Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: The Shrinking Luxury Hotel Room + Canada Trumps U.S. in Chinese Tourist Race + Overtourism and Parks

September 12, 2017

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Note From the Editor

Looking back at yesterday's commemoration of September 11, 2001 in the United States, we can only think about how the travel industry stands for everything those vicious attacks opposed. Getting on a plane for a vacation and exploring a foreign country can be a small political statement in that it represents a step toward bringing people together, breaking down cultural or religious barriers, and therefore making the world a better place.

One of our stories today about Canada attracting a surge of Chinese tourists while the U.S. numbers for Chinese tourists are down, speaks to the tale of two countries going in opposite directions. Canada is visa-friendly and welcoming, while the United States government of late is visa-stingy and eager to give a cold shoulder to foreigners and people of color, whether they are refugees or travelers. On September 11, or any day, the dichotomy speaks volumes. Enough said.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

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The future of hotel design might be on a smaller scale, but Yabu Pushelberg knows the design aspirations and expectations will be even greater than they have been before.

Chinese Tourism Surges to Canada While U.S. Visits Decline

While demand for flights from China to the U.S. is down, it is rising to Canada, which is enjoying new peaks in Chinese arrivals. No Trump Slump in Canada, which is visa-friendly, welcoming and appealing to free-spirited millennials.

U.S. National Park Service Still Figuring Out the Travel Industry and Overtourism

Somewhat shockingly, the U.S. National Park Service is just now getting familiarized with the travel industry even though it oversees some of the oldest and most popular attractions in the country. More parks are beginning to work with local tourism officials, and their budding symbiotic relationships are critical to the park service's future.

Chefs+Tech: Chili's Is the Latest Chain to Dramatically Cut Its Menu

Well-known chain restaurants like Chili's have become known for giant menus. Everyone will be happier with streamlined offerings, including those concerned about the companies' bottom lines.

Business of Loyalty: Alaska and Singapore Forge Codeshare and Loyalty Partnership

Alaska's decision to partner with Singapore Airlines, a Star Alliance member, may seem strange, but there are serious benefits for international travelers.

Florida Theme Parks and Delta Ready Resumption of Operations Post-Irma

Disney, Universal Orlando and Delta are all exhibiting their resourcefulness and they resume operations post-haste.

Trump Files Supreme Court Appeal on Loosening of Refugee Ban

Let's make America immigrant-free even if she or he got fully vetted, and a resettlement agency in the U.S. is willing to handle the transition. That's the said, yet relentless message from the Trump administration. But the Justice Department is not trying to get cousins and grandparents of citizens banned. Small victory.

As one carrier, United, backs off on basic economy, another, American Airlines, doubles down. Will this clear the field for American? Perhaps.

HotelTonight Outlook — Travel's Best and Brightest Have a Say on Its Prospects

Most of the travel brainiacs we consulted feel that HotelTonight has an uphill battle ahead, but as they say in baseball, that's why they play the games. In other words, maybe they're wrong, and HotelTonight will have the right stuff to persevere. The entire travel industry is watching.

Disney CEO Is Taking Business Disruption Seriously

Disney often sticks to its happiest-place-on-earth script, so it's refreshing to hear the CEO talk somewhat frankly about the forces disrupting all parts of his business — and how the company is responding.

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