This week’s Super Bowl weekend broadcast of Eye on Travel comes from New York, with all the breaking news of everything from new mask rules, to required tests, to border closings to Canada keeping its ports closed to U.S. cruise ships. And since there’s also a small football game being played — there’s a travel story there too. Not in Tampa Bay, but in the small village of Ada, Ohio (which explains the football in the photo). And then, a preview of a great annual event in Maui: Whale Tales, which this year is virtual and accessible. Hugo Martin from the Los Angeles Times stops by with some sobering statistics – half the pilots in the world aren’t flying at the moment. And those that are sitting in the left seat….might be a little rusty. Then, how likely will COVID-19 tests be as a requirement to board a plane in the U.S.? Roger Dow, President of the U.S. Travel Association, has the latest. There’s all of this and more on this week’s broadcast of Eye on Travel.

Tune in to PeterGreenberg.com  from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET for the latest Eye on Travel on Saturday, February 6, 2021.

Have a travel question? Then ask Peter. E-mail him at peter@petergreenberg.com, or tweet your questions to @petersgreenberg (include #AskPeter).

Hugo Martin, Writer at Los Angeles Times, helps open the show with some sobering statistics. Half the pilots in the world aren’t flying at the moment. A lot of airlines stopped flying many of their routes, leaving pilots “rusty” after 2-3 months (or more) of not flying. This had led to several mistakes happening in the cockpit. Hugo and Peter then discuss the latest in Los Angeles hotel closures and the tsunami of hotel bankruptcies that may occur if the demand doesn’t increase. And the iconic Queen Mary has issues of its own, too: everything from upkeep to COVID-19 related problems to Long Beach’s position for the future of the ocean liner.

Roger Dow, President of the U.S. Travel Association, speaks about the current reality of COVID-19 testing for incoming international flights – and the possibility of domestic flights having to do the same. What will that mean for the airline and travel industry as a whole? Roger then discusses the correlation between the United States economy and the travel industry and the U.S. Travel Association’s plan to work with the new administration. He speaks about international visitors and why he speculates it’ll be a lot of confusion and lack of travel until we’re all on the same page about COVID-19 protocols around the world. Could biometrics technology be adapted to help track vaccines in travelers? Roger speaks about this, too.

Dr. Gretchen Sorin, Author of Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights, joins Peter in discussing the reality of being Black and the struggles thereof in an era that was intolerant of their personhood. Is there a modern Green Book? Dr. Sorin speaks to the present-day and the racism that is still around with people who are not always welcoming when you visit a new town or part of the United States. Black people are still being stopped on the road for driving in nice cars. Dr. Sorin addresses the stereotypes and positive recommendations from former President Obama’s administration that she hopes the new administration takes into consideration again.

Zach Watson, Travel Editor at U.S. News, joins the program to speak about the outlet’s 2021 hotel and resort rankings and its criteria. Zach and Peter talk about Canadian hotels, the hotel brand that consistently ranks and the top hotels in the United States. Then, as people look to take longer trips in the post-COVID-19 world, they’re wanting to bring their pets, too. And so, Zach discusses the best pet-friendly hotels and the rest of the recently released categories. Plus, what are hotels doing as they move towards a more minimalistic approach?

Andy Wentling, Plant Manager at Wilson Sporting Goods Co, joins Peter just in time for Super Bowl weekend to converse about its busiest time of year and some interesting facts about the life – and afterlife – of a Super Bowl football. Andy and Peter chat about Ada in Ohio, and some football rivalries come to light. Andy roots for a specific football team, but Wilson is just looking for a good game in the name of football. Then, find out more on the varying types of footballs and their uses.

George Kahumoku Jr., Grammy Award-Winning Artist, speaks to Peter about the slack-key guitar and how the way you play reveals where you’re from. Then, he chats about his connection to the whales (he’s been out on the water his entire life). Whale Tale is happening next weekend, February 13th and 14th. George even performs a song for us! It was written after having a dream about a whale watching him, for Whale Tale weekend.

Glenn D. Fogel, CEO of Booking.com, argues for a safer world before welcoming a resurgence in travel and expands on the kinds of bookings happening right now. It has become a mostly local market as people traveling on planes is only a fraction of what it was in past years. He shares what places are seeing the highest amount of travel. Typically, safer places in terms of COVID-19 cases and other factors are what people are taking into consideration when choosing a destination to visit. Then, he shares more on the most welcoming places in the United States, including some surprises. And he’ll talk more about the free cancellation being offered and whether or not you should get that travel insurance.

Flip Nicklin, National Geographic Contributing Photographer, had no idea his more than 5,500 dives and photography career would be this fun. He talks about Whale Tale weekend and why it being virtual this year presents an amazing opportunity to see and photograph the whales undisturbed. It takes more than just a quick look to really discover what’s going on with whales, and Whale Tale brings about experts who dive into the science, behavior and migration of these sea giants. The virtual event will allow researchers all over the world to share their own data and news – the good, the bad and the surprising. He also expands on the importance of understanding whales for what they are.

Andrew Rogers, General Manager at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, speaks about all current things Hawaii. This includes COVID-19 testing, quarantining, the safety of the island and traveling from the mainland. The vaccine is rolling out, and about 6,000 people on the island have already been vaccinated, which will help reintroduce safe traveling. And what’s it like around town? Andrew shares that people appreciate having space and are wearing masks without issues. He also speaks to visitors coming to the hotel and its virtual hosting of Whale Tale weekend after years of in-person activities on the ground.