Traveling Blog: Marriott Tests Traveler ID Plan + Blockchain Arms Race + Ace's New Brand, Explained

January 25, 2018

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Note From the Editor

Ace Hotels has a new brand, Sister City, sort of. The brand's first property is slated to open in the fall in New York City and all we really know about it so far comes from the cryptic marketing messages in the launch announcement. That didn't deter Hospitality Editor Deanna Ting, who deftly translated the hype in her story, "Ace Hotels' New Sister City Brand, Explained."

Speaking of hype, there's lots to go around. Will blockchain be the great equalizer and trigger a tech arms race? And does a YouTube video that went viral about a purported Crocodile Dundee movie mean Tourism Australia is planning a Super Bowl Ad? We have all the hoopla covered below.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

Skift Q&A: The Big Vision for Augmented Hospitality

The balance between the freedom to travel versus security issues is a dynamic playing out across the globe. A known traveler program that uses biometrics and other data to alleviate security concerns would be great for road warriors and other supertravelers, but might have less utility for once-a-year vacationers. Then again, there are no panaceas.

Ace Hotels' New Sister City Brand, Explained

Details are scant about Ace Hotels' new sister brand. But if Ace Hotels' track record is any proof, perhaps this could be a hit. But the bigger question is how do you balance travelers' desires for more local experiences versus feeling like they can escape the city they're in?

Sharing Economy Growth Was a Big Part of European Tourism's Excellent 2017

Much of the European tourism industry has emerged from the doldrums of 2015 and 2016 stronger than ever but not without fault lines to keep track of such as hotels and alternative accommodations, the latter proving it's a sector that's holding its weight against hotels across much of the continent.

Tourism Australia May Bring Back Crocodile Dundee, This Time With a Super Bowl Ad

Crocodile Dundee is a nostalgic figure in the U.S., and it appears as though Tourism Australia could be hoping to score with an ad on Super Bowl Sunday. A campaign could get younger and older generations interested in Australia. But would a pricy spot during the Super Bowl be worth it?

Ctrip Chairman Believes His Company's the Answer for U.S. Travelers Headed to Asia

Ctrip isn't pursuing U.S. travelers aggressively yet, but it will. The Trip.com deal was small, but might be seen as an early indicator.

Royal Caribbean Execs Feel 'Pretty Good' About Key Caribbean Market

Royal Caribbean Cruises has new ships coming into the crowded Caribbean market this year, so it's no surprise the company has a positive outlook for the year. But we still wonder how eager cruise passengers will be to sail in the region this hurricane season given the disruption caused by storms in 2017.

United May Finally Be Frank About Why Flights Are Delayed

Travelers often think their airlines lie to them about flight delays. While that could be true sometimes, it's almost certainly not the norm.

Event Technology Will Be Transformational

Event technology is complicated. But as competing platforms develop the capability to work together, a more flexible future will be possible for planners.

For luxury travelers, an experience in itself is no longer enough. The personal fulfillment and self improvement one gains from an experience are taking precedence, and luxury brands can help travelers reach this goal.

New Skift Research Report: WeChat Strategies for Global Travel Brands 2018

WeChat may be key for travel brands and destinations looking to appeal to Chinese outbound travelers. However, brands need to go beyond simply copying and pasting content from western social media to see the kind of payoff they are hoping for.

American and Delta Will Collaborate Again in Rebooking Passengers During Flight Disruptions

American and Delta once again will take care of each other's customers when flights are delayed or canceled. For travelers, that's good news. The two giant airlines stopped cooperating in 2015, and passengers have been hurt.

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