When it comes to the booming job market, not all states are created equal

Jan 5, 2022
States that weren't hit as hard by the pandemic slowdown have already mostly recovered.
States that rely on tourism, like Hawaii, were among the hardest hit economically by COVID-19 but have had strong rebounds. Above, beachgoers in Honolulu.
Eugene Tanner/AFP via Getty Images

Airbnb takes a more conciliatory approach to communities

Nov 4, 2021
Where once the company fought regulations, now its pre-empting them with its own policies designed to curb bad behavior by renters.
Airbnb announced an extension of its ban on house parties this week.
Martin Bureau/AFP via Getty Images

After 18 months, hotel housekeeper still doesn't have her job back

Sep 21, 2021
Changes in the hotel industry are affecting Hawaii housekeeper Mary Taboniar, a single mom.
"I hope that the hotel will bring us back to work," says Mary Taboniar. "I'm hoping for a normal life again."
Courtesy Mary Taboniar

Businesses in Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls anxious for tourists' return

Sep 7, 2021
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa made a point of getting vaccinated there to stress the importance of the tourism industry.
More than 300,000 foreign tourists visited the Zimbabwean site in 2019. A mere 34,000 visited in 2020.
Zinyange Auntony/AFP via Getty Images

Customers line up for lobster rolls despite record prices

Sep 6, 2021
At one Maine lobster shack, waiting in line is part of the experience for its customers.
Owner Frank Sprague on the job making lobster dinners at Sprague’s.
(Shannon Mullen)

The return of tourists to Maine takes a toll on restaurant workers

Aug 23, 2021
Some restaurants in the state are boosting wages and benefits to bring workers back.
Bartender Hayley Wilson prepares a drink at the Portland Hunt & Alpine Club in Portland, Maine.
Robbie Feinberg/Maine Public Radio

What could the delta variant mean for Hawaii's tourism industry?

Aug 18, 2021
Even after a record-breaking sales this summer, Manu Powers, co-owner of Sea Quest Hawaii, is concerned about the future of her business.
A tourist goes through COVID-19 safety protocols at Los Angeles International Airport before flying to Hawaii.
Patrick T. Fallon via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

North Carolina encourages staycations

Aug 6, 2021
With long-distance tourism limited, the state tries to attract residents to local destinations.
“We realized North Carolinians were going to be our best customer during this time,” said Wit Tuttell of Visit NC.
Leoneda Inge

This summer on Cape Cod, longer lines and help wanted signs

Jul 30, 2021
Almost every restaurant and business is understaffed this summer. At the same time, there are more tourists on the Cape than ever.
At Mac’s on the Pier in Wellfleet, waiting in line has always been part of the experience. But according to the owner, waits have peaked from an hour and a half to five hours this summer.
Samantha Fields

National Parks, and businesses nearby, prepare for holiday rush

Jul 1, 2021
Some parks are restricting access to prevent congestion.
Leading up to the Fourth of July, one restaurant near Grand Canyon National Park is serving more patrons than before the pandemic.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images