In travel news for October 9, 2023 we talk about the ongoing worker shortage in hotels across the United State, there’s Bedbug outbreak in Paris, France; and Tour company Contiki celebrates Taylor Swift’s upcoming European tour.
U.S. Hotel Labor Shortages: Implications for Travelers
The U.S. hotel industry, vital for travelers, experienced a notable rise in job growth in September. Despite this, the sector hasn't fully rebounded from the pandemic's adverse effects. In numbers, hotels welcomed about 15,600 new jobs, an improvement from August. The broader leisure and hospitality category, encompassing hotels, represented a significant 29% of all U.S. jobs created in the same month. Nonetheless, hotel employment is still lagging, standing 10.3% below February 2020 figures. Travelers might wonder about service standards as the industry still falls short by nearly 217,000 jobs compared to pre-pandemic levels. Amidst this backdrop, a representative from a prominent hotel association emphasized the persistent worker shortages and has called on Congress for remedial action.
Bedbug Surge in Paris: What Travelers Should Know
Paris, a prime destination for global travelers, is experiencing a concerning surge in bedbug incidents. As this rise becomes increasingly noticeable, the French government is gearing up to take decisive action. Frances Transport minister announced imminent measures to curb this menace. Though recent claims point toward bedbug sightings on public transit, transport operators have found no immediate evidence. Nevertheless, viral content showing BedBugs in public areas has caused significant public concern. The Deputy Mayor highlighted the ubiquitous nature of the problem, emphasizing its non-discriminatory spread. Despite launching an anti-bedbug initiative three years ago, experts believe more needs to be done. Contributing factors include increased human mobility, short-term stays, and bedbugs developing resistance to treatments.
Taylor Swift's European Adventure: Contiki Crafts Exclusive Travel Packages
In anticipation of Taylor Swift's European Eras Tour, Contiki, a youth-centric travel company, has curated unique Taylor Swift-themed European vacation packages. These are aimed at providing 'Swifties', especially those aged between 18-35, an extended European adventure aligned with her concert dates. One standout experience is an Ireland exploration inspired by Swift’s "Folklore" album, fittingly before her Dublin shows. Other Tours are interwoven with her concerts in cities such as Paris, Stockholm, and London. As an icing on the cake, Contiki offers a 13% discount, in homage to Swift’s favorite number, for European trips longer than two weeks. Fans can take advantage of this by presenting their Eras Tour tickets. Combining the allure of Swift's music and European charm, these packages promise an immersive experience for her global fanbase.