2020 Archives

Flush with SoftBank and other venture capital money, GetYourGuide and Klook, as well as Airbnb and Booking.com, are nipping at Tripadvisor's heels in tours and activities. Tripadvisor will try to leverage its brand, Viator, which already had a following before Tripadvisor absorbed it, to keep the insurgents at bay.

Southwest is concerned it is losing market share because of the Max grounding. That is likely true. But the Max is also forcing the airline to be more efficient about where it flies and when. That's probably helping boost unit revenue.

Accor recently rebranded its loyalty program under the phrase "Live Limitless." The company needs to replace its limited technology structure to meet that ambition, and this deal represents a huge commercial win for Sabre.

American Airlines suggests that it's not planning for the Boeing 737 Max to return to flying until the late summer or fall. But the airline is still positive this year will be better than last. That shouldn't be too hard.

Airlines are starting to realize that better communication with travel management companies can benefit both sides. ARC wants to play a major role in this period of transition.

Outside of Africa where poaching, forestry, and resource exploitation can also threaten wildlife habitats, luxury hospitality leaders are playing a role in protecting land and creating opportunities around conservation.

As event planners transition to experience designers, destination selection will be an asset to delivering better meetings and events in 2020. Innovation, collaboration, and sustainability are key trends; a forward-thinking destination will be an important partner for delivering on growing attendee expectations.

Human trafficking touches every corner of the travel industry — especially hotels. And while the accommodations sector didn't create the problem, it does have an elevated responsibility to put an end to it. The question is: How effective have the industry's efforts been so far?

Oracle Hospitality's Alex Alt sees two gaps in his company's suite: distribution services and customer relationship management tools. Yet the opportunities with both are dynamic, not static, because of fast shifts in hotel company priorities and traveler behaviors. That will require Alt to be one very adaptable executive.

Instant booking has allowed co-working spaces and boutique venues to reach more planners. Now, more hotels are expected to go digital.