As countries in the Middle East set ambitious tourism targets for the future, Saudi Arabia is investing in infrastructure to drive numbers, while Dubai is investing in technology to adopt "Smart Gates" at Dubai airport and looking to make air taxis a reality.
Loyalty programs are being retooled to cater to increased demand among leisure travelers. To stand out from the competition, hotel brands are making loyalty even more rewarding by adding new brands and experiences to their portfolios.
For global companies, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to growth. IHG is demonstrating that with its perspective on microeconomics, calculated technological investments, and by maintaining high brand standards.
American Airlines and IHG partner to tap into the business opportunity of small- and medium-sized businesses by offering more value to companies that are members of both corporate travel programs.
Aligning the corporate travel program to the needs and expectations of your employees helps increase in-policy bookings and gives travel managers more negotiating power.
The addition of Mr and Mrs Smith hotels to IHG's loyalty portfolio will help the hospitality giant better compete against Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt for high-end customers. IHG Rewards members also can't be too unhappy about new luxury properties within their reach.
The easiest way to make employees comply with travel policies is by making booking in policy attractive for them. InterContinental Hotels Group’s Business Edge shows how business travel solutions can go beyond being simply a discount program.
Laws have been changed to supposedly eliminate gender bias but the problem at senior levels still persists. Companies first need to admit they have a problem, then they can do something about it. Perhaps there should be greater consideration of quotas.
Interestingly, the Starwood Preferred Guest program, beloved among frequent travelers, ranked near the bottom, and it's never fared well in past J.D. Powers' reports. So, why is it so admired, and why does Marriott want it so badly?