VIRUS
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A Harvard study confirms the risk of Covid-19 transmission on airplanes is lower than the transmission risk in other common settings. The Harvard team emphasized that along with the hospital grade filters on most commercial aircraft, layered measures including masks, social distancing during boarding and health declarations are key to making flying safe. Source: Harvard (187-page PDF)
And why is that important [Insights Collective] … The study follows a similar finding by the Department of Defense. Both studies assume passengers are wearing masks. The timing is perfect, as the TSA recently noted they screened more than 1 million passengers last weekend, the first time it has reached that threshold since March 17. Prior to March 17, the agency had screened less than 1 million people just once since May 2004. That came on Feb. 1, 2011, when a blizzard caused more than 6,000 flight cancellations in North America. TSAData Tables: here
As more travelers find it is safe to take to the skies, resorts and destinations can shift out of marketing to drive-markets and feel comfortable marketing to fly-markets once again.
REOPENING
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The Town of Mountain Village at Telluride is refurbishing 20 gondola cars into dining cabins. The cabins will have lights (in the ceiling and under chairs), heating and ventilation systems, cushioned seats with black leather coverings, wooden dining tables, easy-sliding doors and sturdy floors that can withstand wear and tear from ski boots. Six to eight people could fit in each cabin. Tables will have QR codes that show menu options from 12 restaurants in the village center. Source: Daily Camera
And why is that important [Insights Collective] … Mountain resorts have always had unique dining experiences such as sleigh rides and snow cat rides to remote cabins, or double gondola rides to luxury restaurants. And they charge premium rates. This is another take on the idea of a unique experience that should be highly successful. Do you want your very own refurbished gondola? Open the checkbook and get inspired, here.
ECONOMY
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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) has adjourned the Senate until November 9 – ending any chance for a vote to approve a second stimulus package.The move shuts down the Senate from doing any legislative business until almost a week after the November 3 election. While waiting for another stimulus, at least seven airlines took advantage of an offer for a loan from the Treasury Department. Source: Forbes
And why is that important [Insights Collective] … The failure of the talks, along with a third, frightening wave of coronavirus cases sweeping the country, has sent markets plummeting and is sure to bring heat on lawmakers to resolve their differences after the election. But such lame-duck sessions — especially if there is a change in Washington’s balance of power — often fail to deliver.
LODGING
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Airbnb does not have BedTax obligations, according to the Florida Supreme Court. Justices turned down an appeal by Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon, who went to the Supreme Court after a divided panel of the 4th District Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Airbnb, TripAdvisor and HomeAway. As is common, the Supreme Court did not explain its reasons for declining to hear the dispute. Source: The Daytona Beach News Journal
And why is that important [Insights Collective] … The ruling confirms that both Airbnb and TripAdvisor qualify as agents who ‘receive rent as the owner’s representative’.Attorneys for the vacation-rental platforms successfully argued that decisions about whether the companies should be required to collect and remit the taxes were up to the Legislature.While the decision remains contentious, it does provide clarity for where changes can be enacted – the ballot box.
NEW REALITIES
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The Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau has introduced a blended events concept. Clients wishing to host meetings at the convention center will be able to use cameras and other equipment and can integrate with their choice of video conference platforms to broadcast virtually. The facility has increased its bandwidth, increased installation of lighting, added a stand-alone studio, along with an array of remote-controlled robotic cameras and production and editing space. Source: Long Beach Business Journal
And why is that important [Insights Collective] … Large groups of people coming together for corporate meetings or conferences may still be a thing of the distant future, but that doesn’t mean resorts and conference centers must wait for the pandemic to end.