Traveling Blog: Travel's TV Ad Changeup + Hyatt Buys Boutique Chain + Air Travel Stress Solutions

October 9, 2018

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Editor's Note

We've all seen the familiar TV ads from Booking.com and TripAdvisor. You can't miss them, really. But what you may not realize is these online travel companies are breaking out a new strategy with some of these TV spots.

Instead of promoting only their hotel offerings, these companies are producing commercials that promote tours and activities. And why not? Executive Editor Dennis Schaal used the occasion of Monday's TripAdvisor announcement that it is launching two national TV spots for "things to do" in New York and in New Orleans to highlight this evolution in TV marketing for online travel. The money spent for TV is huge, tens of millions of dollars per ad. But at this point, as consumers look more and more to experiences, the move should be a sound investment for the online giants.

— Tom Lowry, Managing Editor

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American Airlines Looks to Latin America With New and Expanded Routes

Both TripAdvisor and Booking.com are newly emphasizing tours and activities in their TV advertising. You can expect a lot more of this from myriad players in the years to come. There will be variations, though. While these two companies push mainstream, touristy attractions, Airbnb will likely highlight curated experiences, although that could change, as well.

Hyatt to Buy Two Roads Hospitality for $480 Million

Hyatt's M&A strategy might be best summarized as this: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Airline Passengers Welcome More Digital Solutions to Common Travel Problems

Flyers want technology to improve their experience going through security checkpoints and when dealing with the nightmare of a travel disruption. Airlines need to do more to smooth over the pain points, and mobile technology can help them do it.

Royal Caribbean Is Already Growing Its Luxury Silversea Line

Royal Caribbean Cruises wants to be a bigger player in the luxury and expedition cruise space. One surefire way to do that, now that it owns a majority stake in Silversea: build more ships.

Skift Call Oct. 12: The Next Big Challenges for Low-Cost Airlines

Low-cost and ultra-low-cost airlines have had great success, but the model is not a panacea. Many discounters never disrupt as promised, or realize the profit. We'll explore all the potential hurdles facing low-cost carriers on Friday, October 12 at 11 a.m. EST on a Skift Call. Please join us for this all-important discussion.

Hyatt Adds Spa While Dropping Vacation Partners From Loyalty Program

Hyatt certainly has been creative in experimenting with ways to use loyalty points this year. Its latest move allows its World of Hyatt members to redeem points for spa experiences at Exhale properties.

We have a feeling that things are certainly shifting in that area as more luxury brands see themselves as "experience platforms."

Air Baltic Looks to JetBlue Founder David Neeleman for Guidance

Six years ago, Air Baltic took a chance on an airplane that few carriers wanted. Now, that decision has proven to be the right call. But Air Baltic can't remain independent forever, right?

How Travel Agent Trade Group Fought Its Way Back From Near-Extinction

These travel advisors have a certain swagger about them these days. Their U.S. trade association, the newly named American Society of Travel Advisors, is now back among the living, and has the challenge of keeping things moving in the right direction.

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