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Skift
11-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Planners Fear Immigration Crackdowns Will Make Hotel Labor Shortages Worse: Exclusive Survey
The hospitality industry has struggled with a labor shortage since the Covid pandemic. Now, immigration enforcement and an anti-immigrant sentiment are adding a new layer of complexity. An exclusive Skift Meetings survey of U.S. planners shows that they expect to grapple with the effects of Trump-era immigration policies on their events, with growing concern about hotel staffing across the board. More than two-thirds of respondents (72%) said they expect hotel staffing to be affected in 2025–2026 because of immigration policies. Only 13% foresaw no impact. 'Hotel staffing never fully bounced back after the pandemic. We're still experiencing some gaps in service in certain markets and at certain properties,' said Kyle Jordan, director of meetings at the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences (INFORMS). Staffing issues are being felt at more than hotels. 'Challenges extend to other key partners like AV providers and vendors that support our meetings,' said Jordan. 'While it's hard to predict the full impact, I would expect that deportation activity could further strain staffing in some destinations.' Concerns stem not just from general staffing shortages but also the effect of revived immigration enforcement policies. 'The main issue is that for many workers in hotels, while they may be legal immigrants, the feeling toward immigrants in general has turned toxic,' said Mark Phillips, CEO of LamontCo. 'No one wants to live and work in such an environment or put families through it, so over time we will see less available even legal immigrant workforces. It already appears to be happening in several cities.' ICE Raids and Protests Exacerbate Immigration Issues In Los Angeles, several days of protests followed large-scale immigration raids by ICE. Protests have spread to other U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, D.C, and New York City. a'The hospitality industry relies heavily on immigrant labor especially in back-of-house roles like housekeeping, food and beverage service, and maintenance. Stricter immigration enforcement, increased deportations, and general anti-immigration rhetoric have created fear and uncertainty among these workers, not to mention ICE raids, and I-9 audits. This leads some to leave the industry or self-deport, reducing the labor pool, making it even harder for hotels to fill critical positions,' said Robert Kraus, founder of Small Conferences. Kraus added that there are concerns about the future of the H-2B visa program and similar initiatives. 'There's also a worry that H-2B visas and other temporary worker programs will be curtailed plus general apprehension on potential workers to risk coming to the U.S. just to be told they can't enter or later be sent home only after a short amount of time. This could easily limit the number of foreign workers applying, which is critical for meeting seasonal demands of resorts and other hospitality businesses.' Labor shortages have already disrupted event logistics.'In several cases, my groups suffered through multi-hour lunch services because the hotel restaurant kitchen could not keep up with demand,' he said. Legal Compliance Doesn't Eliminate Anxiety Michael Dominguez, president and CEO of ALHI, argues that deportation is not necessarily a direct impact to hotel staffing. 'It has been required by law for any employee to complete an I-9 form, which verifies legal status and requires documentation,' said Dominguez. 'Any company or hotel not doing that is in violation of Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1986. Everyone working in a hotel needs documentation, or they are breaking the law.' Still, legal status does not erase worker anxiety, said Melanie Nathan, human rights advocate and executive director of the African Human Rights Coalition. 'I know people who are perfectly legal and who have filled in those I-9's who are too scared to go to work. They are standing back to try and ride out what they feel like is a storm. Some fear they might get picked up in workplaces where there are likely to be raids.' Guest Services and Sales Take a Hit The staffing crunch is also affecting guest experience and hotel revenue. 'Daily housekeeping is no longer a given. There are hotels where it is now every other day or on request,' said Akshar Patel, VP of corporate strategy and development at eShow Event Management Solutions and a hospitality expert. Beyond guest services, the staffing crunch is slowing business development efforts. 'A staffing shortage on the sales side is delaying RFPs,' said Patel. Andrea Milrad Heilweil, VP of sales and marketing at The Hutton Group, agrees. 'I have found that since Covid I have to be much more proactive with follow-up. Between people furloughed, laid off, or leaving the industry altogether, RFP responses, requests for contracts, setting up site visits, and general communication have been delayed.'
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Sun Belt State Transportation Agency to Deploy 150 Rekor Discover® Systems Under Rekor's Data-as-a-Service Model
Rekor Discover® to Replace Outdated Roadway Intrusive Technology with FHWA-Compliant AI That Advances Transportation Planning and Operations COLUMBIA, Md., June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rekor Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: REKR) (the "Company), a leader in developing and implementing state-of-the-art roadway intelligence technology, today announced a transformative deployment with a Sun Belt state transportation agency. As part of a new state initiative to upgrade its planning and operations capabilities, Rekor will deploy 150 Rekor Discover® systems under a one-year Data-as-a-Service contract valued at $1.2 million. The Company expects all 150 systems to be installed within 60 days. The program will enable the agency to use Rekor's Roadway Data-as-a-Service model to modernize traffic data collection and monitoring. The Rekor Discover® platform complies with Federal Highway Administration requirements and uses AI-enabled roadside sensors to generate detailed, per-vehicle data using proprietary privacy protection techniques. This eliminates the need to rely on intrusive in-road sensors that create dangerous and disruptive traffic conditions and pose roadway worker safety risks when they fail or need to be maintained. "This marks a pivotal milestone in the evolution of Data-as-a-Service for U.S. transportation agencies, led by forward-thinking departments," said Mark Phillips, General Manager of Rekor Discover®. "Our vision is to replace the tens of thousands of single-function roadway devices currently in use worldwide with a scalable, AI-powered platform that delivers richer, safer, and more actionable traffic insights. International transportation authorities are increasingly looking to this model, making this a national achievement and a foundational step toward global transformation." In addition to this significant expansion, Rekor Discover® is being adopted by many transportation agencies nationwide, with installations in states including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, New Mexico, New York, Florida, and South Carolina. With a significant and expanding footprint already in place, Rekor Discover® is demonstrating strong momentum in the U.S. market, and international transportation agencies are beginning to take notice, signaling the potential for broader global expansion. A Global Vision for Data-as-a-ServiceThe potential of Rekor Discover® goes far beyond the U.S. The International Road Federation's World Road Statistics shows that more than 60 countries actively collect traffic data to improve safety and transportation planning. With proven scalability, U.S.-based AI, and non-intrusive installation, Rekor is positioned to serve domestic and international markets, seeking modern, cost-effective alternatives to legacy traffic technologies. Safer, Smarter, and Scalable Transportation Planning and OperationsRekor Discover® and its non-intrusive Edge Series systems represent a significant leap forward in traffic planning and operations. Unlike traditional methods such as piezo sensors and rubber tubes, which are prone to failure in harsh conditions and require roadway intrusive installation, Rekor's AI-based solution is installed without road closures, posing no risk to workers or disruption to traffic. It also enables accurate roadway data collection in locations previously considered too hazardous or congested for traditional methods, where side-firing radar systems are often limited by obstructions, placement restrictions, or reduced precision in complex traffic environments. About Rekor Systems, Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: REKR) is a leader in developing and implementing state-of-the-art roadway intelligence systems using AI-enabled computer vision and machine learning. As a pioneer in the implementation of digital infrastructure, Rekor is collecting, connecting, and organizing the world's mobility data – laying the foundation for a digitally-enabled operating system for the roadway. With our Rekor One® Roadway Intelligence Engine at the core of our technology, we aggregate and transform trillions of data points into intelligence through proprietary computer vision, machine learning, and big data analytics that power our platforms and applications. Our solutions provide actionable insights that give governments and businesses a comprehensive picture of roadways while providing a collaborative environment that drives the world to be safer, greener, and more efficient. To learn more, please visit our website: and follow Rekor on social media on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, and Facebook. Forward-Looking Statements This press release and its links and attachments contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 concerning Rekor Systems, Incthat involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including particularly statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy, prospective products and services, timing and likelihood of success, plans and objectives of management for future operations and future results of current and anticipated products and services. These statements involve uncertainties, such as known and unknown risks, and are dependent on other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements we express or imply. For this purpose, any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions described under the sections in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 entitled "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this Press Release and in other documents we file from time to time with the SEC that disclose risks and uncertainties that may affect our business. The forward-looking statements in this Press Release do not reflect the potential impact of any divestiture, merger, acquisition, or other business combination that had not been completed as of the date of this filing. Because forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond our control, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events, or otherwise. This press release and its links and attachments contain statements concerning Rekor Systems, Inc. Media & Investor Relations Contact:Rekor Systems, Degliominiir@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's economy stagnates with mere 0. 1% GDP growth in Q1, raising concerns
South Africa's economy narrowly escaped contraction in quarter one 2025, with gross domestic product (GDP) growing by a mere 0.1%, down from 0.4% in quarter four 2024, according to Statistics SA/ South Africa's economy narrowly escaped contraction in quarter one 2025, with gross domestic product (GDP) growing by a mere 0.1%, down from 0.4% in quarter four 2024, according to Statistics SA Experts were united in their concerned about stagnation in the economy. Maarten Ackerman, the chief Economist and Advisory Partner at Citadel, said the figures are "not something to celebrate,' as the country remains in a prolonged per capita recession, with full-year growth at just 0.8%. Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry increased by 15.8%, contributing 0.4 of a percentage point to the positive GDP growth. This was primarily due to increased economic activities reported for horticulture and animal products. The transport, storage and communication industry increased by 2.4%, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for land transport, air transport and transport support services. Stats SA said the finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 0.2%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point. Increased economic activities were reported for retail trade, motor trade, accommodation and food and beverages. The manufacturing industry decreased by 2.0%, contributing -0.2 of a percentage point. Seven of the ten manufacturing divisions reported negative growth rates. The largest negative contributions were reported for the petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products; food and beverages; and motor vehicles, parts and accessories and other transport equipment divisions. Mark Phillips, the head of Portfolio Management and Analytics at PPS Investments, warns that despite agriculture's impressive 15.8% surge, the economy is showing signs of serious strain. Manufacturing is down. Mining is struggling. Fixed investment has dropped. He said, big questions now loom: Is this a fragile win or a warning sign? How much longer can South Africa keep the lights on – economically and literally? This as global risks are intensifying, domestic investment is weakening, and the economy remains vulnerable to another round of load-shedding or global demand shocks. Professor Raymond Parsons, NWU Business School economist, said the disappointing GDP growth figure of 0.1% for the first quarter of 2025 comes as no surprise. 'Although adverse global developments earlier this year have also played a role, the weaker economic data was already apparent before then. For example, the Absa Purchasing Managers' Index for May, although showing some recent signs of business activity and demand improvement, has remained in contractionary territory for seven consecutive months.' Parsons said the key manufacturing sector is likely to continue to be a lagging one for now. 'This reality was already recently also presaged by several reduced growth forecasts for 2025, including by the National Treasury (1.9% to 1.4%) and the SARB (SA Reserve Bank)(1.7% to 1.2%). If present trends persist, the growth outlook for this year now seems likely to be only about 1%, possibly rising to about 1.5% in 2026. It is clear that the incipient economic recovery in SA is presently struggling to gain momentum and needs maximum support to strengthen the business cycle upturn," he said. Waldo Krugell, an economics professor at the North-West University (NWU), pointed to the fact economists were expecting weak GDP data as high frequency indicators like PMIs and monthly manufacturing and mining stats pointed to a slowdown. 'The fact that agriculture, which is a small part of GDP, is again such a swing factor, though to the positive side, shows that there is very little growth happening elsewhere. On the expenditure side it is households driving the little bit of growth that we see. They were spending on transport (those Q1 new vehicle sales showing up), food and beverages, restaurants and hotels, and health,' he said. Krugell added that what is really worrying is the contraction of investment spending. 'International uncertainty did play a role, but we did have exports contributing to growth in Q1. I think the loss of Government of National Unity (GNU) reform momentum played a bigger role.' Call for policy coordination Meanwhile, Dr Eliphas Ndou, an economist and author at Unisa's Department of Economics, said the weak economic growth rate points to an urgent need for policy coordination to raise economic growth. 'The weaker growth implies the economy will be creating jobs at a faster pace leading to persistently high unemployment rate, and also this means elevated gross loan debt to GDP ratio, which National Treasury should deal with through spending reductions. It is ideal that in such periods of elevated policy and trade uncertainty that slow economic growth to implement policies that raise economic agents' optimism,' Ndou said. Ndou added that the slowdown in consumption contributions from 0.7 in the last quarter of 2024 to 0.2 in the first quarter of 2025 is consistent with deterioration in FNB/BER consumer confidence index which declined from -6 index points to -20 index points over the same periods. Wandile Sihlobo, the chief economist at Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, highlighted that South Africa's agriculture sector is in recovery mode, although the recovery is uneven, as some subsectors, mainly livestock, are facing challenges that will become apparent later in the year. 'The data released this morning by Statistics South Africa shows that South Africa's agricultural gross value added expanded by 15.8% quarter-on-quarter (seasonally adjusted) in the first quarter of 2025. This expansion is primarily due to the improved performance of certain field crops and the horticulture subsectors,' he said. Sihlobo added that the better performance of these particular subsectors is expected to continue dominating the year. BUSINESS REPORT
News18
27-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Want Peaceful Resolution': Indian Delegation Conveys Stance Against Terrorism In Guyana
Last Updated: An Indian parliamentary delegation led by Shashi Tharoor visited Guyana, receiving strong support for India's anti-terror stance and fostering deeper bilateral ties. With a brief but important stop in New York and their visit to the 9/11 memorial, the Indian delegation led by Shashi Tharoor embarked on a significant visit to South America. The first country on the delegation's list was Guyana, where they received a warm welcome from the Indian community. Guyana Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo expressed the country's unconditional support to India and its fight against terrorism. However, they also expected India to agree to mediate in their fight with Venezuela. Guyana and Venezuela have been engaged in a conflict, reportedly over the Essequibo River, which makes up two-thirds of Guyana's territory. While Guyana claims the border was settled in 1899 by an international tribunal, Venezuela maintains the river marks the true boundary, citing their claims from 1777. On their part, the Indian delegation maintained that their home country is currently watching the situation very carefully. 'We have just maintained that these two countries need to find a peaceful solution to the situation," a source aware of the developments told Network 18. With nearly 40 per cent of the population in Guyana being Indians, the delegation got an extraordinary welcome and overwhelming support in the nation. 'We also saw a huge untapped potential that can mutually benefit both countries," the source further said. In fact, Shashi Tharoor, who is leading the delegation, shared his thoughts on X, saying, 'It was a pleasure exchanging thoughts with the Honourable Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier Mark Anthony Phillips, a former Army Chief, over a relaxed dinner. His wife had spent six weeks in India training in entrepreneurship and NGO management in Ahmedabad." 'They were accompanied by seven Cabinet Ministers, from Finance to Agriculture, so the discussions were both substantive and convivial," he wrote. Another member of the delegation, BJP MP from Bangalore South, Tejasvi Surya, also posted on X, 'We are carrying an important message from Bharat as part of the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation visiting the Americas." 'In Guyana, in our meetings with Prime Minister Brig. (Retd.) Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, we conveyed India's strong and united stance against terrorism and our new Zero Tolerance doctrine under the leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji." 'India and Guyana share a deep-rooted friendship built on cultural bonds and historic ties. With growing cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, and education, our partnership continues to expand in both depth and purpose," he wrote. As a non-permanent member of the UNSC, getting support from Guyana is an important aspect for the visiting delegation, which is out on a mission to expose Pakistan. The delegations have been armed with a detailed dossier which exposes Pakistan's tryst with terrorism and the necessity for India to hit back with 'Operation Sindoor' to avenge the killings of innocent tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. Other members of the delegation include former Union Minister Milind Deora, Tejasvi Surya, Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, TDP MP Harish Balayogi, and former US Ambassador Taranjeet Singh Sandhu.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delegates stress India's zero tolerance on terror
India's all-party delegations emphasised the country's 'new normal' of zero tolerance against cross-border terrorism, during their meeting with global leaders as part of the diplomatic outreach, stressing that Indian armed forces targeted UN-designated terrorist headquarters located in Pakistan under Operation Sindoor. The delegations also underlined Pakistan government's deep connections with its non-state actors and how it has launched a proxy war against India. Several leaders, who are part of the seven multi-party delegations travelling to 33 global capitals, said they are receiving warm response and support for India. In Guyana, Prime Minister Mark Phillips hosted a dinner for the Indian delegation led by Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor. Another delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Srikant Shinde arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and held a meeting with the Central African country's foreign minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner and senate president Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge. DRC Senate is equivalent to the Rajya Sabha. The all-party delegation led by DMK lawmaker K Kanimozhi met Barbara Žvokelj, Secretary-General, ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Slovenia. In Paris, the delegation led by BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad met the French think tank while in Seoul, JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha-led group met the South Korea's foreign minister, vice foreign minister and the standing committee chairman of defence. The delegation headed by NCP(SP) lawmaker Supriya Sule met Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Faisal bin Mohammed Al Thani, junior minister for foreign affairs of Qatar, in Doha. In Doha, former Union minister Anand Sharma, who is part of the Supriya Sule-led delegation, highlighted that it was not the first time India has been a target of terrorist attacks from across the border. He emphasised that terrorist outfits Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba — both UN designated — are headquartered at Bahawalpur and Muridke in Pakistan, besides The Resistance Front (TRF) — the outfit that claimed the responsibility of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians — is a front of LeT. 'Pakistan is a sham of a democracy, which is run by its military and the ISI. They not only train, fund, arm, but also shelter and protect these terrorist organisations, which is reprehensible,' Sharma said. 'If UN-designated terrorist headquarters in Pakistan were targeted, why would they attack our military installations and even civilians? We have come here to inform and form public opinion, sensitise the people of the seriousness of this situation as it prevails,' the senior Congress leader added. Indian delegations are travelling to various countries to reach out to the international community on Pakistan's designs and India's response to terror after the Pahalgam terror attack. India carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7 under Operation Sindoor, following which Pakistan attempted to attack the Indian military bases over the next three days. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. After the meeting, Sule said: 'The neighbourhood which we have nurtured, valued, respected, and always wanted good relations with, but unfortunately, these activities are connected to various non-state actors... The Pakistan government has deep connections with all of them. What India has been through in the last few weeks has been very unfortunate and the world needs to know about it.' Later, Indian Ambassador to Qatar, Vipul, described the visit as 'successful' as the delegation has been able to give a message that the 'entire world has to come together' against terrorism. 'That message was very well received by our Qatari friends,' Vipul added. JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha said his delegation asked South Korea — a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council — 'to blacklist Pakistan, as it uses the financial assistance in terrorism.' The delegation also addressed South Korea's concerns over nuclear weapons. 'All those whom we have met are aware of the heinous crime in Pahalgam, where people were segregated based on outreach's positive outcome is the support we are is in our policy that India will never use nuclear weapons, firstly, but if another country attacks India, then it will retaliate…,' Jha added. At Kinshasa, the capital of DRC, group leader Shinde said India received a good response in the UAE. 'Our message of zero tolerance against terrorism has been very well appreciated by the UAE… On Monday, we had a meeting with DRC's MoS Foreign Affairs. We presented how India has been suffering through terrorism and fighting it for years now... DRC has been in conflict zone for years. They know how terrorism, cross-border terrorism, state-sponsored terrorism impacts a country,' Shinde added. After the meetings in Guyana, Tharoor said the team had an 'excellent meeting' with the former president of Guyana and current vice-president, Bharrat Jagdeo, in the presidential palace. 'In addition to his expression of strong sympathy and understanding for India's concerns in the wake of recent events, our conversation also spanned a range of topics relating to Guyana's record-breaking 30% annual economic growth and development plans following the discovery of oil and gas,' he added. (With agency inputs)
