Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: Lufthansa Buys Into Blockchain + Caribbean Haves and Have Nots + Crunchy Luxury

October 11, 2017

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Note From the Editor

Where are tourists coming from? The answer to that question has changed significantly over the last decade, as the latest Skift Research report shows. That report, Key Emerging Outbound Travel Markets 2017, explores the shifting patterns that are redefining the global tourism landscape as more travelers strike out from countries including China, South Korea, India, Russia, and Brazil.

For some Caribbean islands that escaped the worst of recent hurricanes, more tourists than expected are coming from cruise ships. This is good news for destinations that have been hoping to grow their cruise business and extra work for others who need to bulk up their workforce and prepare locals. As the Caribbean continues to recover from a brutal season, we expect to see more changes in the flow of tourists, but destinations are hopeful that visitors will not abandon the region altogether.

— Hannah Sampson, News Editor

It is easy to see why Lufthansa, which sells flights and ancillary services, would be interested in blockchain. Airlines, hotels and tour operators might be able to use blockchain to dramatically reduce their distribution costs. At this stage, it is hard to tell how close this is to being a reality, and how fearful online travel agents and others should be.

New Skift Research Report: Key Emerging Outbound Travel Markets 2017

As developed markets reach their saturation point in international travel expenditure, emerging markets are heading towards the pole position.

Social Media Scares Us About Airlines in an Age of Permanxiety

Social media brings the world closer and informs us, but it also amplifies the insignificant to the point of crisis when patience would solve the problem better.

Hurricane-Spared Caribbean Islands Are Preparing to Welcome More Cruise Ships

The cruise industry in the Caribbean quickly pivoted as it headed into its busiest season. While cruise lines might be able to scrape by relatively unharmed — it's easy to change ports when something goes wrong — the negative impact on destinations missing out on cruise sailings will be felt for years.

The New Luxury Vacation Is Crunchier and Quieter

As guests seek personalization, authenticity, and experiences outside their daily grinds, these well-designed outdoor lodges hit a sweet spot by maintaining a low profile that appeals to their customers' underlying desire to disconnect.

Aman Hotels Will Enter the New York City Market in Targeted Urban Push

The Aman model of creating sanctuaries in remote settings has proven quite successful since the company's founding in 1988. But now, Aman is looking to translate its ethos into urban spaces.

Travel Is Still Absent From Interbrand's List of Best Global Brands

If a new report is any indication, travel companies have a long way to go to enhance their brand value among consumers.

Musement Buys Triposo in a Still-Crowded Tours and Activities Sector

Musement's only likely way to return a decent multiple to its investors would be to get acquired by a big online travel player. But it would have to vastly increase its brand awareness and business-to-business foothold to make something like that happen.

The Changing Habits of the Chinese Luxury Consumer

As the Chinese luxury market evolves, it is getting far more complicated. It's no longer enough to slap a luxury label on a product to get the Chinese consumer to bite. Bain takes a look at what the market's maturation means for luxury purveyors worldwide.

The online travel agencies — as the Apex Predators and beneficiaries at the top of the current distribution scheme — aren't likely to rush in to invest in a technology that democratizes access to travel content.

First Class Is Shrinking but Here's Why It Remains Important

First class is becoming more rarified as carriers emphasize dense business class configurations. But the most exclusive product does still play a role for well-heeled customers and the marketing departments of top carriers.

Airline Data Powerhouse Needs to Evolve as Fast as Airfares Have

The fare-filing clearinghouse ATPCO needs to adapt to airline distribution's rapid changes. Much depends on whether its new CEO can boost the organization's metabolism.

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