Travel's Reopening and Coronavirus Recovery

The pandemic catapulted a few niche innovations into widespread use, benefiting a few fast-moving travel businesses. Lists come and go, but pay attention to the underlying trends that will last after the crisis passes.

Although several tour operators are enjoying success in pandemic-induced partnerships, why weren't those collaborations part of the mix previously? It's possible that many tour operators have missed out on lucrative opportunities for years by not searching for fruitful partnerships.

Hyatt's Apple Leisure Group acquisition gives it a major boost in its desired expansion into Europe. But it is also a shot across the bow to competitors like Marriott and Hilton as well as smaller brands. The battle is on to expand into the high-end leisure travel and all-inclusive resort sector.

China must weigh whether the economic pain is worth the price of such tough lockdown measures in response to outbreaks that pale in comparison to those seen in markets like the U.S.

Ignorance of the science is no longer an excuse — the IPCC report makes sure of that. If the tourism industry doesn't snap out of its inertia faster, its fate will be sealed sooner than any of us thought.

Major hotel companies don’t want to ruffle any investor feathers at a time when profitability is just returning and labor remains fragile. But it’s better to be honest — and prepared — about what the next few months could look like with new strains of the virus and deploy a new recovery strategy.

The fact that more marathons are up and running for the fall is great for many cities and their economies. But to truly profit from the large events, they must develop plans to keep large crowds safe.

Luxury and lifestyle hotels are the industry's new battlefield for growth. IHG's rapid growth in this sector with new brands over the last few years boils down to one thing: This company isn't just ceding high-end customers to companies like Accor, Hilton, and Marriott.

Profitability is basically a foregone conclusion at this point for IHG, given its significant presence in the drive-to and leisure space. Investors now want to see how the company can beef up its growth trajectory coming out of the pandemic.

Accor has plenty of opportunities to transform itself into more of a lifestyle brand, but every one of its competitors is playing this strategy to some degree. Finding a way to stand out is easier said than done.