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TOP NEWS
Calling All Sustainable Products for Eco-conscious Travelers
TGA/TRAVEL GOODS MAGAZINE
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased people’s awareness of how interconnected our world is, and how their choices can impact local communities and the environment. We’re looking for gear that will appeal to the 53% of global travelers who plan to travel more sustainably in the future – gear that encourages reuse, reduces manufacturing and shipping waste, and is produced using eco-friendly materials and processes. If you manufacture eco-conscious gear, we’d love to feature your product in the digital pages of Travel Goods Magazine. If you are a retailer with an opinion or story about sustainable travel goods, we want to hear from you as well. To be considered for coverage, please email product details, MSRP, and product photo to kim@travel-goods.org by June 4, 2021.
A Sandman, a Carnivore, and a Shapeshifter Walked Into the HUB This Week…
TGA
It’s like the Sandman (if he was made from foam), and feels like a hug, like hearth and home. Carnivores may roll their eyes, but this is one plant that rides the sky. A wily shapeshifter, it morphs and molds, but its sense of fashion always holds. So, riddle me this and register there. And if you’re not in the HUB, then…where?
Biden Administration Supports Renewal of GSP
TGA
Last week, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai testified before the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee regarding President Biden’s 2021 trade policy agenda. In both hearings both Ambassador Tai and bi-partisan members of the Committees expressed strong support for renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. GSP expired on Dec. 31, 2020, meaning that U.S. travel goods imports from a wide range of developing countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Burma (Myanmar), Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Pakistan have paid full duties since January 1, 2021. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued instructions on how importers can retain the right to collect refunds of duties paid if GSP is retroactively renewed. In 2020, U.S. travel goods imports from GSP countries increased 8.4%. GSP countries supply 16.3% of all U.S. travel goods imports today. TGA continues to lobby Congress for immediate and retroactive renewal of GSP. TGA urges you to write your members of Congress to urge them to retroactively renew GSP as soon as possible. It only takes a couple of minutes.
TGA Sister Organization Publishes Updated Restricted Substances List (RSL)
TGA
On May 17, TGA’s sister organization, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), released the 22nd edition of the AAFA Restricted Substance List (RSL). The open-industry resource provides companies a reference on all banned and restricted chemicals and substances for travel goods and other products, identifying the most restrictive regulations worldwide. The report also offers an Appendix on Reporting that covers the U.S. states whose laws require reporting of chemicals in children’s products as well as European reporting rules.
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Danish Clothing Brand Poised to Resume Myanmar Sourcing
NIKKEI ASIA
Denmark’s Bestseller should resume sourcing from Myanmar “as quickly as possible,” as the exit of international companies threatens to cause widespread poverty and famine, according to an independent report commissioned by the company. READ MORE
As Restrictions Loosen, Families Travel Far and Spend Big
THE NEW YORK TIMES
Far-flung families are combining traveling and being together – two of the most longed-for practices during more than a year of pandemic lockdowns – into elaborate new twists on the old-fashioned family reunion. READ MORE
Airline Carry-on Luggage Size Restrictions: What You Need to Know
TRAVEL + LEISURE
The vacation countdown is almost over, and it’s time to get packing. Before you print that boarding pass and set your out-of-office message, though, it’s important to conduct a bit of research to avoid any hiccups at the gate – especially with your cargo. Though many travel rules vary depending on what region of the world you’re heading to or from, carry-on luggage size limits remain a consistent, steadfast metric for most airlines. READ MORE
Camping Is Back! 11 Travel Trailers That Will Help You Rough It in Style
ROBB REPORT
The slew of new feature-laden luxury travel trailers on the market make it easier than ever to experience a change of scenery without having to wade through crowds of people at the airport. The right caravan will let you bring the whole family, including your dog. If you need to work while you play, a mobile office is now in the offing. Here are 11 deluxe travel trailers that will help you enjoy both the outdoors and the open road in style and comfort. READ MORE
Retailers to State and Local Leaders: Clarity Needed on Mask Orders
NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
Retailers are asking state governors and mayors to thoughtfully consider the practicality of state and local orders that track The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance announced last week giving fully vaccinated individuals approval to resume indoor and outdoor activities without wearing a mask. READ MORE
Business Travel: 2019 Will Not Come Back
BUSINESS TRAVEL NEWS
We are in the worst crisis of business travel globally since World War II. 9/11, SARS, the global financial crisis of 2018, volcanoes, all of these have not brought down business travel for such a long time. Despite this situation, the business travel industry, companies, and investors, still pose questions on the future size of business travel activity. A key question continues to linger: When will it come back? READ MORE
8 Ways to Make Sure Your Leadership Style Isn’t Offensive
ENTREPRENEUR
Feedback can improve performance, enhance trust and respect, and advance the achievement of mutual goals. Misused, it can be toxic to relationships, teams, and culture. As a leader, giving and receiving feedback when things are going well is often easier. It can be tricky when an employee grates on you or is under-performing. Feedback requires artistry. Here are eight ways to offer helpful and well-intended feedback. READ MORE
As Travel Momentum Increases, Safety Is Top-of-mind for Many
TRAVEL PULSE
Health and safety do remain a concern among many would-be travelers. Half of survey respondents said that pandemic safety protocols being in place at their destination will be a top factor in their decisions about where to travel this summer and fall. READ MORE
Not Qualified for a Job? These Companies Will ‘Reskill’ You
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
The pandemic exposed a shortage of digital skills in retailing. Tens of thousands of retail workers were laid off a year ago as COVID-19-related restrictions required chains to close stores temporarily. A tight labor market has made it harder for many chains to attract hourly staffers, while rising demand for computer scientists and engineers is leading to a shortage of workers with that expertise, executives said. READ MORE
3 Tips for Managing Your Business’ Reputation via Social Media
ENTREPRENEUR
As the name implies, social media is meant to be, well, social. That means your followers are going to want to engage with your brand, leaving comments and reviews, asking questions and more. By taking a proactive approach to managing your business’ reputation on social media, you can build a stronger relationship with your clients and generate positive word of mouth for your brand. Here’s how. READ MORE
TRENDING ARTICLES
Missed last week’s issue? See which articles your colleagues read most.
- U.S. Travel Goods Imports Still Down in First Three Months of 2021, But Decline Slowed (TGA)
- Dive into the Latest Stories from Travel Goods Magazine (TGA/TRAVEL GOODS MAGAZINE)
- In the HUB: Unravel the Riddle to See What Travelers Need (TGA)
- These Beautiful Italian Towns Will Pay You to Work Remotely (CNN)
- Travel Psychology: Why Do We Visit the Same Places Over and Over Again? (CNN TRAVEL)