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Marriott bans DeepSeek?

🔒 On Feb 11, 2025, Marriott International may have instructed employees to uninstall the Chinese AI app DeepSeek to prevent data breaches, reflecting a shift from tech innovation to data security. Despite facing major breaches from 2014 to 2020 and a $52 million settlement, Marriott's potential move seems to address data risks associated with AI tools rather than targeting a specific provider or country. Full details remain unconfirmed, with no evidence of market discrimination against Chinese technology.
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Google Search Ads is now connected to Travel Feeds

📣 Google introduced Hotel Center Feeds on Feb 11, 2025, to streamline hospitality marketing. This feature integrates real-time data into Google Search Ads, enhancing their relevance with automatic updates of rates and availability. Campaigns using this tool reported up to a 20% increase in click-through rates since May 2024. The service is available in major countries, including the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, Japan, and supports multiple languages.
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Did Airbnb overcharge evacuees after L.A. fires?

🔥 Over 3,200 cases of price gouging in L.A. reported by Better Neighbors LA following the January Eaton and Palisades fires. California's price gouging law, activated on Jan. 7, limits rent hikes to 10%, but 1,450 city listings and 1,750 nearby listings surged, some tripling prices. L.A.'s City Attorney sued Blueground for over 50% rate increases. Airbnb, facing accusations, claims to block illegal price hikes but has yet to provide evidence. Criminal charges filed against violations.
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Where have all the cooks gone?

🍴 Faced with BOH staffing shortages, the restaurant industry adapts post-pandemic by offering higher wages, tip-sharing, health insurance, and bonuses to attract and retain cooks. Improving training, career growth opportunities, work culture, and open communication are key tactics. Rising living costs and competitive labor markets since COVID underscore the urgency for these changes (Feb 11, 2025).
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How ‘The White Lotus’ is changing travel

🎬 TV-inspired travel, known as "set-jetting," spurred by series like 'The White Lotus' and 'Yellowstone', is peaking, with ⅔ of travelers influenced by media. Following 'The White Lotus', Four Seasons locales like the San Domenico Palace in Sicily and Maui resort witnessed availability checks surge by up to 386%. Resorts like these, including Koh Samui managed by Jasjit Assi, offer experiences steeped in local culture, from cooking to Muay Thai, complementing on-screen tourism. Despite the show's satire, luxury-seeking fans are drawn to these destinations, encouraging resorts and tourism boards to consider more structured fan experiences.
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TikTok’s growing role in travel

🏖 Feb 11, 2025 - TikTok emerges as a significant player in the travel industry, influencing trip planning and bookings, especially among 70% of Gen Z users. It ranks as the world’s fourth-largest search engine. Brands partner with TikTok to create authentic content that drives direct bookings or app downloads. TikTok's viral trends, like “Skip to the Good Part,” lead to a flywheel effect, spurring spontaneous travel, particularly in Southeast Asia.
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Hyatt’s response to brand fatigue

🏨 On Feb 10, 2025, Hyatt Hotels Corp. restructured into five portfolios: Essentials, Classics, Luxury, Lifestyle, and Inclusive. This strategic move, focusing on the "common core" customer, follows extensive brand expansion. The realignment streamlines offerings, improves resource allocation, and provides clearer brand positioning. It caters to varying business traveler needs and is led by executives like Mark Hoplamazian and Dan Hansen, with a customer-centric approach.
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Senate committee approves hotel fee transparency bill

💸 The Senate Committee approved the Hotel Fees Transparency Act (HFTA) of 2025 on Feb 10, 2025. Co-sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Jerry Moran, it mandates upfront disclosure of all hotel and short-term rental costs. Supported by AHLA and AAHOA, the act addresses hidden fees and aims for price transparency. The Federal Trade Commission set similar rules in December 2024. The bill now advances to the full Senate.
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Google Search testing ‘AI Mode’

🔍 On Feb 10, 2025, Google tested "AI Mode" for their search feature, designed for open-ended queries and providing succinct summaries and follow-up capabilities. This may lead to integration into Google Search, potentially altering user interaction and affecting website traffic.
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