🏖️ Americans Prioritize Summer Vacations Despite Financial Strain

⚖️ AHLA Applauds House Committee for Advancing Critical Tax Provisions

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) commended the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee for progressing key tax provisions vital to the hospitality sector. These include making the Small Business Deduction permanent, extending bonus depreciation, preserving like-kind exchanges, reinstating expanded business interest deductibility, launching a second round of Opportunity Zones, and raising the estate tax exclusion amount. AHLA also supports the proposed "No Tax on Tips" legislation, aiming to benefit thousands of hotel employees. Read more.

🏖️ Americans Prioritize Summer Vacations Despite Financial Strain

According to Allianz Partners USA's 17th Annual Vacation Confidence Index, 63% of Americans are confident they will take a summer vacation, despite economic uncertainties. Projected spending for summer vacations is expected to reach $226.6 billion, a 2.26% increase from 2024. Trends such as "micro-cations" (short trips) and "bleisure" travel (combining business and leisure) are on the rise, with many prioritizing vacations despite financial constraints. Read more.

📈 Airbnb Expands Offerings with New Services and Experiences

Airbnb has launched "Airbnb Services" and revamped its "Experiences" platform, allowing users to book personal services like chefs, massages, and guided tours in over 260 cities. Additionally, "Airbnb Originals" offers exclusive experiences hosted by celebrities, such as football star Patrick Mahomes. These initiatives aim to position Airbnb as a comprehensive travel and lifestyle platform, enhancing guest engagement and satisfaction. Read more.

🛒 Hanwha Hotels Completes Acquisition of Ourhome

Hanwha Hotels & Resorts has finalized its acquisition of a 58.62% stake in Ourhome, a South Korean food service company, for approximately $619.43 million. The deal is expected to create synergies between Hanwha's hospitality operations and Ourhome's food service and ingredient distribution capabilities, potentially leading to innovations in food tech and expanded market presence. Read more.

🌟 NexGen Hotels Acquires Claridge House Chicago Hotel

NexGen Hotels has acquired the Claridge House Chicago Hotel, a boutique property located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. The acquisition aligns with NexGen's strategy to expand its portfolio of upscale urban hotels and enhance its presence in key markets. Read more.

🚀 Super 8 by Wyndham Set for Major Expansion in Saudi Arabia

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has signed an exclusive deal with Le Park Concord Company to introduce the Super 8® brand in Saudi Arabia. The agreement includes plans for 100 hotels over the next decade. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, the move supports the Kingdom’s national tourism strategy. Le Park Concord, which already manages 13 hotels, will oversee the expansion. Read more.

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