Traveling Blog: Hyatt Expands Credit Card Perks + Disney's Theme Park Blockbuster + Ryanair Goes Direct

June 29, 2018

Editor's Note

Synergy is a much-derided term when it comes to corporations talking about their various divisions. But nobody chuckles about the "S" word when it comes to Disney, which has managed to cross-promote its blockbuster movie franchises through its growing theme park division. Both make the Mouse House loads of money.

Skift sent News Editor and Miami native Hannah Sampson, who covers theme parks and never met a line for a ride that was too long, to Orlando this week to see firsthand how Disney works this magic. She got to tour the new 11-acre Toy Story Land set to open Saturday. For all its successes in selling movie tickets and attractions, Disney can't afford to slow down — with Universal's parks sitting right across town. That may be why Disney is moving fast to close its deal for yet another movie studio at Fox.

— Tom Lowry, Managing Editor

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Latest Skift Report: A New Formula for Airline Success

Hyatt's new World of Hyatt credit card does a better job of targeting younger and thriftier travelers. Big spenders, on the other hand, may be unhappy with some of the new perks.

New Toy Story Land Shows Disney Isn't Playing With Theme Park Competitors

Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida should become more of a destination in its own right with the addition of Toy Story Land. Will that help ease the crowds at other parks — and keep guests staying at Disney longer?

Video: Ryanair's Chief Marketing Officer on the Power of Selling Direct

Ryanair hasn't had the best year. Its reputation took a hit recently when it was forced to cancel thousands of flights because of pilot scheduling issues. But the customers have come back. Why? Cheap fares. It's the secret sauce.

The Plight of the Millennial Business Traveler

Business travel is obviously a great way to advance your career, but few talk about the negative effects like weight gain, stress, and problems with personal relationships. As younger professionals enter the workforce, more travel managers and corporate leaders should pay attention to the ways that business travel can lead to a problematic lifestyle.

TourRadar Receives $50 Million for Multi-Day Tour Sales: Travel Startup Funding This Week

TourRadar stands apart from other online sellers of activities with its rare, leading focus on multiday tours. Meanwhile, Triptease, the hotel direct booking specialist, and Chowbotics, a maker of food service robots, also announced funding.

Do hotels really need to be flagged under a big brand if online travel agencies are most effective at selling rooms? Hotelbeds' Joan Vila thinks hotel chains may be forced to wind down some brands that aren't succeeding in the marketplace.

Travel Industry Feeling Spry as More of the World Goes Gray

Instead of doing nothing when they retire, older people increasingly want to travel more. This is good news for the travel industry but it needs to work out better ways to target the baby boomer generation.

Priority Pass Shifts to Restaurants and Airport Suites as Demographics Change

A curious number of airport restaurants have started partnering with Priority Pass in the last two years. More options are a good thing.

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