Hospitality is a creative act and by looking at who is doing things well, the entire industry can take away some necessary inspiration as they begin to execute 2019 plans.
Christmas comes early for Accor, which announced its first Orient-Express Hotel in Bangkok, a 154-room property that was originally meant to be an Edition hotel. But there is still much for Accor to do as luxury players find the old new brand "confusing."
LVMH's decision might seem strange on the surface, but in reality it makes a lot of sense for a company that wants to make sure it has a piece of all things luxury.
LVMH might not have been the most obvious of suitors for Belmond's luxury assets, but now that it's close to owning them, it's a deal that makes a lot of sense in this post-experience economy still contending with the concept of new luxury.
Taking a peek behind the scenes during earnings seasons offers some useful insights. Can Norwegian make a successful play for bigger cruise spenders, and will Belmond eventually sell itself?
Shareholders are no doubt elated, but luxury travelers are concerned. They don't want Belmond to become another Ritz-Carlton, and get folded into another mega-hospitality giant.
In certain sub-sectors — luxury and cruise spring to mind — travel agents still play a big part in driving sales. Hoteliers and tour operators know this and are happy to splash the cash in order to get some of their business.