Skift Take
In Skift’s top stories this week, Google joins Prince Harry-backed global partnership Travalyst in an act of sustainability, Europeans are set to hit record summer travel numbers, and Loyalty programs are being revamped across large and small travel brands.
Mary Ann Ha
Throughout the week, we publish original stories day and night covering travel news and trends, including the impact of coronavirus. Every weekend, we’ll give you a chance to re-read the most essential stories in case you missed them earlier.
Google selects Prince Harry-backed Travalyst for flight search show data: With the search engine also publishing the methodology and framework that other travel sellers can adopt, there’s a better chance that carbon emissions data eventually becomes standardized and less confusing. But there is still a long way to go.
Trains offer new promise in Europe’s quest to reduce aviation emissions: European airlines and authorities are eager to exploit rail links to replace short flights on the continent. But a recent air-rail link in Paris showed the limits of partnerships that take much more than willpower to get the job done and, more importantly, win over travellers.
How Frontier notches a win-win regardless of the fate of JetBlue’s spirit offer: JetBlue’s surprise offer for Spirit could derail Frontier’s deal with the discounter. Losing a draw with Spirt might sound like bad news for Frontier, but here’s why it’ll always be a win.
Startups are turning hotels and rentals into retail outlets for retail products: Weirdly, airlines are masters of upselling. But spacious hotels and short-term rentals have a lot more to sell travelers than any flying tin can. Calling all mainstream brands and local artisans: Introducing the new “product placement”.
Marriott says loyalty program is driving new wave of growth in Asia: Even as uncertainty continues to weigh on travel plans, Marriott is delivering personalized experiences through its loyalty program in Asia. The hotel chain currently has more than 55 million Marriott Bonvoy members in Asia Pacific.
Europeans plan to vacation and fly at record levels this summer: Backyard tourism continues to dominate as expected – most Europeans will stay even closer to home this year. But their increased preference for air travel over rail, the report says, is concerning and comes just as the European Union aims to cut emissions.
Amex GBT assures investors that the pandemic is just a boost for business travel: The management team of the business travel agency was quite optimistic during an investor day at the Stock Exchange from New York on Tuesday, but can anyone really predict the true shape of business travel in a year or two?
IHG is rolling out a sweeping loyalty overhaul across 17 hotel brands: IHG is the latest travel company to revamp its loyalty program for returning visitors post-pandemic, changes that on the one hand tame labor costs work of the owners.
Why private equity firm Certares is interested in travel venture capital investing: Chantal Noble Haldorsen appears to be one of the rising stars of travel tech investing. Savvy entrepreneurs will note his ideas.
Fintech to help small hotel brands like Selina launch rewards cards: Selina’s launch of a loyalty card will be watched by other emerging brands in travel accommodation. Its choices in marketing the card to travelers at the start of their career will be watched by all hoteliers coveting this segment.