Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: TripAdvisor CEO Takes On Critic + Must-See TV + Millennials Find Luxury and Adventure

September 29, 2017

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Note From the Editor

Despite the rise of digital streaming platforms such as Amazon Fire, Apple TV and Roku, traditional TV isn't dead as an advertising and branding medium — far from it. TripAdvisor CEO Stephen Kaufer, speaking at Skift Global Forum in New York City Wednesday, acknowledged that the company's recent TV campaign will likely be tweaked next year after the company assesses its impact. TripAdvisor committed to spending $70 million on TV in 2017, and its rival Trivago was spending far more.

Meanwhile, marketing gurus from La Quinta, Tourism Australia and Carnival Cruise Line, likewise on stage at Skift Global Forum, explained how TV and video play a central role in their marketing plans. Many Millennials are cord cutters, but travel marketers will hunt them down — whether it's on TV, Roku or Instagram.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

How Mergers and Acquisitions Are Accelerating Innovation in Travel [SPONSORED]

Analysts continue to critique TripAdvisor's near-term tactics. But CEO Steve Kaufer said Wednesday that no other company is as well-positioned to create value on mobile in the long run as his own.

Travel Marketing Experts Weigh Keeping Brands on TV in a Digital Marketing World

Some travel brands are still hooked on TV and see the value in creating ads for that medium, and then repurposing TV content for other platforms. In those varied other platforms, they can try and reach diverse audiences wherever they watch their content.

Aman Hotels Can Deliver the Experiences and Adventure Millennials Crave

Why wouldn't Millennials like Aman Hotels? It's among the most luxurious operators in the world. But here's a better question: When they're paying with their own money, will they still be as happy with the brand?

The Hotelier Behind the LINE and NoMad Hotels Is Suing His Billionaire Business Partner

Is there ever a hotel business story involving Rob Burkle that doesn't include some drama?

JetBlue Airplane Redesign Features More Perks But Less Legroom

People who like what JetBlue offers will still be eager to fly on the airline's redesigned aircraft. But adding more seats will make the passenger experience a little more cramped.

A Multi-Billion Dollar Investment in Uber Is Contingent on Keeping Ex-CEO Away

Benchmark would not go this far just to be petty. It's a striking indication of how much it feels like ex-CEO Kalanick created a toxic culture at the company.

Ryanair Pilot Drama Will Lead to 2 Million Fewer Passengers in 2017

Ryanair's overall relationship with customers was beginning to get more friendly after decades of stinginess. But it's clear the airline has a serious hole in its customer service operation that goes beyond its current flight-cancellations dilemma.

Hilton's plan for an urban micro-brand is certainly intriguing, but we'll have to wait until next year for more details.

Marriott CEO Addresses Anti-Muslim Hate Group Meeting Controversy

Sorenson makes a valid point: Hotels in the U.S., by law, can't discriminate who they will allow to stay with them. The hosting of meetings and events is more of a gray area, though. And a hotel could always decline to host a particular group for a variety of reasons. But the bigger question is: Should hotels and accommodations providers be able to say whose views are acceptable and whose are not?

Expedia CEO Doesn't Need Any Mergers But He's Monitoring All Possibilities

Expedia Inc. might be quiet on the acquisition front as its new leadership settles in. But history shows the online travel giant will look to be opportunistic as its competition with the Priceline Group evolves.

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