Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: TripAdvisor Shakeup + Travel VC Insights + JFK Airport Fiasco, Explained

January 10, 2018

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Note From the Editor

Our newsletter today is full of lessons for travel companies old and new. First, for the newcomers, the Skift Research team delivers an in-depth report that every startup (and venture capitalist) should devour. Venture Investment Trends and Startup Opportunities in Travel 2018 explores subjects including the challenges facing founders, evolution of business models, and technologies with breakthrough potential.

Executive Editor Dennis Schaal explains how TripAdvisor, beset by struggles with instant booking and sluggish advertising, is shaking up its business units. And airline business reporter Brian Sumers explores the way airlines are trying to better react to the new problem of social media rants. It all goes to show that even established companies need to stay on their toes.

— Hannah Sampson, News Editor

Venture capitalists invested a record amount in travel startups in 2017. The industry is no stranger to disruption, but we may be seeing some of the greatest changes of the last two decades. Our latest Research Report is a deep dive into these emerging trends with insights for founders, incumbents, and investors.

Exclusive: TripAdvisor Reorganizes Business Units in Attempt to Revive Its Prospects

It is widely acknowledged that TripAdvisor needed to reinvigorate its business and product lines after a difficult transition to hotel metasearch and instant booking. The company believes the new internal structure will give its units that enhanced focus.

JFK Airport's Terminal Setup Contributed to the Storm-Recovery Fiasco

Most of the world's airports have lots of "common-use gates" that can be used by any carrier. Not JFK. It operates under a different model, and that has been a big problem over the past week.

Airlines Turn to Private Messaging to Avoid Social Media Blowups

Airlines and their passengers are embracing private messaging to resolve issues. That's good for customers, who don't need to wait on hold for an agent. And it's helpful for airlines too, because agents can respond to more than one message at a time.

Luxury Hoteliers Believe Customization Is Key to Winning Over Millennials

Customization, wellness, and technology are must-haves for any luxury hotel brand that wants to remain relevant — regardless of the age of their customers.

First U.S. National Civil Rights Trail Seeks International Tourism Appeal

America's first national civil rights trail has broad appeal. More international visitors are planning trips around these black history museums and landmarks, many new and revamped, and this trail could lengthen and multiply those trips.

Ctrip Adds OpenTable Listings to China's Largest Travel Guide

It's nice that leading Chinese review guide Ctrip Gourmet List has tied up with OpenTable to introduce Chinese travelers to some of America's best food. But when will OpenTable bulk up its China listings?

Balancing Humanity and Tech — New Luxury

The smartest people in luxury travel are realizing that they can't just keep doing things the old way. Keeping a high-touch, personal approach while adapting to the needs and wishes of today's travelers will be key to survival.

The Actual Number of Chinese Visitors to Europe May Be Surprisingly Low

This story tries to get to the bottom of a mystery: How many Chinese tourists visit Europe each year? The real answer is elusive.

While the larger world is asking questions and turning on Silicon Valley, and the tools and culture it spawned, it is time for everyone — including us in travel — to pause to account for the society we are creating. The tech and social media backlash happening right now is a test for us in travel, as well.

The Airport of the Future May Evolve From Transport Hub to Attraction

Airport architects are busy rethinking the terminal experience, and that's a good thing. But don't expect any major changes, at least not soon. Instead, travelers will get incremental improvements.

CES 2018 Report: A New Data Era Will Reshape the Travel Industry

Consumer behavior will shift in drastic ways in coming years, powered by a new generation of devices with ridiculously fast data connections and the mainstreaming of gadgets that have been niche products until now.

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