Technology

Gen Z Trusts Online Reviews Over Hotel Brand Names by More Than Four to One When Choosing Where to Stay, Rival Technologies Study Shows

Published

4 days ago

August 6, 2026

Research finds amenities, guest experience and value outweigh traditional brand loyalty among Gen Z travelers

VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Online reviews have become a much stronger influence on Gen Z hotel bookings than brand names, according to new research from Rival Technologies. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of Gen Z travelers say online reviews are the biggest influence on where they book, while just 14% cite a hotel’s brand name.

For marketers in the travel and hospitality space, the findings suggest that reputation built through guest experiences now carries more weight with Gen Z than traditional brand recognition.

Beyond reviews, Gen Z travelers also place a high value on practical amenities. Nearly half (48%) say features such as a pool, gym or breakfast influence where they stay. Free breakfast (56%) and free Wi-Fi (50%) rank alongside loyalty rewards (48%), while social media influences just 12% of booking decisions.

The study also highlights several trends shaping how the next generation of guests book travel:

Hotels lead but no longer dominate. Only 43% of Gen Z default to a hotel, while 27% say it depends on the trip and 21% choose Airbnb, leaving most of this generation open to alternatives on any given trip.Loyalty appetite grows with age. Interest in rewards programs nearly doubles across the cohort, from 13% among 18-to-20-year-olds to 24% among 25-to-29-year-olds, along with rising interest in upgrades, flexible cancellation and early or late check-in.Reviews and breakfast are universal. Both hold steady as top factors across every age band, making them table stakes rather than differentiators.US and Canadian travelers diverge. Canadian Gen Z lean even harder on reviews (66% versus 57%) and are more likely to skip loyalty programs entirely (21% versus 13%), while US Gen Z place more weight on free WiFi (57% versus 43%) and digital check-in (25% versus 12%).The trip itself is about meaning, not status. Beyond booking, 84% of Gen Z say the most meaningful trip is one that changes how they think, and 79% value experiences they do not photograph over getting great photos.

“Gen Z is one of the travel industry’s most important growth audiences, but many assumptions about how they make decisions no longer hold,” said Paula Catoira, chief marketing officer at Rival Group. “Reviews, recommendations and authentic experiences carry significant weight. Understanding why those choices are made requires ongoing conversations rather than occasional surveys.”

The qualitative findings underscored how grounded and practical Gen Z has become about where they stay. One participant described the ideal trip as “a great place to stay in a prime location,” while another pointed to “stress-free planning, making the most of my time, and staying in a nice hotel.” The emphasis was on function, location and value, rarely on a brand name.

Rival helps hospitality and consumer brands understand changing customer expectations through insight communities, Voice of Market studies and continuous research programs. The company’s Emerging Consumer Index tracks Gen Z attitudes across the U.S. and Canada through biweekly research, giving subscribers regularly refreshed data that can be explored through AI-assisted exploration tools, while helping keep synthetic audiences and large language models grounded in real human data.

This study surveyed 878 Gen Z participants aged 18 to 29 across the United States (443) and Canada (435) from Rival’s proprietary panels in July 2026, and was conducted using Rival’s conversational research platform. It captured both quantitative and qualitative feedback in a single 10-minute conversational survey.

To access the report: https://www.rivaltech.com/gen-z-travel

About Rival Technologies
Rival Technologies is a research technology company redefining how brands understand people. As a pioneer in conversational research, Rival’s AI-driven, mobile-first platform transforms traditional surveys into engaging, chat-like experiences that reflect how people communicate today. By blending quant, qual and video in a single conversational flow, Rival helps global brands like Cash App, ŌURA, Carnival Corporation and Warner Bros. Discovery capture richer insights, increase response rates and move from data to confident decisions faster. Part of Rival Group, Rival Technologies was named to the Top 10 Most Innovative Technology Suppliers in Greenbook’s 2025 GRIT report. Learn more at rivaltech.com.

Media contact: Marie Melsheimer, 420281@email4pr.com, +1-541-815-3951

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SOURCE Rival Technologies

Technology

HelloNation Article Explains What To Look For When Buying A Mountain Cabin With Insights From Real Estate Expert Nathan Fitts

Published

12 minutes ago

August 10, 2026

The article outlines key considerations for evaluating utilities, access, and structural conditions when purchasing a rural home in North Georgia.

BLUE RIDGE, Ga., Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should buyers evaluate before purchasing a mountain cabin in a rural setting? HelloNation has published an article that answers this question, featuring insights from Real Estate Expert Nathan Fitts of Nathan Fitts & Team in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

The HelloNation article explains that purchasing a mountain cabin in Fannin County, GA, requires more than appreciating scenic views. It emphasizes that buyers must carefully evaluate essential systems that support daily living in a rural home. According to the article, overlooking key infrastructure such as a private well or septic system can lead to unexpected costs and complications after closing.

Water access is one of the most important factors discussed. The article notes that most properties in Fannin County, GA, rely on a private well rather than municipal water. Buyers are encouraged to review details such as well depth, water quality testing, and flow rate. Understanding how a private well functions helps ensure a reliable water supply and safe consumption, which is critical for any mountain cabin.

The septic system is another major focus. The article describes how a septic system manages wastewater in a rural home and why its condition matters. Buyers should confirm the septic system’s age, maintenance history, and inspection status before finalizing a purchase. In Fannin County, GA, this step can prevent costly repairs and ensure the property meets local requirements.

Access to the property is also highlighted as a key consideration. The article explains that driveway grade and road conditions can significantly impact daily life in North Georgia. A steep driveway grade may create challenges during rain or winter weather, making it harder for residents and emergency vehicles to reach the home. Evaluating the driveway grade and testing access after poor weather conditions can help buyers better understand year-round usability.

The HelloNation article also addresses structural concerns common in a mountain cabin. Moisture intrusion is a frequent issue in North Georgia due to terrain and climate. The article recommends inspecting crawl spaces, basements, and foundation areas for signs of dampness, mold, or wood damage. Identifying these issues early helps protect the long-term integrity of a rural home and reduces the risk of expensive repairs.

Beyond physical structures, the article highlights everyday practicalities. Buyers in Fannin County, GA, should consider cell service, internet availability, and distance to stores or healthcare. While these factors may not affect the structure of a mountain cabin, they shape the overall living experience. Reliable communication is especially important in a rural home setting where services may be limited.

The article further explains that balancing lifestyle goals with practical considerations is essential when choosing a mountain cabin in North Georgia. Evaluating the private well, septic system, driveway grade, and structural condition together provides a more complete understanding of the property. This approach helps buyers avoid hidden challenges while ensuring the home meets both comfort and safety needs.

Real Estate Expert Nathan Fitts is featured in the HelloNation article as a source of insight into these considerations. The article presents the information as guidance for buyers navigating the unique aspects of purchasing property in Fannin County, GA. Focusing on infrastructure and accessibility, it helps readers make informed decisions about a rural home purchase.

What To Look For When Buying A Mountain Cabin features insights from Nathan Fitts, Real Estate Expert of Nathan Fitts & Team of Blue Ridge, Georgia, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

Technology

HitPaw Launches 2026 Back To School Sale: Save Up to 60% on AI-Powered Creative Tools

Published

12 minutes ago

August 10, 2026

NEW YORK, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HitPaw, a leading provider of AI-powered creative solutions for video, photo, and audio enhancement, announces its 2026 Back To School Sale, offering students, educators, creators, and digital enthusiasts exclusive savings of up to 60% on popular AI tools and software bundles.

From August 10 to September 1, 2026, users can enjoy limited-time discounts on HitPaw’s best-selling AI products, including video and photo enhancement, AI generation, multimedia conversion, and online creative tools. With intuitive AI technology, HitPaw helps users create, enhance, and transform digital content with ease.

WHY CHOOSE HITPAW AI TOOLS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL?

As digital content becomes essential for learning, presentations, social media, and creative projects, HitPaw provides powerful AI solutions that improve productivity and creativity.

Featured HitPaw AI tools include:

HitPaw VikPea (AI Video Enhancer and Generator): Enhance low-resolution videos, upscale footage up to 8K, reduce blur and noise, restore details, generate AI videos, and apply AI video styles.

HitPaw FotorPea (AI Photo Enhancer and Generator): Improve image quality, restore old photos, generate AI artwork, enhance portraits, and create realistic visuals.

HitPaw Univd (Video Converter and Compressor): Convert, compress, and edit videos while maintaining high quality for easy sharing across devices.

HitPaw VoicePea (Real-Time AI Voice Changer): Transform voices with realistic AI voice effects for gaming, streaming, meetings, and content creation.

HitPaw Watermark Remover (AI Object and Watermark Remover): Remove unwanted objects, watermarks, and distractions from photos and videos effortlessly.

For more information, visit: HitPaw Back To School Sale 2026: Save Up to 60% OFF

HITPAW BACK TO SCHOOL EXCLUSIVE OFFERS

From August 10 to September 1, 2026, users can unlock special discounts on HitPaw AI-powered creative solutions.

1. BEST-SELLING AI PRODUCTS — UP TO 35% OFF

Enjoy exclusive savings on HitPaw’s most popular desktop AI software.

VikPea and FotorPea are available with up to 35% OFF for video enhancement, photo editing, and AI content creation. Univd, VoicePea, and Watermark Remover are available with up to 20% OFF for easier multimedia editing.

2. AI TOOL BUNDLES — UP TO 60% OFF

The 5-in-1 AI Creative Bundle offers up to 60% OFF, including VikPea, FotorPea, Univd, VoicePea, and Watermark Remover. Users can access complete solutions for video, photo, audio, and content creation.

3. HITPAW ONLINE AI TOOLS — 20% OFF

Enjoy 20% OFF on HitPaw Online Ultra Credits and access browser-based AI tools for video enhancement, AI video generation, AI image generation, and creative editing without installation.

ABOUT HITPAW

HitPaw is a global provider of AI-powered creative software, offering intelligent solutions for photo, video, audio, and content creation. With advanced AI technology and intuitive design, HitPaw helps users create professional-quality content faster and easier.

Learn more at: [OFFICIAL] HitPaw – AI Video, Photo & Audio Enhancer Solutions

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hitpaw

X (Twitter): https://x.com/HitPawofficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitpawofficial/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HitPawofficialwebsite

This release was issued through Send2Press® on behalf of the news source. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.send2press.com/

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SOURCE HitPaw. Co., Ltd

Technology

TEAMSTERS, ELECTED OFFICIALS RALLY FOR DELIVERY PROTECTION ACT

Published

12 minutes ago

August 10, 2026

Amazon Workers and Allies Urge New York City Council to Pass Delivery Reform Bill

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman rallied today with hundreds of rank-and-file Teamsters and New York elected officials in support of the Delivery Protection Act, calling on the New York City Council to pass the groundbreaking legislation without delay.

The Delivery Protection Act, authored by Councilmember Tiffany Cabán (D-22nd District) and inspired by the Amazon Teamsters 2024 strike, would require Amazon and other delivery companies operating in New York City to license their facilities with the city and hire its delivery workforce directly. If passed, the Delivery Protection Act would make Amazon’s corrupt Delivery Service Partner (DSP) model illegal within the five boroughs.

“Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner model is the most dangerous business model in America today. It allows Amazon to break the law while hiding behind shell companies it has total control over,” O’Brien said. “The Delivery Protection Act is the blueprint for how workers can fight back against Amazon’s greed. The New York City Council must pass this critical legislation and do its part to protect American workers.”

In response to support for the bill from the City Council and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Amazon has engaged in its most aggressive lobbying effort yet in New York City, spending over $5 million to bankroll a dark money campaign against the Delivery Protection Act. While the Five Borough Jobs Campaign claims to be made up of “small businesses,” Amazon has bankrolled over 97 percent of the group’s funding since the Delivery Protection Act was announced.

“Amazon is trying to trick New Yorkers and the City Council with a multimillion-dollar astroturf misinformation campaign because it knows that the truth is on the Teamsters’ side,” said Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division. “It is appalling that the top killer of small businesses in this country is now using these same small businesses as a smoke screen to push false narratives against the Delivery Protection Act. Amazon Teamsters will continue to lead the movement to hold Amazon accountable.”

“When Amazon shut down my DSP, essentially firing every one of us, they gave us less than a day’s notice and did it over text. No company should have that power over workers,” said Latrice Johnson, an Amazon Teamster from the DBK4 facility in Maspeth, Queens. “The Delivery Protection Act is how we are fighting back. This law will make it illegal for Amazon to hide behind a fake third party, let alone fire hundreds of people without any respect for our rights. New York City has the power to change how Amazon treats its workers — the Delivery Protection Act will do it.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Matt McQuaid, (771) 241-0015
mmcquaid@teamster.org

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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters