Traveling Blog: Tourism Data's Trust Problem + Wyndham's Branding Spree + Commission Cut Turmoil

April 11, 2018

View in browser

Editor's Note

So new questions are being raised about the so-called Trump Slump, the decline of foreign visitors to the United States since the president came into office. As Skift's Dan Peltier reported on Monday, the Commerce Department has suspended releasing data for now because it believes its numbers showing such a decline may be inaccurate. But now Skift has learned this may not be some short-lived statistical glitch, but a more systemic problem.

If true (and who knows what passes for truth in Washington these days) Commerce has a much larger problem on its hands that will have huge implications for the travel industry, in the U.S. and abroad. Companies rely on that information to be accurate to make business plans and projections, launch marketing campaigns, and communicate with shareholders. Travel executives have a right to be concerned and question what went wrong. Skift will stay on top of this story to get those answers and dig out the truth — remember that?

— Tom Lowry, Managing Editor

The High-Speed Future of the Hyperloop and What It Means for Airlines

International visitor data reporting began to run amok before President Donald Trump took office and destinations are left wondering what data they can trust. The Trump administration has worked to spread disinformation, but this is a new level of concern for the travel industry.

Marriott and Hilton's Group Commission Cuts Put Pressure on Industry

As hotel chains have shifted their business models over the last decade, keeping owners happy has become the priority. Slashing group booking commissions for intermediaries saves owners money, so it's easy to see how the largest U.S. chains will follow the example of Marriott and Hilton in the near future.

New Skift Research Survey Shows the Complexity of Affluent Travelers

Affluent travelers are often targeted by travel brands due to their huge spending power. Making assumptions about this segment based purely on their high incomes, however, is likely to be a mistake.

Wyndham Adds Its Name to More of Its Hotel Brands

The "by [hotel brand]" trend isn't going away anytime soon. But hotel companies that want to play in that "family of brands" space need to make sure every single one of those brands has the right marketing power behind them, and the right consumer perceptions and awareness.

Sabre Doubles Down on Hotel Management Software

Your move, Oracle.

Qatar Airways Takes a Stake in a Small California-Based Airline

Did Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker finally win himself a slice of a U.S. airline? You could say that. But remember JetSuiteX, for now, has only five airplanes. We'll see how much it grows with the new money.

Hostelworld's New Payment Options Show That It's Growing Up

It's probably a tiny blip on the radar of Priceline and Expedia but Hostelworld is quietly building up a nice niche business. How long can it be before one of the bigger players shows an interest?

Urban Sports Resorts Are Closing the Gap Between Fitness and Hospitality

Some of the country's highest-end fitness clubs are taking a gander at the hospitality space. But one athletic club in Chicago has already laid claim to opening the country's first "urban sports resort."

Booking.com may be marginally ahead of Airbnb in the listings race, but for practical purposes you can call it a draw. It's game on, though, pitting Booking.com's renowned demand aggregation and marketing resources versus Airbnb's brand advantages, and the resources it would gain by doing an IPO and becoming more comprehensive.

U.S. Tourism Office Blocks Release of International Visitor Data

We never like to see public records withheld, even if they might show faulty data. To see the travel industry praise such a move is disappointing as it will only cause more headaches for the foreseeable future.

Air Canada Follows Delta With Segmented Economy Cabins

Air Canada's new spectrum of fare classes released may rub some casual and frequent flyers the wrong way. Everyone else may appreciate the precise targeting that the airline has built up for every type of traveler.

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.