Hyatt's All-Inclusive Bet, TSA’s Shoes-On Test and Tripadvisor's Next Steps

On today’s pod we look at Hyatt’s big bet on all-inclusive resorts, the TSA’s shoes experiment, and Tripadvisor’s possible investor-driven changes.

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Hyatt has bet billions on all-inclusive resorts as part of its strategy to crack a market dominated by specialist operators. Hospitality Reporter Luke Martin delves into what’s next for Hyatt regarding its all-inclusive push.

Javier Águila, who oversees Hyatt’s nine luxury all-inclusive resort brands under the Inclusive Collection, told Skift that Hyatt plans expansion into Europe, North Africa, and Asia, among other regions. Hyatt’s buying spree includes a $2.6 billion purchase of Playa Hotels & Resorts, which closed last month.

But even as Hyatt scales up, Águila said the company wants to stay “asset light” over the long term. Martin writes the “asset-light” approach reduces capital requirements.

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has begun allowing travelers to keep their shoes on at certain U.S. airports, writes Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi. Although the agency has not officially confirmed this change, reports indicate the policy is being trialed at multiple airports. The TSA has not confirmed the change, and said that any formal policy changes will be publicly announced.

The agency has also been upgrading airport screening technology, such as using 3D-imaging scanners, which simplify other screening processes like removing electronics. Former TSA Administrator David Pekoske said at Skift Global Forum last September that TSA is also piloting programs to eliminate extra screening for U.S.-bound travelers from certain international locations.

Finally, activist investor Starboard Value recently revealed it took a 9% stake in Tripadvisor. Executive Editor Dennis Schaal examines what could be on the horizon for Tripadvisor.

Schaal writes that several analysts believe that Starboard could push Tripadvisor to sell its experiences brand, Viator. A Tripadvisor investor told Skift there are potential strategic buyers for both Viator and dining reservations platform TheFork, adding Starboard might pressure Tripadvisor to sell both and use the proceeds to repurchase stock.

In addition, another analyst noted that Tripadvisor may be more attractive to potential acquirers now that it has a simplified corporate structure following its merger with its former parent, Liberty Tripadvisor. It should "revisit strategic alternatives," such as a sale or merger, the analyst said.

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