Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: Why First Class Matters + TripAdvisor Exec Shakeup + Booking App Trash Talk

October 9, 2017

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Note From the Editor

Nothing like a little tough talk from a rival to get the blood flowing on a Monday. Two of our stories today feature interviews with CEOs who aren't afraid to say what they think about other companies in their space. CEO and managing partner of Standard International Amar Lalvani, promoting his company's One Night same-day booking app, weighs in on HotelTonight. And Paul English, whose startup Lola has recently switched to focus on business travel, gives his thoughts on fellow biz travel newbie Upside (and its remarkable marketing efforts).

To add some tranquility to the mix, the first story from our magazine on Permanxiety examines the role that hotels play in easing tension. Not surprisingly, the answer is found in human behavior — empathy, generosity, warmth — rather than basic efforts to help guests unplug. There's no substitute for genuine hospitality.

— Hannah Sampson, News Editor

Travel Operations and Maintenance Are Getting Smarter With AI [SPONSORED]

It's a constant challenge for hoteliers to ease the concerns and anxieties of their guests. The process, however, starts with strong training and compassion for others.

TripAdvisor Product Guru Adam Medros Is Leaving the Company

TripAdvisor's struggles clearly have to do with strategy, execution and competitive pressures, and can't be neatly laid solely at Medros' doorstep. That would be very unfair.

Standard Hotels CEO Talks Up Same-Day Booking Apps But Thinks HotelTonight Has Lost Its Value

The kind of curation the One Night app provides its users really does set it apart from other booking channels. The bigger question, though, is how many people actually know about it?

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.

Facebook Has Quietly Named a New Head of Global Travel Strategy

With Google rumored to be ramping up its online travel efforts, it makes sense that Facebook is looking to develop more robust tools for travel companies to sell on its platform. The battle for mobile bookings is heating up.

Lola Pivot to Business Travel Is All About the App

Lola's push into business travel makes sense given the needs and booking frequency of experienced road warriors. But as Upside has experienced, attracting the right kind of users is a big challenge when travelers can just book trips themselves.

Red Lion Is Going Asset Light to Buy Up More Hotel Companies You Haven't Heard Of

Last year, Red Lion bought Vantage Hospitality. So, who's next?

We like United President Scott Kirby because he says what's on his mind. But something doesn't add up here. Is this the real reason United hasn't placed a new order for the A320 family of jets?

Amadeus Wins Air Canada Contract as It Digs In Deeper in North America

With this deal, the Madrid-based technology giant has scored another win in North America, after having finished moving Southwest Airlines to Amadeus' reservations platform earlier this year.

Google's New Earbuds With Real-Time Translation Have Huge Implications for Travel

The first iteration of this technology could be glitchy, but the ability to translate your speech into 40 languages could turn out to be something of a true killer app for the travel industry.

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