INTERNATIONAL
U.S. hotels see dwindling European bookings this year
European tourists to the U.S. are declining as Europe’s difficulties intensify, with the U.S. hotel industry feeling the effect. Travelers from European countries booked 1.1% fewer rooms in the U.S. in the first five months of the year compared with the same period in 2011, Pegasus Solutions reports. In the first five months of 2011, hotel bookings by Europeans increased 13.7% compared with year-earlier figures, the reservation processor says.
Report: U.S. tourism industry will bounce back by 2017
Research firm IBISWorld predicts that the U.S. tourism industry will enjoy moderate revenue growth over the next five years, brought about by an increase in travel from East Asia and South America. IBISWorld says in the report that it expects the industry’s revenue to grow to $1.4 trillion from 2011 to 2012.
DOMESTIC
Brand USA chief departs
Brand USA, the public-private partnership formed to promote international travel to the U.S., said Thursday that CEO Jim Evans stepped down after one year on the job.
Number of July Fourth weekend travelers will reach 42.3 million, AAA says
Lower gas prices and July Fourth falling on a Wednesday will contribute to a record rise in travel volume during this year’s Independence Day weekend, which is projected to reach 42.3 million, AAA reports. “This is the second holiday this year where travelers indicated a determination to travel while economizing by actively seeking value-added travel options and activities,” said Bill Sutherland of AAA Travel Services.
CRUISE
Luxury cruise lines crack down on agents who rebate onboard
Crystal Cruises last week became the latest luxury line to shore up its anti-rebating efforts, with a new policy aimed at reducing onboard solicitation of cruise clients and discouraging passengers from shopping their future bookings while onboard.
LGBT
Guerneville, Calif., offers haven for LGBT community, nature lovers
Several hiking trails and the wide expanse of the Russian River in Guerneville, Calif., offer plenty of adventures and natural sights for visitors. The laid-back town also touts its status as “a hate-free community,” offering a warm welcome to families and gay couples alike, this feature says.
ETC.
Hoteliers are tweaking amenities to cater to Chinese travelers
The massive influx of Chinese leisure travelers into the U.S. has prompted many hotels to align their amenities toward meeting these visitors’ cultural preferences, this feature says. From serving authentic Chinese cuisine to employing Mandarin-speaking front-desk staff, hotels continue to adapt their operations in a bid to capture the growing demand.
Senator introduces bill of rights for airline passengers
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., has introduced a bill of rights for air travelers, as well as a bill that would require private workers to replace the Transportation Security Administration. “While aviation security is undoubtedly important, we must be diligent in protecting the rights of all Americans, such as their freedom from being subjected to humiliating and intrusive searches by TSA agents, especially when there is no obvious cause,” said Paul in a statement.