Samantha Shankman

Although expensive, creating a real-life activity for consumers to interact with builds brand awareness off and online.

The select-service business model must deliver a quality product at an affordable cost so La Quinta listens closely to give customers exactly what they want, without going one step - or dollar - beyond.

Destinations like Croatia can fall into a niche for their reputation of beaches and sunsets. Successfully breaking out of the summer stereotype can significantly boost arrivals and spend throughout the year.

Social campaigns are a dime a dozen today, pushing travel brands to become ever more creative with offline activations to fuel their ambitions.

Anthony Bourdain and ZPZ take their inquisitive, open approach home for an honest, if not somewhat troubling, look at America's changing suburbs. The tactfulness in which the show examines such an issue should be a lesson for news and entertainment programs.

Social marketing is as much about building a brand as about selling an actual product. Four Seasons' current campaign is putting its properties on the bucket lists of thousands of health-minded travelers.

Most destinations boast a local (and delicious) dish or cuisine making culinary tourism a common marketing pitch but not one that truly differentiates it from competitors. Tying cuisine into culture and experience is a more integrated and long-term approach to success.

Passengers are demanding more automated and efficient service and airports that quickly respond to their expectations will be able to increase revenue and customer satisfaction.

New York City is taking impressive strides with its latest campaign push. Reaching out to the millions of travelers at JFK Airport is a smart, if not obvious, choice.

While there is a still a time and place for "white glove" service, even today's highest spending guests are looking for a more curated, personalized version that uses technology to inform better stays.