Weekend Review: Marriott's Labor Problems + Mexico Vacation Deep Dive

The Travel Industry's Daily Agenda-Setting Newsletter

October 20, 2018

Editor's Note Is this the golden age of U.S. travel to Mexico? Despite the violence and anti-Mexican rhetoric emanating from the White House, this is apparently the case, as Assistant Editor Sarah Enelow-Snyder found out in her deep dive into the resiliency of the American vacation to Mexico. "There's never been more flights to more places; there's never been more robust infrastructure in terms of luxury accommodation; there's never been more access to the more hard-to-get areas," said Zachary Rabinor of luxury tour operator Journey Mexico. The U.S.-Mexico connection just won't quit — and that's a good thing. — Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor Free eBook: How Travel Marketers Drive Video Engagement Across YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram Sponsored by Pixability Pixability's new eBook digs into how travel brands are using video across YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, which travel brands have seen success with video, and the video strategies that are most effective for each platform. Read More Top Stories How Big a Problem Are the Growing Worker Strikes for Marriott? It's Marriott under fire now, but keep an eye on the broader hospitality and travel services industry in the U.S. The Resilience of the American Vacation in Mexico The relationship between American tourists and Mexico is nearly a century old and has weathered ups and downs. Today's drug-related violence, mounting border tension, and political rhetoric won't stop these trips, but are clearly disrupting them. Video: Marriott's New Reservations System Could Be Its Secret Weapon in Direct Booking Wars Expect all the other major hotel brands to be revamping their reservations systems just like IHG has, and Marriott soon will, too. Qatar Air CEO Threatens the Airline Could Exit Oneworld 'Soon' Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker may be posturing about leaving Oneworld, but he is indeed making alternative plans nonetheless. Skift Forums: Looking Ahead To 2019 We're always looking towards the future, so get ready for more exciting Skift Forums in 2019! Snag your spot now to take advantage of special early bird rates. Kayak Boss Takes Control of OpenTable The complete consolidation of Kayak and OpenTable's teams means OpenTable — Booking Holdings' only restaurant business — won't have a dedicated leader. It's disappointing to lose one of the few female CEOs in the restaurant tech space, especially the one who's arguably the most visible. Expedia CEO: Mergers and Acquisitions Are Always on the Table An Expedia acquisition of Thomas Cook? While problematic on many fronts, including buying all of those offline agents, it isn't out of the question. Consider that Expedia would gain access to a customer base in Europe that it hardly touches. Expedia's Barry Diller has made a ton of acquisitions. He and Okerstrom are hardly done yet. Editor's Picks Wellness Newsletter: Inside Adidas' Love-Hate Relationship With Amazon Teaming up with Amazon could mean cash flow now, but at what cost down the line? It's a question every brand that partners with the giant should ask –– especially in the wellness industry, when so much of a company's DNA centers around cultivating a feel-good image. Cvent Buys Social Tables as Event Tech Consolidation Escalates Cvent is working methodically to expand its offerings in the small meeting space by acquiring Kapow and now Social Tables. Social Tables found success streamlining obvious pain points for planners, which is something Cvent can learn from. Skift Podcast: The Next Big Challenges for Low-Cost Airlines Missed our last Skift Call? This podcast has you covered. Tune in to hear from our aviation experts about why low-cost airlines and long-haul travel are not the perfect mix for profitability. Expedia's Barry Diller Calls on Google to Be Regulated Diller is one of the godfathers of online travel and Expedia is probably among the top two travel advertisers in Google. Whether his comments will lead to lobbying or business practice changes, is today's multibillion dollar question. Planners Pressured by Uncertain Future as Meeting Sector Booms Boom times for the meeting and events sector are disrupting the status quo, putting pressure on planners to do more with less. We are entering a period of unprecedented change for the industry. How Nihi Hotels Adds a Wild Side to Luxury Travel Modern luxury doesn't necessarily need overly formal staff and a stuffy atmosphere. It can be "consistently inconsistent," and yet still be totally unforgettable. 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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