Texas Investigates Hospital for Selling ‘Birth Tourism’ Packages to Foreigners
Texas Investigates Hospital for Selling ‘Birth Tourism’ Packages to Foreigners
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https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/texas/experiences/news/texas-investigates-hospital-for-selling-birth-tourism-packages-to-foreigners
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered an investigation into a hospital accused of marketing birth tourism packages to foreign nationals. Here's what it means for travelers.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the state’s health regulators to investigate a South Texas medical center that he says has been marketing birth packages to foreign nationals to have their babies in Texas, which would give them U.S. citizenship.
Governor Abbott directed the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to investigate claims that Mission Regional Medical Center had marketed birth packages outside the United States. The letter describes “birth tourism” as an illegal practice, but does not cite any federal or state laws that it violates. The letter directs the HHSC to review whether Mission Regional Medical Center has violated any state law or contractual obligation, to refer its findings to the state’s Attorney General, and to take administrative actions such as sanctions or penalties.
“Birth tourism is an illegal practice that exploits the extraordinary hospitality that the United States and Texas offer to millions of foreign travelers each year,” Governor Abbott said in a statement. “Thousands of foreign travelers come to the United States under false pretenses to give birth and secure citizenship for their children. HHSC must investigate the hospital, a facility it regulates, for any violations of state law and contractual obligations.”
The complaint appears related to the website HaveMyBabyInTexas.com, which was taken down shortly after the letter was issued. An archived copy of the website, which was only available in Spanish, offered birth packages that appeared to focus on quality of care, including private labor and postpartum rooms. A photo of a billboard from the same company, situated in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, went viral earlier this year
Mission Regional Medical Center shared a statement in response to Governor Abbott’s letter, reading: “Mission Regional Medical Center is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare and expanding access to care for the communities we serve. Like hospitals across the country and throughout the region, we share information about the healthcare services we provide. We do not support or facilitate any unlawful activity and work to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The marketing materials regarding maternity services are no longer in use due to any unintended misunderstanding. We intend to work cooperatively and transparently with local and state officials. Our focus remains on delivering safe, high-quality care to every patient who seeks our services.”
State governments have limited means to directly enforce prohibitions on birth tourism. Immigration law is enforced by the federal government, but the Texas state government can place restrictions on how businesses operate and are licensed and reviewed. State governments can also choose how closely to cooperate with the federal government in enforcing federal laws.
Entering the United States solely for the purpose of giving birth has long been prohibited in practice and explicitly forbidden in State Department policies since 2020. Before the State Department issued the rule, pregnant travelers entering on various non-immigrant visa types were more thoroughly scrutinized and denied entry if Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers felt they had misrepresented their intent on their visa applications. Non-US nationals from countries participating in the visa waiver program must also declare their reason for visiting when entering the country.
In short, giving birth while in the U.S. isn’t a violation of the rules, but traveling to the US for the sole purpose of giving birth and lying about it is.
In April, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against a Houston-area postpartum care center that he says was an unlawful birth tourism business. The lawsuit pointed to web advertisements and TikTok videos coaching Chinese nationals on entering the United States for the sole purpose of giving birth and on how to navigate US immigration procedures for themselves and their children.
In that lawsuit, Paxton refers to the 14th Amendment of the Constitution as “incorrectly applied to grant birthright citizenship”. On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the 14th Amendment’s right to citizenship for all people born in the United States in a 6-3 vote.
Governor Abbott was quick to condemn the ruling, calling it a “missed opportunity to restore the original meaning of the 14th Amendment” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Automatic citizenship for children born to parents in the United States illegally or only temporarily is an absurdity that was never contemplated by our Constitution nor agreed to by the American people,” he continued.
While there are a number of reasons a foreign national would give birth in Texas without intending to, such as emergencies or higher standards of care for complicated deliveries. Texas often ranks near the bottom among U.S. states for overall health outcomes in women’s reproductive care.
Snag a 6-Night Portugal Escape With Flights, Car, and Hotels for Only $999
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https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/portugal/experiences/news/portugal-vacation-package-deal-flights-6-nights-from-999
Lock in a six-night, four-star escape to Portugal’s stunning coast and captivating capital for just $999, complete with international flights and a rental car.
Portugal is calling, and right now, answering that call is remarkably affordable. Through an exclusive offer negotiated via Travelzoo with Portugal Getaways, travelers can secure a six-night, four-star vacation to Lisbon and the sun-drenched Algarve starting at a highly competitive $999 per person.
The Deal Details
This comprehensive package bundles the ultimate Portuguese road trip with exceptional inclusions. For the base rate of $999, travelers get round-trip international flights from Boston, Miami, New York (JFK), or Newark. Additional departure cities are also heavily discounted: Chicago, Orlando, and Washington, D.C., depart for $1,049; Los Angeles and San Francisco for $1,099; Atlanta for $1,149; and Philadelphia for $1,199.
Once you land, the package covers six nights in well-reviewed four-star accommodations—three nights soaking up the sun in the Algarve, followed by three nights taking in the culture of Lisbon. To navigate between the two, the deal includes a manual-drive rental car for the entire duration of the trip. You will also receive daily breakfast, a welcome drink at your Algarve hotel, a welcome gift of pastries and juice at your Lisbon property, and complimentary entrance to the Amoreiras 360º Panoramic View.
The absolute lowest rates are available for travel from November through March, making it the perfect off-season escape. However, dates stretching from July through April are also heavily discounted.
Sun, Sea, and Sandstone in the Algarve
With a rental car at your disposal, this itinerary kicks off with three nights in the Algarve, Portugal’s spectacular southern coastline. Known for towering sandstone cliffs and hidden turquoise coves, this region offers the perfect mix of historic calm and beachside buzz.
Spend your days exploring the cobblestone old town of Lagos, kayaking through the breathtaking sea caves of Ponta da Piedade, or taking in the stark, dramatic beauty of Europe’s southwestern tip at Cape St. Vincent and Sagres. If you prefer a sleepier vibe, take a drive to Tavira, widely considered one of the prettiest towns in the east. Whether lounging at Praia do Camilo during golden hour or enjoying a late dinner of local seafood stew, the Algarve sets a deeply relaxing tone for the journey.
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City Soul and Streetcar Charm in Lisbon
After three days on the coast, drive north to Portugal’s vibrant capital. Lisbon is all about sweeping hilltop views, intricately tiled façades, and late dinners that inevitably transition into soulful fado performances.
Spend an afternoon wandering the old-world maze of lanes in Alfama and Baixa, or head to Belém to marvel at the Jerónimos Monastery before treating yourself to the city’s famous custard tarts, pastéis de nata. Your rental car also makes it incredibly easy to take a day trip out to the fairy-tale palaces of Sintra, including the vivid Palácio da Pena. Afterward, return to the city for a vibrant evening exploring the electric nightlife pulse of Chiado and Bairro Alto. The package perfectly tops off your Lisbon stay with the included pass to the Amoreiras 360º Panoramic View, an observation deck where the entire city literally lies out beneath you.
Customization and Urgent Booking Details
This deal leaves plenty of room for upgrades. Call Portugal Getaways’ travel experts at 1-857-239-0784 to book, add extra nights, or adjust the itinerary. Travelers can also bolt on unforgettable activities, like a sunset boat tour in the Algarve (starting at an additional $33 per person) or a guided food-and-wine tour in Lisbon (starting at $71 per person).
This exclusive pricing vanishes soon, so travelers must book by July 22 to secure these rates.
The Fine Print
Because this package is exclusively negotiated for Travelzoo members, a membership ($50 annually or a $1 30-day trial) is required to access the deal. All prices are per person, based on two travelers sharing a room. Air and hotel taxes are included in the listed price. Please note that local city taxes are not included and must be paid directly at the hotel, and the provider has not specified single supplement pricing for solo travelers. As always, prices and terms are subject to change, and specific departure dates are subject to availability.
Some or all of this article was crafted with help from AI. All deal content comes from Travelzoo, and all destination content comes from Fodor’s Travel. An editor reviewed and vetted this article before publishing.
Lake Como’s New Message to Tourists: Put a Damn Shirt On
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https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/experiences/news/lake-como-village-bans-shirtless-tourists-with-200-fines
Italy has introduced a series of fines to combat bad tourist behavior.
Lake Como, a picturesque destination in northern Italy, is a tourist magnet. But the region has been feeling the strain of its popularity. Now, a fishing village on the lake with a population of just 650 has introduced a new rule aimed at improving residents’ quality of life. Varenna is banning tourists from going shirtless in the village, and those who violate the rule could face fines of up to €200 ($227).
Mayor Mauro Manzoni said the village is proud to welcome visitors from around the world. “However, our residents’ quality of life cannot be sacrificed on the altar of mass tourism.”
Tourists will no longer be allowed to wear swimsuits or go bare-chested while exploring the village. In addition, tour groups are now limited to 25 people, loudspeakers are prohibited, and visitors are asked not to crowd the village’s cobblestone streets. Swimsuits are still permitted on the beaches, but a dress code applies within the village. Visitors should cover up before entering churches, shops, or restaurants to comply with the rules.
It is not the first place in Italy to impose a dress code. Sorrento, as well as destinations in Tuscany and Campania, have also fined visitors for wearing swimsuits away from the beach. Sorrento introduced the rule in 2022 when the mayor banned people from wandering around town in swimsuits or bare-chested. Fines can reach €500. Portofino also cracked down on tourist behavior last year. Walking barefoot, strolling through town in a bikini or without a shirt, and drinking alcohol on public streets can all result in fines of up to €500.
But it’s not just Italy. French coastal towns are also cracking down on people walking shirtless through the streets.
Italy’s Struggle With Tourism
Italy is one of Europe’s most popular destinations. In 2023, it welcomed 133.6 million visitors, and 2026 is expected to break all previous records. As a result, the country is grappling with overcrowding, and many locals are feeling the strain. In the Dolomites, one village has restricted access to a church after tourists began flocking to it, while another installed turnstiles last year to charge arriving visitors.
Authorities have also introduced a series of rules and fines to keep tourists in check. Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain now charges a €2 entry fee for visitors who want to get close to the 18th-century Baroque landmark. Officials also warn against eating or drinking near the fountain or sitting on its edge. There have been frequent reports of people wading into or swimming in the fountain, offenses that can result in fines of €450 or more. Damaging the fountain can lead to a one-year prison sentence and fines of €2,000 or more. These penalties were introduced in response to poor visitor behavior, and throughout Italy, officers regularly monitor popular attractions for rulebreakers.
Florence has restricted outdoor seating following complaints from residents, a move that has been protested by local businesses. Como is also attempting to reduce congestion, with Mayor Alessandro Rapinese ordering the removal of wooden terraces.
Other parts of the country are also taking steps to make tourism less disruptive. Capri, for example, has limited organized tour groups to 40 people and banned loudspeakers. Along the Amalfi Coast, officials are trying to ease congestion during the busy summer travel season by allowing cars with odd-numbered license plates to drive only on odd-numbered dates.
But of all Italy’s destinations, Venice continues to face the greatest challenges from overtourism. The city became the first in the world to charge a fee for day-trippers. However, the €5 to €10 entry fee has done little to deter visitors, and officials are now considering raising it to as much as €59 in an effort to reduce crowds and help preserve the historic city.
Increasing costs put added pressure on hotel commercial leaders to prioritize profitability
How to pivot to a profit-focused strategy
(Getty Images)
https://www.costar.com/article/164844887/increasing-costs-put-added-pressure-on-hotel-commercial-leaders-to-prioritize-profitability
SAN ANTONIO — There has been a fundamental shift in the way hoteliers talk about profitability, and the hospitality industry can no longer call it a post-pandemic blip or temporary change.
Inquiries about cash flow, profitability, and flow-through are increasingly part of the conversation, alongside average daily rate and revenue per available room.
Not having the right focus and flow through to the bottom line can result in revenue growing and the hotel's ownership not seeing that increase translate to profit, warned Jennifer Hill, senior vice president of commercial at Kalibri Labs.
"This has resulted in a structural change in hotel economics — it's not just that we're post-pandemic or post-recovery," Hill said at the recent Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Commercial Strategy Conference. "This has just been a really major shift in the way our industry operates."
Tracking the hotel economics shift
Part of what's contributing to this imbalance is the hotel industry's pre-pandemic years of low interest rates, as well as a rise in taxes, labor, insurance, and other expenses.
"I actually have a lot of conversations that pop up talking about spend, because we've all been there. Owners always want you to spend flat year over year, despite wanting increased revenues year over year, too," said Dury Kim, senior vice president of commercial at InnVentures. "It's a nearly impossible feat."
In 2025, U.S. hotel guests paid $211.4 billion while the hotels collected only $205.1 billion of that, Hill said. That's $6 billion that guests paid to stay in hotels that ownership didn't collect.
"Guests are paying more than ever, and we're keeping less, and what that means for our owners — and sometimes why they get a little grumpy — is we're capturing less of that revenue," she said. "In 2025, imagine a $100 bill — we kept $79.22 of it. The year prior, we kept $80.33. That's pretty significant."
The cost of acquiring hotel guests has evolved in a few ways, and its important to see the full picture, which includes fees associated with online travel agencies, channel costs and transaction fees. There's also discretionary costs the hotel controls — digital media spend, data and tech investment, sales team incentives, etc. And, of course, there's also the fees associated with franchising with hotel brands.
The way to navigate this shift is to put profit as the center of your hotel's goals, not revenue, Hill said. This includes finding the most profitable mix for guest acquisition and setting a spending cap.
She added OTAs are a great example because those companies look great on the revenue side since those bookings bring a high ADR.
"I know that everybody knows that OTAs have a higher cost, but I don't think we stop to think about what that actually is," she said, adding that hotels can reevaluate their business mix.
"OTA, whether we like it or not, [it's] part of the business mix, but we can shrink it," Hill said, speaking of her time working in commercial strategy within hotels. "We right-sized the discretionary spend, so instead of putting all of our pennies in the OTA ad spend bank, we moved some over to our sales team. ... This is really the power of fixing the mix."
What owners want
Hotel ownership goals haven't changed much despite some of these shifts in hotel economics, Kim said.
"Every owner at the end of the day really cares about is how much they're receiving at the end," she said. "They don't care about where your RevPAR is, they don't care about how much gross revenue you're bring in. They care about how much is lying in their pockets at the end of the day — no matter what owner type they are."
However, there are some differences in ownership types, Kim said. Most private equity owners have an exit strategy top of mind and they want to flip a profit quickly. Additionally, they have their own commercial strategy teams driving forward thinking.
Meanwhile, real estate investment trusts are more like a partner because they usually hold onto their assets a little longer and care about the operational value of the hotel. Their revenue and commercial teams are a little easier to work with.
Then there are family offices, which vary as hotel owners. They aren't asset managers, so they're aren't usually someone who's got a background in real estate. They also might have more of a sentimental tie to the property, Kim said.
"They care about their assets a lot of the time," Kim said. "If you think about it from that perspective, they're a lot more emotional about their asset, kind of protecting their asset. Usually, they're a lot more scared when revenue drops, despite profitability going upwards, because then they think that it's not going to sustain."
Hotel owners and managers alike need to evolve from the "heads in beds" strategy, Hill said. The fact is that hoteliers can't always be focused on driving only occupancy or driving just ADR. It has to be a strategic mix that works for the hotel in particular.
"The profitability conversation comes in handy when you have optimized most of your segmentation strategy and find the tweaks here and there," Kim said. "In channel strategies, I think that if you're not making your piece of the pie, it's really hard to have that conversation, too."
As hotel economics continue to shift, Kim said it’s important to remember that hospitality takes teamwork.
"What our owners care about matters to us, too," she said. "Know your owner and know what they care about, because what they prioritize is going to be the key metric that we prioritize, and not everybody will have the same prioritization."
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