Airlines' China Reality + Vacation Rental Jackpot + Nat Geo's Global Moves

The Travel Industry's Daily Agenda-Setting Newsletter

August 24, 2018

Editor's Note ASTA, the trade group for travel agents, picked an extraordinary week to throw its annual convention in the nation's capital. It was hard to not be distracted by blaring headlines, but ASTA managed to successfully launch a rebrand campaign (just call them travel advisors) during the gathering at the Washington Hilton, despite the outside static in the city. It was only fitting that CNN's Jake Tapper appeared on the closing day Thursday with an unapologetic endorsement of journalism before hundreds of agents. No matter what your politics are, you have to give Tapper credit for encouraging the travel agents to help embrace international news coverage as a way to stoke the kind of curiosity that will help their own business interests. Tapper initially seemed like an odd fit for a convention of travel agents, but the nimble TV host made the connection. Way to play to your audience, Jake. — Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor SkiftX Webinar: Putting People Before Policy — The Evolution of Business Travel Sponsored by TripActions Register for our next webinar on September 12, 1–2 p.m. EST, when we'll explore the cultural and corporate shifts that are helping create a more people-first business travel environment. Register Now Top Stories U.S. Airlines Once Considered China a Potential Gold Mine. Not Anymore. For years, travel insiders have figured all brands, including airlines, would make big money in China. That is almost certain to happen someday. But it's not the case now, and with fuel prices rising, it makes sense that U.S. carriers are reevaluating their strategies. Video: Why Tech Backlash Has Silicon Valley Destined for More Regulation As more travelers become concerned with how their information is being used, the travel industry could learn a thing or two from Levchin's PayPal and his new company, Affirm, on how to build trust in an era of information overload. National Geographic's Travel Arm Expands Ahead of Disney Takeover We're eager to see what happens when two well-known brands join forces next year. Could we see a National Geographic Expeditions–Adventures by Disney mashup? CNN's Jake Tapper Talks Trump, Marriott and Family Travel The D.C. swamp is a little less swampy because Jake Tapper is there. Sometimes the interests of great journalism and the travel industry's desire to break down cultural barriers find themselves in harmony. Rental Brand Sonder Raises $85 Million on Soft Brand Boom If you thought hotels had a lot of soft brands, wait until you see what's emerging in the vacation rental sector. The early success of the 25-year-old co-founder of Sonder is inspiring others. How Streamlining Hotel Technology Will Help Business Travelers Instead of selling their platform to hotels, Conichi is now relying on corporate partners to help push through their technology from the other end. This can only be good news for business travelers as more efficient check-in processes and simpler expensing move into the mainstream. Evolve Raises $80 Million for Vacation Rental Management Tech Vacation rental management is becoming professionalized, and the gold rush is on. Homelike Raises $14 Million for Rental Search: Travel Startup Funding This Week The market for long-term serviced apartments is being dragged, thankfully, into the digital era by companies like Homelike. Plus: Funding news for Roomex, FunNow, Vntrip, and Roto Travel. IBTM Americas Inspires You to Deliver Exceptional Events Sponsored by IBTM Americas IBTM Americas is the international trade event connecting buyers with top meeting and event suppliers from across the Americas and around the globe. Register today to join IBTM in Mexico City on September 5–6! Popular Now Marriott and Starwood Face Speed Bumps in Loyalty Merger The planned integration of Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott Rewards did not go entirely smoothly this weekend. Some members were not shy about expressing their unhappiness. Delta Will Fly Newest Jets With Fewer Middle Seats on Key Business Routes Who says airlines don't prioritize passenger comfort? As long as carriers calculate passengers are willing to pay for a better experience, they will provide it. Why Hotels Envy Airlines When It Comes to Managing Revenue The revenue management industry picked an odd time to have an identity crisis, given the opportunity for additional profit that new rate-setting and distribution software could bring. 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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