Travel Loyalty News

Direct bookings surge as travelers prefer supplier websites over OTAs. This means OTAs will need to innovate to stay competitive.

Skilling programs are necessary. However, training them to take up jobs in tourism cannot be the only focus: the industry also needs to figure out how to retain the talent.

With the ink barely dry on the divorce papers, Star Alliance is wasting no time in luring back some of SAS’ most loyal - and profitable - passengers. The aim of this neatly timed promotion is business continuity and customer retention, but it remains to be seen how many frequent flyers will take up the offer.

United’s issue is its multiple business agreements with Hawaiian — including one on loyalty. Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci has previously said he envisions a loyalty program that would house the two brands if the merger is approved.

Air France-KLM’s significant stake is more than just a strategic move—it's the latest stage of deepening consolidation in Europe's airline industry. With SAS defecting to the SkyTeam alliance and expanding cooperation with new partners, expect tighter network integration in the months ahead.

Running a profitable airline in the U.S. is increasingly about loyalty, not just logistics. All of the ‘Big Three’ lean heavily on frequent flyer programs and co-branded credit cards to help drive revenue - but who came out on top in Q2?

Marriott leads in the competition for the largest membership in a hotel loyalty program, with over 210 million members. But its rivals are hot on its heels.

IndiGo got big as a budget airline. But Indians are increasingly willing to spend on luxury and the airline is going where the money is.

Today's podcast looks at Hyatt’s purchased of Standard, what new loyalty branding deals look like, and Shakira’s role pitching Despegar.

Major hotel groups are playing Pokémon with their loyalty programs. Instead of collecting rare game cards, they're adding new sets of travelers to their databases. Gotta catch 'em all.