Gathered from a variety of sources, here are recent news items of interest to the travel and tourism industry.

Travel Industry Adds Jobs in Spite of Government Shutdown

Because of its impact on tourism — it cost the United States an estimated $152 million per day in economic output due to lost travel-related activity — the government shutdown could have easily hindered travel industry growth. Instead, the travel industry actually added 16,000 jobs in October and contributed more than 6 percent of October’s total non-farm employment gains, according to the U.S. Travel Association, which last week released an analysis of the U.S. Department of Labor’s October jobs report. Read more...

Thanksgiving Travel Making Comeback from Recession Dip

More Americans are expected to travel this year to celebrate Thanksgiving, according to reports from multiple travel associations. Read more...

How to Ace a TV Interview: Tips from an Emmy Nominated Producer

Don't let fear keep you back from trying to get on TV to promote your business. Learn valuable tips from this producer who has worked with Oprah and Anderson Cooper. Read more...

Top Twelve Food and Beverage Trends of 2014

Tasting menus, high-end chicken, upscale “food halls” and Asian flavors are among the top food and beverage trends that meeting professionals can expect to see in 2014, according to food and restaurant consultants Baum+Whiteman (B+W), which has released its list of the “12 Hottest Food & Beverage Trends for Restaurants and Hotel Dining for 2014.” Read more...

With Demand Up, Hoteliers Emboldened for Rate Negotiations

The hospitality industry is feeling new strength as a result of a rapid recovery in demand, setting the stage for a potentially contentious contract-renegotiation season. Read more...

Vegetables Shift to Center of the Plate

Vegetables are no longer the Rodney Dangerfield of restaurant offerings. They're increasingly becoming the main item on the plate. Read more...