Welcome to LYBRAry, a weekly round-up of the most important hospitality news that we discovered each week.
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International Travel Can Safely Restart, Without Waiting for Vaccines Says WTTC
WTTC recognises that public health is paramount and welcomes the recent roll-out of the game-changing vaccines, which in the long-term will play a major role in combating coronavirus and restoring international travel.
However, they must not be a requirement to travel as this will further delay the revival of the already ailing Travel & Tourism sector, which needs to restart now to save itself, millions of jobs in the sector and beyond, and the global economy.
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Hoteliers, industry experts predict 2021 trends
(Illustration: Rachel Daub)
As 2021 quickly approaches, hoteliers and industry experts are beginning to predict which of 2020’s trends will stick around as well as new opportunities that could emerge…
Among the predictions include an increased focus on customer service following a record dip in occupancy. Many brands are extending loyalty programs through 2021 and maintaining communication with brand-loyal customers.
Read more: https://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles/305780/Hoteliers-industry-experts-predict-2021-trends
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World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Launches Global Safety Stamp
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) launched the world’s first ever global safety and hygiene stamp. The specially designed stamp will allow travelers to recognize governments and businesses around the world which have adopted health and hygiene global standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
Read more: https://hospitalitytech.com/world-travel-tourism-council-wttc-launches-global-safety-stamp
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Airbnb is worth more than the 3 largest hotel chains combined after its stock popped 143% on its first day of trading
Airbnb’s stock soared on Thursday in its highly anticipated public market debut, closing at $144.71 per share, more than double its initial offering of $68 per share.
That price also gives the short-term rental giant an approximately $86.5 billion valuation. Or, more than the combined market capitalization of the top three hotel chains globally: Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Marriott International, and Intercontinental Hotels Group, which were together worth $84.1 billion when the markets closed Thursday.
Airbnb also surpassed its largest rival among online travel agencies, or OTAs: Booking.com closed at $86.2 billion on Thursday.
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Read more: hotelnewsnow.com/Articles/305878/Consumers-still-want-to-do-their-spending-from-home
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Air Canada first Canadian airline to offer optional biometric boarding
Air Canada said it is the first Canadian airline to offer its customers the safety and convenience of a new boarding option utilizing facial biometrics. The technology is now available for customers departing San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with plans to progressively roll it out for customers at other US airports where the airline operates.
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