At hotel gift shops, local artisans' wares replace kitschy keychains and T-shirts - Many hotel gift shops - at least those in higher-end or boutique properties - have been moving away from selling kitschy snow globes, "I Love (insert destination)" T-shirts and paperback books. They're stocking or commissioning locally made merchandise, reports The Washington Post. And while these shops are positioned to serve folks staying on property, they're often groovy enough to draw residents and other tourists, too. "One of the overarching themes in the hotel industry today is being in touch with the local area," says a representative with STR. "It's the idea that people don't want a beige box, they want to feel like something can only happen in this specific hotel. Gift shops can be an extension of that." This means that hoteliers have a financial interest in making any in-house retail memorable, different and reflective of the surroundings. A hotel shop used to be like a convenience store, but now I think it's much more about sourcing local goods that speak of that destination or finding cool, local brands to partner with," says a Skift representative. "Smart hoteliers realize that if they are going to have a retail component, it's got to serve some purpose, or it needs to draw the clientele they want." Lodgings in destinations with still-thriving craft cultures have a natural advantage when it comes to creating distinctive, it's-like-we're-at-the-souk boutiques. They've simply got more homegrown merchandise and artisans to draw from. In the spirit of farm-to-table dining, they're embracing a workshop-to-gift-shop ethos.

Rolling out the welcome mat for travelers with autism - A growing number of theme parks, special attractions and hotels are introducing autism training and sensory guides that highlight triggers, providing resources in times of need and assuring families they won't be judged, reports The New York Times. Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is a developmental disability that can cause challenges in social interaction, communication and behavior. Some may have sensory sensitivities and many have trouble adapting to changes in routine, which is the essence of travel. The growing frequency of autism diagnoses and the gap in travel services for those dealing with autism created an overlooked market. Some families skip travel altogether - an International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (I.B.C.C.E.S.) study found 87 percent of families whose children have autism don't take family vacations - but others insist it feeds minds and teaches coping skills. And autism isn't just a childhood issue. I.B.C.C.E.S. certification requires 80 percent of staff members who interact with guests to undergo up to 21 hours of training in sensory awareness, communication and social skills; to pass an exam demonstrating their understanding; and be recertified every two years. The organization also conducts an on-site review to suggest changes that would better serve travelers on the spectrum. Seaworld Orlando and Mall of America are among many attractions that have become certified. The most ambitious among autism-spectrum efforts is in Mesa, Ariz., which aims to be the first autism-certified travel destination in the country, requiring 60 members of its travel bureau, Visit Mesa, including hotels and attractions, to undergo autism training and implement programs to make travelers with autism welcome. City officials say they are more than halfway to their goal and expect to reach it by the end of summer.