Golf-Hotel-Resorts AND CASINO News: Hanoi's New Tourism Generation + 25 Travel Inspirations + Hilton's Mobile Concierge

33 SEats Left At Skift Global Forum Register Now

September 11, 2018

Editor's Note

Conferences and events have proven incredibly resilient since the Great Recession and companies remain bullish about their effectiveness in driving business, as you will read in Business Travel Editor Andrew Sheivachman's piece below. New survey data from the Harvard Business Review show, perhaps surprisingly, the old formulas are working best, like the one-day seminar, over more gimmicky "pop-up" approaches. Even if you are a digital brand, you apparently see value in the analog way of doing things, like meeting face-to-face. Of course, it's not all a panacea for businesses. Figuring returns on investment for these increasingly costly events is still fuzzy at best.

And just in case you felt Skift had gone dour on the travel industry after our founder and CEO Rafat Ali shared his "21 Uncomfortable Truths That I Have Learned About the Travel Industry," he returns today with "25 Things That Inspire Me About the Travel Industry." Taken together, both stories are a useful reminder of the work to be done.

— Tom Lowry, Managing Editor

WeChat Mini-Programs: What Hotels Need to Know to Drive Chinese Bookings

I wrote out all the things that inspire me and the team at Skift about the daily and larger promise of travel and the global industry that drives it.

A New Generation Must Bridge Hanoi's Past to Its Tourism Future

Hanoi's economy is improving considerably and tourism is growing. But for Vietnam's capital city to best position itself to develop as a responsible tourism destination, a change in mindset must occur. And that change needs to come from the young Vietnamese of today.

Events Remain High Priority for Companies Even as Costs Rise

Executives know that events work for promoting their brands and driving business. A big opportunity exists, though, for organizations to get smarter about how they spend on events and making the most of the data they produce.

New Hilton-Foursquare Mobile Concierge Is Promising But Missed Opportunity

The idea's there, but why not take it a step further and personalize it that much more?

Airlines Extend Loyalty Incentives to Chinese Travelers as Asian Market Grows

International brands are clamoring to build loyalty with Chinese travelers. Just recently, American and Singapore airlines launched partnerships with Fliggy, a Chinese booking engine, to share loyalty perks across platforms.

Video: United Airlines' Quick-Hit Approach to Innovation

The chief digital officer of United Airlines drills down on the carrier's tech plans, social media strategy, and customer service goals in this conversation from Skift Tech Forum.

Who Will Be on Stage at Skift Global Forum?

Google's VP of Product Management Richard Holden manages the team defining Google's hotel, flight, and destination search offerings. Hear from Holden in two weeks as he discusses Google's future at Skift Global Forum.

Overtourism is a struggle facing many destinations. Companies like Evaneos, which connects travelers with off-the-beaten-track tours and activities, may go some way to addressing the issue.

Hotelbeds Consolidates Travel Agency Business Under One Brand

After two blockbuster deals, change was to be expected. If travel agents end up getting more choice and better technology, they won't have much to get upset about.

Emirates May Resume U.S. Growth as Business Recovers From Trump Policies

Folks in Pittsburgh would probably love a nonstop flight to Dubai. But will they get it? It seems unlikely, even if Emirates CEO Tim Clark said the airline would consider flights from smaller U.S. cities.

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.