Skift Take

This week in hospitality news, Marriott announces dynamic pricing for its Bonvoy loyalty program, and hotels get in on the wellness movement with ways to improve a good night's sleep for its guests. Plus the latest Skift Research takes a deep dive into the short-term rental ecosystem.

Hotel News Weekly Roundup

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 hotels.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

Marriott to Introduce Dynamic Pricing for Bonvoy Award Bookings: Marriott’s new dynamic pricing will make award nights more expensive for those who can only travel during peak season. Those with some flexibility in their schedules, however, may be in for a treat.

Hospitality Brands Go All-In on the Sleep Movement: As our Skift Megatrend 2019 forecasted, wellness is the new hook in travel marketing, and it’s been gaining speed. The rise of wellness culture has made caring about sleep cool — and since weariness is a top complaint of travelers, it’s good business sense that the hospitality industry is upgrading its sleep offerings.

What If Hong Kong Falls? The Worst-Case Scenario for Travel: As weeks of protests escalate in Hong Kong and Beijing weighs its options, it’s not hard to imagine Hong Kong’s successful tourism industry becoming a shell of its former self. Though the conventional wisdom from region insiders is that Hong Kong will prevail, the form that it will take is anyone’s guess.

Short-Term Rentals: How Professionalized Should They Become? The short-term rental ecosystem, from property managers and platforms to business-to-business vendors, is rapidly expanding. As this continues, there is a fine balance to be struck where the sector professionalizes — without commercializing beyond recognition.

Don’t Expect Marriott’s Homesharing Business to Compete With Airbnb Just Yet: Marriott took a big leap in launching its own short-term rental business to take on Airbnb. But it’s definitely still too early to expect the world’s largest hotel chain to challenge on that front.

Accor’s Love Hotels Deal in Singapore Raises Eyebrows — and Admiration: Accor’s latest Fragrance deal shines a spotlight on two owners that became tycoons by operating love hotels. It is a swift and smart move by the global chain. We bet Accor competitors are calling the other love chain, Hotel 81.

What This Tanzanian Preserve Can Teach Africa About True Conservation: Conservation is too soft a word to describe the measures being taken to address the crisis facing land and wildlife in Africa. But Singita Grumeti is an example of best-in-class anti-poaching. This, coupled with large-scale systemic change, education, and community empowerment, is the one-two punch that can counter the imminent dangers facing wildlife and ecology in Africa.

The Standard Hotels’ One Night to Launch New App Where Customers Operate as Travel Advisors: Crowdsourcing the booking process, if you will, is a smart strategy to make guests feel involved in the business.

Skift Global Forum Preview: Canyon Ranch Holds Fast to Wellness Mission: Canyon Ranch is pretty relaxed about its market status in the wellness space. It’s keeping its head down while adding partnerships and locations at its own pace.

AirPortr Raises $8.6 Million for Luggage Delivery: Travel Startup Funding This Week: Investors have bet on some innovative business models. AirPortr has hand-delivered about 100,000 bags from homes to airports, lifting a worry off the hands of Londoners as they pass through airport security. PaulCamper is an Airbnb for RVs. Meanwhile, SleepBox converts spare hotel rooms into video game halls and other social zones for college students.

New Ways Hotels Are Cashing In on the Sleep Economy: Travelers are thinking more about their sleep habits than ever before. The hospitality industry has taken note and is now trying to find more innovative ways to help guests snooze. But will this push really help drive bookings?

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Tags: hospitality, Travel Trends, trends roundups

Photo credit: A Marriott Homes & Villas property in Tulum's town center, located in the jungle between the white sand beach and the town of Aldea Zama. Marriott will launch dynamic pricing for Bonvoy rewards in September. Marriott International

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