Japan tourism breaks record: According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, more than 30 million overseas travelers visited Japan in 2018, a new record and an 8.7% increase over 2017, which was another record year. The organization said more Americans are visiting the country and going beyond the major draw cities of Tokyo and Kyoto.
Airbnb wants Hotel Tonight: The home share giant has held talks to acquire hotel-booking site Hotel Tonight as Airbnb moves to bolster its offerings and make itself more attractive to investors ahead of an eventual IPO. Acquiring the closely held site would give Airbnb a way to show investors more growth potential and demonstrate it can branch out beyond its core short-term, home-rental business ahead of a share listing the company has said could come this year or next, writes the Wall Street Journal who reported on the potential deal.
U.S. shutdown effect: Robert W. Baird analyst Michael Bellisario notes that the record-breaking partial government shutdown has not had a significant impact on hotel REITs but “could become more impactful over time.” Recent performance in the Washington, D.C., market, where some REITs have bigger exposure, has been disappointing, with lower-ADR hotels more affected and Marriott International more at risk than Hilton because of its presence in the market.
Allergy in lawsuit: A New York City woman with a nut allergy sued Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort in Lenox, Massachusetts, after eating a veggie burger containing cashews at the resort. The suit alleges negligence, breach of warranty, breach of contract and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress; it seeks unspecified damages and court costs for the woman, who was hospitalized. Canyon Ranch declined to comment on the litigation.
Read more in the Berkshire Eagle
Dishwasher wins discrimination lawsuit: A dishwasher who said she was required to work Sundays at the Conrad hotel in Miami sued manager Park Hotels and Resorts, alleging the hotel had violated the Civil Rights Act by discriminating against her on a religious basis. She was awarded US$21 million, but because of a cap on punitive damages, Marie Jean Pierre will receive US$300,000.
Read more in the Washington Post