2013 Archives

The parks are smart for aligning their marketing with the health-minded resolutions of Americans, although the long-term effectiveness of the messaging is unknown.

Starwood Hotels developed a new brand story for its Le Méridien flag with a reworked social lobby concept, artistic collaborations, cool cultural events and a global group of cultural innovators.

American Express call center agents were deceiving travelers and others about the benefits of paying off old debt or the bonus points they'd get when enrolling in certain credit card programs. Not surprising for a credit card company, but shameful nonetheless.

Flight delays in the age of social media mean that the traveler never feels alone, even in a crowded powerless terminal.

The surprise stunts started out sweet, but after a few too many airline videos, it begins to look like corporations are taking advantage of people's unfortunate situations to make a name for themselves. And the disparity between what corporations can provide and what they usually do becomes more apparent.

Airlines have been faster at rolling out tablets to in-flight crews than airport employees, but both places present valuable opportunities for carriers to improve the customer experiences.

The FAA, NORAD, and Boeing are agencies and companies that few Americans think about or even recognize, but their holiday projects are a clever way to make their usual work relatable to children and names more well-known.

Not only did La Quinta file its draft IPO registration statement confidentially with the SEC, the limited service chain issued a press release about it after market hours, a day before Christmas Eve. After the success of the Extended Stay America and Hilton IPOs, Blackstone wants another Christmas present, although Santa wouldn't be arriving this time with another IPO gift until well into 2014.

Travelers' expectations for connectivity will only intensify in 2014. Hotel brands that don't adopt quickly risk becoming obsolete while others that cater to guests' digital needs remain relevant.