TGA Industry News Briefs

Prepare to be WOWED: What’s NEW and Fresh at the 2024 Travel Goods Show

TGA

We’re excited to bring you dozens of new benefits, Show events and seminars for the 2024 Travel Goods Show. Here is a sampling of what exhibitors and buyers can expect to see on the most electric floor in Show history. Take advantage of the Early Bird Discount and book today. READ MORE

TGA PR at Work

TGA

Perceptive Travel, travel blog and source for fresh travel destinations and products, featured TGA member GoDesk as its product of the month giveaway for the month of May. A lucky winner named Christine from Los Angeles will receive two GoDesks for herself and a travel companion. TGA members, please send your company story and product info to TGA’s Kate Ryan to be considered for media placements like this!

TGA Urges House China Committee to Remove China Section 301 Tariffs

TGA

On June 2, TGA joined dozens of other industry groups in sending a letter to the House Select Committee on China to correct the record on the negative impact of China Section 301 tariffs on American workers, American families, and American businesses. The letter urges the committee to work to remove the tariffs because they have been ineffective and have only caused harm.

West Coast Port Labor Issues Continue as Some Los Angeles-Bound Rail Shipments Get Paused

CNBC

The Port of Los Angeles is the nation’s busiest port, processing $440 billion in cargo value per year. That market share has declined with more trade moving to the East Coast over the past year, at least partially due to labor issues on the West Coast that had supply chain managers worried about the reliability of service. READ MORE

The Verge’s Favorite Travel Gear

THE VERGE

It’s travel season, which means it’s time to pack your bathing suit, your hiking boots – and your tech. We asked the staff of The Verge what their favorite travel gear was, and as you can imagine, we got a wide range of answers — from backpacks and travel apps to power strips and selfie sticks. READ MORE

Priceline Joins A.I. Chatbot Race, Signing on with Google to Help Ease Travel Booking

CNBC

As new artificial intelligence tools make their way beyond consumer chatbots and internet search and into a widening array of businesses, online travel is jumping aboard. Booking, Expedia and Airbnb are among travel companies looking for ways to ease the booking process and help consumers more swiftly make plans. READ MORE

Embracing Innovation in Changing Times

RETAIL CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

ICXA Executive Director Alicia Lavay shares how retailers and brands can pursue bulletproof innovation by being agile and adaptable. READ MORE

12 Best-Selling Luggage and Travel Accessories That Are Essential for Your Upcoming Summer Vacation — Starting at $8

REAL SIMPLE

The warm-weather months are filled with opportunities to take advantage of the extra sunshine, which is why many people choose to go somewhere new. If you’re headed on a beach vacation or to a lush destination anytime soon, these travel essentials are sure to help make the most of your trip from start to finish. READ MORE

Could Air Travel Get Even More Miserable? Yes, and Here’s Why

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Yes, fares have been high throughout our past two years of revenge-travel mode. Packed jets, ill-tempered passengers, bad airline management and weather roulette contributed to some miserable travel conditions last year, when more than 180,000 flights were canceled, according to Department of Transportation data. READ MORE

9 Tools to Help You Manage Your Business’ Social Media

CO BY U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Need help keeping up with social media? Here are some of the most common types of social media marketing tools and what they can do for your business. READ MORE

Retail Store Openings and New Concept Trends

RIS NEWS

A slew of retail store expansion plans has been announced this spring, as well as some new concepts from retailers. READ MORE

25 Compact Travel Products to Help You Maximize Space in Your Luggage

BUZZFEED

Everything you need, but tiny — and described by multiple reviewers as life-changing. READ MORE

Exhibitor Applications Now Open for the 2024 Travel Goods Show!

TGA

We’re taking the Travel Goods Show to new heights with expanded workshops, captivating panel discussions, and educational forums featuring special guests from top travel companies and the biggest Social Media Influencers in the world. But that’s not all! We’re bringing you exclusive Buyer Luncheons, exciting Networking Events, and unique opportunities to engage with renowned Social Media Influencers and Brand Ambassadors. We understand the disruptive shifts and evolving trends in the travel industry that are transforming consumer preferences. Our commitment to providing maximum value to exhibitors is unwavering. That’s why we’re going above and beyond, launching an extraordinary outreach campaign that will reach every corner of the press, travel goods buyers, industry professionals, and anyone involved in this dynamic industry. Rest assured, we are dedicated to ensuring your participation in the Travel Goods Show will be nothing short of invaluable. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! APPLY NOW to secure your spot as an exhibitor at the 2024 Travel Goods Show. Let’s make this show an unforgettable experience together.

Memorial Day Holiday U.S. Air Passenger Travel Tops 2019 Levels

FOX BUSINESS

Air travel over the Memorial Day holiday weekend in the U.S. surged past pre-pandemic levels, according to recent figures from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Nearly 9.8 million people were screened by TSA officers at airports nationwide from Friday through Monday, the TSA tweeted. That’s 300,000 more individuals compared with the same holiday weekend in 2019. READ MORE

ChatGPT and Generative AI for Social Media Marketing: Reality, Hype, What’s Next, and How to Prepare

BUSINESS INSIDER

Social media managers and their agency partners are able to quickly develop content for a long list of platforms and navigate ever-changing rules and tools. Of the responsibilities these managers face, generative AI could help most with brand marketing, creative development, and customer service. However, when navigating this new technology, there are limitations to keep in mind prior to a full rollout. READ MORE

15 Fresh Ways to Wear a Designer Fanny Pack

HARPER’S BAZAAR

The bag has evolved from its roots as a tourist staple to a must-have from the street style set. READ MORE

Retailer WH Smith Expects Higher Profit on Strong Summer Travel

REUTERS

This week, WH Smith forecast higher full-year profit as the British retailer bet on strong travel demand during the summer after it witnessed robust trading across its global travel business. Leisure and business travel are back to pre-pandemic levels, boosting sales at stores in transit locations. READ MORE

I Backpacked Around Europe for 80 Days, and These Are the Items I Couldn’t Have Traveled Without — From $10

TRAVEL + LEISURE

When I have kids, I’m going to do two things: first, I’m going to regale them of all the tales (up to PG-13) of my experience backpacking around the world. Second, I’m going to encourage them to go backpacking as well. In fact, as soon as they turn 18, all they’re getting for their birthday and every holiday is backpacking gear. READ MORE

Mesa: The First U.S. Autism-Friendly City

BBC

Holidays can be stressful for neurodiverse people, but Mesa, AZ, is becoming more inclusive so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of travel — not just the neurotypical. READ MORE

Brands Tap New Data Sources to Target Second-Time Buyers

PYMNTS

Regardless of income level, we’re all wary of what things cost and where the best deal can be had, online or in-store. It’s not too far-fetched to say we’ve become a nation of bargain-hunters. At a high level, merchants face a conundrum. There’s a world of difference between deal chasers and customers who will make a favorite brand, be it a bank or retailer, their primary go-to stop to get what they want and need, time and time again. READ MORE

These Are the 6 Biggest Handbag Trends for Summer 2023

WHO WHAT WEAR

If you’re wondering what is happening in the handbag realm for summer, there are already some key bags and trends we are predicting will shape the accessory space this season. New silhouettes and styles debuted on the spring/summer 2023 runways, and now that they are arriving in stores, we’re seeing specific bags and bigger trends emerging as front-runners. READ MORE

How to Fail as a Leader

KIPLINGER

The authors of the new book Real-Time Leadership outline the traits of effective leaders (kindness is key) and what will ensure a leader’s failure. READ MORE

How to Choose Between Hardside and Softside Luggage, According to Our Tests

TRAVEL + LEISURE

It’s time to settle the long-time debate between the two types of suitcases on the market: hardside and softside luggage. While the final decision boils down to personal preference, we put together this comprehensive guide with cold hard facts to help you decide which style suits your needs. READ MORE

Spanish Island Calls for Urgent Meeting with Ryanair Over Local Pastry Delicacy That’s Causing a Row Over Hand Luggage

PADDLE YOUR OWN KANOO

The local government of Spain’s Balearic Islands have called for an ‘urgent’ meeting with Ryanair over the carrier’s decision to try to charge passengers for the privilege of bringing a traditional Mallorcan pastry known as ensaïmada onboard as hand luggage. READ MORE

The 2024 Show News You’ve Been Waiting For!

TGA

The countdown to the extraordinary 2024 Travel Goods Show has officially begun. We’ve heard your enthusiastic reactions and are thrilled to announce that Wednesday-Friday, March 13-15 is when the magic will happen!

The 2024 Show will be held at the newly-constructed, state-of-the-art convention facility, The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas — a fresh and invigorating venue that will set the stage for an unparalleled showcase of innovation and industry excellence! Applications for booth space will be accepted beginning June 1, 2023. READ MORE

It’s Free, It’s Worthwhile. What Are You Waiting for?

TGA

TGA Manufacturer Members can submit press releases with new product and company news anytime — and as often as they like — for posting on our magazine and association website. We also share your news with the media to keep them abreast of new industry products and trends. Members may also take advantage of our complimentary Packed in a Minute video feature, Member Profiles and Travel Goods HUB. Dues start at $300/year.

Click here to join the Travel Goods Association.

Memorial Day Travel Expected to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels

LAIST

As Memorial Day approaches, experts expect travel to surpass pre-pandemic levels. Officials at Los Angeles International Airport are predicting 1.2 million travelers beginning today and lasting through the weekend. And the Automobile Club of Southern California is projecting that 3.3 million people in the region will hit the skies, roads and rails — a 7.7% increase from last year, and almost 0.5% higher than 2019. READ MORE

‘Never a Reason to Take Off Your Socks’: A Flight Attendant’s 12 Etiquette Rules

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Air travel is going to be busy this summer. With some common sense and courtesy, could flying be…pleasant? READ MORE

The Best Travel Luggage of 2023

OUTSIDE MAGAZINE

Take it from us — a smartly designed carry-on suitcase, a rugged and waterproof duffel, or a versatile bag that can morph from duffel to backpack at the drop of a shoulder strap — can go a long way to mitigating travel woes. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a weekend warrior, living out of your van, or planning for a big expedition, there’s something on this list just right for you. READ MORE

AI Won’t Replace Social Teams: Here’s Why

SPROUT SOCIAL

Every new advancement in tech sparks new possibilities — and new fears. This new era of artificial intelligence (AI) naturally has social teams thinking: Is an AI social media manager about to take my seat? When it comes to AI social media tools, I’m optimistic…and this is coming from someone who regularly thanks her Google Home to keep it happy. READ MORE

Stats: Financial Concerns Are Affecting Americans’ Travel Plans

TRAVEL AGENT CENTRAL

Americans seem to be split on their summer travel plans. While half plan to travel and stay in paid lodging, according to Deloitte’s “The Experience Economy Endures: 2023 Deloitte Summer Travel Survey,” released this week, many are tightening their budgets, if not staying home outright. Half of Americans who are not traveling say they won’t because they can’t afford to do so. READ MORE

25 Products Flight Attendants Say Make Traveling More Comfortable

BUZZFEED

Flight attendants are the MVPs of traveling, so their recommendations are pretty much gold. READ MORE

Chase Travel Looks to Become a Household Name with $15 Billion in Sales by 2025

SKIFT

Chase Travel’s ascension, and that of other banks selling travel, is becoming an ever-more important power center in a fragmented travel industry. There will be hyper competition in this space. READ MORE

How to Convince Leadership Why They Can’t Ignore SEO

SEARCH ENGINE LAND

Struggling to get buy-in for your SEO efforts? Here are four things you can do to help leadership understand the value of investing in SEO. READ MORE

AI in Retail: Smarter Stores, Smarter Product Design

VENTUREBEAT

Retail cannot get enough of AI. Analysts say the sector’s spending in 2023 will outpace all others except banking. A 40% adoption rate is projected to double by 2025, making retail the industry most heavily invested in intelligent technology. READ MORE

Organized Retail Crime Is Definitely a Thing, Says BJ’s CEO: ‘We See It, and It Is Material’

MARKETWATCH

The issue of inventory “shrink” caused by theft and organized retail crime was cited by Target Corp. when it reported its first-quarter results last week. Walmart Inc. also described the issue as “challenging” during a conference call to discuss its first-quarter results last week. READ MORE

Why Are Social Media Sites Showing You Such Terrible Ads?

MAKE USE OF

Online ads have always been annoying, but their targeting and frequency are getting more aggressive. Social media sites push too many ads nowadays. Ads don’t pop up by coincidence. Here are five reasons why social media sites show you such terrible ads. READ MORE

Vegas in 2024? You Betcha!

TGA

The 2024 Travel Goods Show will be back in Las Vegas, and it will be unlike any other. We’re talking new buyers, workshops, education forums, panel discussions, special guests, industry professionals, travel influencers, and a few other surprises that we’re keeping under wraps for now. READ MORE HERE!

TGA Board of Directors Elects New Officers

TGA

We are proud to introduce Josh Cross as the new Board Chair of the Travel Goods Association (TGA). Josh is a seasoned software industry expert with a successful background in EdTech, having helped build one of the premiere software platforms in the space. As CEO of Elios, he brings a wealth of knowledge and innovation to our association, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him lead us into the future.

The 2023-2024 TGA Board of Directors

• Josh Cross, Elios, Chair
• Jesse Sutton, Bon Voyage/Sutton Home Fashions, Vice Chair
• Scott Kosmin, 24-7 International, Treasurer
• Jerry Kallman, Airline International Luggage, Secretary
• Cliff Ensley, Leisure Merchandising Corp., Immediate Past Chair
• Jacob Durham, Nomatic, Executive Committee
• Richard Krulik, Briggs & Riley/SOLO, Executive Committee

We Don’t Want to Play Favorites, But…

TGA

Travel Goods Magazine takes a deep dive into the products unveiled on the showroom floor at the 2023 Travel Gear + Luggage Expo. (Did we kick a few tires and earmark a few items for ourselves? Of course we did!) In Part II of our two-part series, you’ll see a sampling of the travel accessories, backpacks, casual bags, luggage and personal comfort items that got our attention. READ MORE

If you’re planning to take a trip for Memorial Day weekend, you may want to brace yourself for busy airports and roads. AAA expects 42.3 million Americans to travel 50 miles — or more — from their homes over the holiday weekend, the membership organization said Monday. That number is up 7% from 2022. READ MORE

What Exactly Is Luxury Travel in 2023 — And Is It Worth It?

THE POINTS GUY

What exactly is luxury travel? Ask any group of travelers what constitutes a luxury vacation, and chances are they’ll all give you a different answer. The point is: Luxury travel may seem obvious, but it’s actually a slippery concept. READ MORE

TravelSavers: Luxury Sales Outpacing 2022 by 32%

TRAVEL AGENT CENTRAL

TravelSavers advisors are experiencing an increase in premium and luxury sales, with luxury revenue pacing 32% higher than 2022. Expedition cruising is particularly vigorous, with sales up 78% from last year. Antarctica bookings have risen 84% year over year. READ MORE

As Household Budgets Tighten, Big Brands Double Down in Dollar Stores

REUTERS

Makers of brand-name household basics like Dunkin’ coffee and Schick razors are bulking up sales teams and adding specialized and lower-cost products to the shelves of America’s ubiquitous dollar stores in a bid to reach more budget-conscious shoppers. READ MORE

Tourism “Should Focus on AI”

THE PORTUGAL NEWS

One of the conclusions reached at Minsait’s Travel Summit 2023 is that in order for the industry to continue growing, companies should look to AI and Advanced Analytics technology. READ MORE

These Are the Biggest (and Busiest) Airports in the World

TRAVEL NOIRE

To accommodate more travelers, some airports are much bigger than others. These giant, international travel hubs are gearing up for massive amounts of travelers as summer approaches. So, which airports are the biggest in the world? Here are a few gigantic airports that stay busy all year round getting travelers where they need to be. READ MORE

ChatGPT and Generative AI for Social Media Marketing: Reality, Hype, What’s Next, and How to Prepare

INSIDER

Many social media marketers are already experimenting with generative AI tools. However, these fascinating new tools aren’t the solution for every marketing scenario. READ MORE

The Best Times for Social Media Marketing Posts Are…

CHAIN STORE AGE

Not all times of day are created equal when it comes to effective social media promotions. According to new analysis of 34,000 customers on its platform from social media management tool provider Sprout Social, the overall best times to post marketing content on social media are… READ MORE

Why a Travel Coach Is a Must-Have for Some Travelers

CNN

Planning a major vacation can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task, so it’s perhaps no surprise that travelers often call in reinforcements for help. Some consult friends and family for recommendations and advice, some scroll through social media platforms for inspiration, some rely on information gathered from online searches and some do all of the above. However, it seems more and more people are turning to travel coaches to help them organize their upcoming trips. READ MORE

This Summer’s Travel Trends: Shorter, Cheaper Trips and More Driving — Unless You’re Rich

NBC NEWS

If you sat out last summer’s overcrowded, overpriced, booked-solid travel season in hope of cheaper and easier getaways this year, you may be out of luck. Sixty-three percent of U.S. adults plan to travel this summer, up from 61% this time last year, according to a recent survey by Bankrate. Airlines are bracing for high demand, and aviation authorities are warning of another season of flight disruptions. READ MORE

TGA to Congress — Stop Unfair Rail Storage Fees

TGA

Last week, TGA joined over 70 organizations in urging Congress to stop unfair rail storage fees. The letter urges Congress to put rail storage fees under the jurisdiction of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) though the TGA-supported Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which enabled the FMC to regulate demurrage and detention fees at ocean terminals and ports.

Shipping Complaints on the Rise Show OSRA Reforms Working

TGA

Over the last week, shippers have filed new complaints against ocean carriers (1, 2) as the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) noted over $1 million in “complaint refunds” have been awarded to shippers in the 10 months since the TGA-supported Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) went into effect.

Report Points to Signs of Optimism for a New ILWU-PMA Deal

LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT

Could the possibility of a West Coast port labor deal being done between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association be finally inching to reality? A recent report in the Wall Street Journal published this week indicated that could be the case. READ MORE

California’s Port Dominance Slipping as Cargo Shifts East

GCAPTAIN

California has suffered a series of economic blows this year, from torrential rains that inundated farmland to the failure of three regional banks. Now the state’s $2.8 trillion freight industry is under threat. READ MORE

Wellness Travel Is Rising Among a Particularly Weary Group of Travelers — Parents

CNBC

Amusement parks and road trips — this is this stuff many family vacations are made of. But a new survey shows parents increasingly want in on a trend that isn’t often aimed at families: wellness travel. READ MORE

Lawmakers Seek to Improve Air Travel for People with Disabilities

DISABILITY SCOOP

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is looking to institute new requirements in order to make air travel easier for passengers with disabilities. Legislation introduced this month in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives calls for the Department of Transportation to research the technical and financial feasibility of allowing individuals to remain in their wheelchairs during flights. READ MORE

A TikToker Put a Camera on His Luggage and Here’s What the Airport Does with Your Bag

NARCITY

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you’ve dropped your suitcase off at the airport, a TikToker is giving people a chance to find out. TikToker Thomas Miller attached a hidden camera to his luggage to see what the airport does with his bag, and many people had a lot to say about the process. READ MORE

I Only Buy Souvenirs That Are Actually Useful — and It’s Changed the Way I Travel

TRAVEL + LEISURE

When I reach for a pen at my desk, I’m reminded of a mother-daughter vacation to Copenhagen. It’s not just because I have a really good memory — it’s because my home is filled with thoughtful souvenirs. READ MORE

Which Pandemic-Driven Retail Trends are Here to Stay?

STREET FIGHT

Many of the changes to retail shopping that took place during the pandemic-era were transient. Demand for curbside pickup and contactless delivery, for example, peaked in 2020 and 2021. Other changes in retail trends have been more permanent. READ MORE

How Gen Z’s Digital Payment Expectations Are Driving Trends

HACKERNOON

It’s already clear that Gen Z is changing the world of online shopping and payment processing — potentially for the better and more practical. A generation native to technological tools that adapt to changes in the blink of an eye has industry-pushing expectations. Is this a conscious effort of Gen Z banking behavior to change digital payments, or are their actions telling companies how to innovate to stay competitive? READ MORE

Digital Marketing Trends for 2022

MIT SLOAN

A new e-book from the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy highlights learnings from the 2022 MIT Chief Marketing Officer Summit held this spring. The topline message to marketing executives: Add data, analytics, and algorithms to better reach socially-linked modern consumers. Here are MIT Sloan researchers’ top digital marketing trends for 2022. READ MORE

Make An Impression

TGA

Our goal at the Travel Goods Association is straightforward: To help keep travel goods products and product innovations, and the companies that create them, top of mind. How we achieve this: By putting the products in front of the people that matter — industry buyers, consumers, media — through regular editorial placements and consistent PR outreach. As your partner in promotion, we have developed several opportunities designed to do exactly that. READ MORE

Rail Data Shows Reality of Current Supply Chain

FREIGHT WAVES

The impact of the movement of trade to the East Coast and Gulf ports can no longer be denied in the railroad data. Anyone following the flow of trade through ocean freight orders would not be surprised. There is always a delay in forward-looking information like ocean freight orders, and this delay took longer to work through because of the historic volumes being processed at the ports. READ MORE

Alarm Over California’s Drive to Switch Trucking from Diesel to Electric

THE LOADSTAR

California’s state government is making a determined push to accelerate the move to clean trucks, but a dismayed industry is warning that the fundamentals for a shift are not in place. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has banned the sale of diesel-powered trucks by 2036, after which all sales in the state must be for zero-emission vehicles. READ MORE

U.S. Travel and Tourism Sector on Track to Surpass 2019’s Record Highs

TRAVEL PULSE

In analyzing its new 2023 Economic Impact Research data, the World Travel & Tourism Council found that forecasts indicate the U.S. travel and tourism sector will achieve record-breaking highs as the year continues, outstripping even 2019’s pre-pandemic peaks. READ MORE

Marriott’s Focus on Budget Travel to Include New Extended-Stay Brand

THE POINTS GUY

The world’s largest hotel company officially acquired Mexico’s City Express chain of affordably priced hotels, Marriott announced earlier this week. But Marriott isn’t done there in its growing focus on more budget-minded brands. Marriott plans to launch a new extended-stay hotel brand hot on the heels of City Express joining the mix. READ MORE

Crowds, High Prices and the ‘White Lotus’ Effect: Worst Places to Travel This Summer

THE HILL

Summer vacation is supposed to be about rest and relaxation. But in reality, it sometimes ends up being about overpriced tourist traps, crowded streets or delayed flights. How can you avoid that fate? We asked Clint Henderson, frequent traveler and managing editor at The Points Guy, for some guidance. READ MORE

Implementing Sustainable Design Strategies in the Retail Environment

RETAIL TOUCHPOINT

The retail industry is undergoing an unprecedented wave of change as global issues have affected retailer supply chains, the labor market and consumer behaviors. Sustainability has come to the fore as consumers become more conscious of how their purchases are impacting their local communities and the environment. READ MORE

Travelers Want Their Payments to Be Invisible and Hyper-Local Too

PMNTS

Travel is a vertical ripe to be examined, ready to embrace a technological shift — and a mindset shift, too — when it comes to payments. Spreedly Vice President of Product Management Joe Meuse, EBANX Vice President, Global Market Development & Channels Gregory Cornwell, and Hopper Head of Product, Payments & Fraud Anirudh Narla told PYMNTS that payments could be a key component of improving the customer experience. Cornwell noted that amid the great travel rebound that’s accompanied economies re-opening in the wake of the pandemic, “it’s a comeback where we expect to see the ‘full normal’ level of payments activity by the end of this year.” READ MORE

10 Ways to Promote Your Retail Product with Social Media

FORBES

If you’re a leader at a physical brand having trouble promoting itself online, you’re most certainly not alone. Yet while many more conventional retailers have been hesitant to extend their presence into the social media arena, those who have made the leap have seen astounding benefits. READ MORE

Mother’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Luggage and Travel Accessories

FORBES

While exploring the world is one of life’s greatest pleasures (and privileges), the downside is how it negatively affects our planet and contributes to climate change. So, to help decrease your carbon footprint, consider shopping these 12 sustainable and eco-friendly luggage and travel accessories — which are categorized from most to least expensive — for the jet-setting mom you love this Mother’s Day. READ MORE

Shoptalk Europe 2023 Startup Pitch Competition: Preview — 10 Innovators, Three Areas of Retail Disruption

CORESIGHT RESEARCH

We preview the Shoptalk Europe 2023 Startup Pitch competition, presenting the 10 participating technology innovators, which span three areas of retail disruption. Key themes include sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI), supply chain, customer experience, logistics and more. READ MORE

Your Ultimate Guide to Carry-on Luggage Size for 2023

CNN

We’re here to make things a little easier by breaking down the carry-on policies of the major and budget U.S. domestic airlines. So, buckle up, return your seat to the upright position and enjoy the flight. READ MORE

The Best Travel Gear and Accessories for Your Next Adventure, According to Experts

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our analysts and engineers have been testing travel products for more than two decades across our Labs. Below we feature the travel gear that’s outperformed in our tests and has been rated highly among consumer testers, ranging from reliable suitcases to comfortable walking shoes, beauty must-haves, gadgets to keep you entertained for hours and handy travel accessories. According to our pros, this is the best travel gear to bring along on your next adventure in 2023 and beyond. READ MORE

On Trend and On Brand: Why Harnessing Trends Is the Future of Marketing

SPROUT SOCIAL

Before social, marketing was a one-sided conversation — brands were in control and set the trends, persuading consumers through TV, radio, magazines and billboards, and consumers would adhere to those messages. Social media blurs the lines between brands and consumers. Today, consumers now set the trends and brands fall in line. READ MORE

 

Behold, the 102 Best Travel Gear Deals We’ve Found at Amazon This Month So Far

TRAVEL + LEISURE

Whenever I make a packing list, I always include a section for items that I still need to get. For an upcoming trip, my needs were as diverse as a replacement case for my Apple AirPods, a pair of seriously cushioned walking shoes, a lightweight suitcase, and a few travel-sized bottles of my favorite dry shampoo. Amazon is currently offering hundreds (maybe even thousands) of markdowns across its travel section. READ MORE

The Benefits of Traveling with Your Parents as an Adult

TRAVEL NOIRE

Any parent worth their salt will make sacrifices for their children. A privileged few afford their offspring the chance to travel. As time elapses, your childhood travels may be harder to recall. So, why not make new travel memories with your parents as an adult? You’ll enjoy the experience, and it’ll bring you closer together. Here are some benefits and other things to keep in mind when traveling with older parents. READ MORE

How Much Did You Spend on Your Solo Vacation?

THE NEW YORK TIMES

We spoke to readers about their recent solo travels, including their motivations to travel alone and what they chose to spend on. READ MORE

NRF Forecasts 2023 Retail Sales to Grow Between 4% and 6%

NRF

The National Retail Federation recently issued its annual forecast, anticipating that retail sales will grow between 4% and 6% in 2023. In total, NRF projects that retail sales will reach between $5.13 trillion and $5.23 trillion this year. “In just the last three years, the retail industry has experienced growth that would normally take almost a decade by pre-pandemic standards,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. READ MORE

Disability Groups Urge EU to End Air Travel ‘Nightmare’

REUTERS

People with disabilities in Europe still face disproportionate obstacles when flying, with denial of boarding commonly due to purported safety reasons often related to equipment such as wheelchairs or assistance dogs, according to a recent report. The Brussels-based European Disability Forum (EDF) report urged the European Union to put in place strong regulation to ensure air travel is accessible for all. READ MORE

Larger Crowds, Less Chaos: Why Summer Travel May Be Less Bumpy

NERD WALLET

If 2022 felt crowded, 2023 could be more so. Checkpoint data from the Transportation Security Administration for two out of the first three months of the year show that average airport passenger counts have actually exceeded their 2019 levels — and they’re set to keep growing. While travel volumes are shaping up to be even bigger than their pre-pandemic numbers, things might not feel as brutal as they were last year. READ MORE

I Was a Flight Attendant for 10 Years. Here Are 10 of My Best Travel Tips

INSIDER

As I’ve globe-trotted for work and leisure, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make travel as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Here are 10 tips I learned during my days as a flight attendant and still use today. READ MORE

Generative Art Is Helping (re)Humanize the Retail Experience

RETAIL TOUCHPOINTS

Incorporating generative art empowers transformative retail experiences that encourage customers to visit and shop. They also can help promote wellness. READ MORE

Learn More About TGA’s Members via Member Profiles

TGA

Each month we feature two TGA members on the homepage of our association website! If you are a member and haven’t yet submitted a profile, do so quickly and easily via this link. If you need to update your profile, please email TGA’s Cathy Trecartin, cat@travel-goods.org. VIEW MEMBER PROFILES

TGA Urges Congress to End China Section 301 Tariffs

TGA

On April 6, TGA joined hundreds of organizations in urging Congress to end the Section 301 tariffs, which imposed 25% punitive duties (on top of normal 17.6-20% duties) on U.S. imports of travel goods from China.

Deloitte: Business Travel Begins to Take Off

HOTEL BUSINESS

The third edition of Deloitte’s corporate travel study, “Navigating Toward a New Normal,” examines why and when employees are expected to travel for business, as well as the dynamics creating headwinds and opportunities for the sector. The study is based on a survey of 334 U.S.-based and European executives with travel budget oversight, fielded between February 7 and February 23. Here are the key takeaways from the study. READ MORE

The Top Retail Trends in 2023

TWICE

In this article, we examine four of the essential retail trend predictions for 2023. Then we will explore how retailers can stay ahead of the trends in the year to come. READ MORE

Flight Searches Are Up 25%: Expedia Summer Travel Forecast 2023

HNR HOTEL NEWS

While U.S. travelers are returning in droves to popular destinations including New York and Cancun, the biggest year-over-year increases are for longer-haul destinations including Auckland, Hong Kong and Osaka. Despite average flight ticket prices sitting higher than last summer, strong demand trends indicate travelers are ready to make the most out of their summer vacations. READ MORE

 

What a Retail Showroom Can Do for Rising Brands

FORBES

The term “showroom” in retail is a loosely defined alternative to a store. However, at its core is the idea of a physical space showcasing a product rather than acting primarily as a transaction point. Arguably, this is a trend for overall retail, but few brands have homed in on the sole purpose of display. Some showrooms taking the industry by storm are Showfields, which defines itself as a “lifestyle discovery store.” READ MORE

4 Things Great Leaders Always Do

INC.

Some of the most effective traits of great leaders are often absent in top-down hierarchies. READ MORE

TikTok’s U.S. Ad Sales Grew 6% Last Month, Per Sensor Tower

MARKETING BREW

Ad spend on TikTok in the U.S. grew 6% month over month in March, according to estimates from app analytics group Sensor Tower, despite a potential national ban of the platform. READ MORE

“Hush Trip” Travel Gear

TGA

Hush trips — secretly working from a vacation destination – are on the rise. The majority of Americans (56%) say they are very likely to take a hush trip, and 36% of Gen X and Millennials have already planned a hush trip this year. Travel Goods Magazine wants to hear WHY your travel gear is perfect for a hush trip and your best tip for stealth travel. Read more here, and have your product featured in our upcoming story on this (hush-hush!) emerging trend in leisure travel. READ MORE

Congress to Biden — Fix Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAP) for New Truckers

TGA

Last week, 33 members of Congress urged the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ramp up work on the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program (SDAP), a TGA-supported pilot to train 18-20 year-olds to drive trucks. The program is intended to address the systemic trucker shortage that has plagued the U.S. for years. Currently, a driver must be 21 to drive trucks across state lines.

6 Travel Innovations We’ve Covered: Did They Live Up to the Promise?

SKIFT

While some of the tech advances Skift featured over the years may not have lived up to expectations yet, others are poised to play an even bigger role in the travel industry in years to come. Check out this list of innovations that we’ve had on our radar. READ MORE

3 Uses for ChatGPT in Retail

INSIDER INTELLIGENCE

ChatGPT will transform formulaic tasks like product descriptions and inventory management. As OpenAI makes more integrations available, adoption will become increasingly common. Here’s how major retailers are already using ChatGPT. READ MORE

Suitcase Study: What Happens to Unclaimed Luggage?

NEWS NATION

Have you ever wondered what happens to unclaimed luggage? After 90 days, if no one claims the luggage, it’s sold to an unclaimed baggage center where the items inside are resold. If the passenger’s bag is truly lost, airlines pay out a claim to the passenger. READ MORE

Starbucks’ New CEO Plans to Spend Time Working at His Company’s Coffee Shops. Here’s Why Every Retail Leader Should Take a Shift on the Sales Floor

INSIDER

There’s a big difference between your CEO and their entourage sweeping through to see if things are up to snuff and that leader working a shift in your shoes, and it’s the latter that makes the real difference, Mark Cohen, the director of retail studies at Columbia University and the former CEO of Sears Canada, told Insider earlier this year. READ MORE

The 11 Best Affordable Luggage Pieces of 2023

TRAVEL + LEISURE

Narrowing in on the perfect suitcase can be intimidating with thousands of options on the market. If you’re anything like us, you want luggage that’s practical, good quality, and not astronomical in price. So, whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or an extended international trip, we’ve evaluated various options from hardside to softside and underseat to checked that’ll suit all travel requirements. READ MORE

How To Use Ephemeral Content in Your Marketing Strategy

SPROUT SOCIAL

Most brands expect to drive engagement and generate leads with social media strategies. However, ephemeral content is often overlooked in favor of long-form and feed content to achieve these goals. If leveraged properly, ephemeral content can help you beat the algorithm and keep your brand top of mind. Let’s look at why ephemeral content works for brands, how you can use it to drive results and examples from real brands. READ MORE

The Best Travel Tech Accessories for Your Next Adventure

GMA

If you’re gearing up for travel, don’t forget to consider all of the tech gadgets you may need along the way. Good Morning America lifestyle contributor Lori Bergamotto has rounded up the best travel accessories, from chargers and cords to international travel adapters and Bluetooth converters. READ MORE

TGA Keeps Members Dialed in and Front and Center

TGA

We don’t take the duty of keeping the travel goods industry connected lightly. TGA maintains several ways for you to share news with peers, stay abreast of industry developments and read curated, relevant weekly news. Add checking TGA’s website into your weekly internet reading schedule, share news and product information for consideration in Travel Goods Magazine, and be sure you are subscribed to our weekly Industry News Briefs (which hits inboxes Thursdays). To submit content or subscribe yourself or a colleague to our weekly Briefs, contact TGA’s Kim Wong.

TGA Urges President Biden to Intervene in West Coast Port Labor Contracts

TGA

TGA joined almost 200 organizations representing the business community in urging President Biden to intervene in the ongoing West Coast port labor contract negotiations. The last West Coast port labor contract expired July 1, 2022.

The China Tariffs Live to See Another Day

THE HILL

Last week, American importers suffered a setback in the ongoing saga of the Trump/Biden China tariffs. Thousands of U.S. companies had gone to court looking for relief from many of these import duties. They didn’t get it and plan to appeal the ruling. The bigger picture is that Congress needs to legislate a “fix” to help America’s beleaguered importers and reclaim its tariff authority. READ MORE

U.S. Ocean Shipping Antitrust Enforcement Act Takes Aim at Container Carriers

GCAPTAIN

Container carriers are facing new measures in the U.S. Congress that would strip away a long-standing antitrust exemption and require them to load more exports, even as the first shipping reform law in two decades is still being implemented. READ MORE

Bed Bath & Beyond to Lay Off 1,300 Employees in New Jersey

RETAIL INSIGHT NETWORK

Bed Bath & Beyond will axe 1,300 positions from its New Jersey locations. The job cuts are slated to come ahead of the new labor law that will come into effect next month, which requires companies with 100 or more employees to notify 90 days prior to plant closings and mass layoffs rather than the 60-day period. READ MORE

5 Secret, Invite-only Elite Status Tiers for Travelers That You’ve Never Heard Of

TRAVEL + LEISURE

Airline elite status is everything to road warriors, who are dedicated members of loyalty programs across airlines, hotels, and even car rental companies. But aside from the standard tiers of those loyalty programs, some travel brands have secret tiers for their most elite customers, which are only achievable by personal invitation. Here are five such elite statuses, some of which are poorly kept secrets, and others that even the most experienced travelers have never heard of. READ MORE