The Distribution Wars and 6 Other Hospitality 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 hospitality.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>We already knew Hilton feels it needs more brands to compete, but weaving this particular “soft brand” into the fold feels a bit like it’s more of a blanket statement kind of brand, than one with a truly carved out identity: Hilton Launches a New Brand: Tapestry Collection by Hilton

>>Plenty of reports may tell us different things, but the universal thread is that Airbnb is here, and it can’t be ignored: 6 Takeaways About Airbnb’s Potential Impact on the Hotel Industry

>>Hotel chains have been successful in driving more direct traffic and taking brand share away from the online travel agencies, but 2017 will say a lot about whether their strategies are sustainable: Travel Megatrends 2017: Distribution Wars Have Moved Beyond Black and White

>>Both CEOs made the case for their respective causes, which would ultimately benefit not only their respective businesses and customers, but the travel industry a whole: Hilton and Marriott CEOs Urge Hoteliers to Hire More Millennials and Lobby to Ease Travel Barriers

>>You don’t have to be a hotelier or a business executive to appreciate the insights and tales shared by the former Starwood CEO in his new book: Interview: Ex-Starwood CEO on the Essentials to Disrupting Any Industry

>>HNA’s influence on Carlson Hotels is already taking hold. What will be even more interesting going forward is how HNA leverages its numerous hospitality investments: Former NH Hotels CEO Is the New Carlson Hotels CEO

>>Could Airbnb be on the cusp of disrupting business travel lodging in a manner similar to how Uber has come to completely dominate ground transportation? Airbnb Business Travel Transactions Doubled Since 2014