This week we have updates to stories we’ve been tracking and news on new openings. Stories covered: US Vaccine Passports, State of California issues full updated theme park opening guidance, Hong Kong to lift ban on residents stranded in Britain, Taiwan And Palau Launch Coronavirus Travel Bubble, Disney World Will Pay Cast Members Who Get Vaccinated, IMF chief says lack of fans at Olympics won't harm Japan's recovery, Disneyland Proposes MAJOR Theme Park Expansion.

Airbnb is now the most valuable hotel company and attractions are testing face recognition technology. This week on Green Tagged we’re discussing your Digital Footprint and how that is changing what attractions know about guests. Stories Covered: Airbnb’s IPO; Facial recognition technology coming to Abu Dhabi, UAE, theme parks; Disney World Testing Facial Recognition Tech to Enter Parks; State Museum of Baden to feature Tinder-style app, My Object; Vacancy rates of Hong Kong street shops stabilize as eateries bet on spending bounce, cheaper rents to move into trendy districts; Marriott Quietly Launches Day Passes; Start-up Dash Living helps Hong Kong hotels switch to monthly leases, ride out pandemic slump.

Should we develop a worldwide tracking system that allows international travelers to skip quarantine? We detangle this topic including the sticking points and where we stand. Stories Covered: “China’s plans for ‘vaccine passport’ may be hampered by lack of data, diplomats say,” “This Is The Latest Cruise Line To Require Vaccinations For All Passengers And Crew,” “China asks visa applicants to get inoculated with Chinese-made vaccines,” “China creates a digital vaccine passport,” “British Airways boss says vaccinated people should be allowed to travel without restrictions,” “'Vaccine passports' could help global travel resume. But is Japan on board?” “Oxford Street plans include visitor attractions and green spaces,” “Hong Kong lawmakers almost unanimously approve HK$6.8 billion rebirth plan for Ocean Park.”

This week we discuss announcements from Disney and Universal, vaccine policies in Israel and Thailand, the Tokyo Olympics, and pivots. Stories covered: “WDW is selling out,” “Florida's Walt Disney World reveals "Ratatouille" ride debut date,” “HHN30 announces dates,” “As Israel Reopens, ‘Whoever Does Not Get Vaccinated Will Be Left Behind’,” “Japan to stage Tokyo Olympics without overseas fans,” “Thailand eyes plans for vaccine passports and quarantine waivers to reopen travel to potentially millions of tourists,” “Online funerals and Zen apps keep Japan’s Buddhist temples afloat” “Spanish park and football league partner to create "The Beat Challenge"” “This patch developed in Japan could let you vaccinate yourself.”

This week on Green Tagged we discuss how attractions will navigate states dropping restrictions, additional changes in the guest experience, and new pivots. Stories covered: “Texas Drops Its Virus Restrictions as a Wave of Reopenings Takes Hold,” “California theme parks, stadiums can reopen as soon as April 1 under revamped COVID-19 rules,” “Hongkongers may have to wait up to six months to resume travel, top tourism official warns,” “IAAPA updates COVID-19 guidance for physical distancing on rides,” “Work resumes on Universal's Epic Universe in Florida,” “Walt Disney Co. to focus on improving guest experience,” “Space tourism: world’s first space hotel opening in 2027,” “Steakhouse in New York fills dining room with wax figures,” “New Exhibit Coming to Philadelphia for Disney’s 100th Anniversary in 2023.”

The industry professional's weekly dose of important Theme Park news in 30 minutes.
Americans are holding on to $1.3 TRILLION and you must be ready to catch the wave of demand when the gates open. On this BONUS episode of green tagged, we’re discussing preparing you for the tidal wave of demand coming this year. Stories covered: “Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary to transform park icons into “Beacons of Magic”” “A Touch of Disney: Brand New Ticketed Festival Experience Coming to California Adventure in March,” “Far from done with lifetime achievements, former Imagineer Joe Rohde joins Virgin Galactic in key role,” “Herschend takes over as operator of Kentucky Kingdom.”

The industry professional's weekly dose of important Theme Park news in 30 minutes.
This week on Green Tagged, we discuss two new industry reports. First IAAPA released a study showing the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. Thinkwell’s study is the ‘2021 Guest Experience Trend’ and focuses on artificial intelligence.

This week we explore the avalanche of reopenings and new openings happening worldwide. Sit back and relax for this feel-good episode that shows light at coming at the end of the summer. Stories covered: “More than 40 U.S. theme parks set 2021 reopening dates,” “Disney World visitors may be wearing masks through 2021,” “Reopening guidance issued for New York amusement parks,” “Hong Kong theme parks resume operations with changes,” “New section to open at Energylandia in Poland, in 2021,” “Yerevan Park set to open in spring 2021 in Armenia,” “Bath, England, to see debut of Mary Shelley museum,” “Harry Potter exhibition planned for 2022,” “Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart now open at AREA15 in Las Vegas,” “HOLOGATE WORLD planned for Germany,” “Disney California Adventure Park to debut ticketed food and entertainment event in March; 1,000 employees to return to work.”

This week on Green Tagged we dive into how attractions in the western world are celebrating Valentine’s Day and what impact the Lunar New Year is having in Asia. Stories covered: “Ranch of Horror sends in the clowns for a twist on Valentine's Day grams,” “Hong Kong may ease coronavirus control measures after Lunar New Year, but rule on tracking app sparks business fears,” “China’s Covid-19 outbreaks force caution as Lunar New Year travel rush begins,” “Israel’s ‘green passports’ plan could lead way in reviving world tourism after Covid-19 vaccination programme is complete,” “SeaWorld San Diego’s Howl-O-Scream takes on Universal, Knott’s and Six Flags Halloween events.” Kung hei fat choi! 新年快乐!

This week on Green Tagged we explore the concept of building a town square and adding tiers of play to your offerings. Stories covered: “With no Mardi Gras parades, New Orleans transforms houses into ‘floats,’” “NBBJ unveils spiral tower with hiking trails for Amazon’s new HQ,” “Expect revivals and VR from the stage as theater continues to deal with the coronavirus,” “Japan's new virus law: Fines for noncompliance and support for hard-hit firms,” “Hong Kong landlords adjust rent expectations as pandemic reshapes retail landscape amid changing consumer preferences,” “Quarantines are killing Thailand’s tourism industry, and not even a long holiday can offset 14 days of isolation,” “Walt Disney World Updates Social Distancing Policy.”