The Buzz, An Economic Development Podcast | Episode 83: Duane Parrish, S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Updated Rules for Entry Into the United States
#WorkforceWednesday: NY Travel Advisory Changes, CA’s COVID-19 Exposure Notice, Executive Order Reversals - Employment Law This Week®
Four state attorneys general (state AGs) — Colorado, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Texas — have announced resolutions with Choice Hotels International, Inc. (Choice Hotels), a prominent hotel conglomerate known for operating...more
This week’s Update features a story detailing recent progress with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). As the EU prepares for the full implementation of the DMA (and its sister legislation, the Digital Services Act), expect...more
This week’s Update leads with an important Data Privacy Update from Eva Novick, the newest member of our firm’s privacy and data security team. If you currently operate a loyalty program (or plan to introduce one soon), I...more
This week’s Update begins with an interesting story detailing how evolving consumer trends of the past few years (e.g., sustainability) are making their way into travel and online travel in particular. Enjoy....more
Fall has definitely arrived in the Pacific Northwest. It was a relatively quiet week in the online travel world. This week’s Update features a story on one of the most widely used Global Distribution Systems – Amadeus – as...more
MCR Hotels Trial Runs Attribute Pricing - (“One of the US's largest hotel owners is charging guests $25 to use the swimming pool and $20 to check in early — but is cutting room prices in return,” August 18, 2021 via...more
This week’s Update features a variety of stories, including details on the recent change in leadership at Booking.com in the Asia-Pacific region. Enjoy....more
On 24 November, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) issued its long-awaited judgment in the “Wikingerhof” case (ref. C-59/19), which had had the German hotel industry on tenterhooks. Although the name might suggest it had...more
This week’s Update features important updates on the status of rate parity in the EU and introduces yet again, new tools by Google for safety conscious travelers. Suppliers Come and Go on Google’s Short-Term Rental Platform ...more
Luxury-Goods Makers Making the Case for Permissible Distribution Controls - (“New EU online-sales rules should step up fight against free-riders, luxury-goods makers say,” MLex Insight on Jan 31, 2020) Why, you might...more
South Korean Competition Authority Takes a Hard Look at Parity - (“Comment: Use by online-travel agencies of MFN clauses under study by South Korean antitrust watchdog,” MLex Insight on Dec 5, 2019) South Korea’s Fair...more
Indian Online Travel Agent Joins Ranks of Those Being Investigated for Potential Consumer Abuses - (“MakeMyTrip faces battery of allegations of unfair business practices following merger,” MLex Market Insight on Nov 1,...more
Vacasa is the First STR Platform to Directly Connect to Google Hotels - ("Google Signals Its Vacation Rental Ambitions With Vacasa Direct-Connect," Skift Travel News on Sep 5, 2019) Big news from our friends at Vacasa...more
Ettsa demands Europe-wide harmonisation of hotel booking rules - Travel Weekly (UK) - News on Aug 30, 2019 - The European technology and Travel Services Association (Ettsa) has demanded EU regulators enforce tighter...more
This week’s Update highlights two additional countries’ efforts to investigate alleged abuses by powerful global online platforms, including widely used online travel platforms. Enjoy....more
Airbnb Back in Court - ("New rules don’t seem to be bringing Boston many short-term rental applications," Curbed - Boston on Apr 10) Earlier this week, Airbnb was in court arguing that the City of Boston’s short-term...more
HomeAway and Airbnb Lose the Battle Against Santa Monica - ("Airbnb Loses Major Fight Over California City's Rental Law," Bloomberg Quint - Stories on Mar 13, 2019) On March 13, the Ninth Circuit ruled against HomeAway and...more
U.S. Circuit Court Deals a Blow to Short-Term Platforms - ("Airbnb Loses Major Fight Over California City's Rental Law," Bloomberg Quint - Stories, March 13, 2019) In somewhat of a surprise ruling issued last week, the...more
Sales Principles Introduced for Online Booking Sites in the UK - ("Hotel Booking Sites Get Consumer-law Compliance Principles from CMA," MLex, March 1, 2019) (subscription required) By September 1, 2019, hotel booking...more
This week’s Update includes a report on the EU Commission’s widespread examination of online platforms’ pricing practices and an update on the much-publicized standoff between United and Expedia. Enjoy....more
This week’s Update features a heavy dose of Airbnb as it celebrates a milestone. Enjoy....more
Voice-assisted devices (a/k/a smart speakers) feature prominently in this week’s Update. Enjoy....more
Regulation of Large Online Platforms is Coming to Japan - ("Online platforms may face stricter rules, enforcement in Japan, panel says, MLex, November 5, 2018) Following up on a story (and prediction) included in last...more
Expedia Expands Its Voice-Activation Résumé - ("Expedia Brings Voice Bookings, Cancellations and Rewards to Google Assistant," Skift Travel News, October 9, 2018) It was less than two years ago that we featured...more
And You Thought Today’s Health and Safety Requirements Were Tough - ("China Prepares Unprecedented Online Tourism Regulation," Stories, September 28, 2018) Those of you who have negotiated online travel agency...more