A Year of Corporate Travel Coverage and 12 Other Tourism Trends This Week

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 tourism.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>Travel agencies are using digital education tools to reach the new generation of agents. More valuable could be back-end innovations that make life for agents more fun than figuring out dated computer systems: The Travel Agent of the Future May Be the Travel Agent of the Past

>>Get the details on our event schedule for Skift Forum Europe! Skift Forum Europe’s Editorial Program Is Set

>>The increased spending in areas outside of retail and other traditional expenses is a good indicator of how international travelers in the U.S. are prioritizing their spending: Tourists to the U.S. Set a New Spending Record Last Year

>>Travel management companies are finally looking to approach corporate travel from a more traveler-centric perspective: To Understand Personalization, Corporate Travel Looks to Consumer Travel

>>While a change in tune on borders and immigration from the White House could help some non-U.S. travelers reconsider ditching U.S. travel plans, it seems in many cases the damage has already been done: New York City Expects Fewer International Visitors in 2017 Thanks to Trump

>>SeaWorld has talked for nearly a year about how public perception of the company is improving. The trick seems to be turning that attitude into attendance: SeaWorld Is Trying to Avoid Having Another Awful Year

>>Today’s best innovation and technology conferences focus on the commercialization of ideas, and they’re having a big impact on the long-term economic development of their host cities: How Meetings Drive Growth in Cities — Meetings Innovation Report

>>The U.S. travel industry at large appears to be falling carefully in line behind President Trump, regardless of the chaos and confusion caused by his initial travel ban last month: Travel Industry Offers Cautious Praise of President Trump, Despite Travel Ban Promise

>>The election of Donald Trump shows that a CEO can mount a successful run for president, though reality TV stardom also helps. If Bob Iger is serious about a future in politics, we expect Disney to name a successor soon and free him up to focus on campaigning: Does Disney CEO Bob Iger Want to Run the Country?

>>Convincing lawmakers that locals benefit from tourism marketing has become increasingly important for ensuring tourism boards’ survival: Political Threats Force U.S. Tourism Boards to Examine Their Roles

>>Skift Research is launching a new product for our growing subscriber community. Our Analyst Sessions will feature insights and opinions from our seasoned bench of analysts, editors and special guests ready to debate the big questions about the future of travel: Introducing: Skift Analyst Sessions for Research Subscribers Only

>>We are looking to “Skiftify” the luxury travel industry. Are you up for it? Skift Is Looking for a Luxury Travel Reporter

>>Travel management companies are slowly bringing themselves into the 21st century: And What a Year It Was — Skift Corporate Travel Innovation Report