Southwest to finally provide GDS content
By mid-2020, Southwest will provide content and full booking capabilities to GDSs for the first time. The carrier will enable advisors to book, cancel and modify reservations through Travelport and Amadeus. Southwest will also partner with ARC to implement reporting and ticket-settling processes, all as part of its enhanced distribution strategy for business travel.
Renovated Raffles Singapore reopens
The Raffles Singapore reopened following a two-year closure to renovate the historic property, which opened as the first Raffles in 1887. The all-suite property was given three new accommodation categories: Residence, Promenade and Studio suites. Its shopping and dining complex has new outlets, and its famed Long Bar, which serves the signature Singapore Sling cocktail, was also updated.
Marriott to make big move in all-inclusives
Marriott International plans to operate five new all-inclusives in the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The company currently operates one all-inclusive, in Costa Rica. Opening between 2022 and 2025, the properties will include an Autograph Collection resort in Punta Cana and four resorts -- a Ritz-Carlton, Westin, Autograph Collection and Marriott -- at NIA, a complex being built on Mexico's Riviera Nayarit.
Galaxy's Edge not a boon to Disney, so far
Disney's domestic park attendance was down 3% in the third quarter, despite the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland, where concerns about Galaxy's Edge crowds, hotel rates and higher Disney ticket prices were cited as factors. The dip at Walt Disney World in Orlando was attributed to guests waiting to visit after Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens Aug. 29.
Las Vegas stadium to carry Allegiant name
Allegiant Air secured naming rights for the football stadium under construction in Las Vegas that will be home to the Las Vegas Raiders NFL franchise in 2020. Located across from Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the domed Allegiant Stadium will have a capacity of 65,000. Allegiant flies 55 nonstop routes to Las Vegas.
Travel Leaders tool helps book 'bleisure'
A new Travel Leaders Corporate tool, called Concierge, is designed to help business travelers book more "bleisure" activities while on the road. Concierge gives travelers access to more than 200,000 activities through Viator, the tours, activities and attractions booking agency. It also automatically sends a curated list of offerings based on the traveler's itinerary. It is available for integration into Travel Leaders Corporate's managed travel programs.