2020 › February

Utilizing data is an integral part of how travel brands can offer a better customer experience. But securing this data, protecting customer privacy, and building trust can be equally essential to supporting both the human experience and the bottom line.

Virtual cards aren't anything new in corporate travel, despite limited adoption. But stronger integration with travel booking apps like TripActions could help mainstream the technology, which benefits both travelers and administrators.

United President Scott Kirby has a reputation for being a skilled negotiator. But because of a mistake by previous management, he had little leverage with JP Morgan Chase. That makes for tough contract renewal talks.

Algeria faces dwindling cash reserves and an unsustainable economic model. Like much of the Middle East, it must diversify away from oil and attract visitors. The strategically located North African country boasts many ideal destinations. It remains unclear, however, if the government can turn to its historically overlooked tourism sector for much-needed economic relief.

As long as luxury travelers continue to want one-of-a-kind experiences, companies like Black Tomato will likely find success delivering these rare, transformational itineraries.

Diller and Kern are taking an ax, as promised, to Expedia Group's payroll. This could be just the first round, and the thinking might be: Why sell to private equity, have those folks squeeze out the cost savings, and reshape the business when we can do it ourselves?

The travel industry is truly a diffused set of forces, both big business and people powered. Unfortunately it's easier for politicians to scare people with an imaginary foreign threat than articulate a vision for a better, more connected world.

The fact remains that flights are bad news for the environment. But Singapore Airlines is innovating rapidly to ensure cleaner skies.

The short-term rental ecosystem is getting bigger, which means many winners are set to emerge from the pack. Expect further brand-driven professionalization, more outside investment, and vendor consolidation. Those getting on board will benefit, but is a backlash in the cards?

Bhutan’s high tourist fee was one key reason the country managed to avoid the pitfalls of mass tourism until recently. It’s high time that the sustainable tourism development fee is uniformly levied for all tourists, regardless of their origins.