Hotel CEOs Push for Direct Bookings and 7 Other Hospitality 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 hospitality.

For all of our weekend roundups, go here.

>>So, how about that travel ban? Hotel CEOs Are Now Less Optimistic About Business Travel Outlook This Year

>>Amadeus says it is pulling off its promised trick of staying profitable despite margin pressure on its mainstay airline services business: Amadeus’ Bet on Hotel Services Is Beginning to Pay Off

>>Hotel CEOs to investors: "Trust us, it was all worth it": Hotel CEOs Aren’t Slowing Down Their Push for Direct Bookings

>>This move will allow The Rainmaker Group to concentrate on its core competency of demand management for hotels and casinos: Rainmaker Group Sells Division for $300 Million to Focus on Hotel Revenue Management

>>Marriott really, really, really wants SPG members to know it won't forsake them as it tries to combine all three of its loyalty programs into one by next year: Marriott Turns to Starwood Vet to Run All Three of Its Loyalty Programs

>>These are crucial times for citizenM as it expands rapidly outside its European base into North America and Asia: CitizenM Hotels Tries to Strike Just the Right Tune as It Expands in Asia

>>Airbnb, Booking.com, and other giants in vacation rental bookings aren't providing the branding and technology needed by professional property managers in resort destinations. RedAwning's model points to one of several ways to fill the gap: RedAwning Adds a Struggling VaycayHero to Its Branded Vacation Rental Network

>>As strong as the luxury travel market has been for the past few years, can that success continue? One&Only's COO Philippe Zuber thinks it can: Interview: How Ultra Luxury Hotel Brands Like One&Only Try to Remain Relevant and Authentic