Regulatory and Legal Affairs

🤖 Led by Amit Sharma and Anna Mattila, Penn State researchers published findings in the *Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research* discussing the ethical implications of service robots in hospitality. Service robots now perform tasks like deliveries and semi-autonomous decision-making, raising questions about liability and governance. Companies should define robots' rights and responsibilities, adapting policies as tech evolves. Established in 1937, Penn State's School of Hospitality Management is a leader in preparing global hospitality professionals.

🏨 AAHOA, representing 60% of U.S. hotels with 20,000 members, lauds President Trump's decision to delay a tariff increase on furniture originally set for January 1, 2026. This postponement, lasting an additional year, maintains a 25% tariff to aid ongoing trade negotiations. Furniture can comprise 15–20% of hotel renovation costs, affecting small-business hoteliers. AAHOA hotels employ over 1 million workers with a $51.3 billion payroll, contributing to 1.7% of U.S. GDP.

🗺️ Booking Holdings underperformed in 2025 due to European regulations removing price parity clauses, allowing hotels to promote direct bookings. AI-driven tools are disrupting traditional travel agencies, embedding travel planning within digital ecosystems. Consumer behavior shifts and uneven demand affected Booking's commission-based model. Competitors with diversified offerings fared better. The travel industry is transitioning to AI-first experiences, challenging established players. Jan 6, 2026, marks a pivotal point for examining these changes.