Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: Amazon's Travel Temptation + Airlines Drop Money-Losing Routes + Florida's Bleisure Play

May 30, 2018

Editor's Note

Needless to say since Skift Research released its subscription report on Amazon last week, we've seen quite a response. Speculation about Amazon entering any new industry has a way of doing that, especially one as vulnerable for disruption as travel.

Today, we offer even more than we did last week, with an excerpt from Senior Research Analyst Seth Borko's insightful work examining what travel companies need to know if Amazon does make its move. He draws parallels to Amazon's entry into the grocery industry with what may be ahead for travel. News of our report has been shared over and over again on social media, and so far more than 500 subscribers have read the report since last week. When will you?

— Tom Lowry, Managing Editor

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It's dangerous to give Amazon breathing room in any industry; better to think through its implications for travel today. Amazon is not simply a threat, it offers lessons and opportunities for travel executives as well.

U.S. Airlines Lose Tolerance for Money-Losing Flights as Fuel Prices Rise

Nothing refocuses airline executives like rising fuel prices. If they continue to creep up, expect airlines to cancel more marginal routes.

Florida Addresses Its Business Travel Slump by Adding Leisure to the Mix

Florida probably has a better chance than most states to convince business travelers to turn into tourists for a couple days, but it will also take more employers to give the thumbs up to this trend.

Six Flags Adds New Kid-Sized Theme Park to China Growth Plans

The CEO of Six Flags Entertainment said last month that the company wasn't stopping with 10 parks in China. He wasn't kidding.

China Aims to Attract More Luxury Travelers to Hainan

Chinese luxury travelers are making a mark on resort destinations around the world. But China itself is not largely considered a luxury resort destination for inbound travelers. The Chinese government is looking to change that equation.

The Lure of the Luxury Road Trip

From Thelma and Louise to the music of Bruce Springsteen, traveling by road across the United States is ingrained in popular culture. And now there are plenty of travel companies out there catering to luxury tourists who want to enjoy this experience.

Don't be jealous of the residents of these U.S. zip codes who book the most hotels and flights. Travel is the rare thing you buy that makes you richer no matter where you're from.

These U.S. Airline CEOs Made the Most Money Last Year

Does the average traveler care whether a U.S. airline CEO made $7 million or $13 million last year? It's highly doubtful. Passengers want to fly a well-run, on-time airline with friendly customer service. How much money the CEO makes is probably immaterial to most customers.

Meet The Stealth Inspectors Who Ensure Luxe Stays in Luxury Hotels

We don't see it, but there is a complicated ecosystem to secretly assess and uphold standards at the world's best hotels. And some of the details reveal a lot about how important the human factor and emotional intelligence are to the future of luxury hospitality.

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