Traveling Blog: Puerto Rico's Tourism Storm + U.S. Travel Appeases Trump + Evolution of Vacation Tech (Again)

March 21, 2018

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Note From the Editor

Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico six months ago, and as the island continues to recover, its tourism industry is looking for a new way forward. Tourism Reporter Dan Peltier has a comprehensive look at Puerto Rico's new public relations plan, and insight on why some travel insiders are worried about big changes.

Concerns about the rapid growth of the cruise industry in China, meanwhile, seem well-founded: The one-ship Royal Caribbean-Ctrip joint venture that was meant to be "a national cruise line for China" is going out of business after three years. But China's loss is Europe's gain, as TUI plans to acquire the ship for its UK cruise operation.

— Hannah Sampson, News Editor

Puerto Rico hasn't had the chance to grow up as a destination over the years, and it's tourism industry finally thinks it has a shot to do that. But to become known for more than its beaches and golf, it'll have to overcome an intense political establishment that's been defined by its financial woes and disorganization.

Interview: Stay Alfred CEO on Building the Future of Vacation Rental Tech

There's a new generation of property managers trying to bring hotel-like professionalism and scale to the vacation rental market. Their tech chops will play a large role in determining if they succeed or fail.

Biggest U.S. Travel Lobby Praises Official Tasked to Build Trump's Border Wall

In times of protectionism and nativism, it's important to stand up to the forces that want to close minds and borders alike. The travel industry should do more to make a case for itself, and that starts with opposing policies that create a divide with the rest of the world.

TUI Group Is Quietly Joining the Cruise Heavyweights

TUI Group is slowly building up quite a formidable cruise operation. How long before it starts to consider buying out joint venture partner Royal Caribbean?

Eurostar Tech Update Signals Action in Once-Sleepy Rail Sector

There used to be only two ways for railways to make money: luck and state handouts. But that's changing, as countries look at privatization and as railways look to technology to streamline operations. Sqills and SilverRail are two tech vendors that smell an opportunity.

Royal Caribbean Ends Its Joint Venture With Ctrip in China

Cruise lines had a lot of big plans for China a few years ago, but as the market has cooled, those plans are changing. SkySea Cruises shows that winning Chinese travelers isn't as easy as taking an old ship and tailoring it to local preferences.

Why Slow Barge Cruising Is a Fast-Growing Luxury Option

Barging is a very small segment of the cruise industry, but it's growing exponentially. That said, given that a typical barge only holds four to 12 passengers, and there are only about 100 barges in operation, exponential growth can take place with the addition of just a few new boats.

Social platforms are constantly evolving, mandating that luxury brands perpetually refine their approach and balance their agenda of pushing a lifestyle brand while providing real-time customer communications.

Skift Forum Europe Preview: What Travelers Want From Activities

Do locals spend more money on at-home activities than travelers spend on in-trip activities? The answer isn't as pressing as the fact that most of the world's activities are still up for grabs by booking platforms.

Alipay Steps Up Push to Cater to Chinese Travelers in the U.S.

The phrase "cash is king" is fast becoming outdated as Chinese travelers popularize mobile payment methods like Alipay and Weixin Pay.

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