Tariff Impact, TikTok Ban and Kid-Free Cruising

Skift Daily Briefing Podcast

Listen to the day’s top travel stories in under four minutes every weekday.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, April 3. Here's what you need to know about the business of travel today.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday laid out a sweeping set of tariffs that would hit products from a long list of countries.

Among the proposed tariffs: A baseline of 10% for trading partners; 25% on all imported cars; and reciprocal tariffs on at least 50 countries that can reach nearly 50%. The plans go further than many were expecting.

For the travel industry, the impact is indirect. But the knock-on effects could be significant. Tariffs can lead to higher prices making America a more expensive destination for visitors. And then there are the vibes. Will tourists still be eager to visit a U.S. that is engaged in a trade war with their home country? Hotels face higher costs for new construction, and costs for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. 

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Next, travel brands using TikTok for marketing face uncertainty as the April 5 deadline to avoid a U.S. ban rapidly approaches, writes Global Tourism and Experiences Reporter Jade Wilson.

Wilson notes TikTok is an important marketing channel, with close to 70% of its users discovering travel brands through the app, according to company data. Some travel brands have built significant followings, such as Expedia with 1.8 million followers.

TikTok had briefly been banned in the U.S. earlier this year after the initial deadline to find a buyer for the Chinese-owned app passed. President Donald Trump restored the app and gave TikTok 75 days to sell or face a ban. 

Trump recently indicated he’s open to keeping the platform operational. Wilson notes that if a ban did proceed, the travel industry would be forced to adapt its social media marketing methods for customers inside the U.S.

Finally, Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of the Richard Branson-owned cruise line Virgin Voyages, believes the company’s child-free ships have had success tapping into a largely overlooked market, writes Contributor Chrissie McClatchie. 

Saverimuttu called operating an adults-only cruise line a brave decision because of the widespread belief that cruising is for families. McClatchie notes Virgin Voyages’ strategy opened up an array of design possibilities, such as outdoor workout areas in areas usually reserved for children’s spaces. The company’s trips also include overnights in popular party destinations and relaxed dress codes compared to some other luxury lines that typically attract childless couples. 

Saverimuttu said Virgin Voyages, which is scheduled to launch its fourth vessel in September, saw a 60% jump in revenue last year.