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The passing of Pope Francis has led to a remarkable increase in travel interest, particularly among those wishing to attend his funeral service. As the pontiff lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, many Americans are seeking flights to pay their final respects, resulting in a significant surge in flight searches.
According to travel booking platform Expedia.com, there was a 250% increase in searches for flights to Rome in the three days following the pope’s death compared to the same timeframe last year. Additionally, lodging inquiries for the dates surrounding his funeral have risen by 35%, further demonstrating the heightened interest in visiting Rome during this somber period. While the majority of increased searches are coming from U.S. travelers, Expedia reports that global interest has also seen a 125% rise.
Travel expert Melanie Fish from Expedia commented on the unprecedented nature of this travel spike. “I can’t recall another moment that prompted such an immediate influx in travel queries,” she stated, highlighting the simultaneous rise in accommodation searches as well. With the funeral set for April 26, demand for both flights and hotels is clearly on the rise.
Pope Francis’ Final Journey
Scott Keyes, CEO of the flight deal site Going.com, noted that interest in travel specifically for the period from April 21-23 has nearly tripled since the announcement of the pope’s passing. This sharp increase reflects a widespread desire among devotees and tourists to be part of a momentous occasion.
However, the spike in travel demand is also having financial implications. For travelers planning to fly to Rome between April 22-25 and return between April 27-30, Going.com has observed a roughly 33% increase in airfare compared to prices prior to the pope’s death. This surge in ticket prices is compounded by the typical industry pattern of rising costs closer to departure dates. Fish warned that as Friday approaches, prices are likely to continue climbing due to the inability of airlines to quickly respond to increased demand with additional flights. “Expect to see fuller flights and rising prices in the coming days,” she advised.
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www.cbsnews.com