Deanna Ting, Skift
We can only hope that a large portion of Steve Wynn's $34 million compensation from last year will go to his multiple alleged victims.
1 month ago
With acquisitions like WoodSpring Suites, Choice Hotels' new CEO is making good on his mission to continue to grow the company and establish its dominance in the economy and midscale sectors.
Just like everyone wants a piece of the tours and activities industry right now, everyone in hospitality wants a cut of the vacation rental business, too.
2 months ago
Dan Peltier, Skift
Choice CEO Pat Pacious has demonstrated he's not one for a sleepy start as he settles into his new role as CEO. He's hit the ground running with the rollout of a new booking system and an acquisition that will help the company play ball in a competitive midscale and extended stay landscape.
4 months ago
As we've noted before, as much as hotels and online travel agencies may not necessarily love one another, they certainly need each other. Their current love-hate relationship will certainly change, however, if and when other players like Airbnb or Google become bigger players in the hotel booking space.
The answers vary but there's at least one overriding shared sentiment. Even if times are good, there's always room for improvement in any industry.
5 months ago
Sean O'Neill, Skift
Choice's decision to build its own reservation system in-house is a poke in the eye to the many technology companies that sell systems to hotel chains.
It wouldn't be a proper end of the year in hospitality without at least one more merger or acquisition, right? Choice Hotels' purchase of WoodSpring Suites makes some sense as it bolsters its position in the midscale and economy extended-stay space.
6 months ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Choice Hotels executives talk a big game about the company's new reservations system, debuting early next year. They even use buzz phrases like, "transformative platform" and "innovative tools." But will the new system be a panacea for the hotel chain? We'll soon find out.
8 months ago
This makes a lot of sense, but can Marriott and Choice make their established midscale brands stand out among all of the more design-driven newcomers that others are unleashing? Or do consumers and developers not really care as long as they save or make money?
It'll be interesting to see how Pacious' understanding of digital technology and online distribution will inform Choice's future business strategy.
10 months ago
Dennis Schaal, Skift
Responsible travel brands are taking steps to ban bookings of tourist attractions involving direct human interactions with animals. Given all the SeaWorld controversies that the film "Blackfish" uncovered, coupled with ongoing federal probes, couldn't ASTA have picked an alternative venue for its opening reception?
