Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: Marriott-Starwood Hiccups + Singapore's Hollywood Spotlight + Travel Agent Challenges

August 21, 2018

Editor's Note

Rest assured, travel industry. Your ASTA will still be your ASTA, even though it is rebranding (the American Society of Travel Agents will shortly become the American Society of Travel Advisors). Of course, because they are frequently viewed as archaic, it's easy to poke some fun at an annual convention of travel agents, which is taking place this week in Washington, D.C. and being staffed by Skift with no less than our Executive Editor Dennis Schaal.

But we do believe travel agents (no kidding here) are still a critical part of the travel business model. Read Schaal's story today and you will find out why. Many of the issues agents will confront are at the forefront of change for the industry, from travel bans to the sharing economy. And, pssst, this year's gathering is in our nation's capital, so we might actually hear an opinion or two from travel agents about the guy down the street in the White House. Check back with Skift for our coverage this week.

— Tom Lowry, Managing Editor

Register Now For Skift Restaurants Forum

CEO Interview: The Need for Transparency in Travel Search Advertising

The planned integration of Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott Rewards did not go entirely smoothly this weekend. Some members were not shy about expressing their unhappiness.

Delta Will Fly Newest Jets With Fewer Middle Seats on Key Business Routes

Who says airlines don't prioritize passenger comfort? As long as carriers calculate passengers are willing to pay for a better experience, they will provide it.

'Crazy Rich Asians' Is Potential Bonanza for Singapore Tourism

Many destinations or small towns aren't prepared for waves of tourism after a box office hit makes travelers want to visit, but not Singapore. The island nation has been expanding its airport, hotels, stopover program, and luxury offerings for years as it waited for its turn in the spotlight with U.S. travelers.

7 Issues Confronting the American Society of Travel Agents

In its rebrand to the American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA wanted to keep the acronym as is. But is "Society" really a gateway to the future? The success or failure of the move may hinge on the effectiveness of the organization's new marketing campaign. We can't wait to give it a look.

We're Just 5 Weeks Away From Skift Global Forum

We're bringing 1,100+ attendees from over 40 countries to New York City on September 27–28. Have you secured your spot among the industry's brightest minds? Why wait? Register for Skift Global Forum today.

Six Flags Takes Travel Counterparts' Cue, Launches Rewards Program

Six Flags' new loyalty program is as much about collecting visitor data as it is about rewarding visitors for their habits.

JetBlue isn't the largest or strongest of the U.S. airlines. But it is betting its Silicon Valley venture firm will help catapult it past its stronger rivals. It's not a bad strategy.

Luxury General Managers on How Five-Star Expectations Have Changed

What better way to discover how luxury travel has evolved than to chat with veterans of the five-star hospitality space?

Generator Doesn't Want to Be Known as a Hostel Brand Anymore

Does it really matter whether you call a place to stay a hostel or a hotel anymore?

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