New Cruises to Cuba and 9 Other Tourism Trends This Week

Throughout the week we post dozens of original stories, connecting the dots across the travel industry, and every weekend we sum it all up. This weekend roundup examines tourism.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>Germany has one of the most innovative business strategies and fresh content models: German Convention Bureau Bets Its Future On Event Tech Research

>>Nine months into 2016, outbound U.S. tourism is confirming our earlier position that this was going to be an excellent year for foreign travel. A strong currency helps outweigh fears of violence and even Zika: U.S. Outbound Tourism Snapshot for September 2016

>>It looks like the trend of slow growth for travel in the United States — or no growth, in some sectors — will continue into early 2017: U.S. Travel Growth Is Slowing Due to International and Business Weakness

>>Visit California developed an integrated research and content framework to support its travel and media partners’ ability to better engage luxury consumers: Visit California Positions Itself as the Birthplace of Modern Luxury Travel

>>It took longer than expected, but more U.S.-based cruise lines are about to start sailing between the U.S. and Havana. We’re curious how demand will hold up: Breaking: Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Finally Have Approval to Sail to Cuba

>>When convention bureaus develop their own meetings industry research, it positions them as leaders: The Role of Convention Bureaus in Industry Research Development — Meetings Innovation Report

>>Kelly’s views on airport security and the TSA have yet to be articulated but privatization efforts would not be surprising: President-Elect Trump Picks a Retired Marine to Manage U.S. Borders and the TSA

>>Cruise ships in Cuba are adding capacity to keep up with a demand that hotels can’t match. Right now, they’re an essential part of the tourism development story: The 3 Largest Cruise Companies Can Now Take Tourists to Cuba. What’s Next?

>>This has been a busy year for merger and acquisition action in the travel space, and corporate travel executives will likely be dealing with the impact well into 2017 and beyond: More Mergers, More Fallout — Corporate Travel Innovation Report

>>Whether it’s Uber or car rentals, it all comes down to user experience: Autonomous Transportation and the Future of Business Travel