Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: What the CEOs of Expedia, Delta and Marriott Told Us Yesterday + Much More

September 28, 2017

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Note From the Editor

Have you ever gone into a job interview and someone coached you to say that the best approach is to say you really weren't actively seeking a job, but were interested when you heard about this opportunity? Mark Okerstrom, a mergers and acquisitions guy who became Expedia CEO less than four weeks ago, similarly played it coy at the Skift Global Forum in New York City Wednesday, saying he doesn't really need to make any acquisitions for the moment, but he's avidly looking at everything that's available.

Our discussions with Marriott and Delta Air Lines' CEOs were equally illuminating, culminating in insights about the brands and the industry as a whole. Once we rest up from the past few days we'll put it into perspective for you. In the meantime, enjoy.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

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.

Delta to Introduce Free Texting Service on Most of Its Flights

Delta's move will delight plenty of its passengers and the promise of better Wi-Fi to come is even better news. But please set your phones on silent, while you're texting.

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?

Airbnb Still Hopeful About China Despite Earlier Missteps

On Airbnb being successful in China, we'll believe it when we see it. More power to Airbnb if it can actually pull it off.

EasyJet Is Working to Develop an Electric Commercial Jet Within a Decade

A fully-electric commercial jet is pretty-much the holy grail of the aviation industry. Although developing one within a decade seems like a stretch.

A CEO such as the Priceline Group's Fogel has to pick which new technology to panic about next. He's keeping tabs on blockchain, but it's not on his investment to-do list yet.

Hilton CEO Outlines Plans For 'Hostel on Steroids'

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

Royal Caribbean CEO Thinks Hurricane Recovery Will Happen More Quickly Than Expected

Tourism will be crucial for the recovery of island nations devastated by recent hurricanes. The travel industry, across all sectors, needs to do its part to help in the recovery effort.

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