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

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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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In HelloNation, Brake Repair Expert Jason Stem Explains When Brake Repair or Replacement is Necessary

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The article outlines how early symptoms and inspections help drivers maintain stopping power and avoid costly repairs.

EASTON, Pa., Aug. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How can drivers tell if they need brake repair or full brake replacement? The answer is published in a HelloNation article, featuring insights from Jason Stem of The Brake Shop & Auto Repair in Easton, PA.

The HelloNation article explains that brakes are the most important safety system in any vehicle. Recognizing early signs of brake wear can help prevent more serious problems and maintain reliable stopping power. Addressing issues early often reduces the need for more extensive brake repair or premature brake replacement.

Two of the most common early warning signs are squeaking and pulsating brakes. The article notes that this sound is often caused by a built-in indicator designed to alert drivers when worn brake pads are getting thin. While squeaking brakes may seem minor, they are a clear signal that a brake inspection should be scheduled soon.

More severe noises can indicate a larger issue. The article describes how grinding sounds often mean worn brake pads have completely deteriorated, allowing metal components to contact each other. At this stage, brake repair becomes more complex and may involve rotor damage, increasing the likelihood of brake replacement.

Brake pedal vibration is another symptom that should not be ignored. The HelloNation article explains that brake pedal vibration often points to warped rotors caused by heat buildup. When combined with reduced stopping power, this condition signals that immediate brake inspection is necessary to determine whether brake repair or brake replacement is required.

Changes in pedal feel can also indicate problems. A soft or spongy pedal may suggest air in the brake lines or an issue with hydraulic components. These conditions can reduce stopping power and should be addressed quickly through a professional brake inspection.

Reduced stopping power is one of the most serious warning signs discussed in the article. If a vehicle takes longer to stop than usual, it is a direct indication that the braking system is not functioning properly. Ignoring reduced stopping power increases safety risks and can lead to more extensive brake repair needs.

The article identifies worn brake pads as the most common cause of brake wear. Depending on driving habits, worn brake pads may need replacement between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. Frequent stops, city driving, and aggressive braking all accelerate brake wear and increase the need for timely brake inspection.

Routine brake inspection plays a key role in preventing larger issues. The article explains that technicians evaluate worn brake pads, rotor condition, and fluid levels during an inspection. Identifying brake wear early allows for simpler brake repair and helps avoid more costly brake replacement.

Environmental conditions can also influence brake wear. The article notes that driving in heavy traffic, wet conditions, or hilly terrain increases strain on braking systems. These factors can lead to faster wear and more frequent brake inspection needs to maintain consistent stopping power.

The article concludes that paying attention to squeaking brakes, brake pedal vibration, and reduced stopping power can help drivers act early. Timely brake repair and regular brake inspection are essential for maintaining safety, while delaying service often leads to more extensive brake replacement and higher costs.

How to Know If Your Car Needs Brake Repair or Replacement features insights from Jason Stem, Brake Repair Expert of Easton, PA, 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.

www.hellonation.com

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AT&T and Ericsson Enhance Wireless Capacity, Coverage, and Performance Nationwide

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AT&T continues investing in its nationwide wireless network to help customers stay connected with improved coverage, better performance, and more reliable calls 

Key Takeaways:

AT&T has selected Ericsson to provide 600 MHz dual-band radios to support deployment of newly acquired spectrum from EchoStar.The new spectrum and advanced radios will improve capacity, reliability, coverage, and performance for customers.Customers can expect more reliable connections in more places, including indoors and in rural areas where coverage can sometimes be harder to deliver.These upgrades help prepare the network for growing demand from everyday apps, connected devices, AI-enabled tools, and data-heavy experiences, both now and in the future.

DALLAS, Aug. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AT&T is working with Ericsson to put its newly acquired 600 MHz spectrum to work for its customers. Ericsson’s advanced radios help AT&T use this spectrum to strengthen its wireless network and deliver a better everyday experience.

The 600 MHz spectrum AT&T acquired from EchoStar is especially valuable because it can travel farther and provide stronger coverage inside buildings compared to some higher-frequency spectrum. This helps customers stay connected in more places – at home, at work, on the road – in both urban and rural areas.

Progress customers can experience
AT&T is more than 60% of the way through its wireless network modernization effort, which has greatly improved customer experience. In areas with upgraded Ericsson infrastructure, AT&T customers are seeing:

Up to 2x improvement in average speedsImproved call reliability, with a 10% reduction in dropped and blocked callsReduced occurrences of slower data speeds by up to 70%By standardizing equipment at the top of cell towers, customers could experience reduced uplink interference by up to 80%

These upgrades are designed to help America’s largest wireless network carry more data, respond faster, and keep customers connected more consistently as wireless demand grows.

Strengthening performance for the AI era
Through an open and competitive process, Ericsson was selected as a supplier of 600 MHz dual-band radios, enabling AT&T to deploy uplink-enhancing 8RX technology across low bands for the first time. This work supports future connectivity needs while strengthening the network for AI-driven creation, sharing, and real-time interaction.

This work also builds on AT&T and Ericsson’s previously announced collaboration to accelerate Open RAN deployment.

“We’re more than halfway through our wireless network modernization, and we’re executing to plan,” said Yigal Elbaz, SVP and Network CTO, AT&T. “By combining our newly acquired 600 MHz spectrum with Ericsson’s advanced radios, we’re improving coverage and performance for customers while building a more modern, flexible network for the future.”

“AT&T’s network modernization is a powerful proof point for how open architectures and advanced capabilities can transform performance at scale,” said Dyon Agnew, SVP and Head of Customer Unit AT&T, Ericsson Americas. “Together, we’re helping deliver faster speeds, more reliable coverage, and a more consistent customer experience across the United States.”

AT&T will provide additional details about its 600 MHz deployment plans, including timing and commercial availability, at a later date.

The expected capital investments associated with this agreement are reflected in the financial outlook and capital allocation plan provided in AT&T’s second-quarter 2026 earnings release.

About AT&T
We help more than 100 million U.S. families, friends and neighbors, plus nearly 2.5 million businesses, connect to greater possibility. From the first phone call 150+ years ago to our 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. For more information about AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T), please visit us at about.att.com. Investors can learn more at investors.att.com.

About Ericsson
Ericsson’s high-performing, programmable networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For 150 years, we’ve been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com

© 2026 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.

 

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KAHI Brings Its Viral CAXA M1 Facial Tool to the U.S. Market

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Clinically studied dual-function facial massage tool combines circulation-boosting with facial contouring.

NEW YORK, Aug. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KAHI, the K-beauty brand that has pioneered high-efficacy skincare with ingredients such as PDRN, is now bringing a viral facial massage tool to the U.S., designed to work synergistically with its skincare line for even more powerful results. The launch is made possible through a strategic partnership with Japanese beauty device brand ReFa.

The KAHI CAXA M1 reimagines the traditional gua sha facial massage tool, combining two functions — circulation-boosting massage and facial contouring — into a single dual-function roller. One side features four rollers engineered at a precise 70.5-degree angle to replicate the sensation of a thumb pressing along the skin’s meridian points. The diamond-cut facets of rollers are purposefully designed to create optimal contact and friction against the skin, mimicking the feel of a human hand and replicating professional techniques such as kneading and scooping. On the other side, a SeaGull Line curved edge — modeled after the jawline — closely follows the contours of the face, engaging the fascia to help visibly refine facial contours and support a lifting effect.

Compact and lightweight at just about 40g, the device was designed to deliver the experience of a professional massage therapist’s touch, anytime and anywhere. It can be used on the face, neck, under-eye area, and body, with expected benefits including reduced puffiness, lifting, and contouring.

The KAHI CAXA M1’s technology has been validated through independent clinical research: an 8-week peer-reviewed study involving 34 women aged 20 to 50 showed measurably improved skin elasticity and facial contour.

The CAXA M1 face roller has become one of the most recognized beauty tools in Korea, following multiple celebrity mentions in media interviews citing it as a go-to depuffing and massage tool.

ReFa, a Japanese brand built on deep expertise in beauty devices, has sold more than 10 million units worldwide. This strategic partnership was formed based on the strong compatibility between the device technology and KAHI’s ingredient-driven approach to skincare, as well as its confidence in KAHI’s established expertise in the U.S. market.

David Lee, CEO of KAHI, said, “KAHI has built its brand on deep expertise in ingredients and formulation, and the CAXA M1 Face Roller is where that expertise meets beauty device innovation.” He added, “We’re proud to bring U.S. consumers a product backed by real clinical results — one we’re confident will deliver visible, lasting change.”

The KAHI CAXA M1 will be available in three colors — White, Purple, and Red — so customers can choose the option that best suits their style. It will launch on Amazon and TikTok Shop starting August 6th, with a retail price of $110.

About KAHI
Founded in Seoul in 2020, KAHI is a brand built around the concept of “effortless beauty” — delivering real, visible results without complicated routines. Born from in-depth ingredient research, KAHI’s multi-balm sparked a multi-balm movement across Korea and the broader Asian beauty market, selling more than 30 million units to date. Notably, the multi-balm was among the first high-efficacy skincare products to incorporate PDRN, embracing the ingredient well ahead of its current mainstream popularity. In addition to its multi-balm, KAHI offers a growing portfolio of cosmetics lines, including its prestige Caviar line, sun care, and makeup. For more information, visit kahicosmetics.com.

Media Contact:
Teona Ostrov
Teona Ostrov Public Relations
Teona@TeonaOstrovPR.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kahi-brings-its-viral-caxa-m1-facial-tool-to-the-us-market-302844307.html

SOURCE KAHI

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