Weekend Review: Marriott Gets Hacked + Wow Air's Reprieve

The Travel Industry's Daily Agenda-Setting Newsletter

December 1, 2018 View in browser

Editor's Note The news that someone hacked Marriott's computer systems doesn't come at an opportune moment. The chain recently integrated the Marriott-Starwood loyalty programs, producing some grumbling from Starwood loyalists, and some high-profile strikes around the country likewise produced disparaging headlines, but they appear to be winding down. While the loyalty implementation and the hack of guest data appear to be separate issues, they don't inspire a ton of confidence, and there will indeed be some short-term financial impact. The issue points to a larger problem for Marriott and other hacked companies: Why can't they alert consumers faster? Even if Marriott didn't know the depths of the issue immediately, the chain has known it has a security problem since September 8. Couldn't Marriott have alerted its guests sooner? — Dennis Schaal, Executive Editor How Real-Time, Transparent Bidding Can Fix a Broken Travel Search Ecosystem Sponsored by MediaAlpha Travel comparison advertising, which typically operates in an opaque marketplace, is all too often inefficient for travel publishers and advertisers. Bringing real-time, transparent bidding into the fold can help solve for this. Read More The Marriott Data Hack What Marriott's Data Breach Means for the Hotel Giant and Guests Starwood Preferred Guest elite members thought that not getting full stay credits would be the absolute worst of this mega-merger. Marriott Data Breach Does Little to Rattle Already Weary Loyalty Members Loyalty members don't seem to be too bothered by Marriott's recent breach of more than 500 million users' personal data. Part of that could be low expectations for Marriott, or because this isn't the first data breach rodeo for many. Marriott's Starwood Data Breach Joins a Decade-Long List of Hotel Data Exposures Several years ago, the hotel industry fought U.S. federal watchdog efforts to fine chains for negligent data protection practices, arguing that hotels had things under control. Hmm. A rash of hotel security incidents since then undercuts the claims of hotels, which need to take a more bank-like approach to data protection. Other Top Stories Frontier Owner Steps In to Rescue Wow Air Wow Air has delighted passengers with low fares since 2011. But its creditors have not been as happy. Will that change if this investment goes through? Why AccorHotels' Mergers Strategy Is Winning Over Investors: New Skift Research From co-working spaces to restaurant reservations, AccorHotels has demonstrated its willingness to make acquisitions, investments, or strategic partnerships outside of hospitality. It is all in an effort to become an all-in-one experience platform serving consumers no matter what their needs are, and investors seem to like it. 6 Ways Celebrity Edge Is Changing the Game for the Cruise Industry Celebrity Cruises wanted its newest ship to be transformational for the brand and for the cruise industry. With reimagined staterooms, technology, and even hot tubs, the cruise line is following through on that goal. Disillusioned Traveloka Co-Founder Resigns, Saying 'This Game Is No Longer for Me' In what appears to be a clash of ideals and aspirations, the brains behind Traveloka's technology, Derianto Kusuma, is leaving the company he co-founded in early 2012. It is telling how a startup that has reached unicorn status is changing. But is it for the better? Editor's Picks Why 5G Will Change the Game for Events Fast mobile data connections will allow event technology providers to do all kinds of cool new things. Event planners should pay attention as 5G begins to emerge in cities around the world and shifts how attendees act at events. Cruise Trade Group Taps Political Insider as New CEO The incoming Cruise Lines International Association CEO knows her way around Washington, D.C. and has a background in travel and tourism. That should be enough for a good start, but the cruise industry is complicated enough that she'll have plenty of work ahead. What the Latest Brexit Agreement Means for Travel and Tourism The United Kingdom and European Union have finally agreed on a Brexit deal — but the drama isn't over yet. The UK parliament still needs to give its approval and at the moment, that isn't looking likely. Alaska Airlines Hints It May Finally Join the Oneworld Alliance Alaska Airlines is evolving its business as it tries to think more globally. But unlike Canada's WestJet, which went out and acquired Boeing 787s, Alaska is thinking much more prudently. That's probably the right move. Hotels Play a Bigger Role as Matchmakers With the Help of Technology Hotels and dating apps: a match made for the digital age that shows how far hospitality is going to market experiences. Thomas Cook China Launches New Strategy Amid Huge Chinese Tourist Declines in Thailand Japan turned out to be the lifeboat for Thomas Cook China when Thailand turned disastrous, as the tour operator appears to be sailing away blithely with four new initiatives to scale up its China market. 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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