Traveling Blog: Europe Weekend Review: GetYourGuide Brands Its Own Tours + Travelport Turns To Blockchain

June 23, 2018

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Editor's Note

We asked a European tour operator a few months ago what she thinks of GetYourGuide. She said her company sells its walking tours through the site, but she was underwhelmed, characterizing it as a mere distribution platform. That's about to change as Berlin-based GetYourGuide begins marketing tours under its own brand, as our story details. That has potential and dangers, as it can often be problematic for a platform to get into a business where it competes with its own partners. We've seen this script before.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

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GetYourGuide Will Market Some Tours and Activities Under Its Own Brand

GetYourGuide is betting that travelers will prefer to book GetYourGuide-branded tours over locally branded ones. This diagonal integration echoes marketing moves made by Oyo in hotels and RedAwning in lodging rentals. But will it work?

Iceland Denies Overtourism as Europe Searches for Solutions

Iceland doesn't believe it's overrun with tourists but it's also been proactive in managing tourism growth. That's in sharp contrast to many other destinations only focused on higher numbers with no long-term game plans.

How Travelport Is Embracing Blockchain

Travelport, essentially, wants to integrate blockchain into the platform it is developing without throwing out the existing distribution technology it uses. The technology could find its niche in the company's offerings, even as others develop more disruptive and flexible marketplaces for travel selling using blockchain, too.

Time Is Against UK Regional Airline Flybe as Challenges Mount

Flybe's management team will be hoping the airline's latest turnaround strategy works, where others have failed. The carrier has plenty of challenges and is operating in a very tough environment. Might it find things easier as part of a bigger aviation group?

Why the Reported Demise of Packaged Travel Was Greatly Exaggerated

Speaking at Skift Forum Europe in Berlin, analyst Richard Clarke made the case that packaged travel is back in style. But how does that square with the push for authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences?

Club Med's Europe and Africa CEO on the Evolution of the All-Inclusive Vacation

If Club Med has its way, the "all-inclusive" vacation should no longer conjure up images of tacky beach clubs and all-you-can-drink-and-eat buffets.

Ponant's North American Push Highlights Growth in Expedition Cruising

With luxury travelers getting more adventurous it is not a surprise to see expedition cruising growing in popularity. French company Ponant is making a big push in North America, something that is likely going to benefit the sector as a whole.

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The World's 50 Best Restaurants Winners for 2018

Some shifts and surprising snubs are deflecting attention from the same handful of restaurants that shuffled positions amongst the top slots.

Independent Restaurants in New York City Fight to Add Surcharges to Checks

For operators, it's a way to avoid menu price hikes and equalize pay between the cooks and servers. For consumers, it's just a confusing price increase.

Olive Garden Is Still Extremely Cautious on Delivery

Cautious isn't necessarily a bad approach, but delivery is a growing business for many competitors and it may be costing Olive Garden to be so slow to adopt.

Rest of the World

Why U.S. Regional Airlines May Not Be Able to Fly Embraer's Newest Jet

In three years, Embraer will be able to deliver new regional jets to U.S. airlines that could significantly reduce their fuel bill. But U.S. airlines may not be able to take them because of restrictions in collective bargaining agreements with pilots. It's easy to blame pilots for their stance. But they have leverage. Why shouldn't they use it?

How Sheraton Lost Its Way and Marriott's Plans to Bring It Back

Before you read this, ask yourself: What exactly does Sheraton stand for? For example, Westin is synonymous with wellness, St. Regis with luxury, W with lifestyle. And at the end of this article, ask yourself that same question again. If you struggle to come up with an answer, it's clear Marriott has a lot more work to do with the Sheraton brand.

Amazon Wades Into Travel as Hotels Turn to Alexa in Rooms

The next big questions hoteliers might soon be asking themselves: "Alexa, how do I make sure you recommend my hotels when they ask you where they want to stay?" Or, on the flip side: "Why did I invest so much into the modern-day version of the iPod docking station?"

American Airlines Looks to Downsize With Executive Buyouts and Job Cuts

American probably does have too many executives for an airline of its size. And considering the stock is down, this is probably not a bad time to cull the ranks. If everything goes well, passengers will probably not notice any changes.

United Moves Up Its Plans for Premium Economy

Elite loyalty members of United's MileagePlus program will be able to get free upgrades to international premium economy cabins this summer as the product fully rolls out.

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