Skift Take
This week in hospitality, we explore the path Airbnb might take in 2020, a week after its initial IPO announcement. Meanwhile, Hyatt offers a more elevated food-and-beverage experience — with a little help from Danny Meyer — at its new brand Caption.
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.
Why Airbnb Won’t Do an Initial Public Offering in 2020: Airbnb has always put itself out there as not just another startup or your grandmother’s online travel agency. Going the direct listing route, as opposed to a far costlier initial public offering, could fit in nicely with that narrative.
Hyatt Taps Danny Meyer to Help With Food and Beverage for New Brand Caption: Most hotel operators will say that food and beverage can be a money loser for brands, but offering some version of it remains an essential part of the guest experience. Hyatt just stepped up its game.
Marriott Continues Bonvoy Push Through Tech Hiccups and Growth: If anyone was hoping to see change on the horizon for Marriott’s Bonvoy program, which has suffered its fair share of integration and IT issues, it doesn’t seem to be on the road map. At Skift Global Forum in New York City, Marriott’s chief financial officer practically doubled down on its future.
IHG Launches Loyalty Partnership With Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels: The addition of Mr and Mrs Smith hotels to IHG’s loyalty portfolio will help the hospitality giant better compete against Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt for high-end customers. IHG Rewards members also can’t be too unhappy about new luxury properties within their reach.
Oyo Turns to Danamica for Artificial Intelligence Firepower for Vacation Rentals: Oyo is more than just a budget hotel operator these days. Investments into its vacation home rental business are proof of that.
Luxury Can No Longer Exist Without Considering the Locals: Costa Rica is one of the few countries that considers social progress as a key metric of tourism industry success. That’s why tourism industry entities, including luxury hotels, are encouraged to train and hire locals. Opportunities create a wealth ripple effect.
How to Evolve the Chain of Command With Hotel Management: Luxury hospitality can sometimes operate on an antiquated system when it comes to human talent. Here are some progressive thinkers shaking up structures and sacred cows, providing for a more meaningful guest experience.
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Tags: hospitality, Travel Trends, trends roundups
Photo credit: Airbnb announced plans to go public in 2020, but ultimately it seems more likely it will go the route of a direct listing. Eric Newcomer / Bloomberg