Traveling Blog: Amazon Deconstructed + Road Trips Go Luxe + HotelTonight Talks Big Data

May 23, 2018

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Editor's Note

After a couple of misses in getting into travel, Skift Senior Research Analyst Seth Borko explores in a new report several scenarios where Amazon can enter travel and make a substantial impact. Amazon could certainly be a disruptor — just ask Hollywood and grocery retailers — and the travel industry will obsess over its every move.

Not only could Prime members get attractive travel perks, look for an Amazon Travel booth at a Whole Foods near you.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

More Than 150 Companies Are Attending Skift Tech Forum

More than 150 companies and counting are joining us in Silicon Valley for Skift Tech Forum on June 12, but with only 45 seats left, you're running out of time to claim your spot.

Amazon likely has a role to play in the future of travel distribution, marketing, or devices — if not all three. Travel leaders need to prepare today or risk being caught flat-footed tomorrow.

Tours and Hotels Look for Innovative Ways to Cater to Luxury and Budget Road Trippers

While most American road trips are DIY, created piecemeal on a budget, the luxury set has options and smart travel brands know who to target.

Skift Tech Forum Preview: HotelTonight Executive Cuts Through the Hype of Big Data

A lot of brands talk a big game about data science, but few know how to use it to their advantage and to the benefit of their consumers. HotelTonight's chief data and strategy officer Amanda Richardson will cut through the hype on stage at Skift Tech Forum on June 12.

Six Flags Is Adding 5 Parks in a Promised U.S. Expansion Push

Six Flags has been talking up this scenario for more than a year, so it will be interesting to see how the strategy plays out. Will more people opt for season passes that give them access to multiple parks, even if those parks are a few hours away from each other?

Kayak to Help Flyers Get Compensated for Delayed and Canceled Flights

Some airlines will not be happy that Kayak has lent its credibility and, in effect, its customer base, to startups that specialize in travel claims compensation. The claims cost them money. But Kayak still likes doing things a bit different from the other global online players.

Hilton Sets Lofty, Sustainable Tourism Goals: Will it Matter?

Hilton's goals are both lofty and commendable, and it's clear from the data that travelers do care about sustainability and having a positive social impact. But is caring enough to translate into real action? That's the even bigger challenge.

The State of Luxury Yacht Rentals and Sharing Schemes

Breaking open the yacht rental market with a sharing platform is a difficult endeavor given the challenges of operating a digital business within the luxury sector as well as the nuances and security needed for an experience as hands-on as yachting.

United Airlines is never going to control how its flight attendants look in the same way as airlines in other countries. That's OK. There's no reason flight attendants all must look the same. But it's probably a good thing United is asking some outliers to clean up their approach.

Airlines Test Adding Metasearch to Their Websites

If they can't beat the online travel companies, airlines might as well try to copy those companies' slickest moves. A couple of carriers are testing the display of flights on rival airlines in an attempt to prevent consumers from clicking away to shop elsewhere.

Why Ryanair Is Hungry for Acquisitions

Ryanair is the great white shark of the airline world. It knows which airlines are bleeding cash and it is in the mood to feast.

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