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Starwood's globalization efforts mean it is taking a progress outlook on the world, and trying to listen and learn, and not just dictate.

One explanation for the Gulf airlines' visibility on sports fields could stem from their absence in alliances, which may have pushed them to find meaningful partnerships outside of aviation. It's interesting to the note that Qatar was the first one to join an alliance, and it currently sponsors only one sports team.

Parker has clearly proven his qualifications to lead an American Airlines-US Airways merger, while Richard Anderson at Delta is poised to be the biggest winner.

While some hotel companies are worried about disruptive vacation rentals, Wyndham did $125 million in the sector in the fourth quarter. While vacation rental revenue was flat and rates were down, Wyndham has a big hedge against that disruption.

Traveling to Brazil is a win-win for business travelers where they can find an emerging economy with relatively low room rates; a trend that will fade in the coming four years as capacity grows in preparation for the World Cup and Olympics.

On the sales side, Royal Caribbean realizes it needs to use sophisticated marketing techniques and social media. The cruise line won't say it, but it also realizes that direct sales to consumers will become an increasing important part of its business.

If US Airways and American Airlines merge and they don't heed the lessons of past blunders, then the integration process could set back the new American Airlines for years, new logo and livery or not.

The TSA should be praised for seeking ways to qualify more people for expedited screening. But, is handing over the grunt work to commercial companies accessing your personal information the best alternative?

In rush for social efforts, hopefully travel brands are not forgetting search, which is the biggest direct funnel for transaction conversion.

These five niche traveler types in Asia and around the world wil increasingly define the future of travel, and its up to the travel industry to figure out how to capture their attention and credit cards.