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Join the Visit USA Travel Agent Community to receive direct access to US destinations and suppliers, expos, training and so much more!

PARTNERSHIP, INSIGHT & EVENTS

Visit USA Australia promotes partnerships between U.S. and local stakeholders and the travel agent community to increase commercial participation in selling the U.S. as a key travel destination. The Organisation also implements marketing & training initiatives to promote members and support the travel industry in selling the U.S as a destination of choice.

2024 VISIT USA EXPO

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VISIT PHILADELPHIA - Go off the beaten path to find hidden gems: some fascinating, some extraordinary and all unique in Philly. Philadelphia is known for its history and American tradition, but it is also home to many sites and attractions that are anything but traditional. Embark on an eclectic Philadelphia journey, starting with coffee from The Bourse in Old City. Explore historic sites like Christ Church and Ben Franklin's burial grounds, then marvel at freedom-themed art at the National Liberty Museum. Delve into history at the University of Pennsylvania's Penn Museum or admire racing sports cars at the Simeone Foundation Museum. Along the way, discover hidden gems like a romantic pavilion, an iconic skatepark, and the American Swedish Historical Museum. Take in city vistas from Cira Green and delve into medical curiosities at the Mütter Museum and Wagner Free Institute of Science. Experience the city's eerie past with a candlelit Ghost Tour and a stroll across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge at sunset. Dine amidst artist studios at Cherry Street Pier, explore the whimsical Magic Gardens, and enjoy Italian fare at Victor Café. Sample gastropub delights, browse boutiques, and visit the Edgar Allan Poe House. Conclude the day in Fishtown with dinner and entertainment at local hotspots like the Fillmore or Fabrika. Start anew at Reading Terminal Market's Down Home Diner, then explore The Rail Park and local breweries. Pay homage to history at Laurel Hill Cemetery before savouring dinner along East Passyunk Avenue and toasting to city lights from Bok Bar in South Philadelphia. View more here: www.discoverphl.com/blog-post/the-unexpected-philadelphia-itinerary/ ... See More See Less

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ROCKEFELLER CENTRE - Recreate History on The Beam Come experience Top of the Rock’s newest attraction, The Beam, inspired by the iconic 1932 photo of 11 ironworkers precariously eating lunch upon a steel beam while 30 Rockefeller Plaza was under construction. The experience will include a rotating beam-like structure, where guests will be securely seated, and raised more than 69 stories above Manhattan to recreate the legendary photo and relive a quintessential moment in New York City’s history. Follow in their fearless footsteps by buckling up for an exhilarating ascent above the deck. Here you’ll experience astonishing views of NYC’s famous Central Park and beyond. See you at the Top! More information: www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/top-of-the-rock-observation-deck/ ... See More See Less

WASHINGTON DC - WorldPride Washington, DC 2025 2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of Pride celebrations in Washington, DC, and the city is set to host WorldPride 2025, sharing this momentous and exciting milestone with the international community. WorldPride DC 2025 will feature a vibrant and innovative slate of events and cultural programs that will highlight the best that Washington, DC has to offer. From music to film, from the National Mall to Embassy Row, your clients will experience the world through Washington’s multi-faceted and multi-cultural community. Start planning your clients visit to join in the celebrations 23 May – 8 June 2025. More Information: washington.org/ ... See More See Less

To See The Real Great American West, Go Where The Locals Go Every region has its iconic destinations, but there are always those secret spots only the locals know about. The Great American West states of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are chock-full of hidden gems, and their locals have been generous enough to let you in on the secret. Find the secrets here @GreatAmericanWestAUNZ and greatamericanwest.com.au/ ... See More See Less

This May, celebrate 60 years of movie magic at Universal Studios Hollywood™ with new experiences on the legendary Studio Tour! Check out the glamourous refurbishments at the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the WestIn LAX. Plus, catch K-Pop's rising stars at the GRAMMY Museum®, unlock amazing deals with the LA Perks Pass, and discover exciting new shops and eats at LAX!✈️ Read all about it in this edition of Travel Daily’s article - latourismorg.box.com/s/ka1jgv9poeavde9wg4vjwfqtv7fzag39 . See more at discoverla.com/travel-trade Discover Los Angeles ... See More See Less

VISIT ANCHORAGE - Anchorage for the Travel Agent Anchorage claimed the number one spot on Conde Nast Traveller's 2023 list of top U.S travel destinations, highlighting its outdoor adventures, a recently opened Nordic spa, and breath-taking northern lights vistas as just the tip of the iceberg. Your clients can hike a mountain trail under the midnight sun, paddle on turquoise waters, discover the rich indigenous cultures, observe moose, bear, eagles or whales, and view over 60 glaciers all accessible from Anchorage. Blend this with the lively downtown area packed with shops, restaurants, art installations, live music and charming city parks, all set against the backdrop of the Chugach Mountain Range, Anchorage is a great base camp for exploring South Central, Alaska. Maximise your clients travel experience with our dedicated Travel Trade website. This is the place to find free destination training modules, learn about commissionable product and meet the team who are here to support you. More information: ... See More See Less

Travel Trade | Visit Anchorage

www.anchorage.net

TRAVEL OKLAHOMA - Oklahoma’s Top Tier Museums Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum – Step into a world where classic automobiles tell the tale of Route 66’s legendary past. During the summer season, the museum presents a sought-after experience: guided rides in exquisite 1922 Packard and Cadillac vehicles, transporting guests in style to the picturesque shores of Pretty Water Lake in Sapulpa. Bob Dylan Center – Delve into the extraordinary world of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan at the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa. Visitors will discover 16 dynamic rotating exhibits, a 55-seat screening room and a vast 5,000 sq. ft. archive brimming with previously unreleased recordings, rare photographs, unseen film performances and more. First Americans Museum – The First Americans Museum (FAM) offers a cultural journey that celebrates the rich heritage and contribution of the 39 distinctive Frist American Nations in Oklahoma today. This first-of-its-kind museum shares the collective diversity, history, and contributions of the First Americans through immersive storytelling, interactive exhibits, multimedia displays and captivating artefacts. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum – This iconic institution showcases the art, history, and spirit of the American West through captivating exhibits and immersive experiences for visitors of all ages. Discover an extensive collection of Western Art and explore the museum’s Hall of Great Western Performers, celebrating the legends of the silver screen who brought the West to life. More Information: www.travelok.com/museums ... See More See Less

Visit USA's Annual IPW AU/NZ Delegation Welcome Party took it up a notch this year with a rooftop soiree overlooking downtown LA! Special thanks to sponsors Los Angeles Tourism, Visit California, Visit Anaheim and Delta Air Lines. The event was attended by more than 200 Australian & New Zealand IPW delegates as well as Visit USA members, and representatives from the US Commercial Service and US Travel, who were treated to an afternoon of cocktails, catch-ups and cheer! ... See More See Less

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GRAPVINE, TEXAS - Unique Things To Do In Grapevine Grapevine Mills - Boasting 180 stores in a 1.8 million-square-foot space, this Texas-sized attraction is not only a shopper's dream, it's also a destination for visitors of all ages. Grapevine Mills offers a one-stop shop for luxury brand shopping, attractions including Meow Wolf Grapevine, SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and delicious dining, all under one roof. Vetro Glassblowing - Vetro Glassblowing Studio & Fine Art Gallery offers a wide variety of professionally crafted glass art for purchase, ranging from one-of-a-kind decorative sculptures to small gifts. Vetro has a full, working studio where guests can enjoy live glassblowing demonstrations and attend interactive events to help create their own glass art. Historic Nash Farm - Experience late 19th century farm life at Historic Nash Farm. Throughout the year, Nash Farm offers multiple special events and interactive programs, as well as educational tours that allow visitors to connect with the agricultural heritage of the Grape Vine Prairie. Texas Star Dinner Theater - Join the characters of this murder-mystery dinner show on a hilarious journey through the Old West. Solve the mystery and bring the person responsible to justice. The show features a dinner, dessert, and drinks. More Information: ... See More See Less

Things to Do in Grapevine | Restaurants, Attractions & Tours

www.grapevinetexasusa.com

TRAVEL NEVADA - 10 Nevada Road Trips If you’re looking for road trip ideas, Nevada highways lead to destinations you can only dream of. Travel Nevada has curated 10 unique road trips to discover with detailed itineraries, maps, and tips for getting off the beaten path. Visit: travelnevada.com/road-trips/ to discover the best road trips and Nevada scenic drives, from Las Vegas to Lake Tahoe, visiting ghost towns, hot springs, and other Nevada treasures. Whichever corner of the state your client ventures to, they’re bound to uncover the kind of unexpected encounters, memorable characters, and only-in-Nevada experiences. In the Silver State, “taking the road less travelled” isn’t just an idea – it’s practically a guarantee. travelnevada.com/road-trips/ ... See More See Less

Nevada Road Trip Ideas | Best Road Trips in Nevada

travelnevada.com

LOS ANGELES TOURISM - The Best of LA in 2024 Unleash a year of iconic experiences for your clients in Los Angeles! From legendary landmarks celebrating centennials to vibrant cultural events, LA's calendar sizzles with excitement. Discover the hottest new restaurants, and witness thrilling sports moments that ignite passion. Craft unforgettable itineraries that'll have your clients yearning to return to the City of Angels. Read on for more! More information: ... See More See Less

The Best of LA in 2024

www.discoverlosangeles.com

VISIT UTAH - Utah. America’s Film Set.Ⓡ 2024 marks 100 years since the first movies filmed-in-Utah premiered. We are celebrating these milestones with a year of exhibits, events, and film screenings. Utah’s remarkable scenery has always inspired great storytelling. Your clients can explore the movies and filming spots that contribute to Utah's popularity among filmmakers by checking out our interactive map in the dedicated 'Filmed in Utah' section on our website. You will see locations for iconic films such as Forrest Gump, Footloose, Thelma & Louise, Indiana Jones, High School Musical, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Dumb and Dumber and hundreds more. Check it out on ... See More See Less

Famous Movies Filmed In Utah | Film Tourism

www.visitutah.com

Oh what fun! The Visit USA Expo welcomed more than 80 exhibitors and over 600 travel agents across the three day series in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. ... See More See Less

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VISIT PARK CITY It’s no wonder Park City, Utah is Winter’s Favourite Town with two world class resorts, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort plus much more. Aside from hitting the slopes, there is so much more to do in Park City including must-visit cocktail bar, The Sticky Wicket which recently opened and is inspired by the golden era of skiing, think 80s ski suits and shot skis. This 21+ only bar is a fun way to unwind after a day of skiing and is located Deer Valley mid mountain above Royal Street Café. Last month, Park City, Utah had the snowiest February on record! ... See More See Less

Visit Park City | Hotels, Events, Things to Do & Trip Planning

www.visitparkcity.com

VISIT ANAHEIM - Here’s Where Aussies Will Go in 2024 Visit Anaheim’s “Here We Go” campaign invites travellers for both leisure and meetings and conventions to let Anaheim wake up the imagination and celebrate the unique offerings that can only be experienced in the destination. This open invitation draws in the foodies, wine and beer connoisseurs, sports fans, and more to experience Anaheim’s one-of-a-kind adventures. More information: ... See More See Less

Visit Anaheim, CA | Official Visitor & Tourism Information

www.visitanaheim.org

VISIT COLORADO - Michelin Guide now in Colorado! Recognising excellence at 44 restaurants, the MICHELIN GUIDE highlights the diverse, high-quality cuisine and exceptional skill that characterise Colorado's dynamic culinary scene. Yet, Colorado's culinary prowess is not a recent development; it has deep roots in its rich Western heritage, diverse cultural influences, and a steadfast dedication to locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Colorado is home to several iconic restaurants that have stood the test of time and can’t be found anywhere else in the world, including: Learn more about Colorado’s unique dining scene: www.colorado.com/news/from-peak-to-plate-colorados-culinary-offerings-inspire-travelers-to-immers... ... See More See Less

Exciting news - the LA Tourism Travel Trade Toolkit has been fully refreshed! This includes a brand-new Sports Guide alongside all the other updated brochures and resources, including Dinner Guides, New Attractions and Pre-Determined Itineraries. Head over and check out the latest information to enhance your travel offerings: www.discoverlosangeles.com/travel-trade/qr/toolkit?team_member=traveltrade ... See More See Less

Happy Holidays from Visit USA Australia! May this festive season bring you joy, peace, and prosperity. Here's to a new year filled with new opportunities and success! ... See More See Less

HERE'S WHERE AUSSIES WILL GO IN 2024! Visit Anaheim recently launched a new marketing campaign “Here We Go” with the release of a new promotional video. The 80 second video showcases Anaheim in a new post-pandemic environment, welcoming back visitors and re-inspiring travel. Known for being a hub for creativity, Anaheim is home to many hidden gems and calls guests to experience new ways to play, dine, drink and delight in Anaheim. The new “Here We Go” video captures Anaheim’s animated spirit and showcases the wide range of experiences Anaheim has to offer. From gravity noodles to the mascot of the Anaheim Ducks, nearly 20 of Visit Anaheim ’s partners are featured in this new upbeat marketing campaign enticing agents and your clients to Visit Anaheim in 2024! Visit Anaheim ... See More See Less

ATTENTION TRAVEL AGENTS! The Visit USA Expo Series 2024 is NOW OPEN for registration! Register here: visitusa.org.au/events Engage with 75+ US exhibitors and discover the latest trends in the US travel industry. Don't miss out on the magic! Melbourne Expo - Monday 19 February 2024 Brisbane Expo - Tuesday 20 February 2024 Sydney Expo - Wednesday 21 February 2024 This event is for travel agents only; it is not open to the general public. ... See More See Less

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Josie Puglia

Visit USA 2024 Roadshow, 17 th – 19 th September 2024 U.S. Island Hopping, 29 th January 2025

Visit USA Roadshow 2023

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNER OF THE 2 FLIGHT TICKETS TO THE USA WITH SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES. Marilyn Sacco, Hotelplan

A WARM WELCOME

The Visit USA Committee is a non - profit Trade Association of destinations, industry partners and individuals with the goal of promoting travel and tourism to the United States of America.

Der nächste Asia Workshop findet am statt.

Please note that the English language version of our website contains the latest market data about Switzerland which are updated about every three months. Sources of information include KOF of ETH the prominent Fed. Institute of Technology, BAK of Basel University etc.

Over 230 trade visitors from around the country were proof for the need of an information and training platform for a destination of the size of the U.S. Some 40 partners (cities, states, TO's, airlines etc) used the occasion to present their products and services. They all were given the opportunity to hold short workshops in small groups, behind the information booths intended for individual consultations. Visitors had to plan and book their attendance according to their individual interests. They then were given access to their personal visitors program by means of an app. The featured destination Alaska had the opportunity to present itself at the opening plennary session.

The 288'630 Swiss arrivals in the US by September project the total potenial number of Swiss tourists in 2023 to some 380'000 which is an increase of some 30 percent over the previous year. The driving force, besides one of the world's highest per capita incomes, is the strength of the Swiss Franc vs. the USD which keeps floating below 0.90 CHF. It makes the destination USA accessible to many inspite of the inflation and higher prices. The Swiss outbound travel market requires good and competent service, resp. counselling. The Corona experience made people, even more than before, to rely on reputable travel agencies. It is up to the destinations to provide the needed support, cultivate the market and relevant networks. The well established Visit USA Committee will be happy to provide guidance.

The considerably higher prices for travel in the US compared to last year does not seem to discourage Swiss to take a trip accross the Atlantic. An important factor being the strength of the Swiss franc which gained between 12-15 percent in value vs. the USD allowing to compensate some of the cost increase. The result shows in a total of 165'309 visitors (preliminary figure) by the end of June, a slight increase over 2022. Airlines report nearly full planes for coming Fall. Above picture shows a session at the recent trade event "USA Island Hoping" - formerly known as the Visit USA Seminar. It is the only trade event of its kind with countrywide attendance promoting the destination USA

The long established promotional and educational event for travel to the US, now called "USA Island Hopping" enjoyed a successfull kick-off with the "Capital Region USA" as featured destination after a two years Cornona related "break". A total of 275 travel professionals attended of which 235 participated in the so-called "Island Hopping" - workshops held by US destinations and partners. The new format was welcomed by partners (US destinations etc) and visitors. The attendance from around the country testified the need for information and training. The event is part of the promotional programs supported by The Brand USA .

Switzerland's economy has been coping rather well with the actual challenging economic environment.. One reason being the strength of the Swiss Franc vs. most other currencies which forced the inflation down to 3% in October. As a result prices of Swiss industry remain stable on its export markets struggling with a three to four times higher inflation. Unemployment is at a record low of 1.9%. Purchasing power remains high making the Swiss outbound travel market attractive and, in particular, profitable. Time to join the established events produced by the Swiss Visit USA Committee - the only promotional platforms with countrywide attendance, custom tailored for US destinations.

  11.04.2022  Record attendance at USA Raodshow 2022  |   Read...   11.03.2022  Newly elected Board Members  |   Read...   07.02.2020  Upbeat mood at the VUSA Seminar 2020  |   Read...   22.11.2019  General Assembly Meeting November 21, 2019  |   Read...   31.01.2019  Successfull New VUSA Format  |   Read...   17.03.2018  Successfull USA Roadshow 2018  |   Read...   18.08.2004  Strong Swiss Franvc makes US again affordable  |   Read...

A big thank you to our sponsoring partners!

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We are a non-profit travel trade association whose prime objective is to promote travel and tourism to the USA

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If you are a consumer or member of the public seeking information on visiting the USA, information can be found at the Visit the USA website.

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We are a non-profit travel trade association whose prime objective is to promote travel and tourism to the USA. Our aim is to provide the New Zealand Travel Trade with information on Destinations and products and services available within the USA to assist our travel trade partners with trip planning to the USA. We do this by providing product information on all of our members and via a range of events held throughout New Zealand.

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Visit USA Committee Ireland was established to promote the USA as a tourist & business destination. It is a voluntary, non-profit organisation which provides a valuable link between our members, travel trade, travel media & the consumer. We also work very closely with the US Foreign & Commercial Service at the US Embassy in Dublin.

The Visit USA Committee currently has members from all aspects of the travel industry including Destinations, Airlines, Tour Operators, Tourist Boards, Travel Agents, Car Hire, Hotel Groups, Cruise Lines, Shopping Outlets and Attractions.

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Visit USA Events

Get a competitive edge by joining the Visit USA Association – where UK-USA travel market specialists benefit from vital marketing and PR muscle, and a bespoke profile on a powerful website that seeks to drive consumers directly to your organisation.

Make sure you don't miss out - if you are not already a member then consider joining Visit USA (UK) today.

Visit USA holds a series of events for its members to promote travel and tourism to the USA with its members, tour operators, media, consumers and the UK-US travel market - by becoming a Visit USA member you will have access to these free and pay-to-play events and, where appropriate, the advantageous group participation costs involved. 

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Follow our news, recent searches, airline passengers, revenues to hit records in 2024, advertisement.

DUBAI: Airlines will fly nearly five billion passengers in 2024 and revenues will soar close to US$1 trillion, both record highs, The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Monday (Jun 3) as the industry roars back after the pandemic.

The trade body also said it expected the world's airlines to post US$30 billion in net earnings this year, up from its previous estimate of US$25.7 billion.

However, total expenses are also expected to hit a record high this year, climbing 9.4 per cent to US$936 billion, IATA announced at its annual general meeting in Dubai.

The expected US$30 billion profit "is a great achievement considering the recent deep pandemic losses", IATA director general Willie Walsh told the body's annual general meeting in Dubai.

"Without a doubt, aviation is vital to the ambitions and prosperity of individuals and economies. Strengthening airline profitability and growing financial resilience is important," he added.

The COVID-19 pandemic plunged the air industry into crisis, grounding fleets and costing thousands of jobs. IATA put the losses at US$183 billion between 2020 and 2022.

Despite the bounce-back to record passengers and revenues of US$996 billion expected this year, some clouds remain for the industry .

Retraining staff, supply chain issues: Aviation industry faces challenges in rebuilding post-pandemic, says IATA chief

Higher travel demand putting pressure on aviation sector, even as more mid-career workers stay

As well as the record expenses, return on invested capital is estimated at 5.7 per cent in 2024, about 3.4 percentage points below the average cost of capital.

"An aggregate return above the cost of capital ... continues to elude the global airline industry," IATA said.

Airlines are also facing a sharp rise in costs due to shortages of parts and labour and challenges related to climate change, including flooded runways and forest fires.

Six weeks ago Dubai's airport, the world's busiest for international passengers, was closed by severe flooding that left standing water on the runway and forced the cancellation of more than 2,000 flights.

The extreme rainfall in the desert United Arab Emirates was probably exacerbated by manmade global warming, according to an international grouping of scientists that examines extreme weather events.

Some experts also raised the alarm about climate change after two major incidents of in-flight turbulence in recent days, one of which killed a British passenger travelling on Singapore Airlines .

IATA, which groups more than 300 airlines representing 83 per cent of global traffic, said it would hold next year's AGM in New Delhi, India, which is witnessing a boom including Air India's record order for 470 aircraft last year.

Airlines' operating profits are expected to rise nearly 15 per cent to US$59.9 billion, although net profits will grow more slowly at 11.3 per cent, IATA added.

Commentary: The way Singapore Airlines handled SQ321 turbulence crisis is a lesson for other carriers

Recap: British man, 73, dies on Singapore Airlines flight after severe turbulence; 7 critically injured

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Social Security

Protect yourself from scams ( en español ).

Be on the lookout for fake calls, texts, emails, websites, messages on social media, or letters in the mail

Report a Social Security-related scam

This is brought to you by the Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General.

March 28, 2024 Don’t hand off cash to “agents.” This new scam trend introduces an element of physical danger to scams that never existed before. Read more .

FTC Video: Hang Up on Social Security Scam Calls

See All Social Security-related Scam Alerts

What Are Social Security-Related Scams?

Criminals continue to impersonate SSA and other government agencies in an attempt to obtain personal information or money.

Scammers might call, email, text, write, or message you on social media claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or the Office of the Inspector General. They might use the name of a person who really works there and might send a picture or attachment as “proof.”

Social Security employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, are already receiving payments and require an update to their record, or have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter.

Four Basic Signs of a Scam

Recognizing the signs of a scam gives you the power to ignore criminals and report the scam.

Scams come in many varieties, but they all work the same way:

• Scammers pretend to be from an agency or organization you know to gain your trust.
• Scammers say there is a problem or a prize.
• Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
• Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.

Known Tactics Scammers Use

Scammers frequently change their approach with new tactics and messages to trick people. We encourage you to stay up to date on the latest news and advisories by following SSA OIG on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook or subscribing to receive email alerts.

These are red flags; you can trust that Social Security will never

• Suspend your Social Security number.
• Claim to need personal information or payment to activate a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or other benefit increase.
• Pressure you to take immediate action, including sharing personal information.
• Ask you to pay with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or by mailing cash.
• Threaten to seize your bank account.
• Offer to move your money to a “protected” bank account.
• Demand secrecy.
• Direct message you on social media.

Be skeptical and look for red flags. If you receive a suspicious call, text message, email, letter, or message on social media, the caller or sender may not be who they say they are. Scammers have also been known to:

• Use legitimate names of Office of Inspector General or Social Security Administration employees.
• “Spoof” official government phone numbers, or even numbers for local police departments.
• Send official-looking documents by U.S. mail or attachments through email, text, or social media message.

Fraudsters create imposter social media pages and accounts using Social Security-related images and jargon. This helps them appear as if they’re associated with or endorsed by Social Security. The imposter pages could be for the agency or Social Security and OIG officials. The user is asked to send their financial information, Social Security number, or other sensitive information. Social Security will never ask for sensitive information through social media as these channels are not secure.

Here are some ways to spot an imposter page:

• Number of followers.
• Incorrect punctuation or spelling.
• Links to pages not on ssa.gov.
• Advertisements for forms or other SSA documents.
• Incorrect social media handle. To view the list of Social Security’s official social media channels, we encourage you to visit www.ssa.gov/socialmedia

It is illegal to reproduce federal employee credentials and federal law enforcement badges. Federal law enforcement will never send photographs of credentials or badges to demand any kind of payment, and neither will federal government employees.

Report the scam.

How to Avoid a Scam

Protect yourself, friends, and family — If you receive a suspicious call, text, email, social media message, or letter from someone claiming to be from Social Security:

• Remain calm . If you receive a communication that causes a strong emotional response, take a deep breath. Talk to someone you trust.
• Hang up or ignore the message . Do not click on links or attachments.
• Protect your money . Scammers will insist that you pay with a gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, money transfer, or by mailing cash. Scammers use these forms of payment because they are hard to trace.
• Protect your personal information . Be cautious of any contact claiming to be from a government agency or law enforcement telling you about a problem you don’t recognize, even if the caller has some of your personal information.
• Spread the word to protect your community from scammers.
• Report the scam to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report .

How to Report

When you report a scam, you are providing us with powerful data that we use to inform others, identify trends, refine strategies, and take legal action against the criminals behind these scam activities.

Report a scam

If you are unsure about the type of scam, but want to report it, visit USA.gov’s Where To Report a Scam . The tool will help you to find the right place to report a scam.

What to Do if You Were Scammed

Recovering from a scam can be a long and difficult process. Here are some reminders:

• Do not blame yourself. Criminal behavior is not your fault.
• Stop contact with the scammer. Do not talk to them or respond to their messages.
• Notify the three major credit bureaus: Equifax , Experian , and TransUnion to add a fraud alert to your credit report.
• Protect your Social Security Number .
• Request a replacement SSN card or new SSN , if necessary.

The Federal Trade Commission’s “What To Do if You Were Scammed” article has information about what to do if you paid someone you think is a scammer or gave a scammer your personal information or access to your computer or phone.

Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission provides assistance in multiple languages. The Federal Trade Commission’s “New Help for Spotting, Avoiding, and Reporting Scams in Multiple Language” and “Consumer Education in Multiple Languages” has information about reporting and avoiding scams in your preferred language.

Help Us “Slam the Scam”!

Please visit our Resources page for more information on how you can help us “Slam the Scam”.

About the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General

The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General has independent oversight of SSA’s programs and operations. SSA OIG is responsible for conducting audits, evaluations, and investigations and reporting on and providing recommendations for programs, operations, and management improvements.

American Airlines offers pay bump as flight attendant union opens strike center

American Airlines flight attendants opened a strike center, signaling strife amid ongoing contract negotiations, while the Fort Worth-based airline offered an immediate wage increase to reach a deal.

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents American’s over 27,000 flight attendants, announced Wednesday that it opened a strike command center at its union headquarters in Euless.

Shortly after, a video message from American CEO Robert Isom was sent to flight attendants stating that a proposal was delivered to the union offering an immediate wage increase of 17% and a new formula to increase 2024 profit sharing among the workers.

If the union agrees, he said, the increase would be effective for the June bid month and increased rates would be shown in pay on June 30.

“We’re committed to paying all of our team members well and competitively,” Isom told shareholders at an annual meeting on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, union advocates will staff the center to answer questions from members, produce written materials in the event of a strike and more. Flight attendants at American are the final major workgroup among North Texas airline unions yet to reach a new contract after many became amendable before the pandemic.

“We are definitely trying to get a deal done,” said Julie Hedrick, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants this week. She added, “We’re going to hold our CEO to his word when he said that we will be an industry-leading [in] wages.”

Isom was also asked on Wednesday about the flight attendants’ contract during the annual meeting with shareholders.

“Our last remaining open agreement is with our flight attendants, and our plan assumes we reach a deal in 2024,” he said. “We remain in active negotiations with our flight attendants, and we’re working to get a deal as quickly as possible.”

Strike centers and strike authorization votes are often plays among unions in bargaining to place pressure on companies to get a deal to the finish.

Last year, when Southwest Airlines’ pilots represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association were trying to get a contract, the union opened a regional strike center at its headquarters in Dallas. The center opened on Nov. 8. A contract was announced on Dec. 19 and ratified early this year.

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants plans to bargain with the company, alongside the National Mediation Board in Washington, D.C., next week as “one more attempt” at a deal, Hedrick said.

Many steps must be met for federal regulators to release a union from mediation and strike.

Flight attendants at American have requested such a release but remain in negotiations. The release, if allowed, would trigger a 30-day cooling off period, where parties can reach an agreement one last time. At the end of 30 days, without an agreement, an airline union would be allowed to strike and companies can lock out employees.

Union officials said every one of American’s 10 crew bases for flight attendants have trained representatives to answer questions.

©2024 The Dallas Morning News. Visit dallasnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Three innovations to solve hotel staffing shortages

During the COVID-19 closures, hotel staff around the world were faced with the precarious prospect of staying home. For instance, in the United States, 70 percent of hotel staff were furloughed or laid off. 1 “AHLA data shows 70 percent of hotel employees laid off or furloughed,” TSNN, May 4, 2020. Many hospitality workers reevaluated their career paths and work-life balance as they braved the pandemic—since then, these labor pools have shed their concierge badges and room service trolleys for jobs that offer more flexibility or higher pay, such as retail, e-commerce, or warehousing.

Hotels are now battling to restore their staff complement to pre-pandemic levels. A recent survey of 200 hotels conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) revealed that 87 percent of hotels in the United States do not have enough staff, and 36 percent of the respondents cited severe staff shortages. For 43 percent of hotels, housekeeping roles were singled out as being the most seriously understaffed. AHLA points out that similar staff shortages extend to hotels across the United States as employment in the hotel industry decreased by almost 400,000 jobs between February 2020 and August 2022, with more than 115,000 job openings yet unfilled. 2 “87% of surveyed hotels report staffing shortages,” American Hotel & Lodging Association, October 3, 2022.

Nevertheless, travelers are returning in full force , leaving hotels with no choice but to operate at pre-pandemic occupancy with fewer staff members. The staff shortage may provide an opportunity for hotels to reframe the problem, and think creatively about roles and staffing.

This article highlights the value of adopting a flexible and agile staffing model that aligns with dynamic demand. This approach is marked by three innovations that could improve operational effectiveness and employee job satisfaction, without compromising service quality.

While the article presents success stories and positive outcomes as a result of implementing these innovations, it comes with a caveat that staffing remains a complex issue and the human element should not be glossed over. In a time of staff shortages, employee satisfaction (and therefore retention) is more important than ever.

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Innovation 1: using standardized, activity-based metrics to forecast frontline coverage needs.

Many hotels and resorts base their staffing on average weekly occupancy. This does not, however, reflect real need, as occupancy often fluctuates from day to day and week to week. And averages, by nature, flatten out peaks and troughs.

Take the example of a golf resort: When comparing average occupancy to actual occupancy, it is clear that weekly average numbers do not adequately reflect peak days or account for fluctuations day to day or week to week (Exhibit 1).

One solution could be to expand overall occupancy metrics to include specific measurements, like number of check-ins and check-outs, or number of tables seated at the hotel restaurant. Leveraging these metrics to match staffing to daily need (or even hourly need) enables hotels to define a standard set of productivity metrics for each type of role, which can be applied consistently as demand fluctuates.

A hotel could, for example, optimize staffing by assigning one room attendant for every 15 check-outs. Cleaning and laundry could also be scheduled to serve only the forecast number of check-outs per day. Where management ownership is shared across properties, further coverage can be achieved by standardizing activity-based metrics across all properties.

One hotel shifted from using weekly averages to staffing according to peaks in occupancy. By scheduling an additional front-desk employee for hours with high check-out volumes, this innovation reduced the total labor hours needed by about 10 percent. This also created better work-life balance for front-desk staff. One front-desk employee had previously left the industry to meet her childcare needs. She later returned to her position at the hotel because she could now work the new part-time shift during peak check-out periods. This freed up time for her to complete her work day, and still be home by the time her children returned from school.

Innovation 2: Redesigning roles to combine jobs

Traditional hotel staffing involves distinct roles with clear divisions between managers and frontline employees. And each discipline—such as housekeeping, front-desk, and maintenance—has separate promotion paths.

To build resilience in times of staff shortages, hotels could redesign roles so that fewer people are needed to perform the same number of tasks. This could involve combining similar roles, or cross-training staff so that they can switch roles.

For instance, when combining roles, housekeeping management could be combined with front-desk management to form a single set of duties. Hotels could also introduce a player-coach model where one role involves supervising and performing work, such as a housekeeping supervisor who manages a team and cleans rooms.

Staff can also cover multiple roles as needed. Night-shift roles could be transformed by combining low-touch housekeeping duties with front-desk coverage during quieter times.

Redesigned roles could potentially improve employee satisfaction by empowering staff to explore new career paths within the hotel’s operations. Combined roles build skills across disciplines—for example, supporting a housekeeper to train and become proficient in some maintenance areas, or a front-desk associate to build managerial skills.

How to ‘ACE’ hospitality recruitment

Innovation 3: creating job networks across properties.

Where management or ownership is shared across properties, roles may be staffed to cover a network of sites, rather than individual hotels—especially where a hotel group may already have centralized administration for functions such as legal, accounting, and human resources.

This approach could be effective for various roles including office support, frontline staff, specialized positions, and management. In specialized roles such as maintenance, security, or events planning, a single person covering multiple properties can create value as needed. Activities staff, for instance for kids’ clubs, could also be shared. Frontline roles could be networked across properties, without sacrificing customer service. For example, a concierge or front-desk employee could alternate shifts between two nearby locations, or two different types of properties with different needs. A resort may need check-out staff later in the day whereas a hotel that caters to business travelers would need more staff in the mornings. Managers could be pooled to lead two smaller teams at two properties, instead of being focused on one.

Combining innovations to elevate operations

Though each intervention could alleviate some of the post-pandemic staff shortage issues, a combination of all three innovations could bring about a considerable reduction in weekly staff hours for a hotel property.

To illustrate, at one resort, weekly hours could be reduced by up to 18 percent by applying these three staffing innovations, specifically to front-desk and housekeeping roles. In this instance, using hourly demand to plan for staff coverage could have the greatest impact (Exhibit 2).

In many cases, employee engagement and retention have increased at hotels where all three measures have been adopted. For example, a property group under shared ownership adopted all three measures during the past two years which led to new ways for employees to grow and develop. A housekeeper who never imagined himself in a managerial role is now a shift supervisor, and employees who learned English while in back-of-house roles have embarked on training to pick up new front-of-house shifts.

These successes bode well for understaffed hotels, as McKinsey’s 2020 Employee Experience survey shows that employees who report having a positive experience at work are 16 times more engaged, and are eight times more likely to remain with their employer, than employees who report a negative experience.

Accordingly, hotel owners could make efforts to engage employees when it comes to staffing innovation by exploring, testing, and experimenting to find what works best for their employees as well as for their business needs and operating environment.

While these three innovations, alone or in combination, can lead to operational improvements, they may be easier to implement at some types of hotels than others. For instance, resorts may find it easier to provide employees with new career paths, cross-train staff, or combine similar roles. Hotel-chain operators may find it easier to share roles across locations. Many smaller, limited-service hotels have already implemented job sharing, so this particular innovation may not offer much value. Hotel owners may need to assess what would likely work best for them and their particular business model and context.

As hotel occupancy continues to recover post-pandemic, hotels have the opportunity to think innovatively about staffing. By adopting a more flexible staffing model based on dynamic demand, hotels can deliver pre-pandemic levels of service even if they are short staffed. Of course, the key to implementing any staffing innovation successfully is to keep an eye on employee engagement, and ensure that any change is good for people, and the business.

Ryan Mann is a partner in McKinsey’s Chicago office, Esteban Ramirez is a manager of client capabilities in the Dallas office, and Matthew Straus is an associate partner in the Carolinas office.

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