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APPROXIMATELY 48 PERCENT of businesses in the accommodation industry consider "staffing issues" the biggest risk to their operations over the next 12 months, according to a new report by Expert Market. Rising labor costs were identified as the second-largest risk by 34 percent, followed by "rising maintenance costs" at 27 percent. The Expert Market Accommodation Industry Report surveyed more than 400 U.S. accommodation businesses on upcoming challenges and strategies to address them amid the industry's highest quit rates since 2022. "The accommodation industry has faced a number of challenges since the pandemic, but none greater than those around staffing," said Chris Maillard, Expert Market's editor. "At a time when quitting rates remain higher than other industries, the report recommends that accommodation businesses prioritize their staff, from recruitment through to promotion."

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and Hospitality Technology Next Generation recently launched new safety resources to help hoteliers prevent, address and respond to battery-related fire incidents. Many of these are unknowingly caused by guests using lithium-based devices such as e-bikes, laptops and mobile phones. Lithium battery incidents-particularly from micromobility devices-have become a rising concern for hotels nationwide, AHLA said in a statement. "The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority, which is why we continuously update protocols and guidance to address emerging risks," said Rosanna Maietta, AHLA's president and CEO. "Lithium battery fire incidents are on the rise and can pose significant risks without proper education and procedures. Our new tools will help hoteliers take practical steps to protect guests and employees, while staying ahead of this growing issue."

Passport Alert!! Your passport is in risk, if you are in IRS list of debtors. A new law will allow the US State Department to refuse to issue US passports to individuals with "seriously delinquent" tax bills in excess of $50,000. Even, the State Department is authorized to revoke previously issued passports if the bearer is on the IRS list of debtors! So, if you were not paying your taxes from a while, pay them as soon as possible, in order to be able to fly internationally. In case, you haven't applied for a passport yet, apply with a passport expeditor to get an expedited passport.

Passport Alert!! Your passport is in risk, if you are in IRS list of debtors. A new law will allow the US State Department to refuse to issue US passports to individuals with "seriously delinquent" tax bills in excess of $50,000. Even, the State Department is authorized to revoke previously issued passports if the bearer is on the IRS list of debtors! So, if you were not paying your taxes from a while, pay them as soon as possible, in order to be able to fly internationally. In case, you haven't applied for a passport yet, apply with a passport expeditor to get an expedited passport.

WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS' board of directors has officially advised the company's shareholders not to support an exchange offer from Choice Hotels International to acquire Wyndham. The offer is "insufficient" and prone to regulatory risks, the board said. Choice announced its latest offer directly to Wyndham stockholders last week. At that time, Wyndham's board said at that time that it would review the offer, though it also said it appeared to be the same as the original offer it rejected in November. On Monday, the board released its official statement rejecting the latest offer. "Choice has, once again, failed to address the major value gap and risks of their offer - which remains virtually unchanged from the terms outlined in their previous unsolicited proposal," said Stephen Holmes, chairman of the board. "The core issues we have articulated remain the same: a likely prolonged regulatory review period of up to 24 months with an uncertain outcome; the pure inadequacy of the offer from a valuation standpoint, including the significant equity component of Choice stock; and the lack of consideration for Wyndham's superior, standalone growth prospects."

Joe Palmer is now vice president of risk management for Atlanta-based Peachtree Hospitality Management. Also, Jatin Desai, managing principal and CFO for Peachtree Hotel Group and immediate past chair of the Atlanta Hospitality Alliance welcomed the new president of that organization, Kim Bardoul. Peachtree Hospitality Management is an affiliate of Peachtree Hotel Group. Previously, Palmer, who joined PHM in 2019, provided corporate support for a portfolio of 77 full-service and select-service properties. He also held positions with Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, South Seas Island Resort and the Inns of Sanibel and Streamsong Resort.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), maintaining adequate liquidity is essential to ensure smooth operations and sustainable growth. Effective liquidity management involves optimizing cash flow, allowing businesses to meet short-term obligations and invest in new opportunities. The correct strategies help mitigate financial risks and enhance the company's ability to navigate economic fluctuations. Optimizing cash flow Creating detailed cash flow forecasts is necessary for SMEs to predict inflows and outflows accurately. These forecasts help businesses anticipate potential shortfalls and address them proactively. Maintaining a cash reserve provides a buffer against unforeseen expenses or economic downturns, ensuring stability during challenging times. Prompt invoicing with clear payment terms accelerates receivables and improves the cash flow cycle. Electronic invoicing and payment systems enhance efficiency and reduce delays, allowing companies to access their funds more quickly. Negotiating favorable payment terms with suppliers also offers more flexibility in cash management, enabling them to hold onto their cash for longer periods. In addition, regular reviews and audits identify areas for cash flow optimization. By closely monitoring performance, businesses can implement corrective actions promptly, ensuring that cash flow remains steady. Advisors or consultants can provide tailored strategies to enhance liquidity and improve overall financial health. Additionally, automating routine tasks can free up valuable time and resources, allowing staff to focus on more strategic activities. These practical measures help SMEs improve their liquidity, reduce financial risks, and support sustainable growth.

Some holidaymakers who delayed booking their car hire in Portugal and Algarve until late ended up having to pay up to 100 Euros per day for a small vehicle - that's four or five times higher than the usual rate. Many others were unable to find a car at all. A lot of people who risked a late booking or no advanced booking at all saw their holidays in Algarve miserabily disgraced without a car for their transportation.

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

Privatising airport operations can be a boon for wider economies - but is privatisation really to the benefit of all aviation stakeholders?

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AS COVID-19 FEARS subside, travelers are significantly less concerned about safety during travel, driving a significant rebound in travel activity, according to a survey by travel risk and crisis response provider Global Rescue. Most are vaccinated, or have recently recovered from COVID-19. The 2021 fall Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey revealed that nearly 86 percent of travelers have taken domestic trips, and 42 percent have traveled internationally, since the start of the pandemic last year. The survey was conducted among more than 1,500 of the firm's current and former members between Oct. 26 to 30, 2021. "Between April and October, there's been a 74 percent jump in people taking domestic trips and an enormous 207 percent increase in individuals traveling internationally," said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. According to the survey, fear of COVID-19-related quarantine or infection while traveling declined by 37 percent compared to January 2021.

OMICRON, THE LATEST COVID-19 variant of concern, led to new restrictions on some international travel over the Thanksgiving weekend. Members of the travel industry are urging federal officials to be cautious, but not to impose bans that they say will not stop the spread of the new variant. On Nov. 26, the World Health Organization issued new guidance on the Omicron variant, which emerged out of South Africa. Researchers are still investigating the variant's transmissibility, severity and the effectiveness of current vaccines against it. "Preliminary evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of reinfection with Omicron (ie, people who have previously had COVID-19 could become reinfected more easily with Omicron)," the WHO said in its statement. "WHO is working with technical partners to understand the potential impact of this variant on our existing countermeasures, including vaccines. Vaccines remain critical to reducing severe disease and death, including against the dominant circulating variant, Delta. Current vaccines remain effective against severe disease and death."

THE BAIRD/STR Hotel Stock Index rose in March, continuing a trend from the previous month. Still, continued growth remains at risk by factors such as inflation and political unrest. The index increased 2.2 percent in March after rising 4.1 percent in February. It rose 2.4 percent year to date through the first three months of 2022. However, Baird/STR fell behind both the S&P 500, up 3.6 percent in March, and the MSCI US REIT Index, which rose 5.9 percent. The hotel brand sub-index rose 1.4 percent from February, while the Hotel REIT sub-index jumped 5.1 percent. "Hotel stocks increased in March but underperformed their benchmarks as stock market volatility eased and geopolitical concerns did not worsen," said Michael Bellisario, senior hotel research analyst and director at Baird. "Underlying hotel fundamentals continued to improve in March, and the outlook appears more favorable today than just one month ago despite all of the background noise in the stock market and with interest rates on the rise. Higher gas prices and heightened concerns about a slower growth backdrop have been topical with investors lately, but broader travel momentum and pent-up demand should keep the lodging recovery going over the near term, in our opinion."

THE WAR IN Ukraine and lingering concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic are making some travelers nervous, according to a survey from risk and crisis response provider Global Rescue. Still, Global Rescue found that fewer people are experiencing hesitancy about travel. About 71 percent of respondents to Global Rescue's Spring 2022 Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey said they are somewhat concerned, concerned or much more concerned about international travel since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The remaining 29 percent said they are not concerned at all. The respondents' destinations also caused some anxiety as well as returning to travel after two years of pandemic-related travel restrictions. At the same time, 89 percent of respondents said the war in Ukraine has not changed their travel plans and 70 percent are not experiencing any re-entry to travel anxiety. An even larger majority, 84 percent, of survey takers report they are less or much less concerned about travel today compared to the beginning of the pandemic.

AAHOA IS URGING hotels to adopt cybersecurity measures to prevent incidents similar to the recent cyberattacks on MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment. Following the ransomware attack on IHG Hotels & Resorts last year, which cost hotel owners between $30,000 and $75,000 each, AAHOA called for clear lines of communication to protect franchisees who bore the brunt of revenue losses from bookings missed due to the disruptions. In July, Choice Hotels International confirmed a data breach impacting guest information in its Radisson Hotels Americas chain, originating from a file-transfer system hack, according to AAHOA and media reports. The association said that most impacted franchisees are small business owners, unable to absorb unexpected booking losses. This challenge is amplified by ongoing issues like staffing shortages, which further hinder their recovery efforts. It further emphasized that with franchisor support, hoteliers can improve the guest experience and reduce the risk of disruptive incidents.

NEARLY 80 PERCENT of travelers said that the latest COVID-19 variant, BA5, is unlikely to make them cancel or postpone international travel this year, according to a survey from travel risk assessment firm Global Rescue. At the same time, Global Rescue said relaxed COVID-19 recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could encourage travelers' confidence. The floodgates are opening The Summer 2022 Global Rescue Traveler Safety and Sentiment Survey found that 68 percent of respondents have already traveled internationally since the pandemic. Another 16 percent expects to travel abroad by the end of the year and 9 percent plan to do so in the first quarter of 2023. "Whether it's revenge travel or responsible travel following vaccination, or a combination of both, 7-out-of-10 travelers are much less concerned about travel compared to the beginning of the pandemic," said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce. "They feel safe enough to plan trips and vacations because they're vaccinated, borders are open, and they have confidence they'll be able to get home if the worst happens." The U.S. ending its requirement for a negative COVID test to enter the country in June also went far in increasing confidence and encouraging visits from international travelers, Richards said. Nearly half of travelers, 49 percent, said that they are more likely to travel internationally in the next 12 months as COVID related restrictions are relaxed.

THE BAIRD/STR Hotel Stock Index fell 9.1 percent in September, according to STR. Experts said that they have concerns regarding recession and its impact on the sector. The index witnessed a sharp drop of 20.6 percent year-to-date through the first nine months of 2022. In September, the Index surpassed both the S&P 500, down 9.3 percent, and the MSCI US REIT Index, which fell 12.8 percent. The hotel brand sub-index decreased 7.7 percent from August to 8,268, while the Hotel REIT sub-index dropped 13.5 percent to 989. "September was a risk-off month for the broader market, and hotel stocks were down sharply as well. However, the Hotel REITs were modest underperformers only, while the Global Hotel Brands were slight relative outperformers," said Michael Bellisario, senior hotel research analyst and director at Baird. "Broader macroeconomic concerns continue to dominate investor sentiment and positioning, but underlying hotel fundamentals held steady throughout the month, which relatively helped the hotel stocks during a volatile time for the capital markets. Investors continue to ask about recession scenarios and downside analyses for our coverage list, which suggests a lot of the bad news is being priced into the stocks, particularly the Hotel REITs, in our opinion."

THE U.S. STATE Department has indefinitely extended a program allowing consular offices to waive in-person interviews for low-risk non-immigrant visa applicants who apply within 48 months of their most recent visa's expiration. Initially scheduled to conclude on Dec. 31, the program will now persist without a specified end date, undergoing regular reviews. This policy applies to consular offices globally. Under the updated program rules, the State Department anticipates the pool of applicants eligible for an interview waiver will at least double, the U.S. Department of State said in a statement. From October 2022 to September 2023, the State Department issued a near-record 10.4 million non-immigrant visas worldwide, partly attributed to interview waiver authority. "Interview waiver authorities have significantly reduced visa appointment wait times at embassies and consulates," the State Department said. "In Fiscal Year 2022, almost half of the nearly seven million non-immigrant visas issued by the Department were processed without an in-person interview. This success in reducing global visa wait times, particularly post-pandemic closures, is ongoing, with continued efforts to swiftly minimize wait times, including for first-time tourist visa applicants."

ALL FORMS OF travel are experiencing a post-pandemic resurgence, including cruises, according to a survey from risk and crisis response provider Global Rescue. Some have concerns about their destination, but most are ready to hit the seven seas. According to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, 30 percent of respondents were experiencing some hesitancy about where to go, or when to get back to travel after two years of pandemic-related travel restrictions. Meanwhile, 70 percent of respondents are not experiencing any re-entry to travel anxiety in general or on cruise ships, according to the survey. "Nineteen percent of survey takers say they feel safer or much safer about taking a cruise compared to last year," said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue and a member of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Commerce.