2015 Archives

Independent hotels compete in an industry that’s dominated by massive marketing budgets from chain-affiliated brands to online booking sites and Google. For independents, an online marketing and distribution strategy that integrates best practices across direct- and third-partychannel bookings, search, inventory management and guest incentives plus considerations of the mobile traveler and the social web is key to capturing and retaining guests.

These are the newest travel startups from AngelList vying for travelers’ interest and investors’ attention.

Credit cards are now more secure in the U.S. with chips required for all new cards and European cards have had these chips for the past decade, which helps explain why generally less secure debit cards aren't brought on trips as much anymore.

The notion of tapping into the rhythm of local life is a big part of what luxury consumers are looking for to separate their experience from all the others.

Macau is an example of an emerging meetings destination that will see U.S. market growth on the backs of its U.S. hotel partners like Sheraton and St. Regis, but the challenges are significant due to the region's reputation as the "Las Vegas of the East."

The doldrums of 2016 hotel rate negotiations are up against business travelers becoming more savvy with open booking and hotels flaunting better revenue management tools that give them more leverage over who gets the best rates--and when.

Heathrow has managed to function as a major international hub despite its runway limitations. But future passenger growth means it will need to expand, if it is to hold a leadership position both in Europe and around the world.

The Takeoff is a video series from Skift and Amadeus exploring the key elements of the startup mindset, and what it takes to transition from early stage travel startup to next level innovator. The second episode is on Adaptability: pivoting, changing tactics and why it’s better to be committed to a problem rather than a solution. .

Emirates has chosen wisely with Aniston. Anyone else playing this role might have come across as snobby, but we really feel for her even if we're the ones stuck in coach.