Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: Weekend Review: Expedia’s Heavy Hand + Global Airline Shakeup

July 29, 2017

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This note's purpose is usually to remind you about the week we just had and what we all learned, but we are finding it hard to not be excited about next week. Why? Two reasons:

The first is that it's our fifth birthday on Sunday, and we're celebrating by launching lots of great stories as well as a new product (hint: there's a clue hidden in the name of Uruguay's capital). We'll do a bit of introspection, too, so get ready. The other reason we're optimistic? A few of us here are headed out for a vacation. So while our excellent team beavers away at work in the office some of us (OK, me) are going to go live the brand in the way we could never have five years ago.

Here's to growth, and here's to the summer.

— Jason Clampet, Editor-in-Chief

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Expedia's Heavy Hand Is Working for HomeAway

Expedia doesn't really care about the noise coming from some disgruntled vacation rental owners. The company is focused on scaling HomeAway's vacation rental business, and having online bookable properties is the formula for the future.

American Airlines Launches Enhanced Baggage Tracking as Competition Heats Up

With new technology launched by American Airlines this week, tracking checked luggage will be ever-so easier.

Facebook Video and Ads Are Driving Its Business More Than Messaging

Messaging was once the darling of the travel industry and for some brands it still is. But video continues to be what many brands are focusing on and monetizing that trend is a priority for Facebook.

Hilton CEO Talks HNA, Cancellations, OTAs, and Airbnb

As it adapts to its new asset-light strategy, Hilton seems determined to leverage the strength of its ties to HNA, prevent unwanted hotel cancellations, and welcome more competition from an unlikely ally: Airbnb.

Air France-KLM Buying Stake in Virgin Atlantic in Major Airline Shake-up

Despite relinquishing his control, Richard Branson has been able to save face by negotiating the continuation of the Virgin Atlantic brand. At the same time a strengthened transatlantic joint venture means he'll have a better chance at competing with British Airways and its partners.

Digital

Trivago Joins Rivals in Offering Hotels a Rate-Shopping Tool

Trivago is bold to take on the giants Booking.com and Expedia Inc. by debuting hotel data services, too. But its rate-shopping tool is better designed and possibly more powerful than what its rivals offer. Game on.

FabHotels Secures $25 Million in a Goldman Sachs-Led Round: Travel Startup Funding This Week

FabHotel's franchise model joins peers OYO and Treebo in a promising effort to tame the famously fractured budget segment in India by applying consistent standards of service and marketing.

Amadeus Notches Steady Growth on Southwest and IHG Deals

Amadeus continued to have strong financial performance in the first half of the year. Trends point to it continuing to be a juggernaut of travel distribution in the near-future.

Guest Experience

AccorHotels Combines Its Rental Brands Under Onefinestay Name

It's clear that AccorHotels needed to do something to turn Onefinestay around and by combining it with its other rental businesses it will at least be able to improve its reach. But at the same time one of the draws was the "handpicked" nature of the properties, which will surely be lost by increased scale.

Wyndham Hotels Debuts Online Auctions for Loyalty Program Redemption

Travel brands haven't innovated much when it comes to reward redemption. So kudos to Wyndham for gambling on something new. But their new auctions aren't without risk to the company.

InterContinental Hotels Group Institutes a 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

Twenty-four hours is more lenient than 48 hours. We'd be surprised if IHG doesn't eventually make the move to 48-hours' notice like its peers Hilton and Marriott very soon.

Passenger Experience

Southwest CEO Doesn't Expect Business to Be This Good Forever

Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly doesn't always make the decisions that Wall Street wants to see, so don't expect him to deviate from his cautious stance.

Alaska Airlines Plans to Launch in 30 More Markets by 2018

Alaska has been so well run that we expect its early transition hiccups to be ironed out before they cause United/Continental-level disasters.

American Airlines Succeeding in Upselling from Basic Economy to Main Cabin

Investing in a range of new products to entice new and existing customers looks like it is paying off for American Airlines. Its upbeat outlook bodes well for the rest of the year.

Tourism

Thomas Cook To Let Guests Choose Their Own Rooms as Operator Accelerates Hotel Improvements

Under CEO Peter Fankhauser, Thomas Cook has quietly managed to turn itself around. The situation this year has undoubtedly been aided by an improving geopolitical climate but a more focussed, higher-quality product offering has also helped.

New Six Flags CEO Is Blaming a Disappointing Quarter on the Rain

Analysts sounded concerned that a stretch of bad weather could put Six Flags Entertainment's financial targets for 2017 at risk. The company better hope for clear skies moving forward — or find ways to reach the goals despite rainy days.

Venice Tackles Overtourism by Telling Visitors to Follow the Golden Rule

Travelers never like to be told what they cannot do, but perhaps Venice can strike the right tone.

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