Alitalia can always introduce brand new cabin structures when it's profitable, but it's the customer experience improvements which should make the real difference here.
No matter whether it's hype or reality, these "next" titles get cities into headlines, conversations, and Instagram feeds further fueling their recognition and desirability.
The promise of a one-of-a-kind eclair probably isn't enough to convince a traveler to stay at Le Meridien, but it does provide an accessible entry point to discuss and relay the values of the hotel brand.
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.
JetBlue's looming change in its bag-fee policy likely will create a larger controversy than when Southwest revamped its loyalty program a few years ago. JetBlue undoubtedly has run the numbers and figures it will come out ahead. It would be prudent to get the war room and phone banks ready, though.
How much will the InterContinental Hotels Group mess with the Kimpton brand? The fact that IHG officials say they aren't ready to address the future of the Kimpton Karma Rewards loyalty program raises a proverbial red flag.
With competition increasing from all corners, airlines have to find a new way to adapt or die. Profiting from a lifestyle association with their passengers and building that brand loyalty could well be the missing link in airline evolution. Survival of the fittest isn't just a Nike thing.
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.