Articles tagged “richard branson”

Are these companies' well-timed announcements a marketing ploy to drive attention to their own travel ventures? Probably, but it is also the start of a trend that other companies will follow -- for however long the bubble blooms.

Branson's larger-than-life persona allows him to pull off blog posts like this where other airline executives (hi Jeff Smisek) would stumble.

Branson has certainly learned that not all Caribbean islands are created equal, as the competing interests that separate cruise-ship friendly ports from high-end ports or sleepy islands mean that not everyone necessarily cares about the health of the reefs.

Branson and others in the tourism industry stand to lose money when travel warnings are issued, but that doesn't mean their voices should be quickly dismissed. Governments must do a better job explaining context to visitors when they caution about travel.

Virgin America doesn't have the network at this point to truly be a big winner for business travelers. It remains to be seen whether it will run out of time before it gets there.

Sure Sir Richard breathes a rare air. But he's fought to get there and has learned what travelers need to make them feel they've got their money's worth.

Incoming CEO Craig Kreeger will be key to VA's growth and working with its new part-owner Delta, especially as Richard Branson focuses his energies elsewhere.