2013 Archives

While there is some value in TTG as the first weekly travel trade publication in the world, launched in 1953, digital hasn't been kind to the company or the sector is operates in. Hopefully this management structure gives it more flexibility to revive and thrive.

Carnival CEO Arnold Donald is likely asserting himself with these changes, as some of the old guard loses its grip and management gets a refresh. Although Buckelew isn't exactly an insurgent, having been at the top ranks of Princess for almost a decade.

Digital rules, that's given, and things that are hyped, like rise of travel blogs and death of printed guidebooks, need more examination beyond the headlines.

Global aviation authorities followed the FAA's decision to ban electronic use during takeoff and landing so it is likely that they will follow its decision to allow electronic use during all stages of flight as well.

One of Expedia's answers to Booking.com is the Expedia Traveler Preference Program, giving consumers the choice to prepay for a hotel (merchant model) or pay at the hotel (an agency model like Booking.com's). Booking.com's sole use of the agency model gives it a speed advantage as the merchant model is more complicated when signing on and retaining hotels.

The U.S. and European cruise market has suffered from a series of accidents over the past two years making global companies particularly eager to capture a fresh customer base while repairing their reputations at home.

What struck us is that most of these would not look out of place now, if they were filtered through the lens of Instagram, figuratively and literally.

JetBlue's first out of the gate status on permitted use of portable electronic devices below 10,000 feet isn't going to upend market share dynamics, but it definitely makes United, American, Southwest and others look pretty lethargic.