Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: Trump's Cuba Retreat + Airbnb's Promise to Europe + Too Much Loyalty

June 16, 2017

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Note From the Editor

The Skift editorial team sprang into action when we got word about a White House briefing yesterday afternoon on changes to U.S. travel policy toward Cuba in advance of an expected Trump speech today. We quickly came up with three stories on the President's revamp of Obama administration policies. At first glance the changes don't seem as radical as we had feared but we wonder if the planned Treasury Department audits of Americans' trips to Cuba will almost inevitably drift into an "extreme vetting" approach.

We're still left with the conundrum that U.S. citizens can freely travel to China but may have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to trade stories and smoke some cigars with Cubans on their home turf.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

A Mobile-First Mentality Is Key to Engaging Today's Business Traveler [SPONSORED]

This isn't the worst-case scenario for Cuba that some U.S. travel brands had feared but it's definitely a step backward and doesn't offer any glimpse of a path forward.

Trump to End 'Abusive' Individual People-to-People Travel to Cuba

This policy change will directly hurt tour operators that have been working to develop people-to-people vacations in recent years, adding uncertainty for consumers. U.S. travelers will now have fewer opportunities to interact one-on-one with the Cuban people.

Twists and Turns in Travel Industry's Approach to Cuba Since Obama's Changes

Travel industry policies toward Cuba have not transitioned smoothly from Point A to Point B over the last three years, and the upcoming Trump administration fine print will likely change things anew.

Consumers Are Facing a Glut of Loyalty Programs in Hospitality

With OTAs offering their own loyalty programs consumers are faced with endless programs in the hotel space. Everyone is a loyalty program member everywhere, that's loyalty in 2017.

Airbnb Promises $5.6 Million For Community Tourism Projects in Europe

If nothing else, Airbnb will be hoping the funding gets it some much-needed good public relations at a time when it is coming under increasing pressure in several key European cities.

No Time for Bleisure — Skift Corporate Travel Innovation Report

Business travelers have a lot of guidelines to follow when they're on the road. Smart employers — and travel companies — listen to feedback and try to deliver what road warriors are asking for.

Hyatt, like every other hotel company out there, wants to get better rates from online travel agencies like Expedia. But does it have the scale (and the muscle) to do it?

Airbnb Ramps Up Push to Get More Hosts to Choose Instant Booking

With these new features, it's clear Airbnb wants to reduce discrimination on its platform, sign on more vacation rental managers, and generate more bookings. But is this enough to keep hosts happy?

U.S. Workers Are Taking a Bit More Vacation Despite Their Employers

The U.S. vacation deprivation phenomenon is a nationwide, coast-to-coast problem but seems to be especially apparent in large east and west coast markets that are often the bread and butter of many travel brands' business.

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