Skift Forum: If all we do is bring back travel, shame on us

The pandemic forced hotel companies to become more flexible. But now that guests have tasted the choices (when and how they get breakfast, hybrid meeting rooms) they'll want it forever. — Federico González, President and CEO of Radisson Hospitality speaking at #skiftforum pic.twitter.com/x0A1J2Ce06

— 𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚗 𝙾'𝙽𝚎𝚒𝚕𝚕 (@sean_oneill) September 23, 2020

"In the UK we're expecting business travel to still 70% down at September 2021," says Bex Deadman of @bluecube_travel. "It took 9 years to recover from a 40% drop after 9/11 and now we have a 90% drop," said Eric Bailey of @Microsoft. chat w/ @matt_parsons #skiftforum

— Skift (@skift) September 23, 2020

Interesting audience poll results on corporate travel during a session on the topic this afternoon at @skift Global Forum #skiftforum … More than 60 percent say their companies are putting travel on hold for rest of year. w/ @matt_parsons pic.twitter.com/wtD5p9M1U9

— Tom Lowry (@lowrytom) September 23, 2020

Casper Overbeek of @CitizenM said it's key to blend contactless experience without hindering person touch in hospitality. Guests can check in using contactless tech but message requests through the app to engage with a human. #skiftforum

— Skift (@skift) September 23, 2020

Covid-minded contactless features are no longer just limited to things like hotel check-in. It's now extended to an entire airport terminal via @flyethiopian . My colleague @SunandStilettos with the latest at @Skift (and pertinent to #skiftforum!): https://t.co/I5C3gVqHwU

— Cameron Sperance (@CameronSperance) September 23, 2020

Contactless tech in travel, what's the landscape in one chart, presented by @WouterGeerts at #skiftforum today, great simple breakdown. https://t.co/vviJOopSPe pic.twitter.com/CkpLZWdE66

— Rafat Ali, Media Operator & Dad (@rafat) September 23, 2020

How can revenue-crunched independent hotels adopt contactless tech? @juliegrieve of @critonHQ argues contactless check-in/keyless entry entice guests to download hotel app, and then they can book the spa or golf before arrival. #skiftforum

— Skift (@skift) September 23, 2020

We are bricks-and-mortar business. We might see you twice a year in Vegas. But with sports betting and apps, we have a touch point with our customers all year, from @atifatif at @MGMResortsIntl in conversation with @rafat #skiftforum pic.twitter.com/zqtNNSu6xq

— Skift (@skift) September 23, 2020

.@WyndhamHotels app available for download right now. Features include “lightning book” that automatically links users to nearby hotels and book directly as well as mobile check-in and check-out at higher scale across all Wyndham sectors. #Skiftforum

— Cameron Sperance (@CameronSperance) September 23, 2020

'If all we do is bring back travel. Shame on us.'

@dHolowack on the opportunity to make travel more inclusive, more diverse and more sustainable.

I choked up a bit hearing this. 😑#SkiftForum @darrenfrei pic.twitter.com/dvuc2gvbTO

— Jesse Desjardins (@jessedee) September 23, 2020

For Destinations…

Marketing outward (old way):
spent years building a brand that is loved by the visitors.

Marketing inward (new way):
connect deeply with locals. Reconnect with the real DNA, what is truly unique about the destination.

#skiftforum @dHolowack @CrowdRiff pic.twitter.com/NebDEFmiRS

— Jesse Desjardins (@jessedee) September 23, 2020

.@VisitSanDiego CEO @JulieCokerSD: "Tapping into influencers who are keen on mind, body, and spirit…they will probably play a greater role than they have in the past." #SkiftForum

— Skift (@skift) September 23, 2020