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Up, up and away at 6 top hot air balloon festivals

Dave G. Houser Recreation & Leisure

Few man-made sights are as colossal and colorful as hundreds of hot air balloons ascending from a picturesque natural setting into a clear blue sky. It’s an awe-inspiring spectacle that draws millions of attendees to hot air balloon festivals across the United States each year. Balloons may be the big attraction — but these festivals offer plenty more, including live music, food and other forms of family entertainment. So, if you’re ready for a truly uplifting experience — check out one or more of these top-notch hot air balloon festivals.

Travel2020: Anticipated cooling finally hits hot hotel development market

Lark Gould Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

After forecasting a certain strength in demand for 2019, STR, a data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights source for the global hospitality sector, is seeing a softening following its August report. In a year-over-year comparison with August 2018, the industry saw a flattened occupancy rate at 71.4%, with the average daily rate (ADR) up 0.9% at $132.47 and revenue per available room (RevPAR) up 0.9% to $94.55. The hotel industry’s current expansion cycle has reached 114 months (March 2010-present), with year-over-year increases in RevPAR in 112 of those months.

It’s true at work: No good deed goes unpunished

D. Albert Brannen Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Life is full of sayings that can apply to work. Some of them might include: "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," "turn the other cheek," "walk the high road," and "kill them with kindness." But, unfortunately, this employment lawyer has learned that when it comes to work, one adage always seems to ring true: "No good deed goes unpunished." It often seems that the more breaks an employer gives an employee, the more often the employee asks for a loan or pay advance, files a charge of discrimination, or starts a campaign to get a union into the workplace.

How Hurricane Dorian affected tourism in the Bahamas, Florida and the Carolinas

Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Last month, Hurricane Dorian stalled for 36 hours over the Bahamas, injuring and killing many. The rampant destruction caused by the Category 5 hurricane had a huge, destructive impact on the tourism industry in the Bahamas. Organizations and members of the travel community are actively working together to revive businesses on the islands and bring tourists back. In a recent broadcast, travel leaders and government officials in the country announced that it was safe to travel to the Bahamas. They also mentioned how tourists could help the islands get back on their feet.

Travel2020: Saudi Arabia tourism visa represents a final frontier for travelers

Lark Gould Travel, Hospitality & Event Management

Much as a woman in a niqab may show her face for a flash before veiling under the dark of her robes, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been exposing slivers of tourism possibilities to the west and then masking them again in a play of calculated flirtation — until now. Travelers have long held the Kingdom as a bucket list destination. But, until now, Saudi Arabia remained off-limits for all but the most hardened travelers. All that changed in September.

Infographic: How to be a highly effective leader

Brian Wallace Business Management, Services & Risk Management

We all know there's a difference between a boss and a leader, and it shows: 94% of people with a great boss say they are passionate about their job, while only half with a bad boss say the same. Furthermore, while 70% of employees say their manager is good or great, two-thirds of people have left a job or plan to because of their boss. So, what does it mean to be a great leader? And how can you make sure you’re leading and not merely managing? Check out this infographic for more information.

Beijing Daxing Airport opens, gives a big boost to Chinese aviation

Matt Falcus Transportation Technology & Automotive

Built to relieve pressure in one of the world's busiest cities for air travel, the new Daxing Airport near Beijing formally opened last week, with the first passengers boarding one of seven flights on the day of opening. With its iconic starfish-shaped terminal and world-class design, Daxing is set to become one of the world’s major air hubs. It was built as the city’s Capital Airport has started to reach a saturation point. China is expected to become the largest aviation market in the world by 2022.

The wonder of morning walks

Cindy Belt Recreation & Leisure

Hiking during the day is great. Exploring the trails, enjoying the views, and getting exercise are all great reasons to hike at any time of the day. However, I have found morning walks to be more satisfying. Here are my reasons.

Infographic: Solving the growing problem of employee turnover

Brian Wallace Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Turnover is a major challenge for business leaders, and with historically low unemployment, it’s only getting worse. The high demand for talent has led to "ghosting" from candidates who accept a job and then never show up after they get a better offer somewhere else. Employee turnover is time-consuming and expensive, but you may have a secret weapon: benefits. Learn how the right mix of benefits can improve turnover by up to 138%.

Drone delivery is coming, but don’t get too excited yet

Linchi Kwok Retail

Walgreens is now working with Google parent company Alphabet's Wing service to test drone deliveries. Beginning in October, Walgreens' pilot program will use drones to deliver on-demand food, beverages, and over-the-counter non-prescription medications to customers within minutes. Currently, Wing's drones can deliver packages of about three pounds and within a six-mile radius. Walgreens is not the only retailer who wants to use drones in delivery.

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