US Golden Holiday, Airports, Hotels, and Theaters 'Joyful Cheers'... Growing Excitement for Summer Vacation

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] It has been revealed that large-scale consumption took place during the US Memorial Day holiday following the lifting of most economic activity restrictions. Airports and hotels were bustling with crowds of travelers, and theaters were filled with the warmth of audiences.

On the 1st (local time), CNBC reported, citing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), that the average number of travelers passing through airport security checkpoints during the four-day Memorial Day holiday was 1.78 million per day. On the busiest day, the 28th, 1.96 million people went through security to board flights.

CNBC explained that this number is seven times higher than the number of travelers during last year's Memorial Day holiday. However, the number of travelers this year is still 22% lower compared to 2019.

The increase in air travelers led to a rise in hotel guests. Christopher Nassetta, CEO of Hilton Hotels, told CNBC in an interview that the Memorial Day holiday period recorded the highest occupancy rate since the COVID-19 pandemic.

CEO Nassetta said, "On Saturday the 29th, the room occupancy rate reached 93%, the highest since the COVID-19 outbreak."

He also stated that summer vacation bookings are exceeding 2019 levels. He predicted, "As vaccinations expand, travelers who feel safe will embark on trips."

CNBC reported that as the number of travelers increases, airfare, accommodation fees, and rental car costs are also on the rise.

The theater industry, which suffered greatly during the COVID-19 period, is also regaining its smile.

According to box office tracking site Mojo, North American cinemas recorded $97.58 million in ticket sales revenue during the four-day Memorial Day holiday.

Alexia Quadrani, a JP Morgan analyst, said, "This shows that despite US cinemas operating under certain restrictions due to COVID-19, demand for movie theater attendance has returned."

Amid the Memorial Day effect, airline, hotel, and theater chain stocks are showing strong performance. Airline stocks such as American Airlines and United Airlines rose by 2% on the day.

Theater chain AMC surged again, rising by 23%. Hotel chains such as Hilton and MGM also rose by 1%. Rental car companies Hertz and Avis stocks increased by 2%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.