Demand for travel was again at a high point for the year in the month of August in the U.S, with Labor Day demand peaking in the days leading up to the holiday weekend. 

In Europe, COVID-19 cases rose steadily; however, demand has remained strong and has now surpassed 2019 demand. APAC demand was up 20% compared to the same period in 2020.

U.S. Highlights

• U.S. demand is again at a high point for the year as we reach what has historically been the busiest travel season.
• COVID cases steadily increased throughout July and into August, accelerating in a similar fashion to Fall of 2020. New cases per day approached 150,000.
• The coastal demand trend from June and July did not continue into August. Hawaii, Nevada, Washington, and Massachusetts had the highest August 2021 over August 2020 growth.
• Fully vaccinated US citizens are allowed to enter Canada as of 8/9,  but Canadian traveler’s entry to the US has been delayed until 9/21.
• Labor Day demand peaked in the days leading up to the holiday weekend.

Europe Highlights

• COVID case counts have flat lined at an elevated level after steadily rising throughout July.
• Despite the increase in COVID cases, demand in Europe has remained strong and for the first time has now surpassed 2019 demand.
• Notable updates this week include:
  • European Union: Recommendation for member countries to restrict travel on US tourists amid the rise in delta variant cases.
  • European Union: Surge in COVID cases deeply worrying as vaccination rates dip.
  • France, Italy: COVID Green pass introduced, which will allow indoor activities in the winter for vaccinated individuals.

Asia-Pacific Highlights

• COVID case counts have flat lined at an elevated level after steadily rising throughout July.
• Despite the increase in COVID cases, demand in Europe has remained strong and for the first time has now surpassed 2019 demand.
• Notable updates this week include:
  • European Union: Recommendation for member countries to restrict travel on US tourists amid the rise in delta variant cases.
  • European Union: Surge in COVID cases deeply worrying as vaccination rates dip.
  • France, Italy: COVID Green pass introduced, which will allow indoor activities in the winter for vaccinated individuals.

Our team will continue to keep a close eye on the data and emerging trends and report on any important updates as they become available. To see more data for these regions and other, download the August edition of our monthly insights report here.