Regulatory and Legal Affairs - 10 Minutes News for Hoteliers - Page 17

2 min

President Trump lifts food tariffs on select items, including beef and coffee

📦 President Donald Trump, on November 14, lifted tariffs on items like coffee, tea, and beef. Previously, tariffs introduced in April affected 74% of the $221 billion U.S. food imports, with rates up to 50% for countries like Brazil. This rollback aims to soothe the restaurant industry amid a 40% rise in food costs over four years. However, tariffs remain on products like tomatoes from Mexico, wheat, and dairy. The National Restaurant Association and others support this change.

2 min

Work starts on Premier Inn conversion at Phoenix House in Vauxhall

🏠 Work has commenced on converting Phoenix House, Vauxhall, London into a 180-room Premier Inn. Whitbread signed a 30-year lease with Lambeth Council in March 2025, with planning consent in July. Construction is underway, aiming for an early 2028 opening, creating about 25 jobs. Located opposite Vauxhall Underground Station, the site is part of Whitbread's London expansion. The 10-storey, 7,469 sqm building was previously used by Lambeth Council. Strip-out is by Redhammer Demolition, ending Easter 2026.

2 min

UKH warns holiday tax U-turn would cost Brits £518m

💸 The Government is considering a holiday tax in England ahead of the 26 November Budget. Local leaders could apply a levy on accommodation, raising effective consumer rates to 27% with VAT. A 5% levy could cost consumers £518m. Over 89 million overnight trips were made in 2024, totaling 255 million nights. This proposal follows official assurances against a tourism tax, raising concerns about consumer spending and inflation. UKHospitality urges the government to maintain its previous stance.

Ageing populations reshape travel demand

🗺 Europe, Nov 17, 2025: Europe’s tourism faces challenges with a shrinking customer base due to declining birth rates and an ageing population. Travelers over 65 now represent a significant market, with 40% experiencing disabilities. Rising VAT and city taxes pose additional pressures. In contrast, the U.S. and Japan see growth with competitive pricing. Local funding issues drive new tourism taxes, risking the industry's competitiveness. Industry leaders warn of a potential "Buckaroo moment" from excessive taxation.

U.S. tourism hit by continued steep drop in Canadian visitors

💸 Nov 17, 2025, U.S.: A 30% drop in Canadian visits has led to a $5.7B decline in U.S. tourism spending in 2025. Political tensions, trade policies, and new border rules deter Canadians. Tourism-dependent states face economic risks like reduced hotel occupancy and local tax revenue. The U.S. is approaching a $70B travel trade deficit. Efforts to attract Canadians include discounts, as Canadian spending in some towns drops nearly 40%.

2 min

JLL Releases Findings From 2026 U.S. Construction Perspective

🏗️ JLL Project and Development Services released its *2026 U.S. Construction Perspective* in Chicago, Illinois. Construction spending fell 4.7% in 2025, with a forecasted growth of 0.4% in 2026. Material cost pressures are expected to escalate, influenced by policy instability. Success will need localized strategies and an understanding of regional policy impacts. Workforce constraints and the interplay of trade policy and immigration enforcement are key risks to consider.

2 min

North Devon holiday cottages brought to market at £2m

🏠 Hewish Mill Holiday Cottages in Muddiford, North Devon, is up for sale at £2 million. This historic estate, dating back to 1751, spans 4.6 acres and includes a farmhouse and five cottages. The property, situated three miles from Exmoor and 25 minutes from beaches, also features gardens, a stable block, and EV charging. Domestic tourism saw a 16.3% rise in the first half of 2025, boosting market spending by 5.6% since 2022.

1 min

Marriott expands its branded residences footprint across EMEA

🏠 By 2025, Marriott plans to expand its branded residences, boosting its presence in the real estate sector. The company is accelerating growth and securing new signings across unspecified regions to enhance its residential strategy.

New hotel reservation scam spreads through major OTAs

🚨 Nov 14, 2025 - Travelers booking via Booking.com and Expedia are targeted by a phishing scam using compromised hotel accounts. Scammers send fake payment-verification requests, urging guests to verify payment to avoid cancellation. Attackers use a ClickFix attack to compromise hotel systems, deploy malware like PureRAT for remote access and credential theft. To stay safe, guests should verify payment requests directly with hotels using official contacts. Avoid trusting email or message requests for payment confirmation.

1 min

AHLA Issues Statement on the End of the Government Shutdown

🇺🇸 WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Hotel & Lodging Association highlighted the impact of the federal government shutdown on travel. Nearly 20% of Americans adjusted Thanksgiving travel due to economic uncertainty and disruptions. AHLA President Rosanna Maietta emphasized the restoration of funding and services for travelers and urged Congress to secure a long-term budget. The shutdown affected travel confidence and hotel industry bookings.

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