Bailey Schulz

🏨 Visit Oslo is reviving its viral “Is It Even a City” anti-ad campaign with a winter follow-up aimed at filling hotel rooms during Oslo’s low season. The original 2024 video, starring deadpan protagonist Halfdan telling viewers “I wouldn’t come here,” earned more than 25 million organic views across platforms and a Silver Lion at Cannes Lions, according to Visit Oslo. Project manager Tord Baklund worked on both videos.

🏙 Los Angeles Councilwoman Nithya Raman is projected to defeat incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, potentially complicating Airbnb’s push to ease short-term rental restrictions before the 2028 Olympics. Airbnb and its nonprofit spent more than $12 million on Los Angeles politics, including committees supporting Bass and other local candidates. Since 2018, city rules have limited short-term rental listings to primary residences.

🏠 Airbnb has spent millions backing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other local candidates as it seeks looser short-term rental rules for the 2028 Olympics. The Games are expected to attract roughly 2 million visitors, generating up to $4.3 billion in direct spending, according to an LA28-commissioned study. Since 2018, listings have been limited to primary residences; proposed changes would expand vacation rentals through the end of 2028.

🚢 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings reported third-quarter results above guidance Thursday, driven by stronger last-minute demand, onboard spending, cost controls and expenses deferred to the fourth quarter. Elliott Investment Management disclosed a stake exceeding 10% in February and pushed for a board overhaul that added five members. John Chidsey replaced Harry Sommer as CEO that month, blaming underperformance largely on “self-inflicted” problems. Analysts caution that the turnaround remains unfinished.