The biggest travel story in 2024 may have been the global backlash against overtourism, but there was also plenty of positive news for travel advisors to focus on, including a new federal law requiring hotel companies and event ticket companies to disclose previously hidden charges like resort fees upfront.
The Year’s Top Travel Stories
The year opened with a scare when, on Jan. 5, a door blew out in the middle of an Alaska Airlines flight, resulting in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily grounding all 171 Boeing 737-MAX 9 aircraft in serving and launching a major investigation into the aircraft manufacturer’s operations. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any deaths or injuries, and the plane was able to land safely.
The Federal Trade Commission’s Junk Fee Rule wasn’t the only 2024 law to protect travelers’ rights. The FAA also passed a rule requiring airlines to disclose fees for baggage, cancellations and flight changes, although the airline industry has stalled implementation in the courts.
Another government agency, the State Department, made it easier to renew a U.S. passport by authorizing online renewals in September and opening six new passport offices.
On the downside, U.S. travelers to the U.K. will have to pay a little more for the privilege, with a prior authorization form now required that includes a $12.50 fee. And the cost of participating in the Global Entry and Trusted Traveler programs increased for the first time in over a decade.
Climate change also continued to have profound effects on travel, especially the devastation wrought on the southern U.S. in September and October by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The latter wiped out the fall tourism season in many Appalachian mountain communities. Protests against the cruise industry’s environmental impact led to the cancellation of port calls in Amsterdam over the summer.
Destinations from Juneau, Alaska, to Venice sought to stem a flood of tourists that locals say threaten their quality of life. For example, Barcelona banned some property rentals to foreigners, while Venice began charging day-visit fees and prohibited large tour groups.
China, on the other hand, eased its tourist visa rules in a bid to encourage more travel from Americans.
Cruise planners said a sad farewell to American Queen Voyages, which shut down in February. And Spirt Airlines faces an uncertain future after declaring bankruptcy in the fall.
Overall, however, 2024 was a strong year for global tourism, with hotels reporting a comeback year and travel reaching record levels during the holiday season to close out the year.
