Human Interaction Versus Technology and 8 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.

>>Flights to Cuba are expected to be less in demand once the Trump administration’s travel restrictions are enforced, but could that lead to more interest in cruises? Norwegian Cruise Line’s announcement indicates the cruise operator is expecting a bump in business: Norwegian Cruise Line Is Sending a Second Ship to Cuba as Demand Stays Strong

>>We wanted this year’s Skift Global Forum speakers to reflect our expansion into the business of dining out. Today we’re excited to welcome René Redzepi to our lineup: Announcing René Redzepi at Skift Global Forum 2017

>>Dealing with humanity can be annoying, and it can be even worse when you’re traveling for business. More robust technology tools, however, can help automate and streamline many annoyances for business travelers: Half of Business Travelers Want to Avoid Human Interaction on the Road

>>Another high-end, membership-based travel consultancy opens up shop. We wonder how these businesses will distinguish themselves as competition grows in the realm of “curating bespoke experiential localized” travel: Travel Journalists Pivot to Custom Luxury Travel Planning

>>With the federal government deadlocked in intractable partisan debate, mayors across the U.S. are stepping up to drive progress by cultivating their innovation economies: U.S. Mayors Are Backing Innovation Districts To Transform Cities’ Brands

>>Millennials value experiences over things, so getting them to your event is easy. But once they’re there, will they look up from their phones long enough to engage? Millennials Are Attending Events in Droves Because of Fear of Missing Out

>>In an effort to leverage the tech and creative industry advancements in their cities, U.S. mayors are doubling down on innovation districts to transform their cities’ reputations and provide a heightened destination experience for conference organizers: The Rise of Innovation Districts — Meetings Innovation Report

>>The death of a young American illustrates the continuing risk for niche operators committed to taking travelers to remote and risky parts of the world, including North Korea. They’re called risky for a reason: What Travel to North Korea Says — And Doesn’t Say — About Adventure Travel

>>Brand USA has a difficult task these days of appeasing a White House with unfavorable views of foreigners while still spreading a welcoming message in key international markets: Brand USA Is Facing Declining Contributions From Travel Brands This Year