MSC Cruises’ Global Expansion and 7 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.

>>Calling all educators! We’re offering an educator rate making it easier than ever for you to attend our upcoming Skift Forum Europe. Apply today: Educators Save on Skift Forum Europe 2018

>>In 2017, politics dominated the headlines, which were built out of travel bans in the United States and the UK confirming to the European Union that the divorce would indeed proceed. Kick back for the upcoming holidays. We’ll all need plenty of energy for 2018: 25 Travel Moments That Mattered in 2017

>>Carnival Corp. had a good quarter despite the fact that it included two monster hurricanes in key markets. That should bode well for other players in the cruise industry: Carnival Expects Solid 2018 After Waiting Out Hurricane Slump

>>Convergence is trending among travel and event departments at big companies. Fueled by technology, it will only become more important to both sectors in the future if old-school thinking doesn’t get in the way: Meeting Planning Is Reinventing Itself by Redefining Its Roles

>>Backed by technology and out-of-the-box thinking, integrating travel management and meeting functions is becoming a thing — if territorial impulses don’t get in the way: Travel and Events Are Becoming a Potent Blend — Meetings Innovation Report

>>Business travelers coped with a range of surprises, including disruptive natural disasters and sudden shifts in government policy. Expect more uncertainty: Corporate Travel Got Even More Complicated in 2017

>>Yet again, events around the world caused upheaval for business travelers in 2017. Uncertainty has become the norm, and corporate travel executives would be wise to plan for more of the unexpected: Executives Mull Another Complex Year — Corporate Travel Innovation Report

>>As MSC Cruises embarks on a rapid global expansion, it makes sense for the privately owned operator to focus on the popular Caribbean cruise market. The key will be figuring out the best way to make its products stand out in a field crowded with names that are far more familiar to North American consumers: MSC Cruises Takes Next Step in Major Global Expansion