United Backtracks on a Promise + Travel Media's Blind Spot + HotelTonight Chides Competitors

The Travel Industry's Daily Agenda-Setting Newsletter

February 20, 2018 View in browser

Note From the Editor Does U.S. travel media have a blind spot — or worse — when it comes to recommending Russia travel? In a story today, contributor Robert Reid examines the complexities of Russia travel and digs into a glaring absence in most best-places-to-go lists. Meanwhile, United CEO Oscar Munoz aimed to please, and presented a vision of Polaris business class that turned out impossible to deliver. As Aviation Business Reporter Brian Sumers points out, United is quietly backtracking on elements of that promise. — Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor Introducing 'City Within a City: Inside the Venetian' Video Series Sponsored by The Venetian® We teamed up with Venetian during the Money2020 and IMEX conferences to explore this 'city within a city' and discover how meeting planners can best use this customizable space. Watch Videos Top Stories Why U.S. Travel Media Won't Tell People to Visit Russia Travel is supposed to be the grand connector. Yet, whether consciously or not, the travel publishing world seems to be failing to seize a moment to champion what it always has championed — that travel helps reduce prejudice, bias, and bigotry. United CEO Munoz's Polaris Promise Never Matched Reality A first-time business class flyer might love the dog-and-pony show United Airlines promised with its Polaris service. But your average frequent flyer prefers a more consistent experience, even if it's not as strong. HotelTonight CEO Chides Big Competitors for Misguided Priorities HotelTonight made a smart move by expanding beyond last-minute bookings. So far, the company's willingness to tweak its product and roll with the punches is paying off with profitability. The Poetry of Hospitality Revolves Around Anticipation and Empathy While we sometimes focus our adulation in other spheres such as startups and their founders, hoteliers need to be recognized for the hidden creativity that goes into doing their jobs well. Disney's New Toy Story Land Will Make a Play for Millennial Parents Disney's Hollywood Studios has been a construction site for years now, which can be off-putting to guests. Some will visit for the new Toy Story-themed land this year, but we expect the biggest crowds to appear in 2019 for the Star Wars expansion. Qantas and Virgin Australia Battle Over In-Flight Wi-Fi Rollouts Both Qantas and Virgin Australia should have Wi-Fi available on all domestic flights by the end of 2018. While travelers want to stay connected, they probably won't pay for Wi-Fi, but might choose flights on the basis of internet coverage, especially on longer routes. Hotel and Cruise Sustainability Innovators That Should Be Household Names Experience and sustainability are losing their equity as more brands cynically pile on. These are examples of emerging, global brands with depth to their practices. Intrepid travelers should take note. Popular Now Marriott CEO Details How the Company Messed Up in China If there's anything for other businesses to learn about this snafu, it's this: Don't mess with China. Norwegian Air Plans to Move On From a Terrible 2017 With Fleet Expansion Norwegian's critics say it is overstretched and unprofitable. So how does the airline counter this? By ramping up its expansion, of course. TripAdvisor Has a TV-Heavy Marketing Strategy That Competitors Are Trying Too Google execs are not losing any sleep yet, but they are likely aware that some of their largest travel advertisers are starting to favor commercials on TV instead of sponsored search engine links. The big spenders' new strategies will have a rippling impact across other metasearch companies, as well. For Gmail users: If you are using the tabbed inbox, Skift emails may be pushed to the 'Promotions' tab. To get updates from Skift direct to your primary inbox, drag and drop this email to that tab. You received this email because you are subscribed to Skift Daily Newsletter from Skift.

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