Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: Outwitting Tech Giants + Hotel Cancellation Blues + Biz Travel Spending in 2018

July 21, 2017

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Note From the Editor

For a summer Friday it's a bit ironic that so many of our stories are devoted to business travel because, really, who is not totally tuned out (or trying to be) before a July weekend? Still, we have some additional insights from this week's GBTA conference, a look at the sky-is-falling claims around hotel room cancellations, an update on a startup that kicks money back to employees, and more.

We also examine a report about what sets apart smart digital companies from their rivals as well as an update from our friends at Bloomberg about the battle over loyalty between Chase and Amex. But most important — after you read this newsletter — is for you to enjoy your time off this weekend if you are fortunate enough to be able to take a break.

— Jason Clampet, Editor-in-Chief

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A new white paper critiques today's industry mania for mergers, which is driven by a fear of rising digital gatekeepers such as Airbnb, Google, and Expedia. The contrarian take is refreshing but begs questions.

Marriott and Hilton's New Cancellation Policies Won't Impact Corporate Travel as Much as You Think

Forty-eight hours isn't too bad, but things might be tougher for everyone, corporate and leisure travelers alike, if the policy stretches to 72 hours down the line.

Business Travel Spending Is Expected to Gain Steam Globally by 2018

While growth prospects for business travel spending look strong for next year into 2020, there is still enough uncertainty that experts are adding lots of caveats to their forecast.

AmEx Is in Hand-to-Hand Combat With JPMorgan Over Rewards Cards

The success of JPMorgan Chase's Sapphire Reserve Card has forced American Express to compete and spend the most in at least nine years on its card rewards. It's time to check if you have the most generous card.

Cash-Back Biz Travel App Raises $7 Million: Travel Startup Funding This Week

Dosh says it has 55 people working on letting travelers earn cash back on the money they spend on business trips, while Hoperator has debuted to bring AI tools to hotel chat. Each has promise.

Air France-KLM Thinks the World Needs an Airline for Millennials

It's official: We've hit peak millennial.

The Future of Business Travel — Skift Corporate Travel Innovation Report

New tools streamlining booking and expenses are here from big travel management companies, but they still lag behind consumer products in many ways. Regardless, enhanced connectivity and responsiveness are positive steps forward.

In tests involving about 7,000 property listings in Europe, Google is checking if travelers would like to use it to search and book vacation rentals. Online travel rivals should be on the alert.

International Tourism to the United States Dropped in 2016

Many travel brands had said last year was tough as full-year international visits to the U.S. decreased in 2016 for the first time since 2009. We'll need to wait until this time next year to see if this is a hiccup or a new trend.

Priceline CEO: Hotels Secretly Love Us Despite Accusations of Monopoly

Priceline CEO Glenn Fogel says he wants travelers to think of Booking.com's name first when they start thinking about reserving homes and apartments for rental. He says a marketing effort is in the works to achieve that.

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