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Bada Boom, Bada Book on Google

Choice says yes to Book on Google: Choice Hotels International has enabled Book on Google, allowing customers to complete a reservation online on Google using their saved Google credentials. Unlike booking a hotel room through other third-party sites, the Book on Google reservation is handled by Choice, which includes receiving a confirmation from Choice Hotels that allows guests to manage reservations directly with the hotel. (Guests can also add their Choice Privileges membership number once they receive their confirmation.) Ever since tech-forward Pat Pacious took over as CEO, we’ve seen more moves like this. Keep your eye out for tech-driven booking options to come. Bada Bing. —Chloe Riley

Hotels for hook ups? The jury is still out on hotel mobile apps, but the Generator brand wants to go beyond booking to actually bring its guests together via their apps. It is launching GenFriends, used not only to book rooms but to also serve as a social networking platform to connect solo and group travelers staying at its hotels. It offers a “swipe” feature to “match” with like-minded solo travelers and local culture via “matching” with local residents who can offer local entertainment recommendations. What do you think? —Jeff Weinstein 

A scary thought: According to Euromonitor, Spain would lose most of its tourism revenue if the UK does not secure a deal on Brexit for after the end of March 2019. UK travelers account for around 21% of inbound revenues in Spain this year. If a deal doesn’t come to fruition on Brexit, the destination’s tourism incomes could reduce by some £573 million (US$747 million) – of which the UK accounts for more than half. At the Travel Leaders Speak – What to Expect in 2019 session, Euromonitor International head of travel Caroline Bremner said a delayed, free trade agreement was considered the most likely Brexit outcome. But, she also said a no deal situation was still a “strong possibility.” —C.R. 

Wellness takes off: Wellness tourism grew from a US$563 billion market in 2015 to US$639 billion in 2017—a growth rate more than 2X faster than tourism overall, according to a new research report from the Global Wellness Institute. It’s forecast to grow even faster through 2022—approaching a US$1 trillion market. Asia is the standout growth leader, with wellness trips growing an amazing 33% in the last two years. China and India rank #1 and #2 for recent growth, adding 22 and 17 million wellness trips, respectively, from 2015-2017. A few other big growth leaders: Slovakia, the Philippines, Chile, Malaysia and Vietnam. —J.W.

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