As the summer of revenge travel comes to a close, consumers have shown a clear indication of what they expect in the future: more flexibility, control, and convenience. The new CEO of Allianz Partners USA spoke with SkiftX about how travel brands can deliver better service in the midst of operational challenges and labor shortage troubles.
This week in hospitality news, Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson demonstrates his true leadership with a heartfelt yet candid message to employees outlining his coronavirus crisis plan. Like Marriott and other hotel giants, short-term rental companies have not been immune to the fallout, and they face mounting criticism over widely differing cancellation and refund policies.
In digital news this week, Expedia Vice Chair Peter Kern sought to rally his workforce by saying it was time to focus and help the company's travel partners suffering in the wake of coronavirus. Plus, Trip.com Group said it would likely see a 50 percent drop in first quarter revenue but offered some hope that travel was slowly recovering in China.
In airline news this week, it's important to remember that airlines are not ordinary companies, more like utilities in many ways with a public trust responsibility. So it's time to lose the hubris when the coronavirus crisis calms down. What's more, loyalty programs are one of the biggest assets airlines have, and it's an option for them to leverage those programs for much-needed cash.
This week in aviation news, while coronavirus is causing financial harm across the board, U.S. airlines are finding themselves in a particularly tenuous position with a lot of unknowns. Plus, airlines are bracing for furloughs and layoffs.
This week in hospitality news, the coronavirus outbreak has led to a slew of hotel cancellations. IHG has emerged as a leader during this unprecedented crisis, offering customers the most generous cancellation policy. Plus, low-budget hotels embrace smart design.
In digital news this week, Airbnb, Expedia, Tripadvisor, and others reached an unprecedented agreement with the European Union to share data. Will it shift the competitive landscape? Plus, coronavirus has wreaked havoc on global currency markets, which Latin American online travel powerhouse Despegar said could present big challenges.
In aviation news this week, an already shaky Flybe went out of business. The regional UK airline said coronavirus delivered the fatal blow to its operations. Plus, nearly 90 percent of U.S. travelers have yet to cancel travel plans, according to a survey from Skift Research. Also, a new digital format Skift Airline Weekly launched.
This week in hospitality news, based on coronavirus impact, particularly from China, Oyo's valuation could plunge to $6 billion based on Skift Research estimates. Plus, Best Western stands out among its hotel peers as a nonprofit with a unique membership model for its owners. Is that holding it back from growth?