inbound Visitor Spending

October 5, 2022: July 2022 Total International Travel Volume

September 13, 2022: August 2022 International Air Passenger Travel

September 8, 2022: July 2022 International Inbound Visitor Spending

September 1, 2022: June 2022 Total International Travel Volume

August 25, 2022: Accepting Applications for the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and the Brand USA Board of Directors

August 24,2022: July 2022 International Air Passenger Travel

August 9, 2022: June 2022 International Inbound Visitor Spending

August 4, 2022: May 2022 Total International Travel Volume

July 20, 2002: NTTO Releases 2021 Overseas Visitation Statistics and New Data Visualization Tool

July 12, 2022: June 2022 International Air Passenger Travel

July 11, 2022: May 2022 International Inbound Visitor Spending

June 30, 2022: April 2022 Total International Travel Volume

June 16, 2022: April 2022 International Inbound Visitor Spending

June 15, 2022: May 2022 International Air Passenger Travel

June 1, 2022: March 2022 Total International Travel Volume

May 18, 2022: April 2022 International Air Passenger Travel

May 16, 2022: NTTO Publishes Three New Fact Sheets on Travel and Tourism

May 4, 2022: March 2022 International Inbound Visitor Spending

May 2, 2022: February 2022 Total International Travel Volume

April 11, 2022: March 2022 International Air Passenger Travel

April 7, 2022: February 2022 International Inbound Visitor Spending

March 31, 2022: January 2022 Total International Travel Volume

March 16, 2022: NTTO Releases Survey of International Air Travelers (SIAT) Outbound Monitor

March 10, 2022: February 2022 International Air Passenger Travel to and From the United States

March 9, 2022: International Visitors Spent $8.2 billion in January 2022

March 8, 2022: 2020 Travel and Tourism Industry Impact on the U.S. Economy

February 2, 2022: New Research from the National Travel and Tourism Office

February 8, 2022: ITA Data Release: December 2021 International Inbound Visitor Spending 

February 9, 2022: ITA Data Release: January 2022 International Air Passenger Travel to and from the United States

August 11: NTTO Launches Two New Data Tools Analyzing International Visitors to the United States  

May 10: A New Way to View International Travel - NTTO’s I-94 Visitor Arrivals Monitors  

April 14: Federal Register Notice Requesting Comments on the Survey of International Air Travelers Program (SIAT)

March 9: National Travel and Tourism Office Launches COVID-19 Monitor

February 17: U.S. Department of Commerce Seeking 2021 Market Development Cooperator Program Proposals

July 17: 2019 Overseas Visitation Estimates, Country Profiles and Spending Available

April 22: 2017 Visitation Estimates, Country Profiles and Spending Available

April 2: U.S. Citizen International Outbound Travel Up Six Percent in 2018  

  • SMB Technology
  • Mobile Productivity
  • Mobile Security
  • Computing & Monitors
  • Memory & Storage
  • Digital Signage
  • Trending Tech
  • Hospitality
  • Manufacturing
  • Transportation
  • Food & Beverage
  • Live Events & Sports
  • Spectaculars & DOOH
  • Gaming & Esports
  • White Papers
  • Infographics
  • Case Studies
  • About Samsung Insights
  • Our Experts

Subscribe to Insights

Get the latest insights from Samsung delivered right to your inbox.

See our Privacy Policy

Samsung Business Insights

tvs travel industry

Featured posts in

tvs travel industry

How OTT apps improve hotel technology for guests

tvs travel industry

Why your hotel needs to add EV charging — and how to do it

tvs travel industry

How to increase guest loyalty through consistent experiences

The value of htvs in hotels and how they can change the guest experience.

Hotel guest expectations are changing with the times — and technology. Gone are the days when amenities like fitness centers and free breakfast wowed and wooed hotel guests. Today’s travelers want seamless, personalized experiences where technology often plays a key role, from contactless check-ins and upgrades to meal delivery services and electric vehicle charging. This shift places significant pressure on property managers to continually update their facilities and services.

Hospitality TVs (HTVs), a staple in hotel rooms, often lag behind these growing expectations. In fact, many guests never even turn on older models, preferring to use their own devices and connected streaming services. That reveals a giant gap between what HTVs and hotels offer — and what guests desire.

Fortunately, the next generation of HTVs has arrived and is bringing a bevy of technology to the screen that can engage hotel guests in a more dynamic — and potentially profitable — way. This highlights the value of HTVs in hotels.

How HTVs improve the guest experience

The next generation of HTVs offers numerous benefits to hotel management and guests. These advanced devices are designed to meet contemporary preferences in a number of key ways:

Streaming and casting

Guests today prefer streaming their favorite content via platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, and they expect the same convenience and personalized experience they have at home.

Digital transformation and the guest experience

tvs travel industry

Learn how a single, unified digital solution can elevate and personalize your guest experience. Download Now

The next generation of HTVs cater to this by integrating these over-the-top applications directly into their systems, eliminating the need for external devices or complex setups. Many models allow casting, as well, giving guests the opportunity to play from their devices through the HTV and experience the best of both worlds.

Sustainability initiatives

Modern HTVs provide hotels with a powerful way to promote sustainability — an issue that matters to the vast majority of travelers in report after report . This offers hotels many reasons to leverage technology that supports sustainability , including HTVs.

Modern HTVs reduce the number of electronic devices required in each room by consolidating multiple functions into a single unit. This integration not only streamlines the guest experience but also minimizes electronic waste and lowers energy consumption. Energy-efficient designs help cut down on “ghost electricity” usage — energy being consumed by plugged-in but unused devices — contributing to greener hotel operations. Additionally, HTVs can replace traditional signage and printed materials inside guest rooms, significantly reducing paper waste.

Cost savings

From a cost perspective, the next generation of HTVs presents numerous savings opportunities. By offering streaming and casting options, hotels can reduce or even eliminate the need for cable subscriptions in each room. The energy efficiency of these devices also lowers electricity bills, while their integrated nature simplifies maintenance and reduces the frequency and cost of repairs.

Service enhancements

With modern HTVs, guests can personalize their viewing, creating an experience closer to the comfort and convenience they have at home. In this way, HTVs improve the guest experience by integrating various aspects of hospitality technology into a single, user-friendly interface. With fewer devices to manage, the likelihood of technical failures decreases, ensuring that guests are not inconvenienced by faulty equipment and that hotel rooms are less likely to be out of service, ensuring higher occupancy rates and guest satisfaction.

Which HTV is right for your property?

As a leader in HTV technology, Samsung meets the needs of both hotel guests and managers. Samsung HCU700 and Samsung HBU800 HTVs are two prime examples, each offering unique features and capabilities that cater to different expectations in a hotel environment.

The HCU700 Series is engineered to provide a comprehensive and adaptable viewing experience. This makes it best suited for hotels that require flexible integration with existing systems, such as set-top boxes, and cloud-based content management systems. Its robust upscaling and interference-limiting features make it ideal for densely populated properties or multi-room setups. The unit’s ability to manage content and integrate promotions through Smart Hub and LYNK Cloud makes it a good choice for enhancing guest interaction and engagement.

The HBU800 Series offers a higher-end, more personalized entertainment experience, making it ideal for upscale hotels that prioritize delivering a premium entertainment experience and providing guests with the ability to navigate the TV just as they do at home. Its advanced 4K UHD resolution and connection to external speakers in multiple areas of the guest room create an immersive environment. Similar to Samsung HCU700, it provides remote management and analytics, but with enhanced capabilities for delivering customized content and interactive services. The ability to mirror mobile content and provide free streaming services makes the HBU800 a standout choice for tech-savvy guests who value connectivity and personalization.

Installing HTVs now helps hotels meet future expectations

As technology continues to advance, guests can anticipate even more sophisticated and personalized experiences. Investing in next-generation HTVs is a strategic move that positions hotels to better meet evolving guest expectations. Early adoption of these advanced HTVs not only addresses current demands but also future-proofs hotel properties against forthcoming technological trends. This proactive approach ensures that hotels remain competitive and continue to attract tech-savvy travelers.

Additionally, the data and analytics capabilities of modern hospitality TVs provide valuable insights into guest preferences and behavior. This information can guide future investments and service improvements, allowing hotels to tailor their offerings more precisely and enhance guest satisfaction.

The undeniable value of HTVs

HTVs are a cornerstone of modern hospitality technology that drives guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Updating to state-of-the-art HTVs is a critical step for hotels aiming to stay competitive and deliver exceptional guest experiences. By embracing these advanced devices, hotels can meet contemporary demands for streaming and personalization, promote sustainability, reduce operational costs and improve service quality.

Discover more of the latest technology trends in the hospitality industry to transform your hotel. Also, get your free guide to elevating the guest experience through digital transformation.

Avatar photo

Davina van Buren

Davina van Buren is a freelance B2B technology writer who specializes in travel, restaurants and hospitality, retail, food tech and cleantech. A former television reporter and consumer magazine editor, she's found her home in the B2B world, which satiates and excites her entrepreneurial spirit. Davina is currently pursuing an Executive MBA in Online Marketing.

  • digital signage
  • hospitality technology
  • hospitality TVs
  • hotel guest satisfaction
  • hotel technology
  • smart hotel room

Related Posts

tvs travel industry

Hilton Waikiki Beach welcomes and wows guests with The Wall All-in-One

Located above the main lobby bar, Samsung’s The Wall in the Hilton Waikiki enhances the experience for both guests and locals. Hospitality TVs in guest rooms and other Samsung displays throughout the property elevate the property.

tvs travel industry

Streamlining content distribution for hotel digital signage and TVs

As the hospitality industry becomes more tech-focused, operators need to present a unified brand experience. Hotel guest room signage can help. Here's how.

tvs travel industry

6 of the latest technology trends in the hospitality industry

From the moment a traveler starts planning their trip until they check out of their accommodation, technology is woven into the guest experience. That will pick up speed in 2024, especially in these tech areas.

Featured Posts

tvs travel industry

Hotel TVs with over-the-top apps are a key differentiator among top brands, providing guests with the personalized, high-quality entertainment they crave.

tvs travel industry

Hotels can play an important role in energy transformation, and they should, as EV charging for hotels is now a sought-after amenity in the hospitality industry. Here's how they can take advantage of the opportunity.

tvs travel industry

One of the fundamental building blocks of brand loyalty is maintaining consistency throughout the guest experience. Here's why that's important and how to achieve it with digital signage.

How can we help you?

Shop special offers.

Find out about offers on the latest Samsung technology.

Speak to a solutions expert

Get expert advice from a solutions consultant.

Who are you buying for?

I'm buying for myself

I'm buying for a small business

I'm buying for a large enterprise

Our solutions architects are ready to collaborate with you to address your biggest business challenges.

  • Mobile Phones
  • Laptops/2-in-1
  • Business Services
  • Displays & Digital Signage
  • Hospitality TVs
  • Wireless Networks
  • Public Safety

tvs travel industry

A member of our solutions architect team will be in touch with you soon.

‘Orphan Black: Echoes’ mirrors a television industry desperate to reclaim its glory days

A woman in a T-shirt and sweatpants walks through a lab.

  • Show more sharing options
  • Copy Link URL Copied!

This article contains spoilers for the first episode of “Orphan Black: Echoes.”

Sometimes a new television show illuminates the limitless possibilities of the art form. And sometimes it reveals that art form’s struggles.

“ Orphan Black: Echoes ” is precisely what the title implies — a far-off reverberation of an original event, in many ways mirroring the state of television at the moment, scrambling to reclaim its former glory.

This is not to damn “Echoes.” If it was not attached to a masterwork, it could be viewed as a perfectly serviceable, mildly futurist contemplation of the perils of life-replicating technology, deeply rooted in “Frankenstein,” and the vast “what have I wrought?” genre of science-regret that rose in its wake.

In the pilot, which aired Sunday on AMC, Lucy (Krysten Ritter) wakes up on a living room sofa. She is immediately, and kindly, questioned by a woman in a white coat (Keeley Hawes) who is very interested in the state of Lucy’s memory. When it becomes clear that Lucy has no memory, of anything at all, things get a bit … agitated.

Soon enough, Lucy has broken out of the living room, only to discover that it is just a set in a warehouse full of all sorts of funky “science” equipment — weird X-rays, slowly turning fans and a box full of pink goo that contains a half-formed human. The scientist appears and gently informs Lucy that she is the result of cutting-edge technology, a flesh and blood “print-out” of human tissue.

A woman in a white lab coat sits in a chair with her legs and hands crossed.

Like any good Frankenstein monster, Lucy runs away and somehow creates an off-the-grid life, complete with a lovely boyfriend (Avan Jogia) and his equally lovely deaf daughter (Zariella Langford-Haughton). Not surprisingly, many people are looking for Lucy, and while her perpetually worried creator insists that Lucy is not violent, others are not so sure.

In place of villagers with pitchforks, Lucy does battle with those who want her returned to the lab and/or killed (allowing Ritter to show off her “Jessica Jones” fighting skills). Attempting to find and confront her creator, Lucy sees a younger version of herself — a teenager by the name of Jules (Amanda Fix) — and realizes she is not the only walking-talking printout in existence.

It isn’t until the end of the hour, as she makes a call to her aunt Cosima, that Hawes’ scientist is revealed to be none other than Kira, the child at the center of so much of the drama in “Orphan Black.” To underscore this, the camera sweeps across Kira’s desk, showing photos of Cosima ( Tatiana Maslany ), her mother Sarah (also Maslany), Felix (Jordan Gavaris) and Mrs. S (Maria Doyle Kennedy).

The shot is, frankly, a big mistake and serves as an instant reminder of how much viewers will miss “Orphan Black.” Despite the fact that both were made by AMC and BBC America, “Echoes” cannot hold a cloned candle to “Orphan Black.” It is not just a different show, it’s a very different type of show, one that takes itself far more seriously than “Orphan Black” ever did.

A teenagers wearing headphones walks as woman in a jean jacket and cap looks at her.

Although there is delicious irony to be had in the daughter of a clone getting into the human replicating business, the series is not interested in playing with that. In fact, it doesn’t play much at all, remaining, at least in early episodes, unrelievedly serious — even Felix, showing up in a regrettable “look, I’m-older!” wig, hat and glasses, is not allowed to provide the outrageousness and humor that made him such a key player in the original.

Creator Anna Fishko has been clear about her desire to distance “Echoes” from its progenitor, but her methods of doing so strand the narrative in no-man’s land, with Kira’s identity being more of a distraction than a main event, while everyone misses Cosima and all of her clone sestras .

More important is the refusal, by anyone, to mine the absurdity of the situation. Only Jules is allowed to have any fun at all, but even she is confined to angsty teenage anger.

Los Angeles, CA - May 28: "Orphan Black: Echoes" first-time showrunner Anna Fishko poses for a portrait at her home on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. The show is a follow up on a cult favorite about a woman who wakes up one day with no memories of her past and learns she is a 3D-printed clone. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)

‘Orphan Black: Echoes’ isn’t meant to be a clone of a clone show, its creator says

“Orphan Black: Echoes” creator and showrunner Anna Fishko says this latest iteration of the sci-fi series, starring Krysten Ritter, is more a complement than a copy of the original.

June 20, 2024

“Orphan Black: Echoes” has Ritter and Hawes, two fine performers, and, as the plot unfolds, an at-times powerful subplot about how far the pain of loss can drive you. But the thing it does best, alas, is remind the world of how truly great and radically under appreciated “Orphan Black” was, and what a mess television has become since it debuted.

In 2013, Maslany dazzled viewers as an ever-expanding group of disparate, and desperate, clones trying to figure out how they came to exist, and who was trying to kill them.

The show arrived at a moment when television had exploded with new platforms and scripted shows that drew obsessively dedicated audiences. AMC was still caught up in the glory of “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad;” “Orange Is the New Black” and “The Blacklist” had just premiered and “Downton Abbey” and “Game of Thrones” were hitting their strides. Netflix fully entered the game with “House of Cards” while Prime Video test-ballooned “Alpha House.” The problems of “Peak TV” were years away.

Created by Graeme Manson and John Fawcett, “Orphan Black” snuck into the mix as the best sort of sci-fi series. Its reality was not so much re-imagined as slightly tweaked, which allowed the narrative to examine current cultural fault-lines — between science and religion, rich and poor, the individual and the collective — while asking the basic question great art always asks: Who are we really?

The clones became powerful, and often hilarious proof, of how different humans can be while still being essentially the same. Hyper-controlled soccer mom Alison, former street-savvy foster kid Sarah, genius scientist Cosima and whacked-out assassin Helena questioned the morality of extreme science while battling nefarious forces, but they also a hell of a lot of fun to watch.

It was an astonishing feat, by Maslany, of course, but also the writers and the rest of the cast, that impressed most critics (including me) and regular viewers, amassing a devoted fan base dubbed #CloneClub.

But amid the growing cacophony of television’s creative revolution, “Orphan Black” never quite achieved the stature it deserved.

Though Maslany (finally) won an Emmy in 2016, none of the writers, supporting actors or the show itself were similarly acknowledged, which had more to do with the state of the industry than the show itself.

Photo illustration of Only Murders in the Building, “Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution” and  “Decameron.”

The 14 TV shows we’re most excited for this summer

This summer, you’ll have to say goodbye to at least one series, but you’ll get to say hello to revivals of “Orphan Black” and “Yo Gabba Gabba!,” some mystery miniseries and music-centered docuseries.

May 16, 2024

It’s not that “Orphan Black” got lost in the shuffle — its fans were numerous and very vocal. It just never quite occupied the cultural conversation in the way “Mad Men” or “House of Cards” did.

Perhaps it was too sci-fi, or female-centric, or Canadian for its time; perhaps Maslany’s lack of previous stardom made it a tough sell. Whatever the reason, “Orphan Black” remained a mostly word-of-mouth show that should be in the pantheon of work that created television’s modern Golden Age.

Perhaps it will now that “Echoes” is part of television’s Repurposing Age, in which successful series are sold off for parts or recycled entirely.

Television, like Broadway and film, has become more interested in replicating the past than investing in the future, churning out endless sequels, prequels and reboots. As with most things, some of them work — ”Better Call Saul,” Young Sheldon” — some of them don’t — ”Rings of Power,” “And Just Like That” — and some land in between — “House of the Dragon.”

Taken together, however, these regenerative shows reveal an industry attempting to recapture, or cling to, the Golden Age without understanding what made it golden. Television became the ascendant art form of the 21st century because new and re-imaged platforms were willing to swing big, take risks and defy conventional wisdom.

Obviously, the realities of Peak TV, and the welter of streaming services currently competing for eyeballs, create financial pressure that did not exist in those halcyon days. But images grow less vivid the more they are copied and you can’t be groundbreaking if you’re continually mining ground that has already been broken.

More to Read

A woman stands in front of a wall holding her skirt out and a man in a second image stands in front of a photoshoot light.

‘Ghosts’ brings on the hijinks of sitcoms past. Even if it makes it hard for its stars

June 4, 2024

Three Little Birds - Saffron Coomber

6 little-known series you won’t regret making time for

May 29, 2024

Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine appear in "I Saw the TV Glow"

Review: ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ gets stranded in a glum gaze from which it never stirs

May 2, 2024

The complete guide to home viewing

Get Screen Gab for everything about the TV shows and streaming movies everyone’s talking about.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

tvs travel industry

Mary McNamara is a culture columnist and critic for the Los Angeles Times. Previously she was assistant managing editor for arts and entertainment following a 12-year stint as television critic and senior culture editor. A Pulitzer Prize winner in 2015 and finalist for criticism in 2013 and 2014, she has won various awards for criticism and feature writing. She is the author of the Hollywood mysteries “Oscar Season” and “The Starlet.” She lives in La Crescenta with her husband, three children and two dogs.

More From the Los Angeles Times

Best rides from Knotts Berry Farm

Travel & Experiences

Every ride at Knott’s Berry Farm, ranked

a man holding some clothes, a woman and a child looking off into the distance

‘House of the Dragon’: A guide to Season 1 as Season 2 approaches

June 12, 2024

Animatronic Tiana and friends, including the alligator Louis, serenade guests on a log flume ride.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s joyous debut proves it was time for stale Splash Mountain to go

June 11, 2024

Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-jae listening to Leslye Headland

‘Acolyte’ stars Amandla Stenberg and Lee Jung-jae on ‘cosmic connection’ between Mae and Sol

June 5, 2024

Apple TV+ announces third season for globetrotting travel series “The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy”

“The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy” image

Today, Apple TV+ announced a third season renewal for the multi-award-winning travel series “The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy,” hosted and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Eugene Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”). The eight-episode third season will follow Levy on a truly global adventure as he attempts to curate his own ‘ultimate travel bucket list.’ If he’s to inch closer to becoming a real traveler, he’ll need to tick off some of the world's must-do experiences. Trouble is, he doesn’t have a clue where to start.

Since its global debut, “The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy” has received great acclaim from critics around the world. Hailed as “dazzling, delightful … and gorgeously filmed,” and “perhaps the perfect blend of travel documentary and pure comedy,” the series features host Levy who is “an absolute delight to watch” and “endlessly entertaining.” The series was also recently honored with wins for Best Travel/Adventure Show and Best Unstructured Series at the Critics Choice Real TV Awards. The complete first and second seasons are now streaming globally on Apple TV+.

“I really appreciate what this show is trying to do for me,” said host and executive producer Eugene Levy. But to be a real seasoned traveler, you need to have a strong sense of adventure and curiosity, and I’m ashamed to say over the past two seasons I’ve developed neither. But I have to admit I’m having a lot of fun putting in the effort. So the beat goes on, apparently.”

After conquering some of his greatest fears in seasons one and two, Levy admits, his travels have changed him for the better. Now, he is back on the road for an adventure that promises to broaden his horizons more than any other. Join him for this all-new eye-opening trip!

The series is produced for Apple TV+ by Twofour and is executive produced by Levy, David Brindley, Nic Patten, Sara Brailsford, Iain Peckham and Lily Fitzpatrick.

“The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy” is part of a growing lineup of acclaimed and award-winning nonfiction programming on Apple TV+, including “The Dynasty: New England Patriots,” a new documentary event series about the New England Patriots, from Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Documentaries, in association with NFL Films; “Hollywood Con Queen,” featuring the shocking story of one of Hollywood’s biggest scams, from executive producer Chris Smith; and, “Messi’s World Cup: The Rise of a Legend,” the first official and definitive account of Messi’s sensational career with the Argentina national football team and his five FIFA World Cup appearances, including his 2022 win, among many others.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 496 wins and 2,171 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

About Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com , for $9.99 per month with a seven-day trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*

For more information, visit  apple.com/tvpr  and see the full list of   supported devices .

Article Assets

*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until cancelled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.

Press Contacts

Apple TV+ Press

  • Election 2024
  • Entertainment
  • Newsletters
  • Photography
  • Personal Finance
  • AP Investigations
  • AP Buyline Personal Finance
  • AP Buyline Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Israel-Hamas War
  • Russia-Ukraine War
  • Global elections
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East
  • Election Results
  • Delegate Tracker
  • AP & Elections
  • Auto Racing
  • 2024 Paris Olympic Games
  • Movie reviews
  • Book reviews
  • Personal finance
  • Financial Markets
  • Business Highlights
  • Financial wellness
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Social Media

Off the TV screen and into real life: An MSNBC event illustrates the rise of ‘event journalism’

Image

This image released by MSNBC shows Chris Hayes, left, and Rachel Maddow during a taping of “Why is This Happening Live with Chris Hayes & Rach Maddow” in New York. MSNBC is inviting its fans to a one-day “Democracy 2024” event this September with live panels and a dinner with stars like Maddow, Hayes and Ari Melber, part of the company’s entrance into the burgeoning field of events journalism. (Astrid Stawiarz/MSNBC via AP)

FILE - MSNBC television anchor Rachel Maddow, host of the Rachel Maddow Show, moderates the “Perspectives on National Security” panel on Oct. 16, 2017, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

  • Copy Link copied

Image

NEW YORK (AP) — MSNBC is inviting its fans to a one-day “Democracy 2024” event this September with live panels and a dinner with stars like Rachel Maddow, Chris Hayes and Ari Melber, part of the company’s entrance into the burgeoning field of events journalism.

Live events are a growing business for many news outlets, forced to think of different ways to make money with readership, viewership and advertising revenue declining. MSNBC has ramped up its effort this year with the help of creative director Luke Russert.

The journalism-centered events business has grown in fits and starts before accelerating in recent years. It is particularly robust in Washington, with the Post, Politico, Semafor, Punchbowl News and Puck all active.

“The fact that we’ve seen others in the industry host similar events, that’s been a bit of a precedent,” MSNBC President Rashida Jones said. “One of the benefits of our brand and our content is that there are a lot ways to engage with it.”

Growth of an industry adjacent to journalism

When Semafor started two years ago, co-founder and CEO Justin B. Smith made it a central part of the business; the company held eight events before publishing its first article. He calls it “live journalism,” and it was quickly profitable through the sale of sponsorships.

Image

Semafor will hold about 70 or 80 events this year, with the centerpiece being the World Economy Summit in April, an annual meeting Smith has positioned as Davos on the Potomac River.

“It’s a great place to make news and a great place to make money,” he said.

Before Semafor, Smith built up the live events business at Bloomberg and the Atlantic, the latter instrumental in the popular Aspen Ideas Festival. The New Yorker magazine has also built an influential festival that mixes news and culture.

Overall, events journalism didn’t catch fire quickly, in part because organizing them was a skill in short supply at news outlets, Smith said. There were also some notable missteps: A reporter for The New York Times quit under pressure in 2019 after using a racial slur in a Times-sponsored student trip to Peru; the newspaper doesn’t host such trips anymore.

And The Washington Post was embarrassed in 2009 when it was revealed it had planned to charge lobbyists as much as $250,000 to attend an off-the-record salon, hosted by its publisher, with newsmakers and journalists.

That’s a clear ethical transgression for selling access. But Thomas Rosenstiel, a journalism professor at the University of Maryland, said he didn’t see a problem with an event like MSNBC’s.

“If the product is civic knowledge and debate, that’s what news organizations do,” Rosenstiel said. “That’s the business that they’re in. It’s just the delivery system is different.”

MSNBC dips its toe in

MSNBC’s “Democracy 2024” has faint echoes of the annual “BravoCon” run by its corporate cousin, although in this case news personalities are replacing real housewives and Andy Cohen. Last year’s 3-day “BravoCon” in Las Vegas cost fans $550 for entry, with a special VIP package of $1,200 that included the right to move to the front of the line at the bar.

“We do not have that feature,” MSNBC’s Jones said.

Ticket prices for the Sept. 7 MSNBC day at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, which also includes a film screening and reception, start at $119 per person, the network said on Monday.

Hayes, Jen Psaki, Joy Reid, Alex Wagner, Andrea Mitchell and Katy Tur will lead one panel discission on campaign issues, and stat man Steve Kornacki will break down the latest poll results. Maddow, Melber, Lawrence O’Donnell, Stephanie Ruhle, Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders Townsend will run a second panel.

Dipping its toe in the business, MSNBC held an invite-only event in Washington before the State of the Union address. Hayes went on a multi-city tour surrounding his “Why is this Happening?” podcast, and was joined by Maddow for a discussion at New York’s Town Hall.

“Any opportunity I can have in front of a live crowd I love,” Hayes told The Associated Press. “I’m a theater kid at heart. I probably feel more comfortable in a room with actual people in the audience that I do on live TV.”

Hayes said it offered an unparalleled feedback mechanism.

“You can tell when people are with you, when you’ve lost people,” he said. “You can tell when people are laughing, when they’re sighing in exasperation about something you’ve told them. You can navigate that. One of the hardest things when I started doing TV was not having that.”

This story has been updated to correct the title of an event held by Semafor. It is the World Economy Summit, not the World Economic Forum.

David Bauder writes about media for The Associated Press. Follow him at http://twitter.com/dbauder .

Image

an image, when javascript is unavailable

Conecta Fiction: More Co-Production, Cost Contention and the ‘Severely Overstated’ Death of Peak TV

Conecta Fiction Awards 2024

The eighth edition of Spain’s Conecta Fiction & Entertainment, one of Spain’s foremost TV development and production forums, played out in the historical city of Toledo over June 18-21. 

Known for the massive Catedral, hunking Alcázar castle and higgeldy-piggeldy old quarter back street, history weighs heavily in Toledo. There was nothing arcane about Conecta Fiction, however, which captured the current contradictions of the international TV industry. 10 takeaways:

A Busy and Buzzy 2024 Conecta Fiction 

Related Stories

Peak tv: here’s how deep streamers cut originals output in 1h 2024, siriusxm to launch 'mediaite's press club' in bid to woo media-news crowd, popular on variety.

Yet the TV industry’s big challenges also impacted the meet.   

The television industry is still experiencing ongoing transformation, Omdia’s Rua Aguete argued. That cuts a myriad ways, but one major driver is a significant shift to both more cost-effective viewership and production. With regards to audiences, that’s seen in the rise of Instagram, now with 1.5 billion users, and the surge of Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) channels, particularly in the U.S and Brazil, where they have surpassed traditional pay TV services.

Production: Think Co-Production, Soft Money

The Age of Realism

What kind of budgets will SkyShowtime handle? Kai Finke, SkyShowtime chief content officer, was asked this Conecta Fiction keynote.  “We want to be realistic about the budget, though we’re looking definitely at commissioning a whole number of projects in the market,” he replied. Any viewer hoping for homegrown epics from Max in Spain, which launched April 21, may be disappointed. Max will target adult audiences with brands – such as “Pekin Express,” “Naked Attraction” – or IPs, stories based on real-life events, given their media impact, and Spanish stars, said Alberto Carrullo, head of Max Iberia and Italy. 2025 will see many smaller projects, a Conecta Think Tank predicted. Many titles announced this year at Conecta Fiction bore out this forecast. 

The Beauty of Smaller Series

There are other reasons why smaller series may be in favor. “We’re very open to producers who want to maintain IP, our only concern. Is to keep exclusivity for Spain,” Movistar Plus+’ Susana Herreras said at Conecta Fiction. Global streamers are acquiring just local rights – Max for example on Iberian eco-thriller “Lume” and Spain’s “Favoritix” – opening doors for producers to look to them to occupy a traditional pay 1  window, covering a sufficient chunk of budgets. On big budget series producers still need a streaming partner which covers 100% of a budget and takes 100% IP, when retaining IP is the order of the day.

Shunt Towards the Mainstream

Netflix stunned the world over 2107-18 launching big, big plays out of international which were high on not only production values but also artistic ambition. Think “Money Heist” with its unreliable narrator, or “Dark’s” play on Higgs boson models . Those days are gone. Originality comes these days from just how far series deviate, genre bend and blend away from classic formats, often in stories set in novel contexts. Results can be exciting, as in “Red City,” one of the forum’s big buzz titles. But Conecta Fiction caught the move both to standard genres – over 60% of titles profiled in Conecta Fiction’s Co-pro and High-End pitch titles could be described as either procedural or thrillers, or both. Many project, notwithstanding, explore large social concerns.     

Brazilian Producers Move Into IP, Co-Production

A Move To “Lighter” Entertainment

Conecta Fiction was won by two music-sluiced titles about young women chasing their dreams whether competing at the pop folk Balkavision Song Contest, – flamboyant musical dramedy “The Adventures of a Turbo-Folk Princess,” winner of a €50,000 ($53,500) Council of Europe Series Co-Production Development Award – or becoming a Kpop star, as in “K-Dream.” Series have to be lighter,” says Nadermann, instancing his own “Weiss & Morales,” an episodic procedural set in the spectacularly lush Canary Island of Gomera as well as Gran Canaria, whose landscapes offer “escapism” for viewers, he argued.   

Portugal: Land of Opportunity

A shout-out for Portugal. A decade ago, it made domestic series and telenovelas. This year at Conecta Fiction, the good and great of Portugal’s new TV scene rolled into town with new shows, from broadcasters RTP, TVI and SIC to producers SPi, Caracol Studios, Coral Europa, Plural Ent., Fado Filmes, Glaz, Shine Iberia Portugal and Ukbar Filmes and auteurs Edgar Medina and Leonel Vieira. Portugal has an expansive internationally ambitious industry. It makes the lowest cost of one minute of TV in Western Europe, has talent and a supportive government, “an alternative to American/Brazilian markets [for companies] looking to produce great content in a more cost-effective way,” Glaz’s Carolina Alckmin told  Variety . 

Deals and Business News at Conecta Fiction:

*Israel’s Yes has boarded “Red City,” from “Lupin” co-creator François Uzan and Ofer Seker, behind HBO Max’s “Uri & Ella,” a neo-Western set in 1957 Israel about how its South was won.

*“The Last Kingdom’s” Dominic Barlow is teaming with writer-EP Brendan Foley on “The Angolan Clan,” one of the highlights of this year’s Conecta Fiction pitch sessions. 

*Brazil’s Ventre Studio and Disney are set to go into production on Carlos Saldanha’s live action epic “100 Days,” shaping up as one of the biggest Brazilian movies ever.  

*Studiocanal has rolled out further sales on “The Vow,” a trailblazing premium daily series from Bambu Producciones (“Velvet,” “Cable Girls”) and RTVE, which has energized the Spanish pubcaster’s ratings. 

*Amazon Studios Latin America’s Javiera Balmaseda says in a Conecta Fiction keynote that Amazon Studios is “finally getting bigger” in the region, in terms of audience impact, and will probably stick to “more action thrillers and true crime that will get the most play across the region,” “balanced with prestige drama.”  

*Presented at Conecta Fiction, “Weiss & Morales” shows one way forward for cost-crunched European series.

*Banijay Branded Entertainment strikes strategic deals with Launchmetrics and IMA, broadening Banijay’s services and revenue streams. 

*Also part of Conecta Fiction’s Brazil Focus, ’3%’ producer Boutique Filmes announces “Seven Women,” with Portugal’s SP1, as well as a new sci-fi show from 3% creator Pedro Aguilera.

*Portugal and Brazil-based Glaz Entretenimiento is teaming with Boat Rocker to develop Azores-set fantasy mystery series “Human Nature,” Glaz’s entry into English-language scripted, Glaz announced at Conecta Fiction.

*In more Conecta news from Ventre, it unveiled “Coligay,” a scripted series on an extraordinary example of courage and resistance, the flamboyantly gay soccer supporters collective of the title, which blossomed under Brazil’s military dictatorship. Catnip for international partners.

*Secuoya Studios launches a European Sales and Global Co-Production Division, tapping María García-Castrillón as its director.

*Onza Distribution amps up its sports doc sales slate, playing off Spanish soccer IPs, such as Real Madrid keeper Thibout Courtois.

*Iberian wildfire thriller series ‘Lume’ nails down international cast after Max pickup.

*Germany’s Pixable Studios has boarded TV Series “Finisterra,” which Portuguese producer Take It Easy talked up at Conecta Fiction.

More from Variety

Sean penn says he ‘went 15 years miserable on sets’ after ‘milk’ and could not play gay role today due to a ‘timid and artless policy toward the human imagination’, car buyers want more screens as in-vehicle entertainment rises, summer movie season testing 3d cinema’s recoverability, more from our brands, 2024 stanley cup final livestream: how to watch panthers vs. oilers game 7 online, everything about the blue diamond market—and why it’s blowing up, steve cohen bets on jim dolan’s las vegas sphere with 5.5% stake, the best loofahs and body scrubbers, according to dermatologists, tvline items: wilson bethel’s netflix series, jaws @ 50 documentary and more, verify it's you, please log in.

Quantcast

  • Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Responsibility Over Freedom: How Netflix’s Culture Has Changed

The company’s latest internal memo about its corporate culture is more about how it expects employees to behave than what it wants to become.

An exterior of the Netflix building at dusk. In the foreground, a highway crosses near the building.

By Nicole Sperling

Reporting from Los Angeles

Netflix has long been a company known for its secrets: no Nielsen ratings, little feedback on why shows are canceled, no box office numbers for the rare movies that are actually released in theaters.

Yet for a place defined by its opaque approach to the outside world, the streaming giant has long been aggressively transparent internally. The company’s philosophy was immortalized in 2009 when Reed Hastings, the company’s co-founder and chief executive, first laid out the corporate ethos in a 125-slide presentation that introduced new buzzy phrases like “stunning colleagues,” “the keeper test” and “honesty always.”

The presentation, with its insistence on constant and unfiltered candor, felt both brutal and refreshingly antithetical to Hollywood’s normal way of doing business. To the frustration of former employees and current competitors, it may just be the blueprint that has enabled Netflix to have so much success while its rivals have stumbled.

Three more culture memos have followed over the years. Before being released, they are pored over and analyzed for months by top executives. At the same time, any employee can pop into the Google Doc where the memo is being assembled to leave a thought or a comment.

The latest iteration of the document, which was released internally on May 8 and will soon be made public, underwent eight months of vetting and received 1,500 comments from employees, according to Sergio Ezama, Netflix’s chief talent officer. It is five pages long (half the length of Mr. Hastings’s final memo in 2022), and some core tenets have changed, however slightly.

When Mr. Hastings titled his 2009 presentation “Netflix Culture,” he gave it the subhead “Freedom and Responsibility.” The idea was that Netflix trusted its employees to act in the best interest of the company. If you want a vacation, take a vacation. If you have a baby and need to go on leave, go on leave. Documents were shared widely throughout the company without any fear of leaks.

While those principles remain in practice, the new memo highlights Netflix’s philosophy of “People Over Process” first: “We hire unusually responsible people who thrive on this openness and freedom.”

The keeper test — which is defined as, “if X wanted to leave, would I fight to keep them?” — now includes this disclaimer: “The keeper test can sound scary. In reality, we encourage everyone to speak to their managers about what’s going well and what’s not on a regular basis.”

There is a sentence in the latest memo that reads, “Not all opinions are created equal” because as the organization has grown to more than 13,000 employees, it is no longer feasible for everyone to weigh in on every decision. “It does not scale,” said Elizabeth Stone, the company’s chief technology officer.

The company is never one to shy away from reorganizing itself — a feature that critics say happens too frequently and leaves many employees worrying that they could be fired any day. Mr. Hastings has moved on to the executive chairman role. Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters are the co-chief executives, and change is always afoot. Still, the latest culture memo feels much more about how the streamer expects its employees to behave rather than a treatise for what it wants to become.

“The key about the Netflix culture is we really try to systematically think what generates long-term excellence,” Mr. Hastings said in a video interview from his home in Santa Cruz, Calif. “Certainly a lot of creativity, a lot of freedom, a lot of focus on innovation, and trying to attract and develop people who are self-responsible.”

Talk to the employees who work at Netflix and the sense is that the cultural tenets have infiltrated their lives in ways they weren’t expecting. Many came in skeptical, assuming the memo itself was a public relations effort to make the company stand out. Yet some of those people now describe it as being 80 to 90 percent accurate.

Ms. Stone, who married months after joining Netflix in 2020, said that she and her husband “use certain language now like, ‘Do you have any feedback for me?’ He would be the first to say at a cocktail party that he’s very good at receiving feedback, and he’s still working on giving feedback.”

The document is made to read as aspirational, and there is always room for improvement.

“Are we always totally direct with each other? No. Are we completely devoid of politics? No,” said Spencer Wang, the vice president of finance and investor relations, who has been with Netflix for nine and a half years. The company is not “perfect across all these dimensions, but I would say it is a remarkably accurate description of what we aspire to be and how we generally operate,” he said.

Reflecting on the initial presentation, Mr. Hastings admitted that “leading with freedom was attractive,” adding, “It was good bait.”

But as the company grew, the concept of freedom and responsibility, which many reduced to “FNR,” became weaponized by some employees as justification for doing whatever they desired. One year an assistant expensed $30,000, according to a company official, because there was no rule saying that it wasn’t allowed.

“We care about freedom when it generates excellence, not for its own sake,” Mr. Hastings said. “In hindsight, this is the draft I wish we had 15 years ago.”

From the beginning, Netflix was never going to be a place where most people stayed for their entire careers. Employment contracts don’t exist, and an employee, no matter the rank, can be let go at any time.

While few leave of their own accord (voluntary resignation ranged from 2.1 to 3.1 percent in the last two years), about 9 percent are asked to leave annually. That may be a relief to those who describe the pace as all-consuming and find the company’s key tenet of being “uncomfortably exciting” untenable. The company warns in the memo that the concept may cause “many people” to choose other places “that are more stable or take fewer risks.”

While some employees, including the two co-chief executives, have been with Netflix for over 15 years, many consider sticking it out for five to be a significant achievement.

Still, some find the pressure invigorating. Brandon Riegg, the vice president of nonfiction and sports, said he had often felt stifled when working at the traditional entertainment studios. He calls the culture at Netflix “a life preserver” that has allowed him to make an impact that wouldn’t have been possible at a traditional studio. Five years ago, he persuaded his bosses to release episodes of the reality show “Rhythm + Flow” in batches for the first time. That practice has been repeated with other reality programs like “Love Is Blind” and scripted programming like “Bridgerton” and “Stranger Things.”

He said that while the strategy ran counter to what Netflix had done in the past, executives were willing to try it.

Their approach, Mr. Riegg said, was that “we hired you, and if you think this is the best thing, and you’ve farmed for dissent, and you’ve taken in all the feedback, and this is where you landed, let’s give it a shot.”

Mr. Hastings looked relaxed during the video interview, and that may be because he’s rid of the jet lag and “insane” schedule that used to wear him down as chief executive. (His new life of philanthropy and owning a ski mountain may also be helping.)

Or maybe it’s because he’s no longer subject to the constant feedback the company is known for — something many employees find jarring when entering the Netflix vortex, especially those coming from outside Silicon Valley.

Mr. Wang said that receiving candid feedback was fine but that as an Asian American, he had initially found it hard to provide it because “it rubbed against my cultural background.” More recently, he said, he was told that he’s “too direct,” so he’s now working on being more sensitive.

Ms. Stone, the chief technology officer, recently recounted being at a happy hour event in New York City where an engineer introduced himself and proceeded to say, “I’m the engineer who wrote the bug in the code that brought the service down two weeks ago.”

“He knew introducing himself that way to me would spark a good conversation about what’s the culture around improvement,” she said. “It wasn’t like: ‘Why is this person still here? This person should be fired.’”

As for Mr. Hastings, he may not have to take any more feedback, but he can still dole it out. He said he appreciated that Mr. Sarandos and Mr. Peters waited a year after his departure to reformulate the culture memo as their own.

“It’s 10 percent better,” he said. “It’s not radically better, but it’s as good as any improvement I ever made on it. So that’s a compliment.”

Nicole Sperling covers Hollywood and the streaming industry. She has been a reporter for more than two decades. More about Nicole Sperling

Inside the Media Industry

The Washington Post: ​​   Robert Winnett, the editor selected to run the paper following Sally Buzbee’s resignation, will not take up that position , after reports raised questions about his ties to unethical news gathering practices in Britain .

Warner Bros. Discovery: ​​​​ The company’s TNT channel and the N.B.A. have long been inextricably linked, but that may end after next season .

HBO: ​​​​ The network has hit an unusually fallow stretch. Executives hope the return of “House of the Dragon” could be the start of a new winning streak .

Alamo Drafthouse: ​​​​Sony Pictures is acquiring the theater chain , in a deal that was made possible after the Justice Department rescinded decades-old distribution rules in 2020.

Paramount: ​​​​Skydance’s merger talks with Paramount were called off after Paramount’s controlling shareholder scuttled the deal , ending a drama that has captivated Hollywood.

IMAGES

  1. TVS Travel Industry

    tvs travel industry

  2. TVS Travel Industry

    tvs travel industry

  3. TVS Travel and Tourism opens new branches

    tvs travel industry

  4. TVS Travel and Tourism opens new branches

    tvs travel industry

  5. TVS Travel Industry

    tvs travel industry

  6. TVS Travel Industry

    tvs travel industry

VIDEO

  1. CCUS Sector Trends in 2024 and Beyond

  2. SICON OIL & GAS SpA

  3. Entertainment Industry In Flux

  4. Micro-LED TV: The Future of Display Technology

COMMENTS

  1. One way to build an agency's reputation: Appear on local TV shows

    ASTA's Erica Richter's take: Not only is it free advertising for the agency, but it also elevates the profession of travel advising -- and the industry itself.

  2. TVS Travel Industry

    TVS Travel Industry. 365 likes • 399 followers. Posts. About. Photos. Videos. More. Posts. About. Photos. Videos. TVS Travel Industry. Events

  3. TVS Travel Industry

    TVS Travel Industry, Moscow, Russia. 356 likes · 2 were here. Виза в любую точку мира! Шенгенская виза за 24 часа по дв

  4. 4 of the Most Inspiring TV Travel Ad Campaigns

    For the travel industry, it remains a vital channel for marketing campaigns that transport us beyond the mundane and spark the flame of wanderlust. This rings especially true as hotel advertisers, travel agencies, and tourist destinations like Greece and Iceland attempt to inspire people to take more journeys in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  5. TVS Travel Industry on Reels

    TVS Travel Industry · Original audio

  6. TV travel hosts find ways to connect with viewers beyond the living

    Aug 15, 2022. |. Denella Ri'chard, host of "Traveling With Denella Ri'chard," says many travel advisors watch her show. Source: Denella Ri'chard. Travel-focused television has a long history of ...

  7. U.S. top TV travel advertisers by impressions 2022

    Leading TV advertisers in the travel and tourism industry in the United States between January and July 2022, by share of ad impressions [Graph], Skift, August 19, 2022. [Online].

  8. Tourism Advertising Finds New Value With Streaming TV

    Take Travel South Dakota, which plans to commit nearly 33 percent of its paid media spend to so-called connected TV, which is streaming on TV devices like Roku, according to spokeswoman Katlyn ...

  9. TV, Film and Production Travel Management

    At Beyond Business Travel, we understand that organising travel for any film or TV production crew can be a challenge. That's why we have a dedicated team who are experienced in providing top-class travel services to the production industry. For over 20 years, we have worked with a range of clients in the film and TV industry - from ...

  10. TVS Travel Industry

    TVS Travel Industry, Moscow, Russia. 367 likes · 1 talking about this · 2 were here. Виза в любую точку мира! Шенгенская виза за 24 часа по дв

  11. The 75+ Best Travel TV Shows Sure To Give You The Travel Bug

    Latest additions: Talking Sabor, The Express Way With Dulé Hill, Conan O'Brien Must Go. Most divisive: The Getaway. Over 4.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Excellent TV Shows About Travel. Travel shows, a captivating genre on television, have been inspiring wanderlust for decades.

  12. U.S. top TV travel advertisers spend 2022

    In the first 11 months of 2022, Airbnb was the largest travel-related advertiser on TV, having spent an estimated 86.5 million U.S. ... Travel industry digital ad spend in the U.S. 2019-2024;

  13. Travel Industry News :: Travel Industry Wire

    The Experiential Travel Boom: The Big Summer Travel Trends for 2024 - By Ivana Johnston. 2024-05-22. Even with the economy's ups and downs, travelers are spending more on experiences. They're going for bucket-list adventures that showcase their unique passions. This booming industry is expected to reach $1.6 trillion by the end of 2024!

  14. 5 Reasons Why Smart TVs Will Disrupt the Travel Industry

    With Smart TVs, guests can stream movies and channels, and have additional premium channel access, access the internet and more - it's cutting edge, and that's what people want these days. 2 ...

  15. 20 Largest Travel Companies In The World

    In this article, we will be covering the 20 largest travel companies in the world. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the travel and tourism industry, you can go directly to 5 Largest ...

  16. The U.S. travel industry is optimistic as Americans plan trips ...

    Still, the U.S. travel sector is bouncing back from its pandemic lows, businesses and experts say. The travel association reports that travel spending is inching back up to 2019 levels. Hotel ...

  17. What are the latest travel trends?

    We've done a deep dive into the latest travel trends and how industry players can adjust accordingly in The state of travel and hospitality 2024 report. Check out the highlights below, as well as McKinsey's insights on AI in travel, mass tourism, and much more. Learn more about McKinsey's Travel, Logistics, and Infrastructure Practice.

  18. Travel Guides (TV series)

    Travel Guides is an Australian travel series which premiered on the Nine Network on 14 February 2017. The series follows groups of ordinary Australians who take on the job of travel critics who experience the same week-long international and domestic holidays, and review the same accommodation, cuisine, and local sights.

  19. How does the travel industry actually work?

    The travel industry has gone through many evolutions with a variety of external factors contributing to who has access to travel, where they are travelling to and what the travel industry looks like overall. A few important travel industry statistics. Let's start by setting the scene…the travel industry is HUGE and the numbers certainly ...

  20. Meet the Cast of Travel Guides 2024

    Meet Josh! He'll join sister Stack in place of Mel this season. (Credit: Nine) Karli and Bri. Joining Travel Guides on the road for the first time are Karly and Bri, two besties who met while filming Beauty and the Geek for Nine a couple of years ago and have been inseparable ever since. "We were roommates on the show, so we had no choice but to be friends," Bri told our sister site TV WEEK.

  21. Smart TVs and Travel: Accessing Streaming Services While Abroad

    Smart TVs connect to the internet, offering a gateway to streaming services and on-demand entertainment. 2. Streaming Services: Your Passport to Global Content: Explore vast libraries of shows, movies, and documentaries from popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. 3.

  22. Future of tourism: Tech, staff, and customers

    As travel resumes and builds momentum, it's becoming clear that tourism is resilient—there is an enduring desire to travel. Against all odds, international tourism rebounded in 2022: visitor numbers to Europe and the Middle East climbed to around 80 percent of 2019 levels, and the Americas recovered about 65 percent of prepandemic visitors 1 "Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels ...

  23. Total Visa Solutions (TVS)

    TVS can elevate your travel program by partnering with Travel Arrangers or employees to identify the Visa category that accurately aligns with your business needs. The TVS service platform extends support to individuals of ALL nationalities across the globe. Our combined program contains over 129 intermediaries worldwide, in over 66 countries.

  24. Travel and Tourism Industry News

    TI News is the National Travel and Tourism Office's (NTTO) information service available to all interested stakeholders. Receive E-mail updates from NTTO full of practical information and the latest data and research releases, as well as other valuable information related to international travel to and from the United States.

  25. The value of HTVs in hotels and how they can change the guest

    Davina van Buren is a freelance B2B technology writer who specializes in travel, restaurants and hospitality, retail, food tech and cleantech. ... Streamlining content distribution for hotel digital signage and TVs. As the hospitality industry becomes more tech-focused, operators need to present a unified brand experience. Hotel guest room ...

  26. 'Orphan Black: Echoes' mirrors a television industry desperate to

    Television became the ascendant art form of the 21st century because new and re-imaged platforms were willing to swing big, take risks and defy conventional wisdom.

  27. Apple TV+ announces third season for globetrotting travel series "The

    Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day trial.

  28. Off the TV screen and into real life: An MSNBC event illustrates the

    Growth of an industry adjacent to journalism. When Semafor started two years ago, co-founder and CEO Justin B. Smith made it a central part of the business; the company held eight events before publishing its first article. He calls it "live journalism," and it was quickly profitable through the sale of sponsorships. ... One of the hardest ...

  29. Conecta Fiction: Co-Production, Cost Contention, and Other Concerns

    The television industry is still experiencing ongoing transformation, Omdia's Rua Aguete argued. That cuts a myriad ways, but one major driver is a significant shift to both more cost-effective ...

  30. How Netflix's Corporate Culture Has Changed

    The company's latest internal memo about its corporate culture is more about how it expects employees to behave than what it wants to become.