TGA Industry News Briefs

May 12, 2022

Invite Your Friends to the Party

If you are a longtime member of TGA, you know that the stronger our membership, the stronger we are as an association. When we are bolstered by new members, it means a stronger network and new services for YOU. Have a colleague whose company should be a part of TGA? Refer them for TGA membership and receive a complimentary digital ad in Travel Goods Magazine — and reap the rewards of a strengthened TGA!

TOP NEWS

Invite Your Friends to the Party

TGA

If you are a longtime member of TGA, you know that the stronger our membership, the stronger we are as an association. When we are bolstered by new members, it means a stronger network and new services for YOU. Have a colleague whose company should be a part of TGA? Refer them for TGA membership and receive a complimentary digital ad in Travel Goods Magazine — and reap the rewards of a strengthened TGA!

Summer travel is roaring back. Are higher prices and demand impacting your plans?

STAR TRIBUNE

Airfares are rising, as is demand for hotel and car rentals. Understaffed airlines and bad weather have canceled or delayed numerous flights. And gas prices continue to inch upward. READ MORE

Airbnb CEO: I Don’t See a Travel Recession Coming and We Won’t Freeze Hiring

SKIFT

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky was in New York City earlier this week for the launch of the company’s new curated search and homepage/app, their biggest product update in a while. Besides the very upbeat message with this radical change in its product and Chesky’s upbeat message all through last year on travel going through a revolution post pandemic, he also doesn’t see a recession coming to travel. READ MORE

How to Avoid Getting Duped By “Worthless” Travel Insurance Amid New Threat of COVID Cancellations

CBS NEWS

Holiday travel is expected to rebound this summer after two years of disruptions caused by the pandemic. But Americans heading overseas should be prepared for potential flight cancellations as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. To make matters worse, travelers may have more trouble getting their money back if they test positive. Airbnb, for example, said it is dropping cancellation exceptions for COVID starting May 31, which means a host’s original rules will apply. READ MORE

These Are the 2 Key Times to Demonstrate Your Leadership Potential in Meetings

FAST COMPANY

The founder of On Point Speaking notes that humans like to be told what to expect and what to do. Parameters and rules allow you to be the leader who takes the time to set them. READ MORE

Millennial Money: Save on Family Travel Without Stressing

THE ARDMOREITE

As an adult now, planning a trip with my own child, I fully understand how expensive — and hard — it is to travel with kids. Planning and packing requires accounting for naps, snacks, tantrums and blowouts. And you’re budgeting for extra airfare, a bigger rental car and additional lodging. You can save money on family travel and still have peace of mind. To find out how, I consulted two experts. Here’s what they had to say. READ MORE

Meta Partners with Adobe on New Social Media Marketing Training Course

SOCIAL MEDIA TODAY

As part of its promotion for its new Adobe Express creation suite, Adobe has partnered with Meta to launch a new ‘Express Your Brand’ training program, which is designed to help small business owners create more effective content, and digital marketing strategies, and maximize their business. READ MORE

How BNPL Upended Nearly a Century of Installment Payments

PYMNTS.COM

In a way, BNPL is nothing new. People have been buying things on installment plans since at least the Great Depression. But BNPL changed the game by allowing consumers to take their purchases home before they were done paying for them, something that would have been unheard of in the days of layaway. READ MORE

5 Places Around the World Where People Live the Longest

TRAVEL + LEISURE

While much of it boils down to genetics, getting to live into your 80s, 90s, and maybe even make it to the century mark is becoming more common. In fact, the United Nations expects the number of centenarians to grow eightfold by 2050. One way to know if you’ve got a higher chance of making it to 100? Just check your zip code to see if you live in a Blue Zone. READ MORE

The Future of Space Tourism Is Now. Well, Not Quite.

THE NEW YORK TIMES

From zero-pressure balloon trips to astronaut boot camps, reservations for getting off the planet — or pretending to — are skyrocketing. The prices, however, are still out of this world. READ MORE

Boeing Says Supply Chain Disruptions Hit 737 Max Production

ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH

Boeing Co. said earlier this week that supply chain disruptions slowed production and deliveries of its 737 Max cash cow narrowbody, but does not see its overall plan for the year being disrupted. The U.S. planemaker also said China was close to clearing the 737 Max to return to service, but progress with regulators and customers was delayed by stringent COVID protocols, not broader trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. READ MORE

TGA Urges Congress to Include Strong GSP Renewal in Any Final Competitiveness Legislation

TGA

On May 3, TGA and TGA members joined with other industry groups and companies to urge Congress to include a long and robust extension of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program in any final competitiveness/anti-China legislation approved by Congress. The House and Senate are moving to conference to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the competitiveness/anti-China bill. The Senate-passed bill included a long-term extension of GSP (through 2027) with some new requirements. The House-passed bill includes only a short extension of GSP with numerous new requirements that would make it hard for almost any country to remain in the GSP program. Neither bill includes much needed fixes that would allow U.S. travel goods imports to grow under the program. GSP expired on January 1, 2021. When in place, GSP allows U.S. travel goods imports from most developing countries (NOT China or Vietnam) to enter the U.S. duty-free. Thanks to GSP, U.S. travel goods imports have been able to start to move away from China.

Biden Administration Finally Starts Review of China Section 301 Tariffs

TGA

On May 3, in response to repeated calls from TGA and many others, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) finally launched a review of the China Section 301 tariffs. But it remains unclear whether the end result of the Biden administration’s review will lead to the removal of the 25% punitive tariffs on U.S. travel goods imports from China, or when the Biden administration will make a final decision. According to the timelines in yesterday’s announcement, no decision will be made until Fall 2022, at the earliest. Growing inflation fears seem to be the driver behind the decision.

April 2022 Logistics Managers’ Index Report

LOGISTICS MANAGERS’ INDEX

After reaching an all-time high of 76.2 in March, the overall LMI is down in April. This slowdown (which should be pointed out is still comfortably above the all-time average of 65.3) is largely driven by a shift in Transportation metrics. After 23 consecutive months of contraction, Transportation Capacity has finally shifted back into expansion, bumping up 11.2 points to a reading of 56.9. READ MORE

Terminal Automation Report on Long Beach, LA Ports Draws Attention as Labor Negotiations Near

DAILY BREEZE

With contract negotiations nearly underway, a report hailing the benefits of automated port terminals has brought opposing reactions from the two parties at the table, the Pacific Maritime Association, and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. Port automation is expected to be among the most contentious topics in the negotiations, which are set to begin on May 12. READ MORE

25 Travel Games That Will Keep Both Kids and Adults Entertained on Your Next Vacation

CNN UNDERSCORED

Whether you or your kids are prone to boredom or you’re on the lookout for the best travel gifts, the travel games that made our list could easily fit the bill. Before you pack up your suitcase, car or head to the airport for your next getaway, consider adding one of our favorite travel games to your travel arsenal. READ MORE

Social Media Marketing Is Costly and Far Less Effective Than It Once Was. Here’s What to Do Instead

INC.

Once upon a time, social media platforms were like jet fuel for consumer brands: You could pour a reasonable amount of money into a hyper-targeted ad campaign and watch your revenue skyrocket. That moment has passed. READ MORE

Here’s How to Navigate a Seamless Brand Marketing Presence

FAST COMPANY

Despite the thriving and evolving digital economy, leaders still need to strike a healthy balance between their company’s online and offline presence if they want their business to remain relevant to current and prospective customers. READ MORE

Ready for Takeoff: 7 Travel Tips for Remote Workers

ENTREPRENEUR

With U.S. travel expected to reach pre-pandemic levels this year and an increasing number of companies supporting remote working, it’s important to keep these travel tips in mind before your next adventure. READ MORE

Airbnb Says Record Bookings Signal Travel Rebound

TECH XPLORE

Bookings on Airbnb hit a new high in this year’s first quarter, the home rental platform reported earlier this week, in a fresh signal that travel demand stifled by the COVID-19 pandemic is being unleashed. READ MORE

How to Keep Your Travel Documents and Luggage Organized

THE SEATTLE TIMES

How do you keep all your stuff organized when you travel? That question is harder than ever to answer because travel has changed since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Now you have to juggle your ID or passport with your boarding pass and COVID-19 paperwork, including your vaccine documentation and PCR or antigen test, if they’re still required. READ MORE

Need Companies to Sign GSP Letter to Congress

TGA

The House and Senate must negotiate a compromise Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) reauthorization after passing different GSP renewal provisions as part of the House-Senate conference on a China competitiveness package. The TGA-supported Coalition for GSP is seeking company/association signatures for a letter to Congressional leaders outlining GSP users’ priorities (e.g., longer length, attainable eligibility criteria). The deadline to sign is 6 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 2. Sign on here.

Higher Inflation Factors into Review of Tariffs on Chinese Goods

REUTERS

The Biden administration is carefully studying the inflationary impact of tariffs imposed on China by former President Donald Trump’s administration given a surge in consumer prices, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday. READ MORE

As Prices and Coronavirus Cases Rise, Americans Are Conflicted About Their Long-Awaited ‘Revenge Travel’ Summer

MARKETWATCH

What are you doing this summer? Despite earlier rumblings about Americans embarking on outings and travel they had postponed due to the pandemic, a new study suggests coronavirus concerns — and historically high inflation — are influencing many people’s vacation planning. READ MORE

People Are Getting Travel Ideas from Social Media — Often With Hilarious Results

CNBC

Nearly one in three travelers turn to social media for holiday inspiration, according to a new study. The figures are even higher for younger travelers. But there’s a darker side to social media’s flawless travel photos. Expectations may not match reality, with many photographs edited to look better than they actually are. READ MORE

9 Secret Travel Hacks Flight Attendants Always Use

BESTLIFE

If you’re looking to book tickets, board a plane, or navigate any new destination like a pro, here are the best secret travel hacks from four real flight attendants who have made jet-setting their careers…and way of life. READ MORE

How Speed and Convenience Are Driving Retail Innovation

NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION

While the retail industry has always been quick to change, we’ve never seen anything quite like the rapid innovation caused by consumer expectations over the past two years. Cate Trotter of Insider Trends joins the latest episode of Retail Gets Real to explore some of the latest developments shaking up the industry, particularly how hyper convenience is driving the shift to ultra-fast fulfillment. READ MORE

What Social Media Advertising Tells Us About Inflation

MARKETPLACE

Social media companies’ earnings reports are coming out this week, including those from Twitter and Facebook, and advertising accounts for a big piece of their business. But when Snap Inc. reported earnings last week, the company flagged problems that could hurt demand for ads. The issues are familiar — supply chain snags and inflation. READ MORE

Is Your Kid’s Friend Coming on Vacation with You? Get Written Consent from Their Parents First

USA TODAY

Traveling with someone else’s child should include a series of extra pre-travel steps to make it wholly clear to authorities that you have permission from the child’s parents. This is when a letter of permission to travel or a child travel consent form is vital. READ MORE

How Luxury Travel Has Changed Since the Pandemic

TRAVEL NOIRE

Since the pandemic, it is painfully obvious that the level of service and care for the customer experience has changed in the U.S. Less people want to work in the service industry. Almost every hospitality-oriented business is short-staffed and the attitudes of the employees sometime show it. Travelers yearning for the old school style of service and care may need to travel further, or to places that are more private and exclusive, to find quality service. READ MORE

Don’t Let Expensive Flights Stop You: 6 Money-Saving Tips to Offset Travel Costs

CNET

With rising gas, hotel and restaurant prices, travel is more expensive in 2022. But, there are ways to save when you fly. READ MORE

5 Ways Innovative Retail Brands Are Future-Proofing Their Companies

INC.

Precision forecasting. Customer-fueled design. Authentic branding. Here’s how innovative retail companies can withstand the pressures of the coming years. READ MORE

Leadership Skills of the Future

KELLOGG INSIGHT

What will we want leaders in 5, 10, 15 years to know and do that we maybe aren’t stressing as so important today? I reached out to two of our leadership professors for their thoughts. Here’s what they had to say. READ MORE

Aruba Will Pay Luggage Fees for Visitors as Part of New Promotion

TRAVEL PULSE

Tourism officials in Aruba announced the island is offering a new Lose Your Baggage promotion to help pay luggage fees for travelers. Running through May 31, travelers who submit their upcoming itinerary, flight confirmation or proof of an anticipated trip to Aruba will be eligible to receive a $60 Visa Gift Card to cover the cost of their checked bags. READ MORE

If you manufacture items that fit these specifications and would like your product(s) to be considered for a back-to-school article in Travel Goods Magazine, please email product details, MSRP, product photo(s), and wholesale contact info (first and last name, email, and phone number) to kim@travel-goods.org by May 3, 2022.

Yeah…We’re Gonna Name Drop

TGA

Bob Marley, Guns & Roses, The Rolling Stones — they’re all here. Visit The HUB now, and travel like the rock star you know you are. READ MORE

TGA Urges Congress to Approve Ocean Shipping Reform Act

TGA

On April 20, TGA joined dozens of other industry groups in urging Congress to include the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) in any final anti-China legislation. The legislation was included in the House-passed AmericaCOMPETES Act but was not included in the Senate-passed U.S. Innovation & Competitiveness Act. House and Senate conferees will begin negotiations next week in the hopes of reaching agreement on compromise legislation by summer. OSRA would require the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to establish/enforce rules that would help end the current shipping crisis, and prevent the next shipping crisis, by mandating minimum service requirements for carriers, as well as establishing and enforcing rules barring contract breaches and excessive and unjust detention and demurrage fees.

TGA Criticizes China Section 301 Tariffs and Urges Congress to Renew Exclusion Process

TGA

Last week, TGA joined dozens of other industry groups in calling for an end to the China Section 301 tariffs, especially in light of rising inflation, and urged Congress, at a minimum, to renew and improve the China Section 301 tariff exclusion process.

Shanghai Tries to Ease Supply Chain Crunch Amid Lockdown

FREIGHTWAVES

Early this week, Chinese officials issued new guidelines to normalize industrial production and logistics flows, part of an effort to minimize the impact of strict lockdown measures in Shanghai. Under rules endorsed by the central government, localities will self-select specific companies in critical industries that can restart operations. READ MORE

China Port Data Shows Huge Impact of Lockdowns, But Restrictions Easing

THE LOADSTAR

Even as some factory production restarted in Shanghai this week, new data has shown a “near-doubling” of port congestion across China since the latest lockdowns began. According to predictive intelligence company Windward, there were 506 container vessels waiting outside Chinese ports in April, compared with 470 in March and 260 in February, before the first major lockdown began in Shenzhen. READ MORE

‘It’s Probably Worse Than Wuhan’: Experts Warn China’s COVID-19 Lockdowns Will Once Again Cripple Global Supply Chains

FORTUNE

Experts are warning China’s recent string of COVID-19 lockdowns is about to send another shock through global supply chains. At least 373 million people — in cities that represent roughly 40% of China’s gross domestic product — have been affected by the most recent wave of lockdowns across China, Reuters reported last week. READ MORE

The 14 Best Hardside Luggage That’ll Make You Actually Enjoy Packing

COSMOPOLITAN

Fact: A trip is only as great as the luggage you bring. After all, you don’t wanna be dealing with sticky wheels and stubborn zippers when you’re racing to board your flight before the doors close, right? Hardshell luggage is protective, chic, and surprisingly lightweight, and when it comes to the best hardside carry-on luggage, these bags can’t be beat. READ MORE

The Best Leaders Have a Contagious Positive Energy

HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW

Researchers and leaders have looked for the secret to successful leadership for centuries. Dozens of books each year promise to deliver the answer. We decided to examine this question empirically, and when we did, we found that the greatest predictor of success for leaders is not their charisma, influence, or power. It is not personality, attractiveness, or innovative genius. The one thing that supersedes all these factors is positive relational energy: the energy exchanged between people that helps uplift, enthuse, and renew them. READ MORE

For Airlines, the Mask Mandate Couldn’t End Soon Enough

THE NEW YORK TIMES

It created tensions between flight attendants and noncompliant passengers, but some travelers are worried about what comes next. READ MORE

Best Times to Post on Social Media in 2022

SEARCH ENGINE JOURNAL

The best times to post on social media continue to stray from the norm as people around the world adjust to ever changing routines. As a result, what you found to be the best time to post on social media last year may not be as effective this year. Sprout Social analyzed current data and issued updated recommendations for 2022. READ MORE

As Biz Travel Slowly Returns, Some Companies Expect Workers to Pay Their Own Way

COMPUTERWORLD

Business travel is still two years away from reaching pre-pandemic levels, according to Deloitte. But when it does bounce back, some companies expect remote workers to pay for trips back to the office. READ MORE

Retail Is Plagued with Workers Making Less Than $15 An Hour, Despite Employers’ Rising Profits

CBS NEWS

The U.S. has seen a tight labor market over the past two years as employers have tried to entice workers to come back from coronavirus pandemic lockdowns. Seen as a deal sweetener, $15 an hour has become the de facto wage standard among companies competing to hire new staff, the Associated Press reported. But the EPI survey, released Tuesday, suggests that not everyone has been offered the new standard pay. READ MORE

Airports Clogged with Queues as Travel Rebound Strains Resources

BLOOMBERG

Understaffed airports and airlines from Australia to Europe are struggling to cope with a fresh rush of travelers, with long queues and flight disruptions expected to persist as the busy Easter weekend approaches. READ MORE

How to Make Summer 2022 Travel Plans That Actually Happen

THE BUFFALO NEWS

After two years of cancellations, deferments and marathon sessions with airline customer service, many travelers are hoping to book summer trips that actually pan out this year. READ MORE

Goodbye, Minimalism: How Gen Z Is Reshaping Retail Product Design

RETAIL BREW

The minimalist aesthetic that was so popular among millennials is coming to a close, and you can thank Gen Z. They look for products with attitude and personality, explained Hamish Campbell, VP executive creative director at the brand design agency Pearlfisher: “We’re now into maximalism.” READ MORE

4 Problematic Leadership Trends and How to Solve Them

FAST COMPANY

If you’re wondering how you can continue working at this pace, meeting so often, and still find time to be inspiring to others, read on. READ MORE

5 Principles of Purposeful Leadership

HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW

The traditional model of the leader-hero who saves the day, knows it all, is the smartest person in the room, and is too often driven by power, fame, glory, or money is not appropriate in today’s environment. This is true for several reasons. READ MORE

Tackling Four of the Popular Myths of Social Media Marketing

FORBES

There are many myths surrounding social media marketing — some new, others mere leftovers from a time when social media was still uncharted territory. And every marketer worth their salt will agree that the biggest obstacle to successful social media marketing is misinformation. READ MORE

Global Airport Retail to Reach $41.6 Billion By 2027

FASHIONUNITED

After two years of stagnation due to COVID-19, the skies are open once again for travelers, a boost to airport retail and tax-free shopping. In 2021 during lockdowns and travel restrictions the global airport retail market was valued at $20.1 billion according to data from Research and Market. These figures are expected to more than double to $41.6 billion by 2027. READ MORE

Retail Expert: ‘The Mall Is Not Dead’ Despite Increase in Online Shopping

YAHOO! FINANCE

Natalie Kotlyar, BDO National Managing Partner, Industry Groups & Retail & Consumer Products National Industry Leader, sits down with Yahoo Finance Live to talk about misconceptions on the state of mall retail, trends in online and in-person shopping, and the commercial real estate industry in relation to mall and warehouse spaces. READ MORE

Airline Mask Mandate Is Extended by 15 Days. Here’s the Latest

CNET

Federal masking rules for airplanes and public transit have been extended again, but several foreign airlines have already ended masks on flights. READ MORE

58% of Durable Goods Buyers Use Financing or Leasing Programs

PYMNTS.COM

62% percent of consumers have purchased durable goods in the past 12 months, according to “The Lease-To-Own Secret,” a PYMNTS and Katapult collaboration based on a survey of 2,688 U.S. consumers. Durable goods are typically defined as consumer goods that do not wear out quickly and are used for over three years. READ MORE

Raising Your Travel IQ

TGA

When you’re planning to hit the road, get smart! Smart travel products, that is. Take a peek at this wireless, phone charging wallet; a smart backpack for tablets and books; and a smart, travel-safe lockbox. READ MORE

Forward Progress on Addressing the Shipping Crisis?

TGA

Last week, the full Senate approved the Senate version of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) by voice vote. The House also approved OSRA for a third time. The House and the Senate must now reconcile the differences between the two versions of the TGA-supported legislation, which we hope will happen quickly. On April 4, President Biden announced major steps forward in addressing the ongoing trucker shortage, claiming significant increases in new truckers and new commercial truck licenses and a dramatic increase in new trucker apprenticeship programs. On April 1, the ports of LA/Long Beach began collecting new fees of $10/TEU on all loaded import and export cargo containers hauled by drayage trucks. The stated purpose of the new fee is to support the Clean Truck Fund (CTF) to help fund and incentivize the changeover to cleaner trucks and accelerate the development of zero-emissions technology to achieve zero-emissions drayage trucking by 2035. And, on April 1, the Ports of LA/Long Beach again delayed, for the 19th week straight, the so-called “super demurrage fee” on long-standing import containers at docks until at least April 8.

China COVID Lockdowns Affecting Shipping/Production

TGA

The lockdowns in Shanghai have been extended with new lockdowns in Haining, a major production region in Zhejiang Province in response to new COVID outbreaks. With no trucks available because of the lockdown, the Port of Shanghai, the largest port in the world, is essentially shut down, with many carriers blanking sailings to Shanghai. TGA is also hearing about problems at the Port of Ningbo. And Shanghai’s airport remains essentially shut down.

Trade Court Dings Trump’s China Tariffs

POLITICO

A Court of International Trade ruling last week requires USTR to reconsider and further explain some of the Section 301 tariffs that former President Donald Trump imposed on more than $350 billion worth of Chinese goods. But the mixed ruling does not direct the federal government to remove the tariffs or reimburse importers for more than $130 billion in duties they have already paid. READ MORE

Fresh New Travel Products on Fox 5

FOX 5 DC

As travel picks up and becomes more common once again, travel expert Troy Petenbrink joined Good Day DC to share his top new travel products — several of which are from members of the Travel Goods Association. READ MORE

How to Embrace Travel as Self-Care When Getting Anywhere Costs So Much

HUFFPOST

Self-care looks different for everyone. For some, it’s lighting a scented candle, putting on a face mask and soaking in the bathtub. For others, it’s making time to see friends and sharing fun experiences. Still others find the best form of self-care is getting a complete change of scenery. Here, travel experts share their advice for embracing the self-care of travel without breaking the bank. READ MORE

These Are the Most Flexible Airlines, according to a New Study

TRAVEL + LEISURE

The travel search company Next Vacay analyzed the policies of airlines — including change fees, refund options, and flight cancelation policies — to see how each stacked up. READ MORE

Google Introduces Retail Search for eCommerce Sites

SEARCH ENGINE JOURNAL

A new solution for ecommerce sites provides Google-quality search and recommendations on retailers’ digital properties. Google Cloud has announced the release of Retail Search, a tool designed to give retailers the capabilities of Google’s search engine on their own domains. It is intended to help businesses improve on-site search and overall shopping experience. READ MORE

The Future of Retail Is Contactless and Immersive

FORBES

In-store shopping — reimagined and reinvigorated through the use of mobile technology — is making a big return in a shop near you. A swath of recent research confirms that consumers have emerged from the pandemic more digitally assured than ever and with an appetite for a safe and immersive retail experience. READ MORE

Retail Robotics Launches New Delivery Solutions

PYMNTS.COM

Retail Robotics is launching new technology solutions for retailers and providers of logistics services, according to a recent press release. “Classic solutions have low capacity and occupy large space, whereas home delivery causes higher traffic in cities and generates air pollution,” said Retail Robotics CEO and Founder Łukasz Nowiński in the release. “With today’s rapid growth of online shopping, many retailers still lack the efficient delivery options in terms of costs, footprint, capacity and consumer experience.” READ MORE

3 Supply Chain Challenges Impacting Retail in 2022

SOCIAL & DEMAND CHAIN EXECUTIVE

A nationwide shortage of truck drivers, a lack of available warehouse space, and rising consumer demand are three supply chain challenges that will continue to impact retail operations throughout 2022. READ MORE

How to Break Through Stubborn Company Infrastructure and Get Things Done

FAST COMPANY

Wherever one looks, one sees organizations — from universities, health care providers, and large- to medium-size companies — who are struggling to adapt to an ever-accelerating pace of change. In their quest to stay relevant, most organizations are hobbled by bureaucratic management systems — with too many layers and too may rules — that frustrate game-changing innovation and proactive renewal. READ MORE

TGA

Have you created a product that represents a complete departure from what your company is known for? Have you taken a chance on a product that didn’t quite fit into your product mix? We want to hear your story! Manufacturers and retailers — let us know the inspiration behind your action. Get the details here.

COVID Convo Remains and TGA Waxes Poetic

TGA

While we’re still talking about lockdowns, import tariffs and the shipping crisis, Nate Herman moves forward to give voice to the questions we all want answers to in the latest Capital Beat. Products inspire us to throw down some rhymes. And a couple of TGA members grab the spotlight. It’s all in Travel Goods Magazine’s Industry Buzz.

New China Section 301 Tariff Exclusions Include Some Travel Goods

TGA

On March 23, the Biden administration announced the renewal of 352 tariff exclusions under the China Section 301 tariffs. Among the new exclusions are 6 specific travel goods items:

Messenger bags of polyester, each measuring not more than 50 cm by 38 cm by 11 cm, weighing not more than 2.5 kg (described in statistical reporting number 4202.12.8130);
Backpacks with hydration system, each measuring not more than 51 cm by 28 cm by 9 cm, weighing not more than 1 kg (described in statistical reporting number 4202.92.0400);
Backpacks with outer surface of textile materials of man-made fibers, each measuring at least 35 cm but not more than 75 cm in height, at least 19 cm but not more than 34 cm in width, and at least 5 cm but not more than 26 cm in depth (described in statistical reporting number 4202.92.3120);
Duffel bags made predominantly of man-made fibers, each measuring not more than 98 cm by 52 cm by 17 cm, weighing not more than 7 kg, with wheels (described in statistical reporting number 4202.92.3131); and
Duffel bags of polyester, each measuring not more than 81 cm by 39 cm by 11 cm, weighing not more than 7 kg (described in statistical reporting number 4202.92.3131).

These tariff exclusions had previously expired in August 2020. The China Section 301 tariff exclusions are retroactive to October 12, 2021 (meaning folks can apply for refunds) and extend through December 31, 2022. TGA continues to urge the Biden administration to review/end the tariffs and restart the China Section 301 tariff exclusion process.

New TSA Technology Could Mean No More Removing Laptops or Liquids

AFAR

The agency plans to start installing new high-tech x-ray scanners in airports this summer that could significantly reduce security screening times. READ MORE

Can Brands Stay Safe in the Metaverse?

RETAIL DIVE

As the metaverse makes the leap into reality, marketers are eager to figure out where this new frontier fits into their strategies. However, like with other digital platforms, there is evidence that as popularity grows, so does the attention of bad actors like extremist or hate groups. READ MORE

Masks Mandates on Planes: Some Airlines Are Scrapping Mask Rules on Flights

TRAVELLER

The Brits have gone rogue — again. Starting with low-cost carrier Jet2 on March 1, and quickly followed by Tui, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, several UK-based airlines are allowing passengers to fly mask free. READ MORE

Dockworker Strike Could Disrupt Supply Chain in a Big Way

THE NEW YORK TIMES

More than 22,000 dockworkers at 29 ports along the West Coast could go on strike if negotiations over a new contract do not end in an agreement by the end of June. The workers are represented by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. There are also concerns that activity around the ports may slow as the existing contract nears its end. Many are hopeful that things will work out without any disruptions. “There’s too much at stake for both sides,” said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach. “There’s an incentive because the nation is watching.” READ MORE

The Funniest Travel Account on Instagram Is Run by the TSA. Seriously.

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Meet the woman behind the agency’s endless puns and dad jokes. (And don’t forget the 3.4 oz rule.) READ MORE

Best Return-to-office Plan: A Team-led Approach

PSYCHOLOGY TODAY

Surveys show that anywhere from two-thirds to three-quarters of all employers intend to have a hybrid workforce after the pandemic as part of their return-to-office plan. Employees would come in one to three days weekly to work on collaborative tasks with their teams. The rest of the time, they would work on their own tasks remotely. Many of these employers also intend to permit employees to work fully remotely if the employees want to and can demonstrate a high level of productivity. READ MORE

LinkedIn Adds Newsletters for Company Pages, Updated Campaign Manager Navigation

SOCIAL MEDIA TODAY

LinkedIn has added a new way for brands to stay in touch with their audience on the platform, with Company Pages now able to create their own newsletters in the app, which will also include new notifications for Page followers for newsletter updates. READ MORE

The Big Travel Trends to Follow in 2022

SKIFT

What’s the state of the European travel industry right now? Skift Research has some answers as well as solutions to the challenges ahead. READ MORE

Orlando’s New Star Wars Hotel Just Raised the Bar for Event Experiences

EVENT MANAGER BLOG

Expectations for in-person events are high as attendees seek deeply-engaging experiences. The launch of Disney’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is already inspiring planners looking to create truly immersive event experiences. READ MORE

TGA

The benefits of sleep are more well-documented than ever, and the need for solid ZZZs doesn’t end while you are away from home. These three products from members of TGA illustrate the innovation that is being poured into sleep. Don’t nod off — check them out!

Shanghai Denies Lockdown Rumors as Daily COVID Infections Near 1K

REUTERS

Authorities in the Chinese city of Shanghai have denied rumors of a city-wide lockdown after a sixth straight increase in daily asymptomatic coronavirus cases, pushing its count to record levels despite a campaign of mass testing aimed at stifling the spread. READ MORE

East Coast Ports About to Get Slammed by Many More Ships

AMERICAN SHIPPER

The number of liner services calling in East Coast ports from Asia will surge to a new record high in the coming months as more cargo is diverted away from the Pacific gateway in Los Angeles/Long Beach, where the ship queue has fallen to 42. The potential result: escalating vessel backlogs along the East Coast and deteriorating service for importers. READ MORE

How to Prioritize Your Retirement Travel Goals as You Age

CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER

Many people aspire to travel more once they stop working, but all of that newfound freedom and extra time can be overwhelming. Here’s how to craft the perfect travel bucket list in retirement, according to experts — and a few things to consider along the way. READ MORE

What’s the Deal with Masks on Planes?

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Should mask rules on planes be lifted? Several British airlines have just suspended the requirement, but in the United States, the mandate, to be reviewed next month, remains. Here’s a look at where things stand. READ MORE

10 Definite Impacts on Social Media Marketers Need to Brace for

MARKETING INTERACTIVE

Despite all the uncertainties the past two years have presented, there have been plenty of growth areas. Evolving consumer behavior has unearthed plenty of new white spaces for companies to paint in areas such as social commerce and short-form video. Other areas that are fast emerging this year are the likes of the metaverse, propelled by the gaming community. One thing that has remained constant, however, is consumers’ want for personalization. READ MORE

Travel on U.S. Roads Rose 4.1% in January to 240.6B Miles

YAHOO! FINANCE

This travel statistic — up 9.5 billion miles over the same month in 2021 — reflects more Americans traveling for leisure, returning to offices and rising deliveries, experts said. U.S. driving rose 11.2% for all of 2021, to 3.23 trillion vehicle miles, up from 2020’s 2.9 trillion, the lowest yearly total since 2003. READ MORE

The Secret to Women’s Leadership That Can Drive Such a Positive Impact

FAST COMPANY

New data found that employee disengagement translates into significant organizational expense (due to absenteeism and lower productivity). But there is a sizable difference in how this shows up in women-led teams versus those led by men. In fact, we found that by driving more engaged employees, women leaders save their organizations $1.43 million for every 1,000 employees. READ MORE

‘Bridgerton’ Tea, ‘Outlander’ Castles and Lodges in Yellowstone: Favorite TV Shows Inspire Trip Ideas

THE NEW YORK TIMES

TV-themed itineraries are on the rise, taking travelers on adventures with familiar shows during a time of uncertainty. READ MORE

Tour Operators Target Families to Expand Reach of Luxury Cultural Travel

SKIFT

Although a growing number of families are eager to travel together, convincing them to shell out big money for seemingly dry experiences is a tall order. So, tour operators need to create lively environments for children to make their trips more appealing for the lucrative market. READ MORE

Online Brands Try a Traditional Marketing Strategy: Physical Stores

THE NEW YORK TIMES

As digital advertising costs rise, more direct-to-consumer retailers are opening shops, leasing turnkey options or securing short-term spaces in other stores. READ MORE

Smart Tech Is Tackling the True Cost of Returns to the Retail Industry

FORBES

When a warehouse receives a returned product, the retailer has a choice — inspect the returned product and repackage to resell if it’s in good condition. And if it isn’t, get the manufacturer to write off the return or discard the product and take the loss. READ MORE

Startup Is Flipping Recycled Airplanes into Super-Fly Home Offices

TAXI

Digital nomads can spend all year round living or working from a plane cabin, if they so wish. A new startup from the northwest of Ireland is repurposing old commercial airplanes into home offices, glamping pods, and everything in between, taking work from home to new heights. READ MORE

TGA

Handle your wine like a sommelier and travel with your bottles packed in style. Visit the HUB to read about the best travel products for those who enjoy the grape — and connect with the manufacturers between these stylish, innovative pieces. Read more now. Cheers!

U.S. Travel Goods Industry Faces More California Prop 65 Notices

TGA

Over the last few months, dozens of new California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) “60-day” notices have been issued alleging that brands and retailers sold totes (Notice 1), backpacks (Notice 1), duffel bags (Notice 1, Notice 2), handbags (Notice 1, Notice 2, Notice 3, Notice 4, Notice 5, Notice 6, Notice 7, Notice 8), wallets (Notice 1, Notice 2), and travel/garment cases/messenger/crossbody/carry bags (Notice 1) in California that contained di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), and diisononyl phthalate (DINP) in violation of a California law known as Proposition 65 (Prop 65). The notices serve as intent to bring lawsuits against the manufacturers that made and sold these products. Check out TGA’s member-only California Proposition 65 (Prop 65) Best Practices Guidance on the Prop 65 page on the TGA website. This member-only guidance details best practices in developing your company’s Prop 65 testing and warning label protocol, including recommendations on which warning label text to use, where to place the warning label text, and how to test for Prop 65 listed chemicals in your products. For more information on Prop 65, please contact TGA’s Nate Herman, nate@travel-goods.org, 301-775-7633.

China Locks Down More Than 30 Million People As COVID-19 Flares, Threatening Global Supply Chains

CBS NEWS

Chinese authorities on Tuesday tightened anti-virus controls at ports, raising the risk of trade disruptions after some auto and electronics factories shut down as the government fights the country’s worst COVID-19 outbreak since the start of the pandemic two years ago. READ MORE

Impact of Russia-Ukraine Crisis on Container and Port Equities

HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has sent ripples through financial markets world over, but the impact on container shipping stocks thus far has been negligible. While it is still early to assess the overall impact in the long run, two things are certain — increasing risks and uncertainty in the medium-to-long term, and strong cash flows for liner operators in 2022. READ MORE

The 3 Phases of Leadership

INC.

How confident are you in your leadership abilities? In my 20+ years of experience in startups — having filled every position from new hire to CEO — I’ve never seen a company reach its potential under anything less than exemplary leadership. The reverse can be true, of course. Any business can fail regardless of how good the leadership might be. But if your company leadership sucks, your business doesn’t stand a chance. READ MORE

How to Ease Back into Traveling for Work

HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW

In 2020, with the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions, travel dramatically dropped domestically and internationally, with business travel down by 90% at the lowest point in the year. Now, as more and more individuals are returning to the office, work travel is coming back. But it’s not all clear skies. READ MORE

Retail Sales Will Grow This Year, But at a Slower Rate Than in 2021, Major Trade Group Says

CNBC

Retail sales are expected to grow between 6% and 8% in 2022, as consumers spend more on services instead of goods and cope with inflation, the National Retail Federation said earlier this week. That annual forecast represents a slower pace of growth for retailers than 2021, but it’s higher than the pre-pandemic growth rate. READ MORE

Spring Break Travel Is Here: These 6 Tips Will Help You Survive It

THE POINTS GUY

Readers from around the country are sharing photos of long lines at U.S. airports as travel ramps up for spring break. This airport onslaught is being exacerbated by an uptick in people returning to travel after having been grounded the past two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, checkpoint volumes at U.S. airports are hitting record numbers, according to the Transportation Security Administration. READ MORE

Is Travel to Europe Safe Since There’s a War Going on in Ukraine?

TRAVEL NOIRE

The distance between Miami and Houston is about the same distance between Kyiv, Ukraine and Berlin, Germany, a popular summertime tourist destination. It’s a drivable distance. So, it is safe for U.S. tourists to travel to Europe now? Or, has the invasion of Ukraine by Russia made the decision to travel to Europe an iffy one? READ MORE

Retail Execs Sound Off on Supply Chain Disruptions, Inflation, Operations

RETAIL DRIVE

Over the past few weeks, retailers reported their latest earnings, and as they did a number of patterns emerged. Namely, that companies are dealing with an environment marked by supply chain delays, heightened transportation costs, inflation and decisions about product prices. While many companies have successfully navigated these challenges (at least for now), the pressure may not let up anytime soon. READ MORE

Delta, Virgin Atlantic CEOs Say Travel Demand Is Robust

REUTERS

Delta Air Lines Inc. and partner Virgin Atlantic said earlier this week that pent-up demand for international travel meant customers were willing to pay higher fares, spurring a rebound in bookings and helping them cover surging fuel costs. READ MORE

U.S. Consumers Made $1.7T in Pandemic eCommerce Purchases

PYMNTS.COM

U.S. consumers spent $1.7 trillion online from March 2020 to February 2022, Adobe announced during the kickoff of the Adobe Summit earlier this week. That sum included $885 billion in 2021, up 8.9% year over year, and $32 billion that consumers had to pay more for to get the same things amidst recent inflation. Adobe said it expects online spending in the U.S. to top $1 trillion for the first time in 2022. READ MORE

As the Omicron Wave Subsides, Travel Insurance Claims Crawl

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Getting a decision on a claim has become the latest problem consumers are experiencing with travel insurance. Here’s how to avoid delays. READ MORE

TGA

As the world downshifts to endemic mode, the travel goods and gear travelers are taking to the sky and on the road are transitioning as well — an evolution that has been in fast-forward since the pandemic first arrived on the scene. See how manufacturers’ products are aligning with new travel patterns. READ MORE

Our Call for YOUR Company News

TGA

Have you been in the news? Has your product been featured on a show or in a movie? Seeking new employees? Searching for distribution partners? Did you roll out a new product or product line? Did you do something good, or have a challenge you think a fellow member may be able to help you solve? We want to know. Email updates, info and press releases to TGA’s Kim Wong, kim@travel-goods.org, and we’ll spread the word.

Changed Itineraries, Higher Fares: How the War in Ukraine Is Affecting Travel

THE NEW YORK TIMES

How travelers feel the effects of Russia’s assault on Ukraine depends largely on where they’re going, though the price of oil will weigh on all airfares, even domestic. READ MORE

Key Trends in Influencer Marketing in 2022

MARTECH SERIES

After nearly two years of upheaval in the eCommerce landscape, brands are under increasing pressure to stay ahead of the rising competition and generate new sales. Fortunately, some tools make it much easier to build a loyal audience for a product or service — and one of those is influencer collaborations. READ MORE

U.S. Airlines Are Supporting Relief Efforts in Ukraine — How Passengers Can Help

TRAVEL + LEISURE

Several airlines in the U.S. have stepped up to support relief efforts in Ukraine, donating money and allowing customers to donate their frequent flier miles. United Airlines is encouraging passengers to donate either money or their MileagePlus miles, which the company would then match up to $100,000 and 5 million miles, the carrier shared with Travel + Leisure this week. READ MORE

Traveling to Italy Just Got Easier with Easing of COVID-19 Testing Requirements

TRAVEL + LEISURE

International travelers can enter the country by simply showing they have been fully vaccinated within nine months or have received a booster shot. READ MORE

The 10 Most Innovative Travel Companies of 2022

FAST COMPANY

Why Hopper, Atlys, Deem, Life House, and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada are among the most exciting travel companies of the year. READ MORE

10 Hottest Retail Loyalty Plans in 2022

RIS NEWS

Many new and upcoming programs straddle the line between the traditional equation — cash spent equals rewards earned — and more complex formulas that integrate AI, convince consumers to sign up for paid rewards programs, and even incorporate retail partnerships. READ MORE

How Will Gas Prices Impact Spring Break Travel? Here’s the Math

WANE 15

Prices at the pump continue to rise across America, impacting the wallets of most throughout the country. Spring Break travel is almost here, so how much more will you be spending for gas? Are flights cheaper? We did the math. READ MORE

When Women Leaders Leave, the Losses Multiply

HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW

The pandemic’s negative impact on women in the workforce will not be reversed for a very long time. In the first year of the pandemic alone, 54 million women around the world left the workforce, almost 90% of whom exited the labor force completely. The participation rate for women in the global labor force is now under 47%, drastically lower than men at 72%. READ MORE

This Swashbuckling $3 Billion Company Is Single-handedly Trying to Fix the Supply-Chain Crisis

FAST COMPANY

Flexport brings digital savvy and a get-it-done attitude on behalf of its customers to solve the bottlenecks keeping your stuff from getting to you faster. READ MORE

The Best Time to Use Your Airline Miles? Now

THE NEW YORK TIMES

If you’re thinking of traveling and you’ve got points or miles sitting in airline and credit card accounts, the time to cash in may have arrived. Here’s what you need to know. READ MORE

Three Key Considerations Affecting Retail Design in 2022

RETAIL TOUCHPOINT

With the potential for new COVID variants, record levels of inflation and evolving consumer preferences, 2022 retail design will change more in the next year than it has in the past decade. Retailers need to expand beyond the generic retail spaces of the past in order to maximize for shop-ability, safety and profitability. Here are the three key factors affecting retail design, and what retailers and brands need to do next. READ MORE

11 Female-owned Hotels Around the World with Amazing Stories

TRAVEL + LEISURE

There are many unknowns surrounding travel right now, but one thing is for sure: A stay at any of these women-run properties will be memorable. From the captivating mountain views in upstate New York to the dazzling beaches of the Caribbean, consider this your way to have a vacation and stimulate the growing sector of female entrepreneurism. READ MORE

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