Samantha Shankman

Azamara is telling a new story about ocean cruising so it will take a campaign of this magnitude to gain brand and product awareness among the older American audience that it's after.

As global tourism continues to grow, New York City benefits from its position as a gateway to the U.S. as well as a cultural icon that tops many travelers' bucket lists.

Abercrombie & Kent may have been one of the first companies to capitalize on experiential travel but it has since become a mainstream phenomenon sought after by travelers of all spend levels. Companies across all sectors can learn from Abercrombie & Kent's decades-long success.

Fostering a personal relationship with guests, which is critical for hotels looking to build loyalty and drive direct bookings, has never been easier through multiple online channels. However, tools that streamline, automate and consolidate some of that information and interactions is necessary to sustainable success.

Priceline takes advantage of the Super Bowl's huge audience without dipping into its savings for a million-dollar ad during the game. It's a smart decision seeing as it's already among one of the largest travel booking sites worldwide.

The tours and activity sector has been one of the last within the travel industry to innovate; however, small changes are being made which could lead to necessary shifts in the next one to three years.

Cathay Pacific's efforts to gain momentum for the #lifewelltraveled hashtag before aligning the brand more closely with it is a case study that other brands should watch in their efforts to introduce authentic, trustworthy campaigns.

Preferred Hotel Group has likely evolved the most of any of its peers throughout its existence and continues to do so by tracking and adapting to the needs of specific customers segments.

Competition has pushed independent hoteliers like Pomeranc to think about what "boutique" means for a generation of travelers that will shortly grow up with Marriott's and Hilton's version of that guest experience. Technology not doubt has a role, but so does simply superior service.

Travelers in many global cities complain that it's difficult to meet locals in their interactions with hotel, tour or transportation staff; however, having a truly global view means traveling by means of meeting someone new, no matter the location.