Australia: Performance Strong, But Clouds Gather. "This latest available ABS data is encouraging but with worldwide uncertainty in global finance markets, many are asking what the immediate future holds for hotel trading performance," said Mr Troy Craig, Executive Vice President, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels.

Wall Street Debacle Affects Main Street Donations According to TripAdvisor Survey. NEWTON, Mass. October 8, 2008 - TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel community, today announced the results of a recent travel and giving survey of more than 1,200 U.S. respondents to better understand..

Kent woman inspiring people to 'Lose for Good'. It's hard to stay motivated to lose weight over the holidays. Now, a Kent woman has dreamed up a million dollar idea to keep people focused on shedding pounds, while helping people in need.

In praise of housekeepers. Business travelers depend on many individuals to improve their quality of life on the road. One person who toils daily in the background yet rarely receives recognition for their important role is the housekeeper who cleans your hotel room.

Your kids did WHAT on vacation? Did they stick seashells up their noses? Let lipstick tell a tale on them? America's Best Value Inn has launched a contest for the best kiddie tale from vacation, and there are some interesting ones posted on its website. You..

Know a hotel that's doing an election promotion? Such as McCain/Obama/Biden/Palin menu items, straw polls at the bar, overnight deals for those of various political stripes? I've got some, but need more for a USA TODAY story. Post 'em here or please email me at And thanks..

Cool idea: Voting for or against poolside music. Here's a good companion to the post on poolside chaises. Veteran hotel publicist and Hotsheet reader Karen Weiner Escalera weighs in again with a great newsy tidbit. Frequent resort visitors know that poolside music has gotten louder and "hipper" in..

The resort where bailed-out AIG racked up $$$$$$. It's at The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, Calif., where insurance giant American International Group -- bailed out to the tune of more than $100 billion by the U.S. government -- infamously spent $440,000 on a corporate..

London school aims for trendy "Made in Bangladesh". "Made in Bangladesh" is set for a makeover after the Asian nation's key apparel sector signed up a London fashion design school to help it appeal to more trendy and quality-conscious buyers.

Frommers.com Cruise Deals for the Week of October 9, 2008. Last-minute deals from NCL and Carnival, free air on luxe lines, and a fleet of special offers from cruise specialist agents.

Art on Board: What Ships Hang When They Want to Look Good. Cruise lines spend millions per ship on art, commissioning works and buying pieces from emerging artists and masters alike. What's it all add up to?

Obama and McCain Strike Out on Travelers' Issues. In this intense presidential campaign, the two major candidates have talked about many issues, but they've said very little about issues affecting travelers. Here's where we think they stand.

Stonewall Jackson, Grand Ole Opry settle lawsuit. Country singer Stonewall Jackson has settled his federal age discrimination lawsuit against the Grand Ole Opry and its management.

MGM Mirage's CityCenter gets first phase funding. MGM Mirage said on Monday it had amended its senior credit facility and completed $1.8 billion of the $3 billion in financing needed to complete its joint venture CityCenter project on the Las Vegas Strip.

Best Western International Interior Designer Becomes Hotel Chain's First LEED Accredited Professional. Best Western International today announced staff interior designer Ciji Hoffman has earned the honor of being the first Leadership in Energy and Environment Design accredited professional for the World ' s..

Global downturn is taking a toll on the travel industry. The travel industry has been hit hard by the economic slowdown, particularly in the past few weeks.

Circus Circus lays off 40 workers in Reno. Circus Circus Resort & Casino says it will lay off 40 more employees because of the economic downturn, bringing the total to 60 layoffs this year at the Reno resort.

Organs on board. Ask the Captain column: Pilot Meryl Getline explains why flights with "lifeguard" in their call sign are given priority clearance. Plus: Whose flights are called cactus, shamrock and dynasty?.

All aboard but your baggage. Traveler's Aide column: When a traveler's request for a refund languishes for two years, consumer advocate Linda Burbank intervenes to find out why, and explains how you should document any correspondence when seeking compensation.

Sound too good to be true? It's probably a glitch. Question:I live in New Zealand, and recently my wife and I traveled to San Diego. We were extremely disappointed with Xpress Shuttle, an airport transportation operator.