Hyatt's New Brand, Airlines' Rollback Requests and Goa's New Image
Skift Take
Key Points
- Hyatt has launched a new mid-market hotel brand called Hyatt Select to target cost-conscious transient travelers and expand its presence in markets where it is less dominant.
- The airline industry, represented by IATA, is urging the U.S. government to reconsider certain consumer protection regulations enacted during the Obama and Biden administrations.
- Goa's Tourism Minister is looking to change the state's image from a party destination to one that includes sports and spiritual tourism, with efforts underway to improve infrastructure for digital nomads.
Summary
Hyatt has introduced a new mid-market brand, Hyatt Select, aimed at transient travelers to expand its market presence and offer cost-friendly options. Meanwhile, airlines are urging the U.S. government to reevaluate consumer protection regulations from the Biden and Obama eras, with a focus on compensation and wheelchair return policies. In India, Goa is working to shift its tourism image from a party destination to one that includes sports and spiritual activities, while also enhancing infrastructure to attract digital nomads.
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Hyatt launched a new brand called Hyatt Select on Tuesday as part of its efforts to make inroads in the mid-market segment, writes Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill.
O’Neill notes Hyatt Select targets transient — but not extended stay or convention — travelers in locations where the hotel giant lacks a major presence. Hyatt Select is also designed to attract cost-conscious travelers while offering hotel owners a conversion-friendly option with lower operational costs.
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Next, the airline industry is pressing the U.S. government to review certain consumer protection regulations enacted by the Biden administration, writes Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi.
The International Air Transport Association asked Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in a letter to reevaluate several Obama- and Biden-era regulations on passenger protections. IATA is calling on the Trump administration to axe regulations related to compensating passengers experiencing significant delays and disruptions.
Maharishi reports that IATA and Airlines for America are also challenging Biden-era rules on wheelchairs. IATA has asked the Trump administration to review a regulation requiring airlines to return a delayed wheelchair to a passenger’s destination within 24 hours of arrival.
Finally, the branding for the Indian state of Goa has long been focused on “Sun, Sand, and Sea.” But local authorities want that image to change, writes India Travel Reporter Bulbul Dhawan.
Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte told Skift that the state is working to diversify its offerings to attract tourists interested in activities other than partying. Goa has hosted several international volleyball and table tennis tournaments in recent years, and Khaunte said the state is developing more excursions centered around religious tourism.
Khaunte added that Goa is working to improve its infrastructure to lure digital nomads.
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