African Tour Operators Rethink Animal Attractions and 8 Other Tourism Trends This Week

Throughout the week we post dozens of original stories, connecting the dots across the travel industry, and every weekend we sum it all up. This weekend roundup examines tourism.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>As more brands design properties and programs with the health-conscious traveler in mind, they should remember that many guests want wellness to be only one aspect of their stay rather than the main attraction: Wellness Tourism Means Secondary Activities For Most Global Travelers

>>This is a pivotal moment for cruise tourism growth in Southeast Asia, but sustainability has to be in the forefront of development efforts: Southeast Asian Cruising Positioned to Reap Big Benefits From China and Australia

>>While some European destinations suffered last year from travelers’ fear of terrorism, Iceland and other countries in Northern and Eastern Europe benefited from the short-term, decreased interest in Western Europe — and more favorable exchange rates: The Phenomenal Growth of Iceland and Precipitous Decline of Turkey: A Tale of Two Europes

>>TUI’s target is very ambitious and five years doesn’t seem like enough time to develop and expand into countries where it does not have the brand recognition: To Generate $1 Billion in New Revenue TUI Looks to New Markets and Bigger Ideas

>>A run of bad press and falling demand has forced segments of southern Africa’s safari industry to take a long, hard look at their offering: Southern Africa’s Tour Operators Are Radically Rethinking Wild Animal Attractions

>>With Carnival Cruise Line now in the mix, all the major mass-market cruise lines now have Cuba on the horizon: Carnival Cruise Line Will Join the Crowds in Cuba

>>There’s a new focus on tech for the everyman, and everywoman, rather than just the usual crowd of “tech bros”: Event Tech Transcends the ‘Tech Bros’ Crowd — Meetings Innovation Report

>>For Avis Budget Group, strong overseas returns aren’t offsetting weakness in the Americas. Through its partnerships with services like Uber and Didi, it’s looking for another way to make money: Avis Ups Its Ridesharing Partnerships as Pressure Increases on Car Rentals

>>Norwegian Cruise Line still has three extra-large ships on the way, but it looks like the company’s future fleet is being designed for flexibility: Norwegian Cruise Line Is Ordering a Fleet of Slightly Less-Giant Ships