The timing for global hotel chains to expand their presence in China has never been rosier. It's not just the sheer size of the domestic travel market but also the learnings that can be had from a country that has emerged as a technology trailblazer.
Hyatt is launching a new China brand while Hilton swears by the adage of introducing the right Hilton brand in the right location at the right time across China. Which of the two approaches is better?
Hilton understands the true conundrum of running a hotel business: Customer preferences will always change faster than the market can react. That is why the company has invested throughout the customer experience, from booking to loyalty partnerships, to keep guests happy.
Hotel companies are always looking for the next big trend. It's pretty hard to ignore business travelers' desire to meet in refreshed spaces and get some work done outside the guest room.
For those still loyal to the travel industry, a new spate of partnerships will now make it easier to earn miles and points across airlines, hotels, and shared cars. And with zero barrier to entry, some passengers may find a windfall.
Hilton and Lyft's new loyalty partnership is a win-win for travelers. On one hand, Hilton members get completely free points for riding in Lyfts. On the other, it'll also soon be possible to book rides with extra loyalty points.
Hilton is focusing on the same things as everyone else in hotels today: loyalty, technology, and marketing. But what about taking on Airbnb directly in homesharing? Don't count on it anytime soon.