Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: October 2018

November 1, 2018

Editor's Note

Did Ben Smith just make an already formidable challenge that much harder? On his first earnings call on Wednesday as the new CEO of Air France-KLM, Smith called for pushing the company's distinct cultures and operations closer together. Air France and KLM joined forces 14 years ago, enough time for the separate airlines to settle into their own silos under the corporate umbrella. But Smith wants his new company to behave as one. Melding cultures in a merged company is a tall task in year one and two. At year 14, who knows what the playbook is for that? Smith gets high grades within the industry — and he may be willing to suffer some pain making over Air France-KLM into the company he thinks will deliver the best results. Or he may just end up regretting what he wished for.

— Tom Lowry, Managing Editor

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New CEO Benjamin Smith is trying to do something his predecessors failed at — bring Air France and KLM closer together. The two airlines need to work in sync more if the group is going to compete better with rivals in Europe.

Book on Google Stands Out More Forcefully in Hotels Redesign

When it comes to Google and its hotels redesign, few things are all or nothing. TripAdvisor can worry that Google now has more traveler photos and reviews, but some of them are from TripAdvisor. Hotel websites and phone numbers get featured, but clicking on a book button brings customers to an online travel agency site. In travel, it's never winner take all.

Hyatt's High Hopes for Two Roads Revealed

We all knew Hyatt was in the mood for a major acquisition. (NH Hotel Group or Starwood, anyone?) And now we have a much better idea of what its plans are for Two Roads, as well as other acquisitions down the line.

Virgin Voyages Will Join the Cruise Ship Crowds in Cuba

Virgin Voyages has been talking about visiting Cuba for three years now, so this announcement is no surprise. But will the destination still be as popular in 2020 as it is now?

Australia and New Zealand Have a New Bigger-Is-Better Pitch for Conventions

Australasia's major convention centers are undergoing significant redevelopments. They're getting bigger and better to cope with the growth of mega-meetings, delegates demanding experiences, and the need to save the planet.

Why Must We Chat on the Telephone to Get Help From an Airline?

It's 2018, and yet most U.S. airlines still handle almost all inquiries from customers via telephone. That has to change.

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To the delight of local tourism authorities, British Airways has been only too happy to fill the gap left by an ever-shrinking South African Airways. This week, Durban was the latest African city to welcome a direct route to the United Kingdom.

Booking Unveils Host Tools as Short-Term Rental Rivals Address Their Weaknesses

Booking.com wants to service professional managers while going after individual vacation rental owners, too. Airbnb wants to tap into the professional-manager set while branching out into resort areas, and HomeAway wants to get more urban. These companies' offerings will converge, and it's likely their business models will, too.

Hotelbeds Rebrands to Focus on Accommodations

Although Hotelbeds still sells ancillaries, its main focus is on accommodations and the rebrand makes that clear.

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