CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the official opening of Andaz Dubai The Palm. Joining Andaz hotels in top destinations around the world, such as Amsterdam, London, New York, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai, the la…

This week in tourism, don’t miss our deep dive exploring the highly polarized business of elephant tourism in Asia. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico plans to expand business travel with its launch of high-tech entertainment hub El Distrito in 2020.
-Jasmine Ganaishlal

The first indoor ski slope in North America is over 1,000 feet long and drew massive crowds on opening day. If mall skiing becomes popular in the U.S., it could make the sport way more affordable for beginners.
-Isaac Carey

This week in aviation, there are plenty of spoils from the collapse of Thomas Cook, and now rival brands are scrambling to scoop them up. Meanwhile, Australian online travel agency Luxury Escapes is growing at a rapid pace, and it’s piquing the interest of some major potential investors.
-Jasmine Ganaishlal

In general, Chinese citizens are less bothered by the growing pervasiveness of facial recognition technology than in other countries. But soon, international visitors to Beijing’s newest airport won’t have much of a choice of whether they’re captured by the technology.
-Rosie Spinks

Southwest is good at the public relations game. Its executives know they can’t rush the Max back into service. They plan a coordinated effort to show the public it’s safe.
-Brian Sumers

Big hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and others are moving increasingly to an asset-light strategy, signing on more franchisees. Many are still owned by individuals and families: How diverse and adaptable will the next generation of hotel owners be?
-Nancy Trejos

Crescent Heights announced yesterday that it has sold 50 percent of the Mondrian South Beach hotel to investor Michael S. Liebowitz for an undisclosed amount. Russell Galbut, Managing Principal of Crescent Heights, will retain 50 percent ownership o…

Developed by Safe Harbor Development LLC and managed by Davidson Hotels & Resorts, the 12-story hotel features 166 guestrooms, as well as 52 Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham suites, and is centrally located a half block south of the Music Cit…

This is yet another casualty of the Uber and Lyft era. Other airport shuttle services will likely be next.
-Isaac Carey