The United Nations World Tourism Organization has released its latest analysis if global travel, confirming what everyone knows -- the industry was devastated by the pandemic, with an 83% drop in international travel. But it sees vaccines and pent-up demand are beginning to turn the tide and travel could return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024.

What made you decide on your travel specialty (corporate, leisure, cruises, safaris, disability, etc.)? Email Katie Parks with your responses and we'll compile a selection of them over the next several Thursdays.

Nearly 93% of Hilton hotel rooms in the US were occupied on Saturday during the holiday weekend, and summer reservations are exceeding those of 2019, CEO Christopher Nassetta says. The company also expects a strong year in China.

Prominent chefs are gravitating to hotels, many not known for their cuisine, as the pandemic era leaves a new and challenging landscape for fine dining. Partnering ranges from hosting special dinners to opening permanent restaurants on the premises.

As vaccination rates continue to increase, US and UK airlines have been urging the easing of travel restrictions between the two countries ahead of the G7 summit, citing extensive economic data about the importance of this international market. Willie Walsh of the International Air Transport Association, which again urged representatives from the G7 nations to lift blanket travel bans in favor of "data-based" alternatives that rely on testing and vaccination, notes that "with sensible testing and screening methods in place we can safely open our borders to regain the freedom that has been taken from us."

Marketers should take advantage of YouTube for creating longer, in-depth videos with interesting educational content, according to marketing experts. YouTube videos can be shortened for other social media platforms and embedded in content such as websites and emails.

United Airlines has resumed service from San Francisco to Tahiti. United restarted the route with three weekly flights after French Polynesia opened its borders to Americans.

The UK has removed Portugal from its green list of travel destinations and is expected to update the list today, which could upset the plans of thousands of Britons. Countries on the green list can be visited without quarantine.

American Airlines' elite frequent flyers will have until July 31, 2022 to use upgrade vouchers that were to expire this year. United and Delta have also extended upgrade award deadlines.

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I've had the pleasure of editing numerous travel-related newsletters at SmartBrief for nearly 10 years, including those covering hotels, casinos and amusement parks as well as spa industry news.

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