U.S. Tourism Wants an Advocate in Trump’s White House 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.

>>We’re having a moment. In the wake of the Florida school shooting, travel companies are abandoning the National Rifle Association and its assault rifle advocacy. History would tell us that no substantial reforms will come out of this. But perhaps student and corporate pressure will make things different this time: Here Are the Travel Companies That Have Cut Ties With the NRA

>>Thomas Cook is an old dog in the travel industry that has definitely learned some new tricks. From Thomas Cook Money to offering the ability to book a specific hotel room, the company is personalizing the travel experience for the future: Skift Forum Europe: Thomas Cook Is Reinventing Mass-Market Tourism

>>Argentina is breaking from the past and hopes that its diversity of offerings attracts new types of travelers. The tourism minister comes from the private sector and he’s bringing new energy into tourism promotion efforts: Interview: Argentina Tourism Minister Dreams of Visa-Free Travel Across the Region

>>This was probably inevitable. Joel Manby tried to turn the company around, but his efforts so far have not done the trick — and even angered some SeaWorld loyalists: SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby Resigns After Turnaround Effort Flops

>>Nowadays, luxury travel is all about discovering new frontiers. It’s not just about expanding physical and geographic boundaries. The travel cognoscenti are “brain dating” around the world in order to stretch their minds: Thought Leadership Conferences Target High-End Travelers

>>The Visit U.S. Coalition wants to get everyone at the table — the White House, Congress, and the travel industry — to get all sides on the same page about tourism. But can you partner with an administration that has been doing everything it can to thwart the travel industry’s goals? U.S. Tourism Coalition Calls for a Designated Advocate in the Trump Administration

>>When we asked then-Expedia CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in 2016 whether Airbnb was going to eat his lunch, he responded that he was very well-nourished. But it now appears as though Airbnb has an insatiable appetite. Join us on a Skift Call March 13 to assess the Airbnb threat to hotels and online travel agencies: Skift Call March 13: The Airbnb Threat

>>Now that Hogg Robinson Group is out of the picture because of a merger, Australia’s Corporate Travel Management is one of the largest public corporate travel management companies in the world. It’s setting its sights on expansion in the U.S., but entering the market has its challenges: Interview: Corporate Travel Management Wants to Crack the U.S. Market

>>SeaWorld brought in a lot of fresh new leaders when the company was looking for ways to recover from the Blackfish effect. After years of flailing, the operator is turning to the old guard for ideas — at least for now: SeaWorld Executive Exodus Accelerates as Chief Creative Officer Leaves

>>The park service has dramatically changed its tune during the past year and acknowledged that overtourism is something it must address – all while its leadership has stirred trouble. But the parks have a long road to travel before they can command a reasonable balance of visitors who won’t cause a conservation nightmare: U.S. National Parks Still Aren’t Sure How to Deal With Overtourism