TUI Group CEO Downplays Overtourism 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.

>>We’ve officially assembled the best lineup of speakers for any travel conference, ever. Check out our finalized speaker list now: Meet the Speakers for Skift Global Forum 2017

>>SeaWorld is still struggling and Merlin is probably hoping it can bag a bargain. Watch this space: Merlin Hints At Interest In Buying SeaWorld’s Busch Gardens

>>A data dive into the habits of U.S. high-income travelers. What do they value and what expectations do they have from their travels? New Data Sheet: The U.S. High-Income Traveler Survey Results 2017

>>There are so many forecasts about the future of luxury travel, yet most track the same trends. Here’s Sabre Corporation’s take on what’s next: 5 Trends Shaping Future of Luxury Travel

>>The term “experiential travel” is so overused these days that it’s almost become cliche. But 45 years ago, Richard Bangs did experiential travel before it was cool: Interview: Richard Bangs on the Evolution of Exclusive Experiential Travel

>>SeaWorld said a lot during this call after a dismal quarter, but equally interesting is what the company didn’t address. We wonder if higher spending on advertising will help the operator address the issues that have resurfaced — and what it will do if not: SeaWorld Is Still Tanking as Public Perception Problems Return

>>Disney has a strong lineup of coming attractions at its theme parks in the U.S., but we’d like to know how the newest addition is doing. Executives didn’t provide much detail in a call with analysts Tuesday: Disney Isn’t Seeing Much Impact From Avatar Land Just Yet

>>Norwegian’s results are more evidence that the cruise industry is booming despite the downturn in the up-and-coming China market. By using language like “the stars aligned,” however, executives sound like they’re trying to lower expectations that the good luck will stick around: Norwegian Cruise CEO Says Cuba Sailings Are Selling Strong

>>The challenges being faced by meeting planners are as wildly divergent as the events they plan. To succeed, they need to be informed, nimble, and tough: Meeting Planners Sound Off on Their Biggest Challenges

>>While the number of challenges facing today’s meeting planners are numerous, there are plenty of opportunities, too: Fierce Competition and Plenty of Planner Opportunities — Meetings Innovation Report

>>China outbound travel is booming and has a long way to go before maturity. Individual destinations should pursue the market, but be cognizant of the risks. South Korea serves as an example of what can happen when the Chinese government changes course: The Rise and Fall of China Outbound Travel to South Korea

>>Editor-in-Chief Jason Clampet can’t imagine a better five years to begin with. And Skift looks forward to the many more ahead: How the Travel Industry Has Changed in 5 Years

>>While TUI’s CEO is right to point out the macro benefits of tourism in Spain, the company ignores the myriad of local issues in places such as Barcelona and Majorca that are turning locals against mass tourism: TUI Group CEO Downplays Overtourism Threat