Traveling Blog: Marriott Remakes Aloft and Element + Mergers With a Twist + Hilton's Direct-Booking Commitment

January 22, 2018

View in browser

Note From the Editor

As Travel Tech Editor Sean O'Neill points out in one of our Travel Megatrends today, it isn't unusual these days for mergers and acquisitions to veer from pure market share pursuits toward the goal of injecting some innovation into the acquiring company.

There was an element of that — pun intended — when Marriott bought Starwood in 2016. Sure, Marriott wanted to clobber competitors with 30 brands, but it also sought to take advantage of some of Starwood's design acumen and creativity. As Hospitality Editor Deanna Ting examines today, Marriott is now remaking the former Starwood Aloft and Element brands. Let's see if this marriage is really blessed.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

Did You Miss Our Megatrends Magazine Launch?

Last week, we unveiled our forecast for the Megatrends that will define the global travel industry in 2018. Download our digital magazine now and gain insight on the year ahead.

Download Now

The smartest travel companies are beginning to buy startups that may not be central to their main businesses or help them consolidate market share, but could boost the innovation metabolism of their motherships.

Marriott's Revamp of Aloft and Element Points to the Future of Select Service Hotels

Everyone suspected the efficiency and consistency of the Marriott "machine" would be a perfect match up for Starwood's creative and innovative lifestyle brands. While it appears to be working for Aloft and Element, the true measure of success will be what Marriott can do with a brand like Sheraton.

Travel Search Engine Wego Labored in Asia But Found Its Footing in the Gulf States

Wego got its start in 2005. But it only found a path to scaling up recently when it shifted its focus from Asia to the Gulf States.

Hilton CEO Expects to Push Direct Booking Forever

Hilton has been working for years to keep customers booking on its website instead of with online travel agencies. Don't expect that to stop anytime soon — or ever.

Southwest, Delta and Singapore Air Are Among Most-Admired Companies

Few travelers would say they admire airlines. But among business executives and analysts, the sentiment is different. They see a few airlines as being well-run businesses worthy of admiration.

HNA Group Enlists Bankers to Consider Sale of Its NH Hotels Stake

HNA Group's decision to at least consider selling its stake in NH Hotels shouldn't come as a surprise. It will be interesting to see whether one of the big hotel companies emerges as a potential buyer.

Restaurant Megatrends 2018: Fine Casual Is the New Fast Casual

Fine casual, yet another term coined to describe the new ways Americans dine, marries elements of fast casual and fine dining. No matter what you want to call these restaurants, expect many more.

In the past decade, airlines have successfully convinced flyers to pay for everything from seat assignments to checking bags. But some of their most loyal customers are fuming.

United Will Begin Giving Passengers Details About Why Their Flights Are Delayed

Airline passengers don't like being late. But what they probably dislike more is being late and not knowing why. Over the next few weeks, United will give some customers detailed information about the reason for delays. That could make passengers less anxious, which is a good thing.

Hyatt Eliminates CMO Position in Strategy Aimed at Accelerating Its Growth

Just a hunch, but does this mean more acquisitions are in the works over at Hyatt?

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.