This story was co-written by Maite Velez-Couto.
The Skift Global Forum 2016 opened with an empowering call to action: “Travel is the world’s largest industry. Let’s start acting like it.”
As communications professionals and strategists for multiple Breakout travel brands, we couldn’t agree more. So, how can the industry break out and win while at it?
Here are some simple yet smart insights that got us thinking this morning:
- “If everyone’s going right, consider going left.” Rafat Ali, CEO & Co-Founder, Skift
- “Make travel like your phone – very personalized” Arnold Donald, CEO Carnival Corporation
- “Don’t focus on the competition. Concentrate on yourself, your customers and your staff.” Brett Tollman, CEO, The Travel Corporation
- “Consistency is key. Customers don’t like surprises.” Benjamin Smith, President Passenger Airlines, Air Canada
- “We need more emotion in customer service. Eliminate the pleasantly unhelpful culture.” Niki Leondakis, CEO Commune Hotels and Resorts
- “Little things can matter a whole lot.” Robert Albert, CEO, Routehappy
- “When you have a player that is bigger than you, don’t try to copy them. It’s a recipe for death. You have to understand what makes you strong and what makes you different.” Dara Khosrowshahi President & CEO, Expedia
- “Travel is passion, so it’s mind-boggling how unsocial travel is today.” Rich Barton, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Zillow Group
- “The notion of online travel is going to seem like a dial phone. Mobile completely changes everything.” Jay Walker, Founder, Priceline
- “Most great ideas were thought of before.” Brad Gerstner, Founder and CEO, Altimeter Capital Speaker
Follow us for more timely insights from the #SkiftForum and share with us what inspires you in travel PR, marketing and beyond.