Group 1 - Expedia Group Inc. ranks among the best performing S&P 500 stocks in the last 3 months, with a Buy rating reaffirmed by Bank of America on August 26, indicating a moderate global hotel room night share by 2025 [1] - Expedia's total nights increased by 6.5% in the first half of 2025, slightly below the 7.3% growth of the broader online travel agency sector [1] - The VRBO division of Expedia faces growth challenges due to its stronger U.S. exposure, with planned growth of 3% compared to the sector's 8%, although this gap is narrowing from an estimated difference of 11 percentage points in 2024 [2] Group 2 - Strong advertising income is helping to mitigate potential revenue headwinds from sales-boosting merchandise initiatives [2] - Expedia Group operates as a US and international online travel company, divided into B2C, B2B, and Trivago sectors [3]

Core Points - Ocean City Council approved a 3 percent occupancy tax on rental properties booked through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO in a 4-3 vote [3][4][7] - The tax is expected to generate approximately $1.8 million in revenue for the city in its first year [4] - Supporters argue that many surrounding towns have similar taxes without negative impacts on their housing markets [4] - Opponents express concerns about the financial burden on families amid economic challenges [4][6] Summary by Sections Tax Implementation - The new 3 percent occupancy tax targets rentals booked through transient marketplaces [3] - This is the second attempt by the council to implement such a tax [4] Revenue Generation - Councilman Dave Winslow estimates the tax will generate $1.8 million in the first year [4] - The revenue is intended to help cover the increasing costs of running Ocean City due to the rise in transient stays [5] Support and Opposition - Supporters, including Councilman Jody Levchuk, highlight the changing rental landscape and the need for additional revenue [5] - Opponents, including residents and some council members, argue that the tax is unfair and adds to the financial strain on families [6]