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THE U.S. GENERAL Services Administration announced Wednesday a raise in its standard permissible per diem rates for federal travelers, reaching $166 for fiscal year 2024. This adjustment stems from a year-on-year increment of $9 in the lodging allowance, now set at $107. The rate will be applicable from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2024, GSA said. The per diem guidelines regulate the reimbursement of federal employees' lodging and meal expenses for official government travel. These guidelines involve a $9 increase to the continental U.S. lodging rate, as well as significant rate hikes in multiple non-standard areas. "GSA bases the maximum lodging allowances on historical ADR data, less 5 percent. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented declines in ADR, followed by a volatile hotel industry recovery," GSA said in a statement. "The ADR data available to establish fiscal year 2024 rates was from before the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency expired on May 11. Similar to the approach for fiscal year 2023, GSA made upward adjustments to ensure that maximum lodging allowances for federal travelers are sufficient in fiscal year 2024."

HOSPITALITY FINANCIAL AND Technology Professionals, the global representative for hospitality technology and producers of HITEC, recently initiated a project to develop a digital responsibility code for the hospitality industry. HFTP is forming a task force of experts and academics to develop the code. HFTP commissioned the University of Houston to write a white paper on digital responsibility, featured in the inaugural issue of HFTP's Tech+Fin Hospitality Magazine at HITEC 2024, HFTP said in a statement. The paper and industry discussions highlighted the need for guidelines on digital responsibility. Task force members include: ProfitSence Favicon Ads by ProfitSence Co-chair Scot Campbell, principal, Integrated Resort Advisors, HFTP Global past president and inductee to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame Co-chair Agnes DeFranco, Conrad N. Hilton Distinguished Chair at University of Houston and HFTP Global past president Mike Blake, vice president, IT, Kemper Sports Steven Bronken, head of global hospitality, Ruckus Networks Sanovnik Destang, executive director, Bay Gardens Resorts Florian Gallini, CEO, INTEREL Thomas Hempel, vice president, sales and partnerships, VENZA Barry Thomas, vice president, technology, Orient Express and Fairmont Hotels Sherry Marek, founder, Aiken Street Consulting and inductee to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame Shannon McCallum, vice president, hotel operations, Resorts World Las Vegas, Neal Patel, managing partner, Blue Chip Hotels, AAHOA past chairman Andrew Rubinacci, chief advisory officer, FLYR for Hospitality Thomas Atzenhofer, deputy CEO, HFTP "There are many good practices for digital responsibility throughout the industry, but these have never been aggregated, vetted and published as a compilation of the best practices in a uniform guide," said Atzenhofer. "HFTP's task force of global industry technology and business experts, has agreed to tackle the task and make the ind

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHED HotelHelp, a pilot room donation program for human trafficking survivors, at the AHLA Foundation's third annual No Room for Trafficking Summit. The program works with care providers who handle bookings, offering survivors short-term stays at Marriott properties, Marriott said in a statement. The program is being piloted in five U.S. cities-Atlanta, Detroit, Phoenix, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.-and is expected to expand to 25 cities across North America by January 2025. "Survivors of human trafficking often face a shortage of dedicated shelter beds that put them at greater risk of being re-trafficked after exiting their trafficking situation," said Anthony Capuano, Marriott's president and CEO. "As part of our longstanding anti-trafficking and survivor empowerment efforts, we are proud to have developed a solution to bridge the gap for safe, short-term accommodations for trafficking survivors and we look forward to working with other hotel companies to extend the reach of this effort."

THE HISTORY OF Indian immigrants in the U.S. could fill several books, but Mahendra Doshi has captured a core aspect of it with his book "Surat to San Francisco: How the Patels from Gujarat Established the Hotel Business in California 1942-1960." The book is, as the title says, the story of the individuals who first left their home for a roundabout journey to the American Dream. Doshi is journalist in San Jose, California, not a businessman himself, but he is originally from Vadia in the Indian state of Gujarat. His family moved to Calcutta in West Bengal where Doshi earned degrees from Presidency College and the University of Calcutta before moving to the U.S. in 1967 and eventual graduated with a master's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. "I have never even thought of business. I had a degree in journalism and I did marketing work for General Motors. That's where I made my living for 30 years," Doshi said. "At the same time, I pursued my journalistic impulses. I wrote for mostly all those ethnic papers, Indian ethnic papers like India Times of Chicago and India West and India Post." Doshi also published two "Who's Who among Indians" lists in 1976 and 1981. That whet his appetite for exploring his people's history.

If you are putting the passport in the last things to do before your travel, then you might need to reconsider your schedule. Recent stats are telling that coming years are going to be the highly rush years for passport applications. In such case, it might be possible that you end up waiting for your passport at the last moment before your flight. Read the article and find why it is important to apply for your passport as early as possible.

If you are putting the passport in the last things to do before your travel, then you might need to reconsider your schedule. Recent stats are telling that coming years are going to be the highly rush years for passport applications. In such case, it might be possible that you end up waiting for your passport at the last moment before your flight. Read the article and find why it is important to apply for your passport as early as possible.

In case you do not have a US passport or an enhanced driver's license. This is the time to apply for one. As US Homeland Department has announced the final implementation date for Real ID Act (January 22, 2018), all US citizens would need to follow the Real ID requirements for domestic flights. What is Real ID Act and why every US citizen need to be aware of it? Read the post to get complete information.

In case you do not have a US passport or an enhanced driver's license. This is the time to apply for one. As US Homeland Department has announced the final implementation date for Real ID Act (January 22, 2018), all US citizens would need to follow the Real ID requirements for domestic flights. What is Real ID Act and why every US citizen need to be aware of it? Read the post to get complete information.

Pharmacy Business is a monthly magazine for independent and community pharmacists. With a circulation of over 10,000, it is the first choice among community pharmacists for breaking news, analysis, expert commentary and business advice. Founded in 1998, it covers all the burning issues in community pharmacy, from commissioning of pharmacy services and decriminalisation of dispensing errors to the drugs shortages and pharmacy funding. It also showcases the best of community pharmacies up and down the UK, highlighting the ways pharmacy teams go the extra mile for their patients, whether it is helping them to manage their long-term conditions, use their medicines correctly or deal with mental health issues. Pharmacy Business has won the "Best Support for Independent Pharmacy" at the Avicenna Media Awards on three occasions and keeps pharmacists updated on developments through the pages of its print magazine, website, podcasts, newsletter and Twitter and Facebook sites. The title is a must-read for community pharmacists, national pharmacy bodies, pharmaceutical companies and anyone with an interest in community pharmacy and the pharmaceutical industry. The Pharmacy Business Awards were launched in 2000 to shine a light on the best of community pharmacy.

THE U.S. HOUSE of Representatives recently unveiled the 'No Hidden FEES Act of 2023' (H.R 6543), compelling the travel industry to enhance transparency regarding so-called "junk fees." This legislation is designed to improve pricing transparency for customers seeking short-term lodging, including hotels, motels, inns, and privately-owned vacation rentals. Meanwhile, the American Hotel & Lodging Association extended its support for the bill, which was introduced by Reps. Young Kim and Kathy Castor on Friday. "As Americans grapple with persistent high inflation, the last thing families need after budgeting for trips is to be hit with costly last-minute fees," Kim said. "The No Hidden FEES Act would rectify this issue, offering cost transparency for consumers so they know the upfront lodging expenses. I will continue the fight to make life more affordable for families in Southern California and throughout our nation."

THE DEPARTMENT OF Homeland Security will issue more than 64,000 additional H-2B visas for fiscal year 2024, surpassing a congressionally authorized discretionary cap for the second consecutive year. The American Hotel & Lodging Association, AAHOA and others have been lobbying for the increase as a step to relieving the labor shortage challenge in the hotel industry. A forthcoming interim final rule, which was announced on Friday, will additionally approve temporary work visas, bringing the total to over 130,000 including those issued under the regular annual cap of 66,000. Chip Rogers, AHLA president and CEO, commended the federal government's action. "The H-2B Workforce Coalition, which AHLA co-chairs, worked hard to convince the Biden administration to offer this considerable expansion, which nearly doubles the yearly allocation of H-2B visas," said Rogers. "These extra visas will be crucial to helping hotels and resorts in remote vacation destinations fill seasonal roles, and we thank Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas for making them available. But we still need help from Congress to get hoteliers across the country all the employees they need. That includes establishing an H-2B returning worker exemption, passing the Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act, and passing the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act."

When you're leaving for an international trip, make sure the credit cards you are carrying are appropriate for your trip. The credit card you use at home to buy groceries and fill your gas tank might not be the best one for you to use overseas! Read on for our top credit card tips for international travelers.

Jobs Abroad, Work Abroad, International Jobs Online - Nowadays, people are having problems to be employed in a company that can give them the benefits they want. Well, we have good news for you! There are plenty of job opportunities for you in Axiom Telecom! The company was founded by Faisal Al Bannai, an Emirati entrepreneur. The mission of this prestigious enterprise is to endlessly innovate to be the best destination for their partners and customers. Their vision is to provide service for mobility products and solutions that improve the quality of life for their customers. The goal of this establishment is to revolutionize the industry.The company thinks that there is a better way to trade and distribute mobile devices and accessories, so they decided to modernize the trade industry.The company started to operate in the year of 1997.

Did you know that your child also need a passport to travel internationally with you? Don't forget your child's passport when you apply for yours. If your kid is 15 or younger, then you need to have a minor US passport, which is valid for 5 years. The kids at 16 can apply for adult US passport. The procedure to get a child US passport is the same whether or not the child has previously been issued a passport. Check out the step by step guide that would help you understand the process and how you can expedite a child US passport.

Did you know that your child also need a passport to travel internationally with you? Don't forget your child's passport when you apply for yours. If your kid is 15 or younger, then you need to have a minor US passport, which is valid for 5 years. The kids at 16 can apply for adult US passport. The procedure to get a child US passport is the same whether or not the child has previously been issued a passport. Check out the step by step guide that would help you understand the process and how you can expedite a child US passport.

Randy British holiday makers risk facing arrests and fines by not checking out local laws, a recent study has found. British nationals being charged with indecent public exposureThe research was conducted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) who advise that Brits embarking on holidays in popular destinations like Egypt and Corfu should be aware of the different laws that apply. "In Corfu, there have been various cases of British nationals being charged with indecent public exposure for 'mooning', often at local police," the FCO told TravelMole.com. The study found that many women sunbathe topless, ignorant of the laws and customs of the land. Half of the women interviewed in the FCO study had no idea if their actions were against the law of not. More rambunctious activities would carry stricter actions as experienced by the British couple who were arrested after having sex on a beach whilst on holiday in Dubai. The FCO added: "Problems do often spring from Brits visiting countries with unfamiliar laws and customs and falling foul of the law without even realising they have done anything wrong." Some of the laws that may lead to Brits facing the long arm of the law, include the illegality of homosexuality in Morroco and Goa. In Abu Dhabi it is even illegal to kiss in public. Travellers should also be aware that different parts of countries may have different laws. For instance Sharm el Sheikh is somewhat more lenient than other parts of Egypt, so holiday makers should be careful to adhere to local rules. At the British Embassy in Egypt, Richard Fielder warned: "People need to be responsible for checking the local laws and customs before travelling to avoid getting themselves into trouble." Looking for the best Algarve Car Hire for your holidays in Portugal at cheap all inclusive price? Get it at http://www.travel-car-hire.com

Does it not take your breath away when you come across a Tiger while out on safari? It is, without a doubt, among the most great and thrilling experiences one can ever have. There are numerous wildlife fans who reveal a deep concern for maintaining the wildlife or have a deep fondness for the same fly to among the most beautiful nations in South East Asia, India. This captivating nation has been seeing a significant increase of the tourists not just from within however all around the world. Cuddled in the southern region of Satpura Hills in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Pench National Park, which is also referred to as Indira Gandhi National Park, is a widely known tiger reserve soaked in the stunning history. Despite the fact that it might sound cliched to you, however it's the nonstop fact that India is house to plants and fauna which can be found in lots of areas in the country. And if you are among the wildlife lovers, then you should not waste time and provide a thought of taking a trip to Madhya Pradesh so that you can cover some of the finest national forests in the nation. There are numerous Tiger Reserves in the city, however Pench national park is the one which is home to more than 1200 ranges of plants. And it is an absolute for anybody who is interested with the wildlife, as there are a number of Bengal Tigers that roam around the park. So, don't you think that you must take a Pench jungle safari if you wish to have a close encounter with the wild huge cat? Undoubtedly, it would take your breath away the immediate you come in person with the wild beast, as Tiger safaris are suggested to get up close and personal with the wildlife in India. This park is called after the Pench River. In case, you are not mindful, it might come as a surprise to you that Rudyard Kipling's distinguished book "The Jungle Book" was embeded in this park. Although you can find some of the common animals in this park like leopards, bears, wild dogs, sambhars, deer and othe

Hiring a personal Local Guide/porters or porter cum Guide for Langtang valley trek, Tamang Heritage Home stay trek, Langtang Gosaikunda Pass trek, Gosaikunda lake trek, Helambu trek, Chisopani Helambu trek and Ganja la high pass trek. Himalayan local guide Pvt. Ltd provides knowledge expert government registered trained license holder Guide for your Langtang valley region trek who are from same place and knows the regional trekking area very well. Our local guide and porter or porters cum guide are too strong and knowledgeable about the whereabouts of the place, its history, culture, floras and faunas, etc. we are always here for your service if you are interested in trekking to these mountain areas. We will be delighted to guide you to these heavenly areas where you can rejoice and spend your leisure time with beautiful mountain sceneries and hills. It will be a lifetime local adventure experience for you.

Delta Vacation is an amazing opportunity for all those people who are looking for the Best Airfare Deals. Why are you waiting for the right time? Just grab Delta Vacation Packages for your family or group trip to make your travel memorable and remarkable for you

U.S. HOTELS HIT a new Thanksgiving holiday performance record in the fourth week of November, according to STR. All performance metrics were up during the week when compared to same period in 2019. Occupancy was 53 percent for the week ending Nov. 27, down from 59.7 percent for the week before and an increase of 4.6 percent from the same Thanksgiving period two years ago. ADR for the week was $128.41, up from $126.66 the week before and increased 14.3 percent when compared to two years ago. RevPAR decreased to $68 for the week from $75.60 the week before but increased 19.6 percent for the same period in 2019. Among STR's top 25 markets, Dallas saw the largest occupancy increase during the fourth week, up 12.2 percent to 54.8 percent, over the same period two years ago. Phoenix reported the largest ADR increase when compared to 2019, up 35.1 percent to $143.30. Oahu Island experienced the steepest occupancy decline, down 25.3 percent to 58.5 percent over 2019.

Jamey Cua is the new vice president of business development for Peachtree Hotel Group's hotel operations and management division. Cua will oversee expansion of the Atlanta-based company's third-party management partnerships. Peachtree Hotel Group is led by Managing Principals Mitul Patel and Jatin Desai and CEO Greg Friedman. Prior to joining Peachtree, Cua was senior vice president for third-party managed development at Sage Hospitality. Before that he served as vice president of development for Marriott, International, Inc., and senior director of development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. He has a master's degree in business administration from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, and a bachelor's degree in pre-med and sports medicine from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio.

AS THE FIRST investment for its recently announced $100 million real estate fund, NewcrestImage has purchased the Magnolia Hotel in downtown Dallas. The company, which is based in Dallas, purchased the historic building from Denver-based Stout Street Hospitality. Opened in 1922 as the headquarters offices for Magnolia Petroleum, the 325-room, 29-floor Magnolia Hotel was the city's first skyscraper and the first high-rise in the United States to have air conditioning. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and opened as a luxury boutique hotel in 1999. The hotel is across from the 37-floor world headquarters of AT&T and the $100 million AT&T Discovery District, a shopping, dining and entertainment development. The Discovery District features a 30-foot diameter interactive "walk-in" sculpture and a 104-foot high media wall for watching sports, movies and music events. The hotel features a library, a restaurant, two lounges and 11 meeting rooms, that range from 230 to 3,500 square feet. "Rooted in history and ready to be reinvented for the future - that describes this hotel, and also our entire hospitality industry right now," said Mehul Patel, chairman and CEO of NewcrestImage. "The Magnolia Hotel is an especially relevant and significant opportunity for us because it continues two important corporate commitments - re-energizing downtown Dallas and revitalizing historic buildings."

U.S. HOTEL OCCUPANCY increased in the first week of December, according to STR. But, all performance metrics were lower during the week when compared to same period in 2019. Occupancy was 54.8 percent for the week ending Dec. 4, up from 53 percent the week before and down from 8.8 percent for the same period in 2019. ADR for the week was $127.92, down from $128.41 the week before and decreased 0.5 percent when compared to two years ago. RevPAR increased to $70.08during the week from $68 for the week before but dropped 9.2 percent for the same period in 2019. According to the report, none of STR's top 25 markets recorded an occupancy increase over 2019, Only Los Angeles matched its 2019 comparable at 70 percent. Miami, lifted by Art Basel, reported the largest ADR increase when compared with 2019, up 32.9 percent to $373.71.