Wyndham’s New Ad Blitz: 25 Brands, 1 Message
The world's largest hotel franchisor wants its guests to think "I am a Wyndham person" rather than "I am a Super 8 person who sometimes stays at other random hotels."
Future of Lodging
As the lines continue to blur between hotels and short-term rentals, Skift is focused on the technology and the consumer behaviors that are driving this. Follow our coverage across the wide world of lodging, from traditional hotels and motels to urban short-term rentals and traditional vacation rentals.
Hotels Shrug Off Airbnb’s Push Into Experiences – But They Still Need to Compete
Airbnb’s relaunch of its Experiences platform and new offering of hotel-style à la carte services might pressure hoteliers. But so far, many hotel execs seem unfazed.
IHG CEO Sees U.S. Travel ‘Bounce Back,’ Targets Asia for Expansion
IHG’s confidence in domestic U.S. travel and bullish outlook on China suggest it’s more focused on geographic diversification than short-term headwinds. Its message: the turbulence is real, but not enough to stop the long-haul growth.
Meliá Hotels CEO Eyes Growth in Emerging Destinations as U.S. Travelers Boost European Resorts
Meliá's ability to stay profitable while expanding is notable. CEO Gabriel Escarrer tells Skift he's turning the group into a global resort operator, not just a Mediterranean one.
Marriott Chases Lower Price Points With $100-a-Night Rooms
Marriott has realized it has been been leaving money on the table by primarily catering to expense-account travelers and vacationers in the luxury and upscale segments.
EasyHotel CEO Lays Out Growth Plans After Private Equity Buyout
It's scaling back a plan to double its hotel count and it's not focused on profits. But expect a lot of growth in Spain and more franchising.
Hotels Escalate Long-Running Battle Against Booking.com’s Pricing Rules
What began as a German court case is rapidly becoming an effort by hotels across Europe to seek financial damages from Booking.com’s for two decades of pricing practices.
AI Will Drive Hotels to Follow Amazon’s Loyalty Playbook
Hotel groups won't be content to just run hotels anymore, says Mit Shah, a hotel real estate investor. Soon they may offer student housing, adult active communities, and other "branded living" services thanks to the data-crunching potential unlocked by AI.
Barry Sternlicht Warns Big Hotel Chains: Indie Brands Are Coming for You
Barry Sternlicht sees trouble brewing for big hotel chains. The Starwood founder warns that nimble upstarts will steal their market share one social media post at a time.
Marriott CEO: ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ – But Last-Minute Bookings Raise Concern
Marriott's business is holding up better than you'd think given the weak consumer sentiment. But things can turn fast.