JetBlue Airways is starting off 2012 with a new web and mobile strategy. The Forest Hills, N.Y.-based low-cost carrier just debuted its native iPhone app, along with redesigned web and mobile sites. JetBlue is late to the game, but it has rolled out an app with high functionality despite its clean design. The airline developed its new digital strategy with the help of digital agency Rokkan, app developer...
Who cares about turndown service? I just want free Wi-Fi. Those were two unsurprising findings of a recent TripAdvisor survey that asked 1,200 travelers and 600 hotel owners and managers what they considered the most and least important amenities. After Wi-Fi, the top-rated perks were free breakfast, loyalty points, a hotel restaurant, and a complimentary shuttle to area attractions and the airport....
Travel Industry Lobbying Efforts: Following up President Barack Obama’s Jan. 19 announcement to boost U.S. tourism and recognition of the travel industry’s contribution to the economy, the U.S. Travel Association last week unveiled “Vote Travel,” a new yearlong campaign to raise its profile with travelers and among policymakers in Washington, D.C. “The world is experiencing a travel boom...
Workers test lifeboats on the ship Constellation. Accidents on the magnitude of the recent Costa Concordia tragedy may be rare in the cruising industry, but one trade association has taken the crash as an indication that industry-wide safety standards need to be closely reevaluated. The Cruise Lines International Association, based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., announced today that it will undertake...
It seems like just a few days ago we welcomed in the New Year, yet already we’re gearing up for Valentine’s Day hotel deals. 2012 will be over in a blink, so if you want to create fond memories to last the entire year, consider one of these five romantic getaways. Milliken Creek Inn & Spa Heart of Napa Authentic Trio at the Milliken Creek Inn & Spa, Napa Valley Wine, chocolates,...
President Obama announced plans to increase travel to the United States from Disney World's Main Street, USA. Thursday at Disney World in Orlando, President Barack Obama announced an executive order aimed at boosting international tourism visits to the United States. The initiative is getting a positive reception from the travel industry, which has advocated for years for some of the changes the...
Four days after the cruiseliner Costa Concordia ran aground and capsized off the coast of an Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea, authorities are still searching the wreckage and have yet to arrive at a final casualty count. As of Monday night, 29 people were still missing and at least six were dead. The Costa Concordia, docked during one of its early years at sea. The details of how the accident...
According to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, 61 percent of respondents say they plan to spend more on travel and vacations this year than in 2011. The online survey was conducted by Echo Research from Dec. 27 to 30, 2011, with results culled from a random sample of 2,000 U.S. adults. In addition to overall results, responses were divided into two sub-groups: Affluent—defined...
Stephen J. Cloobeck, CEO of Diamond Resorts International, aims to become one of the world’s great hoteliers, saying at a media event in New York City this week that he wants to join the ranks alongside Hilton, Marriott and other hospitality innovators. He gets a chance to prove his worth this Sunday, or at least expand his audience, when he and his company are featured on the season-three premier...
Online review sites are gaining ground as a research tool in the destination selection process, according to a recent report published by PhoCusWright that looked at the habits of leisure travelers in the United States, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Online travel agencies (OTAs) are still a popular source for reviews, the study found, and different patterns are developing in each market. A...