25 Moments That Mattered + Landlords Get Airbnb-Friendly + Choice Buys WoodSpring Suites

The Travel Industry's Daily Agenda-Setting Newsletter

December 19, 2017 View in browser

Note From the Editor It was a tumultuous year in many ways, as you'll recall anew in our 25 Travel Moments That Mattered in 2017, which we publish today. From travel bans to laptop removals, as well as hurricanes and a U.S. policy reversal on Cuba, these 25 stories — for better or worse — left their imprint on 2017 and, in many cases, way beyond. One development that we're likely to hear more about in 2018 is the decision by two big landlords to invest in Airbnb-friendly apartments. Landlords have traditionally provided lots of opposition to Airbnb, but as hospitality editor Deanna Ting points out, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." — Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor American Airlines' Casper Partnership Elevates Its Branded Amenity Offerings Sponsored by American Airlines American Airlines' partnership with Casper is a clear example of how legacy travel brands are going further with their amenities and the curated experiences they're offering. Read More Top Stories 25 Travel Moments That Mattered in 2017 In 2017, politics dominated the headlines, which were built out of travel bans in the United States and the UK confiding to the European Union that the divorce would indeed proceed. Kick back for the upcoming holidays. We'll all need plenty of energy for 2018. Airbnb Is Getting a $200 Million Boost to Build Its Hotel-Like Apartment Business Airbnb is getting into the very business it has spent the past decade disrupting. Will Niido Powered by Airbnb usher in an era of co-living residences that encourage homesharing? Choice Hotels to Buy WoodSpring Suites in Extended Stay Market Play It wouldn't be a proper end of the year in hospitality without at least one more merger or acquisition, right? Choice Hotels' purchase of WoodSpring Suites makes some sense as it bolsters its position in the midscale and economy extended-stay space. HomeAway to Hike Rates for Rental Owners Despite Talk of Blowback HomeAway's fee hike spotlights the shifting economics of the vacation rental business. Property owners are weighing how much of a cut technology companies deserve when making it easier for them to put heads in beds. Lufthansa Joins EU Carriers in Adopting Spend-Based Loyalty Program — Business of Loyalty With the change by Lufthansa Group, travelers in Europe will have to adjust to the new normal in loyalty programs. Skift Table Don't miss out on our twice-weekly newsletter devoted to the business of dining out. Grocery Chains Add Dine-In Restaurants to the Mix There are more convenient ways to get your groceries than visiting a supermarket, so grocery chains are turning to restaurants to draw customers into stores. McDonald's First Eco-Friendly Restaurant Is Open in Maryland One location of the fast food restaurant has gone green enough for certification from the Green Restaurant Association. Incentives to franchisees could equal more to come in the future. Wendy's Reddit AMA Can't Match Its Top-Notch Twitter Game Wendy's Reddit AMA keeps the formula for the brand's secret sauce to itself, and still provides no answer to the future of Spicy Chicken Nuggets. Popular Now Marriott and AccorHotels Mega Merger Activity Created Luxury Powerhouses Perhaps being bigger isn't always better, at least when it comes to luxury hotels. When you're bigger, the challenges can be, too. WeChat Debuts Tools to Make It Easier for Tourism Boards to Create Microsites Many tourism boards now have entire teams dedicated to China and WeChat. It's a very complex task for foreigners to get the content right, but it appears as though WeChat parent Tencent is trying to make the platform more accessible for tourism boards. Brands Must Rethink Engagement With the New Digitally Connected Traveler Widespread digital connectivity has created a generation of travelers who are more impatient, demanding, and savvy than ever before. Travel brands must adapt to meet those needs. For Gmail users: If you are using the tabbed inbox, Skift emails may be pushed to the 'Promotions' tab. To get updates from Skift direct to your primary inbox, drag and drop this email to that tab. You received this email because you are subscribed to Skift Daily Newsletter from Skift.

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