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Business leaders: ‘Bathroom bill’ will damage Texas economy
Suzanne Mason Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementTexas is the latest state trying to enforce a so-called "bathroom bill" that, like North Carolina, could have a damaging effect on tourism and businesses across the Lone Star state. The Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 3 on July 25 on a 21-10 vote, but the bill has stalled in the House as the legislative deadline approaches.
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The secret life of cities: Buskers
Lucy Wallwork Civil & GovernmentFor each person who sees buskers as a nuisance and noise pollutant, many more see them instead as a welcome interruption from urban routine. Whichever position we take, buskers have a powerful impact on our day-to-day experience of a city — from the half-hearted accordion players on bridges across Europe, to the exquisite performances in New Orleans' French Quarter.
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7 technologies that will transform the hospitality industry by 2025
Linchi Kwok Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementI was in Baltimore last week for the annual iCHRIE (International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education) Conference, where hospitality professors and graduate students got together to showcase their research work and network with one another. Additionally, selected executives in major hospitality firms were invited to share their perspectives about the industry and their views on the future trends.
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Today’s sports venues are taking the viewing experience outside
Katherine Radin Sports & FitnessHigh ticket prices have often discouraged fans from seeing a game at their local sports arena or stadium. Teams have recognized this, and in recent years have allowed fans to watch the big game on large screens outside with hundreds, if not thousands, of other individuals like themselves.
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Communal spaces on the rise in hotels
Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementHotel industry stalwarts have admitted that Airbnb has forced them to compete with "people's living rooms" and replicate that experience to sell their brands. Changing customer demands have given rise to a new generation of hotels where the rooms are getting smaller, and the common areas are getting bigger and better. The focus is on creating small and cozy rooms, along with sleek and stylish lobbies, lounges, cafes and bars that beckon guests to spend time and interact with others.
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To fund or not to fund: The Canadian festival scene
Sabrina Fracassi Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementFood festivals, music festivals and even more food festivals. When it comes to tourism, Canada has become quite the draw. Considering the long, harsh Canadian winter, it's no surprise that summer is embraced with open arms. Festivals give Canadians a platform to come together and enjoy the warm weather. Even international tourists are making the trek to the Great White North.
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How are Trump’s new regulations affecting travel to Cuba?
Bambi Majumdar Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementThe travel and tourism department had found a new channel of revenue when then-President Barack Obama eased the decades-long restrictions on Cuban travel and tourism in March 2016. Intrepid travelers started planning trips to the sprawling tobacco plantations and historical colonial cities for the upcoming seasons, while Cuban spas and resorts began attracting fun-loving tourists in hordes. Hotels spruced up their services, Airbnb added a significant number of Cuban homes to their repertoire, and a few American airlines began running direct flights to Cuba.
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Togetherness tourism serves niche markets and local business
Donna Balancia Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementTogetherness tourism is making a splash in the travel business. Couples longing to reconnect or strengthen their relationships are taking experiential vacations that leave them with lingering memories they can bring home. Marrieds are making stir-fry together in Thai cooking classes in Bangkok, hovering in a cable car above an ancient site in Peru, and hitting the waves with surfing lessons in Hawaii.
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Toronto’s rubber duck: Waste of money or clever tourist attraction?
Katherine Radin Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementCanada 150 celebrations recently kicked off with the arrival of the world's largest rubber duck floating ashore at Toronto's harbourfront. As the guest of honour for the Redpath Waterfront Festival, the rubber duck was a point of contention, costing taxpayers $120,000 for its appearance and tour along the waterways of Ontario.
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‘Urbanism Without Effort’ — Are urban designers trying too…
Lucy Wallwork Civil & GovernmentAttempts at "placemaking" have been at the center of attention for urbanists for some time now. But is it really possible to "make" places? How successfully can architects and urban planners design strong communities into existence?
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