Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: Hotels' Cold Peace With OTAs + Australia Cruise Boom + IHG's Midscale Opportunities

February 6, 2018

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Note From the Editor

The hotel industry and Airbnb are often adversarial — just look at any of the messaging from the American Hotel and Lodging Association on the subject. But several hotel company CEOs tell Hospitality Editor Deanna Ting they're thinking about the homesharing platform as an opportunity to advertise their own rooms. It's not the only change these executives are trying to figure out. As Google continues to wring more money out of its hotel advertising business and online travel agencies drive bookings (at a high cost), hotel CEOs can't just rely on efforts to drive direct bookings. "Unfortunately, for the hotels it's a sad situation," said Best Western CEO David Kong. "You spend money on advertising or you have your traffic hijacked. Which one is going to cost you more money in the long run?"

— Hannah Sampson, News Editor

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As we've noted before, as much as hotels and online travel agencies may not necessarily love one another, they certainly need each other. Their current love-hate relationship will certainly change, however, if and when other players like Airbnb or Google become bigger players in the hotel booking space.

Travel Megatrends 2018: Back-End Travel Tech Gets a Design Renaissance

The travel industry urgently needs operational software that normal people find intuitive, flexible, and powerful. Otherwise it will lose efficient early-career workers to other sectors that have superior tools.

IHG CEO Believes There's More Opportunity in the Midscale Hotel Sector

IHG CEO Keith Barr said business travel is continuing to grow — and evolve. How will the global company address those realities in 2018?

Australians Are Cruising Like Locals — Close to Home

Australians have taken to cruising like ducks to water. With around 85 percent of bookings going through travel agents, this sector is providing a shot in the arm for travel retailers hit by falling margins in their bread-and-butter flights and hotel business.

What to Expect From Air Canada's New Loyalty Program

There's much to look forward to with Air Canada's new loyalty program coming this year — as long as it doesn't copy too much from American carriers.

A genius marketing move or a waste of money that's more flashy than effective? That's the debate that many destination marketers are likely having as they wonder if Tourism Australia's ad will be a huge win or a major interception.

Wyndham Finally Joins Competitors With Discounted Loyalty Rates

When it comes to Wyndham finally offering loyalty program members discounted rates, it's always better late than never, right?

Coach Passengers Can Get Premium Amenities — For a Price

Even if they buy first class pajamas, an upgraded meal, and an amenity kit, coach passengers still won't feel like they're in a premium cabin. But at least some airlines are giving travelers the chance to buy up to a better experience. It's cheaper than an upgrade.

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