take the change
In this week’s top Skift news, Google is joining the global Travalyst partnership, backed by Prince Harry, in a bid to drive sustainability, Europeans are set to break records for summer travel, and loyalty programs are being renewed across brands both big and small.
Mary Ann Ha
Throughout the week, we publish original stories day and night covering news and travel trends, including the impact of the coronavirus. Every weekend we’ll give you a chance to read the most important stories again in case you missed them earlier.
Google selects Prince Harry-Backed Travalyst for emissions data in its flight searches: With the search engine also publishing the methodology and framework for other travel vendors to adopt, there is a greater chance that carbon emissions data will eventually become standardized and less confusing. But there is still a long way to go.
Trains offer new promise in Europe’s quest to cut aviation emissions: European airlines and authorities are keen to take advantage of rail links to replace short journeys on the continent. But a recent connection to the railroads in Paris demonstrated the limits of partnerships that required much more than willpower to get work done and, most importantly, attract travelers.
How Frontier makes a win-win The fate of JetBlue’s spirit bid doesn’t matter: JetBlue’s surprise bid to buy Spirit could derail Frontier’s deal with the opponent. Losing the association with the Spit might seem like bad news for Frontier, but that’s why they keep winning.
Startups are turning hotels and rentals into retail stores: Oddly enough, airlines are the masters of retail. But spacious hotels and short-term rentals have more to sell to travelers than any flying tin cans. Calling all consumer brands and local artisans: Here’s the new Product Placement.
Marriott says the loyalty program is driving a new wave of growth in Asia: Even as uncertainty continues to affect travel plans, Marriott is offering personalized experiences through its loyalty program in Asia. The hotel chain currently has more than 55 million Marriott Bonvoy members in the Asia Pacific region.
Europeans plan vacation and travel at record levels this summer: Backyard tourism continues to dominate as expected – most Europeans will stay closer to home this year. But their growing preference for air travel over train, according to the report, is concerning and comes at a time when the European Union aims to eliminate emissions.
Amex GBT stresses that the investor pandemic is just a small point for corporate travel: The corporate travel agency management team was somewhat bullish during Investor Day on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday, but can anyone really predict what business travel will really look like in the next year or two ?
IHG has embarked on a massive loyalty overhaul across 17 hotel brands: IHG is the latest travel company to renew its loyalty program for returning visitors after the pandemic, changing owner labor costs.
Why Certares Is Going Private to Travel Venture Investing: Chantal Noble Haldorsen appears to be one of the rising stars of travel technology investing. Smart entrepreneurs will notice her insights.
Fintech to Help Small Hotel Brands Like Selina Launch Rewards Cards: Selina’s launch of a loyalty card will gain attention from other emerging travel brands. Its card marketing options for early-career travelers will be monitored by all hoteliers interested in the sector.
