Traveling Blog: Sheraton's Turnaround Potential + Virgin Loyalty Play + Flight Centre Stumbles

August 28, 2018

Editor's Note

Could Amazon be the next big thing in travel advertising? Mark Rabe, CEO of ad-tech platform Sojern, appeared at Skift Tech Forum a couple of months ago, and said the rise of Amazon's digital ad business, which is still small, is one of the most notable trends he's tracking. See the story and video below for more.

Travel advertisers have long yearned for a Google alternative, or at least a hedge against its market dominance. Facebook is important, but it won't be replacing Google anytime soon. Amazon certainly has the consumer loyalty to make things interesting. Sit back, though. This is going to take awhile.

— Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor

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Sheraton is now Marriott's third largest brand, coming after only Marriott and Courtyard by Marriott, and the largest outside of North America. As a result, getting this turnaround right is critically important for the company in the eyes of investors, owners, consumers, and other stakeholders.

Flight Centre Stock Tumbles After TV Report Alleges Anti-Consumer Practices

Negative press about working conditions and markups has dented Flight Centre's stock price, despite record financial results. The claims have been denied, but the share price is still suffering. The mural incident doesn't do anything to bolster confidence in corporate culture.

When Winter Tourism Getaways Become Summer Attractions

While once seen as just cold weather destinations, certain mountain towns in the Alps, the United States, and beyond are evolving their cultures and economies into year-round destinations with no compromise on things to do. Can they handle the crowds?

Virgin Group Announces New Loyalty Program Powered by Virgin Atlantic

It'll be nice to see a unified loyalty program that will be usable on all Virgin properties from trains to retail to airplanes. Unfortunately, we still don't know much about what the program will look like.

Video: Sojern CEO Is Intensely Watching Amazon's Rising Advertising Business

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is the most interesting man in the world. Well, not really, but Sojern CEO Mark Rabe thinks Amazon's developing digital advertising business is the most interesting trend he's tracking. He could be right.

Early Stumbles for Marriott and Starwood Loyalty Merger

The union of Marriott and Starwood's loyalty programs last week could have gone far worse based on mergers past. But it also could have gone better.

Minor Hotels CEO Dillip Rajakarier talks a pretty big game, and he doesn't hold back on what's on his mind about where his company stands in global hospitality.

United Airlines President on Turning Skeptics Into Believers

Not everyone likes Scott Kirby, because he has a habit of speaking his mind, whether his opinions are popular or not. But there's little doubt about his track record. The man knows how to increase an airline's revenue. He's done it at America West, US Airways, American and now United.

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.

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