Traveling Blog: Online Travel CEO Collaboration + Extended Stay Model Change + Hyatt Tightens Policies

December 26, 2017

View in browser

Note From the Editor

The best stories take you behind the scenes. Today we learn what was really going on with the seemingly existential moves and counter-moves in a 2009 spat between Expedia and Orbitz Worldwide over consumer booking fees, and how they played a minor role eight years later in the appointment of Barney Harford as Uber's new COO.

Hyatt, meanwhile, jumped on the bandwagon and tightened its cancellation policies. As with Expedia and Orbitz nearly a decade ago, Hyatt's competitors likely are paying close attention because Hyatt imposed the cancellation policy change with a twist — loyalty program members get some immunity. The plot thickens.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

Announcing the 2018 Digital Transformation Report

There were a ton of people who wanted the COO position at Uber, and it went to Expedia alum and former Orbtiz Worldwide CEO Barney Harford. The pressure will be on both Khosrowshahi and Harford to turn around the ridesharing company. As if there weren't abundant pressure already.

Extended Stay America's New CEO Looks to Business Model Changes to Drive Growth

Given the rise of homesharing and shared workspaces, there are plenty of more external forces at work that will impact the extended stay market in the coming years. The key to success for Extended Stay America's new CEO will be taking these all into account.

Expedia CEO Doesn't Worry About Airbnb Because There's Always Room for Two

Expedia CEO Mark Okerstrom believes there's room for both its HomeAway unit, as well as Airbnb, in the growing alternative accommodations market. It sounds as though he expects big things from vacation rental booking site HomeAway in 2018.

Hyatt Tightens Cancellation Policies While Giving Loyalty Members Flexibility

Hyatt is the latest hotel company to jump onto the new cancellation policy bandwagon, but with a twist: If you're a loyalty program member, chances are higher you'll have more wiggle room.

The Travel Industry Strains to Gain Momentum in Reaching Diversity Goals

Diversifying a travel company's C-suite is proving to be a protracted battle. It's one thing to follow anti-discrimination laws and react to sexual harassment claims, and another to practice real inclusion.

As MSC Cruises embarks on a rapid global expansion, it makes sense for the privately owned operator to focus on the popular Caribbean cruise market. The key will be figuring out the best way to make its products stand out in a field crowded with names that are far more familiar to North American consumers.

Virgin Atlantic Builds an Igloo on a Deck at Heathrow — Airline Innovation Report

Most high-value customers choose airlines based on two factors — price and schedule. But on the margins, airlines like to use marketing strategies to attract customers. Maybe Virgin Atlantic's outdoor igloo at London Heathrow will help it win some new fans.

Marriott and AccorHotels Mega Merger Activity Created Luxury Powerhouses

Perhaps being bigger isn't always better, at least when it comes to luxury hotels. When you're bigger, the challenges can be, too.

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.